SOUTHERN COMPANY
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES |
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For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007
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OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES |
For the Transition Period from to
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Commission |
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Registrant, State of Incorporation, |
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I.R.S. Employer |
File Number |
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Address and Telephone Number |
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Identification No. |
1-3526
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The Southern Company
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58-0690070 |
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(A Delaware Corporation) |
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30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W. |
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Atlanta, Georgia 30308 |
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(404) 506-5000 |
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1-3164
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Alabama Power Company
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63-0004250 |
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(An Alabama Corporation) |
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600 North 18th Street |
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Birmingham, Alabama 35291 |
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(205) 257-1000 |
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1-6468
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Georgia Power Company
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58-0257110 |
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(A Georgia Corporation) |
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241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, N.E. |
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Atlanta, Georgia 30308 |
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(404) 506-6526 |
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0-2429
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Gulf Power Company
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59-0276810 |
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(A Florida Corporation) |
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One Energy Place |
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Pensacola, Florida 32520 |
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(850) 444-6111 |
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001-11229
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Mississippi Power Company
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64-0205820 |
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(A Mississippi Corporation) |
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2992 West Beach |
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Gulfport, Mississippi 39501 |
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(228) 864-1211 |
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333-98553
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Southern Power Company
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58-2598670 |
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(A Delaware Corporation) |
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30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W. |
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Atlanta, Georgia 30308 |
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(404) 506-5000 |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:1
Each of the following classes or series of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
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Title of each class |
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Registrant |
Common Stock, $5 par value
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The Southern Company |
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Class A preferred, cumulative, $25 stated capital |
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Alabama Power Company |
5.20% Series
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5.83% Series
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5.30% Series |
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Senior Notes |
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5 5/8% Series AA
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5.875% Series II |
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5 7/8% Series GG
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6.375% Series JJ |
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5.875% Series 2007B |
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Class A Preferred Stock, non-cumulative, |
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Par value $25 per share |
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Georgia Power Company |
6 1/8% Series
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Senior Notes |
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5.90% Series O
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6% Series R
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5.70% Series X |
5.75% Series T |
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6% Series W
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5.75% Series G2 |
6.375% Series 2007D |
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Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities, |
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$25 liquidation amount |
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5 7/8% Trust Preferred Securities3 |
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Senior Notes |
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Gulf Power Company |
5.25% Series H
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5.75% Series I
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5.875% Series J |
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1 |
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As of December 31, 2007. |
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Assumed by Georgia Power Company in connection with its merger with Savannah
Electric and Power Company, effective July 1, 2006. |
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Issued by Georgia Power Capital Trust VII and guaranteed by Georgia Power Company. |
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Senior Notes |
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Mississippi Power Company |
5 5/8% Series E
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Depositary preferred shares, each representing one-fourth |
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of a share of preferred stock, cumulative, $100 par value |
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5.25% Series
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:4
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Title of each class |
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Registrant |
Preferred stock, cumulative, $100 par value |
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Alabama Power Company |
4.20% Series
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4.60% Series
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4.72% Series |
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4.52% Series
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4.64% Series
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4.92% Series |
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Class A Preferred Stock, cumulative, $100,000 stated capital
Flexible Money Market (Series 2003A)5
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Preferred stock, cumulative, $100 par value |
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Mississippi Power Company |
4.40% Series
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4.60% Series |
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4.72% Series |
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As of December 31, 2007. |
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Redeemed on January 2, 2008. |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act.
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Registrant |
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Yes |
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No |
The Southern Company
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Alabama Power Company
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ü |
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Georgia Power Company
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Gulf Power Company
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Mississippi Power Company
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Southern Power Company
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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 þ (Response applicable to all registrants.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ 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 registrants 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. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated
filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
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Large |
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Smaller |
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Accelerated |
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Accelerated |
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Non-accelerated |
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Reporting |
Registrant |
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Filer |
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Filer |
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Filer |
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Company |
The Southern Company
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Alabama Power Company
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Georgia Power Company
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Gulf Power Company
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Mississippi Power Company
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Southern Power Company
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ (Response applicable to all registrants.)
Aggregate market value of The Southern Companys common stock held by non-affiliates of The
Southern Company at June 29, 2007: $25.9 billion. All of the common stock of the other registrants
is held by The Southern Company. A description of each registrants common stock follows:
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Description of |
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Shares Outstanding |
Registrant |
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Common Stock |
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at January 31, 2008 |
The Southern Company |
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Par Value $5 Per Share |
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764,712,159 |
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Alabama Power Company |
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Par Value $40 Per Share |
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17,975,000 |
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Georgia Power Company |
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Without Par Value |
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9,261,500 |
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Gulf Power Company |
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Without Par Value |
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1,792,717 |
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Mississippi Power Company |
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Without Par Value |
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1,121,000 |
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Southern Power Company |
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Par Value $0.01 Per Share |
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1,000 |
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Documents incorporated by reference: specified portions of The Southern Companys Proxy Statement
relating to the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into PART III.
In addition, specified portions of the Information Statements of Alabama Power Company, Georgia
Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company relating to each of their respective 2008 Annual
Meetings of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into PART III.
Southern Power Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions I(1)(a) and (b) of
Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format specified in
General Instructions I(2)(b) and (c) of Form 10-K.
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by The Southern Company, Alabama Power Company, Georgia
Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, and Southern Power Company.
Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own
behalf. Each company makes no representation as to information relating to the other companies.
DEFINITIONS
When used in Items 1 through 5 and Items 9A through 15, the following terms will have the meanings
indicated.
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Term |
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Meaning |
AFUDC
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Allowance for Funds Used During Construction |
Alabama Power
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Alabama Power Company |
AMEA
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Alabama Municipal Electric Authority |
Clean Air Act
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Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 |
Dalton
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Dalton Utilities |
DOE
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United States Department of Energy |
Duke Energy
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Duke Energy Corporation |
Energy Act of 1992
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Energy Policy Act of 1992 |
Energy Act of 2005
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 |
Energy Solutions
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Southern Company Energy Solutions, Inc. |
EPA
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United States Environmental Protection Agency |
FASB
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Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FMPA
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Florida Municipal Power Agency |
FP&L
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Florida Power & Light Company |
Georgia Power
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Georgia Power Company |
Gulf Power
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Gulf Power Company |
Hampton
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City of Hampton, Georgia |
Holding Company Act
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Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended |
IBEW
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International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers |
IIC
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Intercompany Interchange Contract |
IPP
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Independent Power Producer |
IRP
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Integrated Resource Plan |
IRS
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Internal Revenue Service |
KUA
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Kissimmee Utility Authority |
MEAG
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Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia |
Mirant
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Mirant Corporation |
Mississippi Power
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Mississippi Power Company |
Moodys
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Moodys Investors Service |
NRC
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
OPC
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Oglethorpe Power Corporation |
OUC
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Orlando Utilities Commission |
PowerSouth
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PowerSouth Energy Cooperative (formerly, Alabama
Electric Cooperative, Inc.) |
PPA
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Power Purchase Agreement |
Progress Energy Carolinas
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Carolina Power & Light Company, d/b/a Progress Energy
Carolinas, Inc. |
Progress Energy Florida
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Florida Power Corporation, d/b/a Progress Energy
Florida, Inc. |
PSC
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Public Service Commission |
registrants
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The Southern Company, Alabama Power Company, Georgia
Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power
Company, and Southern Power Company |
ii
DEFINITIONS
(continued)
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Term |
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Meaning |
RFP
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Request for Proposal |
RUS
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Rural Utility Service (formerly
Rural Electrification Administration) |
S&P
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Standard and Poors, a division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies |
Savannah Electric
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Savannah Electric and Power Company (merged
into Georgia Power on July 1, 2006) |
SCS
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Southern Company Services, Inc. (the system
service company) |
SEC
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Securities and Exchange Commission |
SEGCO
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Southern Electric Generating Company |
SEPA
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Southeastern Power Administration |
SERC
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Southeastern Electric Reliability Council |
SMEPA
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South Mississippi Electric Power Association |
Southern Company
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The Southern Company |
Southern Company system
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Southern Company, the traditional operating
companies, Southern Power, SEGCO, Southern
Nuclear, SCS, SouthernLINC Wireless, and
other subsidiaries |
Southern Holdings
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Southern Company Holdings, Inc. |
SouthernLINC Wireless
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Southern Communications Services, Inc. |
Southern Nuclear
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Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. |
Southern Power
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Southern Power Company |
traditional operating companies
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Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power
Company, Gulf Power Company, and
Mississippi Power Company |
TVA
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Tennessee Valley Authority |
iii
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements concerning the strategic goals for the wholesale business,
retail sales growth, customer growth, storm damage cost recovery and repairs, fuel cost recovery,
environmental regulations and expenditures, earnings growth, dividend payout ratios, access to
sources of capital, projections for postretirement benefit trust contributions, financing
activities, completion of construction projects, impacts of adoption of new accounting rules, costs
of implementing the IIC settlement with the FERC, and estimated construction and other
expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such
indicated results will be realized. These factors include:
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the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including legislative
and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility
industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental laws including
regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot, or
particulate matter and other substances, and also changes in tax and other laws and
regulations to which Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in
application of existing laws and regulations; |
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current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries,
including the pending EPA civil actions against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, FERC
matters, IRS audits, and Mirant matters; |
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the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in
which Southern Companys subsidiaries operate; |
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variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population, and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy
conservation measures; |
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available sources and costs of fuel; |
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effects of inflation; |
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ability to control costs; |
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investment performance of Southern Companys employee benefit plans; |
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advances in technology; |
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state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and
negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and storm restoration cost recovery; |
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the performance of projects undertaken by the non-utility businesses and the success of
efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; |
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internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
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potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Southern Company or its
subsidiaries; |
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the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as
and when due; |
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the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
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the direct or indirect effect on Southern Companys business resulting from terrorist
incidents and the threat of terrorist incidents; |
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interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including Southern Companys and its subsidiaries credit ratings; |
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the ability of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to obtain additional generating capacity
at competitive prices; |
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catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
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the direct or indirect effects on Southern Companys business resulting from incidents
similar to the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
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the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies; and |
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other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports filed by the registrants from
time to time with the SEC. |
The registrants expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
iv
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Southern Company was incorporated under the laws of Delaware on November 9, 1945. Southern Company
is domesticated under the laws of Georgia and is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation
under the laws of Alabama. Southern Company owns all of the outstanding common stock of Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power, each of which is an operating public
utility company. The traditional operating companies supply electric service in the states of
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. More particular information relating to each of the
traditional operating companies is as follows:
Alabama Power is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alabama on November 10,
1927, by the consolidation of a predecessor Alabama Power Company, Gulf Electric Company, and
Houston Power Company. The predecessor Alabama Power Company had been in continuous existence
since its incorporation in 1906.
Georgia Power was incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia on June 26, 1930, and
admitted to do business in Alabama on September 15, 1948. Effective July 1, 2006, Savannah
Electric, formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company, was merged with and into
Georgia Power.
Gulf Power is a Florida corporation that has had a continuous existence since it was originally
organized under the laws of the State of Maine on November 2, 1925. Gulf Power was admitted to
do business in Florida on January 15, 1926, in Mississippi on October 25, 1976, and in Georgia
on November 20, 1984. Gulf Power became a Florida corporation after being domesticated under
the laws of the State of Florida on November 2, 2005.
Mississippi Power was incorporated under the laws of the State of Mississippi on July 12, 1972,
was admitted to do business in Alabama on November 28, 1972, and effective December 21, 1972, by
the merger into it of the predecessor Mississippi Power Company, succeeded to the business and
properties of the latter company. The predecessor Mississippi Power Company was incorporated
under the laws of the State of Maine on November 24, 1924, and was admitted to do business in
Mississippi on December 23, 1924, and in Alabama on December 7, 1962.
In addition, Southern Company owns all of the common stock of Southern Power, which is also an
operating public utility company. Southern Power constructs, acquires, owns, and manages
generation assets and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market. Southern
Power is a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware on January 8, 2001 and was admitted to
do business in the States of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia on January 10, 2001, in the State of
Mississippi on January 30, 2001, and in the State of North Carolina on February 19, 2007.
Southern Company also owns all the outstanding common stock or membership interests of SouthernLINC
Wireless, Southern Nuclear, SCS, Southern Holdings and other direct and indirect subsidiaries.
SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital wireless communications services to the traditional
operating companies and markets these services to the public and also provides wholesale fiber
optic solutions to telecommunication providers in the Southeast. Southern Nuclear operates and
provides services to Alabama Powers and Georgia Powers nuclear plants. SCS is the system service
company providing, at cost, specialized services to Southern Company and its subsidiary companies.
Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding subsidiary for Southern Companys investments in
synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various other energy-related businesses. The investments
in synthetic fuels ended on December 31, 2007.
Alabama Power and Georgia Power each own 50% of the outstanding common stock of SEGCO. SEGCO is an
operating public utility company that owns electric generating units with an aggregate capacity of
1,019,680 kilowatts at Plant Gaston on the Coosa River near Wilsonville, Alabama. Alabama Power
and Georgia Power are each entitled to one-half of SEGCOs capacity and energy. Alabama Power acts
as SEGCOs agent in the operation of SEGCOs units and furnishes coal to SEGCO as fuel for its
units. SEGCO also owns three 230,000 volt transmission lines extending from Plant Gaston to the
Georgia state line at which point connection is made with the Georgia Power
I-1
transmission line system.
Southern Companys segments and related information is included in Note 10 to the financial
statements of Southern Company in Item 8 herein.
The registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on
Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available on Southern Companys website,
free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with
or furnished to the SEC. Southern Companys internet address is www.southerncompany.com.
The Southern Company System
Traditional
Operating Companies
The traditional operating companies own generation and transmission facilities. See PROPERTIES in Item 2 herein for additional information on the traditional operating companies generating
facilities. The transmission facilities of each of the traditional operating companies are
connected to the respective companys own generating plants and other sources of power and are
interconnected with the transmission facilities of the other traditional operating companies and
SEGCO by means of heavy-duty high voltage lines. For information on Georgia Powers integrated
transmission system, see Territory Served by the Traditional Operating Companies and Southern Power herein.
Operating contracts covering arrangements in effect with principal neighboring utility systems
provide for capacity exchanges, capacity purchases and sales, transfers of economy energy, and
other similar transactions. Additionally, the traditional operating companies have entered into
voluntary reliability agreements with the subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation, Florida Electric
Power Coordinating Group and TVA and with Progress Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy, South Carolina
Electric & Gas Company, and Virginia Electric and Power Company, each of which provides for the
establishment and periodic review of principles and procedures for planning and operation of
generation and transmission facilities, maintenance schedules, load retention programs, emergency
operations, and other matters affecting the reliability of bulk power supply. The traditional
operating companies have joined with other utilities in the Southeast (including those referred to
above) to form the SERC to augment further the reliability and adequacy of bulk power supply.
Through the SERC, the traditional operating companies are represented on the National Electric
Reliability Council.
The IIC provides for coordinating operations of the power producing facilities of the traditional
operating companies and Southern Power and the capacities available to such companies from
non-affiliated sources and for the pooling of surplus energy available for interchange.
Coordinated operation of the entire interconnected system is conducted through a central power
supply coordination office maintained by SCS. The available sources of energy are allocated to the
traditional operating companies and Southern Power to provide the most economical sources of power
consistent with reliable operation. The resulting benefits and savings are apportioned among each
of the companies. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL FERC
Matters Intercompany Interchange Contract of each registrant in Item 7 herein and Note 3 to the
financial statements of each registrant, all under FERC Matters Intercompany Interchange
Contract in Item 8 herein for information on the settlement of the FERC proceeding related to the
IIC.
Southern Company, each traditional operating company, Southern Power, Southern Nuclear, SEGCO, and
other subsidiaries have contracted with SCS to furnish, at direct or allocated cost and upon
request, the following services: general and design engineering, purchasing, accounting and
statistical analysis, finance and treasury, tax, information resources, marketing, auditing,
insurance and pension administration, human resources, systems and procedures, and other services
with respect to business and operations and power pool transactions. Southern Power and
SouthernLINC Wireless have also secured from the traditional operating companies certain services
which are furnished at cost and, in the case of Southern Power in compliance with FERC regulations.
Alabama Power and Georgia Power each have a contract with Southern Nuclear to operate Plant Farley
and Plants Hatch and Vogtle, respectively. See Regulation Nuclear Regulation herein for
additional information.
I-2
Southern Power
Southern Power is an electric wholesale generation subsidiary with market-based rate authority from
the FERC. Southern Power constructs, acquires, owns, and manages generating facilities and sells
the output under long-term, fixed-price capacity contracts both to unaffiliated wholesale
purchasers as well as to the traditional operating companies (under PPAs approved by the applicable
state PSCs and the FERC). Southern Powers business activities are not subject to traditional
state regulation of utilities but are subject to regulation by the FERC. Southern Power has
attempted to insulate itself from significant fuel supply, fuel transportation, and electric
transmission risks by making such risks the responsibility of the counterparties to the PPAs.
However, Southern Powers overall profit will depend on the parameters of the wholesale market and
the efficient operation of its wholesale generating assets. For
additional information on Southern Powers business activities, see MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OVERVIEW-
Business Activities of Southern Power in Item 7 herein.
In 2006, Southern Power acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of DeSoto County
Generating Company, LLC and Rowan County Power, LLC from a subsidiary
of Progress Energy, Inc. For additional information on these
acquisitions see Note 2 to the financial statements of Southern
Power in Item 8 herein. At December 31, 2007, Southern Power had
6,896 megawatts of nameplate capacity in commercial operation.
Other Businesses
Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding subsidiary for Southern Companys investments in
synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various other energy-related businesses. Southern
Companys interest in one of the synthetic fuel entities was terminated in 2006. Synthetic fuel
tax credits expired on December 31, 2007 and the synthetic fuel investments were terminated on
December 31, 2007.
SouthernLINC Wireless serves the traditional operating companies and markets its services to
non-affiliates within the Southeast. SouthernLINC Wireless delivers multiple wireless
communication options including push to talk, cellular service, text messaging, wireless internet
access, and wireless data. Its system covers approximately 128,000 square miles in the Southeast.
SouthernLINC Wireless also provides wholesale fiber optic solutions to telecommunication providers
in the Southeast.
These efforts to invest in and develop new business opportunities offer potential returns exceeding
those of rate-regulated operations. However, these activities also involve a higher degree of
risk.
Construction Programs
The subsidiary companies of Southern Company are engaged in continuous construction programs to
accommodate existing and estimated future loads on their respective systems. For estimated
construction and environmental expenditures for the periods 2008 through 2010, see Note 7 to the
financial statements of each registrant all under Construction Program in Item 8 herein.
Estimated construction costs in 2008 are expected to be apportioned approximately as follows: (in
millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
|
Alabama |
|
Georgia |
|
Gulf |
|
Mississippi |
|
Southern |
|
|
|
|
|
|
System* |
|
Power |
|
Power |
|
Power |
|
Power |
|
Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New generation |
|
$ |
221 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
183 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
38 |
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental |
|
|
1,768 |
|
|
|
646 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
317 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other generating
facilities,
including
associated plant
substations |
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
New business |
|
|
527 |
|
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transmission |
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution |
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear fuel |
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General plant |
|
|
327 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,451 |
|
|
$ |
1,571 |
|
|
$ |
2,031 |
|
|
$ |
410 |
|
|
$ |
186 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I-3
|
|
|
* |
|
These amounts include the traditional operating companies and Southern Power (as detailed in the
table above) as well as the amounts for the other subsidiaries. See Other Businesses herein for
additional information. |
The construction programs are subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction
costs may vary materially from the above estimates because of numerous factors. These factors
include: changes in business conditions; acquisition of additional generating assets; revised load
growth estimates; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; changes in existing nuclear
plants to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; increasing costs
of labor, equipment and materials; cost of capital and other factors described above under the
heading Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements. In addition, there can be no
assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.
Under Georgia law, Georgia Power is required to file an IRP for approval by the Georgia PSC.
Through the IRP process, the Georgia PSC must pre-certify the construction of new power plants and
new PPAs. See Rate Matters Integrated Resource Planning herein for additional information.
See Regulation Environmental Statutes and Regulations herein for additional information with
respect to certain existing and proposed environmental requirements and PROPERTIES Jointly-Owned
Facilities in Item 2 herein for additional information concerning Alabama Powers, Georgia
Powers, and Southern Powers joint ownership of certain generating units and related facilities
with certain non-affiliated utilities.
Financing Programs
See each of the registrants MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
LIQUIDITY in Item 7 herein and Note 6 to the financial statements of each registrant in Item 8
herein for information concerning financing programs.
Fuel Supply
The traditional operating companies and SEGCOs supply of electricity is derived predominantly
from coal. Southern Powers supply of electricity is primarily fueled by natural gas. See
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS RESULTS OF OPERATION Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
of Southern Company and each traditional operating company in Item 7 herein for information
regarding the electricity generated and the average cost of fuel in cents per net kilowatt-hour
generated for the years 2005 through 2007.
The traditional operating companies have agreements in place from which they expect to receive
approximately 84% of their coal burn requirements in 2008. These agreements have terms ranging
between one and seven years. In 2007, the weighted average sulfur content of all coal burned by
the traditional operating companies was 0.84% sulfur. This sulfur level, along with banked and
purchased sulfur dioxide allowances, allowed the traditional operating companies to remain within
limits set by the Phase II acid rain requirements of the Clean Air Act. In 2007, Southern Company
purchased approximately $50.76 million of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission allowances to
be used in current and future periods. As additional environmental regulations are proposed that
impact the utilization of coal, the traditional operating companies fuel mix will be monitored to
ensure that the traditional operating companies remain in compliance with applicable laws and
regulations. Additionally, Southern Company and the traditional operating companies will continue
to evaluate the need to purchase additional emission allowances and the timing of capital
expenditures for emission control equipment. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE
EARNINGS POTENTIAL Environmental Matters of Southern
Company and each traditional operating company in Item 7 herein for information on the Clean Air
Act and global climate issues.
SCS, acting on behalf of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power, has agreements in
place for the natural gas burn requirements of the Southern Company system. For 2008, SCS has
contracted for 650 billion cubic feet of natural gas supply. These agreements cover remaining
terms up to 12 years. In addition to gas supply, SCS has contracts in place for both firm gas
transportation and storage. Management believes that these contracts provide sufficient natural
gas supplies, transportation, and storage to ensure normal operations of the Southern Company
systems natural gas generating units.
I-4
Changes in fuel prices to the traditional operating companies are generally reflected in fuel
adjustment clauses contained in rate schedules. See Rate
Matters Rate Structure and Cost Recovery Plans herein for
additional information. Southern Powers PPAs generally provide that the counterparty is
responsible for substantially all of the cost of fuel.
Alabama Power and Georgia Power have numerous contracts covering a portion of their nuclear fuel
needs for uranium, conversion services, enrichment services and fuel fabrication. These contracts
have varying expiration dates and most of them are for less than 10 years. Management believes
that sufficient capacity for nuclear fuel supplies and processing exists to preclude the impairment
of normal operations of the Southern Company systems nuclear generating units.
Alabama Power and Georgia Power have contracts with the United States, acting through the DOE, that
provide for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE failed to begin disposing of
spent fuel in 1998, as required by the contracts, and Alabama Power and Georgia Power are pursuing
legal remedies against the government for breach of contract. See Note 1 to the financial
statements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Georgia Power under Nuclear Fuel Disposal
Costs in Item 8 herein for additional information.
Territory Served by the Traditional Operating Companies and Southern Power
The territory in which the traditional operating companies provide electric service comprises most
of the states of Alabama and Georgia together with the northwestern portion of Florida and
southeastern Mississippi. In this territory there are non-affiliated electric distribution systems
which obtain some or all of their power requirements either directly or indirectly from the
traditional operating companies. The territory has an area of approximately 120,000 square miles
and an estimated population of approximately 13 million. Southern Power sells electricity at
market-based prices in the Super-Southeast wholesale market to investor-owned utilities, IPPs,
municipalities, and electric cooperatives.
Alabama Power is engaged, within the State of Alabama, in the generation and purchase of
electricity and the transmission, distribution, and sale of such electricity at retail in over 650
communities (including Anniston, Birmingham, Gadsden, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa) and at
wholesale to 15 municipally-owned electric distribution systems, 11 of which are served indirectly
through sales to AMEA, and two rural distributing cooperative associations. Alabama Power also
supplies steam service in downtown Birmingham. Alabama Power owns coal reserves near its Plant
Gorgas and uses the output of coal from the reserves in its generating plants. Alabama Power also
sells, and cooperates with dealers in promoting the sale of, electric appliances.
Georgia Power is engaged in the generation and purchase of electricity and the transmission,
distribution, and sale of such electricity within the State of Georgia at retail in over 600
communities (including Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Rome, and Savannah), as well as
in rural areas, and at wholesale currently to OPC, MEAG, Dalton, Hampton, and 30 electric
cooperatives.
Gulf Power is engaged, within the northwestern portion of Florida, in the generation and purchase
of electricity and the transmission, distribution, and sale of such electricity at retail in 71
communities (including Pensacola, Panama City, and Fort Walton Beach), as well as in rural areas,
and at wholesale to a non-affiliated utility and a municipality.
Mississippi Power is engaged in the generation and purchase of electricity and the transmission,
distribution, and sale of such energy within 23 counties in southeastern Mississippi, at retail in
123 communities (including Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian, and Pascagoula), as
well as in rural areas, and at wholesale to one municipality, six rural electric distribution
cooperative associations, and one generating and transmitting cooperative.
For information relating to kilowatt-hour sales by classification for the traditional operating
companies, see MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS of each traditional
operating company in Item 7 herein. Also, for information relating to the sources of revenues for
Southern Company, each traditional operating company, and Southern Power, reference is made to Item
6 herein.
The RUS has authority to make loans to cooperative associations or corporations to enable them to
provide electric
I-5
service to customers in rural sections of the country. There are 71 electric cooperative
organizations operating in the territory in which the traditional operating companies provide
electric service at retail or wholesale.
One of these organizations, PowerSouth, is a generating and transmitting cooperative selling power
to several distributing cooperatives, municipal systems, and other customers in south Alabama and
northwest Florida. PowerSouth owns generating units with approximately 1,776 megawatts of
nameplate capacity, including an undivided 8.16% ownership interest in Alabama Powers Plant Miller
Units 1 and 2. PowerSouths facilities were financed with RUS loans secured by long-term contracts
requiring distributing cooperatives to take their requirements from PowerSouth to the extent such
energy is available.
Alabama Power and Gulf Power have entered into separate agreements with PowerSouth involving
interconnection between their respective systems. The delivery of capacity and energy from
PowerSouth to certain distributing cooperatives in the service areas of Alabama Power and Gulf
Power is governed by the Southern Company/PowerSouth Network Transmission Service Agreement. The
rates for this service to PowerSouth are on file with the FERC. See PROPERTIES Jointly-Owned
Facilities in Item 2 herein for details of Alabama Powers joint-ownership with PowerSouth of a
portion of Plant Miller.
Four electric cooperative associations, financed by the RUS, operate within Gulf Powers service
area. These cooperatives purchase their full requirements from PowerSouth and SEPA (a federal
power marketing agency). A non-affiliated utility also operates within Gulf Powers service area
and purchases its full requirements from Gulf Power.
Mississippi Power has an interchange agreement with SMEPA, a generating and transmitting
cooperative, pursuant to which various services are provided, including the furnishing of
protective capacity by Mississippi Power to SMEPA.
There are also 65 municipally-owned electric distribution systems operating in the territory in
which the traditional operating companies provide electric service at retail or wholesale.
Forty-eight municipally-owned electric distribution systems and one county-owned system receive
their requirements through MEAG, which was established by a Georgia state statute in 1975. MEAG
serves these requirements from self-owned generation facilities, some of which are acquired and
jointly-owned with Georgia Power, power purchased from Georgia Power, and purchases from other
resources. MEAG also has a pseudo scheduling and services agreement with Georgia Power. Dalton
serves its requirements from self-owned generation facilities, some of which are acquired and
jointly-owned with Georgia Power, and through purchases from Georgia Power pursuant to their
partial requirements tariff. In addition, Georgia Power serves the full requirements of Hamptons
electric distribution system under a market-based contract. See PROPERTIES Jointly-Owned
Facilities in Item 2 herein for additional information.
Georgia Power has entered into substantially similar agreements with Georgia Transmission
Corporation (formerly OPCs transmission division), MEAG, and Dalton providing for the
establishment of an integrated transmission system to carry the power and energy of all parties.
The agreements require an investment by each party in the integrated transmission system in
proportion to its respective share of the aggregate system load. See PROPERTIES Jointly-Owned
Facilities in Item 2 herein for additional information.
Southern Power has PPAs with the municipalities of Dalton, North Carolina Municipal Power Agency
No. 1, Florida Municipal Power Agency, and Piedmont Municipal Power Agency. See MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Power Sales Agreements of Southern Power in
Item 7 herein for additional information concerning Southern Powers PPAs.
SCS, acting on behalf of the traditional operating companies, also has a contract with SEPA
providing for the use of the traditional operating companies facilities at government expense to
deliver to certain cooperatives and municipalities, entitled by federal statute to preference in
the purchase of power from SEPA, quantities of power equivalent to the amounts of power allocated
to them by SEPA from certain United States government hydroelectric projects.
The retail service rights of all electric suppliers in the State of Georgia are regulated by the
Territorial Electric
I-6
Service Act of 1973. Pursuant to the provisions of this Act, all areas within existing municipal
limits were assigned to the primary electric supplier therein. Areas outside of such municipal
limits were either to be assigned or to be declared open for customer choice of supplier by action
of the Georgia PSC pursuant to standards set forth in this Act. Consistent with such standards,
the Georgia PSC has assigned substantially all of the land area in the state to a supplier.
Notwithstanding such assignments, this Act provides that any new customer locating outside of 1973
municipal limits and having a connected load of at least 900 kilowatts may exercise a one-time
choice for the life of the premises to receive electric service from the supplier of its choice.
See Competition herein for additional information.
Pursuant to the 1956 Utility Act, the Mississippi PSC issued Grandfather Certificates of public
convenience and necessity to Mississippi Power and to six distribution rural cooperatives operating
in southeastern Mississippi, then served in whole or in part by Mississippi Power, authorizing them
to distribute electricity in certain specified geographically described areas of the state. The
six cooperatives serve approximately 325,000 retail customers in a certificated area of
approximately 10,300 square miles. In areas included in a Grandfather Certificate, the utility
holding such certificate may, without further certification, extend its lines up to five miles;
other extensions within that area by such utility, or by other utilities, may not be made except
upon a showing of, and a grant of a certificate of, public convenience and necessity. Areas
included in such a certificate which are subsequently annexed to municipalities may continue to be
served by the holder of the certificate, irrespective of whether it has a franchise in the annexing
municipality. On the other hand, the holder of the municipal franchise may not extend service into
such newly annexed area without authorization by the Mississippi PSC.
Competition
The electric utility industry in the United States is continuing to evolve as a result of
regulatory and competitive factors. Among the early primary agents of change was the Energy Act of
1992 which allowed IPPs to access a utilitys transmission network in order to sell electricity to
other utilities.
The competition for retail energy sales among competing suppliers of energy is influenced by
various factors, including price, availability, technological advancements, service, and
reliability. These factors are, in turn, affected by, among other influences, regulatory,
political, and environmental considerations, taxation, and supply.
Generally, the traditional operating companies have experienced, and expect to continue to
experience, competition in their respective retail service territories in varying degrees as the
result of self-generation (as described above) by customers and other factors. See also Territory
Served by the Traditional Operating Companies and Southern Power herein for additional information concerning suppliers of electricity
operating within or near the areas served at retail by the traditional operating companies.
Southern Power competes with investor owned utilities, IPPs, and others for wholesale energy sales
in primarily the Southeastern United States wholesale market. The needs of this market are driven
by the demands of end users in the Southeast and the generation available. Southern Powers
success in wholesale energy sales is influenced by various factors including reliability and
availability of Southern Powers plants, availability of transmission to serve the demand, price,
and Southern Powers ability to contain costs.
Alabama Power currently has cogeneration contracts in effect with 10 industrial customers. Under
the terms of these contracts, Alabama Power purchases excess generation of such companies. During
2007, Alabama Power purchased approximately 101 million kilowatt-hours from such companies at a
cost of $4.9 million.
Georgia Power currently has contracts in effect with nine small power producers whereby Georgia
Power purchases their excess generation. During 2007, Georgia Power purchased 8 million
kilowatt-hours from such companies at a cost of $0.6 million. Georgia Power has PPAs for
electricity with two cogeneration facilities. Payments are subject to reductions for failure to
meet minimum capacity output. During 2007, Georgia Power purchased 559 million kilowatt-hours at a
cost of $86.9 million from these facilities.
Also during 2007, Georgia Power purchased energy from seven customer-owned generating facilities.
Six of the seven customers provide only energy to Georgia Power. These six customers make no
capacity commitment and are not dispatched by Georgia Power. Georgia Power does have a contract
with the remaining customer for eight
I-7
megawatts of dispatchable capacity and energy. During 2007, Georgia Power purchased a total of 88
million kilowatt-hours from the seven suppliers at a cost of approximately $2.8 million.
Gulf Power currently has agreements in effect with various industrial, commercial, and qualifying
facilities pursuant to which Gulf Power purchases as available energy from customer-owned
generation. During 2007, Gulf Power purchased 57.8 million kilowatt-hours from such companies for
approximately $2.3 million.
Mississippi Power currently has a cogeneration agreement in effect with one of its industrial
customers. Under the terms of this contract, Mississippi Power purchases any excess generation.
During 2007, this customer had no excess generation.
Seasonality
The demand for electric power generation is affected by seasonal differences in the weather. At
the traditional operating companies and Southern Power, the demand for power peaks during the
summer months, with market prices reflecting the demand of power and available generating resources
at that time. Power demand peaks can also be recorded during the winter. As a result, the overall
operating results of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power in
the future may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis. In addition, Southern Company, the
traditional operating companies, and Southern Power have historically sold less power when weather
conditions are milder.
Regulation
State Commissions
The traditional operating companies are subject to the jurisdiction of their respective state PSCs.
The PSCs have broad powers of supervision and regulation over public utilities operating in the
respective states, including their rates, service regulations, sales of securities (except for the
Mississippi PSC), and, in the cases of the Georgia PSC and the Mississippi PSC, in part, retail
service territories. See Territory Served by the Traditional
Operating Companies and Southern Power and Rate Matters herein for
additional information.
Federal Power Act
In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Energy Act of 2005 which repealed the Holding Company Act
effective February 8, 2006. The traditional operating companies, Southern Power and its generation
subsidiaries, and SEGCO are all public utilities engaged in wholesale sales of energy in interstate
commerce and therefore remain subject to the rate, financial, and accounting jurisdiction of the
FERC under the Federal Power Act. The FERC must approve certain financings and allows an at cost
standard for services rendered by system service companies such as SCS. In addition to its repeal
of the Holding Company Act, the Energy Act of 2005 authorized the FERC to establish regional
reliability organizations authorized to enforce reliability standards, established a process for
the FERC to address impediments to the construction of transmission, and established clear
responsibility for the FERC to prohibit manipulative energy trading practices.
Alabama Power and Georgia Power are also subject to the provisions of the Federal Power Act or the
earlier Federal Water Power Act applicable to licensees with respect to their hydroelectric
developments. Among the hydroelectric projects subject to licensing by the FERC are 14 existing
Alabama Power generating stations having an aggregate installed capacity of 1,662,400 kilowatts and
18 existing Georgia Power generating stations having an aggregate installed capacity of 1,074,696
kilowatts.
In 2003, Georgia Power started the relicensing process for the Morgan Falls project which is
located on the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta, Georgia and submitted the final license
application for this facility to the FERC in February 2007. The current license for the Morgan
Falls project expires in 2009. In 2007, Georgia Power began the relicensing process for Bartletts
Ferry which is located on the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Georgia. The current Bartletts
Ferry license expires in 2014 and the application for a new license is expected to be submitted to
the FERC in 2012. In July 2005, Alabama Power filed two applications with the FERC for new 50-year
licenses for its seven hydroelectric developments on the Coosa River (Weiss, Henry, Logan Martin,
Lay, Mitchell, Jordan,
I-8
and Bouldin) and for the Lewis Smith and Bankhead developments on the Warrior River. The FERC
licenses for all of these nine developments expired in July and August of 2007. The FERC issued an
annual license for the Coosa developments on August 8, 2007 and issued an annual license for the
Warrior developments on September 6, 2007. These annual licenses provide the FERC with additional
time to complete its review of the license applications. In 2006, Alabama Power initiated the
process of developing an application to relicense the Martin hydroelectric project located on the
Tallapoosa River. The current Martin license will expire in 2013 and the application for a new
license is expected to be filed with the FERC in 2011. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL FERC Matters Hydro Relicensing of Alabama Power in Item 7 herein
for additional information.
Georgia Power and OPC also have a license, expiring in 2027, for the Rocky Mountain Plant, a pure
pumped storage facility of 847,800 kilowatt capacity. See PROPERTIES Jointly-Owned Facilities
in Item 2 herein for additional information.
Licenses for all projects, excluding those discussed above, expire in the period 2015-2034 in the
case of Alabama Powers projects and in the period 2014-2039 in the case of Georgia Powers
projects.
Upon or after the expiration of each license, the United States Government, by act of Congress, may
take over the project or the FERC may relicense the project either to the original licensee or to a
new licensee. In the event of takeover or relicensing to another, the original licensee is to be
compensated in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Power Act, such compensation to
reflect the net investment of the licensee in the project, not in excess of the fair value of the
property, plus reasonable damages to other property of the licensee resulting from the severance
therefrom of the property. If the FERC does not act on the new license application prior to the
expiration of the existing license, the FERC is required to issue annual licenses, under the same
terms and conditions of the existing license, until a new license is issued.
Nuclear Regulation
Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear are subject to regulation by the NRC. The NRC is
responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear facilities and materials and for conducting
research in support of the licensing and regulatory process, as mandated by the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954, as amended; the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended; and the Nuclear
Nonproliferation Act of 1978; and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
as amended, and other applicable statutes. These responsibilities also include protecting public
health and safety, protecting the environment, protecting and safeguarding nuclear materials and
nuclear power plants in the interest of national security, and assuring conformity with antitrust
laws.
The NRC operating licenses for Plant Vogtle units 1 and 2 currently expire in January 2027 and
February 2029, respectively. In January 2002, the NRC granted Georgia Power a 20-year extension of
the licenses for both units at Plant Hatch which permits the operation of units 1 and 2 until 2034
and 2038, respectively. Georgia Power filed an application with the NRC in June 2007 to extend the
licenses for Plant Vogtle units 1 and 2 for an additional 20 years. In May 2005, the NRC granted
Alabama Power a 20-year extension of the licenses for both units at Plant Farley which permits
operation of units 1 and 2 until 2037 and 2041, respectively.
See Notes 1 and 9 to the financial statements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Georgia Power
in Item 8 herein for information on nuclear decommissioning costs and nuclear insurance.
FERC Matters
See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL FERC Matters of each of
the registrants in Item 7 herein for information on matters regarding the FERC.
Environmental Statutes and Regulations
Southern Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal
environmental agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media,
including air, water, and land resources. Compliance with these existing environmental
requirements involves significant capital and operating costs, a major
I-9
portion of which is expected to be recovered through existing ratemaking provisions. There is no
assurance, however, that all such costs will be recovered.
Compliance with the federal Clean Air Act and resulting regulations has been, and will continue to
be, a significant focus for Southern Company, each traditional operating company, Southern Power,
and SEGCO. In addition, existing environmental laws and regulations may be changed or new laws and
regulations may be adopted or otherwise become applicable to Southern Company, the traditional
operating companies, or Southern Power, including laws and regulations designed to address global
climate change, air quality, water quality or other environmental, public health, and welfare
concerns. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Environmental
Matters of Southern Company and each of the traditional operating companies in Item 7 herein for
additional information about the Clean Air Act and other environmental issues, including the
litigation brought by the EPA under the New Source Review provisions of the Clean Air Act and
possible climate change legislation and regulation. Also see MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Environmental Matters and Global Climate Issues of Southern Power
in Item 7 herein for information about the Clean Air Act, other environmental issues, and possible
climate change legislation and regulation.
The traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and SEGCO are unable to predict at this time
what additional steps they may be required to take as a result of the implementation of existing or
future control requirements for climate, air, water, and hazardous or toxic materials, but such
steps could adversely affect system operations and result in substantial additional costs.
The outcome of the matters mentioned above under Regulation cannot now be determined, except that
these developments may result in delays in obtaining appropriate licenses for generating
facilities, increased construction and operating costs, or reduced generation, the nature and
extent of which, while not determinable at this time, could be substantial.
Rate Matters
Rate Structure and Cost Recovery Plans
The rates and service regulations of the traditional operating companies are uniform for each class
of service throughout their respective service areas. Rates for residential electric service are
generally of the block type based upon kilowatt-hours used and include minimum charges.
Residential and other rates contain separate customer charges. Rates for commercial service are
presently of the block type and, for large customers, the billing demand is generally used to
determine capacity and minimum bill charges. These large customers rates are generally based upon
usage by the customer and include rates with special features to encourage off-peak usage.
Additionally, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power are generally allowed by their
respective state PSCs to negotiate the terms and cost of service to large customers. Such terms
and cost of service, however, are subject to final state PSC approval.
Fuel and net purchased energy costs are recovered through specific fuel cost recovery provisions at
the traditional operating companies. These fuel cost recovery provisions are adjusted to reflect
increases or decreases in such costs as needed. Gulf Powers and Mississippi Powers fuel cost
recovery provisions are adjusted annually to reflect increases or decreases in such costs. Georgia
Power is currently required to file for an adjustment to its fuel cost recovery rate no later than
March 1, 2008. Alabama Powers fuel clause is adjusted as required. Revenues are adjusted for
differences between recoverable costs and amounts actually recovered in current rates.
Approved environmental compliance and storm damage costs are recovered at Alabama Power, Gulf
Power, and Mississippi Power through cost recovery provisions approved by their respective state
PSCs. Within limits approved by their respective PSCs, these rates are adjusted to reflect
increases or decreases in such costs as required.
Georgia Powers environmental compliance costs were recovered in base rates through 2007. Under
the 2007 retail rate plan approved by the Georgia PSC, an environmental compliance cost recovery
tariff was implemented effective January 1, 2008, to allow for recovery of costs related to
environmental controls mandated by state and federal regulations. Georgia Power continues to
recover storm damage and new plant costs through its base rates.
I-10
Alabama Power recovers the cost of certificated new plant and purchased power capacity and Gulf
Power recovers purchased power capacity and conservation costs through cost recovery provisions
which are adjusted as required to reflect increases or decreases in such costs as needed. Revenues
are adjusted for differences between recoverable costs and amounts actually recovered in current
rates.
See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters of Southern
Company and each of the traditional operating companies in Item 7 herein and Note 3 to the
financial statements of Southern Company under Alabama Power Retail Regulatory Matters and
Georgia Power Retail Regulatory Matters and Note 3 to the financial statements of each of the
traditional operating companies under Retail Regulatory Matters in Item 8 herein for a discussion
of rate matters. Also, see Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company and each of the
traditional operating companies in Item 8 herein for a discussion of recovery of fuel costs, storm
damage costs, and environmental compliance costs through rates.
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power are authorized by the FERC to sell power to
non-affiliates, including short-term opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC
approval must be obtained with respect to a market-based contract with an affiliate. See
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL FERC Matters Market-Based
Rate Authority of each registrant in Item 7 herein and Note 3 to the financial statements of each
registrant under FERC Matters Market-Based Rate Authority in Item 8 herein for a discussion of
rate matters.
Integrated Resource Planning
Triennially, Georgia Power must file an IRP with the Georgia PSC that specifies how it intends to
meet the future electrical needs of its customers through a combination of demand-side and
supply-side resources. The Georgia PSC under state law will certify any new demand-side or
supply-side resources. Once certified, the lesser of actual or certified construction costs and
purchased power costs will be recoverable through rates.
On July 12, 2007, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Powers 2007 IRP including the following
provisions:
(1) retiring the coal units at Plant McDonough and replacing them with combined-cycle natural gas
units; (2) approving new energy efficiency pilot programs and rate recovery of demand-side
management programs; (3) approving pursuit of up to three new renewable generation projects with a
Georgia Power ownership interest; and (4) establishing new nuclear units as a preferred option to
meet demand in the 2015/2016 timeframe.
In July 2007, the Georgia PSC ordered Georgia Power to issue a RFP, submit the proposals for new
base load generation needed in the 2016-2017 timeframe by February 1, 2008, and file an application
to certify the chosen resources by May 1, 2008. The RFP was issued in November 2007. In December
2007, Georgia Power requested, and the Georgia PSC approved, extension of the proposal submission
until May 1, 2008 and the filing date of Georgia Powers application to certify the chosen
resources until August 1, 2008.
See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS RESULTS OF OPERATION Fuel and Purchased Power
Expenses of Georgia Power in Item 7 herein for information on the Georgia PSCs approval of PPAs
to begin in 2010.
I-11
Employee Relations
The Southern Company system had a total of 26,742 employees on its payroll at December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employees at December 31, 2007 |
|
Alabama Power |
|
|
6,980 |
|
Georgia Power |
|
|
9,270 |
|
Gulf Power |
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|
1,324 |
|
Mississippi Power |
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|
1,299 |
|
SCS |
|
|
4,125 |
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Southern Holdings* |
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|
1 |
|
Southern Nuclear |
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|
3,267 |
|
Southern Power** |
|
|
|
|
Other |
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|
476 |
|
|
Total |
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26,742 |
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|
|
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|
* |
|
One of Southern Holdings subsidiaries has an employee. Southern Holdings has agreements with
SCS whereby all other employee services are rendered at cost. |
|
** |
|
Southern Power has no employees. Southern Power has agreements with SCS and the traditional
operating companies whereby employee services are rendered at amounts in compliance with FERC
regulations. |
The traditional operating companies have separate agreements with local unions of the IBEW
generally covering wages, working conditions, and procedures for handling grievances and
arbitration. These agreements apply with certain exceptions to operating, maintenance, and
construction employees.
Alabama Power has agreements with the IBEW on a five-year contract extending to August 15, 2009.
Upon notice given at least 60 days prior to that date, negotiations may be initiated with respect
to agreement terms to be effective after such date.
Georgia Power has an agreement with the IBEW covering wages and working conditions, which is in
effect through June 30, 2008.
Gulf Power has an agreement with the IBEW covering wages and working conditions, which is in effect
through October 14, 2009.
Mississippi
Power has an agreement with the IBEW covering wages and working
conditions, which is in effect through August 16, 2010.
Southern Nuclear has agreements with the IBEW on a three-year contract extending to June 30, 2008
for Plants Hatch and Vogtle and a three-year contract which is in effect through August 15, 2009
for Plant Farley. Upon notice given at least 60 days prior to these dates, negotiations may be
initiated with respect to agreement terms to be effective after such dates.
The agreements also subject the terms of the pension plans for the companies discussed above to collective bargaining with the unions at either a five-year or a 10-year cycle, depending upon union and company actions.
I-12
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information in this Form 10-K, including MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL in Item 7 of each registrant, and other documents filed by
Southern Company and/or its subsidiaries with the SEC from time to time, the following factors
should be carefully considered in evaluating Southern Company and its subsidiaries. Such factors
could affect actual results and cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Southern Company and/or its subsidiaries.
Risks Related to the Energy Industry
Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject to substantial governmental regulation.
Compliance with current and future regulatory requirements and procurement of necessary approvals,
permits, and certificates may result in substantial costs to Southern Company and its subsidiaries.
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including the traditional operating companies and Southern
Power, are subject to substantial regulation from federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
Southern Company and its subsidiaries are required to comply with numerous laws and regulations and
to obtain numerous permits, approvals, and certificates from the governmental agencies that
regulate various aspects of their businesses, including customer rates, service regulations, retail
service territories, sales of securities, asset acquisitions and sales, accounting policies and
practices, and the operation of fossil-fuel, hydroelectric, and nuclear generating facilities. For
example, the rates charged to wholesale customers by the traditional operating companies and by
Southern Power must be approved by the FERC and failure to maintain FERC market-based rate
authority may impact the rates charged to wholesale customers. Additionally, the respective state
PSCs must approve the traditional operating companies rates for retail customers. While the
retail rates approved by the respective state PSCs are designed to provide for recovery of costs
and a return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that a state PSC will not deem certain
costs to be imprudently incurred and not subject to recovery.
Southern Company and its subsidiaries believe the necessary permits, approvals and certificates
have been obtained for its existing operations and that their respective businesses are conducted
in accordance with applicable laws; however, the impact of any future revision or changes in
interpretations of existing regulations or the adoption of new laws and regulations applicable to
Southern Company or any of its subsidiaries cannot now be predicted. Changes in regulation or the
imposition of additional regulations could influence the operating environment of Southern Company
and its subsidiaries and may result in substantial costs.
Certain events in the energy markets that are beyond the control of Southern Company and its
subsidiaries have increased the level of public and regulatory scrutiny in the energy industry and
in the capital markets. The reaction to these events may result in new laws or regulations related
to the business operations or the accounting treatment of the existing operations of Southern
Company and its subsidiaries which could have a negative impact on the net income or access to
capital of Southern Company and its subsidiaries.
Companies in regulated and unregulated electric utility businesses have been under an increased
amount of public and regulatory scrutiny with respect to, among other things, accounting practices,
financial disclosures, and relationships with independent auditors. This increased scrutiny has
led to substantial changes in laws and regulations affecting Southern Company and its subsidiaries,
including, among other things, enhanced internal control and auditor independence requirements,
financial statement certification requirements, more frequent SEC reviews of financial statements,
and accelerated and additional SEC filing requirements. New accounting and disclosure requirements
have changed the way Southern Company and its subsidiaries are required to record revenues,
expenses, assets, and liabilities. Southern Company expects continued regulatory focus on
accounting and financial reporting issues. Disruptions in the industry and any resulting
additional regulations may have a negative impact on the net income or access to capital of
Southern Company and its subsidiaries.
General Risks Related to Operation of Southern Companys Utility Subsidiaries
The regional power market in which Southern Company and its utility subsidiaries compete may have
changing transmission regulatory structures, which could affect the ownership of these assets and
related
I-13
revenues and expenses.
The traditional operating companies currently own and operate transmission facilities as part of a
vertically integrated utility. Transmission revenues are not separated from generation and
distribution revenues in their approved retail rates. Current FERC efforts that may potentially
change the regulatory and/or operational structure of transmission include rules related to the
standardization of generation interconnection, as well as an inquiry into, among other things,
market power by vertically integrated utilities. The financial condition, net income, and cash
flows of Southern Company and its utility subsidiaries could be adversely affected by future
changes in the federal regulatory or operational structure of transmission.
Deregulation or restructuring in the electric industry may result in increased competition and
unrecovered costs which could negatively impact the net income of Southern Company and the
traditional operating companies and the value of their respective assets.
Increased competition resulting from restructuring efforts, could have a significant adverse
financial impact on Southern Company and the traditional operating companies. Any adoption in the
territories served by the traditional operating companies of retail competition and the unbundling
of regulated energy service could have a significant adverse financial impact on Southern Company
and the traditional operating companies due to an impairment of assets, a loss of retail customers,
lower profit margins, an inability to recover reasonable costs, or increased costs of capital.
Southern Company and the traditional operating companies cannot predict if or when they may be
subject to changes in legislation or regulation, nor can Southern Company and the traditional
operating companies predict the impact of these changes.
Additionally, the electric utility industry has experienced a substantial increase in competition
at the wholesale level. As a result of changes in federal law and regulatory policy, competition
in the wholesale electricity market has greatly increased due to a greater participation by
traditional electricity suppliers, non-utility generators, IPPs, wholesale power marketers, and
brokers and due to the trading of energy futures contracts on various commodities exchanges. In
addition, FERC rules on transmission service are designed to facilitate competition in the
wholesale market on a nationwide basis by providing greater flexibility and more choices to
wholesale power customers.
Changes to the criteria used by the FERC for approval of market-based rate authority may negatively
impact the traditional operating companies and Southern Powers ability to charge market-based
rates which could negatively impact the net income and cash flow of Southern Company, the
traditional operating companies, and Southern Power.
Each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power have authorization from the FERC to
sell power to nonaffiliates, including short-term opportunity sales, at market-based prices.
Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to a market-based sale to an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by any subsidiary of Southern
Company in Southern Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period
that ended in May 2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the traditional operating companies and Southern Power to charge
cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the Southern Company retail service territory,
which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates, and could also result in refunds of up to
$19.7 million, plus interest. Southern Company and its subsidiaries believe that there is no
meritorious basis for this proceeding and are vigorously defending themselves in this matter.
I-14
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Risks Related to Environmental and Climate Change Legislation and Regulation
Southern Companys and the traditional operating companies costs of compliance with environmental
laws are significant. The costs of compliance with future environmental laws, including laws and
regulations designed to address global climate change, and the incurrence of environmental
liabilities could affect unit retirement decisions and negatively impact the net income, cash
flows, and financial condition of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or
Southern Power.
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are subject to extensive
federal, state, and local environmental requirements which, among other things, regulate air
emissions, water discharges, and the management of hazardous and solid waste in order to adequately
protect the environment. Compliance with these legal requirements requires Southern Company, the
traditional operating companies, and Southern Power to commit significant expenditures for
installation of pollution control equipment, environmental monitoring, emissions fees, and permits
at all of their respective facilities. These expenditures are significant and Southern Company,
the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power expect that they will increase in the
future. Through 2007, Southern Company had invested approximately $4.7 billion in capital projects
to comply with these requirements, with annual totals of $1.5 billion, $661 million, and $423
million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Southern Company expects that capital expenditures
to assure compliance with existing and new statutes and regulations will be an additional $1.8
billion, $1.5 billion, and $0.6 billion for 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Because Southern
Companys compliance strategy is impacted by changes to existing environmental laws, statutes, and
regulations, the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emission allowances, and Southern
Companys fuel mix, the ultimate outcome cannot be determined at this time.
Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage,
personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements, such
as opacity and air and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the United
States. In particular, personal injury claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous
materials have become more frequent.
If Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power fail to comply with
environmental laws and regulations, even if caused by factors beyond their control, that failure
may result in the assessment of civil or criminal penalties and fines. The EPA has filed civil
actions against Alabama Power and Georgia Power alleging violations of the new source review
provisions of the Clean Air Act. Southern Company is a party to suits alleging its emissions of
carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, contribute to global warming. An adverse outcome in either of
these cases could require substantial capital expenditures that cannot be determined at this time,
and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect unit
retirement and replacement decisions, and results of operations, cash flows, and financial
condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised or new laws and regulations related to
global climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns may be adopted or
become applicable to Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power.
For example, legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements on greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. In addition, some states are considering or have
undertaken actions to regulate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In July 2007, for example, the
Governor of the State of Florida signed three executive orders addressing reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions within the state, including statewide emission reduction targets beginning in 2017.
In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate
greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The EPA is currently developing its response to
this decision. Regulatory decisions that will follow from this response may have implications for
both new and existing stationary sources, such as power plants.
New or revised laws and regulations or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, such
as those related to climate change, could affect unit retirement and replacement decisions and/or
result in significant additional expense and operating restrictions on the facilities of the
traditional operating companies or Southern Power or increased
I-15
compliance costs which may not be fully recoverable from customers and would therefore reduce the
net income of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power. The cost
impact of such legislation, regulation, or new interpretations would depend upon the specific
requirements enacted and cannot be determined at this time.
Risks Related to Southern Company and its Business
Southern Company may be unable to meet its ongoing and future financial obligations and to pay
dividends on its common stock if its subsidiaries are unable to pay upstream dividends or repay
funds to Southern Company.
Southern Company is a holding company and, as such, Southern Company has no operations of its own.
Substantially all of Southern Companys consolidated assets are held by subsidiaries. Southern
Companys ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock at the
current rate is primarily dependent on the net income and cash flows of its subsidiaries and their
ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to Southern Company. Prior to funding Southern
Company, Southern Companys subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied,
including among others, debt service and preferred and preference stock dividends. Southern
Companys subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no obligation to provide Southern
Company with funds for its payment obligations.
The financial performance of Southern Company and its subsidiaries may be adversely affected if its
subsidiaries are unable to successfully operate their facilities.
Southern Companys financial performance depends on the successful operation of its subsidiaries
electric generating, transmission, and distribution facilities. Operating these facilities
involves many risks, including:
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operator error or failure of equipment or processes; |
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operating limitations that may be imposed by environmental or other regulatory
requirements; |
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labor disputes; |
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terrorist attacks; |
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fuel or material supply interruptions; |
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|
compliance with mandatory reliability standards; and |
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|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, droughts,
hurricanes, pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar
occurrences. |
A decrease or elimination of revenues from power produced by the electric generating facilities or
an increase in the cost of operating the facilities would reduce the net income and cash flows and
could adversely impact the financial condition of the affected traditional operating company or
Southern Power and of Southern Company.
The revenues of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power depend in
part on sales under PPAs. The failure of a counterparty to one of these PPAs to perform its
obligations, or the failure to renew the PPAs, could have a negative impact on the net income and
cash flows of the affected traditional operating company or Southern Power and of Southern Company.
Most of Southern Powers generating capacity has been sold to purchasers under PPAs having initial
terms of five to 15 years. In addition, the traditional operating companies enter into PPAs with
non-affiliated parties. Revenues are dependent on the continued performance by the purchasers of
their obligations under these PPAs. Even though Southern Power and the traditional operating
companies have a rigorous credit evaluation process, the failure of one of the purchasers to
perform its obligations could have a negative impact on the net income and cash flows of the
affected traditional operating company or Southern Power and of Southern Company. Although these
credit
I-16
evaluations take into account the possibility of default by a purchaser, actual exposure to a
default by a purchaser may be greater than the credit evaluation predicts. Additionally, neither
Southern Power nor any traditional operating company can predict whether the PPAs will be renewed
at the end of their respective terms or on what terms any renewals may be made. If a PPA is not
renewed, a replacement PPA cannot be assured.
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power may incur additional
costs or delays in the construction of new plants or environmental facilities and may not be able
to recover their investment. The facilities of Southern Company, the traditional operating
companies, and Southern Power require ongoing capital expenditures.
Certain of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power are in the process of
constructing new generating facilities and adding environmental controls equipment at existing
generating facilities. Southern Company intends to continue its strategy of developing and
constructing other new facilities, expanding existing facilities and adding environmental control
equipment. The completion of these types of projects without delays or cost overruns is subject to
substantial risks, including:
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shortages and inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor,
including environmental laws and regulations; |
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work stoppages; |
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permits, approvals, and other regulatory matters; |
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adverse weather conditions; |
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unforeseen engineering problems; |
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environmental and geological conditions; |
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delays or increased costs to interconnect its facilities to transmission grids; |
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unanticipated cost increases; and |
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attention to other projects. |
Tightening labor markets in the Southeast and increasing costs of materials have resulted in
increasing cost estimates for Southern Companys subsidiaries construction projects. If a
traditional operating company or Southern Power is unable to complete the development or
construction of a facility or decides to delay or cancel construction of a facility, it may not be
able to recover its investment in that facility. In addition, construction delays and contractor
performance shortfalls can result in the loss of revenues and may, in turn, adversely affect the
net income and financial position of a traditional operating company or Southern Power and of
Southern Company. Furthermore, if construction projects are not completed according to
specification, a traditional operating company or Southern Power and Southern Company may incur
liabilities and suffer reduced plant efficiency, higher operating costs, and reduced net income.
Once facilities come into commercial operation, ongoing capital expenditures are required to
maintain reliable levels of operation. Significant portions of the traditional operating
companies existing facilities were constructed many years ago. Older generation equipment, even
if maintained in accordance with good engineering practices, may require significant capital
expenditures to maintain efficiency, to comply with changing environmental requirements, or to
provide reliable operations.
Changes in technology may make Southern Companys electric generating facilities owned by the
traditional operating companies, and Southern Power less competitive.
A key element of the business model of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and
Southern Power is that generating power at central station power plants achieves economies of scale
and produces power at a
I-17
competitive cost. There are distributed generation technologies that produce power, including fuel
cells, microturbines, wind turbines, and solar cells. It is possible that advances in technology
will reduce the cost of alternative methods of producing power to a level that is competitive with
that of most central station power electric production. If this were to happen and if these
technologies achieved economies of scale, the market share of Southern Company, the traditional
operating companies, and Southern Power could be eroded, and the value of their respective electric
generating facilities could be reduced. It is also possible that rapid advances in central station
power generation technology could reduce the value of the current electric generating facilities
owned by Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power. Changes in
technology could also alter the channels through which retail electric customers buy or utilize
power, which could reduce the revenues or increase the expenses of Southern Company, the
traditional operating companies, or Southern Power.
Operation of nuclear facilities involves inherent risks, including environmental, health,
regulatory, terrorism and financial risks that could result in fines or the closure of Southern
Companys nuclear units owned by Alabama Power or Georgia Power, and which may present potential
exposures in excess of insurance coverage.
Alabama Power owns two nuclear units and Georgia Power holds undivided interests in, and contracts
for operation of, four nuclear units. These six units are operated by Southern Nuclear and
represent approximately 3,680 megawatts, or 8.8%, of Southern Companys generation capacity as of
December 31, 2007. These nuclear facilities are subject to environmental, health and financial
risks such as on-site storage of spent nuclear fuel, the ability to dispose of such spent nuclear
fuel, the ability to maintain adequate reserves for decommissioning, potential liabilities arising
out of the operation of these facilities, and the threat of a possible terrorist attack. Alabama
Power and Georgia Power maintain decommissioning trusts and external insurance coverage to minimize
the financial exposure to these risks; however, it is possible that damages could exceed the amount
of insurance coverage.
The NRC has broad authority under federal law to impose licensing and safety-related requirements
for the operation of nuclear generation facilities. In the event of non-compliance, the NRC has
the authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the
severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved. NRC orders or new regulations related to
increased security measures and any future safety requirements promulgated by the NRC could require
Alabama Power and Georgia Power to make substantial operating and capital expenditures at their
nuclear plants. In addition, although Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Southern Company have no
reason to anticipate a serious nuclear incident at their plants, if an incident did occur, it could
result in substantial costs to Alabama Power or Georgia Power and Southern Company. A major
incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world could cause the NRC to limit or prohibit the
operation or licensing of any domestic nuclear unit.
In addition, potential terrorist threats and increased public scrutiny of utilities could result in
increased nuclear licensing or compliance costs that are difficult or impossible to predict.
The generation and energy marketing operations of Southern Company, the traditional operating
companies, and Southern Power are subject to risks, many of which are beyond their control,
including changes in power prices and fuel costs, that may reduce Southern Companys, the
traditional operating companies, and Southern Powers revenues and increase costs.
The generation and energy marketing operations of Southern Company, the traditional operating
companies, and Southern Power are subject to changes in power prices or fuel costs, which could
increase the cost of producing power or decrease the amount Southern Company, the traditional
operating companies, and Southern Power receive from the sale of power. The market prices for
these commodities may fluctuate significantly over relatively short periods of time. Southern
Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power attempt to mitigate risks
associated with fluctuating fuel costs by passing these costs on to customers through the
traditional operating companies fuel cost recovery clauses or through PPAs. Among the factors
that could influence power prices and fuel costs are:
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prevailing market prices for coal, natural gas, uranium, fuel oil, and other
fuels used in the generation facilities of the traditional operating companies and
Southern Power including associated transportation costs, and supplies of such
commodities; |
I-18
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demand for energy and the extent of additional supplies of energy available
from current or new competitors; |
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liquidity in the general wholesale electricity market; |
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weather conditions impacting demand for electricity; |
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seasonality; |
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transmission or transportation constraints or inefficiencies; |
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availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources; |
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forced or unscheduled plant outages for the Southern Company system, its
competitors, or third party providers; |
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the financial condition of market participants; |
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the economy in the service territory, nation and worldwide, including the
impact of economic conditions on industrial and commercial demand for electricity and
the worldwide demand for fuels; |
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natural disasters, wars, embargos, acts of terrorism, and other catastrophic
events; and |
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federal, state, and foreign energy and environmental regulation and
legislation. |
Certain of these factors could increase the expenses of the traditional operating companies or
Southern Power and Southern Company. For the traditional operating companies, such increases may
not be fully recoverable through rates. Other of these factors could reduce the revenues of the
traditional operating companies or Southern Power and Southern Company.
As a result of increasing fuel costs, the traditional operating companies have accrued significant
underrecovered fuel cost balances. In addition, Gulf Power has a significant underrecovered
balance in its storm cost recovery reserve as a result of Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. The
traditional operating companies may experience similar deficit balances following future storms.
While the traditional operating companies are generally authorized to recover underrecovered fuel
costs through fuel cost recovery clauses and storm recovery costs through special rate provisions
administered by the respective PSCs, recovery may be denied if costs are deemed to be imprudently
incurred and delays in the authorization of such recovery could negatively impact the cash flows of
the affected traditional operating company and Southern Company.
The use of derivative contracts by Southern Company and its subsidiaries in the normal course of
business could result in financial losses that negatively impact the net income of Southern Company
and its subsidiaries.
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including the traditional operating companies and Southern
Power, use derivative instruments, such as swaps, options, futures, and forwards, to manage their
commodity and financial market risks and, to a lesser extent, engage in limited trading activities.
Southern Company and its subsidiaries could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility
in the market values of these contracts or if a counterparty fails to perform. In the absence of
actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these
financial instruments can involve managements judgment or use of estimates. As a result, changes
in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the value of the
reported fair value of these contracts.
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power may not be able to obtain adequate fuel
supplies, which could limit their ability to operate their facilities.
I-19
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power purchase fuel, including coal, natural gas,
uranium, and fuel oil, from a number of suppliers. Disruption in the delivery of fuel, including
disruptions as a result of, among other things, transportation delays, weather, labor relations,
force majeure events, or environmental regulations affecting any of these fuel suppliers, could
limit the ability of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power to operate their
respective facilities, and thus reduce the net income of the affected traditional operating company
or Southern Power and Southern Company.
The traditional operating companies are dependent on coal for much of their electric generating
capacity. Each traditional operating company has coal supply contracts in place; however, there
can be no assurance that the counterparties to these agreements will fulfill their obligations to
supply coal to the traditional operating companies. The suppliers under these agreements may
experience financial or technical problems which inhibit their ability to fulfill their obligations
to the traditional operating companies. In addition, the suppliers under these agreements may not
be required to supply coal to the traditional operating companies under certain circumstances, such
as in the event of a natural disaster. If the traditional operating companies are unable to obtain
their coal requirements under these contracts, the traditional operating companies may be required
to purchase their coal requirements at higher prices, which may not be fully recoverable through
rates.
In addition, Southern Power in particular, and the traditional operating companies to a lesser
extent, are dependent on natural gas for a portion of their electric generating capacity. Natural
gas supplies can be subject to disruption in the event production or distribution is curtailed.
For example, in connection with the 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, production and
distribution of natural gas was limited for a period of time, resulting in shortages and
significant increases in the price of natural gas. In addition, world market conditions for fuels,
including the policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, can impact the price
and availability of natural gas.
Demand for power could exceed supply capacity, resulting in increased costs for purchasing capacity
in the open market or building additional generation capabilities.
Through the traditional operating companies and Southern Power, Southern Company is currently
obligated to supply power to retail customers and wholesale customers under long-term PPAs. At
peak times, the demand for power required to meet this obligation could exceed Southern Companys
available generation capacity. Market or competitive forces may require that the traditional
operating companies or Southern Power purchase capacity on the open market or build additional
generation capabilities. Because regulators may not permit the traditional operating companies to
pass all of these purchase or construction costs on to their customers, the traditional operating
companies may not be able to recover any of these costs or may have exposure to regulatory lag
associated with the time between the incurrence of costs of purchased or constructed capacity and
the traditional operating companies recovery in customers rates. Under Southern Powers
long-term fixed price PPAs, Southern Power would not have the ability to recover any of these
costs. These situations could have negative impacts on net income and cash flows for the affected
traditional operating company or Southern Power and Southern Company.
The operating results of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power
are affected by weather conditions and may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis.
Electric power supply is generally a seasonal business. In many parts of the country, demand for
power peaks during the summer months, with market prices also peaking at that time. In other
areas, power demand peaks during the winter. As a result, the overall operating results of
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power in the future may
fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis. In addition, Southern Company, the traditional
operating companies, and Southern Power have historically sold less power when weather conditions
are milder. Unusually mild weather in the future could reduce the revenues, net income, available
cash and borrowing ability of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern
Power.
Mirant and The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Mirant Corporation have filed a claim
against Southern Company seeking substantial monetary damages in connection with transfers made by
Mirant to Southern Company prior to the Mirant spin-off.
I-20
Mirant was an energy company with businesses that included independent power projects and energy
trading and risk management companies in the U.S. and selected other countries. It was a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company until its initial public offering in October 2000. In
April 2001, Southern Company completed a spin-off to its shareholders of its remaining ownership,
and Mirant became an independent corporate entity.
In July 2003, Mirant and certain of its affiliates filed for voluntary reorganization under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In January 2006, Mirants plan of reorganization became
effective, and Mirant emerged from bankruptcy. As part of the plan, Mirant transferred
substantially all of its assets and its restructured debt to a new corporation that adopted the
name Mirant Corporation (Reorganized Mirant).
In December 2004, as a result of concluding an IRS audit for the tax years 2000 and 2001, Southern
Company paid approximately $39 million in additional tax and interest related to Mirant tax items
and filed a claim in Mirants bankruptcy case for that amount. Through December 2007, Southern
Company received from the IRS approximately $36 million in refunds related to Mirant. Southern
Company believes it has a right to recoup the $39 million tax payment owed by Mirant from such tax
refunds. As a result, Southern Company intends to retain the tax refunds and reduce its claim
against Mirant for the payment of Mirant taxes by the amount of such refunds. MC Asset Recovery, a
special purpose subsidiary of Reorganized Mirant, has objected to and sought to equitably
subordinate the Southern Company tax claim in its fraudulent transfer litigation against Southern
Company. Southern Company has reserved the approximately $3 million amount remaining with respect
to its Mirant tax claim.
If Southern Company is ultimately required to make any additional payments either with respect to
the IRS audit or its contingent obligations under guarantees of Mirant subsidiaries, Mirants
indemnification obligation to Southern Company for these additional payments, if allowed, would
constitute unsecured claims against Mirant, entitled to stock in Reorganized Mirant.
In June 2005, Mirant, as a debtor in possession, and The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors
of Mirant Corporation filed a complaint against Southern Company in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for
the Northern District of Texas, which was amended in July 2005, February 2006, May 2006, and March
2007. In January 2006, MC Asset Recovery was substituted as plaintiff. The fourth amended
complaint alleges that Southern Company caused Mirant to engage in certain fraudulent transfers and
to pay illegal dividends to Southern Company prior to the spin-off. The complaint also seeks to
recharacterize certain advances from Southern Company to Mirant for investments in energy
facilities from debt to equity. The complaint further alleges that Southern Company is liable to
Mirants creditors for the full amount of Mirants liability and that Southern Company breached its
fiduciary duties to Mirant and its creditors, caused Mirant to breach fiduciary duties to its
creditors, and aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by Mirants directors and officers.
The complaint also seeks recoveries under theories of restitution, unjust enrichment, and alter
ego. In addition, the complaint alleges a claim under the Federal Debt Collection Procedure Act
(FDCPA) to void certain transfers from Mirant to Southern Company. MC Asset Recovery claims to
have standing to assert violations of the FDCPA and to recover property on behalf of the Mirant
debtors estates. The complaint seeks monetary damages in excess of $2 billion plus interest,
punitive damages, attorneys fees, and costs. Finally, the complaint includes an objection to
Southern Companys pending claims against Mirant in the Bankruptcy Court (which relate to
reimbursement under the separation agreements of payments such as income taxes, interest, legal
fees, and other guarantees described in Note 7 to the financial statements of Southern Company in
Item 8 herein) and seeks equitable subordination of Southern Companys claims to the claims of all
other creditors. Southern Company served an answer to the complaint in April 2007.
In February 2006, Southern Companys motion to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia was granted. In May 2006, Southern Company filed a motion for summary
judgment seeking entry of judgment against the plaintiff as to all counts in the complaint. In
December 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted in part and
denied in part the motion. As a result, certain breach of fiduciary duty claims alleged in earlier
versions of the complaint were barred; all other claims may proceed. Southern Company believes
there is no meritorious basis for the claims in the complaint and is vigorously defending itself in
this action. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
IRS challenges to Southern Companys income tax deductions taken in connection with three
international leveraged lease transactions could result in the payment of substantial additional
interest and penalties and
I-21
could materially impact Southern Companys cash flow and net income.
Southern Company undergoes audits by the IRS for each of its tax years. The IRS has completed its
audits of Southern Companys consolidated federal income tax returns for all years prior to 2004.
The IRS challenged Southern Companys deductions related to three international lease transactions
(SILO or sale-in-lease-out transactions), in connection with its audits of Southern Companys 2000
through 2003 tax returns. In the third quarter 2006, Southern Company paid the full amount of the
disputed tax and the applicable interest on the SILO issue for tax years 2000 and 2001 and filed a
claim for refund which was denied by the IRS. The disputed tax amount was $79 million and the
related interest approximately $24 million for these tax years. This payment, and the subsequent
IRS disallowance of the refund claim, closed the issue with the IRS and Southern Company initiated
litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia for a complete refund of
tax and interest paid for the 2000 and 2001 tax years. The IRS also challenged the SILO deductions
for the tax years 2002 and 2003. The estimated amount of disputed tax and interest for these tax
years was approximately $83 million and $15 million, respectively. The tax and interest for these
tax years was paid to the IRS in the fourth quarter 2006. Southern Company has accounted for both
payments in 2006 as deposits. For the tax years 2000 through 2007, Southern Company has claimed
approximately $330 million in tax benefits related to these SILO transactions challenged by the
IRS. These tax benefits relate to timing differences and do not impact total net income. Southern
Company believes these transactions are valid leases for U.S. tax purposes and the related
deductions are allowable. Southern Company is continuing to pursue resolution of these matters;
however, the ultimate outcome cannot now be determined. In addition, the U.S. Senate is currently
considering legislation that would disallow tax benefits after December 31, 2007 for SILO losses
and other international leveraged lease transactions (such as lease-in-lease-out transactions).
The ultimate impact on Southern Companys net income will be dependent on the outcome of the
pending litigation and proposed legislation, but could be significant, and potentially material.
Risks Related to Market and Economic Volatility
The business of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power is
dependent on their ability to successfully access capital markets. The inability of Southern
Company, any traditional operating company or Southern Power to access capital may limit its
ability to execute its business plan or pursue improvements and make acquisitions that Southern
Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power may otherwise rely on for future
growth.
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power rely on access to both
short-term money markets and longer-term capital markets as a significant source of liquidity for
capital requirements not satisfied by the cash flow from their respective operations. If Southern
Company, any traditional operating company, or Southern Power is not able to access capital at
competitive rates, its ability to implement its business plan or pursue improvements and make
acquisitions that Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power may
otherwise rely on for future growth will be limited. Each of Southern Company, the traditional
operating companies, and Southern Power believes that it will maintain sufficient access to these
financial markets based upon current credit ratings. However, certain market disruptions or a
downgrade of the credit rating of Southern Company, any traditional operating company, or Southern
Power may increase its cost of borrowing or adversely affect its ability to raise capital through
the issuance of securities or other borrowing arrangements. Such disruptions could include:
|
|
|
an economic downturn or uncertainty; |
|
|
|
|
the bankruptcy of an unrelated energy company; |
|
|
|
|
capital market conditions generally; |
|
|
|
|
market prices for electricity and gas; |
|
|
|
|
terrorist attacks or threatened attacks on Southern Companys facilities or
unrelated energy companies; |
|
|
|
|
war or threat of war; or |
I-22
|
|
|
the overall health of the utility industry. |
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are subject to risks
associated with a changing economic environment, including their ability to obtain insurance, the
financial stability of their respective customers, and their ability to raise capital.
The threat of terrorism and the hurricanes that affected the Gulf Coast, among other things, have
had disruptive effects on the insurance industry. The availability of insurance covering risks
that Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and their respective
competitors typically insure against may decrease, and the insurance that Southern Company, the
traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are able to obtain may have higher deductibles,
higher premiums, and more restrictive policy terms. Any economic downturn or disruption of
financial markets could negatively affect the financial stability of their respective customers and
counterparties. These factors could adversely affect Southern Companys subsidiaries ability to
achieve energy sales growth, thereby decreasing Southern Companys level of future net income.
Certain of the traditional operating companies have substantial investments in the Gulf Coast
region which can be subject to major storm activity. The ability of the traditional operating
companies to recover costs and replenish reserves in the event of a major storm, other natural
disaster, terrorist attack, or other catastrophic event generally will require regulatory action.
Each traditional operating company maintains a reserve for property damage to cover the cost of
damages from major storms to its transmission and distribution lines and the cost of uninsured
damages to its generating facilities and other property. In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan hit the
Gulf coast of Florida and Alabama, causing significant damage to the service areas of Alabama Power
and Gulf Power. In July and August 2005, Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina, respectively, hit the Gulf
coast of the United States and caused significant damage in the service areas of Gulf Power,
Alabama Power, and Mississippi Power. In each case, costs to the respective traditional operating
companies exceeded their respective storm cost reserves and insurance coverage and were
subsequently approved for recovery by their respective state PSCs. In the event a traditional
operating company experiences a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other catastrophic event,
recovery of costs in excess of reserves and insurance coverage is subject to the approval of its
state PSC. While the traditional operating companies generally are entitled to recover prudently
incurred costs incurred in connection with such an event, any denial by the applicable state PSC or
delay in recovery of any portion of such costs could have a material negative impact on a
traditional operating companys and Southern Companys results of operations and/or cash flows.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
I-23
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Electric Properties The Electric Utilities
The traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and SEGCO, at December 31, 2007, owned and/or
operated 34 hydroelectric generating stations, 34 fossil fuel generating stations, 3 nuclear
generating stations, and 12 combined cycle/cogeneration stations. The amounts of capacity for each
company are shown in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nameplate |
Generating Station |
|
Location |
|
Capacity (1) |
|
|
|
|
(Kilowatts) |
FOSSIL STEAM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gadsden |
|
Gadsden, AL |
|
|
120,000 |
|
Gorgas |
|
Jasper, AL |
|
|
1,221,250 |
|
Barry |
|
Mobile, AL |
|
|
1,525,000 |
|
Greene County |
|
Demopolis, AL |
|
|
300,000 |
(2) |
Gaston Unit 5 |
|
Wilsonville, AL |
|
|
880,000 |
|
Miller |
|
Birmingham, AL |
|
|
2,532,288 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power Total |
|
|
|
|
6,578,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bowen |
|
Cartersville, GA |
|
|
3,160,000 |
|
Branch |
|
Milledgeville, GA |
|
|
1,539,700 |
|
Hammond |
|
Rome, GA |
|
|
800,000 |
|
Kraft |
|
Port Wentworth, GA |
|
|
281,136 |
|
McDonough |
|
Atlanta, GA |
|
|
490,000 |
|
McIntosh |
|
Effingham County, GA |
|
|
163,117 |
|
McManus |
|
Brunswick, GA |
|
|
115,000 |
|
Mitchell |
|
Albany, GA |
|
|
125,000 |
|
Scherer |
|
Macon, GA |
|
|
750,924 |
(4) |
Wansley |
|
Carrollton, GA |
|
|
925,550 |
(5) |
Yates |
|
Newnan, GA |
|
|
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power Total |
|
|
|
|
9,600,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crist |
|
Pensacola, FL |
|
|
970,000 |
|
Daniel |
|
Pascagoula, MS |
|
|
500,000 |
(6) |
Lansing Smith |
|
Panama City, FL |
|
|
305,000 |
|
Scholz |
|
Chattahoochee, FL |
|
|
80,000 |
|
Scherer Unit 3 |
|
Macon, GA |
|
|
204,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power Total |
|
|
|
|
2,059,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel |
|
Pascagoula, MS |
|
|
500,000 |
(6) |
Eaton |
|
Hattiesburg, MS |
|
|
67,500 |
|
Greene County |
|
Demopolis, AL |
|
|
200,000 |
(2) |
Sweatt |
|
Meridian, MS |
|
|
80,000 |
|
Watson |
|
Gulfport, MS |
|
|
1,012,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,859,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaston Units 1-4 |
|
Wilsonville, AL |
|
|
|
|
SEGCO Total |
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fossil Steam |
|
|
|
|
21,097,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUCLEAR STEAM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Farley |
|
Dothan, AL |
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,720,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hatch |
|
Baxley, GA |
|
|
899,612 |
(8) |
Vogtle |
|
Augusta, GA |
|
|
1,060,240 |
(9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,959,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nuclear Steam |
|
|
|
|
3,679,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMBUSTION TURBINES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greene County |
|
Demopolis, AL |
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power Total |
|
|
|
|
720,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boulevard |
|
Savannah, GA |
|
|
59,100 |
|
Bowen |
|
Cartersville, GA |
|
|
39,400 |
|
Intercession City |
|
Intercession City, FL |
|
|
47,667 |
(10) |
Kraft |
|
Port Wentworth, GA |
|
|
22,000 |
|
McDonough |
|
Atlanta, GA |
|
|
78,800 |
|
McIntosh Units 1 through 8 |
|
Effingham County, GA |
|
|
640,000 |
|
McManus |
|
Brunswick, GA |
|
|
481,700 |
|
Mitchell |
|
Albany, GA |
|
|
118,200 |
|
Robins |
|
Warner Robins, GA |
|
|
158,400 |
|
Wansley |
|
Carrollton, GA |
|
|
26,322 |
|
Wilson |
|
Augusta, GA |
|
|
354,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power Total |
|
|
|
|
2,025,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lansing Smith Unit A |
|
Panama City, FL |
|
|
39,400 |
|
Pea Ridge Units 1-3 |
|
Pea Ridge, FL |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power Total |
|
|
|
|
54,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chevron Cogenerating
Station |
|
Pascagoula, MS |
|
|
147,292 |
(11) |
Sweatt |
|
Meridian, MS |
|
|
39,400 |
|
I-24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nameplate |
Generating Station |
|
Location |
|
Capacity (1) |
|
|
|
|
(Kilowatts) |
Watson |
|
Gulfport, MS |
|
|
39,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi Power Total |
|
|
|
|
226,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dahlberg |
|
Jackson County, GA |
|
|
756,000 |
|
DeSoto |
|
Arcadia, FL |
|
|
343,760 |
|
Oleander |
|
Cocoa, FL |
|
|
791,301 |
|
Rowan |
|
Salisbury, NC |
|
|
455,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Power Total |
|
|
|
|
2,346,311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaston (SEGCO) |
|
Wilsonville, AL |
|
|
19,680 |
(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Combustion Turbines |
|
|
|
|
5,392,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COGENERATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Washington County |
|
Washington County, AL |
|
|
123,428 |
|
GE Plastics Project |
|
Burkeville, AL |
|
|
104,800 |
|
Theodore |
|
Theodore, AL |
|
|
236,418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Cogeneration |
|
|
|
|
464,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMBINED CYCLE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barry |
|
Mobile, AL |
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,070,424 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
McIntosh Units 10&11 |
|
Effingham County, GA |
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,318,920 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smith |
|
Lynn Haven, FL |
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power Total |
|
|
|
|
545,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel (Leased) |
|
Pascagoula, MS |
|
|
|
|
Mississippi Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,070,424 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franklin |
|
Smiths, AL |
|
|
1,198,360 |
|
Harris |
|
Autaugaville, AL |
|
|
1,318,920 |
|
Rowan |
|
Salisbury, NC |
|
|
530,550 |
|
Stanton Unit A |
|
Orlando, FL |
|
|
428,649 |
(12) |
Wansley |
|
Carrollton, GA |
|
|
1,073,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Power Total |
|
|
|
|
4,549,479 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Combined Cycle |
|
|
|
|
8,554,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HYDROELECTRIC FACILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bankhead |
|
Holt, AL |
|
|
53,985 |
|
Bouldin |
|
Wetumpka, AL |
|
|
225,000 |
|
Harris |
|
Wedowee, AL |
|
|
132,000 |
|
Henry |
|
Ohatchee, AL |
|
|
72,900 |
|
Holt |
|
Holt, AL |
|
|
46,944 |
|
Jordan |
|
Wetumpka, AL |
|
|
100,000 |
|
Lay |
|
Clanton, AL |
|
|
177,000 |
|
Lewis Smith |
|
Jasper, AL |
|
|
157,500 |
|
Logan Martin |
|
Vincent, AL |
|
|
135,000 |
|
Martin |
|
Dadeville, AL |
|
|
182,000 |
|
Mitchell |
|
Verbena, AL |
|
|
170,000 |
|
Thurlow |
|
Tallassee, AL |
|
|
81,000 |
|
Weiss |
|
Leesburg, AL |
|
|
87,750 |
|
Yates |
|
Tallassee, AL |
|
|
47,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,668,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barnett Shoals (Leased) |
|
Athens, GA |
|
|
2,800 |
|
Bartletts Ferry |
|
Columbus, GA |
|
|
173,000 |
|
Goat Rock |
|
Columbus, GA |
|
|
38,600 |
|
Lloyd Shoals |
|
Jackson, GA |
|
|
14,400 |
|
Morgan Falls |
|
Atlanta, GA |
|
|
16,800 |
|
North Highlands |
|
Columbus, GA |
|
|
29,600 |
|
Oliver Dam |
|
Columbus, GA |
|
|
60,000 |
|
Rocky Mountain |
|
Rome, GA |
|
|
215,256 |
(13) |
Sinclair Dam |
|
Milledgeville, GA |
|
|
45,000 |
|
Tallulah Falls |
|
Clayton, GA |
|
|
72,000 |
|
Terrora |
|
Clayton, GA |
|
|
16,000 |
|
Tugalo |
|
Clayton, GA |
|
|
45,000 |
|
Wallace Dam |
|
Eatonton, GA |
|
|
321,300 |
|
Yonah |
|
Toccoa, GA |
|
|
22,500 |
|
6 Other Plants |
|
|
|
|
18,080 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power Total |
|
|
|
|
1,090,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Hydroelectric
Facilities |
|
|
|
|
2,758,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Generating Capacity |
|
|
|
|
41,947,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
See Jointly-Owned Facilities herein for additional information. |
|
(2) |
|
Owned by Alabama Power and Mississippi Power as tenants in common in
the proportions of 60% and 40%, respectively. |
|
(3) |
|
Capacity shown is Alabama Powers portion (91.84%) of total plant
capacity. |
|
(4) |
|
Capacity shown for Georgia Power is 8.4% of Units 1 and 2 and 75% of
Unit 3. Capacity shown for Gulf Power is 25% of Unit 3. |
|
(5) |
|
Capacity shown is Georgia Powers portion (53.5%) of total plant
capacity. |
I-25
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Represents 50% of the plant which is owned as tenants in common by
Gulf Power and Mississippi Power. |
|
(7) |
|
SEGCO is jointly-owned by Alabama Power and Georgia Power. See
BUSINESS in Item 1 herein for additional information. |
|
(8) |
|
Capacity shown is Georgia Powers portion (50.1%) of total plant
capacity. |
|
(9) |
|
Capacity shown is Georgia Powers portion (45.7%) of total plant
capacity. |
|
(10) |
|
Capacity shown represents 33 1/3% of total plant capacity. Georgia
Power owns a 1/3 interest in the unit with 100% use of the unit from
June through September. Progress Energy Florida operates the unit. |
|
(11) |
|
Generation is dedicated to a single industrial customer. |
|
(12) |
|
Capacity shown is Southern Powers portion (65%) of total plant
capacity. |
|
(13) |
|
Capacity shown is Georgia Powers portion (25.4%) of total plant
capacity. OPC operates the plant. |
Except as discussed below under Titles to Property, the principal plants and other important
units of the traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and SEGCO are owned in fee by the
respective companies. It is the opinion of management of each such company that its operating
properties are adequately maintained and are substantially in good operating condition.
Mississippi Power owns a 79-mile length of 500-kilovolt transmission line which is leased to
Entergy Gulf States. The line, completed in 1984, extends from Plant Daniel to the Louisiana state
line. Entergy Gulf States is paying a use fee over a 40-year period covering all expenses and the
amortization of the original $57 million cost of the line. At December 31, 2007, the unamortized
portion of this cost was approximately $25 million.
The all-time maximum demand on the traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and SEGCO was
38,777,000 kilowatts and occurred on August 22, 2007. This amount excludes demand served by
capacity retained by MEAG, OPC, and SEPA. The reserve margin for the traditional operating
companies, Southern Power, and SEGCO at that time was 11.2%. See SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA in Item 6
herein for additional information on peak demands.
I-26
Jointly-Owned Facilities
Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Southern Power have undivided interests in certain generating
plants and other related facilities to or from non-affiliated parties. The percentages of
ownership are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage Ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Alabama |
|
Power |
|
Georgia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy |
|
Southern |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity |
|
Power |
|
South |
|
Power |
|
OPC |
|
MEAG |
|
Dalton |
|
Florida |
|
Power |
|
OUC |
|
FMPA |
|
KUA |
|
|
(Megawatts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Miller
Units
1 and 2 |
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
91.8 |
% |
|
|
8.2 |
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
% |
Plant Hatch |
|
|
1,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.1 |
|
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
17.7 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Vogtle |
|
|
2,320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.7 |
|
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
22.7 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Scherer
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
1,636 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
60.0 |
|
|
|
30.2 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Wansley |
|
|
1,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53.5 |
|
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain |
|
|
848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.4 |
|
|
|
74.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intercession City,
FL |
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Stanton A |
|
|
660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65 |
% |
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
Alabama Power and Georgia Power have contracted to operate and maintain the respective units in
which each has an interest (other than Rocky Mountain and Intercession City) as agent for the joint
owners. SCS provides operation and maintenance services for Plant Stanton A.
In addition, Georgia Power has commitments regarding a portion of a five percent interest in Plant
Vogtle owned by MEAG that are in effect until the later of retirement of the plant or the latest
stated maturity date of MEAGs bonds issued to finance such ownership interest. The payments for
capacity are required whether any capacity is available. The energy cost is a function of each
units variable operating costs. Except for the portion of the capacity payments related to the
Georgia PSCs disallowances of Plant Vogtle costs, the cost of such capacity and energy is included
in purchased power from non-affiliates in Georgia Powers statements of income in Item 8 herein.
Titles to Property
The traditional operating companies, Southern Powers, and SEGCOs interests in the principal
plants (other than certain pollution control facilities, one small hydroelectric generating station
leased by Georgia Power, combined cycle units at Plant Daniel leased by Mississippi Power and the
land on which five combustion turbine generators of Mississippi Power are located, which is held by
easement) and other important units of the respective companies are owned in fee by such companies,
subject only to the liens pursuant to pollution control bonds of Alabama Power and Gulf Power on
specific pollution control facilities. As of January 26, 2007, Gulf Powers mortgage indenture and
the lien on its principal property were discharged. See Note 6 to the financial statements of
Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Gulf Power under Assets Subject to Lien and Note 7 to the
financial statements of Mississippi Power under Operating Leases Plant Daniel Combined Cycle
Generating Units in Item 8 herein for additional information. The traditional operating companies
own the fee interests in certain of their principal plants as tenants in common. See
Jointly-Owned Facilities herein for additional information. Properties such as electric
transmission and distribution lines and steam heating mains are constructed principally on
rights-of-way which are maintained under franchise or are held by easement only. A substantial
portion of lands submerged by reservoirs is held under flood right easements.
I-27
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
(1) United States of America v. Alabama Power (United States District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama)
United States of America v. Georgia Power and Savannah Electric (United States District
Court for the Northern District of Georgia)
See Environmental Matters New Source Review Actions in Note 3 to Southern Companys and each
traditional operating companys financial statements in Item 8 herein for information.
(2) Environmental Remediation
See Environmental Matters Environmental Remediation in Note 3 to the financial statements of
Southern Company, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power and Retail Regulatory Matters
Environmental Compliance Overview Plan in Note 3 to the
financial statements of Mississippi Power in Item 8 herein for
information related to environmental remediation.
(3) In re: Mirant Corporation, et al. (United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District
of Texas)
See Mirant Matters Mirant Bankruptcy in Note 3 to Southern Companys financial statements in
Item 8 herein for information.
(4) MC Asset Recovery, LLC v. Southern Company (United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia) (formerly styled In re: Mirant Corporation, et al. in the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas)
See Mirant Matters MC Asset Recovery Litigation in Note 3 to Southern Companys financial
statements in Item 8 herein for information.
(5) In re: Mirant Corporation Securities Litigation (United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia)
See Mirant Matters Mirant Securities Litigation in Note 3 to Southern Companys financial
statements in Item 8 herein for information.
(6) Right of Way Litigation
See Right of Way Litigation in Note 3 to Southern Companys, Georgia Powers, Gulf Powers, and
Mississippi Powers financial statements in Item 8 herein for information.
See Note 3 to each registrants financial statements in Item 8 herein for descriptions of
additional legal and administrative proceedings discussed therein.
I-28
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Southern Company, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power
None.
Georgia Power
By written consent, in lieu of a special meeting of the sole common shareholder of Georgia Power,
effective October 8, 2007, the sole shareholder approved an amendment to the Charter of Georgia
Power to establish a new series of preference stock designated as the 6.50% Series 2007A
Preference Stock, Non-Cumulative, Par Value $100 Per Share (Amendment).
All of the 9,261,500 outstanding shares of Georgia Powers common stock were owned by Southern
Company and were voted in favor of the Amendment.
I-29
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF SOUTHERN COMPANY
(Identification of executive officers of Southern Company is inserted in Part I in accordance with
Regulation S-K, Item 401(b), Instruction 3.) The ages of the officers set forth below are as of
December 31, 2007.
David M. Ratcliffe
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Age 59
Elected in 1999. President since April 2004; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since July 2004.
Previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Power from June 1999 to April 2004; and
President of Georgia Power from June 1999 to December 2003.
W. Paul Bowers
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Age 51
Elected in 2001. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 1, 2008 and
Executive Vice President since May 2007. Previously served as President of Southern Company
Generation, a business unit of Southern Company, and Executive Vice President of SCS since May
2001; and President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Power from May 2001 through March 2005.
Thomas A. Fanning
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Age 50
Elected in 2003. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since February 1, 2008.
Previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from May 2007 through
January 2008; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer from April 2003 to
May 2007; and President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Gulf Power from 2002 to April
2003.
Michael D. Garrett
Executive Vice President
Age 58
Elected in 2004. Executive Vice President since January 1, 2004. He also serves as President and
Director of Georgia Power since January 1, 2004 and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Power since
April 2004. Previously served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Mississippi
Power from 2001 to 2003.
G. Edison Holland, Jr.
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
Age 55
Elected in 2001. Executive Vice President and General Counsel since 2001.
C. Alan Martin
President and Chief Executive Officer of SCS
Age 59
Elected in 2008. President and Chief Executive Officer of SCS since February 1, 2008. Previously
served as Executive Vice President of the Customer Service Organization at Alabama Power from May
2001 through January 2008.
Charles D. McCrary
Executive Vice President
Age 56
Elected in 1998. Executive Vice President of Southern Company since February 2002; President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Alabama Power since October 2001.
I-30
J. Barnie Beasley
President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Nuclear
Age 56
Elected in 2004. President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Nuclear since September 2004.
Previously served as Executive Vice President of Southern Nuclear from January 2004 to September
2004; and Vice President from July 1998 through December 2003.
The officers of Southern Company were elected for a term running from the first meeting of the
directors following the last annual meeting (May 23, 2007) for one year until the first board
meeting after the next annual meeting or until their successors are elected and have qualified,
except for Mr. Martin whose election was effective on February 1, 2008.
I-31
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF ALABAMA POWER
(Identification of executive officers of Alabama Power is inserted in Part I in accordance with
Regulation S-K, Item 401(b), Instruction 3.) The ages of the officers set forth below are as of
December 31, 2007.
Charles D. McCrary
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Age 56
Elected in 2001. President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director since October 2001; Executive
Vice President of Southern Company since February 2002.
Art P. Beattie
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
Age 53
Elected in 2004. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer since February
2005. Previously served as Vice President and Comptroller of Alabama Power from 1998 through
January 2005.
Mark A. Crosswhite
Executive Vice President
Age 45
Elected in 2008. Executive Vice President of External Affairs since February 1, 2008. Previously
served as Senior Vice President and Counsel of Alabama Power from July 2006 through January 2008;
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary of Southern Power from March 2004
through January 2005; and
Vice President of SCS from March 2004 through January 2008. Prior to March 2004, Mr. Crosswhite
was a partner at the law firm of Balch & Bingham LLP.
Steven R. Spencer
Executive Vice President
Age 52
Elected in 2001. Executive Vice President of the Customer Service Organization since February 1,
2008. Previously served as Executive Vice President of External Affairs from 2001 through January
2008.
Jerry L. Stewart
Senior Vice President
Age 58
Elected in 1999. Senior Vice President of Fossil and Hydro Generation since 1999.
The officers of Alabama Power were elected for a term running from the last annual organizational
meeting of the directors (July 27, 2007) for one year until the next annual meeting or until their
successors are elected and have qualified, except for Mr. Crosswhite whose election was effective
February 1, 2008.
I-32
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF GEORGIA POWER
(Identification of executive officers of Georgia Power is inserted in Part I in accordance with
Regulation S-K, Item 401(b), Instruction 3.) The ages of the officers set forth below are as of
December 31, 2007.
Michael D. Garrett
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Age 58
Elected in 2003. President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Georgia Power since April
2004. Previously served as President and Director of Georgia Power from January 2004 to April
2004; President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Mississippi Power from May 2001 through
December 2003.
Mickey A. Brown
Executive Vice President
Age 60
Elected in 2001. Executive Vice President of the Customer Service Organization since January 2005.
Previously served as Senior Vice President of Distribution from May 2001 through December 2004.
Cliff S. Thrasher
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
Age 57
Elected in 2005. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer since March
2005. Previously served as Senior Vice President, Comptroller, and Chief Financial Officer of
Southern Power from November 2002 to March 2005 and Vice President of SCS from June 2002 to March
2005.
Christopher C. Womack
Executive Vice President
Age 49
Elected in 2001. Executive Vice President of External Affairs since March 2006. Previously served
as Senior Vice President of Fossil and Hydro Generation and Senior Production Officer from December
2001 to February 2006.
Judy M. Anderson
Senior Vice President
Age 59
Elected in 2001. Senior Vice President of Charitable Giving since 2001.
Douglas E. Jones
Senior Vice President
Age 49
Elected in 2005. Senior Vice President of Fossil and Hydro Generation since March 2006.
Previously served as Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Sales from January 2005 to
February 2006; Executive Vice President of Southern Power from January 2004 to January 2005; Senior
Vice President of SCS from December 2001 to January 2004.
James H. Miller, III
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Age 58
Elected in 2004. Senior Vice President and General Counsel since March 2004. Previously served as
Vice President and Associate General Counsel for SCS and Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
and Assistant Secretary of Southern Power from August 2001 through February 2004.
Each of the above is currently an executive officer of Georgia Power, serving a term running from
the last annual organizational meeting of the directors (May 16, 2007) for one year until the next
annual meeting or until their successors are elected and qualified.
I-33
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF MISSISSIPPI POWER
(Identification of executive officers of Mississippi Power is inserted in Part I in accordance with
Regulation S-K, Item 401(b), Instruction 3.) The ages of the officers set forth below are as of
December 31, 2007.
Anthony J. Topazi
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Age 57
Elected in 2003. President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director since January 1, 2004.
Previously served as Executive Vice President of Southern Company Generation and Energy Marketing
from November 2000 to December 2003; and Senior Vice President of Southern Power from November 2002
to December 2003.
John W. Atherton
Vice President
Age 47
Elected in 2004. Vice President of External Affairs since January 2005. Previously served as the
Director of Economic Development from September 2003 to January 2005; and Manager, Sales and
Marketing Services from April 2002 to August 2003.
Kimberly D. Flowers
Vice President
Age 44
Elected in 2005. Vice President and Senior Production Officer since March 2005. Previously served
as Plant Manager, Plant Bowen, Georgia Power from November 2000 until March 2005.
Donald R. Horsley
Vice President
Age 53
Elected in 2006. Vice President of Customer Services and Retail Marketing since April 2006.
Previously served as Vice President of Transmission at Alabama Power from March 2005 to March 2006
and Manager, Transmission Lines at Alabama Power from February 2001 to March 2005.
Frances V. Turnage
Vice President, Treasurer, and
Chief Financial Officer
Age 59
Elected in 2005. Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer since March 2005.
Previously served as Comptroller from 1993 to March 2005.
The officers of Mississippi Power were elected for a term running from the last annual
organizational meeting of the directors (April 11, 2007) for one year until the next annual meeting
or until their successors are elected and have qualified.
I-34
PART II
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES |
(a)(1) The common stock of Southern Company is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
The common stock is also traded on regional exchanges across the United States. The high and low
stock prices for each quarter of the past two years were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
37.25 |
|
|
$ |
34.85 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
38.90 |
|
|
|
33.50 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
37.70 |
|
|
|
33.16 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
39.35 |
|
|
|
35.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
35.89 |
|
|
$ |
32.34 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
33.25 |
|
|
|
30.48 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
35.00 |
|
|
|
32.01 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
37.40 |
|
|
|
34.49 |
|
|
There is no market for the other registrants common stock, all of which is owned by Southern
Company.
(a)(2) Number of Southern Companys common stockholders of record at December 31, 2007: 102,903
Each of the other registrants have one common stockholder, Southern Company.
(a)(3) Dividends on each registrants common stock are payable at the discretion of their
respective board of directors. The dividends on common stock declared by Southern Company and the
traditional operating companies to their stockholder(s) for the past two years were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registrant |
|
Quarter |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Southern Company |
|
First |
|
$ |
290,292 |
|
|
$ |
276,442 |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
303,699 |
|
|
|
287,704 |
|
|
|
Third |
|
|
304,775 |
|
|
|
287,845 |
|
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
306,039 |
|
|
|
288,440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power |
|
First |
|
|
116,250 |
|
|
|
110,150 |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
116,250 |
|
|
|
110,150 |
|
|
|
Third |
|
|
116,250 |
|
|
|
110,150 |
|
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
116,250 |
|
|
|
110,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power |
|
First |
|
|
172,475 |
|
|
|
157,500 |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
172,475 |
|
|
|
157,500 |
|
|
|
Third |
|
|
172,475 |
|
|
|
157,500 |
|
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
172,475 |
|
|
|
157,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power |
|
First |
|
|
18,525 |
|
|
|
17,575 |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
18,525 |
|
|
|
17,575 |
|
|
|
Third |
|
|
18,525 |
|
|
|
17,575 |
|
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
18,525 |
|
|
|
17,575 |
|
|
Mississippi Power |
|
First |
|
|
16,825 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
16,825 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
|
Third |
|
|
16,825 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
16,825 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
II-1
In 2006 and 2007, Southern Power paid dividends to Southern Company as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registrant |
|
Quarter |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Southern Power |
|
First |
|
$ |
22.45 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
22.45 |
|
|
|
38.9 |
|
|
|
Third |
|
|
22.45 |
|
|
|
19.4 |
|
|
|
Fourth |
|
|
22.45 |
|
|
|
19.4 |
|
The dividend paid per share of Southern Companys common stock was 37.25¢ in the first quarter of
2006 and 38.75¢ for the remaining quarters of 2006 and the first quarter of 2007. For the second,
third, and fourth quarters of 2007, the dividend paid per share of Southern Companys common stock
was 40.25¢.
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power can only pay dividends to Southern Company
out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Southern Powers credit facility contains potential limitations on the payment of common stock
dividends. At December 31, 2007, Southern Power was in compliance with the conditions of this
credit facility and thus had no restrictions on its ability to pay common stock dividends. See Note
8 to the financial statements of Southern Company under Common Stock Dividend Restrictions and
Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Power under
Dividend Restrictions in Item 8 herein
for additional information regarding these restrictions.
(a)(4) Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.
See Part III, Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters under the heading Equity Compensation Plan Information herein.
(b) Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Southern Company. See SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA, contained herein at
pages II-97 and II-98.
Alabama Power. See SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA, contained herein at pages II-159 and
II-160.
Georgia Power. See SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA, contained herein at pages II-225 and
II-226.
Gulf Power. See SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA, contained herein at pages II-282 and
II-283.
Mississippi Power. See SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA, contained herein at pages II-343
and II-344.
Southern Power. See SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA, contained herein at
page II-382.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Southern Company. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS, contained herein at pages II-12 through II-45.
II-2
Alabama Power. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS, contained herein at pages II-102 through II-122.
Georgia Power. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS, contained herein at pages II-164 through II-185.
Gulf Power. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS, contained herein at pages II-230 through II-250.
Mississippi Power. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS, contained herein at pages II-287 through II-309.
Southern Power. See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS, contained herein at pages II-348 through II-364.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Market Price Risk
of each of the registrants in Item 7 herein and Note 1 of each of the registrants financial
statements under Financial Instruments in Item 8 herein. See also Note 6 to the financial
statements of Southern Company, each traditional operating company, and Southern Power under
Financial Instruments in Item 8 herein.
II-3
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO 2007 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
The Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-10 |
|
|
II-11 |
|
|
II-46 |
|
|
II-47 |
|
|
II-48 |
|
|
II-50 |
|
|
II-52 |
|
|
II-52 |
|
|
II-53 |
|
|
|
|
|
Alabama Power: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-100 |
|
|
II-101 |
|
|
II-123 |
|
|
II-124 |
|
|
II-125 |
|
|
II-127 |
|
|
II-129 |
|
|
II-129 |
|
|
II-130 |
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-162 |
|
|
II-163 |
|
|
II-186 |
|
|
II-187 |
|
|
II-188 |
|
|
II-190 |
|
|
II-191 |
|
|
II-191 |
|
|
II-192 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-228 |
|
|
II-229 |
|
|
II-251 |
|
|
II-252 |
|
|
II-253 |
|
|
II-255 |
|
|
II-256 |
|
|
II-256 |
|
|
II-257 |
II-4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
Mississippi Power: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-285 |
|
|
II-286 |
|
|
II-310 |
|
|
II-311 |
|
|
II-312 |
|
|
II-314 |
|
|
II-315 |
|
|
II-315 |
|
|
II-316 |
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Power and Subsidiary Companies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-346 |
|
|
II-347 |
|
|
II-365 |
|
|
II-366 |
|
|
II-367 |
|
|
II-369 |
|
|
II-369 |
|
|
II-370 |
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
II-5
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls And Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, Southern Company conducted an evaluation
under the supervision and with the participation of Southern Companys management, including the
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Sections 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer
and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective
in alerting them in a timely manner to material information relating to Southern Company (including
its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in periodic filings with the SEC.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
(a) Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Southern Companys Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on
page II-9 of this Form 10-K.
(b) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Southern Companys independent registered public accounting
firm, regarding Southern Companys internal control over financial reporting is included on
page II-10 of this Form 10-K.
(c) Changes in internal controls.
There have been no changes in Southern Companys internal control over financial reporting (as such
term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during
the fourth quarter 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect
Southern Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls And Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf
Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power conducted separate evaluations under the supervision
and with the participation of each companys management, including the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Sections 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934). Based upon these evaluations, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in
alerting them in a timely manner to material information relating to their company (including its
consolidated subsidiaries, if any) required to be included in periodic filings with the SEC.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
(a) Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Alabama Powers Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on
page II-100 of this Form 10-K.
Georgia Powers Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on
page II-162 of this Form 10-K.
Gulf Powers Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on
page II-228 of this Form 10-K.
II-6
Mississippi Powers Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on
page II-285 of this Form 10-K.
Southern Powers Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included on
page II-346 of this Form 10-K.
(b) Changes in internal controls.
There have been no changes in Alabama Powers, Georgia Powers, Gulf Powers, Mississippi Powers,
or Southern Powers internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fourth quarter
2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Alabama Powers,
Georgia Powers, Gulf Powers, Mississippi Powers, or Southern Powers internal control over
financial reporting.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
II-7
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
FINANCIAL SECTION
II-8
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Southern Companys management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate
system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under managements supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of Southern Companys
internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Southern Companys internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of Southern
Companys financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of Southern
Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Deloitte & Touche
LLPs report on Southern Companys internal control over financial reporting is included herein.
/s/ David
M. Ratcliffe
David M. Ratcliffe
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ W. Paul Bowers
W. Paul Bowers
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 25, 2008
II-9
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Southern Company
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Southern Company and
Subsidiary Companies (the Company) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in
Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting (page II-9). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys
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 companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the
supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, and effected by the companys 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 companys 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
companys 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, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal
ControlIntegrated 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 as of and for the year ended December
31, 2007 of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on
those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding changes in the method of
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and the method of accounting for the impact of changes
in the timing of income tax cash flows generated by leveraged leases in 2007 and a change in the
method of accounting for the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement
plans in 2006.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
II-10
Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Southern Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of
capitalization of Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies (the Company) as of December 31, 2007
and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, common
stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 (pages II-46 to II-95) present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies at
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Notes 3 and 5 to the financial statements, in 2007 the Company changed its method
of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and its method of accounting for the impact of
changes in the timing of income tax cash flows generated by leveraged leases. As discussed in Note
2 to the financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of accounting for the funded
status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2007, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25,
2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
II-11
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
OVERVIEW
Business Activities
The primary business of Southern Company (the Company) is electricity sales in the Southeast
by the traditional operating companies Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi
Power and Southern Power. The four traditional operating companies are vertically integrated
utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. Southern Power constructs,
acquires, and manages generation assets and sells electricity at market-based rates in the
wholesale market.
Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Southern Companys electricity
business. These factors include the traditional operating companies ability to maintain a stable
regulatory environment, to achieve energy sales growth, and to effectively manage and secure timely
recovery of rising costs. Each of the traditional operating companies has various regulatory
mechanisms that operate to address cost recovery. Since 2005, the traditional operating companies
have completed a number of regulatory proceedings that provide for the timely recovery of costs.
Appropriately balancing required costs and capital expenditures with customer prices will continue
to challenge the Company for the foreseeable future.
Another major factor is the profitability of the competitive market-based wholesale generating
business and federal regulatory policy, which may impact Southern Companys level of participation
in this market. Southern Power continues to execute its regional strategy through a combination of
acquiring and constructing new power plants and by entering into power purchase agreements (PPAs)
with investor owned utilities, independent power producers, municipalities, and electric
cooperatives. The Company continues to face regulatory challenges related to transmission and
market power issues at the national level.
Southern Companys other business activities include leveraged lease projects, telecommunications,
energy-related services, and an investment in a synthetic fuel producing entity which claimed
federal income tax credits designed to offset its operating losses. The availability of synthetic
fuel tax credits and the Companys investment in these activities ended on December 31, 2007.
Management continues to evaluate the contribution of each of these remaining activities to total
shareholder return and may pursue acquisitions and dispositions accordingly.
Key Performance Indicators
In striving to maximize shareholder value while providing cost-effective energy to more than four
million customers, Southern Company continues to focus on several key indicators. These indicators
include customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and earnings per share
(EPS), excluding earnings from synthetic fuel investments. Southern Companys financial success is
directly tied to the satisfaction of its customers. Key elements of ensuring customer satisfaction
include outstanding service, high reliability, and competitive prices. Management uses customer
satisfaction surveys and reliability indicators to evaluate the Companys results.
Peak season equivalent forced outage rate (Peak Season EFOR) is an indicator of fossil/hydro plant
availability and efficient generation fleet operations during the months when generation needs are
greatest. The rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours of forced outages by total
generation hours. The fossil/hydro 2007 Peak Season EFOR of 1.60% was better than the target. The
nuclear generating fleet also uses Peak Season EFOR as an indicator of availability and efficient
generation fleet operations during the peak season. The nuclear 2007 Peak Season EFOR of 0.94% was
also better than target. Transmission and distribution system reliability performance is measured
by the frequency and duration of outages. Performance targets for reliability are set internally
based on historical performance, expected weather conditions, and expected capital expenditures.
The performance for 2007 was better than target for these reliability measures.
II-12
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Southern Companys synthetic fuel investments have generated tax credits as a result of synthetic
fuel production. Due to higher oil prices in 2006 and 2007, these tax credits were partially
phased out and one synthetic fuel investment was terminated in 2006. These tax credits were no
longer available after December 31, 2007. Southern Company management uses EPS, excluding earnings
from synthetic fuel investments, to evaluate the performance of Southern Companys ongoing business
activities. Southern Company believes the presentation of earnings and EPS excluding the results
of the synthetic fuel investments also is useful for investors because it provides investors with
additional information for purposes of comparing Southern Companys performance for such periods.
The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered a substitute for
financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Southern Companys 2007 results compared with its targets for some of these key indicators are
reflected in the following chart:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 Target |
|
2007 Actual |
Key Performance Indicator |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
|
|
Top quartile in |
|
|
Customer
Satisfaction |
|
customer surveys |
|
Top quartile |
Peak Season EFOR fossil/hydro |
|
2.75% or less |
|
|
1.60 |
% |
Peak Season EFOR nuclear |
|
2.00% or less |
|
|
0.94 |
% |
Basic EPS |
|
$ |
2.18 $2.25 |
|
|
$ |
2.29 |
|
EPS, excluding earnings from synthetic
fuel investments |
|
$ |
2.13 $2.18 |
|
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
See RESULTS OF OPERATIONS herein for additional information on the Companys financial performance.
The financial performance achieved in 2007 reflects the continued emphasis that management places
on these indicators as well as the commitment shown by employees in achieving or exceeding
managements expectations.
Earnings
Southern Companys net income was $1.73 billion in 2007, an increase of 10.2% from the prior year.
The higher earnings compared with the prior year were primarily the result of a warm summer and
state regulatory actions. These positive factors were offset in part by higher non-fuel operations
and maintenance expenses, higher interest expense, and higher asset depreciation primarily
associated with increased investment in environmental equipment at generating plants and
transmission and distribution related to maintaining reliability. Net income was $1.57 billion in
2006 and $1.59 billion in 2005, reflecting a 1.1% decrease and a 3.8% increase over the prior year,
respectively. Basic EPS was $2.29 in 2007, $2.12 in 2006, and $2.14 in 2005. Diluted EPS, which
factors in additional shares related to stock options, was $2.28 for 2007, $2.10 for 2006, and
$2.13 for 2005.
Dividends
Southern Company has paid dividends on its common stock since 1948. Dividends paid per share of
common stock were $1.595 in 2007, $1.535 in 2006, and $1.475 in 2005. In January 2008, Southern
Company declared a quarterly dividend of 40.25 cents per share. This is the 241st consecutive
quarter that Southern Company has paid a dividend equal to or higher than the previous quarter.
The Company targets a dividend payout ratio of approximately 70% of net income, excluding earnings
from synthetic fuel investments. For 2007, the actual payout ratio was 72%, excluding earnings
from synthetic fuel investments, and 69.5% overall.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Electricity Business
Southern Companys electric utilities generate and sell electricity to retail and wholesale
customers in the Southeast.
II-13
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
A condensed income statement for the electricity business follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Electric operating revenues |
|
$ |
15,140 |
|
|
$ |
1,052 |
|
|
$ |
810 |
|
|
$ |
1,813 |
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
5,844 |
|
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
655 |
|
|
|
1,089 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(188 |
) |
|
|
88 |
|
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
3,473 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
215 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
229 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
738 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
Total electric operating expenses |
|
|
11,785 |
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
603 |
|
|
|
1,673 |
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
3,355 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
140 |
|
Other income, net |
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
38 |
|
Interest expense and dividends |
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1,714 |
|
|
$ |
128 |
|
|
$ |
73 |
|
|
$ |
92 |
|
|
Electric Operating Revenues
Details of electric operating revenues were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Retail prior year |
|
$ |
11,800.6 |
|
|
$ |
11,164.9 |
|
|
$ |
9,732.1 |
|
Estimated change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rates and pricing |
|
|
161.3 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
309.0 |
|
Sales growth |
|
|
59.6 |
|
|
|
114.4 |
|
|
|
105.0 |
|
Weather |
|
|
54.0 |
|
|
|
34.9 |
|
|
|
33.8 |
|
Fuel and other cost recovery |
|
|
563.0 |
|
|
|
477.4 |
|
|
|
985.0 |
|
|
Retail current year |
|
|
12,638.5 |
|
|
|
11,800.6 |
|
|
|
11,164.9 |
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
1,988.3 |
|
|
|
1,821.7 |
|
|
|
1,667.0 |
|
Other electric operating revenues |
|
|
513.7 |
|
|
|
465.7 |
|
|
|
446.2 |
|
|
Electric operating revenues |
|
$ |
15,140.5 |
|
|
$ |
14,088.0 |
|
|
$ |
13,278.1 |
|
|
Percent change |
|
|
7.5 |
% |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
15.8 |
% |
|
Retail revenues increased $838 million, $636 million, and $1.4 billion in 2007, 2006, and 2005,
respectively. The significant factors driving these changes are shown in the preceding table. The
increase in rates and pricing in 2007 was primarily due to Alabama Powers increase under its Rate
Stabilization and Equalization Plan (Rate RSE), as ordered by the Alabama Public Service Commission
(PSC). See Note 3 to the financial statements under Alabama Power Retail Regulatory Matters for
additional information. Partially offsetting the 2007 increase was a decrease in contributions
from market-based rates to large commercial and industrial customers at Georgia Power. The 2006
increase in rates and pricing when compared to the prior year was not material. The increase in
rates and pricing in 2005 was primarily due to approval by the Georgia PSC of a retail base rate
increase at Georgia Power. See Energy Sales below for a discussion of changes in the volume of
energy sold, including changes related to sales growth and weather.
Electric rates for the traditional operating companies include provisions to adjust billings for
fluctuations in fuel costs, including the energy component of purchased power costs. Under these
provisions, fuel revenues generally
II-14
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
equal fuel expenses, including the fuel component of purchased power, and do not affect net income.
The traditional operating companies may also have one or more regulatory mechanisms to recover
other costs such as environmental, storm damage, new plants, and PPAs.
Wholesale revenues consist of PPAs with investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives,
short-term opportunity sales, and unit power sales contracts. Southern Companys average wholesale
contract extends more than 11 years and, as a result, the Company has significantly limited its
remarketing risk.
In 2007, wholesale revenues increased $166 million primarily as a result of a 9.5% increase in the
average cost of fuel per net kilowatt-hour (KWH) generated. Excluding fuel, wholesale revenues
were flat when compared to the prior year.
In 2006, wholesale revenues increased $155 million primarily as a result of a 10.5% increase in the
average cost of fuel per net KWH generated, as well as revenues resulting from new PPAs in 2006.
In addition, Southern Company assumed four PPAs through the acquisitions of Plants DeSoto and Rowan
in June and September 2006, respectively. The 2006 increase was partially offset by a decrease in
short-term opportunity sales.
In 2005, wholesale revenues increased $326 million primarily due to a 26.5% increase in the average
cost of fuel per net KWH generated. In addition, Southern Company entered into new PPAs with 30
electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) and Flint EMC, both beginning in January 2005, and assumed
two PPAs in June 2005 in connection with the acquisition of Plant Oleander.
Short-term opportunity sales are made at market-based rates that generally provide a margin above
the Companys variable cost to produce the energy. Revenues associated with PPAs and opportunity
sales were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Other power sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity and other |
|
$ |
533 |
|
|
$ |
499 |
|
|
$ |
430 |
|
Energy |
|
|
989 |
|
|
|
841 |
|
|
|
799 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,522 |
|
|
$ |
1,340 |
|
|
$ |
1,229 |
|
|
Capacity revenues under unit power sales contracts, principally sales to Florida utilities, reflect
the recovery of fixed costs and a return on investment. Unit power KWH sales decreased 0.8% in
2007 and increased 0.2% and 1.7% in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Fluctuations in oil and natural
gas prices, which are the primary fuel sources for unit power sales customers, influence changes in
these sales. However, because the energy is generally sold at variable cost, these fluctuations
have a minimal effect on earnings. The capacity and energy components of the unit power sales
contracts were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Unit power sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity |
|
$ |
202 |
|
|
$ |
208 |
|
|
$ |
201 |
|
Energy |
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
237 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
466 |
|
|
$ |
482 |
|
|
$ |
438 |
|
|
Energy Sales
Changes in revenues are influenced heavily by the change in the volume of energy sold from year to
year. KWH sales for 2007 and the percent change by year were as follows:
II-15
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KWHs |
|
Percent Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in billions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
53.3 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
2.8 |
% |
Commercial |
|
|
54.7 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
54.7 |
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(2.2 |
) |
Other |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
(7.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
Total retail |
|
|
163.6 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
40.8 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
Total energy sales |
|
|
204.4 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
Retail energy sales in 2007 increased 2.3 billion KWHs as a result of 1.3% customer growth and
favorable weather in 2007 when compared to 2006. The 2007 decrease in industrial sales primarily
resulted from reduced demand and closures within the textile industry, as well as decreased demand
in the primary metals sector and the stone, clay, and glass sector. Retail energy sales in 2006
increased 2.3 billion KWHs as a result of customer growth of 1.7%, sustained economic growth
primarily in the residential and commercial customer classes, and favorable weather in 2006 when
compared to 2005. Retail energy sales in 2005 increased 1.9 billion KWHs as a result of sustained
economic growth and customer growth of 1.2%. Hurricane Katrina dampened customer growth from
previous years and was the primary contributor to the decrease in industrial sales in 2005. In
addition, in 2005, some Georgia Power industrial customers were reclassified from industrial to
commercial to be consistent with the rate structure approved by the Georgia PSC resulting in higher
commercial sales and lower industrial sales in 2005 when compared with 2004.
Wholesale energy sales increased by 2.3 billion KWHs, 1.4 billion KWHs, and 2.5 billion KWHs in
2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The increase in wholesale energy sales in 2007 was primarily
related to new PPAs acquired by Southern Company through the acquisition of Plant Rowan in
September 2006, as well as new contracts with EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation that
commenced in September 2006 and January 2007. An increase in KWH sales under existing PPAs also
contributed to the 2007 increase. The increases in wholesale energy sales in 2006 and 2005 were
related primarily to the new PPAs discussed previously under Electric Operating Revenues.
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
Fuel costs constitute the single largest expense for the electric utilities. The mix of fuel
sources for generation of electricity is determined primarily by demand, the unit cost of fuel
consumed, and the availability of generating units. Additionally, the electric utilities purchase
a portion of their electricity needs from the wholesale market. Details of Southern Companys
electricity generated and purchased were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Total generation (billions of KWHs) |
|
|
206 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
Total purchased power (billions of KWHs) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
Sources of generation (percent) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Gas |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
Hydro |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
2.61 |
|
|
|
2.40 |
|
|
|
1.93 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
Gas |
|
|
6.64 |
|
|
|
6.63 |
|
|
|
8.52 |
|
|
Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
2.89 |
|
|
|
2.64 |
|
|
|
2.39 |
|
Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
6.82 |
|
|
|
8.04 |
|
|
II-16
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In 2007, fuel and purchased power expenses were $6.4 billion, an increase of $673 million or 11.8%
above 2006 costs. This increase was primarily the result of a $543 million net increase in the
average cost of fuel and purchased power partially resulting from a 51.4% decrease in hydro
generation as a result of a severe drought. Also contributing to this increase was a $130 million
increase related to an increase in net KWHs generated and purchased.
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $5.7 billion in 2006, an increase of $467 million or 8.9%
above the prior year costs. This increase was primarily the result of a $367 million net increase
in the average cost of fuel and purchased power and a $100 million increase related to an increase
in net KWHs generated and purchased.
In 2005, fuel and purchased power expenses were $5.2 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion or 29.1%
above 2004 costs. This increase was the result of a $1.3 billion net increase in the average cost
of fuel and purchased power, partially offset by $67 million related to a decrease in net KWHs
generated and purchased.
While there has been a significant upward trend in the cost of coal and natural gas since 2003,
prices moderated somewhat in 2006 and 2007. Coal prices have been influenced by a worldwide
increase in demand from developing countries, as well as increases in mining and fuel
transportation costs. While demand for natural gas in the United States continued to increase in
2007, natural gas supplies have also risen due to increased production and higher storage levels.
During 2007, uranium prices were volatile and increased over the course of the year due to
increasing long-term demand with primary production levels at approximately 55% to 60% of demand.
Secondary supplies and inventories were sufficient to fill the primary production shortfall.
Fuel expenses generally do not affect net income, since they are offset by fuel revenues under the
traditional operating companies fuel cost recovery provisions. Likewise, Southern Powers PPAs
generally provide that the purchasers are responsible for substantially all of the cost of fuel.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
Other operations and maintenance expenses were $3.5 billion, $3.3 billion, and $3.2 billion,
increasing $183 million, $70 million, and $215 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Discussion of significant variances for components of other operations and maintenance expenses
follows.
Other production expenses at fossil, hydro, and nuclear plants increased $128 million, $3 million,
and $58 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Production expenses fluctuate from year to
year due to variations in outage schedules and normal increases in costs. Other production
expenses increased in 2007 primarily due to a $40 million increase related to expenses incurred for
maintenance outages at generating units and a $29 million increase related to new facilities,
mainly costs associated with the write-off of Southern Powers integrated coal gasification
combined cycle (IGCC) project and the acquisitions of Plants DeSoto and Rowan by Southern Power in
June and September 2006, respectively. A $25 million increase related to labor and materials
expenses and a $22 million increase in nuclear refueling costs also contributed to the 2007
increase. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Construction Projects Integrated Coal Gasification
Combined Cycle herein for additional information regarding the write-off of Southern Powers IGCC
project and Note 1 to the financial statements under Property, Plant, and Equipment for
additional information regarding the amortization of nuclear refueling costs. The 2006 increase in
other production expenses when compared to the prior year was not material. Other production
expenses increased in 2005 due to a $50 million increase related primarily to expenses incurred for
maintenance outages at generating units.
Administrative and general expenses increased $28 million, $29 million, and $73 million in 2007,
2006, and 2005, respectively. Administrative and general expenses increased in 2007 primarily as a
result of a $16 million increase in legal costs and expenses associated with an increase in
employees. Also contributing to the 2007 increase was a
II-17
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
$14 million increase in accrued expenses for the litigation and workers compensation reserve,
partially offset by an $8 million decrease in property damage expense. Administrative and general
expenses increased in 2006 primarily as a result of a $17 million increase in salaries and wages
and a $24 million increase in pension expense, partially offset by a $16 million reduction in
medical expenses. Administrative and general expenses increased in 2005 primarily related to a $33
million increase in employee benefits; a $22 million increase in Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance
costs, legal costs, and other corporate expenses; and a $9 million increase in property damage
expense.
Transmission and distribution expenses increased $21 million, $30 million, and $60 million in 2007,
2006, and 2005, respectively. Transmission and distribution expenses fluctuate from year to year
due to variations in maintenance schedules and normal increases in costs. Transmission and
distribution expenses increased in 2007 primarily as a result of increases in labor and materials
costs and maintenance associated with additional investment to meet customer growth. Transmission
and distribution expenses increased in 2006 primarily due to expenses associated with recovery of
prior year storm costs through natural disaster recovery clauses and maintenance associated with
additional investment in distribution to meet customer growth. Transmission and distribution
expenses increased in 2005 primarily as a result of $48 million of expenses recorded by Alabama
Power in accordance with an accounting order approved by the Alabama PSC primarily to offset the
costs of Hurricane Ivan and restore the natural disaster reserve. In accordance with the
accounting order, Alabama Power also returned certain regulatory liabilities related to deferred
income taxes to its retail customers; therefore, the combined effect of the accounting order had no
impact on net income. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Storm Damage Cost Recovery
for additional information.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $51 million in 2007 primarily as a result of additional
investments in environmental equipment at generating plants and transmission and distribution
projects mainly at Alabama Power and Georgia Power and an increase in the amortization expense of a
regulatory liability recorded in 2003 in connection with the Mississippi PSCs accounting order on
Plant Daniel capacity. Partially offsetting the 2007 increase was a reduction in amortization
expense due to a Georgia Power regulatory liability related to the levelization of certain
purchased power capacity costs as ordered by the Georgia PSC under the terms of the retail rate
order effective January 1, 2005. See Note 1 to the financial statements under Depreciation and
Amortization for additional information.
Depreciation and amortization increased $27 million in 2006 primarily as a result of the
acquisitions of Plants DeSoto, Rowan, and Oleander in June 2006, September 2006, and June 2005,
respectively, and an increase in the amortization expense of the Mississippi Power regulatory
liability related to Plant Daniel capacity. An increase in depreciation rates at Southern Power
associated with adoption of a new depreciation study also contributed to the 2006 increase.
Partially offsetting the 2006 increase was a reduction in the amortization expense of a Georgia
Power regulatory liability related to the levelization of certain purchased power capacity costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased $229 million in 2005 primarily as a result of additional
plant in service and from the expiration in 2004 of certain provisions related to the amortization
of regulatory liabilities associated with purchased power capacity costs in Georgia Powers retail
rate plan for the three years ended December 31, 2004.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
Taxes other than income taxes increased $23 million in 2007 primarily as a result of increases in
franchise and municipal gross receipts taxes associated with increases in revenues from energy
sales, partially offset by a decrease in property taxes resulting from the resolution of a dispute
with Monroe County, Georgia. Taxes other than income taxes increased $39 million in 2006 primarily
as a result of increases in franchise and municipal gross receipts taxes associated with increases
in revenues from energy sales, as well as increases in property taxes associated with
II-18
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
additional plant in service. Taxes other than income taxes increased $52 million in 2005 primarily
as a result of increases in franchise and municipal gross receipts taxes associated with increases
in revenues from energy sales.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net increased $68 million in 2007 primarily as a result of a $56 million increase in
allowance for equity funds used during construction related to additional investments in
environmental equipment at generating plants and transmission and distribution projects mainly at
Alabama Power and Georgia Power. The 2006 decrease in other income, net when compared to the prior
year was not material. Other income, net increased $38 million in 2005 primarily as a result of a
$19 million reduction largely related to the disallowance of certain Plant McIntosh costs by the
Georgia PSC in 2004, a $10 million increase related primarily to changes in the value of derivative
transactions, and a $6 million increase in interest income.
Interest Expense and Dividends
Total interest charges and other financing costs increased by $61 million in 2007 primarily as a
result of a $72 million increase associated with $1.2 billion in additional debt and preference
stock outstanding at December 31, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006 and higher interest rates
associated with the issuance of new long-term debt. Also contributing to the 2007 increase was $7
million related to higher average interest rates on existing variable rate debt and $19 million in
other interest costs. These increases were partially offset by $38 million more capitalized
interest as compared to 2006.
Total interest charges and other financing costs increased by $75 million in 2006 primarily due to
a $78 million increase associated with $708 million in additional debt outstanding at December 31,
2006 compared to December 31, 2005 and higher interest rates associated with the issuance of new
long-term debt. Also contributing to the 2006 increase was $7 million associated with higher
average interest rates on existing variable rate debt, partially offset by $6 million more
capitalized interest associated with construction projects and $3 million in lower other interest
costs.
Total interest charges and other financing costs increased by $62 million in 2005 associated with
an additional $863 million in debt outstanding at December 31, 2005 as compared to December 31,
2004 and an increase in average interest rates on variable rate debt. Variable rates on pollution
control bonds are highly correlated with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
Municipal Swap Index, which averaged 2.5% in 2005 and 1.2% in 2004. Variable rates on commercial
paper and senior notes are highly correlated with the one-month London Interbank Offer Rate, which
averaged 3.4% in 2005 and 1.5% in 2004. An additional $17 million increase in 2005 was the result
of a lower percentage of interest costs capitalized as construction projects reached completion.
Income Taxes
Income taxes were relatively flat in 2007 as higher pre-tax earnings were largely offset due to a
deduction for a Georgia Power land donation, the tax benefit associated with an increase in
allowance for equity funds used during construction, and an increase in the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code), Section 199 production activities deduction. See Note
5 to the financial statements under Effective Tax Rate for additional information.
Income taxes increased $50 million in 2006 primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings and the impact
of the accounting order approved by the Alabama PSC discussed previously under Other Operations
and Maintenance Expenses. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Storm Damage Cost
Recovery for additional information.
II-19
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Income taxes increased $24 million in 2005 primarily as a result of higher pre-tax earnings,
partially offset by the impact of the accounting order approved by the Alabama PSC discussed above.
Other Business Activities
Southern Companys other business activities include the parent company (which does not allocate
operating expenses to business units), investments in leveraged lease and synthetic fuel projects,
telecommunications, and energy-related services. These businesses are classified in general
categories and may comprise one or more of the following subsidiaries: Southern Company Holdings
invests in various energy-related projects, including leveraged lease and synthetic fuel projects
that receive tax benefits, which contribute significantly to the economic results of these
investments; SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital wireless communications to the traditional
operating companies and also markets these services to the public and provides fiber cable services
within the Southeast. Southern Companys investment in the synthetic fuel projects ended at
December 31, 2007. A condensed income statement for Southern Companys other business activities
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
213 |
|
|
$ |
(55 |
) |
|
$ |
(8 |
) |
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
12 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
) |
|
|
11 |
|
|
Operating income/(loss) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Equity in losses of
unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
Leveraged lease income |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
Other income, net |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
Net income/(loss) |
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
$ |
(91 |
) |
|
$ |
(33 |
) |
|
Operating Revenues
Southern Companys non-electric operating revenues from these other businesses decreased $55
million in 2007 primarily as a result of a $13 million decrease in revenues at SouthernLINC
Wireless related to lower average revenue per subscriber and fewer subscribers due to increased
competition in the industry. Also contributing to the 2007 decrease was a $14 million decrease in
fuel procurement service revenues following a contract termination and an $11 million decrease in
revenues from Southern Companys energy-related services business. The $8 million decrease in 2006
primarily resulted from a $21 million decrease in revenues at SouthernLINC Wireless related to
lower average revenue per subscriber and lower equipment and accessory sales. The 2006 decrease
was partially offset by a $12 million increase in fuel procurement service revenues. Higher
production and increased fees in the synthetic fuel business contributed to the $12 million
increase in 2005.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
Other operations and maintenance expenses for these other businesses decreased $29 million in 2007
primarily as a result of $11 million of lower production expenses related to the termination of
Southern Companys membership interest in one of the synthetic fuel entities and $8 million
attributed to the wind-down of one of the Companys
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
energy-related services businesses. Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $59
million in 2006 primarily as a result of $32 million of lower production expenses related to the
termination of Southern Companys membership interest in one of the synthetic fuel entities, $13
million attributed to the wind-down of one of the Companys energy-related services businesses, and
$7 million of lower expenses resulting from the March 2006 sale of a subsidiary that provided rail
car maintenance services. Other operations and maintenance expenses increased by $12 million in
2005 primarily as a result of $9 million of higher losses for property damage, $2 million in higher
network costs at SouthernLINC Wireless, and an $11 million increase in shared service expenses,
partially offset by the $12.5 million bad debt reserve in 2004 related to additional federal income
taxes and interest Southern Company paid on behalf of Mirant Corporation (Mirant). See FUTURE
EARNINGS POTENTIAL Mirant Matters herein and Note 3 to the financial statements under Mirant
Matters Mirant Bankruptcy for additional information.
Equity in Losses of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
Southern Company made investments in two synthetic fuel production facilities that generated
operating losses. These investments allowed Southern Company to claim federal income tax credits
that offset these operating losses and made the projects profitable. The 2007 decrease in equity
in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries was the result of terminating Southern Companys
membership interest in one of the synthetic fuel entities which reduced the amount of the Companys
share of the losses and, therefore, the funding obligation for the year. Also contributing to the
2007 decrease were adjustments related the phase-out of the related federal income tax credits,
partially offset by higher operating expenses due to idled production in 2006 and decreased
production in 2007 in anticipation of exiting the business. The 2006 decrease in equity in losses
of unconsolidated subsidiaries was the result of terminating Southern Companys membership interest
in one of the synthetic fuel entities which reduced the amount of the Companys share of the losses
and, therefore, the funding obligation for the year. The 2006 decrease also resulted from lower
operating expenses while the production facilities at the other synthetic fuel entity were idled
from May to September 2006 due to higher oil prices. The increase in equity in losses of
unconsolidated subsidiaries in 2005 resulted from additional production expenses at the synthetic
fuel production facilities. The net synthetic fuel tax credits resulting from these investments
totaled $36 million in 2007, $65 million in 2006, and $177 million in 2005.
Leveraged Lease Income
Southern Company has several leveraged lease agreements which relate to international and domestic
energy generation, distribution, and transportation assets. Southern Company receives federal
income tax deductions for depreciation and amortization, as well as interest on long-term debt
related to these investments. Leveraged lease income decreased $29 million in 2007 as a result of
the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position No. FAS 13-2,
Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating to Income Taxes
Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction (FSP 13-2), as well as an expected decline in leveraged
lease income over the terms of the leases. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Income Tax Matters
Leveraged Lease Transactions herein for further information. The 2006 and 2005 changes in
leveraged lease income when compared to the prior year were not material.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net for these other businesses increased $73 million in 2007 primarily as a result of
a $60 million increase related to changes in the value of derivative transactions in the synthetic
fuel business and a $16 million increase related to the 2006 impairment of investments in the
synthetic fuel entities, partially offset by the release of $6 million in certain contractual
obligations associated with these investments in 2006. The $19 million decrease in other income,
net in 2006 as compared with 2005 primarily resulted from a $25 million decrease related to changes
in the value of derivative transactions in the synthetic fuel business and the previously mentioned
impairment and
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
release of contractual obligations. The 2005 decrease in other income, net when compared to the
prior year was not material.
Interest Expense
Total interest charges and other financing costs for these other businesses decreased by $27
million in 2007 primarily as a result of $16 million of losses on debt that was reacquired in 2006.
Also contributing to the 2007 decrease was $97 million less debt outstanding at December 31, 2007
compared to December 31, 2006, lower interest rates associated with the issuance of new long-term
debt, and a $4 million decrease in other interest costs. Total interest charges and other
financing costs increased by $48 million in 2006 primarily due to a $19 million increase associated
with $149 million in additional debt outstanding at December 31, 2006 as compared to December 31,
2005 and higher interest rates associated with the issuance of new long-term debt. Also
contributing to the increase were $12 million associated with higher average interest rates on
existing variable rate debt, a $6 million loss on the early redemption of long-term debt payable to
affiliated trusts in January 2006, and a $16 million loss on the repayment of long-term debt
payable to affiliated trusts in December 2006. The 2006 increase was partially offset by $4
million in lower other interest costs. Interest expense increased by $18 million in 2005
associated with an additional $283 million in debt outstanding and a 164 basis point increase in
average interest rates on variable rate debt.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for these other businesses increased $53 million in 2007 primarily as a result of a
$30 million decrease in net synthetic fuel tax credits as a result of terminating Southern
Companys membership interest in one of the synthetic fuel entities in 2006 and increasing the
synthetic fuel tax credit reserves due to an anticipated phase-out of synthetic fuel tax credits
due to higher oil prices. The $136 million increase in income taxes in 2006 as compared with 2005
primarily resulted from a $111 million decrease in net synthetic fuel tax credits as a result of
terminating Southern Companys membership interest in one of the synthetic fuel entities,
curtailing production at the other synthetic fuel entity from May to September 2006, and increasing
the synthetic fuel tax credit reserves due to an anticipated phase-out of synthetic fuel tax
credits due to higher oil prices. See Note 5 to the financial statements under Effective Tax
Rate for further information. The 2005 decrease in income taxes when compared to the prior year
was not material.
Effects of Inflation
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power are subject to rate regulation and party to
long-term contracts that are generally based on the recovery of historical costs. When historical
costs are included, or when inflation exceeds projected costs used in rate regulation or in
market-based prices, the effects of inflation can create an economic loss since the recovery of
costs could be in dollars that have less purchasing power. In addition, the income tax laws are
based on historical costs. While the inflation rate has been relatively low in recent years, it
continues to have an adverse effect on Southern Company because of the large investment in utility
plant with long economic lives. Conventional accounting for historical cost does not recognize
this economic loss nor the partially offsetting gain that arises through financing facilities with
fixed-money obligations such as long-term debt, preferred securities, preferred stock, and
preference stock. Any recognition of inflation by regulatory authorities is reflected in the rate
of return allowed in the traditional operating companies approved electric rates.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
General
The four traditional operating companies operate as vertically integrated utilities providing
electricity to customers within their service areas in the southeastern United States. Prices for
electricity provided to retail customers are set by state PSCs under cost-based regulatory
principles. Prices for wholesale electricity sales, interconnecting transmission lines, and the
exchange of electric power are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Retail rates and earnings are reviewed and may be adjusted periodically within certain limitations.
Southern Power continues to focus on long-term capacity contracts, optimized by limited energy
trading activities. See ACCOUNTING POLICIES Application of Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates Electric Utility Regulation herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for
additional information about regulatory matters.
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily indicative of future
earnings potential. The level of Southern Companys future earnings depends on numerous factors
that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Southern Companys primary business of
selling electricity. These factors include the traditional operating companies ability to
maintain a stable regulatory environment that continues to allow for the recovery of all prudently
incurred costs during a time of increasing costs. Other major factors include the profitability of
the competitive wholesale supply business and federal regulatory policy (including the FERCs
market-based rate proceeding), which may impact Southern Companys level of participation in this
market. Future earnings for the electricity business in the near term will depend, in part, upon
growth in energy sales, which is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather,
competition, new energy contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by
customers, the price of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic
growth in the service area. In addition, the level of future earnings for the wholesale supply
business also depends on numerous factors including creditworthiness of customers, total generating
capacity available in the Southeast, and the successful remarketing of capacity as current
contracts expire.
Southern Company system generating capacity increased 163 megawatts due to Southern Powers
completion of Plant Oleander Unit 5 in December 2007. In general, Southern Company has constructed
or acquired new generating capacity only after entering into long-term capacity contracts for the
new facilities or to meet requirements of Southern Companys regulated retail markets, both of
which are optimized by limited energy trading activities.
To adapt to a less regulated, more competitive environment, Southern Company continues to evaluate
and consider a wide array of potential business strategies. These strategies may include business
combinations, acquisitions involving other utility or non-utility businesses or properties,
disposition of certain assets, internal restructuring, or some combination thereof. Furthermore,
Southern Company may engage in new business ventures that arise from competitive and regulatory
changes in the utility industry. Pursuit of any of the above strategies, or any combination
thereof, may significantly affect the business operations, risks, and financial condition of
Southern Company.
Environmental Matters
Compliance costs related to the Clean Air Act and other environmental statutes and regulations
could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely
basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may exceed amounts estimated.
Some of the factors driving the potential for such an increase are higher commodity costs, market
demand for labor, and scope additions and clarifications. The timing, specific requirements, and
estimated costs could also change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or
modified. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Environmental Matters for additional
information.
II-23
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought a civil action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries,
including Alabama Power and Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New
Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired
generating facilities. Through subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a
separate action in January 2001 against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama after Alabama Power was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits,
the EPA alleged that NSR violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by
Alabama Power and Georgia Power. The civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief,
including an order requiring the installation of the best available control technology at the
affected units. The action against Georgia Power has been administratively closed since the
spring of 2001, and the case has not been reopened.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to all of the remaining plants:
Plants Barry, Gaston, Gorgas, and Greene County.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case. The final outcome of these matters cannot be determined
at this time.
Southern Company believes that the traditional operating companies complied with applicable laws
and the EPA regulations and interpretations in effect at the time the work in question took place.
The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation
at each generating unit, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in
either of these cases could require substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of
currently budgeted capital expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly
require payment of substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of
operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated
rates.
The EPA has issued a series of proposed and final revisions to its NSR regulations under the Clean
Air Act, many of which have been subject to legal challenges by environmental groups and states.
In June 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld, in part, the
EPAs revisions to NSR regulations that were issued in December 2002 but vacated portions of those
revisions addressing the exclusion of certain pollution control projects. These regulatory
revisions have been adopted by each of the states within Southern Companys service territory. In
March 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit also vacated an EPA rule
which sought to clarify the scope of the existing routine maintenance, repair, and replacement
exclusion. The EPA has also published proposed rules clarifying the test for determining when an
emissions increase subject to the NSR permitting requirements has occurred. The impact of these
proposed rules will depend on adoption of the final rules by the EPA and the individual state
implementation of such rules, as well as the outcome of any additional legal challenges, and,
therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
II-24
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005, and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Statutes and Regulations
General
Southern Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal
environmental agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media,
including air, water, and land resources. Applicable statutes include the Clean Air Act; the Clean
Water Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act; and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with these environmental
requirements involves significant capital and operating costs, a major portion of which is expected
to be recovered through existing ratemaking provisions. Through 2007, Southern Company had
invested approximately $4.7 billion in capital projects to comply with these requirements, with
annual totals of $1.5 billion, $661 million, and $423 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005,
respectively. The Company expects that capital expenditures to assure compliance with existing and
new statutes and regulations will be an additional $1.8 billion, $1.5 billion, and $0.6 billion for
2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. The Companys compliance strategy is impacted by changes to
existing environmental laws, statutes, and regulations, the cost, availability, and existing
inventory of emission allowances, and the Companys fuel mix. Environmental costs that are known
and estimable at this time are included in capital expenditures discussed under FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND LIQUIDITY Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations herein.
Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global
climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly
affect Southern Company. New environmental legislation or regulations, or changes to existing
statutes or regulations, could affect many areas of Southern Companys operations; however, the
full impact of any such changes cannot be determined at this time.
Air Quality
Compliance with the Clean Air Act and resulting regulations has been and will continue to be a
significant focus for Southern Company. Through 2007, the Company had spent approximately $3.8
billion in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
and in monitoring emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Additional controls have been announced
and are currently being installed at several plants to further reduce SO2,
NOx, and mercury emissions, maintain compliance with existing regulations, and meet new
requirements.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In 2004, the EPA designated nonattainment areas under an eight-hour ozone standard. Areas within
Southern Companys service area that were designated as nonattainment under the eight-hour ozone
standard included Macon (Georgia), Jefferson and Shelby Counties, near and including Birmingham
(Alabama), and a 20-county area within metropolitan Atlanta. The Macon area was redesignated by
the EPA as an attainment area on September 19, 2007. The Birmingham area was redesignated to
attainment by the EPA in June 2006, and the EPA subsequently approved a maintenance plan for the
area to address future exceedances of the standard. In December 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated the first set of implementation rules adopted in 2004
and remanded the rules to the EPA for further refinement. On June 20, 2007, the EPA proposed
additional revisions to the current eight-hour ozone standard which, if enacted, could result in
designation of new nonattainment areas within Southern Companys service territory. The EPA has
requested comment and is expected to publish final revisions to the standard in 2008. The impact
of this decision, if any, cannot be determined at this time and will depend on subsequent legal
action and/or future nonattainment designations and state regulatory plans.
During 2005, the EPAs fine particulate matter nonattainment designations became effective for
several areas within Southern Companys service area in Alabama and Georgia. State plans for
addressing the nonattainment designations under the existing standard are required by April 2008
and could require further reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from power
plants. In September 2006, the EPA published a final rule which increased the stringency of the
24-hour average fine particulate matter air quality standard. In December 2007, state agencies
recommended to the EPA that Jefferson County (Birmingham) and Etowah County (Gadsden) in Alabama
and an area encompassing all or parts of 22 counties within metropolitan Atlanta in Georgia be
designated as nonattainment for this standard. The EPA plans to designate nonattainment areas
based on the new standard by December 2009. The ultimate outcome of this matter depends on the
development and submittal of the required state plans and resolution of pending legal challenges
and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
The EPA issued the final Clean Air Interstate Rule in March 2005. This cap-and-trade rule
addresses power plant SO2 and NOx emissions that were found to contribute to
nonattainment of the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter standards in downwind states.
Twenty-eight eastern states, including each of the states within Southern Companys service area,
are subject to the requirements of the rule. The rule calls for additional reductions of
NOx and/or SO2 to be achieved in two phases, 2009/2010 and 2015. States in
the Southern Company service territory have completed plans to implement this program. These
reductions will be accomplished by the installation of additional emission controls at Southern
Companys coal-fired facilities and/or by the purchase of emission allowances from a cap-and-trade
program.
The Clean Air Visibility Rule (formerly called the Regional Haze Rule) was finalized in July 2005.
The goal of this rule is to restore natural visibility conditions in certain areas (primarily
national parks and wilderness areas) by 2064. The rule involves (1) the application of Best
Available Retrofit Technology (BART) to certain sources built between 1962 and 1977 and (2) the
application of any additional emissions reductions which may be deemed necessary for each
designated area to achieve reasonable progress by 2018 toward the natural conditions goal.
Thereafter, for each 10-year planning period, additional emissions reductions will be required to
continue to demonstrate reasonable progress in each area during that period. For power plants, the
Clean Air Visibility Rule allows states to determine that the Clean Air Interstate Rule satisfies
BART requirements for SO2 and NOx. Extensive studies were performed for each
of the Companys affected units to demonstrate that additional particulate matter controls are not
necessary under BART. At the request of the State of Georgia, additional analyses were performed
for certain units in Georgia to demonstrate that no additional SO2 controls were
required. Additional analyses will be required for one of the Companys plants in Florida. States
are currently completing implementation plans that contain strategies for BART and any other
measures required to achieve the first phase of reasonable progress.
The impacts of the eight-hour ozone and the fine particulate matter nonattainment designations and
the Clean Air Visibility Rule on the Company will depend on the development and implementation of
rules at the state level. For
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
example, while it has implemented the Clean Air Interstate Rule, in June 2007 the State of Georgia
approved a multi-pollutant rule that will require plant-specific emission controls on all but the
smallest generating units in Georgia according to a schedule set forth in the rule. The rule is
designed to ensure reductions in emissions of SO2, NOx, and mercury in
Georgia. Therefore, the full effects of these regulations on the Company cannot be determined at
this time. The Company has developed and continually updates a comprehensive environmental
compliance strategy to comply with the continuing and new environmental requirements discussed
above. As part of this strategy, the Company plans to install additional SO2 and
NOx emission controls within the next several years to assure continued compliance with
applicable air quality requirements.
In March 2005, the EPA published the final Clean Air Mercury Rule, a cap-and-trade program for the
reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule sets caps on mercury
emissions to be implemented in two phases, 2010 and 2018, and provides for an emission allowance
trading market. The final Clean Air Mercury Rule was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit. The petitioners alleged that the EPA was not authorized to
establish a cap-and-trade program for mercury emissions and instead the EPA must establish maximum
achievable control technology standards for coal-fired electric utility steam generating units. On
February 8, 2008, the court issued its ruling and vacated the Clean Air Mercury Rule. The
Companys overall environmental compliance strategy relies primarily on a combination of
SO2 and NOx controls to reduce mercury emissions. Any significant changes in the
strategy will depend on the outcome of any appeals and/or future federal and state rulemakings.
Future rulemakings could require emission reductions more stringent than required by the Clean Air
Mercury Rule.
Water Quality
In July 2004, the EPA published its final technology-based regulations under the Clean Water Act
for the purpose of reducing impingement and entrainment of fish, shellfish, and other forms of
aquatic life at existing power plant cooling water intake structures. The rules require baseline
biological information and, perhaps, installation of fish protection technology near some intake
structures at existing power plants. On January 25, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit overturned and remanded several provisions of the rule to the EPA for revisions. Among
other things, the court rejected the EPAs use of cost-benefit analysis and suggested some ways
to incorporate cost considerations. The full impact of these regulations will depend on subsequent
legal proceedings, further rulemaking by the EPA, the results of studies and analyses performed as
part of the rules implementation, and the actual requirements established by state regulatory
agencies and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
Southern Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling
and disposal of waste and release of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and
regulations, the traditional operating companies could incur substantial costs to clean up
properties. The traditional operating companies conduct studies to determine the extent of any
required cleanup and have recognized in their respective financial statements the costs to clean up
known sites. Amounts for cleanup and ongoing monitoring costs were not material for any year
presented. The traditional operating companies may be liable for some or all required cleanup
costs for additional sites that may require environmental remediation. See Note 3 to the financial
statements under Environmental Matters Environmental Remediation for additional information.
Global Climate Issues
Federal legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements related to greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. The ultimate outcome of these proposals cannot be
determined at this time; however, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional
II-27
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement and replacement decisions and results of
operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated
rates.
In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to
regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The EPA is currently developing its
response to this decision. Regulatory decisions that will follow from this response may have
implications for both new and existing stationary sources, such as power plants. The ultimate
outcome of these rulemaking activities cannot be determined at this time; however, as with the
current legislative proposals, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In addition, some states are considering or have undertaken actions to regulate and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. For example, on July 13, 2007, the Governor of the State of Florida
signed three executive orders addressing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the state,
including statewide emission reduction targets beginning in 2017. Included in the orders is a
directive to the Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection to develop rules adopting maximum
allowable emissions levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities, consistent with the
statewide emission reduction targets, and a request to the Florida PSC to initiate rulemaking
requiring utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from renewable sources. The
impact of these orders on Southern Company will depend on the development, adoption, and
implementation of any rules governing greenhouse gas emissions, and the ultimate outcome cannot be
determined at this time.
International climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change also continue. Current efforts focus on a potential successor to the Kyoto Protocol for
the post 2008 through 2012 timeframe. The outcome and impact of the international negotiations
cannot be determined at this time.
The Company continues to evaluate its future energy and emission profiles and is participating in
voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help develop and advance technology
to reduce emissions.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
Each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power has authorization from the FERC to
sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term opportunity sales, at market-based prices.
Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by any subsidiary of Southern
Company in Southern Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period
that ended in May 2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the traditional operating companies and Southern Power to charge
cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the Southern Company retail service territory,
which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates, and could also result in refunds of up to
$19.7
II-28
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
million, plus interest. Southern Company and its subsidiaries believe that there is no meritorious
basis for this proceeding and are vigorously defending themselves in this matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet in its retail service territory is operated under the Intercompany
Interchange Contract (IIC), as approved by the FERC. In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new
proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies,
Southern Power, and Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), as agent, under the terms of which the
power pool of Southern Company is operated, (2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated the
FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility companies that are transmission providers, and
(3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct defining Southern Power as a system company rather
than a marketing affiliate is just and reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern
Power, the FERC authorized Southern Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously
approved Southern Companys code of conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Generation Interconnection Agreements
In November 2004, generator company subsidiaries of Tenaska, Inc. (Tenaska), as counterparties to
three previously executed interconnection agreements with subsidiaries of Southern Company, filed
complaints at the FERC requesting that the FERC modify the agreements and that those Southern
Company subsidiaries refund a total of $19 million previously paid for interconnection facilities.
No other similar complaints are pending with the FERC.
On January 19, 2007, the FERC issued an order granting Tenaskas requested relief. Although the
FERCs order required the modification of Tenaskas interconnection agreements, under the
provisions of the order, Southern Company determined that no refund was payable to Tenaska.
Southern Company requested rehearing asserting that the FERC retroactively applied a new principle
to existing interconnection agreements. Tenaska requested rehearing of FERCs methodology for
determining the amount of refunds. The requested rehearings were denied, and Southern Company and
Tenaska have appealed the orders to the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. The final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
PSC Matters
Alabama Power
In October 2005, the Alabama PSC approved a revision to the Rate Stabilization and Equalization
Plan (Rate RSE) requested by Alabama Power. Effective January 2007, Rate RSE adjustments are based
on forward-looking
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
information for the applicable upcoming calendar year. Rate adjustments for any two-year period,
when averaged together, cannot exceed 4% per year and any annual adjustment is limited to 5%.
Rates remain unchanged when the retail return on common equity (ROE) is projected to be between 13%
and 14.5%. If Alabama Powers actual retail ROE is above the allowed equity return range, customer
refunds will be required; however, there is no provision for additional customer billings should
the actual retail ROE fall below the allowed equity return range. The Rate RSE increase for 2008
is 3.24%, or $147 million annually, and was effective in January 2008. Under the terms of Rate
RSE, the maximum increase for 2009 cannot exceed 4.76%. See Note 3 to the financial statements
under Alabama Power Retail Regulatory Matters for further information.
Georgia Power
In December 2007, the Georgia PSC approved the retail rate plan for the years 2008 through 2010
(2007 Retail Rate Plan). Under the 2007 Retail Rate Plan, Georgia Powers earnings will continue
to be evaluated against a retail ROE range of 10.25% to 12.25%. Two-thirds of any earnings above
12.25% will be applied to rate refunds with the remaining one-third applied to an environmental
compliance cost recovery (ECCR) tariff. Georgia Power has agreed that it will not file for a
general base rate increase during this period unless its projected retail ROE falls below 10.25%.
Retail base rates increased by approximately $99.7 million effective January 1, 2008 to provide for
cost recovery of transmission, distribution, generation, and other investments, as well as
increased operating costs. In addition, the ECCR tariff was implemented to allow for the recovery
of costs for required environmental projects mandated by state and federal regulations. The ECCR
tariff increased rates by approximately $222 million effective January 1, 2008. Georgia Power is
required to file a general rate case by July 1, 2010, in response to which the Georgia PSC would be
expected to determine whether the 2007 Retail Rate Plan should be continued, modified, or
discontinued. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Georgia Power Retail Regulatory
Matters for additional information.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The traditional operating companies each have established fuel cost recovery rates approved by
their respective state PSCs. Over the past several years, the traditional operating companies have
continued to experience higher than expected fuel costs for coal, natural gas, and uranium. The
traditional operating companies continuously monitor the under recovered fuel cost balance in light
of these higher fuel costs. Each of the traditional operating companies received approval in 2006
and/or 2007 to increase its fuel cost recovery factor to recover existing under recovered amounts
as well as projected future costs. At December 31, 2007, the amount of under recovered fuel costs
included in the balance sheets was $1.1 billion compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2006.
Fuel cost recovery revenues as recorded on the financial statements are adjusted for differences in
actual recoverable costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, changing the
billing factor has no significant effect on the Companys revenues or net income, but does impact
annual cash flow. Based on their respective state PSC orders, a portion of the under recovered
regulatory clause revenues for Alabama Power and Georgia Power was reclassified from current assets
to deferred charges and other assets in the balance sheets. See Note 1 to the financial statements
under Revenues and Note 3 to the financial statements under Alabama Power Retail Regulatory
Matters and Georgia Power Retail Regulatory Matters for additional information.
Storm Damage Cost Recovery
Each traditional operating company maintains a reserve to cover the cost of damages from major
storms to its transmission and distribution lines and generally the cost of uninsured damages to
its generation facilities and other property. In addition, each of the traditional operating
companies has been authorized by its state PSC to defer the portion of the major storm restoration
costs that exceeded the balance in its storm damage reserve account. As of December 31, 2007, the
under recovered balance in Southern Companys storm damage reserve accounts totaled
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
approximately $43 million, of which approximately $40 million and $3 million, respectively, are
included in the balance sheets herein under Other Current Assets and Other Regulatory Assets.
See Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements under Storm Damage Reserves and Storm Damage Cost
Recovery, respectively, for additional information on these reserves. The final outcome of these
matters cannot now be determined.
Mirant Matters
Mirant was an energy company with businesses that included independent power projects and energy
trading and risk management companies in the U.S. and selected other countries. It was a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company until its initial public offering in October 2000. In
April 2001, Southern Company completed a spin-off to its shareholders of its remaining ownership,
and Mirant became an independent corporate entity.
In July 2003, Mirant and certain of its affiliates filed for voluntary reorganization under Chapter
11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In January 2006, Mirants plan of reorganization became effective, and
Mirant emerged from bankruptcy. As part of the plan, Mirant transferred substantially all of its
assets and its restructured debt to a new corporation that adopted the name Mirant Corporation
(Reorganized Mirant). Southern Company has certain contingent liabilities associated with
guarantees of contractual commitments made by Mirants subsidiaries discussed in Note 7 to the
financial statements under Guarantees and with various lawsuits discussed in Note 3 to the
financial statements under Mirant Matters.
In December 2004, as a result of concluding an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit for the tax
years 2000 and 2001, Southern Company paid approximately $39 million in additional tax and interest
related to Mirant tax items and filed a claim in Mirants bankruptcy case for that amount. Through
December 2007, Southern Company received from the IRS approximately $36 million in refunds related
to Mirant. Southern Company believes it has a right to recoup the $39 million tax payment owed by
Mirant from such tax refunds. As a result, Southern Company intends to retain the tax refunds and
reduce its claim against Mirant for the payment of Mirant taxes by the amount of such refunds. MC
Asset Recovery, a special purpose subsidiary of Reorganized Mirant, has objected to and sought to
equitably subordinate the Southern Company tax claim in its fraudulent transfer litigation against
Southern Company. Southern Company has reserved the approximately $3 million amount remaining with
respect to its Mirant tax claim.
If Southern Company is ultimately required to make any additional payments either with respect to
the IRS audit or its contingent obligations under guarantees of Mirant subsidiaries, Mirants
indemnification obligation to Southern Company for these additional payments, if allowed, would
constitute unsecured claims against Mirant, entitled to stock in Reorganized Mirant. See Note 3 to
the financial statements under Mirant Matters Mirant Bankruptcy.
In June 2005, Mirant, as a debtor in possession, and The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors
of Mirant Corporation filed a complaint against Southern Company in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for
the Northern District of Texas, which was amended in July 2005, February 2006, May 2006, and March
2007. In January 2006, MC Asset Recovery was substituted as plaintiff. The fourth amended
complaint (the complaint) alleges that Southern Company caused Mirant to engage in certain
fraudulent transfers and to pay illegal dividends to Southern Company prior to the spin-off. The
complaint also seeks to recharacterize certain advances from Southern Company to Mirant for
investments in energy facilities from debt to equity. The complaint further alleges that Southern
Company is liable to Mirants creditors for the full amount of Mirants liability and that Southern
Company breached its fiduciary duties to Mirant and its creditors, caused Mirant to breach
fiduciary duties to its creditors, and aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by Mirants
directors and officers. The complaint also seeks recoveries under theories of restitution, unjust
enrichment, and alter ego. In addition, the complaint alleges a claim under the Federal Debt
Collection Procedure Act (FDCPA) to void certain transfers from Mirant to Southern Company. MC
Asset
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Recovery claims to have standing to assert violations of the FDCPA and to recover property on
behalf of the Mirant debtors estates. The complaint seeks monetary damages in excess of $2
billion plus interest, punitive damages, attorneys fees, and costs. Finally, the complaint
includes an objection to Southern Companys pending claims against Mirant in the Bankruptcy Court
(which relate to reimbursement under the separation agreements of payments such as income taxes,
interest, legal fees, and other guarantees described in Note 7 to the financial statements) and
seeks equitable subordination of Southern Companys claims to the claims of all other creditors.
Southern Company served an answer to the complaint in April 2007.
In February 2006, the Companys motion to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia was granted. In May 2006, Southern Company filed a motion for summary
judgment seeking entry of judgment against the plaintiff as to all counts in the complaint. In
December 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted in part and
denied in part the motion. As a result, certain breach of fiduciary duty claims alleged in earlier
versions of the complaint were barred; all other claims may proceed. Southern Company believes
there is no meritorious basis for the claims in the complaint and is vigorously defending itself in
this action. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Mirant Matters MC Asset Recovery
Litigation for additional information. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined
at this time.
Mirant Securities Litigation
In November 2002, Southern Company, certain former and current senior officers of Southern Company,
and 12 underwriters of Mirants initial public offering were added as defendants in a class action
lawsuit that several Mirant shareholders originally filed against Mirant and certain Mirant
officers in May 2002. Several other similar lawsuits filed subsequently were consolidated into
this litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The amended
complaint is based on allegations related to alleged improper energy trading and marketing
activities involving the California energy market, alleged false statements and omissions in
Mirants prospectus for its initial public offering and in subsequent public statements by Mirant,
and accounting-related issues previously disclosed by Mirant. The lawsuit purports to include
persons who acquired Mirant securities between September 26, 2000 and September 5, 2002.
In July 2003, the court dismissed all claims based on Mirants alleged improper energy trading and
marketing activities involving the California energy market. The other claims do not allege any
improper trading and marketing activity, accounting errors, or material misstatements or omissions
on the part of Southern Company but seek to impose liability on Southern Company based on
allegations that Southern Company was a control person as to Mirant prior to the spin-off date.
Southern Company filed an answer to the consolidated amended class action complaint in September
2003. Plaintiffs have also filed a motion for class certification.
During Mirants Chapter 11 proceeding, the securities litigation was stayed, with the exception of
limited discovery. Since Mirants plan of reorganization has become effective, the stay has been
lifted. In March 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration requesting that the court
vacate that portion of its July 2003 order dismissing the plaintiffs claims based upon Mirants
alleged improper energy trading and marketing activities involving the California energy market.
Southern Company and the other defendants have opposed the plaintiffs motion. On March 6, 2007,
the court granted plaintiffs motion for reconsideration, reinstated the California energy market
claims, and granted in part and denied in part defendants motion to compel certain class
certification discovery. On March 21, 2007, defendants filed renewed motions to dismiss the
California energy claims on grounds originally set forth in their 2003 motions to dismiss, but
which were not addressed by the court. On July 27, 2007, certain defendants, including Southern
Company, filed motions for reconsideration of the courts denial of a motion seeking dismissal of
certain federal securities laws claims based upon, among other things, certain alleged errors
included in financial statements issued by Mirant. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be
determined at this time.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
The plaintiffs have also stated that they intend to request that the court grant leave for them to
amend the complaint to add allegations based upon claims asserted against Southern Company in the
MC Asset Recovery litigation.
Under certain circumstances, Southern Company will be obligated under its Bylaws to indemnify the
four current and/or former Southern Company officers who served as directors of Mirant at the time
of its initial public offering through the date of the spin-off and who are also named as
defendants in this lawsuit. The final outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
Income Tax Matters
Leveraged Lease Transactions
Southern Company undergoes audits by the IRS for each of its tax years. The IRS has completed its
audits of Southern Companys consolidated federal income tax returns for all years prior to 2004.
The IRS challenged Southern Companys deductions related to three international lease transactions
(SILO or sale-in-lease-out transactions), in connection with its audits of Southern Companys 2000
through 2003 tax returns. In the third quarter 2006, Southern Company paid the full amount of the
disputed tax and the applicable interest on the SILO issue for tax years 2000 and 2001 and filed a
claim for refund which was denied by the IRS. The disputed tax amount was $79 million and the
related interest approximately $24 million for these tax years. This payment, and the subsequent
IRS disallowance of the refund claim, closed the issue with the IRS and Southern Company initiated
litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia for a complete refund of
tax and interest paid for the 2000 and 2001 tax years. The IRS also challenged the SILO deductions
for the tax years 2002 and 2003. The estimated amount of disputed tax and interest for these tax
years was approximately $83 million and $15 million, respectively. The tax and interest for these
tax years was paid to the IRS in the fourth quarter 2006. Southern Company has accounted for both
payments in 2006 as deposits. For tax years 2000 through 2007, Southern Company has claimed
approximately $330 million in tax benefits related to these SILO transactions challenged by the
IRS. These tax benefits relate to timing differences and do not impact total net income. Southern
Company believes these transactions are valid leases for U.S. tax purposes and the related
deductions are allowable. Southern Company is continuing to pursue resolution of these matters;
however, the ultimate outcome cannot now be determined. In addition, the U.S. Senate is currently
considering legislation that would disallow tax benefits after December 31, 2007 for SILO losses
and other international leveraged lease transactions (such as lease-in-lease-out transactions).
The ultimate impact on Southern Companys net income and cash flow will be dependent on the outcome
of the pending litigation and proposed legislation, but could be significant, and potentially
material.
FSP 13-2 amended FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases to require recalculation of the
rate of return and the allocation of income whenever the projected timing of the income tax cash
flows generated by a leveraged lease is revised. Southern Company adopted FSP 13-2 effective
January 1, 2007. The initial adoption required Southern Company to recognize a cumulative effect
through retained earnings. Any future changes in the underlying lease assumptions that will change
the projected or actual income tax cash flows will result in an additional recalculation of the net
investment in the leases and will be recorded currently in income. See ACCOUNTING POLICIES New
Accounting Standards Leveraged Lease Transactions herein and Note 3 to the financial statements
under Income Tax Matters herein for further details.
Bonus Depreciation
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act) into
law. The Stimulus Act includes a provision that allows 50% bonus depreciation for certain property
acquired in 2008 and placed in service in 2008 or, in certain limited cases, 2009. Southern
Company is currently assessing the financial implications of the Stimulus Act; however, the
ultimate impact cannot be determined at this time.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Georgia State Income Tax Credits
Georgia Powers 2005 through 2007 income tax filings for the State of Georgia include state income
tax credits for increased activity through Georgia ports. Georgia Power has also filed similar
claims for the years 2002 through 2004. The Georgia Department of Revenue has not responded to
these claims. On July 24, 2007, Georgia Power filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Fulton
County to recover the credits claimed for the years 2002 through 2004. If allowed, these claims
could have a significant, possibly material, positive effect on Southern Companys net income. If
Georgia Power is not successful, payment of the related state tax could have a significant,
possibly material, negative effect on Southern Companys cash flow. The ultimate outcome of this
matter cannot now be determined.
Internal Revenue Code Section 199 Domestic Production Deduction
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to U.S. production activities as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 199 (production
activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified production
activities net income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate
applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9%
rate applicable for all years after 2009. See Note 5 to the financial statements under Effective
Tax Rate for additional information.
Construction Projects
Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle
In December 2005, Southern Power and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) executed definitive
agreements for development of a 285-megawatt IGCC project in Orlando, Florida. The definitive
agreements provided that Southern Power would own at least 65% of the gasifier portion of the IGCC
project. OUC would own the remainder of the gasifier portion and 100% of the combined cycle
portion of the IGCC project. Southern Power signed cooperative agreements with the DOE that
provided up to $293.8 million in grant funding for the gasification portion of this project. The
IGCC project was expected to begin commercial operation in 2010. Due to continuing uncertainty
surrounding potential state regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions, Southern Power and
OUC mutually agreed to terminate the construction of the gasifier portion of the IGCC project in
November 2007. Southern Power will continue construction of the gas-fired combined cycle
generating facility under a fixed price, long-term contract for engineering, procurement, and
construction services. The Company recorded an after-tax loss of approximately $10.7 million in
the fourth quarter of 2007 related to the cancellation of the gasifier portion of the IGCC project.
In June 2006, Mississippi Power filed an application with the United States Department of Energy
(DOE) for certain tax credits available to projects using clean coal technologies under the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. The proposed project is an advanced coal gasification facility located in
Kemper County, Mississippi that would use locally mined lignite coal. The proposed 693-megawatt
plant is expected to require an approximate investment of $1.5 billion, excluding the mine costs,
and is expected to be completed in 2013. The DOE subsequently certified the project and in
November 2006 the IRS allocated Internal Revenue Code tax credits to Mississippi Power of $133
million. The utilization of these credits is dependent upon meeting the certification requirements
for the project under the Internal Revenue Code. The plant would use an air-blown IGCC technology
that generates power from low-rank coals and coals with high moisture or high ash content. These
coals, which include lignite, make up half the proven U.S. and worldwide coal reserves.
Mississippi Power is undertaking a feasibility assessment of the project which could take up to two
years. Approval by various regulatory agencies, including the Mississippi PSC, will also be
required if the project proceeds. The Mississippi PSC has authorized Mississippi Power to create a
regulatory asset for the approved retail portion of the costs associated with the generation
resource planning, evaluation, and screening
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
activities up to approximately $23.8 million ($16 million for the retail portion). The retail
portion of these costs will be charged to and remain as a regulatory asset until the Mississippi
PSC determines the prudence and ultimate recovery, which decision is expected in January 2009.
The final outcome of these matters cannot now be determined.
Nuclear
In August 2006, as part of a potential expansion of Plant Vogtle, Georgia Power and Southern
Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. (SNC) filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) for an early site permit (ESP) on behalf of the owners of Plant Vogtle. In addition, Georgia
Power and SNC notified the NRC of their intent to apply for a combined construction and operating
license (COL) in 2008. Ownership agreements have been signed with each of the existing Plant
Vogtle co-owners. See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional information on these
co-owners. In June 2006, the Georgia PSC approved an accounting order that would allow Georgia
Power to defer for future recovery the ESP and COL costs, of which Georgia Powers portion is
estimated to total approximately $51 million. At December 31, 2007, approximately $28.4 million is
included in deferred charges and other assets. No final decision has been made regarding actual
construction. Any new generation resource must be certified by the Georgia PSC in a separate
proceeding.
Southern Company also is participating in NuStart Energy Development, LLC (NuStart Energy), a
broad-based nuclear industry consortium formed to share the cost of developing a COL and the
related NRC review. NuStart Energy was organized to complete detailed engineering design work and
to prepare COL applications for two advanced reactor designs. COLs for the two reactor designs were
submitted to the NRC during the fourth quarter of 2007. The COLs ultimately are expected to be
transferred to one or more of the consortium companies; however, at this time, none of them have
committed to build a new nuclear plant.
Southern Company is also exploring other possibilities relating to nuclear power projects, both on
its own or in partnership with other utilities. The final outcome of these matters cannot now be
determined.
Nuclear Relicensing
In January 2002, the NRC granted Georgia Power a 20-year extension of the licenses for both units
at Plant Hatch which permits the operation of Units 1 and 2 until 2034 and 2038, respectively.
Georgia Power filed an application with the NRC in June 2007 to extend the licenses for Plant
Vogtle Units 1 and 2 for an additional 20 years. Georgia Power anticipates the NRC may make a
decision regarding the license extension for Plant Vogtle as early as 2009.
Other Matters
Southern Company is involved in various other matters being litigated, regulatory matters, and
certain tax-related issues that could affect future earnings. In addition, Southern Company is
subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Southern
Companys business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public
health and the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types,
including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of
environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality standards, has increased
generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury claims for damages caused
by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such
pending or potential litigation against Southern Company and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted
at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does
not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current
II-35
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
proceedings would have a material adverse effect on Southern Companys financial statements. See
Note 3 to the financial statements for information regarding material issues.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Southern Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. Significant accounting policies are described
in Note 1 to the financial statements. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are
made that may have a material impact on Southern Companys results of operations and related
disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly
different from those recorded in the financial statements. Senior management has discussed the
development and selection of the critical accounting policies and estimates described below with
the Audit Committee of Southern Companys Board of Directors.
Electric Utility Regulation
Southern Companys traditional operating companies, which comprise approximately 91% of Southern
Companys total earnings for 2007, are subject to retail regulation by their respective state PSCs
and wholesale regulation by the FERC. These regulatory agencies set the rates the traditional
operating companies are permitted to charge customers based on allowable costs. As a result, the
traditional operating companies apply FASB Statement No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain
Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71), which requires the financial statements to reflect the effects
of rate regulation. Through the ratemaking process, the regulators may require the inclusion of
costs or revenues in periods different than when they would be recognized by a non-regulated
company. This treatment may result in the deferral of expenses and the recording of related
regulatory assets based on anticipated future recovery through rates or the deferral of gains or
creation of liabilities and the recording of related regulatory liabilities. The application of
SFAS No. 71 has a further effect on the Companys financial statements as a result of the estimates
of allowable costs used in the ratemaking process. These estimates may differ from those actually
incurred by the traditional operating companies; therefore, the accounting estimates inherent in
specific costs such as depreciation, nuclear decommissioning, and pension and postretirement
benefits have less of a direct impact on the Companys results of operations than they would on a
non-regulated company.
As reflected in Note 1 to the financial statements, significant regulatory assets and liabilities
have been recorded. Management reviews the ultimate recoverability of these regulatory assets and
liabilities based on applicable regulatory guidelines and accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. However, adverse legislative, judicial, or regulatory actions could
materially impact the amounts of such regulatory assets and liabilities and could adversely impact
the Companys financial statements.
Contingent Obligations
Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject to a number of federal and state laws and
regulations, as well as other factors and conditions that potentially subject them to
environmental, litigation, income tax, and other risks. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein and
Note 3 to the financial statements for more information regarding certain of these contingencies.
Southern Company periodically evaluates its exposure to such risks and records reserves for those
matters where a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. The adequacy of reserves can be significantly affected by external
events or conditions that can be unpredictable; thus, the ultimate outcome of such matters could
materially affect Southern Companys financial statements. These events or conditions include the
following:
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
Changes in existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances, hazardous and solid
wastes, and other environmental matters. |
|
|
|
Changes in existing income tax regulations or changes in IRS or state revenue department
interpretations of existing regulations. |
|
|
|
Identification of additional sites that require environmental remediation or the filing of
other complaints in which Southern Company or its subsidiaries may be asserted to be a
potentially responsible party. |
|
|
|
Identification and evaluation of other potential lawsuits or complaints in which Southern
Company or its subsidiaries may be named as a defendant. |
|
|
|
Resolution or progression of existing matters through the legislative process, the court
systems, the IRS, the FERC, or the EPA. |
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues related to the sale of electricity are recorded when electricity is delivered to
customers. However, the determination of KWH sales to individual customers is based on the
reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the
end of each month, amounts of electricity delivered to customers, but not yet metered and billed,
are estimated. Components of the unbilled revenue estimates include total KWH territorial supply,
total KWH billed, estimated total electricity lost in delivery, and customer usage. These
components can fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including weather, generation
patterns, and power delivery volume and other operational constraints. These factors can be
unpredictable and can vary from historical trends. As a result, the overall estimate of unbilled
revenues could be significantly affected, which could have a material impact on the Companys
results of operations.
Leveraged Leases
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 13-2, Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of
Cash Flows Relating to Income Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction (FSP 13-2) amended
FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases to require recalculation of the rate of return and
the allocation of income whenever the projected timing of the income tax cash flows generated by a
leveraged lease is revised. Southern Company adopted FSP 13-2 effective January 1, 2007. The
initial adoption required Southern Company to record a cumulative effect to retained earnings. Any
future changes in the underlying lease assumptions, such as the expected resolution date of the
ongoing SILO litigation, which will change the projected or actual income tax cash flows will
result in an additional recalculation of the net investment in the leases and will be recorded
currently in income. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Income Tax Matters Leveraged Lease
Transactions above and Note 3 to the financial statements under Income Tax Matters herein for
further details.
New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, Southern Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires companies to determine whether it is more
likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing
authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also
provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax uncertainties,
along with any related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax
positions beginning January 1, 2007. The impact on Southern Companys financial
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
statements was a reduction to beginning 2007 retained earnings of approximately $15 million related
to Southern Companys SILO transactions. See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional
information.
Leveraged Leases
Effective January 1, 2007, Southern Company adopted FSP 13-2. The cumulative effect of initially
adopting FSP 13-2 was recorded as a reduction to beginning retained earnings. For the LILO
(lease-in-lease-out) transaction settled with the IRS in February 2005, the cumulative effect of
adopting FSP 13-2 was a $17 million reduction in retained earnings. With respect to Southern
Companys SILO transactions, the adoption of FSP 13-2 reduced retained earnings by $108 million.
The adjustments to retained earnings are non-cash charges and will be recognized as income over the
remaining terms of the affected leases. The adoption of FSP 13-2 also resulted in a reduction to
net income of approximately $15 million during 2007. Any future changes in the projected or actual
income tax cash flows will result in an additional recalculation of the net investment in the
leases and will be recorded currently in income.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans
On December 31, 2006, Southern Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158), which requires recognition
of the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans in the balance sheets.
Additionally, SFAS No. 158 will require Southern Company to change the measurement date for its
defined benefit postretirement plan assets and obligations from September 30 to December 31
beginning with the year ending December 31, 2008. See Note 2 to the financial statements for
additional information.
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) in September 2006.
SFAS No. 157 provides guidance on how to measure fair value where it is permitted or required
under other accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 also requires additional disclosures about
fair value measurements. Southern Company adopted SFAS No. 157 in its entirety on January 1, 2008,
with no material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Fair Value Option
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).
This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. Southern Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, with no material
effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R, when adopted, will significantly change the accounting for business
combinations, specifically the accounting for contingent consideration, contingencies, acquisition
costs, and restructuring costs. Southern Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 141R on January 1, 2009.
It is likely that the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will have a significant impact on the accounting
for any business combinations completed by Southern Company after January 1, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research
Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated
II-38
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Financial Statements to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling
(minority) interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that
a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary should be reported as equity in the consolidated
financial statements and establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parents
ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation. Southern Company plans to
adopt SFAS No. 160 on January 1, 2009. Southern Company is currently assessing its impact, if any.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
Southern Companys financial condition remained stable at December 31, 2007. Net cash provided from
operating activities totaled $3.4 billion, an increase of $575 million as compared to 2006. The
increase was primarily due to an increase in net income as previously discussed, an increase in
cash collections from previously deferred fuel and storm damage costs, and a reduction in cash
outflows compared to the previous year in fossil fuel inventory. In 2006, net cash provided from
operating activities increased over the previous year by $290 million primarily as a result of a
decrease in under recovered storm restoration costs, a decrease in accounts payable from year-end
2005 amounts that included substantial hurricane-related expenditures, partially offset by an
increase in fossil fuel inventory. In 2005, net cash provided from operating activities totaled
$2.5 billion, a decrease of $165 million as compared to 2004 primarily due to higher fuel costs at
the traditional operating companies, partially offset by increases in base rates and fuel recovery
rates.
Net cash used for investing activities in 2007 totaled $3.7 billion primarily due to property
additions to utility plant of $3.5 billion. In 2006, net cash used for investing activities was
$2.8 billion primarily due to property additions to utility plant of $3.0 billion, partially offset
by proceeds from the sale of Southern Company Gas LLC and the receipt by Mississippi Power of
capital grant proceeds related to Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, net cash used for investing
activities was $2.6 billion primarily due to property additions to utility plant of $2.4 billion.
Net cash provided from financing activities totaled $348 million in 2007 primarily due to
replacement of short-term debt with longer term financing and cash raised from common stock
programs. In 2006 and 2005, net cash used for financing activities was $21 million and $67
million, respectively.
Significant balance sheet changes in 2007 include an increase in long-term debt of $1.6 billion
primarily to replace short-term debt and to provide funds for the Companys continuous construction
program. Balance sheet changes also include an increase in property, plant, and equipment of $2.2
billion and an increase in prepaid pension assets of $820 million with a corresponding increase in
other regulatory liabilities.
At the end of 2007, the closing price of Southern Companys common stock was $38.75 per share,
compared with book value of $16.23 per share. The market-to-book value ratio was 239% at the end
of 2007, compared with 242% at year-end 2006.
Southern Company, each of the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power have received
investment grade ratings from the major rating agencies with respect to debt, preferred securities,
preferred stock, and/or preference stock. SCS has an investment grade corporate credit rating.
Sources of Capital
Southern Company intends to meet its future capital needs through internal cash flow and external
security issuances. Equity capital can be provided from any combination of the Companys stock
plans, private placements, or public offerings. The amount and timing of additional equity capital
to be raised in 2008, as well as in subsequent years, will be contingent on Southern Companys
investment opportunities.
II-39
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power plan to obtain the funds required for
construction and other purposes from sources similar to those used in the past, which were
primarily from operating cash flows, security issuances, term loans, and short-term borrowings.
However, the type and timing of any financings, if needed, will depend upon prevailing market
conditions, regulatory approval, and other factors. The issuance of securities by the traditional
operating companies is generally subject to the approval of the applicable state PSC. In addition,
the issuance of all securities by Mississippi Power and Southern Power and short-term securities by
Georgia Power is generally subject to regulatory approval by the FERC. Additionally, with respect
to the public offering of securities, Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries file
registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (1933 Act). The amounts of securities authorized by the appropriate regulatory
authorities, as well as the amounts, if any, registered under the 1933 Act, are continuously
monitored and appropriate filings are made to ensure flexibility in the capital markets.
Southern Company, each traditional operating company, and Southern Power obtain financing
separately without credit support from any affiliate. See Note 6 to the financial statements under
Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information. The Southern Company system does not
maintain a centralized cash or money pool. Therefore, funds of each company are not commingled
with funds of any other company.
Southern Companys current liabilities frequently exceed current assets because of the continued
use of short-term debt as a funding source to meet cash needs as well as scheduled maturities of
long-term debt. To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, Southern Company has substantial
cash flow from operating activities and access to the capital markets, including commercial paper
programs, to meet liquidity needs.
At December 31, 2007, Southern Company and its subsidiaries had approximately $201 million of cash
and cash equivalents and $4.1 billion of unused credit arrangements with banks, of which $811
million expire in 2008 and $3.3 billion expire in 2012. Approximately $79 million of the credit
facilities expiring in 2008 allow for the execution of term loans for an additional two-year
period, and $500 million allow for the execution of one-year term loans. Most of these
arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels and typically contain cross default
provisions that are restricted only to the indebtedness of the individual company. Southern
Company and its subsidiaries are currently in compliance with all such covenants. See Note 6 to
the financial statements under Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information.
Financing Activities
During 2007, Southern Company and its subsidiaries issued $3.4 billion of senior notes, $456
million of obligations related to tax-exempt bonds, and $470 million of preference stock. Interest
rate hedges of $1.4 billion notional amount were settled at a gain of $9 million related to the
issuances. The security issuances were used to redeem $2.6 billion of long-term debt, to reduce
short-term indebtedness, to fund Southern Companys ongoing construction program, and for general
corporate purposes.
Subsequent to December 31, 2007, Alabama Power issued $300 million of senior notes. The proceeds
from the sale of the senior notes were used to repay a portion of outstanding short-term
indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes, including Alabama Powers continuous
construction program.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
In 2001, Mississippi Power began the initial 10-year term of a lease agreement for a combined cycle
generating facility built at Plant Daniel for approximately $370 million. In 2003, the generating
facility was acquired by Juniper Capital L.P. (Juniper), a limited partnership whose investors are
unaffiliated with Mississippi Power. Simultaneously, Juniper entered into a restructured lease
agreement with Mississippi Power. Juniper has also entered into leases with other parties
unrelated to Mississippi Power. The assets leased by Mississippi Power comprise less than 50% of
Junipers assets. Mississippi Power is not required to consolidate the leased assets and
II-40
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
related liabilities, and the lease with Juniper is considered an operating lease. The lease also
provides for a residual value guarantee, approximately 73% of the acquisition cost, by Mississippi
Power that is due upon termination of the lease in the event that Mississippi Power does not renew
the lease or purchase the assets and that the fair market value is less than the unamortized cost
of the assets. See Note 7 to the financial statements under Operating Leases for additional
information.
Credit Rating Risk
Southern Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in
payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain
contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit
rating change to BBB and Baa2, or BBB- or Baa3 or below. These contracts are primarily for
physical electricity purchases and sales. At December 31, 2007, the maximum potential collateral
requirements at a BBB and Baa2 rating were approximately $9 million and at a BBB- or Baa3 rating
were approximately $297 million. At December 31, 2007, the maximum potential collateral
requirements at a rating below BBB- or Baa3 were approximately $1.0 billion. Generally, collateral
may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash.
Southern Companys operating subsidiaries are also party to certain agreements that could require
collateral and/or accelerated payment in the event of a credit rating change to below investment
grade for Alabama Power and/or Georgia Power. These agreements are primarily for natural gas and
power price risk management activities. At December 31, 2007, Southern Companys total exposure to
these types of agreements was approximately $15 million.
Market Price Risk
Southern Company is exposed to market risks, primarily commodity price risk and interest rate risk.
To manage the volatility attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take
advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining
exposures pursuant to the Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk
management practices. Company policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging
purposes and mandates strict adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative
positions are monitored using techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at
risk, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis.
To mitigate future exposure to a change in interest rates, the Company enters into forward starting
interest rate swaps and other derivatives that have been designated as hedges. Derivatives
outstanding at December 31, 2007 have a notional amount of $505 million and are related to
anticipated debt issuances over the next two years. The weighted average interest rate on $3.4
billion of long-term variable interest rate exposure that has not been hedged at January 1, 2008
was 4.5%. On January 8, 2008, Georgia Power converted $115 million of floating rate pollution
control bonds to a fixed interest rate, reducing the Companys exposure to $3.3 billion. Beginning
in February 2008, Georgia Power and Alabama Power hedged a total of $601 million and $576 million,
respectively, of floating rate exposure, further reducing the Companys long-term variable interest
rate exposure to $2.1 billion. If Southern Company sustained a 100 basis point change in interest
rates for all unhedged variable rate long-term debt, the change would affect annualized interest
expense by approximately $33.7 million at January 1, 2008. Subsequent to the recently completed
transactions, a 100 basis point change in interest rates for all unhedged variable rate long-term
debt would affect annualized interest expense by approximately $22.2 million. For further
information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial Instruments.
Of the Companys remaining $2.1 billion of variable interest rate exposure, approximately $1.1
billion relates to tax-exempt auction rate pollution control bonds. Recent weakness in the auction
markets has resulted in failed auctions during February 2008 of some of the $1.1 billion auction
rate securities which results in significantly higher interest
II-41
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
rates
during the failed auctions period. The Company has sent notice of
conversion of $946 million
of these auction rate securities to alternative interest rate determination methods and plans to
remarket all remaining auction rate securities in a timely manner. None of the securities are
insured or backed by letters of credit that would require approval of a guarantor or security
provider. It is not expected that the higher rates as a result of the weakness in the auction
markets will be material.
Due to cost-based rate regulations, the traditional operating companies have limited exposure to
market volatility in interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. In
addition, Southern Powers exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of
electricity is limited because its long-term sales contracts generally shift substantially all fuel
cost responsibility to the purchaser. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in
electricity prices, the traditional operating companies enter into fixed-price contracts for the
purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market and, to a lesser extent,
into financial hedge contracts for natural gas purchases. The traditional operating companies have
implemented fuel-hedging programs at the instruction of their respective state PSCs.
The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts and year-end valuations were as
follows at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Fair Value |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Contracts beginning of year |
|
$ |
(82 |
) |
|
$ |
101 |
|
Contracts realized or settled |
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
New contracts at inception |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in valuation techniques |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period changes(a) |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(276 |
) |
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
(82 |
) |
|
(a) |
|
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into
during the period, if any. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source of 2007 Year-End |
|
|
Valuation Prices |
|
|
|
Total |
|
Maturity |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Year 1 |
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Actively quoted |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
(11 |
) |
|
$ |
10 |
|
External sources |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Models and other methods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
(6 |
) |
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
Unrealized gains and losses from mark-to-market adjustments on derivative contracts related to the
traditional operating companies fuel hedging programs are recorded as regulatory assets and
liabilities. Realized gains and losses from these programs are included in fuel expense and are
recovered through the traditional operating companies fuel cost recovery clauses. In addition,
unrealized gains and losses on energy-related derivatives used by Southern Power to hedge
anticipated purchases and sales are deferred in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on
derivative contracts that are not designated as hedges are recognized in the statements of income
as incurred. At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative
contracts were reflected in the financial statements as follows:
II-42
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
1 |
|
Net income |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses from energy-related derivative contracts recognized in income
were not material for any year presented.
Southern Company is exposed to market price risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties
to the energy-related derivative contracts. Southern Companys policy is to enter into agreements
with counterparties that have investment grade credit ratings by Moodys and Standard & Poors or
with counterparties who have posted collateral to cover potential credit exposure. Therefore,
Southern Company does not anticipate market risk exposure from nonperformance by the
counterparties. For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under
Financial Instruments.
To reduce Southern Companys exposure to changes in the value of synthetic fuel tax credits, which
were impacted by changes in oil prices, the Company entered into derivative transactions indexed to
oil prices. Because these transactions are not designated as hedges, the gains and losses are
recognized in the statements of income as incurred. For 2007, the fair value gain recognized in
income for mark to market transactions was $27 million. For 2006 and 2005, the fair value losses
recognized in income for mark to market transactions were $32 million and $7 million, respectively.
For further information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial
Instruments.
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
The construction program of Southern Company is currently estimated to be $4.5 billion for 2008,
$4.8 billion for 2009, and $4.3 billion for 2010. Environmental expenditures included in these
estimated amounts are $1.8 billion, $1.5 billion, and $0.6 billion for 2008, 2009, and 2010,
respectively. Actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in such
factors as: business conditions; environmental statutes and regulations; nuclear plant regulations;
FERC rules and regulations; load projections; the cost and efficiency of construction labor,
equipment, and materials; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that
costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.
As a result of NRC requirements, Alabama Power and Georgia Power have external trust funds for
nuclear decommissioning costs; however, Alabama Power currently has no additional funding
requirements. For additional information, see Note 1 to the financial statements under Nuclear
Decommissioning.
In addition, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, Southern Company provides
postretirement benefits to substantially all employees and funds trusts to the extent required by
the traditional operating companies respective regulatory commissions.
Other funding requirements related to obligations associated with scheduled maturities of long-term
debt and preferred securities, as well as the related interest, derivative obligations, preferred
and preference stock dividends, leases, and other purchase commitments are as follows. See Notes
1, 6, and 7 to the financial statements for additional information.
II-43
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009- |
|
2011- |
|
After |
|
Uncertain |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
|
Timing(e) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Long-term debt(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
$ |
1,053 |
|
|
$ |
900 |
|
|
$ |
1,909 |
|
|
$ |
11,353 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
15,215 |
|
Interest |
|
|
805 |
|
|
|
1,479 |
|
|
|
1,398 |
|
|
|
10,985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,667 |
|
Preferred stock(b) |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125 |
|
Preferred and preference stock dividends(c) |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
355 |
|
Other derivative obligations(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46 |
|
Interest |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
199 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
597 |
|
Unrecognized tax benefits and interest(e) |
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
Purchase commitments(f) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital(g) |
|
|
4,275 |
|
|
|
8,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,054 |
|
Limestone(h) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
305 |
|
Coal |
|
|
3,413 |
|
|
|
3,766 |
|
|
|
1,359 |
|
|
|
1,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,221 |
|
Nuclear fuel |
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
Natural gas(i) |
|
|
1,735 |
|
|
|
1,773 |
|
|
|
948 |
|
|
|
3,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,986 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
1,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
Long-term service agreements(j) |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
1,784 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,273 |
|
Trusts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
Postretirement benefits(k) |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
12,345 |
|
|
$ |
18,179 |
|
|
$ |
6,840 |
|
|
$ |
31,558 |
|
|
$ |
108 |
|
|
$ |
69,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
All amounts are reflected based on final maturity dates. Southern Company and its
subsidiaries plan to continue to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations
with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit. Variable rate interest obligations are
estimated based on rates as of January 1, 2008, as reflected in the statements of
capitalization. Fixed rates include, where applicable, the effects of interest rate
derivatives employed to manage interest rate risk. |
|
(b) |
|
On October 26, 2007, Alabama Power announced the redemption on January 1, 2008 of 1,250
shares of Flexible Money Market Class A Preferred Stock (Series 2003A), Cumulative, Par Value
$1 Per Share (Stated Capital $100,000 Per Share). |
|
(c) |
|
Preferred and preference stock do not mature; therefore, amounts are provided for the next five years only. |
|
(d) |
|
For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements. |
|
(e) |
|
The timing related to the $108 million in unrecognized tax benefits and interest payments in
individual years beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably and reliably estimated due to
uncertainties in the timing of the effective settlement of tax positions. Of this $108
million, $71 million is expected to represent cash payments. See Notes 3 and 5 to the
financial statements for additional information. |
|
(f) |
|
Southern Company generally does not enter into non-cancelable commitments for other
operations and maintenance expenditures. Total other operations and maintenance expenses for
2007, 2006, and 2005 were $3.7 billion, $3.5 billion, and $3.5 billion, respectively. |
|
(g) |
|
Southern Company forecasts capital expenditures over a three-year period. Amounts represent
current estimates of total expenditures excluding those amounts related to contractual
purchase commitments for nuclear fuel. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase commitments
were outstanding in connection with the construction program. |
|
(h) |
|
As part of Southern Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its
coal plants, the traditional operating companies are constructing certain equipment and have
entered into various long-term commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such
equipment. |
|
(i) |
|
Natural gas purchase commitments are based on various indices at the time of delivery.
Amounts reflected have been estimated based on the New York Mercantile Exchange future prices
at December 31, 2007. |
|
(j) |
|
Long-term service agreements include price escalation based on inflation indices. |
|
(k) |
|
Southern Company forecasts postretirement trust contributions over a three-year period. No
contributions related to Southern Companys pension trust are currently expected during this
period. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional information related to the
pension and postretirement plans, including estimated benefit payments. Certain benefit
payments will be made through the related trusts. Other benefit payments will be made from
Southern Companys corporate assets. |
II-44
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Southern Companys 2007 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements include, among other things, statements concerning the strategic goals for the wholesale
business, customer growth, storm damage cost recovery and repairs, fuel cost recovery,
environmental regulations and expenditures, earnings growth, dividend payout ratios, access to
sources of capital, projections for postretirement benefit trust contributions, financing
activities, completion of construction projects, impacts of adoption of new accounting rules, and
estimated construction and other expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements;
accordingly, there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors
include:
|
|
the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including legislative
and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility
industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental laws including
regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot, or
particulate matter and other substances, and also changes in tax and other laws and
regulations to which Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in
application of existing laws and regulations; |
|
|
|
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries,
including the pending EPA civil actions against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, FERC
matters, IRS audits, and Mirant matters; |
|
|
|
the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in
which Southern Companys subsidiaries operate; |
|
|
|
variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population, and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy
conservation measures; |
|
|
|
available sources and costs of fuel; |
|
|
|
effects of inflation; |
|
|
|
ability to control costs; |
|
|
|
investment performance of Southern Companys employee benefit plans; |
|
|
|
advances in technology; |
|
|
|
state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and
negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and storm restoration cost recovery; |
|
|
|
the performance of projects undertaken by the non-utility businesses and the success of
efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; |
|
|
|
internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
|
|
|
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Southern Company or its
subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as
and when due; |
|
|
|
the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effect on Southern Companys business resulting from terrorist
incidents and the threat of terrorist incidents; |
|
|
|
interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including Southern Companys and its subsidiaries credit ratings; |
|
|
|
the ability of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to obtain additional generating capacity
at competitive prices; |
|
|
|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effects on Southern Companys business resulting from incidents
similar to the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
|
|
|
the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies; and |
|
|
|
other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K) filed
by the Company from time to time with the SEC. |
Southern Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
II-45
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenues |
|
$ |
12,639 |
|
|
$ |
11,801 |
|
|
$ |
11,165 |
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
1,988 |
|
|
|
1,822 |
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
Other electric revenues |
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
446 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
268 |
|
|
|
276 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
15,353 |
|
|
|
14,356 |
|
|
|
13,554 |
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
5,856 |
|
|
|
5,152 |
|
|
|
4,495 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
543 |
|
|
|
731 |
|
Other operations |
|
|
2,495 |
|
|
|
2,423 |
|
|
|
2,394 |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
1,175 |
|
|
|
1,096 |
|
|
|
1,116 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,245 |
|
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
1,176 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
741 |
|
|
|
718 |
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
12,027 |
|
|
|
11,132 |
|
|
|
10,592 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
3,326 |
|
|
|
3,224 |
|
|
|
2,962 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(119 |
) |
Leveraged lease income |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
Impairment loss on equity method investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(886 |
) |
|
|
(866 |
) |
|
|
(747 |
) |
Preferred and preference dividends of subsidiaries |
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(757 |
) |
|
|
(871 |
) |
|
|
(776 |
) |
|
Earnings Before Income Taxes |
|
|
2,569 |
|
|
|
2,353 |
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
835 |
|
|
|
780 |
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
Consolidated Net Income |
|
$ |
1,734 |
|
|
$ |
1,573 |
|
|
$ |
1,591 |
|
|
Common Stock Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
2.29 |
|
|
$ |
2.12 |
|
|
$ |
2.14 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
2.28 |
|
|
|
2.10 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
Average number of shares of common stock outstanding (in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
743 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
761 |
|
|
|
748 |
|
|
|
749 |
|
|
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock |
|
$ |
1.595 |
|
|
$ |
1.535 |
|
|
$ |
1.475 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-46
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated net income |
|
$ |
1,734 |
|
|
$ |
1,573 |
|
|
$ |
1,591 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income
to net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,486 |
|
|
|
1,421 |
|
|
|
1,398 |
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
499 |
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
(106 |
) |
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
(51 |
) |
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
Leveraged lease income |
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(74 |
) |
Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
Stock option expense |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative fair value adjustments |
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Hedge settlements |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
Hurricane Katrina grant proceeds-property reserve |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Storm damage accounting order |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(1,045 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(246 |
) |
|
|
(110 |
) |
Materials and supplies |
|
|
(71 |
) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(78 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
(173 |
) |
|
|
71 |
|
Hurricane Katrina grant proceeds |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(103 |
) |
|
|
28 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
13 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
|
|
119 |
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
3,395 |
|
|
|
2,820 |
|
|
|
2,530 |
|
|
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property additions |
|
|
(3,545 |
) |
|
|
(2,994 |
) |
|
|
(2,370 |
) |
Investment in restricted cash from pollution control bonds |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution of restricted cash from pollution control bonds |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases |
|
|
(783 |
) |
|
|
(751 |
) |
|
|
(606 |
) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales |
|
|
775 |
|
|
|
743 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
Proceeds from property sales |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Hurricane Katrina capital grant proceeds |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
(115 |
) |
Cost of removal net of salvage |
|
|
(108 |
) |
|
|
(90 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
Net cash used for investing activities |
|
|
(3,709 |
) |
|
|
(2,834 |
) |
|
|
(2,629 |
) |
|
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net |
|
|
(669 |
) |
|
|
683 |
|
|
|
831 |
|
Proceeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
3,826 |
|
|
|
1,564 |
|
|
|
1,608 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
470 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Common stock |
|
|
538 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
Redemptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
(2,566 |
) |
|
|
(1,366 |
) |
|
|
(1,285 |
) |
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Common stock repurchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(352 |
) |
Payment of common stock dividends |
|
|
(1,205 |
) |
|
|
(1,140 |
) |
|
|
(1,098 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities |
|
|
348 |
|
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
(166 |
) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year |
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year |
|
$ |
201 |
|
|
$ |
167 |
|
|
$ |
202 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-47
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
201 |
|
|
$ |
167 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts receivable |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
943 |
|
Unbilled revenues |
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
283 |
|
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
716 |
|
|
|
517 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable |
|
|
348 |
|
|
|
330 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts |
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost |
|
|
710 |
|
|
|
675 |
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
648 |
|
Vacation pay |
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
Other |
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
4,732 |
|
|
|
4,019 |
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In service |
|
|
47,176 |
|
|
|
45,486 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
17,413 |
|
|
|
16,582 |
|
|
|
|
|
29,763 |
|
|
|
28,904 |
|
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost |
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
317 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
3,228 |
|
|
|
1,871 |
|
|
Total property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
33,327 |
|
|
|
31,092 |
|
|
Other Property and Investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value |
|
|
1,132 |
|
|
|
1,058 |
|
Leveraged leases |
|
|
984 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
Other |
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
Total other property and investments |
|
|
2,354 |
|
|
|
2,493 |
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred charges related to income taxes |
|
|
910 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
2,369 |
|
|
|
1,549 |
|
Unamortized debt issuance expense |
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt |
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
293 |
|
Deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
389 |
|
|
|
845 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
768 |
|
|
|
936 |
|
Other |
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
564 |
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets |
|
|
5,376 |
|
|
|
5,254 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
45,789 |
|
|
$ |
42,858 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-48
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities due within one year |
|
$ |
1,178 |
|
|
$ |
1,418 |
|
Notes payable |
|
|
1,272 |
|
|
|
1,941 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,214 |
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
Other |
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
391 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
Accrued vacation pay |
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
444 |
|
Other |
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
384 |
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
5,631 |
|
|
|
6,353 |
|
|
Long-term Debt (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
14,143 |
|
|
|
12,503 |
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes |
|
|
5,839 |
|
|
|
5,989 |
|
Deferred credits related to income taxes |
|
|
272 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
479 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
1,567 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
1,137 |
|
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
1,308 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
|
794 |
|
Other |
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
306 |
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
12,550 |
|
|
|
11,887 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
32,324 |
|
|
|
30,743 |
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
12,385 |
|
|
|
11,371 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
45,789 |
|
|
$ |
42,858 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Matters (See notes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-49
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
(percent of total) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity |
|
Interest Rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2041 through 2044 |
|
4.75% to 7.20% |
|
$ |
412 |
|
|
$ |
1,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term senior notes and debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity |
|
Interest Rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
3.50% to 7.13% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,204 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2.54% to 7.00% |
|
|
459 |
|
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
4.10% to 7.00% |
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
4.70% |
|
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
4.00% to 5.10% |
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
4.85% to 6.25% |
|
|
1,478 |
|
|
|
778 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 through 2047 |
|
4.35% to 8.12% |
|
|
8,060 |
|
|
|
5,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustable rates (at 1/1/08): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
5.62% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
4.94% to 5.00% |
|
|
550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
5.09% to 5.33% |
|
|
440 |
|
|
|
440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
6.35% |
|
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term senior notes and debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,720 |
|
|
|
9,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control revenue bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity |
|
Interest Rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012 through 2036 |
|
3.76% to 5.45% |
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rates (at 1/1/08): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 through 2041 |
|
2.67% to 5.25% |
|
|
2,170 |
|
|
|
1,714 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,982 |
|
|
|
2,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized lease obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized debt (discount), net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (annual interest
requirement $805 million) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,196 |
|
|
|
13,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less amount due within one year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,053 |
|
|
|
1,418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,143 |
|
|
|
12,503 |
|
|
|
51.2 |
% |
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
II-50
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION (continued)
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
(percent of total) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$100 par or stated value 4.20% to 5.44% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 20 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 1 million shares |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1 par value 4.95% to 5.83% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 28 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 12 million shares: $25 stated value |
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 1,250 shares: $100,000 stated capital |
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cumulative preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$25 par value 6.00% to 6.13% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 60 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 2 million shares |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 65 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding $1 par value 5.63% to 6.50% |
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007: 14 million shares (non-cumulative) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006: 6 million shares (non-cumulative) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$100 par or stated value 6.00% to 6.50% |
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007: 3 million shares (non-cumulative) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006: 1 million shares (non-cumulative) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(annual dividend requirement $71 million) |
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less amount due within one year |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries
excluding amount due within one year |
|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $5 per share |
|
|
3,817 |
|
|
|
3,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 1 billion shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued 2007: 764 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006: 752 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury 2007: 0.4 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006: 5.6 million shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
1,454 |
|
|
|
1,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury, at cost |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(192 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
7,155 |
|
|
|
6,765 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
12,385 |
|
|
|
11,371 |
|
|
|
44.9 |
|
|
|
46.2 |
|
|
Total Capitalization |
|
$ |
27,608 |
|
|
$ |
24,618 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-51
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
Par |
|
Paid-In |
|
|
|
|
|
Retained |
|
Other Comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
Value |
|
Capital |
|
Treasury |
|
Earnings |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Total |
|
(in millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
3,709 |
|
|
$ |
869 |
|
|
$ |
(6 |
) |
|
$ |
5,839 |
|
|
$ |
(133 |
) |
|
$ |
10,278 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,591 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Stock issued |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
266 |
|
Stock repurchased, at cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(352 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(352 |
) |
Cash dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,098 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,098 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
3,759 |
|
|
|
1,085 |
|
|
|
(359 |
) |
|
|
6,332 |
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
10,689 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,573 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
Adjustment to initially apply
FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
Stock issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179 |
|
Cash dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,140 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,140 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
3,759 |
|
|
|
1,096 |
|
|
|
(192 |
) |
|
|
6,765 |
|
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
11,371 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,734 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Stock issued |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
356 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
597 |
|
Adjustment to initially apply
FIN 48, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
Adjustment to initially apply
FSP 13-2,
net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(125 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(125 |
) |
Cash dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,204 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,204 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
3,817 |
|
|
$ |
1,454 |
|
|
$ |
(11 |
) |
|
$ |
7,155 |
|
|
$ |
(30 |
) |
|
$ |
12,385 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Consolidated Net Income |
|
$ |
1,734 |
|
|
$ |
1,573 |
|
|
$ |
1,591 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying hedges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $(3), $(5), and $11, respectively |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
18 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $6, $-, and $1, respectively |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Marketable securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $3, $4, and $(2), respectively |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $-, $-, and $-, respectively |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit plan net gain (loss), net of tax of $13, $-, and $-, respectively |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional prior service costs from amendment to non-qualified
pension plans, net of tax of $(2), $-, and $-, respectively |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in additional minimum pension liability,
net of tax of $-, $10, and $(6), respectively |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $1, $-, and $-, respectively |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other comprehensive income |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
Consolidated Comprehensive Income |
|
$ |
1,761 |
|
|
$ |
1,592 |
|
|
$ |
1,596 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-52
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
The Southern Company (the Company) is the parent company of four traditional operating companies,
Southern Power Company (Southern Power), Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), Southern
Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC Wireless), Southern Company Holdings, Inc. (Southern
Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other direct and
indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf
Power, and Mississippi Power, are vertically integrated utilities providing electric service in
four Southeastern states. Southern Power constructs, acquires, and manages generation assets and
sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market. SCS, the system service company,
provides, at cost, specialized services to Southern Company and the subsidiary companies.
SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital wireless communications services to the traditional
operating companies and also markets these services to the public and provides fiber cable services
within the Southeast. Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding company subsidiary for Southern
Companys investments in synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various other energy-related
businesses. The investments in synthetic fuels ended on December 31, 2007. Southern Nuclear
operates and provides services to Southern Companys nuclear power plants.
The financial statements reflect Southern Companys investments in the subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis. The equity method is used for entities in which the Company has significant
influence but does not control and for variable interest entities where the Company is not the
primary beneficiary. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and certain of their subsidiaries are subject
to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the traditional operating
companies are also subject to regulation by their respective state public service commissions
(PSC). The companies follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and
comply with the accounting policies and practices prescribed by their respective commissions. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States requires the use of estimates, and the actual results may differ from those
estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, net
income, cash flows, or earnings per share.
The balance sheets and the statements of cash flows have been modified to combine Long-term Debt
Payable to Affiliate Trusts into Long-term Debt. Correspondingly, the statements of income were
modified to report Interest expense to affiliate trusts together with Interest expense, net of
amounts capitalized. Due to the immateriality of earnings from discontinued operations during all
periods presented, the statements of income and the statements of comprehensive income have been
modified to report net income without a separate disclosure of the effect from discontinued
operations. Also, due to immateriality, the statements of cash flows were adjusted to reflect Tax
benefit of stock options together with the amounts reported in Other, net.
Related Party Transactions
Alabama Power and Georgia Power purchased synthetic fuel from Alabama Fuel Products, LLC (AFP), an
entity in which Southern Holdings held a 30% ownership interest until July 2006, when its ownership
interest was terminated. Total fuel purchases through June 2006 and for the year 2005 were $354
million and $507 million, respectively. Synfuel Services, Inc. (SSI), another subsidiary of
Southern Holdings, provided fuel transportation services to AFP that were ultimately reflected in
the cost of the synthetic fuel billed to Alabama Power and Georgia Power. In connection with these
services, the related revenues of approximately $62 million and $83 million through June 2006 and
for the year 2005, respectively, have been eliminated against fuel expense in the financial
II-53
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
statements. SSI also provided additional services to AFP, as well as to a related party of AFP.
Revenues from these transactions totaled approximately $24 million and $40 million through June
2006 and for the year 2005, respectively.
Subsequent to the termination of Southern Companys membership interest in AFP, Alabama Power and
Georgia Power continued to purchase an additional $750 million and $384 million in fuel from AFP in
2007 and 2006, respectively. SSI continued to provide fuel transportation services of $131 million
in 2007 and $62 million in 2006, which were eliminated against fuel expense in the financial
statements. SSI also provided other additional services to AFP and a related party of AFP totaling
$47 million and $21 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The synthetic fuel investments and
related party transactions were terminated on December 31, 2007.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The traditional operating companies are subject to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) Statement No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS
No. 71). Regulatory assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that
are expected to be recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. Regulatory liabilities
represent probable future reductions in revenues associated with amounts that are expected to be
credited to customers through the ratemaking process. Regulatory assets and (liabilities)
reflected in the balance sheets at December 31 relate to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Note |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Deferred income tax charges |
|
$ |
911 |
|
|
$ |
896 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Asset retirement obligations-asset |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Asset retirement obligations-liability |
|
|
(154 |
) |
|
|
(155 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
(1,308 |
) |
|
|
(1,300 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Deferred income tax credits |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
(293 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Loss on reacquired debt |
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
(b |
) |
Vacation pay |
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
(c |
) |
Under recovered regulatory clause
revenues |
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Building lease |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Generating plant outage costs |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Under recovered storm damage costs |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Fuel hedging-asset |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Fuel hedging-liability |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Environmental remediation-asset |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Environmental remediation-liability |
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Deferred purchased power |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Other liabilities |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Plant Daniel capacity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(e |
) |
Overfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
(1,288 |
) |
|
|
(508 |
) |
|
|
(f |
) |
Underfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
547 |
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
(f |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
(577 |
) |
|
$ |
507 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: The recovery and amortization periods for these regulatory assets and (liabilities) are as
follows:
(a) |
|
Asset retirement and removal liabilities are recorded, deferred income tax
assets are recovered, and deferred tax liabilities are amortized over the
related property lives, which may range up to 65 years. Asset retirement and
removal liabilities will be settled and trued up following completion of the related
activities. |
|
(b) |
|
Recovered over either the remaining life of the original issue or, if
refinanced, over the life of the new issue, which may range up to 50 years. |
|
(c) |
|
Recorded as earned by employees and recovered as paid, generally within one year. |
|
(d) |
|
Recorded and recovered or amortized as approved by the appropriate state PSCs. |
|
(e) |
|
Amortized over a four-year period that ended in 2007. |
|
(f) |
|
Recovered and amortized over the average remaining service period which may
range up to 14 years. See Note 2 under Retirement Benefits.
|
II-54
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In the event that a portion of a traditional operating companys operations is no longer subject to
the provisions of SFAS No. 71, such company would be required to write off related regulatory
assets and liabilities that are not specifically recoverable through regulated rates. In addition,
the traditional operating company would be required to determine if any impairment to other assets,
including plant, exists and write down the assets, if impaired, to their fair values. All
regulatory assets and liabilities are to be reflected in rates. See Note 3 under Alabama Power
Retail Regulatory Matters, Georgia Power Retail Regulatory Matters, and Storm Damage Cost
Recovery for additional information.
Revenues
Wholesale capacity revenues are generally recognized on a levelized basis over the appropriate
contract periods. Energy and other revenues are recognized as services are provided. Unbilled
revenues related to retail sales are accrued at the end of each fiscal period. Electric rates for
the traditional operating companies include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel
costs, fuel hedging, the energy component of purchased power costs, and certain other costs.
Revenues are adjusted for differences between these actual costs and amounts billed in current
regulated rates. Under or over recovered regulatory clause revenues are recorded in the balance
sheets and are recovered or returned to customers through adjustments to the billing factors.
Retail fuel cost recovery mechanisms vary by each retail operating company, but in general, the
process requires periodic filings with the appropriate state PSC. Alabama Power continuously
monitors the under/over recovered balance and files for a revised fuel rate when management deems
appropriate. Georgia Power is required to file a new fuel case no later than March 1, 2008. Gulf
Power is required to notify the Florida PSC if the projected fuel revenue over or under recovery
exceeds 10% of the projected fuel revenue applicable for the period and indicate if an adjustment
to the fuel cost recovery factor is being requested. Mississippi Power is required to file for an
adjustment to the fuel cost recovery factor annually. See Note 3 under Alabama Power Retail
Regulatory Matters and Georgia Power Retail Regulatory Matters for additional information.
Southern Company has a diversified base of customers. No single customer or industry comprises 10%
or more of revenues. For all periods presented, uncollectible accounts averaged less than 1% of
revenues.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as the fuel is used. Fuel expense generally includes the cost of purchased
emission allowances as they are used. Fuel expense also includes the amortization of the cost of
nuclear fuel and a charge, based on nuclear generation, for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear
fuel.
Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs
Alabama Power and Georgia Power have contracts with the United States, acting through the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE), that provide for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE
failed to begin disposing of spent nuclear fuel in 1998 as required by the contracts, and Alabama
Power and Georgia Power are pursuing legal remedies against the government for breach of contract.
On July 9, 2007, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims awarded Georgia Power a total of $30 million,
based on its ownership interests, and awarded Alabama Power $17.3 million, representing all of
the direct costs of the expansion of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities from 1998 through
2004. On July 24, 2007, the government filed a motion for reconsideration, which was denied on
November 1, 2007. The government filed an appeal on January 2, 2008. No amounts have been
recognized in the financial statements as of December 31, 2007. The final outcome of this
matter cannot be determined at this time, but no material impact on net income is expected as
any award received is expected to be returned to customers.
II-55
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Sufficient pool storage capacity for spent fuel is available at Plant Vogtle to maintain full-core
discharge capability for both units into 2014. Construction of an on-site dry storage facility at
Plant Vogtle is expected to begin in sufficient time to maintain pool full-core discharge
capability. At Plants Hatch and Farley, on-site dry storage facilities are operational and can be
expanded to accommodate spent fuel through the expected life of each plant.
Income and Other Taxes
Southern Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provides
deferred income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences. Investment tax credits
utilized are deferred and amortized to income over the average life of the related property. Taxes
that are collected from customers on behalf of governmental agencies to be remitted to these
agencies are presented net on the statements of income.
In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN
48), Southern Company recognizes tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained
upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax
Benefits for additional information on the effect of adopting FIN 48.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost less regulatory disallowances and
impairments. Original cost includes: materials; labor; minor items of property; appropriate
administrative and general costs; payroll-related costs such as taxes, pensions, and other
benefits; and the interest capitalized and/or cost of funds used during construction.
Southern Companys property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Generation |
|
$ |
23,879 |
|
|
$ |
23,355 |
|
Transmission |
|
|
6,761 |
|
|
|
6,352 |
|
Distribution |
|
|
13,134 |
|
|
|
12,484 |
|
General |
|
|
2,619 |
|
|
|
2,510 |
|
Plant acquisition adjustment |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Utility plant in service |
|
|
46,436 |
|
|
|
44,741 |
|
|
IT equipment and software |
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
Communications equipment |
|
|
452 |
|
|
|
445 |
|
Other |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
Other plant in service |
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
745 |
|
|
Total plant in service |
|
$ |
47,176 |
|
|
$ |
45,486 |
|
|
The cost of replacements of property, exclusive of minor items of property, is capitalized. The
cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense as incurred or performed with the exception of nuclear refueling costs, which are recorded
in accordance with specific state PSC orders. Alabama Power accrues estimated nuclear refueling
costs in advance of the units next refueling outage. Georgia Power defers and amortizes nuclear
refueling costs over the units operating cycle before the next refueling. The refueling cycles
for Alabama Power and Georgia Power range from 18 to 24 months for each unit. In accordance with a
Georgia PSC order, Georgia Power also defers the costs of certain significant inspection costs for
the combustion turbines at Plant McIntosh and amortizes such costs over 10 years, which
approximates the expected maintenance cycle.
II-56
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of the original cost of utility plant in service is provided primarily by using
composite straight-line rates, which approximated 3.0% in 2007, 3.0% in 2006, and 2.9% in 2005.
Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update the composite rates. These studies are
filed with the respective state PSC for the traditional operating companies. Accumulated
depreciation for utility plant in service totaled $17.0 billion and $16.2 billion at December 31,
2007 and 2006, respectively. When property subject to composite depreciation is retired or
otherwise disposed of in the normal course of business, its original cost, together with the cost
of removal, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For other property dispositions,
the applicable cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the balance sheet accounts and a
gain or loss is recognized. Minor items of property included in the original cost of the plant are
retired when the related property unit is retired.
Under Georgia Powers retail rate plan for the three years ended December 31, 2007 (2004 Retail
Rate Plan), Georgia Power was ordered to recognize Georgia PSCcertified capacity costs in rates
evenly over the three years covered by the 2004 Retail Rate Plan. Georgia Power recorded credits
to amortization of $19 million and $14 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and an increase to
amortization of $33 million in 2005. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Rate Plans
for additional information.
In May 2004, the Mississippi PSC approved Mississippi Powers request to reclassify 266 megawatts
of Plant Daniel units 3 and 4 capacity to jurisdictional cost of service effective January 1, 2004
and authorized Mississippi Power to include the related costs and revenue credits in jurisdictional
rate base, cost of service, and revenue requirement calculations for purposes of retail rate
recovery. Mississippi Power amortized the related regulatory liability pursuant to the Mississippi
PSCs order as follows: $17 million in 2004, $25 million in 2005, $13 million in 2006, and $6
million in 2007, resulting in increases to earnings in each of those years.
Depreciation of the original cost of other plant in service is provided primarily on a
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 25 years. Accumulated
depreciation for other plant in service totaled $429 million and $405 million at December 31, 2007
and 2006, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal
Asset retirement obligations are computed as the present value of the ultimate costs for an assets
future retirement and are recorded in the period in which the liability is incurred. The costs are
capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the assets useful life.
The Company has received accounting guidance from the various state PSCs allowing the continued
accrual of other future retirement costs for long-lived assets that the Company does not have a
legal obligation to retire. Accordingly, the accumulated removal costs for these obligations will
continue to be reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability.
The liability recognized to retire long-lived assets primarily relates to the Companys nuclear
facilities, Plants Farley, Hatch, and Vogtle. The fair value of assets legally restricted for
settling retirement obligations related to nuclear facilities as of December 31, 2007 was $1.1
billion. In addition, the Company has retirement obligations related to various landfill sites and
underground storage tanks. In connection with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 47,
Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (FIN 47), Southern Company also recorded
additional asset retirement obligations (and assets) of approximately $153 million, primarily
related to asbestos removal and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls in certain transformers. The
Company also has identified retirement obligations related to certain transmission and distribution
facilities, co-generation facilities, certain wireless communication towers, and certain structures
authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, liabilities for the removal of these
assets have not been recorded because the range of time over which the Company may settle these
obligations is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company will continue to recognize
in the statements of income allowed removal costs in accordance with its regulatory treatment. Any
differences between costs recognized under FASB Statement No. 143 Accounting for Asset Retirement
II-57
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Obligations (SFAS No. 143) and FIN 47 and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a
regulatory asset or liability, as ordered by the various state PSCs, and are reflected in the
balance sheets. See Nuclear Decommissioning herein for further information on amounts included
in rates.
Details of the asset retirement obligations included in the balance sheets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance beginning of year |
|
$ |
1,137 |
|
|
$ |
1,117 |
|
Liabilities incurred |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Liabilities settled |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
Cash flow revisions |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
Balance end of year |
|
$ |
1,203 |
|
|
$ |
1,137 |
|
|
Nuclear Decommissioning
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires licensees of commercial nuclear power reactors to
establish a plan for providing reasonable assurance of funds for future decommissioning. Alabama
Power and Georgia Power have external trust funds to comply with the NRCs regulations. Use of the
funds is restricted to nuclear decommissioning activities and the funds are managed and invested in
accordance with applicable requirements of various regulatory bodies, including the NRC, the FERC,
and state PSCs, as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The trust funds are invested in a
tax-efficient manner in a diversified mix of equity and fixed income securities and are classified
as available-for-sale.
The trust funds are included in the balance sheets at fair value, as obtained from quoted market
prices for the same or similar investments. As the external trust funds are actively managed by
unrelated parties with limited direction from the Company, the Company does not have the ability to
choose to hold securities with unrealized losses until recovery. Through 2005, the Company
considered other-than-temporary impairments to be immaterial. However, since the January 1, 2006
effective date of FASB Staff Position FAS 115-1/124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary
Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (FSP No. 115-1), the Company considers all
unrealized losses to represent other-than-temporary impairments. The adoption of FSP No. 115-1 had
no impact on the results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition of the Company as all
losses have been and continue to be recorded through a regulatory liability, whether realized,
unrealized, or identified as other-than-temporary.
Details of the securities held in these trusts at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-Temporary |
|
|
2007 |
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
Impairments |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Equity |
|
$ |
256.3 |
|
|
$ |
(27.9 |
) |
|
$ |
787.8 |
|
Debt |
|
|
11.8 |
|
|
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
|
312.0 |
|
Other |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.0 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
268.2 |
|
|
$ |
(33.2 |
) |
|
$ |
1,131.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-Temporary |
|
|
2006 |
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
Impairments |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Equity |
|
$ |
227.9 |
|
|
$ |
(10.3 |
) |
|
$ |
763.1 |
|
Debt |
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
285.5 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
231.6 |
|
|
$ |
(12.4 |
) |
|
$ |
1,057.5 |
|
|
II-58
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
The contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2007 are as follows: $35.7 million in
2008; $67.3 million in 2009-2012; $58.1 million in 2013-2017; and $151.2 million thereafter.
Sales of the securities held in the trust funds resulted in cash proceeds of $774.8 million, $743.1
million, and $596.3 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, all of which were re-invested.
Realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses were $78.3 million and $76.3 million,
respectively, in 2007 and $39.8 million and $30.3 million, respectively, in 2006. Net realized
gains were $22.5 million in 2005. Realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses are
determined on a specific identification basis. In accordance with regulatory guidance, all
realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the regulatory liability for asset
retirement obligations in the balance sheets and are not included in net income or other
comprehensive income. Unrealized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses are considered
non-cash transactions for purposes of the statements of cash flow.
Amounts previously recorded in internal reserves are being transferred into the external trust
funds over periods approved by the respective state PSCs. The NRCs minimum external funding
requirements are based on a generic estimate of the cost to decommission only the radioactive
portions of a nuclear unit based on the size and type of reactor. Alabama Power and Georgia Power
have filed plans with the NRC designed to ensure that, over time, the deposits and earnings of the
external trust funds will provide the minimum funding amounts prescribed by the NRC. At December
31, 2007, the accumulated provisions for decommissioning were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Farley |
|
Plant Hatch |
|
Plant Vogtle |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
External trust funds, at fair value |
|
$ |
543 |
|
|
$ |
368 |
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
Internal reserves |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
570 |
|
|
$ |
368 |
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
Site study cost is the estimate to decommission a specific facility as of the site study year. The
estimated costs of decommissioning based on the most current studies, which were performed in 2003
for Plant Farley and in 2006 for the Georgia Power plants, were as follows for Alabama Powers
Plant Farley and Georgia Powers ownership interests in Plants Hatch and Vogtle:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Farley |
|
Plant Hatch |
|
Plant Vogtle |
|
Decommissioning periods: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning year |
|
|
2017 |
|
|
|
2034 |
|
|
|
2027 |
|
Completion year |
|
|
2046 |
|
|
|
2061 |
|
|
|
2051 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Site study costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Radiated structures |
|
$ |
892 |
|
|
$ |
544 |
|
|
$ |
507 |
|
Non-radiated structures |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
955 |
|
|
$ |
590 |
|
|
$ |
574 |
|
|
The decommissioning cost estimates are based on prompt dismantlement and removal of the plant from
service. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the above estimates because of changes in
the assumed date of decommissioning, changes in NRC requirements, or changes in the assumptions
used in making these estimates.
For ratemaking purposes, Alabama Powers decommissioning costs are based on the site study and
Georgia Powers decommissioning costs are based on the NRC generic estimate to decommission the
radioactive portion of the facilities as of 2006. The estimates used in current rates are $450
million and $313 million for Plants Hatch and Vogtle, respectively. Amounts expensed were $7
million annually for Plant Vogtle for 2005 through 2007. Significant assumptions used to determine
these costs for ratemaking were an inflation rate of 4.5% and 2.9% for
II-59
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Alabama Power and Georgia Power, respectively, and a trust earnings rate of 7.0% and 4.9% for
Alabama Power and Georgia Power, respectively. As a result of license extensions, amounts
previously contributed to the external trust funds for Plants Hatch and Farley are currently
projected to be adequate to meet the decommissioning obligations. Georgia Power filed an
application with the NRC in June 2007 to extend the licenses for Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 for an
additional 20 years. Georgia Power anticipates the NRC may make a decision regarding the license
extension for Plant Vogtle as early as 2009.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalized
In accordance with regulatory treatment, the traditional operating companies record AFUDC, which
represents the estimated debt and equity costs of capital funds that are necessary to finance the
construction of new regulated facilities. While cash is not realized currently from such
allowance, it increases the revenue requirement over the service life of the plant through a higher
rate base and higher depreciation expense. The equity component of AFUDC is not included in
calculating taxable income. Interest related to the construction of new facilities not included in
the traditional operating companies regulated rates is capitalized in accordance with standard
interest capitalization requirements. AFUDC and interest capitalized, net of income taxes were
8.4%, 4.2%, and 4.0% of net income for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Cash payments for interest totaled $798 million, $875 million, and $661 million in 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively, net of amounts capitalized of $64 million, $27 million, and $21 million,
respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
Southern Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether an impairment has occurred is based on either a specific regulatory disallowance or an
estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared with the
carrying value of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment
recognized is determined by either the amount of regulatory disallowance or by estimating the fair
value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. For
assets identified as held for sale, the carrying value is compared to the estimated fair value less
the cost to sell in order to determine if an impairment loss is required. Until the assets are
disposed of, their estimated fair value is re-evaluated when circumstances or events change.
Storm Damage Reserves
Each traditional operating company maintains a reserve to cover the cost of damages from major
storms to its transmission and distribution lines and generally the cost of uninsured damages to
its generation facilities and other property. In accordance with their respective state PSC
orders, the traditional operating companies accrued $25.6 million in 2007 that is recoverable
through rates. Alabama Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power also have discretionary authority
from their state PSCs to accrue certain additional amounts as circumstances warrant. In 2007,
there were no such accruals. In 2006 and 2005, additional accruals totaled $3 million and $6
million, respectively. See Note 3 under Storm Damage Cost Recovery for additional information
regarding these reserves following Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis, and Katrina and the deferral of
additional costs, as well as additional rate riders or other cost recovery mechanisms which have
been or may be approved by the respective state PSCs to recover the deferred costs and accrue
reserves for future storms.
Leveraged Leases
Southern Company has several leveraged lease agreements, with terms ranging up to 45 years, which
relate to international and domestic energy generation, distribution, and transportation assets.
Southern Company receives federal income tax deductions for depreciation and amortization, as well
as interest on long-term debt related to
II-60
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
these investments. The Company reviews all important lease assumptions at least annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a change in assumptions has occurred
or may occur. These assumptions include the effective tax rate, the residual value, the credit
quality of the lessees, and the timing of expected tax cash flows.
Southern Companys net investment in domestic leveraged leases consists of the following at
December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Net rentals receivable |
|
$ |
494 |
|
|
$ |
497 |
|
Unearned income |
|
|
(244 |
) |
|
|
(261 |
) |
|
Investment in leveraged leases |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
236 |
|
Deferred taxes from leveraged leases |
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
(133 |
) |
|
Net investment in leveraged leases |
|
$ |
87 |
|
|
$ |
103 |
|
|
A summary of the components of income from domestic leveraged leases was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Pretax leveraged lease income |
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
23 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
Net leveraged lease income |
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
Southern Companys net investment in international leveraged leases consists of the following at
December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Net rentals receivable |
|
$ |
1,298 |
|
|
$ |
1,299 |
|
Unearned income |
|
|
(563 |
) |
|
|
(396 |
) |
|
Investment in leveraged leases |
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
903 |
|
Deferred taxes from leveraged leases |
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
(492 |
) |
|
Net investment in leveraged leases |
|
$ |
419 |
|
|
$ |
411 |
|
|
A summary of the components of income from international leveraged leases was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Pretax leveraged lease income |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
51 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
Net leveraged lease income |
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
See Note 3 under Income Tax Matters for additional information regarding the leveraged lease
transactions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the financial statements, temporary cash investments are considered cash
equivalents. Temporary cash investments are securities with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
II-61
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Materials and Supplies
Generally, materials and supplies include the average costs of transmission, distribution, and
generating plant materials. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or
capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed.
Fuel Inventory
Fuel inventory includes the average costs of oil, coal, natural gas, and emission allowances. Fuel
is charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed as used and recovered by the traditional
operating companies through fuel cost recovery rates approved by each state PSC. Emission
allowances granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are included in inventory at zero
cost.
Stock Options
Prior to January 1, 2006, Southern Company accounted for options granted in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25; thus, no compensation expense was recognized because
the exercise price of all options granted equaled the fair market value on the date of the grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB
Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)), using the modified prospective
method. Under that method, compensation cost for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was
recognized as the requisite service was rendered and included: (a) compensation cost for the
portion of share-based awards granted prior to and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006, for
which the requisite service had not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those
awards as calculated in accordance with the original provisions of FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based awards
granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Results for prior periods have not been restated.
For Southern Company, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) resulted in a reduction in earnings before
income taxes and net income of $28 million and $17 million, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2007, and $28 million and $17 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31,
2006. Additionally, SFAS No. 123(R) requires the gross excess tax benefit from stock option
exercises to be reclassified as a financing cash flow as opposed to an operating cash flow; the
reduction in operating cash flows and increase in financing cash flows for the years ended December
31, 2007 and 2006 was $21 million and $10 million, respectively.
The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) also resulted in a reduction in basic and diluted earnings per
share of $0.03 and $0.02, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $0.02 and $0.03,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma
impact of fair-value accounting for options granted on net income and basic and diluted earnings
per share was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Impact |
|
|
2005 |
|
As Reported |
|
After Tax |
|
Pro Forma |
|
Net income (in millions) |
|
$ |
1,591 |
|
|
$ |
(17 |
) |
|
$ |
1,574 |
|
Earnings per share (dollars): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
2.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.12 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
2.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.10 |
|
Because historical forfeitures have been insignificant and are expected to remain insignificant, no
forfeitures were assumed in the calculation of compensation expense; rather they are recognized
when they occur.
II-62
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
The estimated fair values of stock options granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were derived using the
Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility
of Southern Companys stock over a period equal to the expected term. Southern Company used
historical exercise data to estimate the expected term that represents the period of time that
options granted to employees are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate was based on the
U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant that covers the expected term of the stock
options. The following table shows the assumptions used in the pricing model and the weighted
average grant-date fair value of stock options granted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Weighted average grant-date fair value |
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
|
$ |
4.15 |
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
Financial Instruments
Southern Company uses derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to fluctuations in
interest rates, the prices of certain fuel purchases, and electricity purchases and sales. All
derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities (categorized in
Other) and are measured at fair value. Substantially all of Southern Companys bulk energy
purchases and sales contracts that meet the definition of a derivative are exempt from fair value
accounting requirements and are accounted for under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts
qualify as cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions or are recoverable through the traditional
operating companies fuel hedging programs. This results in the deferral of related gains and
losses in other comprehensive income or regulatory assets and liabilities, respectively, until the
hedged transactions occur. Any ineffectiveness arising from cash flow hedges is recognized
currently in net income. Other derivative contracts, including derivatives related to synthetic
fuel investments, are marked to market through current period income and are recorded on a net
basis in the statements of income.
Southern Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the event of
counterparties nonperformance. The Company has established controls to determine and monitor the
creditworthiness of counterparties in order to mitigate the Companys exposure to counterparty
credit risk.
The other Southern Company financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair
value at December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
15,095 |
|
|
$ |
14,931 |
|
2006 |
|
$ |
13,824 |
|
|
$ |
13,702 |
|
The fair values were based on either closing market prices or closing prices of comparable
instruments.
Comprehensive Income
The objective of comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity
of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than
transactions with owners. Comprehensive income consists of net income, changes in the fair value
of qualifying cash flow hedges and marketable securities, and certain changes in pension and other
post retirement benefit plans, less income taxes and reclassifications for amounts included in net
income.
II-63
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Variable Interest Entities
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and
liabilities. Southern Company has established certain wholly-owned trusts to issue preferred
securities. See Note 6 under Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts for additional
information. However, Southern Company and the traditional operating companies are not considered
the primary beneficiaries of the trusts. Therefore, the investments in these trusts are reflected
as Other Investments, and the related loans from the trusts are included in Long-term Debt in the
balance sheets.
In addition, Southern Company holds an 85% limited partnership investment in an energy/technology
venture capital fund that is consolidated in the financial statements. During the third quarter of
2004, Southern Company terminated new investments in this fund; however, additional contributions
to existing investments will still occur. Southern Company has committed to a maximum investment
of $46 million, of which $44 million has been funded. Southern Companys investment in the fund at
December 31, 2007 totaled $26.4 million.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Southern Company has a defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering substantially all
employees. The plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). No contributions to the plan are expected for the year
ending December 31, 2008. Southern Company also provides certain defined benefit pension plans for
a selected group of management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under these
non-qualified plans are funded on a cash basis. In addition, Southern Company provides certain
medical care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit
plans. The traditional operating companies fund related trusts to the extent required by their
respective regulatory commissions. For the year ending December 31, 2008, postretirement trust
contributions are expected to total approximately $46 million.
The measurement date for plan assets and obligations is September 30 for each year presented.
Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans, Southern Company will be required to change the measurement date for its
defined benefit postretirement plans from September 30 to December 31 beginning with the year
ending December 31, 2008.
Pension Plans
The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was $5.3 billion in 2007 and $5.1
billion in 2006. Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and fair value of
plan assets were as follows:
II-64
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
5,491 |
|
|
$ |
5,557 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(241 |
) |
|
|
(230 |
) |
Plan amendments |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(297 |
) |
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
5,660 |
|
|
|
5,491 |
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
6,693 |
|
|
|
6,147 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
759 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(241 |
) |
|
|
(230 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
7,624 |
|
|
|
6,693 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
1,964 |
|
|
|
1,202 |
|
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
Prepaid pension asset, net |
|
$ |
1,969 |
|
|
$ |
1,207 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension
plans were $5.3 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively. All plan assets are related to the
qualified pension plan.
Pension plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable requirements,
including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). The
Companys investment policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income
securities, real estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging
tools but may also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company
primarily minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages
other aspects of risk. The actual composition of the Companys pension plan assets as of the end
of the year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Companys pension plans
consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Prepaid pension costs |
|
$ |
2,369 |
|
|
$ |
1,549 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
158 |
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
(1,288 |
) |
|
|
(507 |
) |
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(379 |
) |
|
|
(324 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
II-65
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Presented below are the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income, regulatory
assets, and regulatory liabilities at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 related to the
defined benefit pension plans that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost along
with the estimated amortization of such amounts for the next fiscal year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service Cost |
|
Net(Gain)/Loss |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
(40 |
) |
Regulatory assets |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
(1,486 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
278 |
|
|
$ |
(1,404 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
(11 |
) |
Regulatory assets |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
(732 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
263 |
|
|
$ |
(612 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated amortization in net periodic
pension cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
Regulatory assets |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
37 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
The components of other comprehensive income, along with the changes in the balances of regulatory
assets and regulatory liabilities, related to the defined benefit pension plans for the year ended
December 31, 2007 are presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
Regulatory |
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Income |
|
Assets |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
158 |
|
|
$ |
(507 |
) |
Net (gain) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(753 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(781 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
(26 |
) |
|
$ |
188 |
|
|
$ |
(1,288 |
) |
|
Components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
147 |
|
|
$ |
153 |
|
|
$ |
138 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(481 |
) |
|
|
(456 |
) |
|
|
(456 |
) |
Recognized net (gain) loss |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Net amortization |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
Net periodic pension cost |
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
39 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
II-66
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Net periodic pension cost (income) is the sum of service cost, interest cost, and other costs
netted against the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is
determined by multiplying the expected rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value
of plan assets. In determining the market-related value of plan assets, the Company has elected to
amortize changes in the market value of all plan assets over five years rather than recognize the
changes immediately. As a result, the accounting value of plan assets that is used to calculate
the expected return on plan assets differs from the current fair value of the plan assets.
Future benefit payments reflect expected future service and are estimated based on assumptions used
to measure the projected benefit obligation for the pension plans. At December 31, 2007, estimated
benefit payments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
265 |
|
2009 |
|
|
275 |
|
2010 |
|
|
289 |
|
2011 |
|
|
327 |
|
2012 |
|
|
349 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
2,007 |
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
Changes during the year in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations (APBO) and in the
fair value of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
1,830 |
|
|
$ |
1,826 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(83 |
) |
|
|
(79 |
) |
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(90 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
Retiree drug subsidy |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
1,797 |
|
|
|
1,830 |
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
731 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
|
(118 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
820 |
|
|
|
731 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
( 977 |
) |
|
|
(1,099 |
) |
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Accrued liability |
|
$ |
(912 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,046 |
) |
|
Other postretirement benefits plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all
applicable requirements, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys investment
policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income securities, real
estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging tools but may
also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company primarily
minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages other
aspects of risk. The actual composition of the Companys other postretirement benefit plan assets
as of the end of the year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
II-67
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
44 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys other postretirement benefit
plans consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
$ |
360 |
|
|
$ |
539 |
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(909 |
) |
|
|
(1,043 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
Presented below are the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income and regulatory
assets at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 related to the other postretirement benefit
plans that have not yet been recognized in net periodic postretirement benefit cost along with the
estimated amortization of such amounts for the next fiscal year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service |
|
Net(Gain)/ |
|
Transition |
|
|
Cost |
|
Loss |
|
Obligation |
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
103 |
|
|
$ |
181 |
|
|
$ |
84 |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
332 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
112 |
|
|
$ |
342 |
|
|
$ |
99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated amortization as net periodic
postretirement benefit cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
The components of other comprehensive income, along with the changes in the balance of regulatory
assets, related to the other postretirement benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 are
presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other |
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Income |
|
Assets |
|
|
(in millions) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
539 |
|
Net (gain) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(141 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of transition obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
8 |
|
|
$ |
360 |
|
|
II-68
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Components of the other postretirement benefit plans net periodic cost were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
27 |
|
|
$ |
30 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(45 |
) |
Net amortization |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
120 |
|
|
$ |
122 |
|
|
$ |
118 |
|
|
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Act) provides
a 28% prescription drug subsidy for Medicare eligible retirees. The effect of the subsidy reduced
Southern Companys expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 by approximately
$35 million, $39 million, and $26 million, respectively.
Future benefit payments, including prescription drug benefits, reflect expected future service and
are estimated based on assumptions used to measure the APBO for the postretirement plans.
Estimated benefit payments are reduced by drug subsidy receipts expected as a result of the
Medicare Act as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
Subsidy Receipts |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
94 |
|
|
$ |
(7 |
) |
|
$ |
87 |
|
2009 |
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
94 |
|
2010 |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
103 |
|
2011 |
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
112 |
|
2012 |
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
118 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
745 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
654 |
|
|
Actuarial Assumptions
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations used to determine both the benefit
obligations as of the measurement date and the net periodic costs for the pension and other
postretirement benefit plans for the following year are presented below. Net periodic benefit
costs were calculated in 2004 for the 2005 plan year using a discount rate of 5.75%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Discount |
|
|
6.30 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Annual salary increase |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.50 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
Long-term return on plan assets |
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
The Company determined the long-term rate of return based on historical asset class returns and
current market conditions, taking into account the diversification benefits of investing in
multiple asset classes.
An additional assumption used in measuring the APBO was a weighted average medical care cost trend
rate of 9.75% for 2008, decreasing gradually to 5.25% through the year 2015 and remaining at that
level thereafter. An annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost trend rate of 1%
would affect the APBO and the service and interest cost components at December 31, 2007 as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Percent |
|
1 Percent |
|
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
|
|
(in millions) |
Benefit obligation |
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
$ |
107 |
|
Service and interest costs |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
II-69
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Employee Savings Plan
Southern Company also sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all
employees. The Company provides an 85% matching contribution up to 6% of an employees base
salary. Prior to November 2006, the Company matched employee contributions at a rate of 75% up to
6% of the employees base salary. Total matching contributions made to the plan for 2007, 2006,
and 2005 were $73 million, $62 million, and $58 million, respectively.
3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
General Litigation Matters
Southern Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In addition, Southern Companys business activities are subject to extensive
governmental regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over
environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury,
common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air
and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular,
personal injury claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become
more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Southern
Company and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not
specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising
from such current proceedings would have a material adverse effect on Southern Companys financial
statements.
Mirant Matters
Mirant Corporation (Mirant) was an energy company with businesses that included independent power
projects and energy trading and risk management companies in the U.S. and selected other countries.
It was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company until its initial public offering in October
2000. In April 2001, Southern Company completed a spin-off to its shareholders of its remaining
ownership, and Mirant became an independent corporate entity.
Mirant Bankruptcy
In July 2003, Mirant and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary petitions for relief under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
The Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming Mirants plan of reorganization in December 2005,
and Mirant announced that this plan became effective in January 2006. As part of the plan, Mirant
transferred substantially all of its assets and its restructured debt to a new corporation that
adopted the name Mirant Corporation (Reorganized Mirant).
Southern Company has certain contingent liabilities associated with guarantees of contractual
commitments made by Mirants subsidiaries discussed in Note 7 under Guarantees and with various
lawsuits related to Mirant discussed below. Also, Southern Company has joint and several liability
with Mirant regarding the joint consolidated federal income tax returns through 2001, as discussed
in Note 5. In December 2004, as a result of concluding an IRS audit for the tax years 2000 and
2001, Southern Company paid approximately $39 million in additional tax and interest related to
Mirant tax items and filed a claim in Mirants bankruptcy case for that amount. Through December
2007, Southern Company received from the IRS approximately $36 million in refunds related to
Mirant. Southern Company believes it has a right to recoup the $39 million tax payment owed by
Mirant from such tax refunds. As a
result, Southern Company intends to retain the tax refunds and reduce its claim against Mirant for
the payment of Mirant taxes by the amount of such refunds. MC Asset Recovery, a special purpose
subsidiary of Reorganized Mirant, has objected to and sought to equitably subordinate the Southern
Company tax claim in its fraudulent
II-70
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
transfer litigation against Southern Company. Southern Company
has reserved the approximately $3 million amount remaining with respect to its Mirant tax claim.
Under the terms of the separation agreements entered into in connection with the spin-off, Mirant
agreed to indemnify Southern Company for costs associated with these guarantees, lawsuits, and
additional IRS assessments. However, as a result of Mirants bankruptcy, Southern Company sought
reimbursement as an unsecured creditor in Mirants Chapter 11 proceeding. As part of a complaint
filed against Southern Company in June 2005 and amended thereafter, Mirant and The Official
Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Mirant Corporation (Unsecured Creditors Committee) objected to
and sought equitable subordination of Southern Companys claims, and Mirant moved to reject the
separation agreements entered into in connection with the spin-off. MC Asset Recovery has been
substituted as plaintiff in the complaint. If Southern Companys claims for indemnification with
respect to these, or any additional future payments, are allowed, then Mirants indemnity
obligations to Southern Company would constitute unsecured claims against Mirant entitled to stock
in Reorganized Mirant. The final outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
MC Asset Recovery Litigation
In June 2005, Mirant, as a debtor in possession, and the Unsecured Creditors Committee filed a
complaint against Southern Company in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas,
which was amended in July 2005, February 2006, May 2006, and March 2007.
In December 2005, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order authorizing the transfer of this
proceeding, along with certain other actions, to MC Asset Recovery. Under that order, Reorganized
Mirant is obligated to fund up to $20 million in professional fees in connection with the lawsuits,
as well as certain additional amounts. Any net recoveries from these lawsuits will be distributed
to, and shared equally by, certain unsecured creditors and the original equity holders. In January
2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas substituted MC Asset Recovery as
plaintiff.
The complaint, as amended in March 2007, alleges that Southern Company caused Mirant to engage in
certain fraudulent transfers and to pay illegal dividends to Southern Company prior to the
spin-off. The alleged fraudulent transfers and illegal dividends include without limitation: (1)
certain dividends from Mirant to Southern Company in the aggregate amount of $668 million, (2) the
repayment of certain intercompany loans and accrued interest in an aggregate amount of $1.035
billion, and (3) the dividend distribution of one share of Series B Preferred Stock and its
subsequent redemption in exchange for Mirants 80% interest in a holding company that owned SE
Finance Capital Corporation and Southern Company Capital Funding, Inc., which transfer plaintiff
asserts is valued at over $200 million. The complaint also seeks to recharacterize certain
advances from Southern Company to Mirant for investments in energy facilities from debt to equity.
The complaint further alleges that Southern Company is liable to Mirants creditors for the full
amount of Mirants liability under an alter ego theory of recovery and that Southern Company
breached its fiduciary duties to Mirant and its creditors, caused Mirant to breach its fiduciary
duties to creditors, and aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by Mirants directors and
officers. The complaint also seeks recoveries under the theories of restitution and unjust
enrichment. In addition, the complaint alleges a claim under the Federal Debt Collection Procedure
Act (FDCPA) to void certain transfers from Mirant to Southern Company. MC Asset Recovery claims to
have standing to assert violations of the FDCPA and to recover property on behalf of the Mirant
debtors estates. The complaint seeks monetary damages in excess of $2 billion plus interest,
punitive damages, attorneys fees, and costs. Finally, the complaint includes an objection to
Southern Companys pending claims against Mirant in the Bankruptcy Court (which relate to
reimbursement under the separation agreements of payments such as income taxes, interest, legal
fees, and other guarantees described in Note 7) and seeks equitable subordination of Southern Companys claims to the claims of all other
creditors. Southern Company served an answer to the complaint in April 2007.
II-71
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In January 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted Southern
Companys motion to withdraw this action from the Bankruptcy Court and, in February 2006, granted
Southern Companys motion to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District
of Georgia. In May 2006, Southern Company filed a motion for summary judgment seeking entry of
judgment against the plaintiff as to all counts of the complaint. In December 2006, the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted in part and denied in part the motion.
As a result, certain breach of fiduciary duty claims alleged in earlier versions of the complaint
are barred; all other claims in the complaint may proceed. Southern Company believes there is no
meritorious basis for the claims in the complaint and is vigorously defending itself in this
action. However, the final outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
Mirant Securities Litigation
In November 2002, Southern Company, certain former and current senior officers of Southern Company,
and 12 underwriters of Mirants initial public offering were added as defendants in a class action
lawsuit that several Mirant shareholders originally filed against Mirant and certain Mirant
officers in May 2002. Several other similar lawsuits filed subsequently were consolidated into
this litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The amended
complaint is based on allegations related to alleged improper energy trading and marketing
activities involving the California energy market, alleged false statements and omissions in
Mirants prospectus for its initial public offering and in subsequent public statements by Mirant,
and accounting-related issues previously disclosed by Mirant. The lawsuit purports to include
persons who acquired Mirant securities between September 26, 2000 and September 5, 2002.
In July 2003, the court dismissed all claims based on Mirants alleged improper energy trading and
marketing activities involving the California energy market. The other claims do not allege any
improper trading and marketing activity, accounting errors, or material misstatements or omissions
on the part of Southern Company but seek to impose liability on Southern Company based on
allegations that Southern Company was a control person as to Mirant prior to the spin-off date.
Southern Company filed an answer to the consolidated amended class action complaint in September
2003. Plaintiffs have also filed a motion for class certification.
During Mirants Chapter 11 proceeding, the securities litigation was stayed, with the exception of
limited discovery. Since Mirants plan of reorganization has become effective, the stay has been
lifted. In March 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration requesting that the court
vacate that portion of its July 2003 order dismissing the plaintiffs claims based upon Mirants
alleged improper energy trading and marketing activities involving the California energy market.
Southern Company and the other defendants have opposed the plaintiffs motion. On March 6, 2007,
the court granted plaintiffs motion for reconsideration, reinstated the California energy market
claims, and granted in part and denied in part defendants motion to compel certain class
certification discovery. On March 21, 2007, defendants filed renewed motions to dismiss the
California energy claims on grounds originally set forth in their 2003 motions to dismiss, but
which were not addressed by the court. On July 27, 2007, certain defendants, including Southern
Company, filed motions for reconsideration of the courts denial of a motion seeking dismissal of
certain federal securities laws claims based upon, among other things, certain alleged errors
included in financial statements issued by Mirant. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be
determined at this time.
The plaintiffs have also stated that they intend to request that the court grant leave for them to
amend the complaint to add allegations based upon claims asserted against Southern Company in the
MC Asset Recovery litigation.
Under certain circumstances, Southern Company will be obligated under its Bylaws to indemnify the
four current and/or former Southern Company officers who served as directors of Mirant at the time
of its initial public offering through the date of the spin-off and who are also named as defendants in this lawsuit. The final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
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Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Environmental Matters
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the EPA brought a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, including Alabama Power and
Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New Source Review (NSR) provisions
of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired generating facilities. Through
subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a separate action in January 2001
against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after Alabama
Power was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits, the EPA alleged that NSR
violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by Alabama Power and Georgia
Power. The civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief, including an order requiring the
installation of the best available control technology at the affected units. The action against
Georgia Power has been administratively closed since the spring of 2001, and the case has not been
reopened.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to all of the remaining plants:
Plants Barry, Gaston, Gorgas, and Greene County.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case. The final outcome of these matters cannot be determined
at this time.
Southern Company believes that the traditional operating companies complied with applicable laws
and the EPA regulations and interpretations in effect at the time the work in question took place.
The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation
at each generating unit, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in
either of these cases could require substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of
currently budgeted capital expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly
require payment of substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of
operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated
rates.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each
II-73
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have not, however, requested that damages be awarded in
connection with their claims. Southern Company believes these claims are without merit and notes
that the complaint cites no statutory or regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other
defendants motions to dismiss these cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Second Circuit in October 2005 and no decision has been issued. The ultimate
outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
Southern Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling
and disposal of waste and releases of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and
regulations, the subsidiaries may also incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The
traditional operating companies have each received authority from their respective state PSCs to
recover approved environmental compliance costs through regulatory mechanisms. Within limits
approved by the state PSCs, these rates are adjusted annually or as necessary.
Through 2007, Georgia Power recovered environmental costs through its base rates. Beginning in
2008, in connection with the retail rate plan for the years 2008 through 2010 (2007 Retail Rate
Plan), an environmental compliance cost recovery tariff, including an annual accrual of $1.2
million for environmental remediation, was implemented. Environmental remediation expenditures
will be charged against the reserve as they are incurred. The annual accrual amount will be
reviewed and adjusted as necessary in future regulatory proceedings. The balance of Georgia
Powers environmental remediation liability at December 31, 2007 was $13.5 million.
Georgia Power has been designated as a potentially responsible party at sites governed by the
Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act and/or by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), including a large site in Brunswick, Georgia on the
CERCLA National Priorities List (NPL). The parties have completed the removal of wastes from the
Brunswick site as ordered by the EPA. Additional claims for recovery of natural resource damages
at this site or for the assessment and potential cleanup of other sites on the Georgia Hazardous
Sites Inventory and CERCLA NPL are anticipated.
Gulf Powers environmental remediation liability includes estimated costs of environmental
remediation projects of approximately $66.9 million as of December 31, 2007. These estimated costs
relate to new regulations and more stringent site closure criteria by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) for impacts to groundwater from herbicide applications at Gulf
Power substations. The schedule for completion of the remediation projects will be subject to FDEP
approval. The projects have been approved by the Florida PSC for recovery through Gulf Powers
environmental cost recovery clause; therefore, there was no impact on net income as a result of
these estimates.
The final outcome of these matters cannot now be determined. However, based on the currently known
conditions at these sites and the nature and extent of activities relating to these sites,
management does not believe that additional liabilities, if any, at these sites would be material
to the financial statements.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
Each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power has authorization from the FERC to
sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term opportunity sales, at market-based prices.
Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding.
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NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Any new market-based rate sales by any subsidiary of Southern Company in Southern Companys retail
service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May 2006 could be
subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the traditional operating companies and Southern Power to charge
cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the Southern Company retail service territory,
which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates and could also result in refunds of up to
$19.7 million, plus interest. Southern Company and its subsidiaries believe that there is no
meritorious basis for this proceeding and are vigorously defending themselves in this matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet in its retail service territory is operated under the Intercompany
Interchange Contract (IIC), as approved by the FERC. In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new
proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies,
Southern Power, and SCS, as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is
operated, (2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct
applicable to utility companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys
code of conduct defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate
is just and reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized
Southern Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern
Companys code of conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Generation Interconnection Agreements
In November 2004, generator company subsidiaries of Tenaska, Inc. (Tenaska), as counterparties to
three previously executed interconnection agreements with subsidiaries of Southern Company, filed
complaints at the FERC requesting that the FERC modify the agreements and that those Southern
Company subsidiaries refund a total of $19 million previously paid for interconnection facilities.
No other similar complaints are pending with the FERC.
On January 19, 2007, the FERC issued an order granting Tenaskas requested relief. Although the
FERCs order required the modification of Tenaskas interconnection agreements, under the
provisions of the order, Southern Company determined that no refund was payable to Tenaska.
Southern Company requested rehearing asserting that the FERC retroactively applied a new principle
to existing interconnection agreements. Tenaska requested rehearing of FERCs methodology for
determining the amount of refunds. The requested rehearings were denied, and
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NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Southern Company and Tenaska have appealed the orders to the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of
Columbia. The final outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
Right of Way Litigation
Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and
Southern Telecom, Inc. (a subsidiary of SouthernLINC Wireless), have been named as defendants in
numerous lawsuits brought by landowners since 2001. The plaintiffs lawsuits claim that defendants
may not use, or sublease to third parties, some or all of the fiber optic communications lines on
the rights of way that cross the plaintiffs properties and that such actions exceed the easements
or other property rights held by defendants. The plaintiffs assert claims for, among other things,
trespass and unjust enrichment and seek compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief.
Management of Southern Company and its subsidiaries believe that they have complied with applicable
laws and that the plaintiffs claims are without merit.
In November 2003, the Second Circuit Court in Gadsden County, Florida, ruled in favor of the
plaintiffs on their motion for partial summary judgment concerning liability in one such lawsuit
brought by landowners regarding the installation and use of fiber optic cable over Gulf Power
rights of way located on the landowners property. Subsequently, the plaintiffs sought to amend
their complaint and asked the court to enter a final declaratory judgment and to enter an order
enjoining Gulf Power from allowing expanded general telecommunications use of the fiber optic
cables that are the subject of this litigation. In January 2005, the trial court granted in part
the plaintiffs motion to amend their complaint and denied the requested declaratory and injunctive
relief. In November 2005, the trial court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and against Gulf Power
on their respective motions for partial summary judgment. In that same order, the trial court also
denied Gulf Powers motion to dismiss certain claims. Gulf Power filed an appeal to the Florida
First District Court of Appeals in December 2005. In October 2006, the Florida First District
Court of Appeal issued an order dismissing Gulf Powers December 2005 appeal on the basis that the
trial courts order was a non-final order and therefore not subject to review on appeal at this
time. The case was returned to the trial court for further proceedings. The parties reached
agreement on a proposed settlement plan that was subject to approval by the trial court. On
November 7, 2007, the trial court granted preliminary approval and set forth the requirements for
the trial court to make its final determination on the proposed settlement. Although the final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined, if approved the settlement is not expected to have
a material effect on Southern Companys financial statements.
To date, Mississippi Power has entered into agreements with plaintiffs in approximately 90% of the
actions pending against Mississippi Power to clarify its easement rights in the State of
Mississippi. These agreements have been approved by the Circuit Courts of Harrison County and
Jasper County, Mississippi (First Judicial Circuit), and dismissals of the related cases are in
progress. These agreements have not resulted in any material effects on Southern Companys
financial statements.
In addition, in late 2001, certain subsidiaries of Southern Company, including Alabama Power,
Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Telecom, Inc. (a subsidiary of
SouthernLINC Wireless), were named as defendants in a lawsuit brought by a telecommunications
company that uses certain of the defendants rights of way. This lawsuit alleges, among other
things, that the defendants are contractually obligated to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
telecommunications company from any liability that may be assessed against it in pending and future
right of way litigation. The Company believes that the plaintiffs claims are without merit. In
the fall of 2004, the trial court stayed the case until resolution of the underlying landowner
litigation discussed above. In January 2005, the Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed the
telecommunications companys appeal of the trial courts order for lack of jurisdiction. An
adverse outcome in this matter, combined with an adverse outcome against the telecommunications
company in one or more of the right of way lawsuits, could result in substantial judgments;
however, the final outcome of these matters cannot now be determined.
II-76
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Income Tax Matters
Leveraged Leases
Southern Company undergoes audits by the IRS for each of its tax years. The IRS has completed its
audits of Southern Companys consolidated federal income tax returns for all years prior to 2004.
The IRS challenged Southern Companys deductions related to three international lease transactions
(SILO or sale-in-lease-out transactions), in connection with its audits of Southern Companys 2000
through 2003 tax returns. In the third quarter 2006, Southern Company paid the full amount of the
disputed tax and the applicable interest on the SILO issue for tax years 2000 and 2001 and filed a
claim for refund which was denied by the IRS. The disputed tax amount was $79 million and the
related interest approximately $24 million for these tax years. This payment, and the subsequent
IRS disallowance of the refund claim, closed the issue with the IRS and Southern Company has
initiated litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia for a complete
refund of tax and interest paid for the 2000 and 2001 tax years. The IRS also challenged the SILO
deductions for the tax years 2002 and 2003. The estimated amount of disputed tax and interest for
tax years 2002 and 2003 was approximately $83 million and $15 million, respectively. The tax and
interest for these tax years was paid to the IRS in the fourth quarter 2006. Southern Company has
accounted for both payments in 2006 as deposits. For tax years 2000 through 2007, Southern Company
has claimed approximately $330 million in tax benefits related to these SILO transactions
challenged by the IRS. These tax benefits relate to timing differences and do not impact total net
income. Southern Company believes these transactions are valid leases for U.S. tax purposes and
the related deductions are allowable. Southern Company is continuing to pursue resolution of these
matters; however, the ultimate outcome cannot now be determined. In addition, the U.S. Senate is
currently considering legislation that would disallow tax benefits for SILO losses and other
international leveraged lease transactions (such as lease-in-lease-out transactions) occurring
after December 31, 2007. The ultimate impact on Southern Companys net income and cash flow will
be dependent on the outcome of pending litigation and proposed legislation, but could be
significant, and potentially material.
Effective January 1, 2007, Southern Company adopted both FIN 48 and FASB Staff Position No. FAS
13-2, Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating to Income
Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction (FSP 13-2). FIN 48 requires companies to
determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon
examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in
the financial statements. It also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and
classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. FSP
13-2 amends FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases requiring recalculation of the rate of
return and the allocation of income whenever the projected timing of the income tax cash flows
generated by a leveraged lease is revised with recognition of the resulting gain or loss in the
year of the revision. FSP 13-2 also requires that all recognized tax positions in a leveraged
lease must be measured in accordance with the criteria in FIN 48 and any changes resulting from FIN
48 must be reflected as a change in an important lease assumption as of the date of adoption. In
adopting these standards, Southern Company concluded that a portion of the SILO tax benefits were
uncertain tax positions, as defined in FIN 48. Accordingly, Southern Company also concluded that
there was a change in the timing of project income tax cash flows and, as required by FSP 13-2,
recalculated the rate of return and allocation of income under the
lease-in-lease-out (LILO) and
SILO transactions.
The cumulative effect of the initial adoption of FIN 48 and FSP 13-2 was recorded as an adjustment
to beginning retained earnings. For the LILO transaction settled with the IRS in February 2005,
the cumulative effect of adopting FSP 13-2 was a $17 million reduction in beginning retained
earnings. With respect to Southern Companys SILO transactions, the adoption of FSP 13-2 reduced
beginning retained earnings by $108 million and the adoption of FIN 48 reduced beginning retained
earnings by an additional $15 million. The adjustments to retained earnings are non-cash charges
and those related to FSP 13-2 will be recognized as income over the remaining terms of the affected
leases. The adoption of FSP 13-2 also resulted in a reduction of net income of approximately $15
million during 2007. Any future changes in the projected or actual income tax cash flows will
result in an additional recalculation of the net investment in the leases and will be recorded
currently in income.
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NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Georgia State Income Tax Credits
Georgia Powers 2005 through 2007 income tax filings for the State of Georgia include state income
tax credits for increased activity through Georgia ports. Georgia Power has also filed similar
claims for the years 2002 through 2004. The Georgia Department of Revenue has not responded to
these claims. On July 24, 2007, Georgia Power filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Fulton
County to recover the credits claimed for the years 2002 through 2004. If Georgia Power prevails,
these claims could have a significant, and possibly material, positive effect on Southern Companys
net income. If Georgia Power is not successful, payment of the related state tax could have a
significant, and possibly material, negative effect on Southern Companys cash flow. The ultimate
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
Alabama Power Retail Regulatory Matters
Alabama Power operates under a Rate Stabilization and Equalization Plan (Rate RSE) approved by the
Alabama PSC. Prior to 2007, Rate RSE provided for periodic annual adjustments based upon Alabama
Powers earned return on end-of-period retail common equity. Beginning in 2007, Rate RSE
adjustments are effective in January based on forward-looking information for the applicable
upcoming calendar year. Rate adjustments for any two-year period, when averaged together, cannot
exceed 4% per year and any annual adjustment is limited to 5%. Rates remain unchanged when the
retail return on common equity (ROE) is projected to be between 13% and 14.5%. If Alabama Powers
actual retail ROE is above the allowed equity return range, customer refunds will be required;
however, there is no provision for additional customer billings should the actual retail return on
common equity fall below the allowed equity return range. The Rate RSE increase for 2007 was
4.76%, or $193 million annually. The ratemaking procedures will remain in effect until the Alabama
PSC votes to modify or discontinue them.
The Alabama PSC has also approved a rate mechanism that provides for adjustments to recognize the
cost of placing new generating facilities in retail service and for the recovery of retail costs
associated with certificated purchased power agreements (Rate CNP). In April 2005, an adjustment
to Rate CNP decreased retail rates by approximately 0.5%, or $19 million annually. The annual
true-up adjustment effective in April 2006 increased retail rates by 0.5%, or $19 million annually.
In April 2007, there was no adjustment to Rate CNP.
In October 2004, the Alabama PSC approved a request by Alabama Power to amend Rate CNP to also
provide for the recovery of retail costs associated with environmental laws and regulations,
effective in January 2005. The rate mechanism began operation in January 2005 and provides for the
recovery of these costs pursuant to a factor that will be calculated annually. Environmental costs
to be recovered include operations and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and a return on invested
capital. Retail rates increased approximately 1.2% in January 2006 and 0.6% in January 2007.
Alabama Power fuel costs are recovered under Rate ECR (Energy Cost Recovery), which provides for
the addition of a fuel and energy cost factor to base rates. In June 2007, the Alabama PSC
approved Alabama Powers request to increase the retail energy cost recovery rate to 3.100 cents
per kilowatt hour, effective with billings beginning July 2007 for the 30-month period ending
December 2009. As of December 31, 2007, Alabama Power had an under recovered fuel balance of
approximately $280 million, of which approximately $82 million is included in deferred charges and
other assets in the balance sheets.
Georgia Power Retail Regulatory Matters
In December 2007, the Georgia PSC approved the 2007 Retail Rate Plan. Under the 2007 Retail Rate
Plan, Georgia Powers earnings will continue to be evaluated against a retail ROE range of 10.25%
to 12.25%. Two-thirds of any earnings above 12.25% will be applied to rate refunds with the
remaining one-third applied to an environmental compliance cost recovery (ECCR) tariff. Georgia
Power has agreed that it will not file for a general base rate increase during this period unless
its projected retail ROE falls below 10.25%. Retail base rates increased by
II-78
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
approximately $99.7 million effective January 1, 2008 to provide for cost recovery of transmission,
distribution, generation, and other investments, as well as increased operating costs. In
addition, the ECCR tariff was implemented to allow for the recovery of costs for required
environmental projects mandated by state and federal regulations. The ECCR tariff increased rates
by approximately $222 million effective January 1, 2008. Georgia Power is required to file a
general rate case by July 1, 2010, in response to which the Georgia PSC would be expected to
determine whether the 2007 Retail Rate Plan should be continued, modified, or discontinued.
In December 2004, the Georgia PSC approved the retail rate plan for the years 2005 through 2007
(2004 Retail Rate Plan) for Georgia Power. Under the terms of the 2004 Retail Rate Plan, Georgia
Powers earnings were evaluated against a retail ROE range of 10.25% to 12.25%. Two-thirds of any
earnings above 12.25% were applied to rate refunds, with the remaining one-third retained by
Georgia Power. Retail rates and customer fees increased by approximately $203 million effective
January 1, 2005 to cover the higher costs of purchased power, operating and maintenance expenses,
environmental compliance, and continued investment in new generation, transmission, and
distribution facilities to support growth and ensure reliability. In 2007, Georgia Power refunded
2005 earnings above 12.25% retail ROE. There were no refunds related to earnings for 2006 or 2007.
Georgia Power has established fuel cost recovery rates approved by the Georgia PSC. On February 6,
2007, the Georgia PSC approved an increase in Georgia Powers total annual billings of
approximately $383 million effective March 1, 2007. The Georgia PSC order reduced Georgia Powers
requested increase in the forecast of annual fuel costs by $40 million and disallowed $4 million of
previously incurred fuel costs. As of December 31, 2007, Georgia Power had an under recovered fuel
balance of approximately $692 million, of which approximately $307 million is included in deferred
charges and other assets in the balance sheets. The Georgia PSC order also requires Georgia Power
to file for a new fuel cost recovery rate no later than March 1, 2008.
Storm Damage Cost Recovery
Each traditional operating company maintains a reserve to cover the cost of damages from major
storms to its transmission and distribution lines and generally the cost of uninsured damages to
its generation facilities and other property. In addition, each traditional operating company
affected by recent hurricanes has been authorized by its state PSC to defer the portion of the
hurricane restoration costs that exceeded the balance in its storm damage reserve account. As of
December 31, 2007, the under recovered balance in Southern Companys storm damage reserve accounts
totaled approximately $43 million, of which approximately $40 million and $3 million, respectively,
are included in the balance sheets herein under Other Current Assets and Other Regulatory
Assets.
In June 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued an order that certified actual storm restoration costs
relating to Hurricane Katrina through April 30, 2006 of $267.9 million and affirmed estimated
additional costs through December 31, 2007 of $34.5 million, for total storm restoration costs of
$302.4 million which was net of insurance proceeds of approximately $77 million, without offset for
the property damage reserve of $3.0 million. Of the total amount, $292.8 million applies to
Mississippi Powers retail jurisdiction. The order directed Mississippi Power to file an
application with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for a Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG). In October 2006, Mississippi Power received from the MDA a CDBG in the amount of
$276.4 million. Mississippi Power has appropriately allocated and applied these CDBG proceeds to
both retail and wholesale storm restoration cost recovery.
In October 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued a financing order that authorized the issuance of
$121.2 million of system restoration bonds. This amount includes $25.2 million for the retail
storm recovery costs not covered by the CDBG, $60 million for a property damage reserve, and $36
million for the retail portion of the construction of the storm operations facility. The bonds
were issued by the Mississippi Development Bank on behalf of the State of Mississippi on June 1,
2007.
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NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
On June 1, 2007, Mississippi Power received a grant payment of $85.2 million from the State of
Mississippi representing recovery of $25.2 million in retail storm restoration costs incurred or to
be incurred and $60.0 million to increase Mississippi Powers property damage reserve. In the
fourth quarter 2007, Mississippi Power received additional grant payments of $24.1 million for
expenditures incurred for construction of a new storm operations center. The funds received
related to previously incurred storm restoration expenditures have been accounted for as a
government grant and have been recorded as a reduction to the regulatory asset that was recorded as
the storm restoration expenditures were incurred. The funds received for storm restoration
expenditures to be incurred were recorded as a regulatory liability. Mississippi Power will
receive further grant payments of up to $11.9 million as expenditures are incurred to construct the
new storm operations center. As of December 31, 2007, Mississippi Power had no under recovered
balance in the property damage reserve account.
In July 2006, the Florida PSC issued its order approving a stipulation and settlement between Gulf
Power and several consumer groups that resolved all matters relating to Gulf Powers request for
recovery of incurred costs for storm-recovery activities and the replenishment of Gulf Powers
property damage reserve. The order provided for an extension of the storm-recovery surcharge then
being collected by Gulf Power for an additional 27 months, expiring in June 2009. According to the
stipulation, the funds resulting from the extension of the surcharge were first credited to the
unrecovered balance of storm-recovery costs associated with Hurricane Ivan until these costs were
fully recovered. The funds are now being credited to the property reserve for recovery of the
storm-recovery costs of $52.6 million associated with Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina that were
previously charged to the reserve. Should revenues collected by Gulf Power through the extension
of the storm-recovery surcharge exceed the storm-recovery costs associated with Hurricanes Dennis
and Katrina, the excess revenues will be credited to the reserve. The annual accrual to the
reserve of $3.5 million and Gulf Powers limited discretionary authority to make additional
accruals to the reserve will continue as previously approved by the Florida PSC. Gulf Power made
discretionary accruals to the reserve of $3 million and $6 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Gulf Power made no discretionary accrual to the reserve in 2007. According to the order, in the
case of future storms, if Gulf Power incurs cumulative costs for storm-recovery activities in
excess of $10 million during any calendar year, Gulf Power will be permitted to file a streamlined
formal request for an interim surcharge. Any interim surcharge would provide for the recovery,
subject to refund, of up to 80% of the claimed costs for storm-recovery activities. Gulf Power
would then petition the Florida PSC for full recovery through an additional surcharge or other cost
recovery mechanism.
As of December 31, 2007, Gulf Powers unrecovered balance in the property damage reserve totaled
approximately $18.6 million which is included in the balance sheets under Current Assets.
At Alabama Power, expenses associated with Hurricane Ivan were $57.8 million. In 2005, Alabama
Power received Alabama PSC approvals to return certain regulatory liabilities to the retail
customers. These orders also allowed Alabama Power to simultaneously recover from customers
accruals of approximately $48 million primarily to offset the costs of Hurricane Ivan and restore a
positive balance in the natural disaster reserve (NDR). The combined effect of these orders had no
impact on net income in 2005.
In December 2005, the Alabama PSC approved a separate rate rider to recover Alabama Powers $51
million of deferred Hurricane Dennis and Katrina storm restoration costs over a two-year period and
to replenish its reserve to a target balance of $75 million over a five-year period.
In June 2007, Alabama Power fully recovered its prior storm cost of $51 million resulting from
Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. As a result, customer rates decreased by this portion of the NDR
charge effective in July 2007. At December 31, 2007, Alabama Power had accumulated a balance of
$26.1 million in the target reserve for future storms, which is included in the balance sheets
under Other Regulatory Liabilities.
II-80
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Kemper County Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle
In June 2006, Mississippi Power filed an application with the DOE for certain tax credits available
to projects using clean coal technologies under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The proposed
project is an advanced coal gasification facility located in Kemper County, Mississippi that would
use locally mined lignite coal. The proposed 693-megawatt plant, excluding the mine cost, is
expected to require an approximate investment of $1.5 billion and is expected to be completed in
2013. The DOE subsequently certified the project and in November 2006 the IRS allocated Internal
Revenue Code tax credits to Mississippi Power of $133 million. The utilization of these credits is
dependent upon meeting the certification requirements for the project under the Internal Revenue
Code. The plant would use an air-blown integrated gasification combined cycle technology that
generates power from low-rank coals and coals with high moisture or high ash content. These coals,
which include lignite, make up half the proven U.S. and worldwide coal reserves. Mississippi Power
is undertaking a feasibility assessment of the project which could take up to two years. Approval
by various regulatory agencies, including the Mississippi PSC, will also be required if the project
proceeds. The Mississippi PSC has authorized Mississippi Power to create a regulatory asset for
the approved retail portion of the costs associated with the generation resource planning,
evaluation, and screening activities up to approximately $23.8 million ($16 million for the retail
portion). The retail portion of these costs will be charged to and remain as a regulatory asset
until the Mississippi PSC determines the prudence and ultimate recovery, which decision is expected
in January 2009. The final outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
Alabama Power owns an undivided interest in units 1 and 2 of Plant Miller and related facilities
jointly with Alabama Electric Cooperative, Inc. Georgia Power owns undivided interests in Plants
Vogtle, Hatch, Scherer, and Wansley in varying amounts jointly with Oglethorpe Power Corporation
(OPC), the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, the city of Dalton, Georgia, Florida Power &
Light Company, and Jacksonville Electric Authority. In addition, Georgia Power has joint ownership
agreements with OPC for the Rocky Mountain facilities and with Florida Power Corporation for a
combustion turbine unit at Intercession City, Florida. Southern Power owns an undivided interest
in Plant Stanton Unit A and related facilities jointly with the Orlando Utilities Commission,
Kissimmee Utility Authority, and Florida Municipal Power Agency.
At December 31, 2007, Alabama Powers, Georgia Powers, and Southern Powers ownership and
investment (exclusive of nuclear fuel) in jointly owned facilities with the above entities were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
Amount of |
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Ownership |
|
Investment |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Plant Vogtle (nuclear) |
|
|
45.7 |
% |
|
$ |
3,288 |
|
|
$ |
1,900 |
|
Plant Hatch (nuclear) |
|
|
50.1 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
509 |
|
Plant Miller (coal)
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
91.8 |
|
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
418 |
|
Plant Scherer (coal)
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
Plant Wansley (coal) |
|
|
53.5 |
|
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
Rocky Mountain (pumped storage) |
|
|
25.4 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
Intercession City (combustion turbine) |
|
|
33.3 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Plant Stanton (combined cycle)
Unit A |
|
|
65.0 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the portion of total construction work in progress related to Plants Miller,
Scherer, Wansley, and Rocky Mountain was $49.1 million, $66.5 million, $170.3 million, and $4.0
million, respectively, primarily for environmental projects.
II-81
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Southern Power have contracted to operate and maintain the
jointly owned facilities, except for Rocky Mountain and Intercession City, as agents for their
respective co-owners. The companies proportionate share of their plant operating expenses is
included in the corresponding operating expenses in the statements of income.
5. INCOME TAXES
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined state income tax
returns for the States of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Under a joint consolidated income tax
allocation agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on a
stand-alone basis. In accordance with IRS regulations, each company is jointly and severally
liable for the tax liability.
Current and Deferred Income Taxes
Details of income tax provisions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Federal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
$ |
715 |
|
|
$ |
465 |
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
419 |
|
|
|
|
|
726 |
|
|
|
672 |
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
835 |
|
|
$ |
780 |
|
|
$ |
595 |
|
|
Net cash payments for income taxes in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were $732 million, $649 million, and
$100 million, respectively.
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities, are as follows:
II-82
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation |
|
$ |
4,878 |
|
|
$ |
4,675 |
|
Property basis differences |
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
962 |
|
Leveraged lease basis differences |
|
|
479 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
856 |
|
|
|
530 |
|
Under recovered fuel clause |
|
|
443 |
|
|
|
543 |
|
Premium on reacquired debt |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
303 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations |
|
|
483 |
|
|
|
453 |
|
Storm reserve |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Other |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
8,646 |
|
|
|
8,429 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal effect of state deferred taxes |
|
|
305 |
|
|
|
267 |
|
State effect of federal deferred taxes |
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
656 |
|
|
|
615 |
|
Other property basis differences |
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
Deferred costs |
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
Unbilled revenue |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
Other comprehensive losses |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
Regulatory liabilities associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
483 |
|
|
|
453 |
|
Other |
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
272 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,730 |
|
|
|
2,289 |
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities, net |
|
|
5,916 |
|
|
|
6,140 |
|
Portion included in prepaid expenses (accrued income taxes), net |
|
|
(106 |
) |
|
|
(175 |
) |
Deferred state tax assets |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes in the balance sheets |
|
$ |
5,839 |
|
|
$ |
5,989 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, Southern Company had a State of Georgia net operating loss (NOL) carryforward
totaling $1.0 billion, which could result in net state income tax benefits of $59 million, if
utilized. However, Southern Company has established a valuation allowance for the potential $59
million tax benefit due to the remote likelihood that the tax benefit will be realized. These NOLs
will expire between 2008 and 2021. During 2007, Southern Company utilized $0.8 million in
available NOLs, which resulted in a $0.05 million state income tax benefit. The State of Georgia
allows the filing of a combined return, which should substantially reduce any additional NOL
carryforwards.
At December 31, 2007, the tax-related regulatory assets and liabilities were $911 million and $275
million, respectively. These assets are attributable to tax benefits flowed through to customers in
prior years and to taxes applicable to capitalized interest. These liabilities are attributable to
deferred taxes previously recognized at rates higher than the current enacted tax law and to
unamortized investment tax credits.
In accordance with regulatory requirements, deferred investment tax credits are amortized over the
lives of the related property with such amortization normally applied as a credit to reduce
depreciation in the statements of income. Credits amortized in this manner amounted to $23 million
in 2007, $23 million in 2006, and $25 million in 2005. At December 31, 2007, all investment tax
credits available to reduce federal income taxes payable had been utilized.
II-83
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Effective Tax Rate
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income taxes determined by applying the
applicable U.S. federal statutory rate to earnings before income taxes and preferred and preference
dividends of subsidiaries, as a result of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Federal statutory rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal deduction |
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
Synthetic fuel tax credits |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
(8.0 |
) |
Employee stock plans dividend deduction |
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
Non-deductible book depreciation |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Difference in prior years deferred and current tax rate |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
AFUDC-Equity |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
Production activities deduction |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
Donations |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
31.9 |
% |
|
|
32.7 |
% |
|
|
26.8 |
% |
|
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to United States production activities as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 199 (production
activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified production
activities income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate
applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9%
rate applicable for all years after 2009. This increase from 3% in 2006 to 6% in 2007 was one of
several factors that increased Southern Companys 2007 deduction by $32 million over the 2006
deduction. The resulting additional tax benefit was $11 million.
In 2007, Georgia Power donated 2,200 acres of land in the Tallulah Gorge State Park to the State of
Georgia. The estimated value of the donation caused a lower effective income tax rate for the year
ended December 31, 2007, when compared to December 31, 2006.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On January 1, 2007, Southern Company adopted FIN 48, which requires companies to determine whether
it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the
appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial
statements. It also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of
income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties.
Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, Southern Company had unrecognized tax benefits which were
previously accrued under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for
Contingencies of approximately $65 million. Upon adoption of FIN 48, an additional $146 million
of unrecognized tax benefits were recorded, which resulted in a total balance of $211 million. The
$146 million relates to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for
which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. For 2007, the total amount of
unrecognized tax benefits increased by $53 million, resulting in a balance of $264 million as of
December 31, 2007.
II-84
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Changes during the year in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Unrecognized tax benefits as of adoption |
|
$ |
211 |
|
Tax positions from current periods |
|
|
46 |
|
Tax positions from prior periods |
|
|
7 |
|
Reductions due to settlements |
|
|
|
|
Reductions due to expired statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
264 |
|
|
Impact on Southern Companys effective tax rate, if recognized, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate |
|
$ |
96 |
|
Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate |
|
|
168 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
264 |
|
|
Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Interest accrued as of adoption |
|
$ |
27 |
|
Interest accrued during the year |
|
|
4 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
Southern Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. The net amount of
interest accrued as of adoption of FIN 48 was $27 million, which resulted in a reduction to
beginning 2007 retained earnings of approximately $15 million, net of tax. Net interest accrued
for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $4 million. Southern Company did not accrue any penalties
on uncertain tax positions.
The IRS has audited and closed all tax returns prior to 2004. The audits for the state returns
have either been concluded, or the statute of limitations has expired, for years prior to 2002.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of
Southern Companys unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the
next 12 months. The possible settlement of the SILO litigation, the Georgia state tax credits
litigation, the production activities deduction methodology, and/or the conclusion or settlement of
federal or state audits could impact the balances significantly. At this time, other than the SILO
litigation, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined. The
unrecognized benefit related to the SILO litigation could decrease by $165 million within the next
12 months. See Note 3 under Income Tax Matters for additional information.
6. FINANCING
Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts
Southern Company and certain of the traditional operating companies have formed certain
wholly-owned trust subsidiaries for the purpose of issuing preferred securities. The proceeds of
the related equity investments and preferred security sales were loaned back to Southern Company or
the applicable traditional operating company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes
totaling $412 million, which constitute substantially all of the
II-85
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
assets of these trusts and are reflected in the balance sheets as Long-term Debt. Southern
Company and such traditional operating companies each consider that the mechanisms and obligations
relating to the preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and
unconditional guarantee by it of the respective trusts payment obligations with respect to these
securities. At December 31, 2007, preferred securities of $400 million were outstanding. See Note
1 under Variable Interest Entities for additional information on the accounting treatment for
these trusts and the related securities.
Securities Due Within One Year
A summary of scheduled maturities and redemptions of securities due within one year at December 31
was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Capitalized leases |
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
Senior notes |
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
1,369 |
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,178 |
|
|
$ |
1,418 |
|
|
Debt and preferred stock redemptions, and/or serial maturities through 2012 applicable to total
long-term debt are as follows: $1.2 billion in 2008; $609 million in 2009; $291 million in 2010;
$332 million in 2011; and $1.6 billion in 2012.
Assets Subject to Lien
Each of Southern Companys subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity, separate and apart from
Southern Company and its other subsidiaries. Alabama Power and Gulf Power have granted one or more
liens on certain of their respective property in connection with the issuance of certain pollution
control bonds with an outstanding principal amount of $194 million. There are no agreements or
other arrangements among the subsidiary companies under which the assets of one company have been
pledged or otherwise made available to satisfy obligations of Southern Company or any of its other
subsidiaries.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At the beginning of 2008, unused credit arrangements with banks totaled $4.1 billion, of which $811
million expires during 2008 and $3.3 billion expires in 2012. The following table outlines the
credit arrangements by company:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expires |
Company |
|
Total |
|
Unused |
|
2008 |
|
2012 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Alabama Power |
|
$ |
1,235 |
|
|
$ |
1,235 |
|
|
$ |
435 |
|
|
$ |
800 |
|
Georgia Power |
|
|
1,160 |
|
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
1,120 |
|
Gulf Power |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi Power |
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Company |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Southern Power |
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
387 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
400 |
|
Other |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
4,131 |
|
|
$ |
4,110 |
|
|
$ |
811 |
|
|
$ |
3,320 |
|
|
II-86
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Approximately $79 million of the credit facilities expiring in 2008 allow the execution of term
loans for an additional two-year period and $500 million allow execution of one-year term loans.
Most of these agreements include stated borrowing rates.
All of the credit arrangements require payment of commitment fees based on the unused portion of
the commitments or the maintenance of compensating balances with the banks. Commitment fees are
one-eighth of 1% or less for Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern
Power. Compensating balances are not legally restricted from withdrawal.
Most of the credit arrangements with banks have covenants that limit debt levels to 65% of total
capitalization, as defined in the agreements. For purposes of these definitions, debt excludes the
long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts and, in certain arrangements, other hybrid securities.
At December 31, 2007, Southern Company, Southern Power, and the traditional operating companies
were each in compliance with their respective debt limit covenants.
In addition, the credit arrangements typically contain cross default provisions that would be
triggered if the borrower defaulted on other indebtedness above a specified threshold. The cross
default provisions are restricted only to the indebtedness, including any guarantee obligations, of
the company that has such credit arrangements. Southern Company and its subsidiaries are currently
in compliance with all such covenants.
A portion of the $4.1 billion unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to
the traditional operating companies variable rate pollution control bonds. The amount of variable
rate pollution control bonds requiring liquidity support as of December 31, 2007 was $927 million.
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power borrow primarily through
commercial paper programs that have the liquidity support of committed bank credit arrangements.
Southern Company and the traditional operating companies may also borrow through various other
arrangements with banks and extendible commercial note programs. The amounts of commercial paper
outstanding and included in notes payable in the balance sheets at December 31, 2007 and December
31, 2006 were $1.2 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. The amounts of short-term bank loans
included in notes payable in the balance sheets at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were
$113 million and $140 million, respectively. There were no extendible commercial notes outstanding
at December 31, 2007 and $30 million outstanding at December 31, 2006.
During 2007, the peak amount outstanding for short-term debt was $2.3 billion, and the average
amount outstanding was $1.4 billion. The average annual interest rate on short-term debt was 5.3%
for 2007 and 5.2% for 2006.
Financial Instruments
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power enter into energy-related derivatives to
hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate
regulations, the traditional operating companies have limited exposure to market volatility in
commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity. In addition, Southern Powers exposure to market
volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity is limited because its long-term
sales contracts generally shift substantially all fuel cost responsibility to the purchaser. Each
of the traditional operating companies has implemented fuel-hedging programs at the instruction of
their respective state PSCs. Together with Southern Power, the traditional operating companies may
enter into hedges of forward electricity sales.
II-87
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative contracts was
reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
1 |
|
Net income |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
The fair value gains or losses for hedges that are recoverable through the regulatory fuel clauses
are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities and are recognized in earnings at the same time
the hedged items affect earnings. For other hedges qualifying as cash flow hedges, including those
of Southern Power, the fair value gains or losses are recorded in other comprehensive income and
are reclassified into earnings at the same time the hedged items affect earnings. For 2007, 2006,
and 2005, the pre-tax gains/(losses) reclassified from other comprehensive income to fuel expense
or revenues were not material. For the year 2008, approximately $1 million of gains are expected
to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to revenues. There was no significant
ineffectiveness recorded in earnings for any period presented. Southern Company has energy-related
hedges in place up to and including 2010.
During 2006 and 2007, Southern Company entered into derivative transactions to reduce its exposure
to a potential phase-out of certain income tax credits related to synthetic fuel production in
2007. In accordance with Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code, these tax credits are subject
to limitation as the annual average price of oil increases. At December 31, 2007, the fair value
of all derivative transactions related to synthetic fuel production was a $43 million net asset.
For 2007, 2006, and 2005, the fair value gain/(loss) recognized in other income (expense) to mark
the transactions to market was $27 million, $(32) million, and $(7) million, respectively.
Southern Company and certain subsidiaries also enter into derivatives to hedge exposure to changes
in interest rates. Derivatives related to fixed-rate securities are accounted for as fair value
hedges. Derivatives related to variable rate securities or forecasted transactions are accounted
for as cash flow hedges. The derivatives employed as hedging instruments are structured to
minimize ineffectiveness. As such, no material ineffectiveness has been recorded in earnings for
any period presented.
At December 31, 2007, Southern Company had $865 million notional amount of interest rate swaps and
options outstanding with net fair value losses of $21 million as follows:
Cash Flow Hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Notional |
|
Variable Rate |
|
Average |
|
Hedge Maturity |
|
Gain(Loss) |
|
|
Amount |
|
Received |
|
Fixed Rate Paid |
|
Date |
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Alabama Power* |
|
$ |
246 |
|
|
SIFMA Index |
|
|
2.96 |
% |
|
February 2010 |
|
$ |
(1.4 |
) |
Georgia Power** |
|
|
100 |
|
|
1-month LIBOR |
|
|
3.85 |
% |
|
January 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power |
|
|
225 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.26 |
% |
|
March 2018 |
|
|
(10.4 |
) |
Georgia Power |
|
|
100 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.12 |
% |
|
June 2018 |
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
Georgia Power |
|
|
100 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.28 |
% |
|
February 2019 |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
Georgia Power* |
|
|
14 |
|
|
SIFMA Index |
|
|
2.50 |
% |
|
January 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power |
|
|
80 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.10 |
% |
|
July 2018 |
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
|
|
|
* |
|
Hedged using the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
Municipal Swap Index (SIFMA), (Formerly the Bond Market Association/PSA
Municipal Swap Index) |
|
** |
|
Interest rate collar with variable rate based on a percentage of 1-month
LIBOR (showing rate cap) |
II-88
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
For fair value hedges where the hedged item is an asset, liability, or firm commitment, the changes
in the fair value of the hedging derivatives are recorded in earnings and are offset by the changes
in the fair value of the hedged item.
The fair value gain or loss for cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income and is
reclassified into earnings at the same time the hedged items affect earnings. In 2007, 2006, and
2005, the Company incurred net gains/(losses) of $9 million, $1 million, and $(19) million,
respectively, upon termination of certain interest derivatives at the same time it issued debt.
The effective portion of these gains/(losses) have been deferred in other comprehensive income and
will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the original interest derivative. For 2007,
2006, and 2005, approximately $15 million, $1 million, and $10 million, respectively, of pre-tax
losses were reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense. For 2008, pre-tax
losses of approximately $16 million are expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income
to interest expense. The Company has interest-related hedges in place through 2019 and has
deferred gains/(losses) that are being amortized through 2037.
7. COMMITMENTS
Construction Program
Southern Company is engaged in continuous construction programs, currently estimated to total $4.5
billion in 2008, $4.8 billion in 2009, and $4.3 billion in 2010. These amounts include $176
million, $188 million, and $170 million in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively, for construction
expenditures related to contractual purchase commitments for uranium and nuclear fuel conversion,
enrichment, and fabrication services included herein under Fuel and Purchased Power Commitments.
The construction programs are subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction
costs may vary from the above estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include:
changes in business conditions; acquisition of additional generating assets; revised load growth
estimates; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; changes in existing nuclear plants to
meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; increasing costs of labor,
equipment, and materials; and cost of capital. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase
commitments were outstanding in connection with the ongoing construction program, which includes
new facilities and capital improvements to transmission, distribution, and generation facilities,
including those to meet environmental standards.
Long-Term Service Agreements
The traditional operating companies and Southern Power have entered into Long-Term Service
Agreements (LTSAs) with General Electric (GE), ABB Power Generation, Inc., and Mitsubishi Power
Systems Americas, Inc. for the purpose of securing maintenance support for the combined cycle and
combustion turbine generating facilities owned or under construction by the subsidiaries. The
LTSAs cover all planned inspections on the covered equipment, which generally includes the cost of
all labor and materials. The LTSAs are also obligated to cover the costs of unplanned maintenance
on the covered equipment subject to limits and scope specified in each contract.
In general, these LTSAs are in effect through two major inspection cycles per unit. Scheduled
payments under the LTSAs, which are subject to price escalation, are made at various intervals
based on actual operating hours or number of gas turbine starts of the respective units. Total
remaining payments under these agreements for facilities owned are currently estimated at $2.3
billion over the remaining life of the agreements, which are currently estimated to range up to 40
years. However, the LTSAs contain various cancellation provisions at the option of the purchasers.
Georgia Power has also entered into an LTSA with GE through 2014 for neutron monitoring system
parts and electronics at Plant Hatch. Total remaining payments to GE under this agreement are
currently estimated at $9 million. The contract contains cancellation provisions at the option of
Georgia Power.
II-89
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Payments made under the LTSAs prior to the performance of any work are recorded as a prepayment in
the balance sheets. All work performed is capitalized or charged to expense (net of any joint
owner billings), as appropriate based on the nature of the work.
Limestone Commitments
As part of Southern Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal
plants, the traditional operating companies are constructing certain equipment and have entered
into various long-term commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment.
Contracts are structured with tonnage minimums and maximums in order to account for changes in coal
burn and sulfur content. Southern Company has a minimum contractual obligation of 7.7 million
tons, equating to approximately $305 million, through 2019. Estimated expenditures over the next
five years are $7 million in 2008, $13 million in 2009, $36 million in 2010, $34 million in 2011,
and $35 million in 2012.
Fuel and Purchased Power Commitments
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of the generating plants, Southern Company has entered
into various long-term commitments for the procurement of fossil and nuclear fuel. In most cases,
these contracts contain provisions for price escalations, minimum purchase levels, and other
financial commitments. Coal commitments include forward contract purchases for sulfur dioxide
emission allowances. Natural gas purchase commitments contain fixed volumes with prices based on
various indices at the time of delivery. Amounts included in the chart below represent estimates
based on New York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. Also, Southern Company
has entered into various long-term commitments for the purchase of capacity and electricity. Total
estimated minimum long-term obligations at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
Natural Gas |
|
Coal |
|
Nuclear Fuel |
|
Purchased Power |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
1,735 |
|
|
$ |
3,413 |
|
|
$ |
176 |
|
|
$ |
177 |
|
2009 |
|
|
1,178 |
|
|
|
2,456 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
2010 |
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
1,310 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
2011 |
|
|
466 |
|
|
|
715 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
2012 |
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
644 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
3,530 |
|
|
|
1,683 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
1,656 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
7,986 |
|
|
$ |
10,221 |
|
|
$ |
1,014 |
|
|
$ |
2,650 |
|
|
Additional commitments for fuel will be required to supply Southern Companys future needs. Total
charges for nuclear fuel included in fuel expense amounted to $144 million in 2007, $137 million in
2006, and $134 million in 2005.
Operating Leases
In 2001, Mississippi Power began the initial 10-year term of a lease agreement for a combined cycle
generating facility built at Plant Daniel for approximately $370 million. In 2003, the generating
facility was acquired by Juniper Capital L.P. (Juniper), whose partners are unaffiliated with
Mississippi Power. Simultaneously, Juniper entered into a restructured lease agreement with
Mississippi Power. Juniper has also entered into leases with other parties unrelated to
Mississippi Power. The assets leased by Mississippi Power comprise less than 50% of Junipers
assets. Mississippi Power is not required to consolidate the leased assets and related
liabilities, and the lease with Juniper is considered an operating lease. The initial lease term
ends in 2011, and the lease includes a purchase and
renewal option based on the cost of the facility at the inception of the lease. Mississippi Power
is required to amortize approximately 4% of the initial acquisition cost over the initial lease
term. Eighteen months prior to the end of the initial lease, Mississippi Power may elect to renew
for 10 years. If the lease is renewed, the agreement
II-90
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
calls for Mississippi Power to amortize an additional 17% of the initial completion cost over the
renewal period. Upon termination of the lease, at Mississippi Powers option, it may either
exercise its purchase option or the facility can be sold to a third party.
The lease provides for a residual value guarantee, approximately 73% of the acquisition cost, by
Mississippi Power that is due upon termination of the lease in the event that Mississippi Power
does not renew the lease or purchase the assets and that the fair market value is less than the
unamortized cost of the asset. A liability of approximately $7 million and $9 million for the fair
market value of this residual value guarantee is included in the balance sheets as of December 31,
2007 and 2006, respectively.
Southern Company also has other operating lease agreements with various terms and expiration dates.
Total operating lease expenses were $163 million, $161 million, and $150 million for 2007, 2006,
and 2005, respectively. Southern Company includes any step rents, escalations, and lease
concessions in its computation of minimum lease payments, which are recognized on a straight-line
basis over the minimum lease term. At December 31, 2007, estimated minimum lease payments for
noncancelable operating leases were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Lease Payments |
|
|
Plant Daniel |
|
Barges & Rail Cars |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
29 |
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
47 |
|
|
$ |
125 |
|
2009 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
2010 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
2011 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
113 |
|
|
$ |
203 |
|
|
$ |
281 |
|
|
$ |
597 |
|
|
For the traditional operating companies, a majority of the barge and rail car lease expenses are
recoverable through fuel cost recovery provisions. In addition to the above rental commitments,
Alabama Power and Georgia Power have obligations upon expiration of certain leases with respect to
the residual value of the leased property. These leases expire in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and the
maximum obligations are $20 million, $62 million, and $41 million, respectively. At the
termination of the leases, the lessee may either exercise its purchase option, or the property can
be sold to a third party. Alabama Power and Georgia Power expect that the fair market value of the
leased property would substantially reduce or eliminate the payments under the residual value
obligations.
Guarantees
Prior to the spin-off, Southern Company made separate guarantees to certain counterparties
regarding performance of contractual commitments by Mirants trading and marketing subsidiaries.
Southern Company has paid approximately $1.4 million in connection with the guarantees. The total
notional amount of guarantees outstanding at December 31, 2007 is less than $10 million.
As discussed earlier in this Note under Operating Leases, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and
Mississippi Power have entered into certain residual value guarantees.
8. COMMON STOCK
Stock Issued
In 2007, Southern Company raised $379 million (11.6 million shares) from the issuance of new common
shares and $159 million (5.3 million shares) from the issuance of treasury stock under the
Companys various stock programs.
II-91
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In 2006, Southern Company raised $1 million (53,000 shares) from the issuance of new common shares
and $136 million (5 million shares) from the issuance of treasury stock under the Companys various
stock programs.
Shares Reserved
At December 31, 2007, a total of 68 million shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to the
Southern Investment Plan, the Employee Savings Plan, the Outside Directors Stock Plan, and the
Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (stock option plan).
Stock Option Plan
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of its employees ranging
from line management to executives. As of December 31, 2007, 6,728 current and former employees
participated in the stock option plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be
issued under this plan may not exceed 40 million. The prices of options granted to date have been
at the fair market value of the shares on the dates of grant. Options granted to date become
exercisable pro rata over a maximum period of three years from the date of grant. Southern Company
generally recognizes stock option expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period which
equates to the requisite service period; however, for employees who are eligible for retirement the
total cost is expensed at the grant date. Options outstanding will expire no later than 10 years
after the date of grant, unless terminated earlier by the Southern Company Board of Directors in
accordance with the stock option plan. For certain stock option awards, a change in control will
provide accelerated vesting.
Southern Companys activity in the stock option plan for 2007 is summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Subject |
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
To Option |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
34,609,243 |
|
|
$ |
28.69 |
|
Granted |
|
|
6,958,668 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(7,393,430 |
) |
|
|
26.32 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(99,859 |
) |
|
|
33.94 |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
34,074,622 |
|
|
$ |
30.77 |
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
21,300,097 |
|
|
$ |
28.23 |
|
|
The number of stock options vested, and expected to vest in the future, as of December 31, 2007 was
not significantly different from the number of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007 as
stated above. As of December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual term for the
options outstanding and options exercisable was 6.5 years and 5.3 years, respectively, and the
aggregate intrinsic value for the options outstanding and options exercisable was $272 million and
$224 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, there was $10 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
stock option awards not yet vested. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average
period of approximately 10 months.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005 was $81 million, $36 million, and $130 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized
by the Company for the tax deductions from stock option exercises totaled $31 million, $14 million,
and $50 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.
Southern Company has a policy of issuing shares to satisfy share option exercises. Cash received
from issuances related to option exercises under the share-based payment arrangements for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $195 million, $77 million, and $213 million,
respectively.
II-92
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Diluted Earnings Per Share
For Southern Company, the only difference in computing basic and diluted earnings per share is
attributable to outstanding options under the stock option plan. The effect of the stock options
was determined using the treasury stock method. Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Common Stock Shares |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
As reported shares |
|
|
756,350 |
|
|
|
743,146 |
|
|
|
743,927 |
|
Effect of options |
|
|
4,666 |
|
|
|
4,739 |
|
|
|
4,600 |
|
|
Diluted shares |
|
|
761,016 |
|
|
|
747,885 |
|
|
|
748,527 |
|
|
Common Stock Dividend Restrictions
The income of Southern Company is derived primarily from equity in earnings of its subsidiaries.
At December 31, 2007, consolidated retained earnings included $5.0 billion of undistributed
retained earnings of the subsidiaries. Southern Powers credit facility contains potential
limitations on the payment of common stock dividends; as of December 31, 2007, Southern Power was
in compliance with all such requirements.
9. NUCLEAR INSURANCE
Under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act (Act), Alabama Power and Georgia Power maintain agreements
of indemnity with the NRC that, together with private insurance, cover third-party liability
arising from any nuclear incident occurring at the companies nuclear power plants. The Act
provides funds up to $10.8 billion for public liability claims that could arise from a single
nuclear incident. Each nuclear plant is insured against this liability to a maximum of $300
million by American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), with the remaining coverage provided by a mandatory
program of deferred premiums that could be assessed, after a nuclear incident, against all owners
of nuclear reactors. A company could be assessed up to $101 million per incident for each licensed
reactor it operates but not more than an aggregate of $15 million per incident to be paid in a
calendar year for each reactor. Such maximum assessment, excluding any applicable state premium
taxes, for Alabama Power and Georgia Power, based on its ownership and buyback interests, is $201
million and $203 million, respectively, per incident, but not more than an aggregate of $30 million
per company to be paid for each incident in any one year. Both the maximum assessment per reactor
and the maximum yearly assessment are adjusted for inflation at least every five years. The next
scheduled adjustment is due on or before August 31, 2008.
Alabama Power and Georgia Power are members of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), a mutual
insurer established to provide property damage insurance in an amount up to $500 million for
members nuclear generating facilities.
Additionally, both companies have policies that currently provide decontamination, excess property
insurance, and premature decommissioning coverage up to $2.3 billion for losses in excess of the
$500 million primary coverage. This excess insurance is also provided by NEIL.
NEIL also covers the additional costs that would be incurred in obtaining replacement power during
a prolonged accidental outage at a members nuclear plant. Members can purchase this coverage,
subject to a deductible waiting period of up to 26 weeks, with a maximum per occurrence per unit
limit of $490 million. After the deductible period, weekly indemnity payments would be received
until either the unit is operational or until the limit is
exhausted in approximately three years. Alabama Power and Georgia Power each purchase the maximum
limit allowed by NEIL, subject to ownership limitations. Each facility has elected a 12-week
waiting period.
II-93
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Under each of the NEIL policies, members are subject to assessments if losses each year exceed the
accumulated funds available to the insurer under that policy. The current maximum annual
assessments for Alabama Power and Georgia Power under the NEIL policies would be $37 million and
$51 million, respectively.
Claims resulting from terrorist acts are covered under both the ANI and NEIL policies (subject to
normal policy limits). The aggregate, however, that NEIL will pay for all claims resulting from
terrorist acts in any 12-month period is $3.2 billion plus such additional amounts NEIL can recover
through reinsurance, indemnity, or other sources.
For all on-site property damage insurance policies for commercial nuclear power plants, the NRC
requires that the proceeds of such policies shall be dedicated first for the sole purpose of
placing the reactor in a safe and stable condition after an accident. Any remaining proceeds are
to be applied next toward the costs of decontamination and debris removal operations ordered by the
NRC, and any further remaining proceeds are to be paid either to the company or to its bond
trustees as may be appropriate under the policies and applicable trust indentures.
All retrospective assessments, whether generated for liability, property, or replacement power, may
be subject to applicable state premium taxes.
10. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Southern Companys reportable business segments are the sale of electricity in the Southeast by the
four traditional operating companies and Southern Power. The All Other column includes parent
Southern Company, which does not allocate operating expenses to business segments. Also, this
category includes segments below the quantitative threshold for separate disclosure. These
segments include investments in synthetic fuels and leveraged lease projects, telecommunications,
and energy-related services. Southern Powers revenues from sales to the traditional operating
companies were $547 million, $492 million, and $557 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
In addition, see Note 1 under Related Party Transactions for information regarding revenues from
services for synthetic fuel production that are included in the cost of fuel purchased by Alabama
Power and Georgia Power. All other intersegment revenues are not material. Financial data for
business segments and products and services are as follows:
II-94
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Business Segment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric Utilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
Southern |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companies |
|
Power |
|
Eliminations |
|
Total |
|
Other |
|
Eliminations |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
(in millions) |
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
14,851 |
|
|
$ |
972 |
|
|
$ |
(683 |
) |
|
$ |
15,140 |
|
|
$ |
380 |
|
|
$ |
(167 |
) |
|
$ |
15,353 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
1,141 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,245 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
45 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
685 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
764 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
886 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
866 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
835 |
|
Segment net income (loss) |
|
|
1,582 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,714 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
1,734 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
41,812 |
|
|
|
2,769 |
|
|
|
(122 |
) |
|
|
44,459 |
|
|
|
1,767 |
|
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
45,789 |
|
Gross property additions |
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
3,645 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,658 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric Utilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
Southern |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companies |
|
Power |
|
Eliminations |
|
Total |
|
Other |
|
Eliminations |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
(in millions) |
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
13,920 |
|
|
$ |
777 |
|
|
$ |
(609 |
) |
|
$ |
14,088 |
|
|
$ |
413 |
|
|
$ |
(145 |
) |
|
$ |
14,356 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,164 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1,200 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
41 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
866 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
949 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
780 |
|
Segment net income (loss) |
|
|
1,462 |
|
|
|
124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,586 |
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
1,573 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
38,825 |
|
|
|
2,691 |
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
41,406 |
|
|
|
1,933 |
|
|
|
(481 |
) |
|
|
42,858 |
|
Gross property additions |
|
|
2,561 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
3,046 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,072 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric Utilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
Southern |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companies |
|
Power |
|
Eliminations |
|
Total |
|
Other |
|
Eliminations |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
(in millions) |
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
13,157 |
|
|
$ |
781 |
|
|
$ |
(660 |
) |
|
$ |
13,278 |
|
|
$ |
393 |
|
|
$ |
(117 |
) |
|
$ |
13,554 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,083 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,137 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,176 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
36 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
567 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
646 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
747 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
827 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
(304 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
595 |
|
Segment net income (loss) |
|
|
1,398 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,513 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
1,591 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
36,335 |
|
|
|
2,303 |
|
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
|
38,459 |
|
|
|
1,751 |
|
|
|
(333 |
) |
|
|
39,877 |
|
Gross property additions |
|
|
2,177 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,418 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,476 |
|
|
Products and Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric Utilities Revenues |
|
Year |
|
Retail |
|
Wholesale |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
12,639 |
|
|
$ |
1,988 |
|
|
$ |
513 |
|
|
$ |
15,140 |
|
2006 |
|
|
11,801 |
|
|
|
1,822 |
|
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
14,088 |
|
2005 |
|
|
11,165 |
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
13,278 |
|
|
II-95
NOTES (continued)
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial data for 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Common Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading |
|
|
Operating |
|
Operating |
|
Consolidated |
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
Price Range |
Quarter Ended |
|
Revenues |
|
Income |
|
Net Income |
|
Earnings |
|
Dividends |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2007
|
|
$ |
3,409 |
|
|
$ |
691 |
|
|
$ |
339 |
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
$ |
0.3875 |
|
|
$ |
37.25 |
|
|
$ |
34.85 |
|
June 2007
|
|
|
3,772 |
|
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
429 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.4025 |
|
|
|
38.90 |
|
|
|
33.50 |
|
September 2007
|
|
|
4,832 |
|
|
|
1,382 |
|
|
|
762 |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
0.4025 |
|
|
|
37.70 |
|
|
|
33.16 |
|
December 2007
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
|
|
409 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.4025 |
|
|
|
39.35 |
|
|
|
35.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2006
|
|
$ |
3,063 |
|
|
$ |
590 |
|
|
$ |
262 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.3725 |
|
|
$ |
35.89 |
|
|
$ |
32.34 |
|
June 2006
|
|
|
3,592 |
|
|
|
807 |
|
|
|
385 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
0.3875 |
|
|
|
33.25 |
|
|
|
30.48 |
|
September 2006
|
|
|
4,549 |
|
|
|
1,358 |
|
|
|
738 |
|
|
|
0.99 |
|
|
|
0.3875 |
|
|
|
35.00 |
|
|
|
32.01 |
|
December 2006
|
|
|
3,152 |
|
|
|
469 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.3875 |
|
|
|
37.40 |
|
|
|
34.49 |
|
Southern Companys business is influenced by seasonal weather conditions.
II-96
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
For the Periods Ended December 2003 through 2007
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
Operating Revenues (in millions) |
|
$ |
15,353 |
|
|
$ |
14,356 |
|
|
$ |
13,554 |
|
|
$ |
11,729 |
|
|
$ |
11,018 |
|
Total Assets (in millions) |
|
$ |
45,789 |
|
|
$ |
42,858 |
|
|
$ |
39,877 |
|
|
$ |
36,955 |
|
|
$ |
35,175 |
|
Gross Property Additions (in millions) |
|
$ |
3,658 |
|
|
$ |
3,072 |
|
|
$ |
2,476 |
|
|
$ |
2,099 |
|
|
$ |
2,014 |
|
Return on Average Common Equity (percent) |
|
|
14.60 |
|
|
|
14.26 |
|
|
|
15.17 |
|
|
|
15.38 |
|
|
|
16.05 |
|
Cash Dividends Paid Per Share of Common Stock |
|
$ |
1.595 |
|
|
$ |
1.535 |
|
|
$ |
1.475 |
|
|
$ |
1.415 |
|
|
$ |
1.385 |
|
Consolidated Net Income (in millions): |
|
$ |
1,734 |
|
|
$ |
1,573 |
|
|
$ |
1,591 |
|
|
$ |
1,532 |
|
|
$ |
1,474 |
|
Earnings Per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
2.29 |
|
|
$ |
2.12 |
|
|
$ |
2.14 |
|
|
$ |
2.07 |
|
|
$ |
2.03 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
2.28 |
|
|
|
2.10 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
|
2.06 |
|
|
|
2.02 |
|
|
Capitalization (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
$ |
12,385 |
|
|
$ |
11,371 |
|
|
$ |
10,689 |
|
|
$ |
10,278 |
|
|
$ |
9,648 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
561 |
|
|
|
423 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,900 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
14,143 |
|
|
|
12,503 |
|
|
|
12,846 |
|
|
|
12,449 |
|
|
|
10,164 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
$ |
27,608 |
|
|
$ |
24,618 |
|
|
$ |
24,131 |
|
|
$ |
23,288 |
|
|
$ |
22,135 |
|
|
Capitalization Ratios (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
|
44.9 |
|
|
|
46.2 |
|
|
|
44.3 |
|
|
|
44.1 |
|
|
|
43.6 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
51.2 |
|
|
|
50.8 |
|
|
|
53.2 |
|
|
|
53.5 |
|
|
|
45.9 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Other Common Stock Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value per share |
|
$ |
16.23 |
|
|
$ |
15.24 |
|
|
$ |
14.42 |
|
|
$ |
13.86 |
|
|
$ |
13.13 |
|
Market price per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
$ |
39.35 |
|
|
$ |
37.40 |
|
|
$ |
36.47 |
|
|
$ |
33.96 |
|
|
$ |
32.00 |
|
Low |
|
|
33.16 |
|
|
|
30.48 |
|
|
|
31.14 |
|
|
|
27.44 |
|
|
|
27.00 |
|
Close (year-end) |
|
|
38.75 |
|
|
|
36.86 |
|
|
|
34.53 |
|
|
|
33.52 |
|
|
|
30.25 |
|
Market-to-book ratio (year-end) (percent) |
|
|
238.8 |
|
|
|
241.9 |
|
|
|
239.5 |
|
|
|
241.8 |
|
|
|
230.4 |
|
Price-earnings ratio (year-end) (times) |
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
|
16.1 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
|
|
|
14.9 |
|
Dividends paid (in millions) |
|
$ |
1,204 |
|
|
$ |
1,140 |
|
|
$ |
1,098 |
|
|
$ |
1,044 |
|
|
$ |
1,004 |
|
Dividend yield (year-end) (percent) |
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
Dividend payout ratio (percent) |
|
|
69.5 |
|
|
|
72.4 |
|
|
|
69.0 |
|
|
|
68.3 |
|
|
|
67.7 |
|
Shares outstanding (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
756,350 |
|
|
|
743,146 |
|
|
|
743,927 |
|
|
|
738,879 |
|
|
|
726,702 |
|
Year-end |
|
|
763,104 |
|
|
|
746,270 |
|
|
|
741,448 |
|
|
|
741,495 |
|
|
|
734,829 |
|
Stockholders of record (year-end) |
|
|
102,903 |
|
|
|
110,259 |
|
|
|
118,285 |
|
|
|
125,975 |
|
|
|
134,068 |
|
|
Traditional Operating Company Customers (year-end) (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
3,756 |
|
|
|
3,706 |
|
|
|
3,642 |
|
|
|
3,600 |
|
|
|
3,552 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
578 |
|
|
|
564 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
Other |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,377 |
|
|
|
4,322 |
|
|
|
4,248 |
|
|
|
4,197 |
|
|
|
4,136 |
|
|
Employees (year-end) |
|
|
26,742 |
|
|
|
26,091 |
|
|
|
25,554 |
|
|
|
25,642 |
|
|
|
25,762 |
|
|
II-97
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
For the Periods Ended December 2003 through 2007
Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
Operating Revenues (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
$ |
5,045 |
|
|
$ |
4,716 |
|
|
$ |
4,376 |
|
|
$ |
3,848 |
|
|
$ |
3,565 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
4,467 |
|
|
|
4,117 |
|
|
|
3,904 |
|
|
|
3,346 |
|
|
|
3,075 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
3,020 |
|
|
|
2,866 |
|
|
|
2,785 |
|
|
|
2,446 |
|
|
|
2,146 |
|
Other |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
12,639 |
|
|
|
11,801 |
|
|
|
11,165 |
|
|
|
9,732 |
|
|
|
8,875 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
1,988 |
|
|
|
1,822 |
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
1,341 |
|
|
|
1,358 |
|
|
Total revenues from sales of electricity |
|
|
14,627 |
|
|
|
13,623 |
|
|
|
12,832 |
|
|
|
11,073 |
|
|
|
10,233 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
726 |
|
|
|
733 |
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
656 |
|
|
|
785 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
15,353 |
|
|
$ |
14,356 |
|
|
$ |
13,554 |
|
|
$ |
11,729 |
|
|
$ |
11,018 |
|
|
Kilowatt-Hour Sales (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
53,326 |
|
|
|
52,383 |
|
|
|
51,082 |
|
|
|
49,702 |
|
|
|
47,833 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
54,665 |
|
|
|
52,987 |
|
|
|
51,857 |
|
|
|
50,037 |
|
|
|
48,372 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
54,662 |
|
|
|
55,044 |
|
|
|
55,141 |
|
|
|
56,399 |
|
|
|
54,415 |
|
Other |
|
|
962 |
|
|
|
920 |
|
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
998 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
163,615 |
|
|
|
161,334 |
|
|
|
159,076 |
|
|
|
157,143 |
|
|
|
151,618 |
|
Sales for resale |
|
|
40,745 |
|
|
|
38,460 |
|
|
|
37,072 |
|
|
|
34,568 |
|
|
|
39,875 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
204,360 |
|
|
|
199,794 |
|
|
|
196,148 |
|
|
|
191,711 |
|
|
|
191,493 |
|
|
Average Revenue Per Kilowatt-Hour (cents): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
9.46 |
|
|
|
9.00 |
|
|
|
8.57 |
|
|
|
7.74 |
|
|
|
7.45 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
8.17 |
|
|
|
7.77 |
|
|
|
7.53 |
|
|
|
6.69 |
|
|
|
6.36 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
5.52 |
|
|
|
5.21 |
|
|
|
5.05 |
|
|
|
4.34 |
|
|
|
3.94 |
|
Total retail |
|
|
7.72 |
|
|
|
7.31 |
|
|
|
7.02 |
|
|
|
6.19 |
|
|
|
5.85 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
4.88 |
|
|
|
4.74 |
|
|
|
4.50 |
|
|
|
3.88 |
|
|
|
3.41 |
|
Total sales |
|
|
7.16 |
|
|
|
6.82 |
|
|
|
6.54 |
|
|
|
5.78 |
|
|
|
5.34 |
|
Average Annual Kilowatt-Hour |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use Per Residential Customer |
|
|
14,263 |
|
|
|
14,235 |
|
|
|
14,084 |
|
|
|
13,879 |
|
|
|
13,562 |
|
Average Annual Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Residential Customer |
|
$ |
1,349 |
|
|
$ |
1,282 |
|
|
$ |
1,207 |
|
|
$ |
1,074 |
|
|
$ |
1,011 |
|
Plant Nameplate Capacity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratings (year-end) (megawatts) |
|
|
41,948 |
|
|
|
41,785 |
|
|
|
40,509 |
|
|
|
38,622 |
|
|
|
38,679 |
|
Maximum Peak-Hour Demand (megawatts): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
31,189 |
|
|
|
30,958 |
|
|
|
30,384 |
|
|
|
28,467 |
|
|
|
31,318 |
|
Summer |
|
|
38,777 |
|
|
|
35,890 |
|
|
|
35,050 |
|
|
|
34,414 |
|
|
|
32,949 |
|
System Reserve Margin (at peak) (percent) |
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
21.4 |
|
Annual Load Factor (percent) |
|
|
57.6 |
|
|
|
60.8 |
|
|
|
60.2 |
|
|
|
61.4 |
|
|
|
62.0 |
|
Plant Availability (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fossil-steam |
|
|
90.5 |
|
|
|
89.3 |
|
|
|
89.0 |
|
|
|
88.5 |
|
|
|
87.7 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
90.8 |
|
|
|
91.5 |
|
|
|
90.5 |
|
|
|
92.8 |
|
|
|
94.4 |
|
|
Source of Energy Supply (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
67.1 |
|
|
|
67.2 |
|
|
|
67.4 |
|
|
|
65.0 |
|
|
|
66.9 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
13.4 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
14.9 |
|
Hydro |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Oil and gas |
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
II-98
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
FINANCIAL SECTION
II-99
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The management of Alabama Power Company (the Company) is responsible for establishing and
maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under managements supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report
was not subject to attestation by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to
provide only managements report in this Annual Report.
/s/ Charles D. McCrary
Charles D. McCrary
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Art P. Beattie
Art P. Beattie
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
February 25, 2008
II-100
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Alabama Power Company
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Alabama Power
Company (the Company) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company) as of December 31, 2007 and
2006, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, common stockholders equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements 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. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, 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 financial statements (pages II-123 to II-158) present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Alabama Power Company at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of
accounting for the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
/s/
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
February 25, 2008
II-101
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
OVERVIEW
Business Activities
Alabama Power Company (the Company) operates as a vertically integrated utility providing
electricity to retail customers within its traditional service area located within the State of
Alabama and to wholesale customers in the Southeast.
Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys primary business of
selling electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a stable regulatory
environment, to achieve energy sales growth, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery
of rising costs. These costs include those related to growing demand, increasingly stringent
environmental standards, fuel prices, capital expenditures, and restoration following major storms.
Appropriately balancing these required costs and capital expenditures with customer prices will
continue to challenge the Company for the foreseeable future.
Since 2005, the Company has completed a number of successful regulatory proceedings that provide
for the timely recovery of costs. These regulatory actions are expected to assist the Companys
continued focus on providing reliable electrical service to customers while maintaining a stable
financial position.
Key Performance Indicators
In striving to maximize shareholder value while providing cost-effective energy to customers, the
Company continues to focus on several key indicators. These indicators include customer
satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after dividends on preferred
and preference stock. The Companys financial success is directly tied to the satisfaction of its
customers. Key elements of ensuring customer satisfaction include outstanding service, high
reliability, and competitive prices. Management uses customer satisfaction surveys and reliability
indicators to evaluate the Companys results.
Peak season equivalent forced outage rate (Peak Season EFOR) is an indicator of fossil/hydro plant
availability and efficient generation fleet operations during the months when generation needs are
greatest. The rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours of forced outages by total
generation hours. The fossil/hydro 2007 Peak Season EFOR of 0.59% was better than the target. The
nuclear generating fleet also uses Peak Season EFOR as an indicator of availability and efficient
generation fleet operations during the peak season. The nuclear 2007 Peak Season EFOR of 0.20% was
also better than the target. Transmission and distribution system reliability performance is
measured by the frequency and duration of outages. Performance targets for reliability are set
internally based on historical performance, expected weather conditions, and expected capital
expenditures. The performance for 2007 was better than target for these reliability measures.
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock is the primary component of the
Companys contribution to Southern Companys earnings per share goal. The Companys 2007 results
compared with its targets for some of these key indicators are reflected in the following chart.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Target |
|
Actual |
Key Performance Indicator |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
|
|
|
Top quartile in |
|
|
Customer Satisfaction |
|
customer surveys |
|
Top quartile |
Peak Season EFOR fossil/hydro |
|
2.75% or less |
|
0.59% |
Peak Season EFOR nuclear |
|
2.00% or less |
|
0.20% |
Net Income |
|
$548 million |
|
$580 million |
See RESULTS OF OPERATIONS herein for additional information on the Companys financial performance.
The financial performance achieved in 2007 reflects the continued management emphasis, as well as
the commitment shown by employees in achieving or exceeding these key performance expectations.
Earnings
The Companys financial performance remained strong in 2007 despite the challenges of rising costs.
The Companys net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock of $580 million in 2007
increased $62 million (11.9%) over the prior year. This improvement was primarily due to an
increase in retail base rate revenues resulting from an increase in rates under Rate Stabilization
II-102
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
and Equalization Plan (Rate RSE) and Rate Certificated New Plant (Rate CNP) for environmental costs
that took effect January 1, 2007 as well as favorable weather conditions, partially offset by
higher non-fuel operating expenses and increased interest expense.
The Companys 2006 net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock was $518 million,
representing a $10 million (1.9%) increase from the prior year. This improvement was primarily due
to retail and wholesale revenue growth offset by higher non-fuel operating expenses and increased
interest expense.
The Companys 2005 net income after dividends on preferred stock was $508 million, representing a
$27 million (5.6%) increase from the prior year. This improvement was primarily due to retail and
wholesale revenue growth and increases in transmission revenues, partially offset by higher
non-fuel operating expenses.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A condensed income statement follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
5,360 |
|
|
$ |
345 |
|
|
$ |
367 |
|
|
$ |
412 |
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
1,762 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
271 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
438 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
44 |
|
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
1,186 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
4,145 |
|
|
|
240 |
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
419 |
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(248 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
6 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
Net income |
|
|
616 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Dividends on preferred and preference stock |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock |
|
$ |
580 |
|
|
$ |
62 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
27 |
|
|
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues for 2007 were $5.4 billion, reflecting a $345 million increase from 2006. The
following table summarizes the principal factors that have affected operating revenues for the past
three years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Retail prior year |
|
$ |
3,995.7 |
|
|
$ |
3,621.4 |
|
|
$ |
3,292.8 |
|
Estimated change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rates and pricing |
|
|
216.3 |
|
|
|
48.4 |
|
|
|
25.3 |
|
Sales growth |
|
|
(4.9 |
) |
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
60.3 |
|
Weather |
|
|
37.6 |
|
|
|
19.9 |
|
|
|
17.9 |
|
Fuel and other cost recovery |
|
|
162.3 |
|
|
|
270.2 |
|
|
|
225.1 |
|
|
Retail current year |
|
|
4,407.0 |
|
|
|
3,995.7 |
|
|
|
3,621.4 |
|
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
627.0 |
|
|
|
634.6 |
|
|
|
551.4 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
144.1 |
|
|
|
216.0 |
|
|
|
289.0 |
|
|
Total wholesale revenues |
|
|
771.1 |
|
|
|
850.6 |
|
|
|
840.4 |
|
|
Other operating revenues |
|
|
181.9 |
|
|
|
168.4 |
|
|
|
186.0 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
5,360.0 |
|
|
$ |
5,014.7 |
|
|
$ |
4,647.8 |
|
|
Percent change |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
II-103
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Retail revenues in 2007 were $4.4 billion. These revenues increased $411 million (10.3%) in 2007,
$374 million (10.3%) in 2006, and $329 million (10.0%) in 2005. These increases were primarily due
to increased fuel revenue and base rate increases of 5.3% in January 2007, 2.6% in January 2006,
and 1.0% in January 2005. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters herein and Note 3 to the
financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters for additional information.
Fuel rates billed to customers are designed to fully recover fluctuating fuel and purchased power
costs over a period of time. Fuel revenues generally have no effect on net income because they
represent the recording of revenues to offset fuel and purchased power expenses. See FUTURE
EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Retail Fuel Cost Recovery herein and Note 3 to the financial
statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Fuel Cost Recovery for additional information.
Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliated utilities were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Unit power sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity |
|
$ |
151 |
|
|
$ |
154 |
|
|
$ |
148 |
|
Energy |
|
|
192 |
|
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
317 |
|
|
Other power sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity and other |
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
Energy |
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
283 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
|
Total non-affiliated |
|
$ |
627 |
|
|
$ |
635 |
|
|
$ |
551 |
|
|
Wholesale revenues to non-affiliates include unit power sales under long-term contracts to Florida
utilities and sales to wholesale customers within the Companys service territory. Capacity
revenues under unit power sales contracts reflect the recovery of fixed costs and a return on
investment, and under these contracts, energy is generally sold at variable cost. Fluctuations in
oil and natural gas prices, which are the primary fuel sources for unit power sales customers,
influence changes in these energy sales. However, because energy is generally sold at variable
cost, these fluctuations have a minimal effect on earnings. No significant declines in the amount
of capacity revenues are scheduled until the termination of the unit power sales contracts in May
2010. Short-term opportunity energy sales are also included in wholesale energy sales to
non-affiliates. These opportunity sales are made at market-based rates that generally provide a
margin above the Companys variable cost to produce the energy.
Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary
from year to year depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each
company. These affiliated sales and purchases are made in accordance with the Intercompany
Interchange Contract (IIC) as approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In
2007, wholesale revenues from sales to affiliates decreased $71.9 million primarily due to a 37.0%
decrease in kilowatt-hour (KWH) sales to affiliates as a result of a decrease in the availability
of the Companys generating resources because of an increase in customer demand within the
Companys service territory. In 2006, wholesale revenues decreased $73.0 million primarily due to
a 16.7% decrease in price and a 10.3% decrease in KWH sales to affiliates as a result of a decrease
in the availability of the Companys generating resources because of an increase in customer demand
within the Companys service territory. In 2005, wholesale revenues decreased $19.4 million
primarily due to a 20.7% decrease in KWH sales to affiliates as a result of a decrease in the
availability of the Companys generating resources due to an increase in customer demand within the
Companys service territory. Excluding the capacity revenues, these transactions do not have a
significant impact on earnings since the energy is generally sold at marginal cost and energy
purchases are generally offset by energy revenues through the Companys energy cost recovery clause
(Rate ECR).
Other operating revenues in 2007 increased $13.5 million (8.0%) from 2006 primarily due to a $4.0
million increase in revenues from electric property associated with pole attachment and building
rentals, a $2.6 million increase in transmission revenues, and a $2.5 million increase in revenues
from gas-fueled co-generation steam facilities. In 2006, other operating revenues decreased $17.6
million (9.5%) from 2005 primarily due to a decrease of $14.6 million in revenues from gas-fueled
co-generation steam facilities mainly as a result of lower gas prices. In 2005, other operating
revenues increased $35.0 million (23.2%) from 2004 due to an increase of $20 million in revenues
from gas-fueled co-generation steam facilities primarily as a result of higher gas prices, a $7.7
million increase in transmission revenues, and a $3.9 million increase from rent from affiliated
companies primarily related to leased
II-104
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
transmission facilities. Since co-generation steam revenues are generally offset by fuel expense,
these revenues did not have a significant impact on earnings for any year reported.
Energy Sales
Changes in revenues are influenced heavily by the change in the volume of energy sold from year to
year. KWH sales for 2007 and the percent change by year were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KWHs |
|
Percent Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in billions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
18.9 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
4.1 |
% |
Commercial |
|
|
14.8 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
22.8 |
|
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
2.2 |
|
Other |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
56.7 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
Wholesale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Affiliates |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
(37.0 |
) |
|
|
(10.3 |
) |
|
|
(20.7 |
) |
|
Total wholesale |
|
|
19.0 |
|
|
|
(10.0 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(6.8 |
) |
|
Total energy sales |
|
|
75.7 |
|
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
Retail energy sales in 2007 were 0.5% higher than in 2006. Energy sales in the residential and
commercial sectors led the growth with a 1.3% and a 2.8% increase, respectively, due primarily to
weather-driven increased demand. Industrial sales decreased 1.6% during the year primarily as a
result of decreased sales demand in textiles and food, primary metals, and chemical sectors.
Retail energy sales in 2006 were 1.2% higher than in 2005. Energy sales in the residential and
commercial sectors led the growth with a 3.1% and a 2.1% increase, respectively, due primarily to
weather-driven increased demand. Industrial sales decreased 0.7% as several large textile
facilities discontinued or substantially reduced their operations in 2006. In addition, industrial
sales decreased due to pulp and paper customers utilizing self-generation as a result of lower gas
prices during the year compared to 2005.
Retail energy sales in 2005 were 2.7% higher than 2004 despite interruptions during Hurricanes
Dennis and Katrina. Energy sales in the residential sector led the growth with a 4.1% increase in
2005 due primarily to increased demand. Commercial sales increased 1.7% in 2005 primarily due to
continued customer growth. Industrial sales increased 2.2% during the year with chemical, primary
metals, and automotive leading the growth in industrial energy consumption. In addition, the paper
sector chose to purchase rather than self-generate which contributed to increased sales.
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
Fuel costs constitute the single largest expense for the Company. The mix of fuel sources for
generation of electricity is determined primarily by demand, the unit cost of fuel consumed, and
the availability of generating units. Additionally, the Company purchases a portion of its
electricity needs from the wholesale market. Details of the Companys electricity generated and
purchased were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Total generation (billions of KWHs) |
|
|
69.8 |
|
|
|
72.0 |
|
|
|
71.2 |
|
Total purchased power (billions of KWHs) |
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
Sources of generation (percent) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
Gas |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Hydro |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
|
2.09 |
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
Gas |
|
|
7.43 |
|
|
|
7.87 |
|
|
|
7.43 |
|
|
Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
2.27 |
|
|
|
2.02 |
|
Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
5.98 |
|
|
|
6.49 |
|
|
II-105
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $2.2 billion in 2007, an increase of $101.9 million (4.9%)
above the prior year costs. This increase was the result of a $70.3 million increase in the cost
of fuel and a $31.6 million increase related to the volume of KWHs generated and purchased.
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $2.1 billion in 2006, an increase of $184.1 million (9.6%)
above the prior year costs. This increase was the result of a $128.7 million increase in the cost
of fuel and a $55.4 million increase related to the volume of KWHs generated and purchased.
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $1.9 billion in 2005, an increase of $315.4 million (19.7%)
above the prior year costs. This increase was the result of a $367.4 million increase in the cost
of fuel offset by a $52.0 million decrease related to the volume of KWHs generated and purchased.
Purchased power consists of purchases from affiliates in the Southern Company system and
non-affiliated companies. Purchased power transactions among the Company, its affiliates, and
non-affiliates will vary from period to period depending on demand and the availability and
variable production cost of generating resources at each company. Purchased power from
non-affiliates decreased $27.1 million (21.8%) in 2007 due to a 22.6% decrease in the amount of
energy purchased. In 2006, purchased power from non-affiliates decreased $64.7 million (34.3%) due
to a 26.8% decrease in the amount of energy purchased and a 10.3% decrease in purchased power
prices over the previous year. In 2005, purchased power from non-affiliates increased $2.5 million
(1.0%) due to a 14.3% increase in purchased power prices over the previous year.
While there has been a significant upward trend in the cost of coal and natural gas since 2003,
prices moderated somewhat in 2006 and 2007. Coal prices have been influenced by a worldwide
increase in demand from developing countries, as well as increases in mining and fuel
transportation costs. While demand for natural gas in the United States continued to increase in
2007, natural gas supplies have also risen due to increased production and higher storage levels.
During 2007, uranium prices were volatile and increased over the course of the year due to
increasing long-term demand with primary production levels at approximately 55% to 60% of demand.
Secondary supplies and inventories were sufficient to fill the primary production shortfall.
Fuel expenses generally do not affect net income, since they are offset by fuel revenues under the
Companys Rate ECR. The Company, along with the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC),
continuously monitors the under/over recovered balance to determine whether adjustments to billing
rates are required. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Retail Fuel Cost Recovery
herein and Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Fuel Cost
Recovery for additional information.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
In 2007, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $89.3 million (8.1%) primarily due to
a $28.5 million increase in steam production expense related to environmental mandates and
scheduled outage costs, a $19.6 million increase in transmission and distribution expense related
to overhead line clearing costs, a $19.0 million increase in administrative and general expenses
related to an increase in the expenses for the injuries and damages reserve, outside services, and
employee benefits, an $8.1 million increase in nuclear production expense related to scheduled
outage cost, a $4.7 million increase in customer accounts expense associated with customer service
expenses, and a $9.4 million increase in miscellaneous other operations and maintenance expenses.
In 2006, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $52.8 million (5.1%) primarily due to
an $18.8 million increase in administrative and general expenses related to employee benefits, a
$10.1 million increase in nuclear production expense related to both routine operation and
scheduled outage costs, a $9.8 million increase in transmission and distribution expense related to
overhead and underground line costs, a $5.4 million increase in steam production expense related to
environmental costs, and a $8.7 million increase in miscellaneous other operations and maintenance
expenses. In 2005, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $96.7 million (10.2%).
This increase was primarily due to an increase in transmission and distribution expense of $37.3
million as a result of the Alabama PSC accounting order to offset the costs of the damage from
Hurricane Ivan in September 2004 and to restore a balance in the natural disaster reserve. See
Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements under Natural Disaster Reserve and Natural Disaster
Cost Recovery, respectively, for additional information. In addition, steam production expense
increased $28.1 million related to scheduled outage costs, administrative and general expenses
increased $20.7 million related to employee benefits, and miscellaneous other operations and
maintenance expenses increased $10.6 million.
II-106
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $20.5 million (4.5%) in 2007 primarily due to
additions to property, plant, and equipment related to environmental mandates and distribution
projects. In 2006, depreciation and amortization expenses increased $24.5 million (5.7%) primarily
due to additions to property, plant, and equipment related to environmental and distribution
projects. In 2005, depreciation and amortization expenses remained relatively flat compared to the
prior year, increasing only $0.6 million (0.1%). During 2005, the depreciation rates used by the
Company were adjusted based on a periodic external study that is used to determine the
appropriateness of the rates utilized. Also in 2005, additions to property, plant, and equipment,
which resulted in increased depreciation expense, were offset by the suspension of $18 million in
nuclear decommissioning costs by the Alabama PSC due to the extension of the operating license for
both units at Plant Farley. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Nuclear Relicensing and Note 1 to
the financial statements under Nuclear Decommissioning for additional information.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
Taxes other than income taxes increased $28.4 million (11.0%) in 2007, $9.3 million (3.7%) in 2006,
and $6.0 million (2.5%) in 2005, primarily due to increases in state and municipal public utility
license taxes which are directly related to the increase in retail revenues.
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC) increased $17.2 million (94.1%) in 2007
primarily due to increases in the amount of construction work in progress related to environmental
mandates at generating facilities and transmission and distribution projects compared to the prior
year. AFUDC decreased $2.0 million (10.0%) in 2006 primarily due to the timing of construction
expenditures compared to the prior year. AFUDC increased $4.1 million (25.6%) in 2005 primarily
due to increases in the amount of construction work in progress over the prior year. See Note 1 to
the financial statements under Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) for
additional information.
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized increased $21.5 million (8.5%) in 2007 primarily due
to higher interest rates on new issuance of long-term debt and higher interest rates on the
Companys outstanding variable rate securities. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized,
increased $38.7 million (18.1%) in 2006 primarily due to higher interest rates and an increase in
the average debt outstanding during the year. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
increased $3.8 million (2.0%) in 2005 due to an increase in average debt outstanding during the
year.
Effects of Inflation
The Company is subject to rate regulation that is based on the recovery of costs. Retail rates may
be adjusted annually based on annual projected costs, including estimates for inflation. When
historical costs are included, or when inflation exceeds the projected costs used in rate
regulation or market-based prices, the effects of inflation can create an economic loss since the
recovery of costs could be in dollars that have less purchasing power. In addition, the income tax
laws are based on historical costs. Any adverse effect of inflation on the Companys results of
operations has not been substantial. See Note 3 to financial statements under Retail Regulatory
Matters Rate RSE for additional information.
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
General
The Company operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail and
wholesale customers within its traditional service area located in the State of Alabama in addition
to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Prices for electricity provided by the Company to retail
customers are set by the Alabama PSC under cost-based regulatory principles. Prices for wholesale
electricity sales, interconnecting transmission lines, and the exchange of electric power are
regulated by the FERC. Retail rates and earnings are reviewed and may be adjusted periodically
within certain limitations. See ACCOUNTING POLICIES Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Electric Utility Regulation herein and Note 3 to the
financial statements under FERC Matters and Retail Regulatory Matters for additional
information about regulatory matters.
II-107
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily indicative of future
earnings potential. The level of the Companys future earnings depends on numerous factors that
affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys primary business of selling
electricity. These factors include the Companys ability to maintain a stable regulatory
environment that continues to allow for the recovery of all prudently incurred costs during a time
of increasing costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon growth in energy
sales, which is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new
energy contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price
of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth in the Companys
service area.
Assuming normal weather, sales to retail customers are projected to grow approximately 1.9%
annually on average during 2008 through 2012.
Environmental Matters
Compliance costs related to the Clean Air Act and other environmental statutes and regulations
could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely
basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may exceed amounts estimated.
Some of the factors driving the potential for such an increase are higher commodity costs, market
demand for labor, and scope additions and clarifications. The timing, specific requirements, and
estimated costs could also change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or
modified. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Environmental Matters for additional
information.
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought a civil action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries,
including the Company, alleging that it had violated the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the
Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired generating facilities. Through
subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a separate action in January 2001
against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after the
Company was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits, the EPA alleged that NSR
violations occurred at five coal-fired generating facilities operated by the Company. The civil
actions request penalties and injunctive relief, including an order requiring the installation of
the best available control technology at the affected units.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between the Company and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The consent
decree required the Company to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil penalty
and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by the Company,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted the Companys motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of the Company on the EPAs claims related to all of the remaining plants:
Plants Barry, Gaston, Gorgas, and Greene County.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Companys case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its previous
decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the Eleventh
Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Companys case and remanded the case back to
the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme Courts decision
in the Duke Energy case. The final outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
The Company believes that it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and
interpretations in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act
authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating
unit, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in this matter could
require substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital
expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of
substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows,
and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
The EPA has issued a series of proposed and final revisions to its NSR regulations under the Clean
Air Act, many of which have been subject to legal challenges by environmental groups and states.
In June 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
II-108
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Circuit upheld, in part, the EPAs revisions to NSR regulations that were issued in December 2002
but vacated portions of those revisions addressing the exclusion of certain pollution control
projects. These regulatory revisions have been adopted by the State of Alabama. In March 2006,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit also vacated an EPA rule which
sought to clarify the scope of the existing routine maintenance, repair and replacement exclusion.
The EPA has also published proposed rules clarifying the test for determining when an emissions
increase subject to the NSR permitting requirements has occurred. The impact of these proposed
rules will depend on adoption of the final rules by the EPA and the State of Alabamas
implementation of such rules, as well as the outcome of any additional legal challenges, and,
therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005, and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Statutes and Regulations
General
The Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal environmental
agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media, including air,
water, and land resources. Applicable statutes include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act; and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with these environmental
requirements involves significant capital and operating costs, which are expected to be recovered
through existing ratemaking provisions. Through 2007, the Company had invested approximately $1.7
billion in capital projects to comply with these requirements, with annual totals of $469 million,
$260 million, and $256 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The Company expects that
capital expenditures to assure compliance with existing and new statutes and regulations will be an
additional $646 million, $617 million, and $126 million for 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.
The Companys compliance strategy is impacted by changes to existing environmental laws, statutes,
and regulations, the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emission allowances, and the
Companys fuel mix. Environmental costs that are known and estimable at this time are included in
capital expenditures discussed under FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Capital Requirements and
Contractual Obligations herein.
Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global
climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly
affect the Company. New environmental legislation or regulations, or changes to existing statutes
or regulations, could affect many areas of the Companys operations; however, the full impact of
any such changes cannot be determined at this time.
Air Quality
Compliance with the Clean Air Act and resulting regulations has been and will continue to be a
significant focus for the Company. Through 2007, the Company had spent approximately $1.4 billion
in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and in
monitoring emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Additional controls have been announced and
are currently being installed at several plants to further reduce SO2, NOx,
and mercury emissions, maintain compliance with existing regulations, and meet new requirements.
In 2004, the EPA designated nonattainment areas under an eight-hour ozone standard. Areas within
the Companys service area that were designated as nonattainment under the eight-hour ozone
standard included Jefferson and Shelby Counties, near and including
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Birmingham. The Birmingham area was redesignated to attainment by the EPA in June 2006, and the
EPA subsequently approved a maintenance plan for the area to address future exceedances of the
standard. In December 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated
the first set of implementation rules adopted in 2004 and remanded the rules to the EPA for further
refinement. On June 20, 2007, the EPA proposed additional revisions to the current eight-hour
ozone standard which, if enacted, could result in designation of new nonattainment areas within the
Companys service territory. The EPA has requested comment and is expected to publish final
revisions to the standard in 2008. The impact of this decision, if any, cannot be determined at
this time and will depend on subsequent legal action and/or future nonattainment designations and
state regulatory plans.
During 2005, the EPAs fine particulate matter nonattainment designations became effective for
several areas within the Companys service area. State plans for addressing the nonattainment
designations under the existing standard are required by April 2008 and could require further
reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from power plants. In September 2006,
the EPA published a final rule which increased the stringency of the 24-hour average fine
particulate matter air quality standard. In December 2007, state agencies recommended to the EPA
that Jefferson County (Birmingham) and Etowah County (Gadsden) in Alabama be designated as
nonattainment for this standard. The EPA plans to designate nonattainment areas based on the new
standard by December 2009. The ultimate outcome of this matter depends on the development and
submittal of the required state plans and resolution of pending legal challenges and, therefore,
cannot be determined at this time.
The EPA issued the final Clean Air Interstate Rule in March 2005. This cap-and-trade rule
addresses power plant SO2 and NOx emissions that were found to contribute to
nonattainment of the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter standards in downwind states.
Twenty-eight eastern states, including the State of Alabama, are subject to the requirements of the
rule. The rule calls for additional reductions of NOx and/or SO2 to be
achieved in two phases, 2009/2010 and 2015. The State of Alabama has an EPA-approved
implementation plan for this rule. These reductions will be accomplished by the installation of
additional emission controls at the Companys coal-fired facilities and/or by the purchase of
emission allowances from a cap-and-trade program.
The Clean Air Visibility Rule (formerly called the Regional Haze Rule) was finalized in July 2005.
The goal of this rule is to restore natural visibility conditions in certain areas (primarily
national parks and wilderness areas) by 2064. The rule involves (1) the application of Best
Available Retrofit Technology (BART) to certain sources built between 1962 and 1977 and (2) the
application of any additional emissions reductions which may be deemed necessary for each
designated area to achieve reasonable progress by 2018 toward the natural conditions goal.
Thereafter, for each 10-year planning period, additional emissions reductions will be required to
continue to demonstrate reasonable progress in each area during that period. For power plants, the
Clean Air Visibility Rule allows states to determine that the Clean Air Interstate Rule satisfies
BART requirements for SO2 and NOx. Extensive studies were performed for each
of the Companys affected units to demonstrate that additional particulate matter controls are not
necessary under BART. States are currently completing implementation plans that contain strategies
for BART and any other measures required to achieve the first phase of reasonable progress.
The impacts of the eight-hour ozone and the fine particulate matter nonattainment designations, and
the Clean Air Visibility Rule on the Company will depend on the development and implementation of
rules at the state level. Therefore, the full effects of these regulations on the Company cannot
be determined at this time. The Company has developed and continually updates a comprehensive
environmental compliance strategy to comply with the continuing and new environmental requirements
discussed above. As part of this strategy, the Company plans to
install additional SO2 and NOx
emission controls within the next several years to assure continued compliance with applicable air
quality requirements.
In March 2005, the EPA published the final Clean Air Mercury Rule, a cap-and-trade program for the
reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule sets caps on mercury
emissions to be implemented in two phases, 2010 and 2018, and provides for an emission allowance
trading market. The final Clean Air Mercury Rule was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit. The petitioners alleged that the EPA was not authorized to
establish a cap-and-trade program for mercury emissions and instead the EPA must establish maximum
achievable control technology standards for coal-fired electric utility steam generating units. On
February 8, 2008, the court vacated the Clean Air Mercury Rule. The Companys overall
environmental compliance strategy relies primarily on a combination of SO2 and NOx controls to
reduce mercury emissions. Any significant changes in the strategy will depend on the outcome of
any appeals and/or future federal and state rulemakings. Future rulemakings could require emission
reductions more stringent than required by the Clean Air Mercury Rule.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Water Quality
In July 2004, the EPA published its final technology-based regulations under the Clean Water Act
for the purpose of reducing impingement and entrainment of fish, shellfish, and other forms of
aquatic life at existing power plant cooling water intake structures. The rules require baseline
biological information and, perhaps, installation of fish protection technology near some intake
structures at existing power plants. On January 25, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit overturned and remanded several provisions of the rule to the EPA for revisions. Among
other things, the court rejected the EPAs use of cost-benefit analysis and suggested some ways
to incorporate cost considerations. The full impact of these regulations will depend on subsequent
legal proceedings, further rulemaking by the EPA, the results of studies and analyses performed as
part of the rules implementation, and the actual requirements established by State of Alabama
regulatory agencies and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and release of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company could incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company conducts studies to
determine the extent of any required cleanup and has recognized in its financial statements the
costs to clean up known sites. Amounts for cleanup and ongoing monitoring costs were not material
for any year presented. The Company may be liable for some or all required cleanup costs for
additional sites that may require environmental remediation.
Global Climate Issues
Federal legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements related to greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. The ultimate outcome of these proposals cannot be
determined at this time; however, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to
regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The EPA is currently developing its
response to this decision. Regulatory decisions that could follow from this response may have
implications for both new and existing stationary sources, such as power plants. The ultimate
outcome of these rulemaking activities cannot be determined at this time; however, as with the
current legislative proposals, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In addition, some states are considering or have undertaken actions to regulate and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. For example, on July 13, 2007, the Governor of the State of Florida
signed three executive orders addressing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the state,
including statewide emission reduction targets beginning in 2017. Included in the orders is a
directive to the Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection to develop rules adopting maximum
allowable emissions levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities, consistent with the
statewide emission reduction targets, and a request to the Florida PSC to initiate rulemaking
requiring utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from renewable sources. The
impact of any similar state requirements on the Company will depend on the future development,
adoption, and implementation of state laws or rules governing greenhouse gas emissions, and the
ultimate outcome cannot be determined at this time.
International climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change also continue. Current efforts focus on a potential successor to the Kyoto Protocol for
the post 2008 through 2012 timeframe. The outcome and impact of the international negotiations
cannot be determined at this time.
The Company continues to evaluate its future energy and emission profiles and is participating in
voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help develop and advance technology
to reduce emissions.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $3.9 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the IIC, as approved by the FERC. In May 2005,
the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional
operating companies (including the Company), Southern Power, and Southern Company Services, Inc.,
as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated, (2) whether any
parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility companies
that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct defining
Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just and reasonable.
In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern Powers inclusion
in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Generation Interconnection Agreements
In November 2004, generator company subsidiaries of Tenaska, Inc. (Tenaska), as counterparties to
two previously executed interconnection agreements with the Company, filed complaints at the FERC
requesting that the FERC modify the agreements and that the Company refund a total of $11 million
previously paid for interconnection facilities. No other similar complaints are pending with the
FERC.
On January 19, 2007, the FERC issued an order granting Tenaskas requested relief. Although the
FERCs order required the modification of Tenaskas interconnection agreements, under the
provisions of the order, the Company determined that no refund was payable to Tenaska. Southern
Company requested rehearing asserting that the FERC retroactively applied a new principle to
existing interconnection agreements. Tenaska requested rehearing of FERCs methodology for
determining the amount of refunds. The requested rehearings were denied and Southern Company and Tenaska have appealed the orders to the
U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. The final outcome of this matter cannot now be
determined.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Hydro Relicensing
In July 2005, the Company filed two applications with the FERC for new 50-year licenses for the
Companys seven hydroelectric developments on the Coosa River (Weiss, Henry, Logan Martin, Lay,
Mitchell, Jordan, and Bouldin) and for the Lewis Smith and Bankhead developments on the Warrior
River. The FERC licenses for all of these nine projects expired in July and August of 2007. Since
the FERC did not act on the Companys new license applications prior to the expiration of the
existing licenses, the FERC is required by law to issue annual licenses to the Company, under the
terms and conditions of the existing license, until action is taken on the new license
applications. The FERC issued an annual license for the Coosa developments on August 8, 2007 and
issued an annual license for the Warrior developments on September 6, 2007. These annual licenses
are required to be renewed each year by the FERC to allow the Company to continue operation of the
projects under the terms of the previous license while the FERC completes review of the
applications for new licenses.
In 2006, the Company initiated the process of developing an application to relicense the Martin
hydroelectric project located on the Tallapoosa River. The current Martin license will expire in
2013 and the application for a new license is expected to be filed with the FERC in 2011.
Upon or after the expiration of each license, the U.S. Government, by act of Congress, may take
over the project or the FERC may relicense the project either to the original licensee or to a new
licensee. The FERC may grant relicenses subject to certain requirements that could result in
additional costs to the Company.
The timing and final outcome of the Companys relicense applications cannot now be determined.
PSC Matters
Retail Rate Adjustments
In October 2005, the Alabama PSC approved a revision to Rate RSE requested by the Company.
Effective January 2007 and thereafter, Rate RSE adjustments are based on forward-looking
information for the applicable upcoming calendar year. Rate adjustments for any two-year period,
when averaged together, cannot exceed 4% per year and any annual adjustment is limited to 5%.
Retail rates remain unchanged when the return on retail common equity is projected to be between
13.0% and 14.5%. If the Companys actual retail return on common equity is above the allowed
equity return range, customer refunds will be required; however, there is no provision for
additional customer billings should the actual retail return on common equity fall below the
allowed equity return range. On November 30, 2007, the Company made its submission of projected
data for calendar year 2008. The Rate RSE increase for 2008 is 3.24%, or $147 million annually,
and was effective in January 2008. Under terms of Rate RSE, the maximum increase for 2009 cannot
exceed 4.76%. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Rate RSE
for further information.
The Companys retail rates, approved by the Alabama PSC, also provide for adjustments to recognize
the placing of new generating facilities into retail service and the recovery of retail costs
associated with certificated power purchase agreements (PPAs) under Rate CNP. In April 2005, an
annual adjustment to Rate CNP, associated with PPAs, decreased retail rates by approximately 0.5%,
or $19 million annually. The annual PPA true-up adjustment effective in April 2006 increased
retail rates by 0.5%, or $19 million annually. There was no rate adjustment associated with the
annual PPA true-up adjustment in April 2007 and there will be no adjustment to the current Rate CNP
to recover certificated PPA costs in April 2008. See Note 3 to the financial statements under
Retail Regulatory Matters Rate CNP for additional information.
Rate CNP also allows for the recovery of the Companys retail costs associated with environmental
laws, regulations, or other such mandates. The rate mechanism, based on forward-looking
information, began operation in January 2005 and provides for the recovery of these costs pursuant
to a factor that is calculated annually. Environmental costs to be recovered include operations
and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and a return on invested capital. Retail rates increased
due to environmental costs approximately 1.0% in January 2005, 1.2% in January 2006, 0.6% in
January 2007, and 2.4% in January 2008. It is currently anticipated that retail rates will
increase approximately 0.6% in 2009 under this provision.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Retail Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company has established fuel cost recovery rates approved by the Alabama PSC. Rates are based
on an estimate of future energy costs and the current over or under recovered balance. The
Company, along with the Alabama PSC, will continue to monitor the under recovered fuel cost balance
to determine whether an additional adjustment to billing rates is required.
In June 2007, the Alabama PSC ordered the Company to increase its Rate ECR factor to 3.100 cents
per KWH effective with billings beginning July 2007 for the 30-month period ending December 2009.
The previous rate of 2.400 cents per KWH had been in effect since January 2006. This increase was
intended to permit recovery of energy costs based on an estimate of future energy cost, as well as
the collection of the existing under recovered energy cost by the end of 2009. During the 30-month
period, the Company will be allowed to include a carrying charge associated with the under
recovered fuel costs in the fuel expense calculation. In the event the application of this
increased Rate ECR factor results in an over recovered position during this period, the Company
will pay interest on any such over recovered balance at the same rate used to derive the carrying
cost.
The Companys under recovered fuel costs as of December 31, 2007 totaled $279.8 million as compared
to $301.0 million at December 31, 2006. As a result of the Alabama PSC order, the Company
classified $81.7 million and $301.0 million of the under recovered regulatory clause revenues as
deferred charges and other assets in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and December 31,
2006, respectively. This classification is based on an estimate which includes such factors as
weather, generation availability, energy demand, and the price of energy. A change in any of these
factors could have a material impact on the timing of the recovery of the under recovered fuel
costs. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Fuel Cost
Recovery for additional information.
Rate ECR revenues, as recorded on the financial statements, are adjusted for the difference in
actual recoverable costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, this approved
increase in the billing factor will have no significant effect on the Companys revenues or net
income, but will increase annual cash flow.
Natural Disaster Cost Recovery
The Company maintains a reserve for operations and maintenance expense to cover the cost of damages
from major storms to its transmission and distribution facilities. In July 2005 and August 2005,
Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina, respectively, hit the coast of Alabama and continued north through
the state, causing significant damage in parts of the service territory of the Company.
Approximately 241,000 and 637,000 of the Companys 1.4 million customers were without electrical
service immediately after Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina, respectively. The Company sustained
significant damage to its distribution and transmission facilities during these storms.
In August 2005, the Company received approval from the Alabama PSC to defer the Hurricane Dennis
storm-related operations and maintenance costs (approximately $28 million), which resulted in a
negative balance in the natural disaster reserve (NDR). In October 2005, the Company also received
similar approval from the Alabama PSC to defer the Hurricane Katrina storm-related operations and
maintenance costs (approximately $30 million). See Note 1 and Note 3 to the financial statements
under Natural Disaster Reserve and Natural Disaster Cost Recovery, respectively, for additional
information on these reserves.
In December 2005, the Alabama PSC approved a request by the Company to replenish the depleted NDR
and allow for recovery of future natural disaster costs. The Alabama PSC order gives the Company
authority to record a deficit balance in the NDR when costs of uninsured storm damage exceed any
established reserve balance. The order also approved a separate monthly NDR charge consisting of
two components beginning in January 2006. The first component is intended to establish and
maintain a target reserve balance of $75 million for future storms and is an on-going part of
customer billing. Assuming no additional storms, the Company currently expects that the target
reserve balance could be achieved within four years. The second component of the NDR charge is
intended to allow recovery of any existing deferred hurricane related operations and maintenance
costs and any future reserve deficits over a 24-month period. Absent further Alabama PSC approval,
the maximum total NDR charge consisting of both components is $10 per month per non-residential
customer account and $5 per month per residential customer account.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had accumulated a balance of $26.1 million in the target reserve
for future storms, which is included in the balance sheets under Other Regulatory Liabilities.
In June 2007, the Company fully recovered its prior storm cost of $51.3 million resulting from Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. As a result, customer rates
decreased by this portion of the NDR charge effective in July 2007.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
As revenue from the NDR charge is recognized, an equal amount of operations and maintenance
expenses related to the NDR will also be recognized. As a result, this increase in revenue and
expense will not have an impact on net income but will increase annual cash flow.
Income Tax Matters
Bonus Depreciation
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act) into
law. The Stimulus Act includes a provision that allows 50% bonus depreciation for certain property
acquired in 2008 and placed in service in 2008 or, in certain limited cases, 2009. The Company is
currently assessing the financial implications of the Stimulus Act; however, the ultimate impact
cannot be determined at this time.
Internal Revenue Code Section 199 Domestic Production Deduction
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to U.S. production activities as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 199 (production
activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified production
activities net income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate
applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9%
rate applicable for all years after 2009. See Note 5 to the financial statements under Effective
Tax Rate for additional information.
Other Matters
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 87, Employers
Accounting for Pensions, the Company recorded non-cash pre-tax pension income of approximately $17
million, $13 million, and $21 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Postretirement
benefit costs for the Company were $27 million, $28 million, and $28 million in 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively. Postretirement benefit costs are expected to trend upward. Such amounts are
dependent on several factors including trust earnings and changes to the plans. A portion of
pension and postretirement benefit costs is capitalized based on construction-related labor
charges. Pension and postretirement benefit costs are a component of the regulated rates and
generally do not have a long-term effect on net income. For more information regarding pension and
postretirement benefits, see Note 2 to the financial statements.
The Company is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could
affect future earnings. In addition, the Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions
arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the Companys business activities are
subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment.
Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage,
personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as
opacity and air and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the United States.
In particular, personal injury claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials
have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against
the Company cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically
reported herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such
current proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements.
See Note 3 to the financial statements for information regarding material issues.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the
financial statements. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may
have a material impact on the Companys results of operations and related disclosures. Different
assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those
recorded in the financial statements. Senior management has reviewed and discussed critical
accounting policies and estimates described below with the Audit Committee of Southern Companys
Board of Directors.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Electric Utility Regulation
The Company is subject to retail regulation by the Alabama PSC and wholesale regulation by the
FERC. These regulatory agencies set the rates the Company is permitted to charge customers based
on allowable costs. As a result, the Company applies FASB Statement No. 71, Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71), which requires the financial statements to
reflect the effects of rate regulation. Through the ratemaking process, the regulators may require
the inclusion of costs or revenues in periods different than when they would be recognized by a
non-regulated company. This treatment may result in the deferral of expenses and the recording of
related regulatory assets based on anticipated future recovery through rates or the deferral of
gains or creation of liabilities and the recording of related regulatory liabilities. The
application of SFAS No. 71 has a further effect on the Companys financial statements as a result
of the estimates of allowable costs used in the ratemaking process. These estimates may differ
from those actually incurred by the Company; therefore, the accounting estimates inherent in
specific costs such as depreciation, nuclear decommissioning, and pension and postretirement
benefits have less of a direct impact on the Companys financial statements than they would on a
non-regulated company.
As reflected in Note 1 to the financial statements under Regulatory Assets and Liabilities,
significant regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded. Management reviews the ultimate
recoverability of these regulatory assets and liabilities based on applicable regulatory guidelines
and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, adverse legislative,
judicial, or regulatory actions could materially impact the amounts of such regulatory assets and
liabilities and could adversely impact the Companys results of operations.
Contingent Obligations
The Company is subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as other
factors and conditions that potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, income tax, and
other risks. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for more
information regarding certain of these contingencies. The Company periodically evaluates its
exposure to such risks and records reserves for those matters where a loss is considered probable
and reasonably estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The adequacy
of reserves can be significantly affected by external events or conditions that can be
unpredictable; thus, the ultimate outcome of such matters could materially affect the Companys
financial statements. These events or conditions include the following:
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Changes in existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances, hazardous and
solid wastes, and other environmental matters. |
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Changes in existing income tax regulations or changes in Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
or Alabama Department of Revenue interpretations of existing regulations. |
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Identification of additional sites that require environmental remediation or the filing
of other complaints in which the Company may be asserted to be a potentially responsible
party. |
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Identification and evaluation of other potential lawsuits or complaints in which the Company
may be named as a defendant. |
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Resolution or progression of existing matters through the legislative process, the court
systems, the IRS, the FERC, or the EPA. |
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues related to the sale of electricity are recorded when electricity is delivered to
customers. However, the determination of KWH sales to individual customers is based on the
reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the
end of each month, amounts of electricity delivered to customers, but not yet metered and billed,
are estimated. Components of the unbilled revenue estimates include total KWH territorial supply,
total KWH billed, estimated total electricity lost in delivery, and customer usage. These
components can fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including weather, generation
patterns, and power delivery volume and other operational constraints. These factors can be
unpredictable and can vary from historical trends. As a result, the overall estimate of unbilled revenues could be significantly
affected, which could have a material impact on the Companys results of operations.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than not
that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before
any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on
the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any
related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax positions
beginning January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Companys
financial statements.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158), which requires recognition
of the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans in the balance sheets.
Additionally, SFAS No. 158 will require the Company to change the measurement date for its defined
benefit postretirement plan assets and obligations from September 30 to December 31 beginning with
the year ending December 31, 2008. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional
information.
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) in September 2006.
SFAS No. 157 provides guidance on how to measure fair value where it is permitted or required
under other accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 also requires additional disclosures about
fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 in its entirety on January 1, 2008, with
no material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Fair Value Option
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).
This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, with no material effect
on its financial condition or results of operations.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
The Companys financial condition remained stable at December 31, 2007. Net cash flow from
operating activities totaled $1,150 million, $956 million, and $908 million for 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively. The $194 million increase for 2007 in net cash flow from operating activities
is primarily due to an increase in price resulting in an increase to net income, an increase in
deferred income tax expense, and lower cash outflows for accounts payable due to timing of payments
at December 31, 2007. The $48 million increase for 2006 in operating activities primarily related
to higher recovery rates for fuel and purchased power partially offset by the timing of payments
for operations expenses. Fuel costs are recoverable in future periods. Under recovered fuel cost
is included in the balance sheets as under recovered regulatory clause revenue and deferred under
recovered regulatory clause revenues. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $1.3 billion
primarily due to gross property additions to utility plant of $1.2 billion. Net cash provided from
financing activities totaled $162 million, compared to $14 million in 2006. The $148 million
increase is primarily due to cash inflows from proceeds of common stock and pollution control
bonds, offset by redemptions of long-term debt. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Retail Fuel Cost
Recovery and Natural Disaster Cost Recovery for additional information.
Significant balance sheet changes for 2007 include an increase of $671 million in gross plant and
an increase of $602 million in long-term debt. In 2006, significant balance sheet changes included
an increase of $697 million in gross plant and an increase of $279 million in long-term debt,
primarily due to an increase in environmental-related equipment.
The Companys ratio of common equity to total capitalization, including short-term debt, was 42.5%
in 2007, 42.1% in 2006, and 42.2% in 2005. See Note 6 to the financial statements for additional
information.
II-117
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company has maintained investment grade ratings from the major rating agencies with respect to
debt, preferred securities, preferred stock, and preference stock.
Sources of Capital
The Company plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources
similar to those used in the past, which were primarily from operating cash flows, unsecured debt,
common stock, preferred stock, and preference stock. However, the type and timing of any
financings will depend on market conditions, regulatory approval, and other factors.
Security issuances are subject to regulatory approval by the Alabama PSC. Additionally, with
respect to the public offering of securities, the Company files registration statements with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The amounts
of securities authorized by the Alabama PSC are continuously monitored and appropriate filings are
made to ensure flexibility in the capital markets.
The Company obtains financing separately without credit support from any affiliate. See Note 6 to
the financial statements under Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information. The Southern
Company system does not maintain a centralized cash or money pool. Therefore, funds of the Company
are not commingled with funds of any other company.
The Companys current liabilities sometimes exceed current assets because of the Companys debt due
within one year and the periodic use of short-term debt as a funding source primarily to meet
scheduled maturities of long-term debt as well as cash needs which can fluctuate significantly due
to the seasonality of the business.
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company has various internal and external
sources of liquidity. At the beginning of 2008, the Company had approximately $74 million of cash
and cash equivalents and $1.2 billion of unused credit arrangements with banks, as described below.
In addition, the Company has substantial cash flow from operating activities and access to the
capital markets, including a commercial paper program, to meet liquidity needs.
The Company maintains committed lines of credit in the amount of $1.2 billion, of which $435
million will expire at various times during 2008. $355 million of the credit facilities expiring
in 2008 allow for the execution of term loans for an additional one-year period. $800 million of
credit facilities expire in 2012. See Note 6 to the financial statements under Bank Credit
Arrangements for additional information.
The Company may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to
issue and sell commercial paper and extendible commercial notes at the request and for the benefit
of the Company and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the
benefit of the Company are loaned directly to the Company and are not commingled with proceeds from
such issuances for the benefit of any other traditional operating company. The obligations of each
company under these arrangements are several and there is no cross affiliate credit support.
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had no commercial paper or extendible commercial notes
outstanding. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had $120 million of commercial paper outstanding
and no extendible commercial notes outstanding.
Financing Activities
During 2007, the Company issued $850 million of senior notes and $200 million of preference stock
and incurred obligations related to the issuance of $265.5 million of tax-exempt bonds. In
addition, the Company issued a total of 5.725 million shares of its common stock at $40.00 per
share and realized proceeds of $229 million. The proceeds of these issuances were used to repay
short-term indebtedness, and for other general corporate purposes.
Also during 2007, the Company paid at maturity $668.5 million of senior notes and redeemed $100
million of junior subordinated notes.
Subsequent to December 31, 2007, the Company issued $300 million of long-term senior notes. The
proceeds were used to repay short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
Additionally, the Company redeemed 1,250 shares of its Flexible Money Market Class A Preferred
Stock (Series 2003A), Stated Capital $100,000 Per Share ($125 million aggregate value).
II-118
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Credit Rating Risk
The Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment
schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts
that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change
to below BBB- or Baa3. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty,
letter of credit, or cash. These contracts are primarily for coal purchases. At December 31, 2007,
the maximum potential collateral requirements at a rating below BBB- or Baa3 were approximately $8
million.
The Company is also party to certain agreements that could require collateral and/or accelerated
payment in the event of a credit rating
change to below investment grade for the Company and/or Georgia Power. These agreements are
primarily for natural gas and power
price risk management activities. At December 31, 2007, the Companys exposure related to these
agreements was approximately
$15 million.
Market Price Risk
Due to cost-based rate regulations, the Company has limited exposure to market volatility in
interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To manage the volatility
attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural
offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to the
Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk management practices. Company
policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict
adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using
techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress testing, and
sensitivity analysis.
To mitigate future exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company enters into forward starting
interest rate swaps and other derivatives that have been designated as hedges. The weighted
average interest rate on $1.1 billion of long-term variable interest rate exposure that has not
been hedged at January 1, 2008 was 4.19%. If the Company sustained a 100 basis point change in
interest rates for all unhedged variable rate long-term debt, the change would affect annualized
interest expense by approximately $11 million at January 1, 2008. Subsequent to December 31, 2007,
the Company entered into additional interest rate swaps hedging approximately $330 million of
floating rate pollution control bonds which together with the current interest rate swaps of $246
million began decreasing the Companys variable rate exposure by $576 million. As a result, the
effect of a 100 basis point change in interest rates for all currently unhedged variable rate
long-term debt decreased to approximately $5.7 million. For further information, see Notes 1 and 6
to the financial statements under Financial Instruments.
Of the Companys remaining $497 million of variable interest rate exposure, $247 million relates to
tax-exempt auction rate pollution control bonds. Recent weakness in the auction markets has
resulted in higher interest rates. The Company has sent notice of conversion of all $247 million
of these auction rate securities to a fixed rate interest rate determination method and plans to
remarket the auction rate securities in a timely manner. None of the securities are insured or
backed by letters of credit that would require approval of a guarantor or security provider. It is
not expected that the higher rates as a result of the weakness in the auction markets will be
material.
To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the Company enters into
fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity
market and, to a lesser extent, into financial hedge contracts for natural gas purchases. The
Company has implemented fuel hedging programs at the instruction of the Alabama PSC.
In addition, the Companys Rate ECR allows the recovery of specific costs associated with the sales
of natural gas that become necessary due to operating considerations at the Companys electric
generating facilities. Rate ECR also allows recovery of the cost of financial instruments used for
hedging market price risk up to 75% of the budgeted annual amount of natural gas purchases. The
Company may not engage in natural gas hedging activities that extend beyond a rolling 42-month
window. Also, the premiums paid for natural gas financial options may not exceed 5% of the
Companys natural gas budget for that year.
At December 31, 2007, exposure from these activities was not material to the Companys financial
position, results of operations, or cash flows. The changes in fair value of energy-related
derivative contracts and year-end valuations were as follows at December 31:
II-119
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Fair Value |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Contracts beginning of year |
|
$ |
(32.6 |
) |
|
$ |
29.0 |
|
Contracts realized or settled |
|
|
31.5 |
|
|
|
45.0 |
|
New contracts at inception |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in valuation techniques |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period changes(a) |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
(106.6 |
) |
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
$ |
(32.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into
during the period, if any. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source of 2007 Year-End |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation Prices |
|
|
Total |
|
Maturity |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Year 1 |
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Actively quoted |
|
$ |
(0.9 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.9 |
) |
|
$ |
3.0 |
|
External sources |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Models and other methods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.4 |
) |
|
$ |
3.0 |
|
|
Unrealized gains and losses from mark-to-market adjustments on derivative contracts related to the
Companys fuel hedging programs are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. Realized gains
and losses from these programs are included in fuel expense and are recovered through the Companys
Rate ECR. Gains and losses on derivative contracts that are not designated as hedges are
recognized in the statements of income as incurred. At December 31, 2007, the fair value
gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative contracts were reflected in the financial statements as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
(0.7 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
0.5 |
|
Net income |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses from energy-related derivative contracts recognized in income
were not material for any year presented.
The Company is exposed to market price risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the
energy-related derivative contracts. The Companys policy is to enter into agreements with
counterparties that have investment grade credit ratings by Moodys and Standard & Poors or with
counterparties who have posted collateral to cover potential credit exposure. Therefore, the
Company does not anticipate market risk exposure from nonperformance by the counterparties. For
additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial
Instruments.
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
The construction program of the Company is currently estimated to be $1.6 billion for 2008, $1.6
billion for 2009, and $1.0 billion for 2010. Environmental expenditures included in these
estimated amounts are $646 million, $617 million, and $126 million for 2008, 2009, and 2010,
respectively. In addition, over the next three years, the Company estimates spending $595 million
on Plant Farley (including $432 million for nuclear fuel), $1,110 million on distribution
facilities, and $407 million on transmission additions. See Note 7 to the financial statements
under Construction Program for additional details.
Actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in such factors as:
business conditions; environmental statutes and regulations; nuclear plant regulations; FERC rules
and regulations; load projections; the cost and efficiency of
construction labor, equipment, and materials; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be
no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered. As a result of
NRC requirements, the Company has external trust funds for nuclear decommissioning costs; however,
the Company currently has no additional funding requirements. For additional information, see Note
1 to the financial statements under Nuclear Decommissioning.
II-120
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In addition to the funds required for the Companys construction program, approximately $760
million will be required by the end of 2010 for maturities of long-term debt. The Company plans to
continue, when economically feasible, to retire higher cost securities and replace these
obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.
The Company has also established an external trust fund for postretirement benefits as ordered by
the Alabama PSC. The cumulative effect of funding these items over a long period will diminish
internally funded capital for other purposes and may require the Company to seek capital from other
sources. For additional information, see Note 2 to the financial statements under Postretirement
Benefits.
Other funding requirements related to obligations associated with scheduled maturities of long-term
debt and preferred securities, as well as the related interest, derivative obligations, preferred
and preference stock dividends, leases, and other purchase commitments, are as follows. See Notes
1, 6, and 7 to the financial statements for additional information.
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009- |
|
2011- |
|
After |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Long-term debt(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
$ |
410 |
|
|
$ |
350 |
|
|
$ |
400 |
|
|
$ |
4,004 |
|
|
$ |
5,164 |
|
Interest |
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
4,100 |
|
|
|
5,307 |
|
Preferred stock (b) |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125 |
|
Preferred and preference stock dividends(c) |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228 |
|
Other derivative obligations(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Purchase commitments(e) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital (f) |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
|
2,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,043 |
|
Limestone(g) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
Coal |
|
|
1,180 |
|
|
|
1,678 |
|
|
|
1,159 |
|
|
|
1,642 |
|
|
|
5,659 |
|
Nuclear fuel |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
Natural gas (h) |
|
|
524 |
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
1,180 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
217 |
|
Long-term service agreements(i) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
Postretirement benefits trust(j) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
4,285 |
|
|
$ |
5,978 |
|
|
$ |
2,309 |
|
|
$ |
10,065 |
|
|
$ |
22,637 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
All amounts are reflected based on final maturity dates. The Company plans to continue to retire higher-cost securities and replace these
obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit. Variable rate interest obligations are estimated based on rates as of
January 1, 2008, as reflected in the statements of capitalization. Fixed rates include, where applicable, the effects of interest rate
derivatives employed to manage interest rate risk. |
|
(b) |
|
On October 26, 2007, the Company announced the redemption on January 1, 2008 of 1,250 shares of Flexible Money Market Class A Preferred Stock
(Series 2003A), Cumulative, Par Value $1 Per Share (Stated Capital $100,000 Per Share). |
|
(c) |
|
Preferred and preference stock do not mature; therefore, amounts are provided for the next five years only. |
|
(d) |
|
For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements. |
|
(e) |
|
The Company generally does not enter into non-cancelable commitments for other operations and maintenance expenditures. Total other
operations and maintenance expenses for 2007, 2006, and 2005 were $1.19 billion, $1.10 billion, and $1.04 billion, respectively. |
|
(f) |
|
The Company forecasts capital expenditures over a three-year period. Amounts represent current estimates of total expenditures excluding
those amounts related to contractual purchase commitments for uranium and nuclear fuel conversion, enrichment, and fabrication services. At
December 31, 2007, significant purchase commitments were outstanding in connection with the construction program. |
|
(g) |
|
As part of the Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal plants, the Company is constructing certain
equipment and has entered into various long-term commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment. |
|
(h) |
|
Natural gas purchase commitments are based on various indices at the time of delivery. Amounts reflected have been estimated based on the
New York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. |
|
(i) |
|
Long-term service agreements include price escalation based on inflation indices. |
|
(j) |
|
The Company forecasts postretirement trust contributions over a three-year period. No contributions related to the Companys pension trust
are currently expected during this period. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional information related to the pension and
postretirement plans, including estimated benefit payments. Certain benefit payments will be made through the related trusts. Other
benefit payments will be made from the Companys corporate assets. |
II-121
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Companys 2007 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements concerning retail sales growth and retail rates, storm
damage cost recovery and repairs, fuel cost recovery, environmental regulations and expenditures,
access to sources of capital, projections for postretirement benefit trust contributions, financing
activities, completion of construction projects, filings with state and federal regulatory
authorities, impacts of adoption of new accounting rules, and estimated construction and other
expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such
indicated results will be realized. These factors include:
|
|
|
the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including
legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the
electric utility industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental
laws including regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury,
carbon, soot, or particulate matter and other substances, and also changes in tax and other
laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, as well as changes in application of
existing laws and regulations; |
|
|
|
|
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries,
including FERC matters and the pending EPA civil action against the Company; |
|
|
|
|
the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which
the Company operates; |
|
|
|
|
variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy
conservation measures; |
|
|
|
|
available sources and costs of fuel; |
|
|
|
|
effects of inflation; |
|
|
|
|
ability to control costs; |
|
|
|
|
investment performance of the Companys employee benefit plans; |
|
|
|
|
advances in technology; |
|
|
|
|
state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and
negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and storm restoration cost recovery; |
|
|
|
|
internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
|
|
|
|
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to the Company; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of counterparties of the Company to make payments as and when due; |
|
|
|
|
the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
|
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effect on the Companys business resulting from terrorist incidents and
the threat of terrorist incidents; |
|
|
|
|
interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including the Companys credit ratings; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of the Company to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices; |
|
|
|
|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
|
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effects on the Companys business resulting from incidents similar
to the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
|
|
|
|
the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and |
|
|
|
|
other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K)
filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. |
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
II-122
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenues |
|
$ |
4,406,956 |
|
|
$ |
3,995,731 |
|
|
$ |
3,621,421 |
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
627,047 |
|
|
|
634,552 |
|
|
|
551,408 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
144,089 |
|
|
|
216,028 |
|
|
|
288,956 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
181,901 |
|
|
|
168,417 |
|
|
|
186,039 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
5,359,993 |
|
|
|
5,014,728 |
|
|
|
4,647,824 |
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
1,762,418 |
|
|
|
1,672,831 |
|
|
|
1,457,301 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
96,928 |
|
|
|
124,022 |
|
|
|
188,733 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
341,461 |
|
|
|
302,045 |
|
|
|
268,751 |
|
Other operations |
|
|
764,155 |
|
|
|
720,296 |
|
|
|
682,308 |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
422,080 |
|
|
|
376,682 |
|
|
|
361,832 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
471,536 |
|
|
|
451,018 |
|
|
|
426,506 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
286,579 |
|
|
|
258,135 |
|
|
|
248,854 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
4,145,157 |
|
|
|
3,905,029 |
|
|
|
3,634,285 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
1,214,836 |
|
|
|
1,109,699 |
|
|
|
1,013,539 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
35,425 |
|
|
|
18,253 |
|
|
|
20,281 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
19,545 |
|
|
|
20,897 |
|
|
|
17,144 |
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(273,737 |
) |
|
|
(252,282 |
) |
|
|
(213,604 |
) |
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
(29,144 |
) |
|
|
(23,758 |
) |
|
|
(20,461 |
) |
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(247,911 |
) |
|
|
(236,890 |
) |
|
|
(196,640 |
) |
|
Earnings Before Income Taxes |
|
|
966,925 |
|
|
|
872,809 |
|
|
|
816,899 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
351,198 |
|
|
|
330,345 |
|
|
|
284,715 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
615,727 |
|
|
|
542,464 |
|
|
|
532,184 |
|
Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock |
|
|
36,145 |
|
|
|
24,734 |
|
|
|
24,289 |
|
|
Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and
Preference Stock |
|
$ |
579,582 |
|
|
$ |
517,730 |
|
|
$ |
507,895 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-123
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
615,727 |
|
|
$ |
542,464 |
|
|
$ |
532,184 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
548,959 |
|
|
|
524,313 |
|
|
|
498,914 |
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net |
|
|
21,269 |
|
|
|
(27,562 |
) |
|
|
106,765 |
|
Deferred revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,274 |
) |
|
|
(12,502 |
) |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
(35,425 |
) |
|
|
(18,253 |
) |
|
|
(20,281 |
) |
Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits |
|
|
(18,781 |
) |
|
|
(15,196 |
) |
|
|
(22,117 |
) |
Stock option expense |
|
|
4,900 |
|
|
|
4,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
1,118 |
|
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
17,400 |
|
Hedge settlements |
|
|
(5,530 |
) |
|
|
18,006 |
|
|
|
(21,445 |
) |
Storm damage accounting order |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,000 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
(8,120 |
) |
|
|
12,832 |
|
|
|
(15,491 |
) |
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
(5,797 |
) |
|
|
(33,260 |
) |
|
|
(255,481 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock |
|
|
(33,840 |
) |
|
|
(28,179 |
) |
|
|
(44,632 |
) |
Materials and supplies |
|
|
(32,543 |
) |
|
|
(25,711 |
) |
|
|
(16,935 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
22,354 |
|
|
|
38,645 |
|
|
|
1,199 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
78,508 |
|
|
|
(49,725 |
) |
|
|
80,951 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
(17,248 |
) |
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
(5,381 |
) |
Accrued compensation |
|
|
4,194 |
|
|
|
(6,157 |
) |
|
|
3,273 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
10,098 |
|
|
|
18,486 |
|
|
|
33,675 |
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
1,149,843 |
|
|
|
956,011 |
|
|
|
908,096 |
|
|
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property additions |
|
|
(1,157,186 |
) |
|
|
(933,306 |
) |
|
|
(860,807 |
) |
Investment in restricted cash from pollution control bonds |
|
|
(97,775 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution of restricted cash from pollution control bonds |
|
|
78,043 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases |
|
|
(334,275 |
) |
|
|
(286,551 |
) |
|
|
(224,716 |
) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales |
|
|
333,409 |
|
|
|
285,685 |
|
|
|
223,850 |
|
Cost of removal net of salvage |
|
|
(48,932 |
) |
|
|
(40,834 |
) |
|
|
(61,314 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(26,621 |
) |
|
|
(1,777 |
) |
|
|
(9,738 |
) |
|
Net cash used for investing activities |
|
|
(1,253,337 |
) |
|
|
(976,783 |
) |
|
|
(932,725 |
) |
|
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net |
|
|
(119,670 |
) |
|
|
(195,609 |
) |
|
|
315,278 |
|
Proceeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
850,000 |
|
|
|
950,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued to parent |
|
|
229,000 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
Capital contributions |
|
|
27,867 |
|
|
|
27,160 |
|
|
|
22,473 |
|
Gross excess tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
2,556 |
|
|
|
1,291 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control bonds |
|
|
265,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,450 |
|
Redemptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
(668,500 |
) |
|
|
(546,500 |
) |
|
|
(225,000 |
) |
Pollution control bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,950 |
) |
|
|
(21,450 |
) |
Capital leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
Other long-term debt |
|
|
(103,093 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment of preferred and preference stock dividends |
|
|
(31,380 |
) |
|
|
(24,318 |
) |
|
|
(22,759 |
) |
Payment of common stock dividends |
|
|
(465,000 |
) |
|
|
(440,600 |
) |
|
|
(409,900 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(25,709 |
) |
|
|
(24,635 |
) |
|
|
(2,697 |
) |
|
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities |
|
|
161,571 |
|
|
|
13,839 |
|
|
|
(32,610 |
) |
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
58,077 |
|
|
|
(6,933 |
) |
|
|
(57,239 |
) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year |
|
|
15,539 |
|
|
|
22,472 |
|
|
|
79,711 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year |
|
$ |
73,616 |
|
|
$ |
15,539 |
|
|
$ |
22,472 |
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest (net of $17,961, $7,930, and $8,161 capitalized,
respectively) |
|
$ |
248,289 |
|
|
$ |
245,387 |
|
|
$ |
179,658 |
|
Income taxes (net of refunds) |
|
|
340,951 |
|
|
|
345,803 |
|
|
|
159,600 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-124
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
73,616 |
|
|
$ |
15,539 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
19,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts receivable |
|
|
357,355 |
|
|
|
323,202 |
|
Unbilled revenues |
|
|
95,278 |
|
|
|
90,596 |
|
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
232,226 |
|
|
|
32,451 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable |
|
|
42,745 |
|
|
|
49,708 |
|
Affiliated companies |
|
|
61,250 |
|
|
|
70,836 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts |
|
|
(7,988 |
) |
|
|
(7,091 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost |
|
|
182,963 |
|
|
|
153,120 |
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
|
287,994 |
|
|
|
255,664 |
|
Vacation pay |
|
|
50,266 |
|
|
|
46,465 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
72,952 |
|
|
|
76,265 |
|
Other |
|
|
19,610 |
|
|
|
66,663 |
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
1,487,999 |
|
|
|
1,173,418 |
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In service |
|
|
16,669,142 |
|
|
|
15,997,793 |
|
Less accumulated provision for depreciation |
|
|
5,950,373 |
|
|
|
5,636,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
10,718,769 |
|
|
|
10,361,318 |
|
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost |
|
|
137,146 |
|
|
|
137,300 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
928,182 |
|
|
|
562,119 |
|
|
Total property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
11,784,097 |
|
|
|
11,060,737 |
|
|
Other Property and Investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
48,664 |
|
|
|
47,486 |
|
Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value |
|
|
542,846 |
|
|
|
513,521 |
|
Other |
|
|
31,146 |
|
|
|
35,980 |
|
|
Total other property and investments |
|
|
622,656 |
|
|
|
596,987 |
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred charges related to income taxes |
|
|
347,193 |
|
|
|
354,225 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
989,085 |
|
|
|
722,287 |
|
Deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
81,650 |
|
|
|
301,048 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
224,792 |
|
|
|
279,661 |
|
Other |
|
|
209,153 |
|
|
|
166,927 |
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets |
|
|
1,851,873 |
|
|
|
1,824,148 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
15,746,625 |
|
|
$ |
14,655,290 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-125
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities due within one year |
|
$ |
535,152 |
|
|
$ |
668,646 |
|
Notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
119,670 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
193,518 |
|
|
|
162,951 |
|
Other |
|
|
308,177 |
|
|
|
263,506 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
67,722 |
|
|
|
62,978 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
45,958 |
|
|
|
3,120 |
|
Other |
|
|
29,198 |
|
|
|
29,696 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
55,263 |
|
|
|
53,573 |
|
Accrued vacation pay |
|
|
42,138 |
|
|
|
38,767 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
92,385 |
|
|
|
87,194 |
|
Other |
|
|
55,331 |
|
|
|
79,907 |
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
1,424,842 |
|
|
|
1,570,008 |
|
|
Long-term Debt (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
4,750,196 |
|
|
|
4,148,185 |
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes |
|
|
2,065,264 |
|
|
|
2,116,575 |
|
Deferred credits related to income taxes |
|
|
93,709 |
|
|
|
98,941 |
|
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
180,578 |
|
|
|
188,582 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
349,974 |
|
|
|
375,940 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
505,794 |
|
|
|
476,460 |
|
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
613,616 |
|
|
|
600,278 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
637,040 |
|
|
|
399,822 |
|
Other |
|
|
31,417 |
|
|
|
35,805 |
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
4,477,392 |
|
|
|
4,292,403 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
10,652,430 |
|
|
|
10,010,596 |
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
683,512 |
|
|
|
612,407 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
4,410,683 |
|
|
|
4,032,287 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
15,746,625 |
|
|
$ |
14,655,290 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Matters (See notes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-126
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
(percent of total) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.75% to 5.5% due 2042 |
|
$ |
206,186 |
|
|
$ |
309,279 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.50% to 7.125% due 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floating rate (5.624% at 1/1/07) due 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.125% to 5.375% due 2008 |
|
|
410,000 |
|
|
|
410,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floating rate (5.22% at 1/1/08) due 2009 |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.70% due 2010 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.10% due 2011 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.85% due 2012 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.125% to 6.375% due 2016-2047 |
|
|
2,975,000 |
|
|
|
2,325,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term notes payable |
|
|
4,135,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,953,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control revenue bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rates (2.67% to 5.20% at 1/1/08)
due 2015-2036 |
|
|
822,690 |
|
|
|
557,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other long-term debt |
|
|
822,690 |
|
|
|
557,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized lease obligations |
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized debt premium (discount), net |
|
|
(3,759 |
) |
|
|
(3,515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (annual interest
requirement $266.3 million) |
|
|
5,160,348 |
|
|
|
4,816,831 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less amount due within one year |
|
|
410,152 |
|
|
|
668,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year |
|
|
4,750,196 |
|
|
|
4,148,185 |
|
|
|
48.3 |
% |
|
|
47.1 |
% |
|
II-127
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION (continued)
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
(percent of total) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$100 par or stated value 4.20% to 4.92%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 3,850,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 475,115 shares |
|
|
47,610 |
|
|
|
47,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1 par value 4.95% to 5.83%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 27,500,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 12,000,000 shares: $25 stated value |
|
|
294,105 |
|
|
|
294,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 1,250 shares: $100,000 stated capital |
|
|
123,331 |
|
|
|
123,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 40,000,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding $1 par value 5.63% to 6.50%
14,000,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(non-cumulative) $25 stated value |
|
|
343,466 |
|
|
|
147,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total preferred and preference stock
(annual dividend requirement $45.7 million) |
|
|
808,512 |
|
|
|
612,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less amount due within one year |
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred and preference stock
excluding amount due within one year |
|
|
683,512 |
|
|
|
612,407 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $40 per share
Authorized 2007: 25,000,000 shares
2006: 25,000,000 shares
Outstanding 2007: 17,975,000 shares
2006: 12,250,000 shares |
|
|
719,000 |
|
|
|
490,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
2,065,298 |
|
|
|
2,028,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
1,630,832 |
|
|
|
1,516,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(4,447 |
) |
|
|
(2,921 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
4,410,683 |
|
|
|
4,032,287 |
|
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
45.9 |
|
|
Total Capitalization |
|
$ |
9,844,391 |
|
|
$ |
8,792,879 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-128
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
Paid-In |
|
Retained |
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Capital |
|
Earnings |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
330,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,955,183 |
|
|
$ |
1,341,049 |
|
|
$ |
(16,028 |
) |
|
$ |
3,610,204 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
507,895 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
507,895 |
|
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,873 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,873 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,554 |
|
|
|
4,554 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(409,900 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(409,900 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
370,000 |
|
|
|
1,995,056 |
|
|
|
1,439,144 |
|
|
|
(11,474 |
) |
|
|
3,792,726 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
517,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
517,730 |
|
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,907 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,057 |
) |
|
|
(4,057 |
) |
Adjustment to initially apply
FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,610 |
|
|
|
12,610 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(440,600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(440,600 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
490,000 |
|
|
|
2,028,963 |
|
|
|
1,516,245 |
|
|
|
(2,921 |
) |
|
|
4,032,287 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
579,582 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
579,582 |
|
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
229,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
229,000 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,441 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,526 |
) |
|
|
(1,526 |
) |
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(465,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(465,000 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(106 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
719,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,065,298 |
|
|
$ |
1,630,832 |
|
|
$ |
(4,447 |
) |
|
$ |
4,410,683 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock |
|
$ |
579,582 |
|
|
|
$517,730 |
|
|
$ |
507,895 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying hedges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in
fair value, net of tax of $(1,226), $155, and $5,523, respectively |
|
|
(2,017 |
) |
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
9,085 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $298, $(3,696), and $(1,333), respectively |
|
|
491 |
|
|
|
(6,080 |
) |
|
|
(2,193 |
) |
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in additional minimum pension liability,
net of tax of $-, $1,109, and $(1,422), respectively |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,768 |
|
|
|
(2,338 |
) |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(1,526 |
) |
|
|
(4,057 |
) |
|
|
4,554 |
|
|
Comprehensive Income |
|
$ |
578,056 |
|
|
|
$513,673 |
|
|
$ |
512,449 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-129
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Alabama Power Company (the Company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company, which is the
parent company of four traditional operating companies, Southern Power Company (Southern Power),
Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), Southern Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC
Wireless), Southern Company Holdings, Inc. (Southern Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company,
Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other direct and indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating
companies the Company, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power are vertically
integrated utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. The Company provides
electricity to retail customers within its traditional service area located within the State of
Alabama and to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Southern Power constructs, acquires, and
manages generation assets, and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market.
SCS, the system service company, provides, at cost, specialized services to Southern Company and
its subsidiary companies. SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital wireless communications services
to the traditional operating companies and also markets these services to the public and provides
fiber cable services within the Southeast. Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding company
subsidiary for Southern Companys investments in synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various
other energy-related businesses. The investments in synthetic fuels ended on December 31, 2007.
Southern Nuclear operates and provides services to Southern Companys nuclear power plants,
including the Companys Plant Farley.
The equity method is used for subsidiaries in which the Company has significant influence but does
not control and for variable interest entities where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the
Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). The Company follows accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States and complies with the accounting policies and practices prescribed by
its regulatory commissions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates, and the actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
with current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, net income,
or cash flows.
The balance sheets and the statements of cash flows have been modified to combine Long-term Debt
Payable to Affiliate Trusts into Long-term Debt. Correspondingly, the statements of income were
modified to report Interest expense to affiliate trusts together with Interest expense, net of
amounts capitalized.
Affiliate Transactions
The Company has an agreement with SCS under which the following services are rendered to the
Company at direct or allocated cost: general and design engineering, purchasing, accounting and
statistical analysis, finance and treasury, tax, information resources, marketing, auditing,
insurance and pension administration, human resources, systems and procedures, and other services
with respect to business and operations and power pool transactions. Costs for these services
amounted to $299 million, $266 million, and $246 million during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Cost allocation methodologies used by SCS were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission
prior to the repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, and management
believes they are reasonable. The FERC permits services to be rendered at cost by system service
companies.
The Company has an agreement with Southern Nuclear under which Southern Nuclear operates the
Companys Plant Farley and provides the following nuclear-related services at cost: general
executive and advisory services, general operations, management and technical services,
administrative services including procurement, accounting, statistical analysis, employee
relations, and other services with respect to business and operations. Costs for these services
amounted to $182 million, $162 million, and $157 million during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
The Company jointly owns Plant Greene County with Mississippi Power. The Company has an agreement
with Mississippi Power under which the Company operates Plant Greene County, and Mississippi Power
reimburses the Company for its proportionate share of expenses which were $9.8 million in 2007,
$8.6 million in 2006, and $8.2 million in 2005. See Note 4 for additional information.
II-130
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Southern Company held a 30% ownership interest in Alabama Fuel Products, LLC (AFP), which produces
synthetic fuel, until July 2006, when the ownership interest was terminated. Subsequent to the
termination of the membership interest in AFP, the Company continued to purchase fuel from AFP in
the amount of $462.1 and $244.4 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company purchases
synthetic fuel from AFP for use at several of the Companys plants. Total fuel purchases through
June 2006 and for the year ended 2005 were $202.2 million and $265.7 million, respectively. In
addition, the Company had an agreement with an indirect subsidiary of Southern Company that
provides services for AFP. Under this agreement, the Company provided certain accounting
functions, including processing and paying fuel transportation invoices, and the Company was
reimbursed for its expenses. Amounts billed under this agreement totaled approximately $58.1
million, $56.5 million, and $31.5 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The synthetic
fuel purchases and related party transactions were terminated as of December 31, 2007.
The Company had an agreement with Southern Power under which the Company operated and maintained
Plant Harris at cost. On August 1, 2007, that agreement was terminated and replaced with a service
agreement under which the Company provides to Southern Power labor and other specifically requested
services. In 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company billed Southern Power $2.4 million, $2.2 million,
and $1.9 million, respectively, under these agreements. Under a power purchase agreement (PPA)
with Southern Power, the Companys purchased power costs from Plant Harris in 2007, 2006, and 2005
totaled $66.3 million, $61.7 million, and $63.6 million, respectively. The Company also provides
the fuel, at cost, associated with the PPA and the fuel cost recognized by the Company was $108.1
million in 2007, $77.8 million in 2006, and $81.3 million in 2005. Additionally, the Company
recorded $8.3 million of prepaid capacity expenses included in other deferred charges and other
assets in the balance sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory
Matters and Note 7 under Purchased Power Commitments for additional information.
In 2007, the Company purchased plots of land in Prattville, Alabama and Chilton County, Alabama
from Southern Power. The total purchase price was $4.3 million and is recorded in Property
additions on the statements of cash flows.
The Company had an agreement with SouthernLINC Wireless to provide digital wireless communications
services to the Company. Costs for these services amounted to $5.1 million, $4.9 million, and $5.7
million during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Also, see Note 4 for information regarding the Companys ownership in and PPA with Southern
Electric Generating Company (SEGCO) and Note 5 for information on certain deferred tax liabilities
due to affiliates.
The Company provides incidental services to, and receives such services from, other Southern
Company subsidiaries which are generally minor in duration and/or amount. However, with the
hurricane damage experienced by Mississippi Power in 2005, assistance provided to aid in storm
restoration, including Company labor, contract labor, and materials, caused an increase in these
activities. The total amount of storm restoration provided to Mississippi Power in 2005 was $8.0
million. In 2005, the Company received assistance from affiliated companies in the amount of $5.0
million. These activities were billed at cost.
The traditional operating companies, including the Company, and Southern Power jointly enter into
various types of wholesale energy, natural gas, and certain other contracts, either directly or
through SCS as agent. Each participating company may be jointly and severally liable for the
obligations incurred under these agreements. See Note 7 under Fuel Commitments for additional
information.
Revenues
Energy and other revenues are recognized as services are provided. Wholesale capacity revenues are
generally recognized on a levelized basis over the appropriate contract periods. Unbilled revenues
are accrued at the end of each fiscal period. Electric rates for the Company include provisions to
adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, fuel hedging, the energy component of purchased
power costs, and certain other costs. Revenues are adjusted for differences between these actual
costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Under or over recovered regulatory clause
revenues are recorded in the balance sheets and are recovered or returned to customers through
adjustments to the billing factors. The Company continuously monitors the under/over recovered
balances and files for revised rates as required or when management deems appropriate depending on
the rate. See Retail Regulatory Matters Fuel Cost Recovery in Note 3 for additional
information.
The Company has a diversified base of customers. No single customer comprises 10% or more of
revenues. For all periods presented, uncollectible accounts averaged less than one percent of
revenues.
II-131
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The Company is subject to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement
No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71). Regulatory
assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that are expected to be
recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. Regulatory liabilities represent probable
future reductions in revenues associated with amounts that are expected to be credited to customers
through the ratemaking process.
Regulatory assets and (liabilities) reflected in the balance sheets at December 31 relate to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Note |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Deferred income tax charges |
|
$ |
347 |
|
|
$ |
354 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Loss on reacquired debt |
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
(b |
) |
Vacation pay |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(c |
) |
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Fuel-hedging assets |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
(e |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
(614 |
) |
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Deferred income tax credits |
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
(99 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Natural disaster reserve (prior storms) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Fuel-hedging liabilities |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(e |
) |
Mine reclamation and remediation |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Nuclear outage |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Deferred purchased power |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Natural disaster reserve (future storms) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Other liabilities |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Overfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
(423 |
) |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(f |
) |
Underfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
(f |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
(399 |
) |
|
$ |
(30 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Note: The recovery and amortization periods for these regulatory assets and (liabilities) are as follows:
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Asset retirement and removal liabilities are recorded, deferred income tax assets are
recovered, and deferred tax liabilities are amortized over the related property lives,
which may range up to 50 years. Asset retirement and removal liabilities will be
settled and trued up following completion of the related activities. |
|
(b) |
|
Recovered over the remaining life of the original issue which may range up to 50 years. |
|
(c) |
|
Recorded as earned by employees and recovered as paid, generally within one year. |
|
(d) |
|
Recorded and recovered or amortized as approved or accepted by the Alabama PSC. |
|
(e) |
|
Fuel-hedging assets and liabilities are recorded over the life of the underlying
hedged purchase contracts, which generally do not exceed two years. Upon final
settlement, actual costs incurred are recovered through the fuel cost recovery
clauses. |
|
(f) |
|
Recovered and amortized over the average remaining service period which may range up
to 14 years. See Note 2 under Retirement Benefits. |
In the event that a portion of the Companys operations is no longer subject to the provisions of
SFAS No. 71, the Company would be required to write off related regulatory assets and liabilities
that are not specifically recoverable through regulated rates. In addition, the Company would be
required to determine if any impairment to other assets, including plant, exists and write down the
assets, if impaired, to their fair values. All regulatory assets and liabilities are to be
reflected in rates.
Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs
The Company has a contract with the United States, acting through the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) that provides for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE failed to begin
disposing of spent nuclear fuel in 1998 as required by the contract, and the Company is pursuing
legal remedies against the government for breach of contract. An on-site dry spent fuel storage
facility at Plant Farley is operational and can be expanded to accommodate spent fuel through the
expected life of the plant.
On July 9, 2007, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims awarded the Company $17.3 million,
representing all of the direct costs of the expansion of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities
from 1998 through 2004. On July 24, 2007, the government filed a motion for
II-132
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
reconsideration, which was denied on November 1, 2007. The government filed an appeal on
January 2, 2008. No amounts have been recognized in the financial statements as of December 31,
2007. The final outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time, but no material
impact on net income is expected as any award received is expected to be returned to customers.
Also, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 established a Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and
Decommissioning Fund, which has been funded in part by a special assessment on utilities with
nuclear plants. This assessment was paid over a 15-year period; the final installment occurred in
2006 and was fully amortized in September 2007. This fund will be used by the DOE for the
decontamination and decommissioning of its nuclear fuel enrichment facilities. The law provides
that utilities will recover these payments in the same manner as any other fuel expense.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as the fuel is used. Fuel expense includes the cost of purchased emission
allowances as they are used. Fuel expense also includes the amortization of the cost of nuclear
fuel and a charge, based on nuclear generation, for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel.
Income and Other Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provides deferred
income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences. Investment tax credits utilized
are deferred and amortized to income over the average life of the related property. Taxes that are
collected from customers on behalf of governmental agencies to be remitted to these agencies are
presented net on the statements of income.
In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN
48), the Company recognizes tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon
examination by the appropriate taxing authorities. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits
for additional information on the effect of adopting FIN 48.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost less regulatory disallowances and
impairments. Original cost includes: materials; labor; minor items of property; appropriate
administrative and general costs; payroll-related costs such as taxes, pensions, and other
benefits; and the interest capitalized and/or cost of funds used during construction.
The Companys property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Generation |
|
$ |
8,541 |
|
|
$ |
8,312 |
|
Transmission |
|
|
2,435 |
|
|
|
2,308 |
|
Distribution |
|
|
4,586 |
|
|
|
4,352 |
|
General |
|
|
1,095 |
|
|
|
1,017 |
|
Plant acquisition adjustment |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
Total plant in service |
|
$ |
16,669 |
|
|
$ |
15,998 |
|
|
The cost of replacements of property exclusive of minor items of property is capitalized.
The cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to
maintenance expense as incurred or performed with the exception of nuclear refueling costs, which
are recorded in accordance with specific Alabama PSC orders. The Company accrues estimated nuclear
refueling costs in advance of the units next refueling outage. The refueling cycle is 18 months
for each unit. During 2007, the Company accrued $40.3 million and paid $27.6 million for an outage
at Plant Farley Unit 1 and $27.1 million for an outage at Plant Farley Unit 2. At December 31,
2007, the reserve balance totaled $(2.0) million and is included in the balance sheet in other
regulatory liabilities.
II-133
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of the original cost of utility plant in service is provided primarily by using
composite straight-line rates, which approximated 3.1% in 2007 and 2006 and 2.9% in 2005.
Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update the composite rates and the information
is provided to the Alabama PSC. When property subject to depreciation is retired or otherwise
disposed of in the normal course of business, its original cost, together with the cost of removal,
less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For other property dispositions, the
applicable cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the balance sheet accounts and a gain
or loss is recognized. Minor items of property included in the original cost of the plant are
retired when the related property unit is retired.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal
Asset retirement obligations are computed as the present value of the ultimate costs for an assets
future retirement and are recorded in the period in which the liability is incurred. The costs are
capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the assets useful life.
The Company has received accounting guidance from the Alabama PSC allowing the continued accrual of
other future retirement costs for long-lived assets that the Company does not have a legal
obligation to retire. Accordingly, the accumulated removal costs for these obligations will
continue to be reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability.
The liability recognized to retire long-lived assets primarily relates to the Companys nuclear
facility, Plant Farley. The fair value of assets legally restricted for settling retirement
obligations related to nuclear facilities as of December 31, 2007 was $543 million. In addition,
the Company has retirement obligations related to various landfill sites and underground storage
tanks. In connection with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional
Asset Retirement Obligations (FIN 47), the Company also recorded additional asset retirement
obligations (and assets) of $35 million related to asbestos removal and disposal of polychlorinated
biphenyls in certain transformers. The Company also has identified retirement obligations related
to certain transmission and distribution facilities and certain wireless communication towers.
However, liabilities for the removal of these assets have not been recorded because the range of
time over which the Company may settle these obligations is unknown and cannot be reasonably
estimated. The Company will continue to recognize in the statements of income allowed removal
costs in accordance with its regulatory treatment. Any differences between costs recognized under
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
and FIN 47 and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a regulatory asset or liability,
as ordered by the Alabama PSC, and are reflected in the balance sheets. See Nuclear
Decommissioning for further information on amounts included in rates.
Details of the asset retirement obligations included in the balance sheets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance beginning of year |
|
$ |
476 |
|
|
$ |
446 |
|
Liabilities incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Liabilities settled |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Cash flow revisions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance end of year |
|
$ |
506 |
|
|
$ |
476 |
|
|
Nuclear Decommissioning
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires licensees of commercial nuclear power reactors to
establish a plan for providing reasonable assurance of funds for future decommissioning. The
Company has external trust funds to comply with the NRCs regulations. Use of the funds is
restricted to nuclear decommissioning activities and the funds are managed and invested in
accordance with applicable requirements of various regulatory bodies, including the NRC, the FERC,
and the Alabama PSC, as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The trust funds are invested
in a tax-efficient manner in a diversified mix of equity and fixed income securities and are
classified as available-for-sale.
The trust funds are included in the balance sheets at fair value, as obtained from quoted market
prices for the same or similar investments. As the external trust funds are actively managed by
unrelated parties with limited direction from the Company, the Company does not have the ability to
choose to hold securities with unrealized losses until recovery. Through 2005, the Company
considered other-than-temporary impairments to be immaterial. However, since the January 1, 2006
effective date of FASB Staff
II-134
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Position FAS 115-1/124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to
Certain Investments (FSP No. 115-1), the Company considers all unrealized losses to represent
other-than-temporary impairments. The adoption of FSP No. 115-1 had no impact on the results of
operations, cash flows, or financial condition of the Company as all losses have been and continue
to be recorded through a regulatory liability, whether realized, unrealized, or identified as
other-than-temporary. Details of the securities held in these trusts at December 31, 2007 were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-Temporary |
|
|
2007 |
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
Impairments |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in millions) |
Equity |
|
$ |
130.8 |
|
|
$ |
(15.7 |
) |
|
$ |
385.4 |
|
Debt |
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
140.2 |
|
Other |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.2 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
137.9 |
|
|
$ |
(19.2 |
) |
|
$ |
542.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-Temporary |
|
|
2006 |
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
Impairments |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in millions) |
Equity |
|
$ |
121.0 |
|
|
$ |
(5.3 |
) |
|
$ |
384.8 |
|
Debt |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
120.1 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
121.7 |
|
|
$ |
(6.7 |
) |
|
$ |
513.5 |
|
|
The contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2007 are as follows: $33.1 million
in 2008; $28.8 million in 2009-2012; $17.0 million in 2013-2017; and $65.8 million thereafter.
Sales of the securities held in the trust funds resulted in cash proceeds of $333.4 million, $285.7
million, and $223.8 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, all of which were re-invested.
Realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses were $34.6 million and $37.2 million,
respectively, in 2007 and $22.0 million and $18.2 million, respectively, in 2006. Net realized
gains were $9.9 million in 2005. Realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses are
determined on a specific identification basis. In accordance with regulatory guidance, all
realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the regulatory liability for asset
retirement obligations in the balance sheets and are not included in net income or other
comprehensive income. Unrealized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses are considered
non-cash transactions for purposes of the statements of cash flows.
Amounts previously recorded in internal reserves are being transferred into the external trust
funds over periods approved by the Alabama PSC. The NRCs minimum external funding requirements
are based on a generic estimate of the cost to decommission only the radioactive portions of a
nuclear unit based on the size and type of reactor. The Company has filed plans with the NRC
designed to ensure that, over time, the deposits and earnings of the external trust funds will
provide the minimum funding amounts prescribed by the NRC. At December 31, 2007, the accumulated
provisions for decommissioning were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
External trust funds, at fair value |
|
$ |
543 |
|
Internal reserves |
|
|
27 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
570 |
|
|
Site study cost is the estimate to decommission the facility as of the site study year. The
estimated costs of decommissioning, based on the most current study performed in 2003 for Plant
Farley were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Decommissioning periods: |
|
|
|
|
Beginning year |
|
|
2017 |
|
Completion year |
|
|
2046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Site study costs: |
|
|
|
|
Radiated structures |
|
$ |
892 |
|
Non-radiated structures |
|
|
63 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
955 |
|
|
II-135
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The decommissioning cost estimates are based on prompt dismantlement and removal of the plant from
service. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the above estimates because of changes in
the assumed date of decommissioning, changes in NRC requirements, or changes in the assumptions
used in making these estimates.
All of the Companys decommissioning costs for ratemaking are based on the site study. Significant
assumptions used to determine these costs for ratemaking were an inflation rate of 4.5% and a trust
earnings rate of 7.0%. Another significant assumption used was the change in the operating license
for Plant Farley.
In May 2005, the NRC granted the Company a 20-year extension of the operating license for both
units at Plant Farley. As a result of the license extension, amounts previously contributed to the
external trust are currently projected to be adequate to meet the decommissioning obligations.
Therefore, in June 2005, the Alabama PSC approved the Companys request to suspend, effective
January 1, 2005, the inclusion in its annual cost of service of $18 million in decommissioning
costs and to also suspend the associated obligation to make semi-annual contributions to the
external trust. The Company will continue to provide site specific estimates of the
decommissioning costs and related projections of funds in the external trust to the Alabama PSC
and, if necessary, would seek the Alabama PSCs approval to address any changes in a manner
consistent with the NRC and other applicable requirements. The approved suspension does not affect
the transfer of internal reserves (less than $1 million annually) previously collected from
customers prior to the establishment of the external trust.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)
In accordance with regulatory treatment, the Company records AFUDC, which represents the estimated
debt and equity costs of capital funds that are necessary to finance the construction of new
regulated facilities. While cash is not realized currently from such allowance, it increases the
revenue requirement over the service life of the plant through a higher rate base and higher
depreciation expense. The equity component of AFUDC is not included in calculating taxable income.
All current construction costs are included in retail rates. The composite rate used to determine
the amount of AFUDC was 9.4% in 2007, 8.8% in 2006, and 8.8% in 2005. AFUDC, net of income tax, as
a percent of net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock was 8.0% in 2007, 4.5% in
2006, and 5.0% in 2005.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether an impairment has occurred is based on either a specific regulatory disallowance or an
estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared with the
carrying value of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment
recognized is determined by either the amount of regulatory disallowance or by estimating the fair
value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. For
assets identified as held for sale, the carrying value is compared to the estimated fair value less
the cost to sell in order to determine if an impairment loss is required. Until the assets are
disposed of, their estimated fair value is re-evaluated when circumstances or events change.
Natural Disaster Reserve
In accordance with an Alabama PSC order, the Company has established a natural disaster reserve
(NDR) to cover the cost of uninsured damages from major storms to transmission and distribution
facilities. The Company collects a monthly NDR charge per account that consists of two components
which began on January 1, 2006. The first component is intended to establish and maintain a
reserve for future storms and is an on-going part of customer billing. This plan has a target
reserve balance of $75 million that could be achieved in four years assuming the Company
experiences no additional storms. The second component of the NDR charge is intended to allow
recovery of any existing deferred hurricane related operations and maintenance costs and any future
reserve deficits over a 24-month period. The Alabama PSC order gives the Company authority to have
a negative NDR balance when costs of uninsured storm damage exceed any established NDR balance.
Absent further Alabama PSC approval, the maximum total NDR charge consisting of both components is
$10 per month per account for non-residential customers and $5 per month per account for
residential customers.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had accumulated a balance of $26.1 million in the target reserve
for future storms, which is included in the balance sheets under Other Regulatory Liabilities.
In June 2007, the Company fully recovered its prior storm cost
II-136
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
of $51.3 million resulting from Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. As a result, customer rates
decreased by this portion of the NDR charge effective July 1, 2007.
As revenue from the NDR charge is recognized, an equal amount of operations and maintenance expense
related to the NDR will also be recognized. As a result, this increase in revenue and expense will
not have an impact on net income, but will increase annual cash flow.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the financial statements, temporary cash investments are considered cash
equivalents. Temporary cash investments are securities with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
Materials and Supplies
Generally, materials and supplies include the average cost of transmission, distribution, and
generating plant materials. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or
capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed.
Fuel Inventory
Fuel inventory includes the average costs of oil, coal, and natural gas. Fuel is charged to
inventory when purchased and then expensed as used and recovered by the Company through fuel cost
recovery rates approved by the Alabama PSC. Emission allowances granted by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) are included in inventory at zero cost.
Stock Options
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for
options granted in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25; thus, no
compensation expense was recognized because the exercise price of all options granted equaled the
fair market value on the date of the grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB
Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)), using the modified prospective
method. Under that method, compensation cost for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was
recognized as the requisite service was rendered and included: (a) compensation cost for the
portion of share-based awards granted prior to and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006, for
which the requisite service had not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those
awards as calculated in accordance with the original provisions of FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based awards
granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Results for prior periods have not been restated.
The compensation cost and tax benefits related to the grant and exercise of Southern Company stock
options to the Companys employees are recognized in the Companys financial statements with a
corresponding credit to equity, representing a capital contribution from Southern Company.
For the Company, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) has resulted in a reduction in earnings before
income taxes and net income of $4.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and $4.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31,
2006. Additionally, SFAS No. 123(R) requires the gross excess tax benefit from stock option
exercises be reclassified as a financing cash flow as opposed to an operating cash flow; the
reduction in operating cash flows and the increase in financing cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $2.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma
impact on net income of fair-value accounting for options granted was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Impact |
|
|
2005 |
|
As Reported |
|
After Tax |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
(in millions) |
Net Income |
|
$ |
508 |
|
|
$ |
(3 |
) |
|
$ |
505 |
|
II-137
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Because historical forfeitures have been insignificant and are expected to remain insignificant, no
forfeitures were assumed in the calculation of compensation expense; rather they are recognized
when they occur.
The estimated fair values of stock options granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were derived using the
Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility
of Southern Companys stock over a period equal to the expected term. The Company used historical
exercise data to estimate the expected term that represents the period of time that options granted
to employees are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury
yield curve in effect at the time of grant that covers the expected term of the stock options. The
following table shows the assumptions used in the pricing model and the weighted average grant-date
fair value of stock options granted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Expected volatility |
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Weighted average grant-date fair value |
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
|
$ |
4.15 |
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, the prices of certain fuel purchases, and electricity purchases and sales. All derivative
financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair
value. Substantially all of the Companys bulk energy purchases and sales contracts that meet the
definition of a derivative are exempt from fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for
under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts qualify as cash flow hedges of anticipated
transactions or are recoverable through the Alabama PSC-approved fuel hedging program. This
results in the deferral of related gains and losses in other comprehensive income or regulatory
assets and liabilities, respectively, until the hedged transactions occur. Any ineffectiveness
arising from cash flow hedges is recognized currently in net income. Other derivative contracts
are marked to market through current period income and are recorded on a net basis in the
statements of income.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the event of counterparties
nonperformance. The Company has established controls to determine and monitor the creditworthiness
of counterparties in order to mitigate the Companys exposure to counterparty credit risk.
The Companys other financial instruments for which the carrying amounts did not equal fair values
at December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in millions) |
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
5,160 |
|
|
$ |
5,079 |
|
2006 |
|
|
4,816 |
|
|
|
4,768 |
|
The fair values were based on either closing market prices or closing prices of comparable
instruments.
Comprehensive Income
The objective of comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity
of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than
transactions with owners. Comprehensive income consists of net income, changes in the fair value
of qualifying cash flow hedges, and prior to the adoption of SFAS No.158, Employers Accounting
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158) the minimum pension
liability, less income taxes and reclassifications for amounts included in net income.
Variable Interest Entities
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and
liabilities. The Company has established certain wholly-owned trusts to issue preferred
securities. See Note 6 under Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts for additional
information. However, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the trusts.
Therefore, the investments in
II-138
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
these trusts are reflected as Other Investments, and the related loans from the trusts are included
in Long-term Debt in the balance sheets.
Investments
The Company maintains an investment in a debt security that matures in 2018 and is classified as
available-for-sale. This security is included in the balance sheets under Other Property and
Investments-Other and totaled $2.3 million and $2.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. Because the interest rate resets weekly, the carrying value approximates the fair
market value.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering substantially all employees.
The plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended (ERISA). No contributions to the plan are expected for the year ending
December 31, 2008. The Company also provides certain defined benefit pension plans for a selected
group of management and highly-compensated employees. Benefits under these non-qualified plans are
funded on a cash basis. In addition, the Company provides certain medical care and life insurance
benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit plans. The Company funds
trusts to the extent required by the Alabama PSC and the FERC. For the year ending December 31,
2008, postretirement trust contributions are expected to total approximately $22.9 million.
The measurement date for plan assets and obligations is September 30 for each year presented.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 158, the Company will be required to change the measurement date for its
defined benefit postretirement plans from September 30 to December 31 beginning with the year
ending December 31, 2008.
Pension Plans
The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was $1.3 billion in 2007 and 2006.
Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
1,394 |
|
|
$ |
1,421 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
(69 |
) |
Plan amendments |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
1,420 |
|
|
|
1,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
2,038 |
|
|
|
1,875 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
228 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
2,318 |
|
|
|
2,038 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
644 |
|
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Prepaid pension asset, net |
|
$ |
900 |
|
|
$ |
645 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension
plans were $1.3 billion and $91 million, respectively. All plan assets are related to the
qualified pension plan.
Pension plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable requirements,
including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). The
Companys investment policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income
securities, real estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging
tools but may also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company
primarily minimizes the risk of large
II-139
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
losses through diversification but also monitors and manages other aspects of risk. The actual
composition of the Companys pension plan assets as of the end of the year, along with the targeted
mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Domestic equity |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys pension plans consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Prepaid pension asset |
|
$ |
989 |
|
|
$ |
722 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
(423 |
) |
|
|
(183 |
) |
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
(72 |
) |
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at
December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 related to the defined benefit pension plans that had not
yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost along with the estimated amortization of such
amounts for 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service Cost |
|
Net(Gain)/Loss |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(479 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
70 |
|
|
$ |
(450 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
30 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
70 |
|
|
$ |
(217 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated amortization in net
periodic pension cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
The changes in the balances of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities related to the defined
benefit pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 are presented in the following table:
II-140
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory |
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Assets |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
(in millions) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
36 |
|
|
$ |
(183 |
) |
Net (gain)/loss |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(232 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(240 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
$ |
(423 |
) |
|
Components of net periodic pension cost (income) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
37 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(146 |
) |
|
|
(139 |
) |
|
|
(139 |
) |
Recognized net (gain) loss |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Net amortization |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
Net periodic pension (income) |
|
$ |
(17 |
) |
|
$ |
(13 |
) |
|
$ |
(21 |
) |
|
Net periodic pension cost (income) is the sum of service cost, interest cost, and other costs
netted against the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is
determined by multiplying the expected rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value
of plan assets. In determining the market-related value of plan assets, the Company has elected to
amortize changes in the market value of all plan assets over five years rather than recognize the
changes immediately. As a result, the accounting value of plan assets that is used to calculate
the expected return on plan assets differs from the current fair value of the plan assets.
Future benefit payments reflect expected future service and are estimated based on assumptions used
to measure the projected benefit obligation for the pension plans. At December 31, 2007, estimated
benefit payments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
74 |
|
2009 |
|
|
76 |
|
2010 |
|
|
79 |
|
2011 |
|
|
89 |
|
2012 |
|
|
93 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
561 |
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
Changes during the year in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations (APBO) and in the
fair value of plan assets were as follows:
II-141
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
490 |
|
|
$ |
490 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(22 |
) |
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
Retiree drug subsidy |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
259 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
Accrued liability |
|
$ |
(155 |
) |
|
$ |
(205 |
) |
|
Other postretirement benefit plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable
requirements, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys investment policy
covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income securities, real estate, and
private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging tools but may also be used to
gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company primarily minimizes the risk of
large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages other aspects of risk. The
actual composition of the Companys other postretirement benefit plan assets as of the end of the
year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
46 |
% |
|
|
46 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys other postretirement benefit
plans consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
95 |
|
|
$ |
147 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(155 |
) |
|
|
(205 |
) |
|
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets at December 31, 2007 and December 31,
2006 related to the other postretirement benefit plans that had not yet been recognized in net
periodic postretirement benefit cost along with the estimated amortization of such amounts for
2008.
II-142
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service |
|
Net |
|
Transition |
|
|
Cost |
|
(Gain)/Loss |
|
Obligation |
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
55 |
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
59 |
|
|
$ |
63 |
|
|
$ |
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated amortization as
net periodic postretirement
cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
The change in the balance of regulatory assets related to the other postretirement benefit plans
for the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
147 |
|
Net gain |
|
|
(41 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
Amortization of transition obligation |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(5 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
95 |
|
|
Components of the other postretirement benefit plans net periodic cost were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
7 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
Net amortization |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
27 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
|
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Act) provides
a 28% prescription drug subsidy for Medicare eligible retirees. The effect of the subsidy reduced
the Companys expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 by approximately $10.7
million, $11.1 million, and $8.7 million, respectively.
Future benefit payments, including prescription drug benefits, reflect expected future service and
are estimated based on assumptions used to measure the APBO for the postretirement plans.
Estimated benefit payments are reduced by drug subsidy receipts expected as a result of the
Medicare Act as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
Subsidy Receipts |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
27 |
|
|
$ |
(3 |
) |
|
$ |
24 |
|
2009 |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
2010 |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
2011 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
31 |
|
2012 |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
33 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
206 |
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
178 |
|
|
II-143
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Actuarial Assumptions
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations used to determine both the benefit
obligations as of the measurement date and the net periodic costs for the pension and other
postretirement benefit plans for the following year are presented below. Net periodic benefit
costs were calculated in 2004, for the 2005 plan year, using a discount rate of 5.75%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Discount |
|
|
6.30 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Annual salary increase |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.50 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
Long-term return on plan assets |
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
The Company determined the long-term rate of return based on historical asset class returns and
current market conditions, taking into account the diversification benefits of investing in
multiple asset classes.
An additional assumption used in measuring the APBO was a weighted average medical care cost trend
rate of 9.75% for 2008, decreasing gradually to 5.25% through the year 2015, and remaining at that
level thereafter. An annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost trend rate of 1%
would affect the APBO and the service and interest cost components at December 31, 2007 as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Percent |
|
1 Percent |
|
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
|
|
(in millions) |
Benefit obligation |
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
Service and interest costs |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Employee Savings Plan
The Company also sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees.
The Company provides an 85% matching contribution up to 6% of an employees base salary. Prior to
November 2006, the Company matched employee contributions at a rate of 75% up to 6% of the
employees base salary. Total matching contributions made to the plan for 2007, 2006, and 2005
were $17 million, $14 million, and $14 million, respectively.
3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
General Litigation Matters
The Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In addition, the Companys business activities are subject to extensive governmental
regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and
claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and
citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality
standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury
claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent.
The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company cannot be
predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein,
management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings
would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements.
Environmental Matters
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the EPA brought a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, including the Company, alleging
that it had violated the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state
laws at certain coal-fired generating facilities. Through subsequent amendments and other legal
procedures, the EPA filed a separate action in January 2001 against the Company in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after the Company was dismissed from the
original action. In these lawsuits, the EPA alleged that NSR violations occurred at five
coal-fired generating facilities operated by the Company. The civil actions request penalties and
injunctive relief, including an order requiring the installation of the best available control
technology at the affected units.
II-144
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between the Company and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The consent
decree required the Company to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil penalty
and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by the Company,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted the Companys motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of the Company on the EPAs claims related to all of the remaining plants:
Plants Barry, Gaston, Gorgas, and Greene County.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Companys case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its previous
decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the Eleventh
Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Companys case and remanded the case back to
the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme Courts decision
in the Duke Energy case. The final outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
The Company believes that it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and
interpretations in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act
authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating
unit, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in this matter could
require substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital
expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of
substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows,
and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005 and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and releases of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company may also incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company has received
authority from the Alabama PSC to recover approved environmental compliance costs through a
specific retail rate clause that is adjusted annually. See Retail Regulatory Matters Rate CNP
herein for additional information.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
II-145
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates
and could also result in refunds of up to $3.9 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC), as
approved by the FERC. In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the
provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies (including the Company), Southern
Power, and SCS, as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated,
(2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to
utility companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of
conduct defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just
and reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern
Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of
conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Generation Interconnection Agreements
In November 2004, generator company subsidiaries of Tenaska, Inc. (Tenaska), as counterparties to
two previously executed interconnection agreements with the Company, filed complaints at the FERC
requesting that the FERC modify the agreements and that the Company refund a total of $11 million
previously paid for interconnection facilities. No other similar complaints are pending with the
FERC.
On January 19, 2007, the FERC issued an order granting Tenaskas requested relief. Although the
FERCs order required the modification of Tenaskas interconnection agreements, under the
provisions of the order, the Company determined that no refund was payable to Tenaska. Southern
Company requested rehearing asserting that the FERC retroactively applied a new principle to
existing interconnection agreements. Tenaska requested rehearing of FERCs methodology for
determining the amount of refunds. The requested rehearings were denied and Southern Company and
Tenaska have appealed the orders to the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. The final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
Retail Regulatory Matters
The following retail ratemaking procedures will remain in effect until the Alabama PSC votes to
modify or discontinue them.
Rate RSE
The Alabama PSC has adopted a Rate Stabilization and Equalization plan (Rate RSE) that provides for
periodic annual adjustments based upon the Companys earned return on retail common equity. Retail
rates remain unchanged when the retail return on common equity ranges between 13.0% and 14.5%. In
October 2005, the Alabama PSC approved a revision to Rate RSE. Prior to January 2007, annual
adjustments were limited to 3.0%. Effective January 2007 and thereafter, Rate RSE adjustments are
made based on forward-looking information for the applicable upcoming calendar year. Rate
adjustments for any two-year period, when averaged
II-146
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
together, cannot exceed 4.0% per year and any annual adjustment is limited to 5.0%. Retail rates
remain unchanged when the return on retail common equity is projected to be between 13.0% and
14.5%. If the Companys actual retail return on common equity is above the allowed equity return
range, customer refunds will be required; however, there is no provision for additional customer
billings should the actual retail return on common equity fall below the allowed equity return
range. On November 30, 2007, the Company made its submission of projected data for calendar year
2008. The Rate RSE increase for 2008 is 3.24%, or $147 million annually, and was effective in
January 2008. Under the terms of Rate RSE, the maximum increase for 2009 cannot exceed 4.76%. See
Rate CNP for additional information.
Rate CNP
The Companys retail rates, approved by the Alabama PSC, also provide for adjustments to recognize
the placing of new generating facilities into retail service and the recovery of retail costs
associated with certificated PPAs under Rate CNP. In April 2005, an annual adjustment to Rate CNP
decreased retail rates by approximately 0.5%, or $19 million annually. The annual true-up
adjustment effective in April 2006 increased retail rates by 0.5%, or $19 million annually. There
was no rate adjustment associated with the annual true-up adjustment in April 2007 and there will
be no adjustment to the current Rate CNP to recover certificated PPA costs in April 2008.
Rate CNP also allows for the recovery of the Companys retail costs associated with environmental
laws, regulations, or other such mandates. The rate mechanism, based on forward looking
information, began operation in January 2005 and provides for the recovery of these costs pursuant
to a factor that is calculated annually. Environmental costs to be recovered include operations
and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and a return on invested capital. Retail rates increased
due to environmental costs approximately 1.0% in January 2005, 1.2% in January 2006, 0.6% in
January 2007, and 2.4% in January 2008.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company has established fuel cost recovery rates under an energy cost recovery clause (Rate
ECR) approved by the Alabama PSC. Rates are based on an estimate of future energy costs and the
current over or under recovered balance. The Company, along with the Alabama PSC, will continue to
monitor the under recovered fuel cost balance to determine whether an additional adjustment to
billing rates is required.
In June 2007, the Alabama PSC ordered the Company to increase its Rate ECR factor to 3.100 cents
per kilowatt-hour (KWH) effective with billings beginning July 2007 for the 30-month period ending
December 2009. The previous rate of 2.400 cents per KWH had been in effect since January 2006.
This increase was intended to permit recovery of energy costs based on an estimate of future
energy cost, as well as the collection of the existing under recovered energy cost by the end of
2009. During the 30-month period, the Company will be allowed to include a carrying charge
associated with the under recovered fuel costs in the fuel expense calculation. In the event the
application of this increased Rate ECR factor results in an over recovered position during this
period, the Company will pay interest on any such over recovered balance at the same rate used to
derive the carrying cost.
The Companys under recovered fuel costs as of December 31, 2007 totaled $279.8 million as compared
to $301.0 million at December 31, 2006. As a result of the Alabama PSC order, the Company
classified $81.7 million and $301.0 million of the under recovered regulatory clause revenues as
deferred charges and other assets in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and December 31,
2006, respectively. This classification is based on an estimate which includes such factors as
weather, generation availability, energy demand, and the price of energy. A change in any of these
factors could have a material impact on the timing of the recovery of the under recovered fuel
costs.
Natural Disaster Cost Recovery
In February and December 2005, the Company requested and received Alabama PSC approval of an
accounting order that allowed the Company to immediately return certain regulatory liabilities to
the retail customers. These orders also allowed the Company to simultaneously recover from
customers an accrual of approximately $48 million primarily to offset the costs of Hurricane Ivan
and restore a positive balance in the NDR. The combined effect of these orders had no impact on
the Companys net income in 2005.
In July 2005 and August 2005, Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina, respectively, hit the coast of Alabama
and continued north through the state, causing significant damage in parts of the service territory
of the Company. Approximately 241,000 and 637,000 of the Companys 1.4 million customer accounts
were without electrical service immediately after Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina, respectively. The
Company sustained significant damage to its distribution and transmission facilities during these
storms.
II-147
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In August 2005, the Company received approval from the Alabama PSC to defer the Hurricane Dennis
storm-related operations and maintenance costs (approximately $28 million). In October 2005, the
Company also received similar approval from the Alabama PSC to defer the Hurricane Katrina
storm-related operations and maintenance costs (approximately $30 million). The NDR balance at
December 31, 2005 was a regulatory asset of $50.6 million.
In December 2005, the Alabama PSC approved a request by the Company to replenish the depleted NDR
and allow for recovery of future natural disaster costs. The Alabama PSC order gives the Company
authority to record a deficit balance in the NDR when costs of uninsured storm damage exceed any
established reserve balance. The order also approved a separate monthly NDR charge consisting of
two components which began in January 2006. The first component is intended to establish and
maintain a target reserve balance of $75 million for future storms and is an on-going part of
customer billing. The Company currently expects that the target reserve balance could be achieved
within four years. The second component of the NDR charge is intended to allow recovery of the
existing deferred hurricane related operations and maintenance costs and any future reserve
deficits over a 24-month period. Absent further Alabama PSC approval, the maximum total NDR charge
consisting of both components is $10 per month per non-residential customer account and $5 per
month per residential customer account.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had accumulated a balance of $26.1 million in the target reserve
for future storms, which is included in the balance sheets under Other Regulatory Liabilities.
In June 2007, the Company fully recovered its prior storm cost of $51.3 million resulting from
Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. As a result, customer rates decreased by this portion of the NDR
charge effective in July 2007.
As revenue from the NDR charge is recognized, an equal amount of operations and maintenance expense
related to the NDR will also be recognized. As a result, this increase in revenue and expense will
not have an impact on net income, but will increase annual cash flow.
4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
The Company and Georgia Power own equally all of the outstanding capital stock of SEGCO, which owns
electric generating units with a total rated capacity of 1,020 megawatts, as well as associated
transmission facilities. The capacity of these units is sold equally to the Company and Georgia
Power under a contract which, in substance, requires payments sufficient to provide for the
operating expenses, taxes, interest expense, and a return on equity, whether or not SEGCO has any
capacity and energy available. The term of the contract extends automatically for two-year
periods, subject to either partys right to cancel upon two years notice. The Companys share of
purchased power totaled $105 million in 2007, $95 million in 2006, and $90 million in 2005 and is
included in Purchased power from affiliates in the statements of income. The Company accounts
for SEGCO using the equity method.
In addition, the Company has guaranteed unconditionally the obligation of SEGCO under an
installment sale agreement for the purchase of certain pollution control facilities at SEGCOs
generating units, pursuant to which $24.5 million principal amount of pollution control revenue
bonds are outstanding. Also, the Company has guaranteed $50 million principal amount of unsecured
senior notes issued by SEGCO for general corporate purposes. Georgia Power has agreed to reimburse
the Company for the pro rata portion of such obligations corresponding to its then proportionate
ownership of stock of SEGCO if the Company is called upon to make such payment under its guaranty.
At December 31, 2007, the capitalization of SEGCO consisted of $66 million of equity and $104
million of debt on which the annual interest requirement is $3.2 million. SEGCO paid dividends
totaling $2.6 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2006, and $7.7 million in 2005, of which one-half of
each was paid to the Company. In addition, the Company recognizes 50% of SEGCOs net income.
In addition to the Companys ownership of SEGCO, the Companys percentage ownership and investment
in jointly-owned coal-fired generating plants at December 31, 2007 is as follows:
II-148
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Megawatt |
|
Company |
|
Company |
|
Accumulated |
Facility |
|
Capacity |
|
Ownership |
|
Investment |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Greene County |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
60.00% |
(1) |
|
$ |
121 |
|
|
$ |
69 |
|
Plant Miller
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
91.84% |
(2) |
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
418 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Jointly owned with an affiliate, Mississippi Power.
|
|
(2) |
|
Jointly owned with Alabama Electric Cooperative, Inc. |
At December 31, 2007, the Companys Plant Miller portion of construction work in progress was $49.1
million.
The Company has contracted to operate and maintain the jointly owned facilities as agent for their
co-owners. The Companys proportionate share of its plant operating expenses is included in
operating expenses in the statements of income.
5. INCOME TAXES
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined income tax returns for
the State of Georgia, State of Mississippi, and the State of Alabama. Under a joint consolidated
income tax allocation agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on
a stand-alone basis and no subsidiary is allocated more expense than would be paid if it filed a
separate income tax return. In accordance with IRS regulations, each company is jointly and
severally liable for the tax liability.
In 2005, in order to avoid the loss of certain federal income tax credits related to the production
of synthetic fuel, Southern Company chose to defer certain deductions otherwise available to the
subsidiaries. The cash flow benefit associated with the utilization of the tax credits was
allocated to the subsidiary that otherwise would have claimed the available deductions on a
separate company basis without the deferral. This allocation concurrently reduced the tax benefit
of the credits allocated to those subsidiaries that generated the credits. As the deferred
expenses are deducted, the benefit of the tax credits will be repaid to the subsidiaries that
generated the tax credits. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had $32.0 million and $34.9
million in accumulated deferred income taxes and $2.9 million and $3.1 million in accrued taxes
income taxes, respectively, payable to these subsidiaries, on the balance sheets.
Current and Deferred Income Taxes
Details of income tax provisions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Federal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
$ |
287 |
|
|
$ |
302 |
|
|
$ |
151 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
351 |
|
|
$ |
330 |
|
|
$ |
285 |
|
|
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and
their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows:
II-149
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation |
|
$ |
1,766 |
|
|
$ |
1,687 |
|
Property basis differences |
|
|
341 |
|
|
|
341 |
|
Premium on reacquired debt |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
Pension and other benefits |
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
230 |
|
Fuel clause under recovered |
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations |
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Storm reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
Other |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,975 |
|
|
|
2,812 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal effect of state deferred taxes |
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
State effect of federal deferred taxes |
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Unbilled revenue |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Storm reserve |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and other benefits |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
Other comprehensive losses |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Regulatory liabilities associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Other |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
717 |
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities, net |
|
|
2,108 |
|
|
|
2,095 |
|
Portion included in current (liabilities) assets, net |
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
22 |
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes in the balance sheets |
|
$ |
2,065 |
|
|
$ |
2,117 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the Companys tax-related regulatory assets and liabilities were $347 million
and $94 million, respectively. These assets are attributable to tax benefits flowed through to
customers in prior years and to taxes applicable to capitalized interest. These liabilities are
attributable to deferred taxes previously recognized at rates higher than the current enacted tax
law and to unamortized investment tax credits.
In accordance with regulatory requirements, deferred investment tax credits are amortized over the
lives of the related property with such amortization normally applied as a credit to reduce
depreciation in the statements of income. Credits amortized in this manner amounted to $8.0
million in 2007, $8.0 million in 2006, and $8.8 million in 2005. At December 31, 2007, all
investment tax credits available to reduce federal income taxes payable had been utilized.
Effective Tax Rate
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Federal statutory rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal deduction |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
Non-deductible book depreciation |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Differences in prior years deferred and current tax rates |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
AFUDC-equity |
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
Production activities deduction |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
36.3 |
% |
|
|
37.9 |
% |
|
|
34.9 |
% |
|
II-150
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In accordance with Alabama PSC orders, the Company returned approximately $30 million of excess
deferred income taxes to its ratepayers in 2005, resulting in 3.6% of the Difference in prior
years deferred and current tax rates in the table above. See Note 3 to the financial statements
under Retail Regulatory Matters Natural Disaster Cost Recovery for additional information.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to United States production activities as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 199 (production
activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified production
activities income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate
applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9%
rate applicable for all years after 2009. The increase from 3% in 2006 to 6% in 2007 was one of
several factors that increased the Companys 2007 deduction by $7.8 million over the 2006
deduction. The resulting additional tax benefit was over $3 million.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48 which requires companies to determine whether it is
more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate
taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It
also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax
uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties.
Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, which were previously
accrued under SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, of approximately $1.2 million. The total
$1.2 million in unrecognized tax benefits would impact the Companys effective tax rate if
recognized. For 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased by $3.6 million,
resulting in a balance of $4.8 million as of December 31, 2007.
Changes during the year in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Unrecognized tax benefits as of adoption |
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
Tax positions from current periods |
|
|
1.5 |
|
Tax positions from prior periods |
|
|
2.1 |
|
Reductions due to settlements |
|
|
|
|
Reductions due to expired statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
|
Impact on the Companys effective tax rate, if recognized, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
4.8 |
|
|
Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Interest accrued as of adoption |
|
$ |
|
|
Interest accrued during the year |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
|
The Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. Net interest accrued for
the year ended December 31, 2007 was $0.4 million. The Company did not accrue any penalties on
uncertain tax positions.
The IRS has audited and closed all tax returns prior to 2004. The audits for the state returns
have either been concluded, or the statute of limitations has expired, for years prior to 2002.
II-151
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of
the Companys unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12
months. The possible settlement of the production activities deduction methodology and/or the
conclusion or settlement of federal or state audits could impact the balances significantly. At
this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined.
6. FINANCING
Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts
The Company has formed certain wholly owned trust subsidiaries for the purpose of issuing preferred
securities. The proceeds of the related equity investments and preferred security sales were
loaned back to the Company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes totaling $206 million,
which constitute substantially all assets of these trusts and are reflected in the balance sheets
as Long-term Debt Payable. The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to
the preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and
unconditional guarantee by it of the respective trusts payment obligations with respect to these
securities. At December 31, 2007, preferred securities of $200 million were outstanding. See Note
1 under Variable Interest Entities for additional information on the accounting treatment for
these trusts and the related securities.
Pollution Control Bonds
Pollution control obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds or
installment purchases of pollution control facilities financed by funds derived from sales by
public authorities of revenue bonds. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the
authorities to meet principal and interest requirements of such bonds. The Company incurred
obligations related to the issuance of $265.5 million of
tax-exempt bonds in 2007. Proceeds from certain issuances are
restricted until expenditures are incurred.
Senior Notes
The Company issued a total of $850 million of unsecured senior notes in 2007. The proceeds of
these issuances were used to repay short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate
purposes.
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had $4.1 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively, of
senior notes outstanding. These senior notes are subordinate to all secured debt of the Company
which amounted to approximately $153 million at December 31, 2007.
Subsequent to December 31, 2007, the Company issued $300 million of long-term senior notes. The
proceeds were used to repay short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
Preference and Common Stock
In 2007, the Company issued eight million new shares of preference stock at $25.00 stated capital
per share and realized proceeds of $200 million. In addition, the Company issued 5.725 million new
shares of common stock to Southern Company at $40.00 per share and realized proceeds of $229
million. The proceeds of these issuances were used to repay short-term indebtedness and for other
general corporate purposes.
Subsequent to December 31, 2007, the Company redeemed 1,250 shares of its Flexible Money Market
Class A Preferred Stock (Series 2003A), Stated Capital $100,000 Per Share ($125 million aggregate
value).
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common
stock authorized and outstanding. The Companys preferred stock and Class A preferred stock,
without preference between classes, rank senior to the Companys
preference stock and common stock with respect to payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary
dissolution. The Companys preference stock ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the
payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. Certain series of the preferred
stock, Class A preferred stock, and preference stock are subject to redemption at the option of the
Company on or after a specified date (typically 5 or 10 years after the date of issuance).
II-152
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Securities Due Within One Year
At December 31, 2007, the Company had scheduled maturities and redemptions of senior notes and
preferred stock due within one year totaling $535 million. At December 31, 2006, the Company had
scheduled maturities and redemptions of senior notes due within one year totaling $669 million.
Debt maturities through 2012 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $410 million in
2008; $250 million in 2009; $100 million in 2010; $200 million in 2011; and $200 million in 2012.
Assets Subject to Lien
In 2006, the Company discharged its remaining outstanding first mortgage bond obligations and the
direct first lien on substantially all of the Companys fixed property and franchises was removed.
The Company has granted liens on certain property in connection with the issuance of certain series
of pollution control bonds with an outstanding principal amount of $153 million, as of December 31,
2007.
Bank Credit Arrangements
The Company maintains committed lines of credit in the amount of $1.2 billion (including $582
million of such lines which are dedicated to funding purchase obligations relating to variable rate
pollution control bonds), of which $435 million will expire at various times during 2008. $355
million of the credit facilities expiring in 2008 allow for the execution of one-year term loans.
$800 million of credit facilities expire in 2012.
Most of the credit arrangements require payment of a commitment fee based on the unused portion of
the commitment or the maintenance of compensating balances with the banks. Commitment fees are
less than one-fourth of 1% for the Company. Compensating balances are not legally restricted from
withdrawal.
Most of the Companys credit arrangements with banks have covenants that limit the Companys debt
to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the arrangements. For purposes of calculating these
covenants, long-term notes payable to affiliated trusts are excluded from debt but included in
capitalization. Exceeding this debt level would result in a default under the credit arrangements.
At December 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the debt limit covenants. In addition,
the credit arrangements typically contain cross default provisions that would be triggered if the
Company defaulted on other indebtedness (including guarantee obligations) above a specified
threshold. None of the arrangements contain material adverse change clauses at the time of
borrowings.
The Company borrows through commercial paper programs that have the liquidity support of committed
bank credit arrangements. In addition, the Company borrows from time to time through extendible
commercial note programs and uncommitted credit arrangements. As of December 31, 2007, the Company
had no commercial paper or extendible commercial notes outstanding. As of December 31, 2006, the
Company had $120 million of commercial paper outstanding, and no extendible commercial notes
outstanding. During 2007 and 2006, the peak amount outstanding for short-term borrowings was $214
million and $411 million, respectively. The average amount outstanding in 2007 and 2006 was $36
million and $45 million, respectively. The average annual interest rate on short-term borrowings
in 2007 was 5.34% and in 2006 was 4.76%. Short-term borrowings are included in notes payable in
the balance sheets.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had regulatory approval to have outstanding up to $2.0 billion of
short-term borrowings.
Financial Instruments
The Company enters into energy-related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and
other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate regulations, the Company has limited
exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of
electricity. The Company has implemented fuel-hedging programs at the instruction of the Alabama
PSC. The Company also enters into hedges of forward electricity sales. There was no material
ineffectiveness recorded in earnings in 2007, 2006, and 2005.
II-153
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of derivative energy contracts were reflected
in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
(0.7 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
0.5 |
|
Net income |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
The fair value gain or loss for hedges that are recoverable through the regulatory fuel clauses are
recorded in the regulatory assets and liabilities and are recognized in earnings at the same time
the hedged items affect earnings. The Company has energy-related hedges in place up to and
including 2010.
The Company also enters into derivatives to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates.
Derivatives related to variable rate securities or forecasted transactions are accounted for as
cash flow hedges. The derivatives employed as hedging instruments are structured to minimize
ineffectiveness. As such, no material ineffectiveness has been recorded in earnings for any period
presented.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had $246 million notional amount of interest rate derivatives
outstanding that related to variable rate tax exempt debt, with net fair value loss of $1.4 million
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Fair Value |
Notional |
|
Variable Rate |
|
Average |
|
Hedge Maturity |
|
Gain (Loss) |
Amount |
|
Received |
|
Fixed Rate Paid |
|
Date |
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
$246 million
|
|
SIFMA Index
|
|
2.96%*
|
|
February 2010
|
|
$(1.4) |
|
|
|
* |
|
Hedged using the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
Municipal Swap Index (SIFMA), (Formerly the Bond Market Association/PSA
Municipal Swap Index) |
Subsequent to December 31, 2007, the Company entered into $330 million notional amounts of interest
rate swaps related to variable rate tax exempt debt, to hedge changes in interest rates beginning
in February 2008 through February 2010. The weighted average fixed payment rate on these hedges is
2.49%.
The fair value gain or loss for cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income and is
reclassified into earnings at the same time the hedged items affect earnings. In 2007, 2006, and
2005, the Company settled gains (losses) of $(6.2) million, $18.0 million, and $(21.4) million,
respectively, upon termination of certain interest derivatives at the same time it issued debt.
The effective portions of these gains (losses) have been deferred in other comprehensive income and
will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the original interest derivative, which
approximates to the related underlying debt.
For the years 2007, 2006, and 2005, approximately $(0.8) million, $9.8 million, and $3.5 million,
respectively, of pre-tax gains (losses) were reclassified from other comprehensive income to
interest expense. For 2008, pre-tax losses of approximately $0.2 million are expected to be
reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense. The Company has interest-related
hedges in place through 2010 and has gains (losses) that are being amortized through 2035.
7. COMMITMENTS
Construction Program
The Company is engaged in continuous construction programs, currently estimated to total $1.6
billion in 2008, $1.6 billion in 2009, and $1.0 billion in 2010. These amounts include $60
million, $50 million, and $42 million in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively, for construction
expenditures related to contractual purchase commitments for uranium and nuclear fuel conversion,
enrichment, and fabrication services included under Fuel Commitments. The construction programs
are subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from the above
estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions;
revised load growth estimates; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; changes in
existing nuclear plants to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations;
increasing costs of labor, equipment, and materials; and
II-154
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
cost of capital. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase commitments were outstanding in
connection with the construction program. The Company has no generating plants under construction.
Construction of new transmission and distribution facilities and capital improvements, including
those needed to meet environmental standards for existing generation, transmission, and
distribution facilities, will continue.
Long-Term Service Agreements
The Company has entered into Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) with General Electric (GE) for
the purpose of securing maintenance support for its combined cycle and combustion turbine
generating facilities. The LTSAs provide that GE will perform all planned inspections on the
covered equipment, which includes the cost of all labor and materials. GE is also obligated to
cover the costs of unplanned maintenance on the covered equipment subject to a limit specified in
each contract.
In general, these LTSAs are in effect through two major inspection cycles per unit. Scheduled
payments to GE, which are subject to price escalation, are made at various intervals based on
actual operating hours of the respective units. Total remaining payments to GE under these
agreements for facilities owned are currently estimated at $136 million over the remaining life of
the agreements, which are currently estimated to range up to 9 years. However, the LTSAs contain
various cancellation provisions at the option of the Company. Payments made to GE prior to the
performance of any planned maintenance are recorded as either prepayments or other deferred charges
and assets in the balance sheets. Inspection costs are capitalized or charged to expense based on
the nature of the work performed.
Purchased Power Commitments
The Company has entered into various long-term commitments for the purchase of electricity. Total
estimated minimum long-term obligations at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
Affiliated |
|
Non-Affiliated |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
$ |
39 |
|
|
$ |
89 |
|
2009 |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
2010 |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total commitments |
|
$ |
113 |
|
|
$ |
104 |
|
|
$ |
217 |
|
|
Limestone Commitments
As part of the Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal
plants, the Company is constructing certain equipment and has entered into various long-term
commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment. Contracts are
structured with tonnage minimums and maximums in order to account for changes in coal burn and
sulfur content. The Company has a minimum contractual obligation of 3.1 million tons equating to
approximately $127 million through 2019. Estimated expenditures over the next five years are $2
million in 2008, $3 million in 2009, $11 million in 2010, $14 million in 2011, and $14 million in
2012.
Fuel Commitments
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of its generating plants, the Company has entered into
various long-term commitments for the procurement of fossil and nuclear fuel. In most cases, these
contracts contain provisions for price escalations, minimum purchase levels, and other financial
commitments. Coal commitments include forward contract purchases for sulfur dioxide emission
allowances. Natural gas purchase commitments contain fixed volumes with prices based on various
indices at the time of delivery. Amounts included in the chart below represent estimates based on
New York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. Total estimated minimum long-term
commitments at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
II-155
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
Natural Gas |
|
Coal |
|
Nuclear Fuel |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
524 |
|
|
$ |
1,180 |
|
|
$ |
60 |
|
2009 |
|
|
361 |
|
|
|
999 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
2010 |
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
679 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
2011 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
2012 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
1,642 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Total commitments |
|
$ |
1,180 |
|
|
$ |
5,659 |
|
|
$ |
287 |
|
|
Additional commitments for fuel will be required to supply the Companys future needs. Total
charges for nuclear fuel included in fuel expense totaled $65 million in 2007, $66 million in 2006,
and $64 million in 2005.
SCS may enter into various types of wholesale energy and natural gas contracts acting as an agent
for the Company and all of the other traditional operating companies and Southern Power. Under
these agreements, each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power may be jointly and
severally liable. The creditworthiness of Southern Power is currently inferior to the
creditworthiness of the traditional operating companies. Accordingly, Southern Company has entered
into keep-well agreements with the Company and each of the other traditional operating companies to
ensure the Company will not subsidize or be responsible for any costs, losses, liabilities, or
damages resulting from the inclusion of Southern Power as a contracting party under these
agreements.
Operating Leases
The Company has entered into rental agreements for coal rail cars, vehicles, and other equipment
with various terms and expiration dates. These expenses totaled $27.7 million in 2007, $30.3
million in 2006, and $27.3 million in 2005. Of these amounts, $20.5 million, $21.5 million, and
$17.8 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, relate to the rail car leases and are
recoverable through the Companys Rate ECR. At December 31, 2007, estimated minimum rental
commitments for non-cancelable operating leases were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Lease Payments |
|
|
Rail Cars |
|
Vehicles & Other |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
2009 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
2010 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
2012 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
73 |
|
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
97 |
|
|
In addition to the rental commitments above, the Company has potential obligations upon expiration
of certain leases with respect to the residual value of the leased property. These leases expire
in 2009 and 2010, and the Companys maximum obligations are $19.5 million and $62.2 million,
respectively. At the termination of the leases, at the Companys option, the Company may negotiate
an extension, exercise its purchase option, or the property can be sold to a third party. The
Company expects that the fair market value of the leased property would substantially eliminate the
Companys payments under the residual value obligations.
Guarantees
At December 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding guarantees related to SEGCOs purchase of certain
pollution control facilities and issuance of senior notes, as discussed in Note 4, and to certain
residual values of leased assets as described above in Operating Leases.
8. STOCK OPTION PLAN
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. As of December 31, 2007, 1,184 current and former
employees of the Company participated in the stock
II-156
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
option plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under this plan may
not exceed 40 million. The prices of options granted to date have been at the fair market value of
the shares on the dates of grant. Options granted to date become exercisable pro rata over a
maximum period of three years from the date of grant. The Company generally recognizes stock
option expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period which equates to the requisite
service period; however, for employees who are eligible for retirement, the total cost is expensed
at the grant date. Options outstanding will expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant,
unless terminated earlier by the Southern Company Board of Directors in accordance with the stock
option plan. For certain stock option awards, a change in control will provide accelerated
vesting.
The Companys activity in the stock option plan for 2007 is summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Subject |
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
to Option |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
5,895,129 |
|
|
$ |
28.63 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1,195,479 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(896,957 |
) |
|
|
26.07 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(7,221 |
) |
|
|
34.51 |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
6,186,430 |
|
|
$ |
30.50 |
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
3,953,015 |
|
|
$ |
27.95 |
|
|
The number of stock options vested and expected to vest in the future, as of December 31, 2007 was
not significantly different from the number of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007 as
stated above. As of December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual term for the
options outstanding and options exercisable was 6.4 years and 5.3 years, respectively, and the
aggregate intrinsic value for the options outstanding and options exercisable was $51.0 million and
$42.7 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, there was $1.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
stock option awards not yet vested. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average
period of approximately 10 months.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005 was $9.7 million, $4.9 million, and $21.9 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit
realized by the Company for the tax deductions from stock option exercises totaled $3.7 million,
$1.9 million, and $8.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005.
9. NUCLEAR INSURANCE
Under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act (Act), the Company maintains agreements of indemnity with
the NRC that, together with private insurance, cover third-party liability arising from any nuclear
incident occurring at Plant Farley. The Act provides funds up to $10.8 billion for public
liability claims that could arise from a single nuclear incident. Plant Farley is insured against
this liability to a maximum of $300 million by American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), with the remaining
coverage provided by a mandatory program of deferred premiums that could be assessed, after a
nuclear incident, against all owners of nuclear reactors. The Company could be assessed up to $101
million per incident for each licensed reactor it operates but not more than an aggregate of $15
million per incident to be paid in a calendar year for each reactor. Such maximum assessment,
excluding any applicable state premium taxes, for the Company is $201 million per incident but not
more than an aggregate of $30 million to be paid for each incident in any one year. Both the
maximum assessment per reactor and the maximum yearly assessment are adjusted for inflation at
least every five years. The next scheduled adjustment is due on or before August 31, 2008.
The Company is a member of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), a mutual insurer established
to provide property damage insurance in an amount up to $500 million for members nuclear
generating facilities.
Additionally, the Company has policies that currently provide decontamination, excess property
insurance, and premature decommissioning coverage up to $2.3 billion for losses in excess of the
$500 million primary coverage. This excess insurance is also provided by NEIL.
NEIL also covers the additional costs that would be incurred in obtaining replacement power during
a prolonged accidental outage at a members nuclear plant. Members can purchase this coverage,
subject to a deductible waiting period of up to 26 weeks, with a maximum per occurrence per unit
limit of $490 million. After the deductible period, weekly indemnity payments would be received
until either the unit is operational or until the limit is exhausted in approximately three years.
The Company purchases the maximum limit allowed by NEIL and has elected a 12-week waiting period.
II-157
NOTES (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Under each of the NEIL policies, members are subject to assessments if losses each year exceed the
accumulated funds available to the insurer under that policy. The current maximum annual
assessments for the Company under the NEIL policies would be $37 million.
Claims resulting from terrorist acts are covered under both the ANI and NEIL policies (subject to
normal policy limits). The aggregate, however, that NEIL will pay for all claims resulting from
terrorist acts in any 12 month period is $3.2 billion plus such additional amounts NEIL, can
recover through reinsurance, indemnity, or other sources.
For all on-site property damage insurance policies for commercial nuclear power plants, the NRC
requires that the proceeds of such policies shall be dedicated first for the sole purpose of
placing the reactor in a safe and stable condition after an accident. Any remaining proceeds are
to be applied next toward the costs of decontamination and debris removal operations ordered by the
NRC, and any further remaining proceeds are to be paid either to the Company or to its bond
trustees as may be appropriate under the policies and applicable trust indentures.
All retrospective assessments, whether generated for liability, property, or replacement power, may
be subject to applicable state premium taxes.
10. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial information for 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income After |
|
|
Operating |
|
Operating |
|
Dividends on Preferred |
Quarter Ended |
|
Revenues |
|
Income |
|
and Preference Stock |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
March 2007
|
|
$ |
1,197 |
|
|
$ |
255 |
|
|
$ |
115 |
|
June 2007
|
|
|
1,336 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
September 2007
|
|
|
1,635 |
|
|
|
476 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
December 2007
|
|
|
1,192 |
|
|
|
173 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
March 2006
|
|
$ |
1,073 |
|
|
$ |
198 |
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
June 2006
|
|
|
1,249 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
September 2006
|
|
|
1,572 |
|
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
238 |
|
December 2006
|
|
|
1,121 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
The Companys business is influenced by seasonal weather conditions.
II-158
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands) |
|
$ |
5,359,993 |
|
|
$ |
5,014,728 |
|
|
$ |
4,647,824 |
|
|
$ |
4,235,991 |
|
|
$ |
3,960,161 |
|
Net Income after Dividends
on Preferred and Preference Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
579,582 |
|
|
$ |
517,730 |
|
|
$ |
507,895 |
|
|
$ |
481,171 |
|
|
$ |
472,810 |
|
Cash Dividends
on Common Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
465,000 |
|
|
$ |
440,600 |
|
|
$ |
409,900 |
|
|
$ |
437,300 |
|
|
$ |
430,200 |
|
Return on Average Common Equity (percent) |
|
|
13.73 |
|
|
|
13.23 |
|
|
|
13.72 |
|
|
|
13.53 |
|
|
|
13.75 |
|
Total Assets (in thousands) |
|
$ |
15,746,625 |
|
|
$ |
14,655,290 |
|
|
$ |
13,689,907 |
|
|
$ |
12,781,525 |
|
|
$ |
12,099,575 |
|
Gross Property Additions (in thousands) |
|
$ |
1,203,300 |
|
|
$ |
960,759 |
|
|
$ |
890,062 |
|
|
$ |
786,298 |
|
|
$ |
661,154 |
|
|
Capitalization (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
$ |
4,410,683 |
|
|
$ |
4,032,287 |
|
|
$ |
3,792,726 |
|
|
$ |
3,610,204 |
|
|
$ |
3,500,660 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
683,512 |
|
|
|
612,407 |
|
|
|
465,046 |
|
|
|
465,047 |
|
|
|
372,512 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
4,750,196 |
|
|
|
4,148,185 |
|
|
|
3,869,465 |
|
|
|
4,164,536 |
|
|
|
3,377,148 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
$ |
9,844,391 |
|
|
$ |
8,792,879 |
|
|
$ |
8,127,237 |
|
|
$ |
8,239,787 |
|
|
$ |
7,550,320 |
|
|
Capitalization Ratios (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
45.9 |
|
|
|
46.7 |
|
|
|
43.8 |
|
|
|
46.4 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
48.3 |
|
|
|
47.1 |
|
|
|
47.6 |
|
|
|
50.6 |
|
|
|
44.7 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Security Ratings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Mortgage Bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
Fitch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AA- |
|
|
|
AA- |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
Preferred Stock/ Preference Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
|
Baa1 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
|
BBB+ |
|
Fitch |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A- |
|
Unsecured Long-Term Debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
Fitch |
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
Customers (year-end): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
1,207,883 |
|
|
|
1,194,696 |
|
|
|
1,184,406 |
|
|
|
1,170,814 |
|
|
|
1,160,129 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
216,830 |
|
|
|
214,723 |
|
|
|
212,546 |
|
|
|
208,547 |
|
|
|
204,561 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
5,849 |
|
|
|
5,750 |
|
|
|
5,492 |
|
|
|
5,260 |
|
|
|
5,032 |
|
Other |
|
|
772 |
|
|
|
766 |
|
|
|
759 |
|
|
|
753 |
|
|
|
757 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,431,334 |
|
|
|
1,415,935 |
|
|
|
1,403,203 |
|
|
|
1,385,374 |
|
|
|
1,370,479 |
|
|
Employees (year-end) |
|
|
6,980 |
|
|
|
6,796 |
|
|
|
6,621 |
|
|
|
6,745 |
|
|
|
6,730 |
|
|
II-159
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007 (continued)
Alabama Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
$ |
1,833,563 |
|
|
$ |
1,664,304 |
|
|
$ |
1,476,211 |
|
|
$ |
1,346,669 |
|
|
$ |
1,276,800 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
1,313,642 |
|
|
|
1,172,436 |
|
|
|
1,062,341 |
|
|
|
980,771 |
|
|
|
913,697 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
1,238,368 |
|
|
|
1,140,225 |
|
|
|
1,065,124 |
|
|
|
948,528 |
|
|
|
844,538 |
|
Other |
|
|
21,383 |
|
|
|
18,766 |
|
|
|
17,745 |
|
|
|
16,860 |
|
|
|
16,428 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
4,406,956 |
|
|
|
3,995,731 |
|
|
|
3,621,421 |
|
|
|
3,292,828 |
|
|
|
3,051,463 |
|
Wholesale non-affiliates |
|
|
627,047 |
|
|
|
634,552 |
|
|
|
551,408 |
|
|
|
483,839 |
|
|
|
487,456 |
|
Wholesale affiliates |
|
|
144,089 |
|
|
|
216,028 |
|
|
|
288,956 |
|
|
|
308,312 |
|
|
|
277,287 |
|
|
Total revenues from sales of electricity |
|
|
5,178,092 |
|
|
|
4,846,311 |
|
|
|
4,461,785 |
|
|
|
4,084,979 |
|
|
|
3,816,206 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
181,901 |
|
|
|
168,417 |
|
|
|
186,039 |
|
|
|
151,012 |
|
|
|
143,955 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
5,359,993 |
|
|
$ |
5,014,728 |
|
|
$ |
4,647,824 |
|
|
$ |
4,235,991 |
|
|
$ |
3,960,161 |
|
|
Kilowatt-Hour Sales (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
18,874,039 |
|
|
|
18,632,935 |
|
|
|
18,073,783 |
|
|
|
17,368,321 |
|
|
|
16,959,566 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
14,761,243 |
|
|
|
14,355,091 |
|
|
|
14,061,650 |
|
|
|
13,822,926 |
|
|
|
13,451,757 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
22,805,676 |
|
|
|
23,187,328 |
|
|
|
23,349,769 |
|
|
|
22,854,399 |
|
|
|
21,593,519 |
|
Other |
|
|
200,874 |
|
|
|
199,445 |
|
|
|
198,715 |
|
|
|
198,253 |
|
|
|
203,178 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
56,641,832 |
|
|
|
56,374,799 |
|
|
|
55,683,917 |
|
|
|
54,243,899 |
|
|
|
52,208,020 |
|
Sales for resale non-affiliates |
|
|
15,769,485 |
|
|
|
15,978,465 |
|
|
|
15,442,728 |
|
|
|
15,483,420 |
|
|
|
17,085,376 |
|
Sales for resale affiliates |
|
|
3,241,168 |
|
|
|
5,145,107 |
|
|
|
5,735,429 |
|
|
|
7,233,880 |
|
|
|
9,422,301 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
75,652,485 |
|
|
|
77,498,371 |
|
|
|
76,862,074 |
|
|
|
76,961,199 |
|
|
|
78,715,697 |
|
|
Average Revenue Per Kilowatt-Hour (cents): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
9.71 |
|
|
|
8.93 |
|
|
|
8.17 |
|
|
|
7.75 |
|
|
|
7.53 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
8.90 |
|
|
|
8.17 |
|
|
|
7.55 |
|
|
|
7.10 |
|
|
|
6.79 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
5.43 |
|
|
|
4.92 |
|
|
|
4.56 |
|
|
|
4.15 |
|
|
|
3.91 |
|
Total retail |
|
|
7.78 |
|
|
|
7.09 |
|
|
|
6.50 |
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
5.84 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
4.06 |
|
|
|
4.03 |
|
|
|
3.97 |
|
|
|
3.49 |
|
|
|
2.88 |
|
Total sales |
|
|
6.84 |
|
|
|
6.25 |
|
|
|
5.80 |
|
|
|
5.31 |
|
|
|
4.85 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Kilowatt-Hour Use Per Customer |
|
|
15,696 |
|
|
|
15,663 |
|
|
|
15,347 |
|
|
|
14,894 |
|
|
|
14,688 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Revenue Per Customer |
|
$ |
1,525 |
|
|
$ |
1,399 |
|
|
$ |
1,253 |
|
|
$ |
1,155 |
|
|
$ |
1,106 |
|
Plant Nameplate Capacity
Ratings (year-end) (megawatts) |
|
|
12,222 |
|
|
|
12,222 |
|
|
|
12,216 |
|
|
|
12,216 |
|
|
|
12,174 |
|
Maximum Peak-Hour Demand (megawatts): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
10,144 |
|
|
|
10,309 |
|
|
|
9,812 |
|
|
|
9,556 |
|
|
|
10,409 |
|
Summer |
|
|
12,211 |
|
|
|
11,744 |
|
|
|
11,162 |
|
|
|
10,938 |
|
|
|
10,462 |
|
Annual Load Factor (percent) |
|
|
59.4 |
|
|
|
61.8 |
|
|
|
63.2 |
|
|
|
63.2 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
Plant Availability (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fossil-steam |
|
|
88.21 |
|
|
|
89.6 |
|
|
|
90.5 |
|
|
|
87.8 |
|
|
|
85.9 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
87.47 |
|
|
|
93.3 |
|
|
|
92.9 |
|
|
|
88.7 |
|
|
|
94.7 |
|
|
Source of Energy Supply (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
60.9 |
|
|
|
60.2 |
|
|
|
59.5 |
|
|
|
56.5 |
|
|
|
56.5 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
16.5 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
|
17.2 |
|
|
|
16.4 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
Hydro |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
Gas |
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
7.6 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
7.6 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From non-affiliates |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
From affiliates |
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
|
7.8 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
II-160
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
FINANCIAL SECTION
II-161
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The management of Georgia Power Company (the Company) is responsible for establishing and
maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under managements supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report
was not subject to attestation by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to
provide only managements report in this Annual Report.
/s/ Michael D. Garrett
Michael D. Garrett
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Cliff
S. Thrasher
Cliff S. Thrasher
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
February 25, 2008
II-162
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Georgia Power Company
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Georgia Power
Company (the Company) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company) as of December 31, 2007 and
2006, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, common stockholders equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements 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. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, 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 financial statements (pages II-186 to II-223) present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Georgia Power Company at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
As discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements, in 2007 the Company changed its method of
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, in
2006 the Company changed its method of accounting for the funded status of defined benefit pension
and other postretirement plans.
/s/ Deloitte
& Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
II-163
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
OVERVIEW
Business Activities
Georgia Power Company (the Company) operates as a vertically integrated utility providing
electricity to retail customers within its traditional service area located within the State of
Georgia and to wholesale customers in the Southeast.
Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys business of selling
electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a stable regulatory environment, to
achieve energy sales growth, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of rising costs.
These costs include those related to growing demand, increasingly stringent environmental
standards, and fuel prices. In December 2007, the Company completed a major retail rate proceeding
(2007 Retail Rate Plan) that should provide earnings stability over the term of the 2007 Retail
Rate Plan. This regulatory action also enables the recovery of substantial capital investments to
facilitate the continued reliability of the transmission and distribution networks, continued
generation and other investments as well as the recovery of increased operating costs. The 2007
Retail Rate Plan includes a tariff specifically for the recovery of costs related to environmental
controls mandated by state and federal regulations. Appropriately balancing required costs and
capital expenditures with customer prices will continue to challenge the Company for the
foreseeable future. The Company is required to file a general rate case by July 1, 2010, which
will determine whether the 2007 Retail Rate Plan should be continued, modified, or discontinued.
The Company also received regulatory orders to increase its fuel cost recovery rate effective June
1, 2005, July 1, 2006, and March 1, 2007. The Company is required to file its next fuel cost
recovery case by March 1, 2008.
Key Performance Indicators
In striving to maximize shareholder value while providing cost-effective energy to more than two
million customers, the Company continues to focus on several key indicators. These indicators
include customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after
dividends on preferred and preference stock. The Companys financial success is directly tied to
the satisfaction of its customers. Key elements of ensuring customer satisfaction include
outstanding service, high reliability, and competitive prices. Management uses customer
satisfaction surveys and reliability indicators to evaluate the Companys results.
Peak season equivalent forced outage rate (Peak Season EFOR) is an indicator of fossil/hydro plant
availability and efficient generation fleet operations during the months when generation needs are
greatest. The rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours of forced outages by total
generation hours. The 2007 fossil/hydro Peak Season EFOR of 2.23% was better than target. The
nuclear generating fleet also uses Peak Season EFOR as an indicator of availability and efficient
generation fleet operations during the peak season. The 2007 nuclear Peak Season EFOR of 1.23% was
also better than target. Transmission and distribution system reliability performance is measured
by the frequency and duration of outages. Performance targets for reliability are set internally
based on historical performance, expected weather conditions, and expected capital expenditures.
The 2007 performance was better than target for these reliability measures. Net income after
dividends on preferred and preference stock is the primary component of the Companys contribution
to Southern Companys earnings per share goal.
II-164
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Companys 2007 results compared to its targets for some of these key indicators are reflected
in the following chart:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Target |
|
Actual |
Key Performance Indicator |
|
Performance |
|
|
Performance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
|
Top quartile in
customer surveys
|
|
Top quartile in
customer surveys
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak Season EFOR fossil/hydro
|
|
2.75% or less
|
|
|
2.23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak Season EFOR nuclear
|
|
2.00% or less
|
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$835 million
|
|
$836 million
|
See RESULTS OF OPERATIONS herein for additional information on the Companys financial performance.
The financial performance achieved in 2007 reflects the continued emphasis that management places
on these indicators, as well as the commitment shown by employees in achieving or exceeding
managements expectations.
Earnings
The Companys 2007 net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock totaled $836
million representing a $48.9 million, or 6.2%, increase over 2006. Operating income increased
slightly in 2007 primarily due to increased operating revenues from transmission and outdoor
lighting and decreased property taxes. Net income increased primarily due to higher allowance for
equity funds used during construction and lower income tax expenses resulting from the Companys
donation of Tallulah Gorge to the State of Georgia. This net income increase was partially offset
by higher non-fuel operating expenses and increased financing costs. The Companys 2006 earnings
totaled $787 million representing a $42.9 million, or 5.8%, increase over 2005. Operating income
increased in 2006 due to higher base retail revenues and wholesale non-fuel revenues, partially
offset by higher non-fuel operating expenses. The Companys 2005 earnings totaled $744 million
representing a $61.6 million, or 9.0%, increase over 2004. Operating income increased in 2005 due
to higher base retail revenues resulting from retail rate increases and favorable weather
conditions, partially offset by an increase in non-fuel operating expenses.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A condensed income statement for the Company follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
7,572 |
|
|
$ |
326 |
|
|
$ |
170 |
|
|
$ |
1,348 |
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
2,641 |
|
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
649 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
(95 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
215 |
|
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
1,562 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
86 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
511 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
230 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
6,055 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
1,213 |
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
1,517 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(257 |
) |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
418 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
54 |
|
|
Net income |
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Dividends on preferred and preference stock |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
and preference stock |
|
$ |
836 |
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
|
II-165
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues in 2007, 2006, and 2005, and the percent of change from the prior year were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Retail prior year |
|
$ |
6,205.6 |
|
|
$ |
6,064.4 |
|
|
$ |
5,118.8 |
|
Estimated change in
|
Rates and pricing |
|
|
(66.2 |
) |
|
|
(76.8 |
) |
|
|
270.7 |
|
Sales growth |
|
|
46.5 |
|
|
|
76.6 |
|
|
|
67.4 |
|
Weather |
|
|
17.7 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
21.7 |
|
Fuel cost recovery |
|
|
294.4 |
|
|
|
133.9 |
|
|
|
585.8 |
|
|
Retail current year |
|
|
6,498.0 |
|
|
|
6,205.6 |
|
|
|
6,064.4 |
|
|
Wholesale revenues
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
537.9 |
|
|
|
551.7 |
|
|
|
524.8 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
277.9 |
|
|
|
252.6 |
|
|
|
275.5 |
|
|
Total wholesale revenues |
|
|
815.8 |
|
|
|
804.3 |
|
|
|
800.3 |
|
|
Other operating revenues |
|
|
257.9 |
|
|
|
235.7 |
|
|
|
211.1 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
7,571.7 |
|
|
$ |
7,245.6 |
|
|
$ |
7,075.8 |
|
|
Percent change |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
23.5 |
% |
|
Retail base revenues were $3.8 billion in 2007. There was not a material change in total retail
base revenues compared to 2006, although industrial base revenues decreased $56.5 million, or 8.5%,
primarily due to lower sales and a lower contribution from market-driven rates for large commercial
and industrial customers. This decrease was partially offset by a $31.8 million, or 2.1%, increase
in residential base revenues as well as a $22.6 million, or 1.5%, increase in commercial base
revenues primarily due to higher sales from favorable weather and customer growth of 1.2%. Retail
base revenues of $3.8 billion in 2006 increased $7 million, or 0.2%, from 2005 primarily due to
customer growth of 1.9% and more favorable weather, partially offset by lower contributions from
market-driven rates to large commercial and industrial customers. Retail base revenues of $3.8
billion in 2005 increased by $360 million, or 10.6%, from 2004 primarily due to the retail rate
increases effective January 1, 2005 and June 1, 2005, sustained economic strength, customer growth,
more favorable weather, and generally higher prices to large business customers.
Electric rates include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, including the
energy component of purchased power costs. Under these fuel cost recovery provisions, fuel
revenues generally equal fuel expenses, including the fuel component of purchased power, and do not
affect net income. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Fuel Cost Recovery herein for
additional information.
Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliated utilities were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Unit power sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity |
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
Energy |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Other power sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity and other |
|
|
158 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
155 |
|
Energy |
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
305 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
481 |
|
|
|
460 |
|
|
Total non-affiliated |
|
$ |
538 |
|
|
$ |
552 |
|
|
$ |
525 |
|
|
II-166
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Revenues from unit power sales have remained relatively constant in all periods presented.
Revenues from other non-affiliated sales decreased $9.6 million, or 2.0%, in 2007, and increased
$21.0 million, or 4.6%, and $273.2 million, or 146.2%, in 2006 and 2005, respectively. The
decrease in 2007 was primarily due to a decrease in revenues from large territorial contracts
resulting from lower emissions allowance prices. The increase in 2006 was due to a 0.6% increase
in the demand for kilowatt-hour (KWH) energy sales due to a new contract with an electrical
membership corporation (EMC) that went into effect in April 2006. The increase in 2005 was
primarily due to contracts with 30 EMCs that went into effect in January 2005 which increased the
demand for energy.
Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary
from year to year depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each
company. These affiliated sales and purchases are made in accordance with the Intercompany
Interchange Contract (IIC), as approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In
2007, KWH energy sales to affiliates decreased 5.0% while revenues from sales to affiliates
increased 10.0%. This was primarily due to the increased cost of fuel and other marginal
generation costs. In 2006 and 2005, KWH energy sales to affiliates increased 8.5% and 2.2%,
respectively, due to higher demand. However, revenues from these sales decreased by 8.3% in 2006
due to reduced cost per KWH delivered while revenues from these sales increased 59.8% in 2005 due
to higher fuel prices. These transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since this
energy is generally sold at marginal cost.
Other operating revenues increased $22.2 million, or 9.4%, in 2007 primarily due to an $11.6
million increase in transmission revenues due to the increased usage of the Companys transmission
system by non-affiliated companies, a $7.9 million increase in revenues from outdoor lighting
activities due to a 10% increase in the number of lighting customers, and a $4.0 million increase
from customer fees. Other operating revenues increased $24.6 million, or 11.6%, in 2006 primarily
due to increased revenues of $14.1 million related to work performed for the other owners of the
integrated transmission system (ITS) in the State of Georgia, higher customer fees of $4.6 million,
and higher outdoor lighting revenues of $6.1 million. Other operating revenues increased $26.1
million, or 14.1%, in 2005 primarily due to higher transmission revenues of $16 million related to
work performed for the other owners of the ITS, higher revenues under the open access tariff
agreement, higher outdoor lighting revenues of $5.4 million, and higher customer fees that went
into effect in 2005 of $5.9 million.
Energy Sales
Changes in revenues are influenced heavily by the change in volume of energy sold from year to
year. KWH sales for 2007 and the percent change by year follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KWH |
|
Percent Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in billions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
26.8 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
2.7 |
% |
Commercial |
|
|
33.1 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
25.5 |
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
Other |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
Total retail |
|
|
86.1 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
95.0 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
Total wholesale |
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
50.9 |
|
|
Total energy sales |
|
|
101.9 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
Residential KWH sales increased 2.4% in 2007 over 2006 due to favorable weather and a 1.3% increase
in residential customers. Commercial KWH sales increased 2.9% in 2007 over 2006 primarily due to
favorable weather and a 0.3% increase in commercial customers. Industrial KWH sales decreased 0.3%
primarily due to reduced demand and closures within the textile industry; however, this was
partially offset by a 2.9% increase in the number of industrial customers.
Residential KWH sales increased 2.7% in 2006 over 2005 due to customer growth of 1.9% and more
favorable weather. Commercial KWH sales increased 2.5% in 2006 over 2005 due to customer growth of
2.0% and a reclassification of customers from industrial to
II-167
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
commercial to be consistent with the rate structure approved by the Georgia Public Service
Commission (PSC). Industrial KWH sales decreased 1.0% due to a 3.4% decrease in the number of
customers as a result of this reclassification.
Residential KWH sales increased 2.7% in 2005 over 2004 due to more favorable weather, customer
growth of 1.8%, and a 0.9% increase in the average energy consumption per customer. Commercial KWH
sales increased 6.0% in 2005 when compared to 2004 due to more favorable weather, sustained
economic strength, customer growth of 1.9%, and a reclassification of customers from industrial to
commercial to be consistent with the rate structure approved by the Georgia PSC. Industrial KWH
sales decreased 5.0% primarily due to this reclassification of customers.
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
Fuel costs constitute the single largest expense for the Company. The mix of fuel sources for
generation of electricity is determined primarily by demand, the unit cost of fuel consumed, and
the availability of generating units. Additionally, the Company purchases a portion of its
electricity needs from the wholesale market. Details of the Companys electricity generated and
purchased were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Total generation (billions of KWHs) |
|
|
87.0 |
|
|
|
83.7 |
|
|
|
82.7 |
|
Total purchased power (billions of KWHs) |
|
|
18.9 |
|
|
|
21.9 |
|
|
|
20.5 |
|
|
Sources of generation (percent) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Gas |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Hydro |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
2.87 |
|
|
|
2.58 |
|
|
|
1.91 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
Gas |
|
|
6.28 |
|
|
|
5.76 |
|
|
|
14.03 |
|
|
Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
2.68 |
|
|
|
2.39 |
|
|
|
2.12 |
|
Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
7.27 |
|
|
|
6.38 |
|
|
|
7.51 |
|
|
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $3.7 billion in 2007, an increase of $312.9 million, or
9.3%, above prior year costs. This increase was driven by a $414.5 million increase in total
energy costs due to the higher average cost of fuel and purchased power. This was partially offset
by a $101.6 million reduction due to less KWHs purchased.
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $3.4 billion in 2006, an increase of $124.4 million, or
3.8%, above prior year costs. This increase was driven by a $146.1 million increase related to
higher KWHs generated and purchased partially offset by a $21.7 million decrease in the average
cost of fuel and purchased power.
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $3.3 billion in 2005, an increase of $863.4 million, or
36.1%, above prior year costs. This increase was the result of an $881.2 million increase in the
average cost of fuel and purchased power partially offset by a $17.8 million decrease related to
total lower KWHs generated and purchased.
In 2007, the Company entered into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with companies to purchase a
total of approximately 1,795 megawatts (MW). These contracts start in 2010. These agreements have
been approved by the Georgia PSC and the FERC, as required. Of the total capacity, approximately
561 MW will expire in 2017, 292 MW in 2025, and 942 MW in 2030. These contracts are expected to
result in higher non-fuel expenses that will be subject to recovery through future base rates.
Additionally, in December 2007 and January 2008, the Company entered into two biomass renewable
generation contracts for 50 MW each. Both contracts begin in 2010 and one expires in 2025 and the
other expires in 2030.
II-168
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In 2006, the Company entered into three PPAs to purchase a total of approximately 1,000 MW annually
from June 2009 through May 2024. These agreements were approved by the Georgia PSC.
These agreements satisfy growth and replace expiring agreements. The agreements are expected to
result in higher non-fuel expenses that will be subject to recovery through future base rates.
While there has been a significant upward trend in the cost of coal and natural gas since 2003,
prices moderated somewhat in 2006 and 2007. Coal prices have been influenced by a worldwide
increase in demand from developing countries, as well as increases in mining and fuel
transportation costs. While demand for natural gas in the United States continued to increase in
2007, natural gas supplies have also risen due to increased production and higher storage levels.
During 2007, uranium prices were volatile and increased over the course of the year due to
increasing long-term demand, with primary production levels at approximately 55% to 60% of demand.
Secondary supplies and inventories were sufficient to fill the primary production shortfall.
Fuel expenses generally do not affect net income, since they are offset by fuel revenues under the
Companys fuel cost recovery provisions. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC MATTERS Fuel Cost
Recovery for additional information.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
In 2007, the total change in other operations and maintenance expenses was immaterial compared to
2006.
In 2006, other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $11.0 million, or 0.7%, from the prior
year. Maintenance for generating plants decreased $20.0 million in 2006 as a result of fewer
scheduled outages than 2005, offset by an increase of $18.2 million for transmission and
distribution expenses related to load dispatching and overhead line maintenance. Also contributing
to the decrease were lower employee benefit expenses related to medical benefits and lower workers
compensation expense of $23.2 million, partially offset by lower pension income of $13.7 million.
In 2005, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $86 million, or 5.8%. Maintenance for
generating plant and transmission and distribution increased $27.5 million and $15.9 million,
respectively, as a result of scheduled outages and, to a lesser extent, certain flexible projects
planned for other periods. Increased employee benefit expense of $18.9 million related to pension
and medical benefits and higher property insurance costs of $4.6 million resulting from storm
damage also contributed to the increase. Customer assistance expense and uncollectible account
expense also increased an additional $9.3 million in 2005 over 2004, primarily as a result of
promotional expenses related to an energy efficiency program and an increased number of customer
bankruptcies.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $12.4 million, or 2.5%, in 2007 from the prior year
primarily due to a 3.4% increase in plant in service from the prior year. This increase was
partially offset by a decrease in amortization due to a regulatory liability related to the
inclusion of certified PPAs in retail rates as ordered by the Georgia PSC under the terms of the
retail rate plan for the three years ended December 31, 2007 (2004 Retail Rate Plan). Depreciation
and amortization decreased $27.9 million, or 5.3%, in 2006 from the prior year due to the scheduled
decrease in amortization related to this regulatory liability. This decrease was partially offset
by a $15.9 million, or 3.2%, increase in depreciation expense in 2006 over 2005 due to an increase
in plant in service. Depreciation and amortization increased $230 million, or 77.5%, in 2005 over
2004 primarily due to the expiration at the end of 2004 of certain accelerated amortization
provisions of the previously existing retail rate plan. See Note 3 to the financial statements
under Retail Regulatory Matters Rate Plans for additional information.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
Taxes other than income taxes decreased $7.7 million, or 2.6%, in 2007 primarily due to the
resolution of a dispute regarding property taxes in Monroe County, Georgia. See Note 3 to the
financial statements under Property Tax Dispute for additional information. Taxes other than
income taxes increased $22.8 million, or 8.3%, in 2006 primarily due to higher property taxes of
$13.3 million as a result of an increase in property values and higher municipal gross receipts
taxes of $9.1 million as a result of increased retail operating revenues. Taxes other than income
taxes increased $33 million, or 13.6%, in 2005 primarily due to higher municipal gross receipts
taxes of $18.1 million resulting from increased retail operating revenues and higher property taxes
of $14.0 million.
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Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC) increased $36.7 million, or 116.3%, in
2007 primarily due to the increase in the Companys construction work in progress balance related
to ongoing transmission, distribution, and environmental projects. AFUDC remained relatively
constant in 2006 and 2005.
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized
Interest expense increased $25.5 million, or 8.0%, in 2007 primarily due to a 13.9% increase in
long-term debt levels due to the issuance of additional senior notes and pollution control bonds.
Interest expense increased $22.5 million, or 7.6%, in 2006 primarily due to generally higher
interest rates on variable rate debt and commercial paper, the issuance of additional senior notes,
and higher average balances of short-term debt. Interest expense increased $40.6 million, or
15.9%, in 2005 primarily due to the issuance of additional senior notes and generally higher
interest rates on variable rate debt and commercial paper.
Other Income and (Expense), Net
Other income and (expense), net increased $5.8 million, or 66.5%, in 2007 primarily due to $4.0
million from land and timber sales. Other income and (expense), net increased $1.9 million, or
26.7%, in 2006 primarily due to reduced expenses of $2.9 million and $5.0 million related to the
employee stock ownership plan and charitable donations, respectively, and increased revenues of
$3.6 million, $5.4 million, and $3.4 million related to a residential pricing program, customer
contracting, and customer facilities charges, respectively. These increases were partially offset
by net financial gains on gas hedges of $18.6 million in 2005. Other income and (expense), net
increased $21.5 million in 2005 from 2004, or 148.0%, primarily due to $16.8 million of additional
gas hedge gains.
Income Taxes
Income taxes decreased $24.8 million, or 5.6%, in 2007 primarily due to state and federal
deductions for the Companys donation of 2,200 acres in the Tallulah Gorge area to the State of
Georgia and higher federal manufacturing deductions. In 2006, income taxes decreased $5.1 million,
or 1.1%, primarily due to the recognition of state tax credits. In 2005, income taxes increased
$53.5 million, or 13.6%, primarily due to higher pre-tax net income. See Note 5 to the financial
statements for additional information.
Effects of Inflation
The Company is subject to rate regulation that is based on the recovery of historical costs. When
historical costs are included, or when inflation exceeds projected costs used in rate regulation or
market-based prices, the effects of inflation can create an economic loss since the recovery of
costs could be in dollars that have less purchasing power. In addition, income tax laws are based
on historical costs. While the inflation rate has been relatively low in recent years, it
continues to have an adverse effect on the Company because of the large investment in utility plant
with long economic lives. Conventional accounting for historical cost does not recognize this
economic loss nor the partially offsetting gain that arises through financing facilities with
fixed-money obligations such as long-term debt, preferred securities, preferred stock, and
preference stock. Any recognition of inflation by regulatory authorities is reflected in the rate
of return allowed in the Companys approved electric rates.
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
General
The Company operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail customers
within its traditional service area located within the State of Georgia and to wholesale customers
in the Southeast. Prices for electricity provided by the Company to retail customers are set by
the Georgia PSC under cost-based regulatory principles. Prices for electricity relating to PPAs,
interconnecting transmission lines, and the exchange of electric power are set by the FERC. Retail
rates and revenues are reviewed and adjusted periodically with certain limitations. See ACCOUNTING
POLICIES Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Electric Utility
Regulation herein and Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters and
FERC Matters for additional information about regulatory matters.
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Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily indicative of future
earnings potential. The level of the Companys future earnings depends on numerous factors that
affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys business of selling electricity.
These factors include the ability of the Company to maintain a stable regulatory environment that
continues to allow for the recovery of all prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing
costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon growth in energy sales, which
is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy
contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of
electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth in the Companys
service area.
Environmental Matters
Compliance costs related to the Clean Air Act and other environmental statutes and regulations
could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely
basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may exceed amounts estimated.
Some of the factors driving the potential for such an increase are higher commodity costs, market
demand for labor, and scope additions and clarifications. The timing, specific requirements, and
estimated costs could also change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or
modified. Under the 2007 Retail Rate Plan approved by the Georgia PSC on December 18, 2007, an
environmental compliance cost recovery (ECCR) tariff was implemented on January 1, 2008 to allow
for the recovery of most of the costs related to environmental controls mandated by state and
federal regulation scheduled for completion in 2008, 2009, and 2010. See Note 3 to the financial
statements under Rate Plans for additional information.
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought a civil action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries,
including Alabama Power and the Company, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New
Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired
generating facilities including the Companys Plants Bowen and Scherer. Through subsequent
amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a separate action in January 2001 against
Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after Alabama Power
was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits, the EPA alleged that NSR violations
occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by Alabama Power and the Company. The
civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief, including an order requiring the
installation of the best available control technology at the affected units. The action against
the Company has been administratively closed since the spring of 2001, and the case has not been
reopened.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to the four remaining plants.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case.
The Company believes that it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and
interpretations in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act
authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating
unit, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in this matter could
require substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital
expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of
substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows,
and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
The EPA has issued a series of proposed and final revisions to its NSR regulations under the Clean
Air Act, many of which have been subject to legal challenges by environmental groups and states.
In June 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld, in part, the
EPAs revisions to NSR regulations that were issued in December 2002 but vacated portions of those
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
revisions addressing the exclusion of certain pollution control projects. These regulatory
revisions have been adopted by the State of Georgia. In March 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit also vacated an EPA rule which sought to clarify the scope of the
existing routine maintenance, repair, and replacement exclusion. The EPA has also published
proposed rules clarifying the test for determining when an emissions increase subject to the NSR
permitting requirements has occurred. The impact of these proposed rules will depend on adoption
of the final rules by the EPA and the State of Georgias implementation of such rules, as well as
the outcome of any additional legal challenges, and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005, and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Statutes and Regulations
General
The Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal environmental
agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media, including air,
water, and land resources. Applicable statutes include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act; and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with these environmental
requirements involves significant capital and operating costs, a major portion of which is expected
to be recovered through existing ratemaking provisions. Through 2007, the Company had invested
approximately $2.4 billion in capital projects to comply with these requirements, with annual
totals of $856 million, $351 million, and $117 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The
Company expects that capital expenditures to assure compliance with existing and new statutes, and
regulations will be an additional $707 million, $353 million, and $246 million for 2008, 2009, and
2010, respectively. The Companys compliance strategy is impacted by changes to existing
environmental laws, statutes and regulations, the cost, availability, and existing inventory of
emission allowances, and the Companys fuel mix. Environmental costs that are known and estimable
at this time are included in capital expenditures discussed under FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations herein.
Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global
climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly
affect the Company. New environmental legislation or regulations, or changes to existing statutes
or regulations, could affect many areas of the Companys operations; however, the full impact of
any such changes cannot be determined at this time.
Air Quality
Compliance with the Clean Air Act and resulting regulations has been and will continue to be a
significant focus for the Company. Through 2007, the Company had spent approximately $2.1 billion
in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and in
monitoring emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Additional controls have been announced and
are currently being installed at several plants to further reduce SO2, NOx,
and mercury emissions, maintain compliance with existing regulations, and meet new requirements.
In 2004, the EPA designated nonattainment areas under an eight-hour ozone standard. Areas within
the Companys service area that were designated as nonattainment under the eight-hour ozone
standard include Macon and a 20-county area within metropolitan Atlanta. The Macon area was
redesignated by the EPA as an attainment area on September 19, 2007. In December 2006, the
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Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
U.S.Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated the first set of implementation rules
adopted in 2004 and remanded the rules to the EPA for further refinement. On June 20, 2007, the
EPA proposed additional revisions to the current eight-hour ozone standard which, if enacted, could
result in the designation of new nonattainment areas within the Companys service territory. The
EPA has requested comment and is expected to publish final revisions to the standard in 2008. The
impact of this decision, if any, cannot be determined at this time and will depend on subsequent
legal action and/or future nonattainment designations and state regulatory plans.
During 2005, the EPAs fine particulate matter nonattainment designations became effective for
several areas within the Companys service area. State plans for addressing the nonattainment
designations under the existing standard are required by April 2008 and could require further
reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from power plants. In September 2006,
the EPA published a final rule which increased the stringency of the 24-hour average fine
particulate matter air quality standard. In December 2007, state agencies recommended to the EPA
that an area encompassing all or parts of 22 counties within metropolitan Atlanta be designated as
nonattainment for this standard. The EPA plans to designate nonattainment areas based on the new
standard by December 2009. The ultimate outcome of this matter depends on the development and
submittal of the required state plans and the resolution of pending legal challenges and,
therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
The EPA issued the final Clean Air Interstate Rule in March 2005. This cap-and-trade rule
addresses power plant SO2 and NOx emissions that were found to contribute to
nonattainment of the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter standards in downwind states.
Twenty-eight eastern states, including the State of Georgia, are subject to the requirements of the
rule. The rule calls for additional reductions of NOx and/or SO2 to be
achieved in two phases, 2009/2010 and 2015. The State of Georgia has completed plans to implement
this program. These reductions will be accomplished by the installation of additional emission
controls at the Companys coal-fired facilities and/or by the purchase of emission allowances from
a cap-and-trade program. The State of Georgia implemented the Clean Air Interstate Rule, and in
June 2007, approved a multi-pollutant rule that will require plant specific emission controls on
all but the smallest generating units in Georgia according to a schedule set forth in the rule.
The rule is designed to ensure reductions in emissions of SO2, NOx, and
mercury in Georgia.
The Clean Air Visibility Rule (formerly called the Regional Haze Rule) was finalized in July 2005.
The goal of this rule is to restore natural visibility conditions in certain areas (primarily
national parks and wilderness areas) by 2064. The rule involves (1) the application of Best
Available Retrofit Technology (BART) to certain sources built between 1962 and 1977 and (2) the
application of any additional emissions reductions which may be deemed necessary for each
designated area to achieve reasonable progress by 2018 toward the natural conditions goal.
Thereafter, for each 10-year planning period, additional emissions reductions will be required to
continue to demonstrate reasonable progress in each area during that period. For power plants, the
Clean Air Visibility Rule allows states to determine that the Clean Air Interstate Rule satisfies
BART requirements for SO2 and NOx.
Extensive studies were performed for each of the Companys affected units to demonstrate that
additional particulate matter controls are not necessary under BART. At the request of the State
of Georgia, additional analyses were performed for certain units in Georgia to demonstrate that no
additional SO2 controls were required. States are currently completing implementation
plans that contain strategies for BART and any other measures required to achieve the first phase
of reasonable progress.
The impacts of the eight-hour ozone and the fine particulate matter nonattainment designations, and
the Clean Air Visibility Rule on the Company will depend on the development and implementation of
rules at the state level. Therefore, the full effects of these regulations on the Company cannot be
determined at this time. The Company has developed and continually updates a comprehensive
environmental compliance strategy to comply with the continuing and new environmental requirements
discussed above. As part of this strategy, the Company plans to install additional SO2
and NOx emission controls within the next several years to assure continued compliance
with applicable air quality requirements.
In March 2005, the EPA published the final Clean Air Mercury Rule, a cap-and-trade program for the
reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule sets caps on mercury
emissions to be implemented in two phases, 2010 and 2018, and provides for an emission allowance
trading market. The final Clean Air Mercury Rule was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit. The petitioners alleged that the EPA was not authorized to
establish a cap-and-trade program for mercury emissions and instead the EPA must establish maximum
achievable control technology standards for coal-fired electric utility steam generating units. On
February 8, 2008, the court issued its ruling and vacated the Clean Air Mercury Rule. The
Companys overall environmental compliance strategy relies primarily on a combination of SO2 and
NOx controls to reduce mercury emissions. Any significant changes in the strategy will depend on
the outcome of any appeals and/or future federal and state rulemakings. Future rulemakings could
require emission reductions more stringent than required by the Clean Air Mercury Rule.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Water Quality
In July 2004, the EPA published its final technology-based regulations under the Clean Water Act
for the purpose of reducing impingement and entrainment of fish, shellfish, and other forms of
aquatic life at existing power plant cooling water intake structures. The rules require baseline
biological information and, perhaps, installation of fish protection technology near some intake
structures at existing power plants. On January 25, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit overturned and remanded several provisions of the rule to the EPA for revisions. Among
other things, the court rejected the EPAs use of cost-benefit analysis and suggested some ways
to incorporate cost considerations. The full impact of these regulations will depend on subsequent
legal proceedings, further rulemaking by the EPA, the results of studies and analyses performed as
part of the rules implementation, and the actual requirements established by State of Georgia
regulatory agencies and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and release of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company could incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company conducts studies to
determine the extent of any required cleanup and has recognized in its financial statements the
costs to clean up known sites. Amounts for cleanup and ongoing monitoring costs were not material
for any year presented. The Company may be liable for some or all required cleanup costs for
additional sites that may require environmental remediation. See Note 3 to the financial
statements under Environmental Matters Environmental Remediation for additional information.
Global Climate Issues
Federal legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements related to greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. The ultimate outcome of these proposals cannot be
determined at this time; however, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to
regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The EPA is currently developing its
response to this decision. Regulatory decisions that will follow from this response may have
implications for both new and existing stationary sources, such as power plants. The ultimate
outcome of these rulemaking activities cannot be determined at this time; however, as with the
current legislative proposals, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In addition, some states are considering or have undertaken actions to regulate and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. For example, on July 13, 2007, the Governor of the State of Florida
signed three executive orders addressing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the state,
including statewide emission reduction targets beginning in 2017. Included in the orders is a
directive to the Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection to develop rules adopting maximum
allowable emissions levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities, consistent with the
statewide emission reduction targets, and a request to the Florida PSC to initiate rulemaking
requiring utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from renewable sources. The
impact of any similar state requirements on the Company will depend on the development, adoption,
and implementation of state laws or rules governing greenhouse gas emissions, and the ultimate
outcome cannot be determined at this time.
International climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change also continue. Current efforts focus on a potential successor to the Kyoto Protocol for
the post 2008 through 2012 timeframe. The outcome and impact of the international negotiations
cannot be determined at this time.
The Company continues to evaluate its future energy and emission profiles and is participating in
voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help develop and advance technology
to reduce emissions.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $5.8 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the IIC, as approved by the FERC. In May 2005,
the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional
operating companies (including the Company), Southern Power, and Southern Company Services, Inc.
(SCS), as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated, (2)
whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility
companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct
defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just and
reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern
Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of
conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Generation Interconnection Agreements
In November 2004, generator company subsidiaries of Tenaska, Inc. (Tenaska), as counterparties to
three previously executed interconnection agreements with subsidiaries of Southern Company,
including the Company, filed complaints at the FERC requesting that the FERC modify the agreements
and that the Company refund a total of $7.9 million previously paid for interconnection facilities.
No other similar complaints are pending with the FERC.
On January 19, 2007, the FERC issued an order granting Tenaskas requested relief. Although the
FERCs order required the modification of Tenaskas interconnection agreements, under the
provisions of the order the Company determined that no refund was payable to Tenaska. Southern
Company requested rehearing asserting that the FERC retroactively applied a new principle to
existing interconnection agreements. Tenaska requested rehearing of the FERCs methodology for
determining the amount of refunds. The requested rehearings were denied and Southern Company and
Tenaska have appealed the orders to the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. The final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
PSC Matters
Rate Plans
In December 2007, the Georgia PSC approved the 2007 Retail Rate Plan for the years 2008 through
2010. Under the 2007 Retail Rate Plan, the Companys earnings will continue to be evaluated
against a retail return on common equity (ROE) range of 10.25% to 12.25%. Two-thirds of any
earnings above 12.25% will be applied to rate refunds with the remaining one-third applied to an
ECCR tariff. The Company agreed that it will not file for a general base rate increase during this
period unless its projected retail ROE falls below 10.25%. Retail base rates increased by
approximately $99.7 million effective January 1, 2008 to provide for cost recovery of transmission,
distribution, generation and other investments, as well as increased operating costs. In addition,
the ECCR tariff was implemented to allow for the recovery of costs for required environmental
projects mandated by state and federal regulations. The ECCR tariff increased rates by
approximately $222 million effective January 1, 2008.
The Company is required to file a general rate case by July 1, 2010, in response to which the
Georgia PSC would be expected to determine whether the 2007 Retail Rate Plan should be continued,
modified, or discontinued. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters
Rate Plans for additional information.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company has established fuel cost recovery rates approved by the Georgia PSC. In March 2006,
the Company and Savannah Electric filed a combined request for fuel cost recovery rate changes with
the Georgia PSC to be effective July 1, 2006, concurrent with the merger of the companies. In June
2006, the Georgia PSC ruled on the request and approved an increase in the Companys total annual
billings of approximately $400 million. The Georgia PSC order provided for a combined ongoing fuel
forecast but reduced the requested increase related to such forecast by $200 million. With respect
to the merger, the Georgia PSC also set a Merger Transition Adjustment (MTA) applicable to
customers in the former Savannah Electric service territory so that the fuel rate that became
effective on July 1, 2006 plus the MTA equaled the applicable fuel rate paid by such customers as
of June 30, 2006. Amounts collected under the MTA were credited to customers in the original
Georgia Power service territory through a Merger Transition Credit (MTC) through December 31, 2007.
The order also required the Company to file for a new fuel cost recovery rate on a semi-annual
basis, beginning in September 2006. Accordingly, in September 2006, the Company filed a request to
recover fuel costs incurred through August 2006 by increasing the fuel cost recovery rate. In
November 2006, under agreement with the Georgia PSC staff, the Company filed a supplementary
request reflecting a forecast of annual fuel costs, as well as updated information for previously
incurred fuel costs.
On February 6, 2007, the Georgia PSC approved an increase in the Companys total annual billings of
approximately $383 million effective March 1, 2007. The order reduced the Companys requested
increase in the forecast of annual fuel costs by $40 million and disallowed $4 million of
previously incurred fuel costs. Estimated under recovered fuel costs through February 2007 are to
be recovered through May 2009 for customers in the original Georgia Power territory and through
November 2009 for customers in the former Savannah Electric territory. The order also requires the
Company to file for a new fuel cost recovery rate no later than March 1, 2008. As of December 31,
2007, the Company had a total under recovered fuel cost balance of approximately $692 million, of
which approximately $106 million is not included in current rates.
Fuel cost recovery revenues as recorded on the financial statements are adjusted for differences in
actual recoverable costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, a change in
the billing factor has no significant effect on the Companys revenues or net income, but does
impact annual cash flow. In accordance with Georgia PSC order, approximately $307 million of the
under recovered regulatory clause revenues for the Company is included in deferred charges and
other assets at December 31, 2007. See Note 1 to the financial statements under Revenues and
Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters for additional information.
Income Tax Matters
Georgia State Income Tax Credits
The Companys 2005 through 2007 income tax filings for the State of Georgia include state income
tax credits for increased activity through Georgia ports. The Company has also filed similar
claims for the years 2002 through 2004. The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) has not responded
to these claims. On July 24, 2007, the Company filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Fulton
II-176
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
County to recover the credits claimed for the years 2002 through 2004. If allowed, these claims
could have a significant, possibly material, positive effect on the Companys net income. If the
Company is not successful, payment of the related state tax could have a significant, possibly
material, negative effect on the Companys cash flow. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot
now be determined. See Note 3 under Income Tax Matters and Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax
Benefits for additional information.
Internal Revenue Code Section 199 Domestic Production Deduction
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for the portion of income
attributable to U.S. production activities as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (Internal Revenue Code), Section 199 (production activities deduction). The deduction is
equal to a stated percentage of qualified production activities net income. The percentage is
phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a
6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9% rate applicable for all years after 2009.
See Note 5 to the financial statements under Effective Tax Rate for additional information.
Bonus Depreciation
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act) into
law. The Stimulus Act includes a provision that allows 50% bonus depreciation for certain property
acquired in 2008 and placed in service in 2008, or in limited circumstances, 2009. The Company is
currently assessing the financial implications of the Stimulus Act; however, the ultimate impact
cannot be determined at this time.
Nuclear
Nuclear Projects
In August 2006, as part of a potential expansion of Plant Vogtle, the Company and Southern Nuclear
Operating Company, Inc. (SNC) filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for
an early site permit (ESP) on behalf of the owners of Plant Vogtle. In addition, the Company and
SNC notified the NRC of their intent to apply for a combined construction and operating license
(COL) in 2008. Ownership agreements have been signed with each of the existing Plant Vogtle
co-owners. See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional information on these co-owners.
In June 2006, the Georgia PSC approved the Companys request to establish an accounting order that
would allow the Company to defer for future recovery the ESP and COL costs, of which the Companys
portion is estimated to total approximately $51 million. At December 31, 2007, approximately $28.4
million is included in deferred charges and other assets. At this point, no final decision has
been made regarding actual construction. Any new generation resource must be certified by the
Georgia PSC in a separate proceeding.
Nuclear Relicensing
In January 2002, the NRC granted the Company a 20-year extension of the licenses for both units at
Plant Hatch which permits the operation of Units 1 and 2 until 2034 and 2038, respectively. The
Company filed an application with the NRC in June 2007 to extend the licenses for Plant Vogtle
Units 1 and 2 for an additional 20 years. The Company anticipates the NRC may make a decision
regarding the license extension for Plant Vogtle as early as 2009.
Other Matters
The Company is involved in various other matters being litigated, regulatory matters, and certain
tax-related issues that could affect future earnings. In addition, the Company is subject to
certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Companys
business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and
the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including
property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental
requirements such as opacity and air and water quality standards, has increased generally
throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury claims for damages caused by alleged
exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or
potential litigation against the Company cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current
proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities,
if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Companys
financial statements. See Note 3 to the financial statements for information regarding material
issues.
II-177
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the
financial statements. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may
have a material impact on the Companys results of operations and related disclosures. Different
assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those
recorded in the financial statements. Senior management has reviewed and discussed the following
critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of Southern Companys Board of
Directors.
Electric Utility Regulation
The Company is subject to retail regulation by the Georgia PSC and wholesale regulation by the
FERC. These regulatory agencies set the rates the Company is permitted to charge customers based
on allowable costs. As a result, the Company applies Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Statement No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71), which
requires the financial statements to reflect the effects of rate regulation. Through the
ratemaking process, the regulators may require the inclusion of costs or revenues in periods
different than when they would be recognized by a non-regulated company. This treatment may result
in the deferral of expenses and the recording of related regulatory assets based on anticipated
future recovery through rates or the deferral of gains or creation of liabilities and the recording
of related regulatory liabilities. The application of SFAS No. 71 has a further effect on the
Companys financial statements as a result of the estimates of allowable costs used in the
ratemaking process. These estimates may differ from those actually incurred by the Company;
therefore, the accounting estimates inherent in specific costs such as depreciation, nuclear
decommissioning, and pension and postretirement benefits have less of a direct impact on the
Companys results of operations than they would on a non-regulated company.
As reflected in Note 1 to the financial statements, significant regulatory assets and liabilities
have been recorded. Management reviews the ultimate recoverability of these regulatory assets and
liabilities based on applicable regulatory guidelines and accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. However, adverse legislative, judicial, or regulatory actions could
materially impact the amounts of such regulatory assets and liabilities and could adversely impact
the Companys financial statements.
Contingent Obligations
The Company is subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as other
factors and conditions that potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, income tax, and
other risks. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for more
information regarding certain of these contingencies. The Company periodically evaluates its
exposure to such risks and records reserves for those matters where a loss is considered probable
and reasonably estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The adequacy
of reserves can be significantly affected by external events or conditions that can be
unpredictable; thus, the ultimate outcome of such matters could materially affect the Companys
financial statements. These events or conditions include the following:
|
|
Changes in existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances, hazardous and
solid wastes, and other environmental matters. |
|
|
Changes in existing income tax regulations or changes in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or
Georgia DOR interpretations of existing regulations. |
|
|
Identification of additional sites that require environmental remediation or the filing of
other complaints in which the Company may be asserted to be a potentially responsible party. |
|
|
Identification and evaluation of other potential lawsuits or complaints in which the Company may
be named as a defendant. |
|
|
Resolution or progression of existing matters through the legislative process, the court
systems, the IRS, the FERC, or the EPA. |
II-178
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues related to the sale of electricity are recorded when electricity is delivered to
customers. However, the determination of KWH sales to individual customers is based on the reading
of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each
month, amounts of electricity delivered to customers, but not yet metered and billed, are
estimated. Components of the unbilled revenue estimates include total KWH territorial supply,
total KWH billed, estimated total electricity lost in delivery, and customer usage. These
components can fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including weather, generation patterns,
and power delivery volume and other operational constraints. These factors can be unpredictable
and can vary from historical trends. As a result, the overall estimate of unbilled revenues could
be significantly affected, which could have a material impact on the Companys results of
operations.
New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than not
that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before
any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on
the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any
related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax positions
beginning January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Companys
financial statements. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits for additional information.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158), which requires recognition
of the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans in the balance sheets.
Additionally, SFAS No. 158 will require the Company to change the measurement date for its defined
benefit postretirement plan assets and obligations from September 30 to December 31 beginning with
the year ending December 31, 2008. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional
information.
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) in September 2006.
SFAS No. 157 provides guidance on how to measure fair value where it is permitted or required under
other accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 also requires additional disclosures about fair
value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 in its entirety on January 1, 2008, with no
material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Fair Value Option
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159). This
standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items
at fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, with no material effect on its
financial condition or results of operations.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
The Companys financial condition remained stable at December 31, 2007. Cash flow from operations
totaled $1.4 billion, an increase of $248.5 million from 2006, primarily due to higher retail
revenues primarily related to higher fuel cost recovery revenues and less cash used for working
capital primarily from lower inventory additions and increases in other current liabilities. Cash
flow from operations increased $117.4 million in 2006, primarily from increased retail operating
revenues partially offset by higher fuel inventories and an increase in under recovered deferred
fuel costs. In 2005, cash flow from operations increased $58.4 million primarily from increased
retail operating revenues, partially offset by the increase in under recovered deferred fuel costs.
II-179
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Net cash used for investing activities totaled $1.9 billion due to gross property additions
primarily related to installation of equipment to comply with environmental standards, construction
of transmission and distribution facilities, and purchase of nuclear fuel. The majority of funds
needed for gross property additions for the last several years have been provided from operating
activities, capital contributions from Southern Company, and the issuance of long and short-term
debt and preference stock.
Cash provided from financing activities totaled $429.7 million primarily related to the issuance of
new senior notes. The statements of cash flows provide additional details. See Financing
Activities herein.
Significant balance sheet changes in 2007 include a $726 million increase in long-term debt and a
$221 million increase in Preferred and Preference Stock primarily to replace short-term debt and
provide funds for the Companys continuous construction programs. Other balance sheet changes
include an increase in total property, plant and equipment of $1.3 billion and a $206 million
decrease in the under recovered fuel balance.
The Companys ratio of common equity to total capitalization including short-term debt was
47.5% in 2007, 48.6% in 2006, and 47.9% in 2005. The Company has received investment grade ratings
from the major rating agencies with respect to debt, preferred securities, preferred stock, and
preference stock.
Sources of Capital
The Company plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources
similar to those used in the past, which were primarily from operating cash flows. However, the
type and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend on market conditions, regulatory
approvals, and other factors. The issuance of long-term securities by the Company is subject to
the approval of the Georgia PSC. In addition, the issuance of short-term debt securities by the
Company is subject to regulatory approval by the FERC. Additionally, with respect to the public
offering of securities, the Company files registration statements with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The amounts of securities
authorized by the Georgia PSC and the FERC are continuously monitored and appropriate filings are
made to ensure flexibility in the capital markets.
The Company obtains financing separately without credit support from any affiliate. See Note 6 to
the financial statements under Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information. The Southern
Company system does not maintain a centralized cash or money pool. Therefore, funds of the Company
are not commingled with funds of any other company.
The Companys current liabilities frequently exceed current assets because of the continued use of
short-term debt as a funding source for under recovered fuel costs and to meet cash needs which can
fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business.
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, at the beginning of 2008 the Company had credit
arrangements with banks totaling $1.2 billion, of which $8 million was used to support an
outstanding letter of credit. See Note 6 to the financial statements under Bank Credit
Arrangements for additional information.
At the beginning of 2008, bank credit arrangements were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expires |
Total |
|
Unused |
|
2008 |
|
2012 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
$1,160 |
|
$ |
1,152 |
|
|
$ |
40 |
|
|
$ |
1,120 |
|
The credit arrangement that expires in 2008 allows for the execution of term loans for an
additional two-year period.
The Company may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to
issue and sell commercial paper and extendible commercial notes at the request and for the benefit
of the Company and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the
benefit of the Company are loaned directly to the Company and are not commingled with proceeds from
issuances for the benefits of any other operating company. The obligations of each company under
these arrangements are several; there is no cross affiliate credit support. As of December 31,
2007, the Company had $616 million of outstanding commercial paper and a $100 million short-term
bank loan outstanding.
II-180
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Financing Activities
During 2007, the Company issued $1.5 billion of senior notes and $225 million of preference stock
and incurred $191 million of obligations related to the issuance of pollution control bonds. The
issuances were used to reduce the Companys short-term indebtedness, fund senior note maturities
totaling $300 million, redeem $763 million of longterm debt payable to affiliated trusts, and
fund the Companys ongoing construction program.
Credit Rating Risk
The Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment
schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade.
There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the
event of a credit rating change to BBB- or Baa3 or below. Generally, collateral may be provided by
a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. These contracts are primarily for physical
electricity purchases and sales. At December 31, 2007, the maximum potential collateral
requirements at a BBB- or Baa3 rating were approximately $9 million. The maximum potential
collateral requirements at a rating below BBB- or Baa3 were approximately $515 million.
The Company is also party to certain agreements that could require collateral and/or accelerated
payment in the event of a credit rating change to below investment grade for the Company and/or
Alabama Power. These agreements are primarily for natural gas and power price risk management
activities. At December 31, 2007, the Companys total exposure related to these types of
agreements was approximately $15 million.
Market Price Risk
Due to cost-based rate regulation, the Company has limited exposure to market rate volatility in
interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To manage the volatility
attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural
offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to the
Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and hedging practices. The Companys
policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict
adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using
techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress tests, and
sensitivity analysis.
To mitigate future exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company enters into forward starting
interest rate swaps and other derivatives that have been designated as hedges. These derivatives
have a notional amount of $539 million and are related to anticipated debt issuances over the next
two years. The weighted average interest rate on $1.4 billion of outstanding variable long-term
debt that has not been hedged at January 1, 2008 was 4.5%. If the Company sustained a 100 basis
point change in interest rates for all unhedged variable rate long-term debt, the change would
affect annualized interest expense by approximately $14.2 million at January 1, 2008. Subsequent
to December 31, 2007, the Company converted $115 million of floating rate pollution control bonds
to a fixed rate mode. Additionally, the Company entered into floating to fixed interest rate swaps
on $601 million of variable rate long-term debt. These actions reduced the Companys exposure to
variable rate debt to $704 million for the remainder of the year. Subsequent to these actions, a
100 basis point change in interest rates for all unhedged variable rate long-term debt would affect
annualized interest expense by $7.7 million. See Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under
Financial Instruments for additional information.
The Companys $704 million of variable interest rate exposure relates to tax-exempt auction rate
pollution control bonds. Recent weakness in the auction markets has resulted in higher interest
rates. The Company has sent notice of conversion of $662 million of these auction rate securities
to alternative interest rate determination methods and plans to remarket all remaining auction rate
securities in a timely manner. None of the securities are insured or backed by letters of credit
that would require approval of a guarantor or security provider. It is not expected that the
higher rates as a result of the weakness in the auction markets will be material.
To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the Company enters into
fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity
market and, to a lesser extent, into financial hedge contracts for gas purchases.
II-181
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company has implemented a fuel hedging program at the instruction of the Georgia PSC. The
changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts and year-end valuations were as
follows at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Fair Value |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Contracts beginning of year |
|
$ |
(38.0 |
) |
|
$ |
35.3 |
|
Contracts realized or settled |
|
|
41.6 |
|
|
|
40.2 |
|
New contracts at inception |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in valuation techniques |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period changes(a) |
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
(113.5 |
) |
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
$ |
(38.0 |
) |
|
(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into
during the period, if any.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source of 2007 Year-End |
|
|
Valuation Prices |
|
|
|
Total |
|
Maturity |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Year 1 |
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Actively quoted |
|
$ |
(1.1 |
) |
|
$ |
(5.8 |
) |
|
$ |
4.7 |
|
External sources |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Models and other methods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
$ |
(5.1 |
) |
|
$ |
4.7 |
|
|
Unrealized gains and losses from mark to market adjustments on derivative contracts related to the
Companys fuel hedging programs are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. Realized gains
and losses from these programs are included in fuel expense and are recovered through the Companys
fuel cost recovery mechanism. The Company realized net losses in 2007 and 2006 of $68 million and
$66 million, respectively. Through June 30, 2006, the Company was allowed to retain 25% of net
financial gains in earnings, and in 2005 the Company had a total net gain of $74.6 million of which
the Company retained $18.6 million. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail
Regulatory Matters Fuel Hedging Program for additional information. Gains and losses on
derivative contracts that are not designated as hedges are recognized in the statements of income
as incurred. At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains (losses) of energy-related derivative
contracts were reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
(0.4 |
) |
|
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income were not material for any year presented. The
Company is exposed to market price risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the
derivative energy contracts. The Companys policy is to enter into agreements with counterparties
that have investment grade credit ratings by Moodys and Standard & Poors or with counterparties
who have posted collateral to cover potential credit exposure. Therefore, the Company does not
anticipate market risk exposure from nonperformance by the counterparties. For additional
information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial Instruments.
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
The construction program of the Company is currently estimated to be $2.0 billion for 2008, $2.0
billion for 2009, and $1.8 billion for 2010. Environmental expenditures included in these
estimated amounts are $707 million, $353 million, and $246 million for 2008, 2009, and 2010,
respectively. Actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in such
factors as: business
II-182
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
conditions; environmental statutes and regulations; nuclear plant regulations; FERC rules and
regulations; load projections; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and
materials; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to
capital expenditures will be fully recovered.
As a result of requirements by the NRC, the Company has established external trust funds for
nuclear decommissioning costs. For additional information, see Note 1 to the financial statements
under Nuclear Decommissioning.
In addition, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company provides
postretirement benefits to substantially all employees and funds trusts to the extent required by
the Georgia PSC and the FERC.
Other funding requirements related to obligations associated with scheduled maturities of long-term
debt and preferred securities and the related interest, preferred and preference stock dividends,
leases, derivative obligations, and other purchase commitments are as follows. See Notes 1, 6, and
7 to the financial statements for additional information.
II-183
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009- |
|
2011- |
|
After |
|
Uncertain |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
|
Timing(d) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Long-term debt(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
$ |
199 |
|
|
$ |
283 |
|
|
$ |
403 |
|
|
$ |
5,257 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
6,142 |
|
Interest |
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
611 |
|
|
|
593 |
|
|
|
5,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,257 |
|
Preferred and preference stock dividends(b) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87 |
|
Derivative obligations(c)- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
Interest |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141 |
|
Unrecognized tax benefits and interest(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
Purchase commitments(e) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital(f) |
|
|
1,915 |
|
|
|
3,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,412 |
|
Limestone (g) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
115 |
|
Coal |
|
|
1,653 |
|
|
|
1,519 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,322 |
|
Nuclear fuel |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
727 |
|
Natural gas(h) |
|
|
684 |
|
|
|
732 |
|
|
|
761 |
|
|
|
2,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,980 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
690 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
2,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,958 |
|
Long-term service agreements(i) |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
734 |
|
Trusts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning(j) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
Postretirement benefits(k) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
5,348 |
|
|
$ |
7,794 |
|
|
$ |
2,851 |
|
|
$ |
17,054 |
|
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
33,143 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
All amounts are reflected based on final maturity dates. The Company plans to continue to retire
higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.
Variable rate interest obligations are estimated based on rates as of January 1, 2008, as reflected in the
statements of capitalization. Fixed rates include, where applicable, the effects of interest rate
derivatives employed to manage interest rate risk. |
|
(b) |
|
Preferred and preference stock does not mature; therefore, amounts provided are for the next five years only. |
|
(c) |
|
For additional information see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements. |
|
(d) |
|
The timing related to the realization of $96 million in unrecognized tax benefits and interest payments
cannot be reasonably and reliably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of the effective settlement
of tax positions. Of this $96 million, $71 million is the estimated cash payment. See Note 3 and Note 5
to the financial statements for additional information. |
|
(e) |
|
The Company generally does not enter into non-cancelable commitments for other operations and maintenance
expenditures. Total other operations and maintenance expenses for the last three years were $1.6 billion,
$1.6 billion, and $1.6 billion, respectively. |
|
(f) |
|
The Company forecasts capital expenditures over a three-year period. Amounts represent current estimates of
total expenditures, excluding those amounts related to contractual purchase commitments for uranium and
nuclear fuel conversion, enrichment, and fabrication services. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase
commitments were outstanding in connection with the construction program. |
|
(g) |
|
As part of the Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal plants, the
Company is constructing certain equipment and has entered into various long-term commitments for the
procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment. |
|
(h) |
|
Natural gas purchase commitments are based on various indices at the time of delivery. Amounts reflected
have been estimated based on the New York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. |
|
(i) |
|
Long-term service agreements include price escalation based
on inflation indices. |
|
(j) |
|
Projections of nuclear decommissioning trust contributions are based on the 2007 Retail Rate Plan. |
|
(k) |
|
The Company forecasts postretirement trust contributions over a three-year period. No contributions related
to the Companys pension trust are currently expected during this period. See Note 2 to the financial
statements for additional information related to the pension and postretirement plans, including estimated
benefit payments. Certain benefit payments will be made through the related trusts. Other benefit payments
will be made from the Companys corporate assets. |
II-184
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Companys 2007 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements concerning retail rates, fuel cost recovery, environmental
regulations and expenditures, the Companys projections for postretirement benefit trust
contributions, financing activities, access to sources of capital, the impacts of the adoption of
new accounting rules, completion of construction projects, and estimated construction and other
expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such
indicated results will be realized. These factors include:
|
|
|
the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including
legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the
electric utility industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental
laws including regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury,
carbon, soot, or particulate matter and other substances, and also changes in tax and other
laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, as well as changes in application of
existing laws and regulations; |
|
|
|
|
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries,
including FERC matters and the pending EPA civil action against the Company; |
|
|
|
|
the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which
the Company operates; |
|
|
|
|
variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population, business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy conservation
measures; |
|
|
|
|
available sources and costs of fuel; |
|
|
|
|
effects of inflation; |
|
|
|
|
ability to control costs; |
|
|
|
|
investment performance of the Companys employee benefit plans; |
|
|
|
|
advances in technology; |
|
|
|
|
state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and
negotiations, including rate cases related to fuel cost recovery; |
|
|
|
|
internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
|
|
|
|
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to the Company; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of counterparties of the Company to make payments as and when due; |
|
|
|
|
the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
|
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effect on the Companys business resulting from terrorist incidents and
the threat of terrorist incidents; |
|
|
|
|
interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including the Companys credit ratings; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of the Company to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices; |
|
|
|
|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
|
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effects on the Companys business resulting from incidents similar
to the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
|
|
|
|
the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and |
|
|
|
|
other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K)
filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. |
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
II-185
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenues |
|
$ |
6,498,003 |
|
|
$ |
6,205,620 |
|
|
$ |
6,064,363 |
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
537,913 |
|
|
|
551,731 |
|
|
|
524,800 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
277,832 |
|
|
|
252,556 |
|
|
|
275,525 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
257,904 |
|
|
|
235,737 |
|
|
|
211,149 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
7,571,652 |
|
|
|
7,245,644 |
|
|
|
7,075,837 |
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
2,640,526 |
|
|
|
2,233,029 |
|
|
|
1,937,378 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
332,064 |
|
|
|
332,606 |
|
|
|
421,033 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
718,327 |
|
|
|
812,433 |
|
|
|
895,243 |
|
Other operations |
|
|
1,016,608 |
|
|
|
1,025,848 |
|
|
|
1,009,993 |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
545,128 |
|
|
|
534,621 |
|
|
|
561,464 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
511,180 |
|
|
|
498,754 |
|
|
|
526,652 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
291,136 |
|
|
|
298,824 |
|
|
|
276,027 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
6,054,969 |
|
|
|
5,736,115 |
|
|
|
5,627,790 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
1,516,683 |
|
|
|
1,509,529 |
|
|
|
1,448,047 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
68,177 |
|
|
|
31,524 |
|
|
|
29,145 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
3,560 |
|
|
|
2,459 |
|
|
|
6,537 |
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(343,462 |
) |
|
|
(317,947 |
) |
|
|
(295,486 |
) |
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
14,705 |
|
|
|
8,833 |
|
|
|
6,971 |
|
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(257,020 |
) |
|
|
(275,131 |
) |
|
|
(252,833 |
) |
|
Earnings Before Income Taxes |
|
|
1,259,663 |
|
|
|
1,234,398 |
|
|
|
1,195,214 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
417,521 |
|
|
|
442,334 |
|
|
|
447,448 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
842,142 |
|
|
|
792,064 |
|
|
|
747,766 |
|
Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock |
|
|
6,006 |
|
|
|
4,839 |
|
|
|
3,393 |
|
|
Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and
Preference Stock |
|
$ |
836,136 |
|
|
$ |
787,225 |
|
|
$ |
744,373 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-186
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
842,142 |
|
|
$ |
792,064 |
|
|
$ |
747,766 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided from operating
activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
616,796 |
|
|
|
588,428 |
|
|
|
616,963 |
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax
credits, net |
|
|
(78,010 |
) |
|
|
16,159 |
|
|
|
257,501 |
|
Allowance for equity funds used during
construction |
|
|
(68,177 |
) |
|
|
(31,524 |
) |
|
|
(29,145 |
) |
Pension, postretirement, and other employee
benefits |
|
|
8,836 |
|
|
|
18,604 |
|
|
|
(13,335 |
) |
Stock option expense |
|
|
5,977 |
|
|
|
5,805 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
1,811 |
|
|
|
1,163 |
|
|
|
17,263 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
33,731 |
|
|
|
3,293 |
|
|
|
(6,933 |
) |
Changes in certain current assets and
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
134,276 |
|
|
|
1,193 |
|
|
|
(650,593 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock |
|
|
(1,211 |
) |
|
|
(194,256 |
) |
|
|
(2,898 |
) |
Materials and supplies |
|
|
(32,998 |
) |
|
|
31,317 |
|
|
|
(55,805 |
) |
Prepaid income taxes |
|
|
10,002 |
|
|
|
1,060 |
|
|
|
(38,975 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
(4,359 |
) |
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
3,585 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
22,626 |
|
|
|
(85,189 |
) |
|
|
122,117 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
(33,320 |
) |
|
|
82,735 |
|
|
|
77,164 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
(30,039 |
) |
|
|
(10,328 |
) |
|
|
4,162 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
20,703 |
|
|
|
(21,054 |
) |
|
|
34,029 |
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
1,448,786 |
|
|
|
1,200,244 |
|
|
|
1,082,866 |
|
|
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property additions |
|
|
(1,765,344 |
) |
|
|
(1,219,498 |
) |
|
|
(891,314 |
) |
Investment in restricted cash from
pollution control bonds |
|
|
(59,525 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases |
|
|
(448,287 |
) |
|
|
(464,274 |
) |
|
|
(381,235 |
) |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales |
|
|
441,407 |
|
|
|
457,394 |
|
|
|
372,536 |
|
Cost of removal net of salvage |
|
|
(47,565 |
) |
|
|
(33,620 |
) |
|
|
(30,764 |
) |
Change in construction payables, net of
joint owner portion |
|
|
24,893 |
|
|
|
35,075 |
|
|
|
4,190 |
|
Other |
|
|
(25,479 |
) |
|
|
(16,005 |
) |
|
|
(788 |
) |
|
Net cash used for investing activities |
|
|
(1,879,900 |
) |
|
|
(1,240,928 |
) |
|
|
(927,375 |
) |
|
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net |
|
|
(17,690 |
) |
|
|
406,768 |
|
|
|
97,713 |
|
Proceeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
625,000 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control bonds |
|
|
190,800 |
|
|
|
153,910 |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
Gross excess tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
4,695 |
|
|
|
2,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
322,448 |
|
|
|
312,544 |
|
|
|
149,475 |
|
Redemptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(153,910 |
) |
|
|
(185,000 |
) |
Capital leases |
|
|
(2,185 |
) |
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
(1,095 |
) |
Senior notes |
|
|
(300,000 |
) |
|
|
(150,000 |
) |
|
|
(450,000 |
) |
First mortgage bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,569 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
(762,887 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment of preferred and preference stock
dividends |
|
|
(3,143 |
) |
|
|
(2,958 |
) |
|
|
(3,246 |
) |
Payment of common stock dividends |
|
|
(689,900 |
) |
|
|
(630,000 |
) |
|
|
(582,800 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(37,482 |
) |
|
|
(8,049 |
) |
|
|
(21,760 |
) |
|
Net cash provided from (used for)
financing activities |
|
|
429,656 |
|
|
|
46,396 |
|
|
|
(186,713 |
) |
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
(1,458 |
) |
|
|
5,712 |
|
|
|
(31,222 |
) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of
Year |
|
|
16,850 |
|
|
|
11,138 |
|
|
|
42,360 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year |
|
$ |
15,392 |
|
|
$ |
16,850 |
|
|
$ |
11,138 |
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
(net of $28,668, $12,530, and $11,949 capitalized, respectively) |
|
$ |
317,938 |
|
|
$ |
317,536 |
|
|
$ |
263,802 |
|
Income taxes (net of refunds) |
|
|
456,852 |
|
|
|
398,735 |
|
|
|
196,930 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
II-187
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
15,392 |
|
|
$ |
16,850 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
48,279 |
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts receivable |
|
|
491,389 |
|
|
|
474,046 |
|
Unbilled revenues |
|
|
137,046 |
|
|
|
130,585 |
|
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
384,538 |
|
|
|
353,976 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable |
|
|
147,498 |
|
|
|
93,656 |
|
Affiliated companies |
|
|
21,699 |
|
|
|
21,941 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts |
|
|
(7,636 |
) |
|
|
(10,030 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost |
|
|
393,222 |
|
|
|
392,011 |
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
|
337,652 |
|
|
|
304,514 |
|
Vacation pay |
|
|
69,394 |
|
|
|
61,907 |
|
Prepaid income taxes |
|
|
51,101 |
|
|
|
61,104 |
|
Other |
|
|
55,169 |
|
|
|
85,725 |
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
2,144,743 |
|
|
|
1,986,285 |
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In service |
|
|
22,011,215 |
|
|
|
21,279,792 |
|
Less accumulated provision for depreciation |
|
|
8,696,668 |
|
|
|
8,343,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
13,314,547 |
|
|
|
12,936,483 |
|
Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost |
|
|
198,983 |
|
|
|
180,129 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
1,797,642 |
|
|
|
923,948 |
|
|
Total property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
15,311,172 |
|
|
|
14,040,560 |
|
|
Other Property and Investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
53,813 |
|
|
|
70,879 |
|
Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value |
|
|
588,952 |
|
|
|
544,013 |
|
Other |
|
|
47,914 |
|
|
|
58,848 |
|
|
Total other property and investments |
|
|
690,679 |
|
|
|
673,740 |
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred charges related to income taxes |
|
|
532,539 |
|
|
|
510,531 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
1,026,985 |
|
|
|
688,671 |
|
Deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
307,294 |
|
|
|
544,152 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
541,014 |
|
|
|
629,003 |
|
Other |
|
|
268,335 |
|
|
|
235,788 |
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets |
|
|
2,676,167 |
|
|
|
2,608,145 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
20,822,761 |
|
|
$ |
19,308,730 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
II-188
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders Equity |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities due within one year |
|
$ |
198,576 |
|
|
$ |
303,906 |
|
Notes payable |
|
|
715,591 |
|
|
|
733,281 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
236,332 |
|
|
|
238,093 |
|
Other |
|
|
463,945 |
|
|
|
402,222 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
171,553 |
|
|
|
155,763 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
68,782 |
|
|
|
217,603 |
|
Other |
|
|
219,585 |
|
|
|
275,098 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
74,674 |
|
|
|
74,643 |
|
Accrued vacation pay |
|
|
56,303 |
|
|
|
49,704 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
114,974 |
|
|
|
141,356 |
|
Other |
|
|
103,225 |
|
|
|
125,494 |
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
2,423,540 |
|
|
|
2,717,163 |
|
|
Long-term Debt (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
5,937,792 |
|
|
|
5,211,912 |
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes |
|
|
2,850,655 |
|
|
|
2,815,724 |
|
Deferred credits related to income taxes |
|
|
146,886 |
|
|
|
157,297 |
|
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
269,125 |
|
|
|
282,070 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
678,826 |
|
|
|
698,274 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
663,503 |
|
|
|
626,681 |
|
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
414,745 |
|
|
|
436,137 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
577,642 |
|
|
|
281,391 |
|
Other |
|
|
158,670 |
|
|
|
80,839 |
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
5,760,052 |
|
|
|
5,378,413 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
14,121,384 |
|
|
|
13,307,488 |
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
265,957 |
|
|
|
44,991 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
6,435,420 |
|
|
|
5,956,251 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
20,822,761 |
|
|
$ |
19,308,730 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Matters (See notes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-189
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
(percent of total) |
|
Long-Term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.88% to 7.13% due 2042 to 2044 |
|
$ |
206,186 |
|
|
$ |
969,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.875% due July 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.55% due May 15, 2008 |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.10% due August 15, 2009 |
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rate (5.00% at 1/1/08)
due 2008 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rate (5.09% at 1/1/08)
due 2009 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.00% due 2011 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.125% due 2012 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.90% to 6.375% due 2013-2047 |
|
|
3,200,000 |
|
|
|
1,850,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term notes payable |
|
|
3,970,000 |
|
|
|
2,770,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control revenue bonds: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.76% to 5.45% due 2012-2036 |
|
|
774,370 |
|
|
|
774,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rate (3.74% to 5.25%
at 1/1/08)
due 2011-2041 |
|
|
1,120,275 |
|
|
|
929,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other long-term debt |
|
|
1,894,645 |
|
|
|
1,703,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized lease obligations |
|
|
70,733 |
|
|
|
76,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized debt discount |
|
|
(5,196 |
) |
|
|
(3,327 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (annual interest
requirement $322.8 million) |
|
|
6,136,368 |
|
|
|
5,515,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less amount due within one year |
|
|
198,576 |
|
|
|
303,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year |
|
|
5,937,792 |
|
|
|
5,211,912 |
|
|
|
47.0 |
% |
|
|
46.5 |
% |
|
Preferred and Preference Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cumulative preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$25 par value 6.125% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 50,000,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 1,800,000 shares |
|
|
44,991 |
|
|
|
44,991 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cumulative preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$100 par value 6.50% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 15,000,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 2,250,000 shares |
|
|
220,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total preferred and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(annual dividend requirement $17.4 million) |
|
|
265,957 |
|
|
|
44,991 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, without par value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized: 20,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding: 9,261,500 shares |
|
|
398,473 |
|
|
|
398,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
3,374,777 |
|
|
|
3,039,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
2,676,063 |
|
|
|
2,529,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(13,893 |
) |
|
|
(11,893 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
6,435,420 |
|
|
|
5,956,251 |
|
|
|
50.9 |
|
|
|
53.1 |
|
|
Total Capitalization |
|
$ |
12,639,169 |
|
|
$ |
11,213,154 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-190
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
Paid-In |
|
Retained |
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Capital |
|
Earnings |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Total |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
398,473 |
|
|
$ |
2,550,801 |
|
|
$ |
2,211,042 |
|
|
$ |
(37,040 |
) |
|
$ |
5,123,276 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
744,373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
744,373 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
166,738 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
166,738 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
474 |
|
|
|
474 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(582,800 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(582,800 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
398,473 |
|
|
|
2,717,539 |
|
|
|
2,372,637 |
|
|
|
(36,566 |
) |
|
|
5,452,083 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
787,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
787,225 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
322,306 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
322,306 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,184 |
|
|
|
5,184 |
|
Adjustment to initially apply
FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,489 |
|
|
|
19,489 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,000 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
398,473 |
|
|
|
3,039,845 |
|
|
|
2,529,826 |
|
|
|
(11,893 |
) |
|
|
5,956,251 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
836,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
836,136 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
334,931 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
334,931 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,900 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,900 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
398,473 |
|
|
$ |
3,374,777 |
|
|
$ |
2,676,063 |
|
|
$ |
(13,893 |
) |
|
$ |
6,435,420 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock |
|
$ |
836,136 |
|
|
$ |
787,225 |
|
|
$ |
744,373 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying hedges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $(1,831), $(935), and $1,522, |
|
|
(2,938 |
) |
|
|
(1,454 |
) |
|
|
2,420 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $278, $(441), and $861, respectively |
|
|
441 |
|
|
|
(700 |
) |
|
|
1,065 |
|
Marketable securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $291, $(494), and $317, respectively |
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
(817 |
) |
|
|
501 |
|
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in additional minimum pension liability,
net of tax of $-, $5,143, and $(2,216), respectively |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,155 |
|
|
|
(3,512 |
) |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
|
5,184 |
|
|
|
474 |
|
|
Comprehensive Income |
|
$ |
834,136 |
|
|
$ |
792,409 |
|
|
$ |
744,847 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-191
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Georgia Power Company (the Company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company, which is the
parent company of four traditional operating companies, Southern Power Company (Southern Power),
Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), Southern Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC
Wireless), Southern Company Holdings, Inc. (Southern Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company,
Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other direct and indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating
companies Alabama Power, the Company, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power provide electric
service in four Southeastern states. The Company operates as a vertically integrated utility
providing electricity to retail customers within its traditional service area located within the
State of Georgia and to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Southern Power constructs, acquires,
and manages generation assets and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market.
SCS, the system service company, provides at cost, specialized services to Southern Company and its
subsidiary companies. SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital wireless communications services to
the traditional operating companies and also markets these services to the public, and provides
fiber cable services within the Southeast. Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding company
subsidiary for Southern Companys investments in synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various
other energy-related businesses. The investments in synthetic fuels ended on December 31, 2007.
Southern Nuclear operates and provides services to Southern Companys nuclear power plants.
The equity method is used for subsidiaries in which the Company has significant influence but does
not control and for variable interest entities where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the
Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). The Company follows accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States and complies with the accounting policies and practices prescribed by
its regulatory commissions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates, and the actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, net
income, or cash flows.
The balance sheets and the statements of cash flows have been modified to combine Long-term Debt
Payable to Affiliate Trusts with Long-term Debt. Correspondingly, the statements of income were
modified to report Interest expense to affiliate trusts together with Interest expense, net of
amounts capitalized. The balance sheets were also modified to show a separate line item for
Prepaid Income Taxes, the amount of which was included in Prepaid Expenses in the previous
years presentation. Due to immateriality, the statements of cash flows were also modified by
combining Deferred expenses-affiliates with Other, net within the operating activities section.
Affiliate Transactions
The Company has an agreement with SCS under which the following services are rendered to the
Company at direct or allocated cost: general and design engineering, purchasing, accounting and
statistical analysis, finance and treasury, tax, information resources, marketing, auditing,
insurance and pension administration, human resources, systems and procedures, and other services
with respect to business and operations and power pool operations. Costs for these services
amounted to $442 million in 2007, $386 million in 2006, and $348 million in 2005. Cost allocation
methodologies used by SCS were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the
repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, and management believes they
are reasonable. The FERC permits services to be rendered at cost by system service companies.
The Company has an agreement with Southern Nuclear under which the following nuclear-related
services are rendered to the Company at cost: general executive and advisory services, general
operations, management and technical services, administrative services including procurement,
accounting, employee relations, systems and procedures services, strategic planning and budgeting
services, and other services with respect to business and operations. Costs for these services
amounted to $380 million in 2007, $348 million in 2006, and $328 million in 2005.
II-192
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company had an agreement with Southern Power under which the Company operated and maintained
Southern Powers Plants Dahlberg, Franklin, and Wansley at cost. On August 1, 2007, that agreement
was terminated and replaced with a service agreement under which the Company provides to Southern
Power labor and other specifically requested services. Billings under these agreements with
Southern Power amounted to $6.8 million in 2007, $5.4 million in 2006, and $5.2 million in 2005.
The Company has an agreement with SouthernLINC Wireless under which the Company receives digital
wireless communications services and purchases digital equipment. Costs for these services
amounted to $7.0 million in 2007, $7.1 million in 2006, and $7.7 million in 2005.
Southern Companys 30% ownership interest in Alabama Fuel Products, LLC (AFP), which produced
synthetic fuel, was terminated July 1, 2006. The Company had an agreement with an indirect
subsidiary of Southern Company that provided services for AFP. Under this agreement, the Company
provided certain accounting functions, including processing and paying fuel transportation
invoices, and the Company was reimbursed for its expenses. Amounts billed under this agreement
totaled approximately $85 million in 2007, $76 million in 2006, and $61 million in 2005. In
addition, the Company purchased synthetic fuel from AFP for use at Plant Branch. Synthetic fuel
purchases totaled $179 million, $195 million, and $216 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005,
respectively. The synthetic fuel purchases and related party transactions were terminated as of
December 31, 2007.
The Company has entered into several power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Southern Power for
capacity and energy. Expenses associated with these PPAs were $440 million, $407 million, and $469
million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Additionally, the Company had $26 million and $28
million of prepaid capacity expenses included in deferred charges and other assets in the balance
sheets at December 31, 2007, and 2006, respectively. See Note 7 under Purchased Power
Commitments for additional information.
The Company has an agreement with Gulf Power under which Gulf Power jointly owns a portion of Plant
Scherer. Under this agreement, the Company operates Plant Scherer, and Gulf Power reimburses the
Company for its proportionate share of the related expenses which were $5.1 million in 2007, $8.0
million in 2006, and $4.3 million in 2005. See Note 4 for additional information.
In 2007, the Company sold equipment at cost to Gulf Power for $4.0 million.
The Company provides incidental services to other Southern Company subsidiaries which are generally
minor in duration and amount. However, with the hurricane damage experienced by Alabama Power,
Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power in 2005, assistance provided to aid in storm restoration,
including company labor, contract labor, and materials, caused an increase in these activities.
The total amount of storm assistance provided to Alabama Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power
in 2005 was $4.3 million, $5.0 million, and $55.2 million, respectively. These activities were
billed at cost. The Company provided no significant storm assistance to an affiliate in 2007 and
2006.
Also see Note 4 for information regarding the Companys ownership in and PPA with Southern Electric
Generating Company (SEGCO) and Note 5 for information on certain deferred tax liabilities due to
affiliates.
The traditional operating companies, including the Company, and Southern Power may jointly enter
into various types of wholesale energy, natural gas, and certain other contracts, either directly
or through SCS as agent. Each participating company may be jointly and severally liable for the
obligations incurred under these agreements. See Note 7 under Fuel Commitments for additional
information.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The Company is subject to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement
No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71). Regulatory
assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that are expected to be
recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. Regulatory liabilities represent probable
future reductions in revenues associated with amounts that are expected to be credited to customers
through the ratemaking process.
II-193
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Regulatory assets and (liabilities) reflected in the Companys balance sheets at December 31 relate
to the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Note |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Deferred income tax charges |
|
$ |
533 |
|
|
$ |
511 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Loss on reacquired debt |
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
(b |
) |
Vacation pay |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
(c |
) |
Corporate building lease |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Generating plant outage costs |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(e |
) |
Underfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
|
|
(f |
) |
Fuel-hedging assets |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
(g |
) |
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
(415 |
) |
|
|
(436 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Deferred income tax credits |
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
(a |
) |
Overfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
(540 |
) |
|
|
(218 |
) |
|
|
(f |
) |
Fuel-hedging liabilities |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(g |
) |
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
105 |
|
|
$ |
458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
The recovery and amortization periods for these regulatory assets and
(liabilities) are as follows: |
|
(a) |
|
Asset retirement and removal liabilities are recorded, deferred income tax assets are
recovered, and deferred tax liabilities are amortized over the related property lives, which may
range up to 60 years. Asset retirement and removal liabilities will be settled and trued up
following completion of the related activities. |
|
(b) |
|
Recovered over either the remaining life of the original issue or, if refinanced, over the life
of the new issue which may range up to 50 years. |
|
(c) |
|
Recorded as earned by employees and recovered as paid, generally within one year. |
|
(d) |
|
Recorded and recovered or amortized as approved by the Georgia PSC. |
|
(e) |
|
See Property, Plant, and Equipment herein. |
|
(f) |
|
Recovered and amortized over the average remaining service period which may range up to 16
years. See Note 2 under Retirement Benefits. |
|
(g) |
|
Fuel-hedging assets and liabilities are recorded over the life of the underlying hedged
purchase contracts, which generally do not exceed 42 months. Upon final settlement, costs are
recovered through the fuel cost recovery clause. |
In the event that a portion of the Companys operations is no longer subject to the provisions of
SFAS No. 71, the Company would be required to write off related regulatory assets and liabilities
that are not specifically recoverable through regulated rates. In addition, the Company would be
required to determine if any impairment to other assets, including plant, exists and write down the
assets, if impaired, to their fair value. All regulatory assets and liabilities are reflected in
rates.
Revenues
Energy and other revenues are recognized as services are provided. Unbilled revenues are accrued
at the end of each fiscal period. Electric rates for the Company include provisions to adjust
billings for fluctuations in fuel costs and the energy component of purchased power costs, and
certain other costs. Revenues are adjusted for differences between the actual recoverable costs
and amounts billed in current regulated rates.
Retail fuel cost recovery rates require periodic filings with the Georgia PSC. The Company is
required to file its next fuel case by March 1, 2008. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters
Fuel Cost Recovery.
II-194
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company has a diversified base of customers. No single customer or industry comprises 10% or
more of revenues. For all periods presented, uncollectible accounts averaged less than 1% of
revenues.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as the fuel is used. Fuel expense includes the cost of purchased emission
allowances as they are used. Fuel expense also includes the amortization of the cost of nuclear
fuel and a charge, based on nuclear generation, for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel.
Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs
The Company has contracts with the United States, acting through the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE), that provide for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE failed to begin
disposing of spent nuclear fuel in 1998 as required by the contracts, and the Company is pursuing
legal remedies against the government for breach of contract.
On July 9, 2007, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims awarded the Company $30 million, based on its
ownership interests, representing all of the direct costs of the expansion of spent nuclear fuel
storage facilities from 1998 through 2004. On July 24, 2007, the government filed a motion for
reconsideration, which was denied on November 1, 2007. The government filed an appeal on
January 2, 2008. No amounts have been recognized in the financial statements as of December 31,
2007. The final outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time, but no material
impact on net income is expected as any award received is expected to be returned to customers.
Sufficient pool storage capacity for spent fuel is available at Plant Vogtle to maintain full-core
discharge capability for both units into 2014. Construction of an on-site dry storage facility at
Plant Vogtle is expected to begin in sufficient time to maintain pool full-core discharge
capability. At Plant Hatch, an on-site dry storage facility is operational and can be expanded to
accommodate spent fuel through the expected life of the plant.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost, less regulatory disallowances and
impairments. Original cost includes: materials; labor; minor items of property; appropriate
administrative and general costs; payroll- related costs such as taxes, pensions, and other
benefits; and the interest capitalized and/or cost of funds used during construction.
The Companys property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Generation |
|
$ |
10,180 |
|
|
$ |
10,064 |
|
Transmission |
|
|
3,593 |
|
|
|
3,331 |
|
Distribution |
|
|
6,985 |
|
|
|
6,652 |
|
General |
|
|
1,225 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
Plant acquisition adjustment |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
Total plant in service |
|
$ |
22,011 |
|
|
$ |
21,280 |
|
|
The cost of replacements of property, exclusive of minor items of property, is capitalized. The
cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense as incurred or performed with the exception of certain generating plant maintenance costs.
As mandated by a Georgia PSC order, the Company defers and amortizes nuclear refueling costs over
the units operating cycle before the next refueling. The refueling cycles are 18 and 24 months
for Plants Vogtle and Hatch,
II-195
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
respectively. Also, in accordance with the Georgia PSC order, the Company defers the costs of
certain significant inspection costs for the combustion turbines at Plant McIntosh and amortizes
such costs over 10 years, which approximates the expected maintenance cycle.
Income and Other Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provides deferred
income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences. Investment tax credits utilized
are deferred and amortized to income over the average life of the related property. Taxes that are
collected from customers on behalf of governmental agencies to be remitted to these agencies are
presented net on the statements of income. In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), the Company recognizes tax positions that
are more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing
authorities. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits for additional information on the effect
of adopting FIN 48.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of the original cost of utility plant in service is provided primarily by using
composite straight-line rates, which approximated 2.6% in each of 2007, 2006, and 2005.
Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update the composite rates that are approved by
the Georgia PSC. Effective January 1, 2008, the Companys depreciation rates were revised by the
Georgia PSC.
When property subject to depreciation is retired or otherwise disposed of in the normal course of
business, its original cost, together with the cost of removal, less salvage, is charged to
accumulated depreciation. Minor items of property included in the original cost of the plant are
retired when the related property unit is retired.
Under the Companys retail rate plan for the three years ended December 31, 2007 (2004 Retail Rate
Plan), the Company was ordered to recognize Georgia PSCcertified capacity costs in rates evenly
over the three years covered by the 2004 Retail Rate Plan. The Company recorded credits to
amortization of $19 million and $14 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and an increase to
amortization of $33 million in 2005. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Rate Plans
for additional information.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal
Asset retirement obligations are computed as the present value of the ultimate costs for an assets
future retirement and are recorded in the period in which the liability is incurred. The costs are
capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the assets useful life.
The Company has received accounting guidance from the Georgia PSC allowing the continued accrual of
other future retirement costs for long-lived assets that the Company does not have a legal
obligation to retire. Accordingly, the accumulated removal costs for these obligations will
continue to be reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability.
The liability recognized to retire long-lived assets primarily relates to the Companys nuclear
facilities, which include the Companys ownership interests in Plants Hatch and Vogtle. The fair
value of assets legally restricted for settling retirement obligations related to nuclear
facilities as of December 31, 2007 was $589 million. In addition, the Company has retirement
obligations related to various landfill sites, ash ponds, underground storage tanks, and asbestos
removal. The Company also has identified retirement obligations related to certain transmission
and distribution facilities, leasehold improvements, equipment on customer property, and property
associated with the Companys rail lines. However, liabilities for the removal of these assets
have not been recorded because the range of time over which the Company may settle these
obligations is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company will continue to recognize
in the statements of income the allowed removal costs in accordance with its regulatory treatment.
Any difference between costs recognized under FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations (SFAS No. 143) and FASB Interpretation No. 47, Conditional Asset
Retirement Obligations and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a regulatory asset or
liability in the balance sheets as ordered by the Georgia PSC. See Nuclear Decommissioning
herein for further information on amounts included in rates.
II-196
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Details of the asset retirement obligations included in the balance sheets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance beginning of year |
|
$ |
627 |
|
|
$ |
635 |
|
Liabilities incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
Liabilities settled |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
Cash flow revisions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
Balance end of year |
|
$ |
664 |
|
|
$ |
627 |
|
|
Nuclear Decommissioning
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires licensees of commercial nuclear power reactors to
establish a plan for providing reasonable assurance of funds for future decommissioning. The
Company has external trust funds to comply with the NRCs regulations. Use of the funds is
restricted to nuclear decommissioning activities and the funds are managed and invested in
accordance with applicable requirements of various regulatory bodies, including the NRC, the FERC,
and the Georgia PSC, as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The trust funds are invested
in a tax-efficient manner in a diversified mix of equity and fixed income securities and are
classified as available-for-sale.
The trust funds are included in the balance sheets at fair value, as obtained from quoted market
prices for the same or similar investments. As the external trust funds are actively managed by
unrelated parties with limited direction from the Company, the Company does not have the ability to
choose to hold securities with unrealized losses until recovery. Through 2005, the Company
considered other-than-temporary impairments to be immaterial. However, since the January 1, 2006
effective date of FASB Staff Position FAS 115-1/124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary
Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (FSP No. 115-1), the Company considers all
unrealized losses to represent other-than-temporary impairments. The adoption of FSP No. 115-1 had
no impact on the results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition of the Company as all
losses have been and continue to be recorded through a regulatory liability, whether realized,
unrealized, or identified as other-than-temporary.
Details of the securities held in these trusts at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-Temporary |
|
|
2007 |
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
Impairments |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in millions) |
Equity |
|
$ |
125.5 |
|
|
$ |
(12.2 |
) |
|
$ |
402.4 |
|
Debt |
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
171.8 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.8 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
130.3 |
|
|
$ |
(14.0 |
) |
|
$ |
589.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-Temporary |
|
|
2006 |
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
Impairments |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Equity |
|
$ |
106.9 |
|
|
$ |
(5.0 |
) |
|
$ |
378.3 |
|
Debt |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
165.4 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
109.9 |
|
|
$ |
(5.7 |
) |
|
$ |
544.0 |
|
|
The contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2007 were as follows: $2.6 million in
2008, $38.5 million in 2009-2012, $41.1 million in 2013-2017, and $85.4 million thereafter.
Sales of the securities held in the trust funds resulted in cash proceeds of $441.4 million, $457.4
million, and $372.5 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, all of which were re-invested.
Realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment losses were $43.7 million and $39.1 million,
respectively, in 2007 and $17.8 million and $12.1 million, respectively, in 2006. Net realized
gains/(losses) were $12.6 million in 2005. Realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment
losses are determined on a specific
II-197
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
identification basis. In accordance with regulatory guidance,
all realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the regulatory liability for asset
retirement obligations in the balance sheets and are not included in net income or other
comprehensive income. Unrealized gains
and other-than-temporary impairment losses are considered non-cash transactions for purposes of the
statements of cash flows. Unrealized losses were not material in any period presented and did not
require the recognition of any impairment to the underlying investments.
Amounts previously recorded in internal reserves are being transferred into the external trust
funds over periods approved by the Georgia PSC. The NRCs minimum external funding requirements
are based on a generic estimate of the cost to decommission only the radioactive portions of a
nuclear unit based on the size and type of reactor. The Company has filed plans with the NRC
designed to ensure that, over time, the deposits and earnings of the external trust funds will
provide the minimum funding amounts prescribed by the NRC.
Site study cost is the estimate to decommission a specific facility as of the site study year. The
estimated costs of decommissioning are based on the most current study performed in 2006. The site
study costs and accumulated provisions for decommissioning as of December 31, 2007 based on the
Companys ownership interests were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Hatch |
|
Plant Vogtle |
|
Decommissioning periods: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning year |
|
|
2034 |
|
|
|
2027 |
|
Completion year |
|
|
2061 |
|
|
|
2051 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Site study costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Radiated structures |
|
$ |
544 |
|
|
$ |
507 |
|
Non-radiated structures |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
Total site study costs |
|
$ |
590 |
|
|
$ |
574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated provision |
|
$ |
368 |
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
The decommissioning cost estimates are based on prompt dismantlement and removal of the plant from
service. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in the
assumed date of decommissioning, changes in NRC requirements, or changes in the assumptions used in
making these estimates.
For ratemaking purposes, the Companys decommissioning costs are based on the NRC generic estimate
to decommission the radioactive portion of the facilities. The Georgia PSC approved annual
decommissioning costs for ratemaking were $7 million annually for Plant Vogtle for 2005 through
2007. Under the 2007 Retail Rate Plan, the annual decommissioning cost for ratemaking will
decrease to $3 million for Plant Vogtle. Based on current estimates, the Company projects the
external trust funds for Plant Hatch will be adequate to meet the decommissioning obligations with
no further contributions. The NRC estimates are $450 million and $313 million for Plants Hatch and
Vogtle, respectively. Significant assumptions used to determine the costs for ratemaking include
an estimated inflation rate of 2.9% and an estimated trust earnings rate of 4.9%. Another
significant assumption was that the operating licenses for Plant Vogtle, would remain at 40 years
until a 20-year extension requested by the Company in June 2007 is authorized by the NRC. The
Company anticipates the NRC may make a decision regarding the license extension for Plant Vogtle as
early as 2009.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalized
In accordance with regulatory treatment, the Company records AFUDC, which represents the estimated
debt and equity costs of capital funds that are necessary to finance the construction of new
regulated facilities. While cash is not realized currently from such allowance, it increases the
revenue requirement over the service life of the plant through a higher rate base and higher
depreciation expense. The equity component of AFUDC is not included in calculating taxable income.
For the years 2007, 2006, and 2005, the average AFUDC rates were 8.4%, 8.3%, and 8.0%,
respectively, and AFUDC capitalized was $96.8 million, $44.1 million, and $41.1 million,
respectively. AFUDC and interest capitalized, net of taxes were 10.3%, 5.0%, and 4.9% of net
income after dividends on preferred and preference stock for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
II-198
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether an impairment has occurred is based on either a specific regulatory disallowance or an
estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared with the
carrying value of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment
recognized is determined by either the amount of regulatory disallowance or by estimating the fair
value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. For
assets identified as held for sale, the carrying value is compared to the estimated fair value less
the cost to sell in order to determine if an impairment loss is required. Until the assets are
disposed of, their estimated fair value is re-evaluated when circumstances or events change.
Storm Damage Reserve
The Company maintains a reserve for property damage to cover the cost of damages from major storms
to its transmission and distribution lines and the cost of uninsured damages to its generation
facilities and other property as mandated by the Georgia PSC. Under the 2004 Retail Rate Plan, the
Company accrued $6.6 million annually that was recoverable through base rates. Starting January 1,
2008, the Company will accrue $21.4 million annually under the 2007 Retail Rate Plan. The Company
expects the Georgia PSC to periodically review and adjust, if necessary, the amounts collected in
rates for storm damage costs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the financial statements, temporary cash investments are considered cash
equivalents. Temporary cash investments are securities with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
Materials and Supplies
Generally, materials and supplies include the average costs of transmission, distribution, and
generating plant materials. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or
capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed.
Fuel Inventory
Fuel inventory includes the average costs of oil, coal, natural gas, and emission allowances. Fuel
is charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed as used and recovered by the Company
through fuel cost recovery rates approved by the Georgia PSC. Emission allowances granted by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are included in inventory at zero cost.
Stock Options
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for
options granted in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25; thus, no
compensation expense was recognized because the exercise price of all options granted equaled the
fair market value on the date of the grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB
Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)), using the modified prospective
method. Under that method, compensation cost for the years-ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was
recognized as the requisite service was rendered and included: (a) compensation cost for the
portion of share-based awards granted prior to and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006, for
which the requisite service had not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those
awards as calculated in accordance with the original provisions of FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based awards
granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Results for prior periods have not been restated.
The compensation cost and tax benefits related to the grant and exercise of Southern Company stock
options to the Companys employees are recognized in the Companys financial statements with a
corresponding credit to equity, representing a capital contribution from Southern Company.
II-199
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
For the Company, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) resulted in a reduction in earnings before income
taxes and net income of $6.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December
31, 2007, and $5.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Additionally, SFAS No. 123(R) requires the gross excess tax benefits from stock option exercises to
be reclassified as a financing cash flow as opposed to an operating cash flow; the reduction in
operating cash flows and the increase in financing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007
and December 31, 2006 was $4.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma
impact on net income of fair-value accounting for options granted was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Impact |
|
|
2005 |
|
As Reported |
|
After Tax |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
(in millions) |
Net income |
|
$ |
744 |
|
|
$ |
(3 |
) |
|
$ |
741 |
|
Because historical forfeitures have been insignificant and are expected to remain insignificant, no
forfeitures were assumed in the calculation of compensation expense; rather they are recognized
when they occur.
The estimated fair values of stock options granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were derived using the
Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility
of Southern Companys stock over a period equal to the expected term. The Company used historical
exercise data to estimate the expected term that represents the period of time that options granted
to employees are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury
yield curve in effect at the time of grant that covers the expected term of the stock options. The
following table shows the assumptions used in the pricing model and the weighted average grant-date
fair value of stock options granted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Weighted average grant-date fair value |
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
|
$ |
4.15 |
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, the prices of certain fuel purchases, and electricity purchases and sales. All derivative
financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair
value. Substantially all of the Companys bulk energy purchases and sales contracts that meet the
definition of a derivative are exempt from fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for
under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts qualify as cash flow hedges of anticipated
transactions or are recoverable through the Georgia PSC-approved fuel hedging program. This
results in the deferral of related gains and losses in other comprehensive income or regulatory
assets and liabilities, respectively, until the hedged transactions occur. Any ineffectiveness
arising from cash flow hedges is recognized currently in net income. Other derivative contracts
are marked to market through current period income and are recorded on a net basis in the
statements of income.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the event of counterparties
nonperformance. The Company has established controls to determine and monitor the creditworthiness
of counterparties in order to mitigate the Companys exposure to counterparty credit risk.
The Companys financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value at
December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
6,066 |
|
|
$ |
5,969 |
|
2006 |
|
$ |
5,440 |
|
|
$ |
5,376 |
|
The fair values were based on either closing market prices or closing prices of comparable
instruments.
II-200
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Comprehensive Income
The objective of comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity
of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than
transactions with owners. Comprehensive income consists of net
income, changes in the fair value of qualifying cash flow hedges and marketable securities, and
prior to the adoption of SFAS No.158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158) the minimum pension liability, less income taxes and
reclassifications for amounts included in net income.
Variable Interest Entities
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and
liabilities. The Company has established certain wholly-owned trusts to issue preferred
securities. However, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the trusts.
Therefore, the investments in these trusts are reflected as Other Investments, and the related
loans from the trusts are reflected as Long-term Debt in the balance sheets. See Note 6 under
Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts for additional information.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a defined benefit, trusteed pension plan covering substantially all employees. The
plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended (ERISA). No contributions to the plan are expected for the year ending December
31, 2008. The Company also provides certain defined benefit pension plans for a selected group of
management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under these non-qualified pension plans are
funded on a cash basis. In addition, the Company provides certain medical care and life insurance
benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit plans. The Company funds
related trusts to the extent required by the FERC. For the year ending December 31, 2008,
postretirement trust contributions are expected to total approximately $23.0 million.
The measurement date for plan assets and obligations is September 30 for each year presented.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 158, the Company will be required to change the measurement date for its
defined benefit postretirement plans from September 30 to December 31 beginning with the year
ending December 31, 2008.
II-201
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Pension Plans
The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was $2.0 billion in 2007 and $2.0
billion in 2006. Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and the fair value
of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
2,136 |
|
|
$ |
2,172 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(95 |
) |
Plan amendments |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(113 |
) |
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
2,178 |
|
|
|
2,136 |
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
2,710 |
|
|
|
2,493 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
306 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(95 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
3,073 |
|
|
|
2,710 |
|
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
895 |
|
|
|
574 |
|
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Prepaid pension asset, net |
|
$ |
897 |
|
|
$ |
576 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension
plans were $2.0 billion and $133 million, respectively. All plan assets are related to the
qualified pension plan.
Pension plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable requirements,
including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). The
Companys investment policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income
securities, real estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging
tools but may also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company
primarily minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages
other aspects of risk. The actual composition of the Companys pension plan assets as of the end
of the year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
II-202
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys pension plans consist of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Prepaid pension costs |
|
$ |
1,027 |
|
|
$ |
689 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
(540 |
) |
|
|
(218 |
) |
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(123 |
) |
|
|
(107 |
) |
|
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at
December 31, 2007 and 2006 related to the defined benefit pension plans that have not yet been
recognized in net periodic pension cost along with the estimated amortization of such amounts for
2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service Cost |
|
Net(Gain)/Loss |
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
40 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
(621 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
105 |
|
|
$ |
(581 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
45 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
103 |
|
|
$ |
(265 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Estimated amortization in net
periodic pension cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
The changes in the balances of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities related to the defined
benefit pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 are presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets |
|
Regulatory Liabilities |
|
|
(in millions) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
(218 |
) |
Net gain |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(311 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
(322 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
64 |
|
|
$ |
(540 |
) |
|
II-203
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Components of net periodic pension cost (income) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
51 |
|
|
$ |
53 |
|
|
$ |
47 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
|
(186 |
) |
Recognized net (gain) loss |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Net amortization |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
Net periodic pension cost (income) |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(14 |
) |
== |
Net periodic pension cost (income) is the sum of service cost, interest cost, and other costs
netted against the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined
by multiplying the expected rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan
assets. In determining the market-related value of plan assets, the Company has elected to amortize
changes in the market value of all plan assets over five years rather than recognize the changes
immediately. As a result, the accounting value of plan assets that is used to calculate the
expected return on plan assets differs from the current fair value of the plan assets.
Future benefit payments reflect expected future service and are estimated based on assumptions used
to measure the projected benefit obligation for the pension plans. At December 31, 2007, estimated
benefit payments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
110 |
|
2009 |
|
|
115 |
|
2010 |
|
|
119 |
|
2011 |
|
|
134 |
|
2012 |
|
|
142 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
$ |
682 |
|
|
II-204
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Other Postretirement Benefits
Changes during the year in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations (APBO) and in the
fair value of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
807 |
|
|
$ |
812 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
) |
Retiree drug subsidy |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
807 |
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
388 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
388 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
(371 |
) |
|
|
(419 |
) |
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
Accrued liability (recognized in the balance sheets) |
|
$ |
(340 |
) |
|
$ |
(399 |
) |
|
Other postretirement benefits plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all
applicable requirements, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys investment
policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income securities, real
estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging tools but may
also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company primarily
minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages other
aspects of risk. The actual composition of the Companys other postretirement benefit plan assets
as of the end of the year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
46 |
% |
|
|
44 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys other postretirement benefit
plans consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Other regulatory assets |
|
$ |
171 |
|
|
$ |
255 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
|
(399 |
) |
|
II-205
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006 related
to the other postretirement benefit plans that have not yet been recognized in net periodic
postretirement benefit cost along with the estimated amortization of such amounts for 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service |
|
Net |
|
Transition |
|
|
Cost |
|
(Gain)/Loss |
|
Obligation |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
22 |
|
|
$ |
94 |
|
|
$ |
55 |
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
166 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
|
|
|
Estimated amortization
in net periodic
postretirement
benefit cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
The change in the balance of regulatory assets related to the other postretirement benefit plans
for the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets |
|
|
(in millions) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
254 |
|
Net gain |
|
|
(64 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
Amortization of transition obligation |
|
|
(9 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
(83 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
171 |
|
|
Components of the other postretirement benefit plans net periodic cost were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
Net amortization |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
$ |
52 |
|
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Act) provides
a 28% prescription drug subsidy for Medicare eligible retirees. The effect of the subsidy reduced
the Companys expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 by approximately $14
million, $16 million, and $11 million, respectively.
II-206
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Future benefit payments, including prescription drug benefits, reflect expected future service and
are estimated based on assumptions used to measure the APBO for the postretirement plans.
Estimated benefit payments are reduced by drug subsidy receipts expected as a result of the
Medicare Act as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
Subsidy Receipts |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
$ |
(3 |
) |
|
$ |
40 |
|
2009 |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
42 |
|
2010 |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
47 |
|
2011 |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
50 |
|
2012 |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
53 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
$ |
331 |
|
|
$ |
(37 |
) |
|
$ |
294 |
|
|
Actuarial Assumptions
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations used to determine both the benefit
obligations as of the measurement date and the net periodic costs for the pension and other
postretirement benefit plans for the following year are presented below. Net periodic benefit
costs were calculated in 2004 for the 2005 plan year using a discount rate of 5.75%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Discount |
|
|
6.30 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Annual salary increase |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.50 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
Long-term return on plan assets |
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
The Company determined the long-term rate of return based on historical asset class returns and
current market conditions, taking into account the diversification benefits of investing in
multiple asset classes.
An additional assumption used in measuring the APBO was a weighted average medical care cost trend
rate of 9.75% for 2008, decreasing gradually to 5.25% through the year 2015, and remaining at that
level thereafter. An annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost trend rate of 1%
would affect the APBO and the service and interest cost components at December 31, 2007 as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Percent |
|
1 Percent |
|
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
|
|
(in millions) |
Benefit obligation |
|
$ |
62 |
|
|
$ |
53 |
|
Service and interest costs |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
Employee Savings Plan
The Company also sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees.
The Company provides an 85% matching contribution up to 6% of an employees base salary. Prior to
November 2006, the Company matched employee contributions at a rate of 75% up to 6% of the
employees base salary. Total matching contributions made to the plan for 2007, 2006, and 2005
were $24 million, $21 million, and $20 million, respectively.
3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
General Litigation Matters
The Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In addition, the Companys business activities are subject to extensive governmental
regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and
claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and
citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality
standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury
claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become
II-207
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company
cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported
herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current
proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements.
Environmental Matters
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the EPA brought a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, including Alabama Power and the
Company, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of
the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired generating facilities, including the
Companys Plants Bowen and Scherer. Through subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the
EPA filed a separate action in January 2001 against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for
the Northern District of Alabama after Alabama Power was dismissed from the original action. In
these lawsuits, the EPA alleged that NSR violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating
facilities operated by Alabama Power and the Company. The civil actions request penalties and
injunctive relief, including an order requiring the installation of the best available control
technology at the affected units. The action against the Company has been administratively closed
since the spring of 2001, and the case has not been reopened.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to the remaining four plants.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case.
The Company believes it has complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and
interpretations in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act
authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating
unit, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in either of these cases
could require substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital
expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of
substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows,
and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of the Companys service territory,
and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York against Southern Company, including the Company, and four other
electric power companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in
the same court. The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a
greenhouse gas, contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance.
Under common law public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1)
holding each defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or
maintaining global warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon
dioxide and then reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade.
Plaintiffs have not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims.
The Company believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory
or regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005 and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
II-208
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Environmental Remediation
Through 2007, the Company recovered environmental costs through its base rates. Beginning in 2005,
such rates included an annual accrual of $5.4 million for environmental remediation. Beginning in
January 2008, the Company is recovering environmental remediation costs through a new tariff (see
Rate Plans herein) that includes an annual accrual of $1.2 million for environmental remediation.
Environmental remediation expenditures will be charged against the reserve as they are incurred.
The annual accrual amount will be reviewed and adjusted in future regulatory proceedings. Under
Georgia PSC ratemaking provisions, $22 million had previously been deferred in a regulatory
liability account for use in meeting future environmental remediation costs of the Company and was
amortized over a three-year period that ended December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, the
balance of the environmental remediation liability was $13.5 million.
The Company has been designated as a potentially responsible party at sites governed by the Georgia
Hazardous Site Response Act and/or by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), including a large site in Brunswick, Georgia on the
CERCLA National Priorities List (NPL). The parties have completed the removal of wastes from the
Brunswick site as ordered by the EPA. Additional claims for recovery of natural resource damages
at this site or for the assessment and potential cleanup of other sites on the Georgia Hazardous
Sites Inventory and the CERCLA NPL are anticipated.
The final outcome of these matters cannot now be determined. However, based on the currently known
conditions at these sites and nature and extent of activities relating to these sites, management
does not believe that additional liabilities, if any, at these sites would be material to the
Companys financial statements.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates
and could also result in refunds of up to $5.8 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC), as
approved by the FERC. In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the
provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies (including the Company), Southern
Power, and SCS, as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated,
(2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to
utility companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of
conduct defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just
and reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern
Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of
conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on
II-209
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a compliance plan
in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain modifications,
the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected to have a
material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern Company
notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits subsequently
began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is ongoing.
Generation Interconnection Agreements
In November 2004, generator company subsidiaries of Tenaska, Inc. (Tenaska), as counterparties to
three previously executed interconnection agreements with subsidiaries of Southern Company,
including the Company, filed complaints at the FERC requesting that the FERC modify the agreements
and that the Company refund a total of $7.9 million previously paid for interconnection facilities.
No other similar complaints are pending with the FERC.
On January 19, 2007, the FERC issued an order granting Tenaskas requested relief. Although the
FERCs order required the modification of Tenaskas interconnection agreements, under the
provisions of the order the Company determined that no refund was payable to Tenaska. Southern
Company requested rehearing asserting that the FERC retroactively applied a new principle to
existing interconnection agreements. Tenaska requested rehearing of FERCs methodology for
determining the amount of refunds. The requested rehearings were denied and Southern Company and
Tenaska have appealed the orders to the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. The final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined.
Right of Way Litigation
In late 2001, certain subsidiaries of Southern Company, including Alabama Power, the Company, Gulf
Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Telecom, Inc. (a subsidiary of SouthernLINC Wireless), were
named as defendants in a lawsuit brought by a telecommunications company that uses certain of the
defendants rights of way. This lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the defendants are
contractually obligated to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the telecommunications company from
any liability that may be assessed against it in pending and future right of way litigation. The
Company believes that the plaintiffs claims are without merit. In the fall of 2004, the trial
court stayed the case until resolution of the underlying landowner litigation discussed above. In
January 2005, the Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed the telecommunications companys appeal of the
trial courts order for lack of jurisdiction. An adverse outcome in this matter, combined with an
adverse outcome against the telecommunications company could result in substantial judgments;
however, the final outcome cannot now be determined.
Income Tax Matters
The Companys 2005 through 2007 income tax filings for the State of Georgia included state income
tax credits for increased activity through Georgia ports. The Company has also filed similar
claims for the years 2002 through 2004. The Georgia Department of Revenue has not responded to
these claims. On July 24, 2007, the Company filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Fulton
County to recover the credits claimed for the years 2002 through 2004. If the Company prevails,
these claims could have a significant, and possibly material, positive effect on the Companys net
income. If the Company is not successful, payment of the related state tax could have a
significant, and possibly material, negative effect on the Companys cash flow. The ultimate
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits for
additional information.
Property Tax Matters
The Monroe County Board of Tax Assessors (Monroe Board) had issued assessments reflecting
substantial increases in the ad valorem tax valuation of the Companys 22.95% ownership interest in
Plant Scherer, which is located in Monroe County, Georgia (Monroe County) for tax years 2003
through 2007.
In November 2004, the Company filed suit against the Monroe Board in the Superior Court of Monroe
County. The Company requested injunctive relief prohibiting Monroe County and the Monroe Board
from unlawfully changing the value of Plant Scherer and ultimately collecting additional ad valorem
taxes from the Company. In December 2005, the court granted Monroe Countys motion for summary
judgment. The Company filed an appeal of the Superior Courts decision to the Georgia Supreme
Court.
On March 30, 2007, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and ruled that the Monroe
Board had exceeded its legal authority and remanded the case for entry of an injunction prohibiting
the Monroe Board from collecting taxes based on its
II-210
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
independent valuation of Plant Scherer. On July 16, 2007, the Georgia Supreme Court agreed to hear
the Monroe Boards requested review of this decision. On January 9, 2008, the Georgia Supreme
Court upheld the appeals court decision. This litigation is now concluded.
Retail Regulatory Matters
Merger
Effective July 1, 2006, Savannah Electric, which was also a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern
Company, was merged into the Company. The Company has accounted for the merger in a manner similar
to a pooling of interests, and the Companys financial statements included herein now reflect the
merger as though it had occurred on January 1, 2004.
Rate Plans
In December 2004, the Georgia PSC approved the 2004 Retail Rate Plan for the Company. Under the
terms of the 2004 Retail Rate Plan, the Companys earnings were evaluated against a retail return
on equity (ROE) range of 10.25% to 12.25%. Two-thirds of any earnings above 12.25% were applied to
rate refunds, with the remaining one-third retained by the Company. Retail rates and customer fees
increased by approximately $203 million effective January 1, 2005 to cover the higher costs of
purchased power, operating and maintenance expenses, environmental compliance, and continued
investment in new generation, transmission, and distribution facilities to support growth and
ensure reliability. In 2007, the Company refunded 2005 earnings above 12.25% retail ROE. There
were no refunds related to earnings for the years 2006 and 2007.
In December 2007, the Georgia PSC approved the 2007 Retail Rate Plan for the years 2008 through
2010. Retail base rates increased by approximately $99.7 million effective January 1, 2008 to
provide for cost recovery of transmission, distribution, generation, and other investment, as well
as increased operating costs. In addition, the new environmental compliance cost recovery (ECCR)
tariff was implemented to recover costs incurred for environmental projects required by state and
federal regulations. The ECCR tariff increased rates by approximately $222 million effective
January 1, 2008. Under the 2007 Retail Rate Plan, the Companys earnings will continue to be
evaluated against a retail ROE range of 10.25% to 12.25%. Two thirds of any earnings above 12.25%
will be applied to rate refunds with the remaining one-third applied to the ECCR tariff. The
Company agreed that it will not file for a general base rate increase during this period unless its
projected retail ROE falls below 10.25%.
The Company is required to file a general rate case by July 1, 2010, in response to which the
Georgia PSC would be expected to determine whether the 2007 Retail Rate Plan should be continued,
modified, or discontinued.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company has established fuel cost recovery rates approved by the Georgia PSC. In May 2005, the
Georgia PSC approved the Companys request to increase customer fuel rates by approximately 9.5% to
recover under recovered fuel costs of approximately $508 million existing as of May 31, 2005 over a
four-year period that began June 1, 2005.
In November 2005, the Georgia PSC voted to approve Savannah Electrics request to increase customer
rates to recover estimated under recovered fuel costs of approximately $71.8 million as of November
30, 2005 over an estimated four-year period beginning December 1, 2005, as well as future projected
fuel costs.
In March 2006, the Company and Savannah Electric filed a combined request for fuel cost recovery
rate changes with the Georgia PSC to be effective July 1, 2006, concurrent with the merger of the
companies. In June 2006, the Georgia PSC ruled on the request and approved an increase in the
Companys total annual fuel billings of approximately $400 million. The Georgia PSC order provided
for a combined ongoing fuel forecast but reduced the requested increase related to such forecast by
$200 million. The Georgia PSC also set a merger transition adjustment (MTA) applicable to
customers in the former Savannah Electric service territory so that the fuel rate that became
effective on July 1, 2006 plus the MTA equaled the applicable fuel rate paid by such customers as
of June 30, 2006. Amounts collected under the MTA were being credited to customers in the original
Georgia Power service territory through a merger transition credit through December 31, 2007. The
order also required the Company to file for a new fuel cost recovery rate on a semi-annual basis,
beginning in September 2006. Accordingly, on September 15, 2006, the Company filed a request to
recover fuel costs incurred through August 2006 by increasing the fuel cost recovery rate. On
November 13, 2006, under agreement with the Georgia PSC staff, the Company filed a supplementary
request reflecting a forecast of annual fuel costs, as well as updated information for previously
incurred fuel costs.
II-211
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
On February 6, 2007, the Georgia PSC approved an increase in the Companys total annual billings of
approximately $383 million effective March 1, 2007. The Georgia PSC order reduced the Companys
requested increase in the forecast of annual fuel costs by $40 million and disallowed $4 million of
previously incurred fuel costs. Estimated under recovered fuel costs through February 2007 are
being recovered through May 2009 for customers in the original Georgia Power territory and through
November 2009 for customers in the former Savannah Electric territory. On December 31, 2006, the
Company had an under recovered fuel balance of approximately $898 million, of which approximately
$544 million was included in deferred charges and other assets in the balance sheets. As of
December 31, 2007, the Company had an under recovered fuel balance of approximately $692 million,
of which approximately $307 million is included in deferred charges and other assets in the balance
sheets. The order also requires the Company to file for a new fuel cost recovery rate no later
than March 1, 2008.
Fuel Hedging Program
The Georgia PSC has approved a natural gas, oil procurement, and hedging program that allows the
Company to use financial instruments to hedge price and commodity risk associated with these fuels,
subject to certain limits in terms of time, volume, dollars, and physical amounts hedged. The
costs of the program, including any net losses, are recovered as a fuel cost through the fuel cost
recovery clause. Annual net financial gains from the hedging program, through June 30, 2006, were
shared with the retail customers receiving 75% and the Company retaining 25% of the total net
gains. Effective July 1, 2006, the profit sharing framework related to the fuel hedging program
was terminated. In 2005, the Company had a total net gain of $74.6 million, of which the Company
retained $18.6 million. The Company realized net losses in 2006 and 2007 of $66 million and $68
million, respectively.
Nuclear Project Cost Deferral
In June 2006, the Georgia PSC approved the Companys request to defer for future recovery the early
site permit and combined construction and operating license costs, of which the Companys portion
is estimated to total approximately $51 million. At December 31, 2007, approximately $28.4 million
is included in deferred charges and other assets. At this point, no final decision has been made
regarding actual construction. Any new generation resource must be certified by the Georgia PSC in
a separate proceeding.
4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
The Company and Alabama Power own equally all of the outstanding capital stock of SEGCO which owns
electric generating units with a total rated capacity of 1,020 megawatts, as well as associated
transmission facilities. The capacity of the units has been sold equally to the Company and
Alabama Power under a contract which, in substance, requires payments sufficient to provide for the
operating expenses, taxes, debt service, and return on investment, whether or not SEGCO has any
capacity and energy available. The term of the contract extends automatically for two-year
periods, subject to either partys right to cancel upon two years notice.
The Companys share of expenses included in purchased power from affiliates in the statements of
income is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Energy |
|
$ |
66 |
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
$ |
54 |
|
Capacity |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
108 |
|
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
92 |
|
|
The Company owns undivided interests in Plants Vogtle, Hatch, Scherer, and Wansley in varying
amounts jointly with Oglethorpe Power Corporation (OPC), the Municipal Electric Authority of
Georgia (MEAG), the city of Dalton, Georgia, Florida Power & Light Company, Jacksonville Electric
Authority, and Gulf Power. Under these agreements, the Company has contracted to operate and
maintain the plants as agent for the co-owners and is jointly and severally liable for third party
claims related to these plants. In addition, the Company jointly owns the Rocky Mountain pumped
storage hydroelectric plant with OPC who is the operator of the plant. The Company and Progress
Energy Florida, Inc. jointly own a combustion turbine unit (Intercession City) operated by Progress
Energy Florida, Inc.
II-212
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007 the Companys percentage ownership and investment (exclusive of nuclear fuel)
in jointly owned facilities in commercial operation were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
Facility (Type) |
|
Ownership |
|
Investment |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
(in millions) |
Plant Vogtle (nuclear) |
|
|
45.7 |
% |
|
$ |
3,288 |
|
|
$ |
1,900 |
|
Plant Hatch (nuclear) |
|
|
50.1 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
509 |
|
Plant Wansley (coal) |
|
|
53.5 |
|
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
Plant Scherer (coal) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
Unit 3 |
|
|
75.0 |
|
|
|
566 |
|
|
|
309 |
|
Rocky Mountain (pumped storage) |
|
|
25.4 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
Intercession City (combustion-turbine) |
|
|
33.3 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the portion of total construction work in progress related to Plants Wansley,
Scherer, and Rocky Mountain was $170.3 million, $66.5 million, and $4.0 million, respectively,
primarily for environmental projects.
The Companys proportionate share of its plant operating expenses is included in the corresponding
operating expenses in the statements of income.
5. INCOME TAXES
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined income tax returns for
the States of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Under a joint consolidated income tax allocation
agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on a stand-alone basis
and no subsidiary is allocated more expense than would be paid if they filed a separate income tax
return. In accordance with IRS regulations, each company is jointly and severally liable for the
tax liability.
Current and Deferred Income Taxes
The transfer of the Plant McIntosh construction project from Southern Power to the Company in 2005
resulted in a deferred gain to Southern Power for federal income tax purposes. The Company is
reimbursing Southern Power for the remaining balance of the related deferred taxes of $4.6 million
as it is reflected in Southern Powers future taxable income. $4.1 million of this payable to
Southern Power is included in Other Deferred Credits and $0.5 million is included in Affiliated
Accounts Payable in the balance sheets at December 31, 2007.
The transfer of the Dahlberg, Wansley, and Franklin projects to Southern Power from the Company in
2001 and 2002 also resulted in a deferred gain for federal income tax purposes. Southern Power is
reimbursing the Company for the remaining balance of the related deferred taxes of $9.5 million as
it is reflected in the Companys future taxable income. $7.7 million of this receivable from
Southern Power is included in Other Deferred Debits and $1.8 million is included in Affiliated
Accounts Receivable in the balance sheets at December 31, 2007.
II-213
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Details of income tax provisions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Federal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
$ |
442 |
|
|
$ |
393 |
|
|
$ |
166 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
(72 |
) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
|
|
370 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
392 |
|
|
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
418 |
|
|
$ |
442 |
|
|
$ |
448 |
|
|
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation |
|
$ |
2,376 |
|
|
$ |
2,303 |
|
Property basis differences |
|
|
568 |
|
|
|
568 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
374 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
Fuel clause under recovery |
|
|
281 |
|
|
|
365 |
|
Premium on reacquired debt |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
Other |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,103 |
|
|
|
4,021 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal effect of state deferred taxes |
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
Other property basis differences |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
Other deferred costs |
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Regulatory liabilities associated with employee benefit
obligations |
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
Unbilled fuel revenue |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
Other |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,184 |
|
|
|
1,021 |
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities, net |
|
|
2,919 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
Portion included in current liabilities, net |
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(185 |
) |
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes in the balance sheets |
|
$ |
2,850 |
|
|
$ |
2,815 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, tax-related regulatory assets were $533 million and tax-related regulatory
liabilities were $147 million. The assets are attributable to tax benefits flowed through to
customers in prior years and to taxes applicable to capitalized interest. The liabilities are
attributable to deferred taxes previously recognized at rates higher than current enacted tax law
and to unamortized investment tax credits.
II-214
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In accordance with regulatory requirements, deferred investment tax credits are amortized over the
life of the related property with such amortization normally applied as a credit to reduce
depreciation in the statements of income. Credits amortized in this manner amounted to $13.0
million annually in 2007, 2006, and 2005. At December 31, 2007, all investment tax credits
available to reduce federal income taxes payable had been utilized.
Effective Tax Rate
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Federal statutory rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal deduction |
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Non-deductible book depreciation |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
AFUDC Equity |
|
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
Donations |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
33.2 |
% |
|
|
35.8 |
% |
|
|
37.5 |
% |
|
The decrease in 2007s effective tax rate is the result of the tax benefits associated with
donations and an increase in state tax credits and the federal manufacturers tax deduction.
In 2007, the Company donated 2,200 acres of land in the Tallulah Gorge State Park to the State of
Georgia. The estimated value of this donation along with an increase in non-taxable AFUDC equity
and available state tax credits as well as higher federal tax deductions caused a lower effective
income tax rate for the year ended 2007, when compared to prior years. For additional information
regarding litigation related to state tax credits, see Note 3 under Income Tax Matters.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for the portion of income
attributable to United States production activities as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 199
(production activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of the taxpayers
qualified production activities income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through
2010 with a 3% rate applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007
through 2009, and a 9% rate applicable for all years after 2009. This increase from 3% in 2006 to
6% was one of several factors that increased the Companys 2007 deduction by $18.6 million in tax
deductions. The resulting tax benefit was $6.5 million.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48 which requires companies to determine whether it is
more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate
taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It
also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax
uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties.
Prior to adoption of FIN 48, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits which were previously
accrued under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies of
approximately $62 million. Upon adoption of FIN 48, an additional $3 million of unrecognized tax
benefits were recorded, which resulted in a total balance of $65 million. The $3 million relates to
tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is
uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Of the total $65 million unrecognized tax
benefits, $62 million would impact the Companys effective tax rate if recognized. For 2007, the
total amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased by $24.2 million, resulting in a balance of
$89.2 million as of December 31, 2007.
II-215
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Changes during the year in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Unrecognized tax benefits as of adoption |
|
$ |
65.0 |
|
Tax positions from current periods |
|
|
20.5 |
|
Tax positions from prior periods |
|
|
3.7 |
|
Reductions due to settlements |
|
|
|
|
Reductions due to expired statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
89.2 |
|
|
Impact on the Companys effective tax rate, if recognized, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate |
|
$ |
86.1 |
|
Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate |
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
89.2 |
|
|
Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Interest accrued as of adoption |
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
Interest accrued during the year |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
7.1 |
|
|
The Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. Net interest accrued for
the year ended December 31, 2007 was $7.1 million. The Company did not accrue any penalties on
uncertain tax positions.
The IRS has audited and closed all tax returns prior to 2004. The audits for the state returns
have either been concluded, or the statute of limitations has expired, for years prior to 2002.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of
the Companys unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12
months. The possible settlement of the Georgia state tax credits litigation, production activities
deduction methodology, and/or the conclusion or settlement of federal or state audits could impact
the balances significantly. At this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes
cannot be determined. See Note 3 under Income Tax Matters herein for additional information.
6. FINANCING
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common
stock authorized. The Company has shares of its Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and
common stock outstanding. The Companys Class
A preferred stock ranks senior to the Companys preference stock and common stock with respect to
payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. The Companys preference stock ranks
senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary
dissolution. Certain series of the Class A preferred stock and preference stock are subject to
redemption at the option of the Company on or after a specified date (typically 5 or 10 years after
the date of issuance) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the liquidation amount of the stock.
In addition, the Company may redeem the outstanding series of the preference stock at a redemption
price equal to 100% of the liquidation amount plus a make-whole premium based on the present value
of the liquidation amount and future dividends.
II-216
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts
The Company has formed certain wholly owned trust subsidiaries for the purpose of issuing preferred
securities. The proceeds of the related equity investments and preferred security sales were
loaned back to the Company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes totaling $206 million,
which constitute substantially all of the assets of these trusts and are reflected in the balance
sheets as Long-term Debt. The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to
the preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and
unconditional guarantee by it of the respective trusts payment obligations with respect to these
securities. During 2007, the Company redeemed junior subordinated notes and the related trust
preferred securities issued by Georgia Power Capital Trusts V and VI. At December 31, 2007,
preferred securities of $200 million were outstanding. See Note 1 under Variable Interest
Entities for additional information on the accounting treatment for these trusts and the related
securities.
Securities Due Within One Year
A summary of the scheduled maturities and redemptions of securities due within one year at December
31 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Capital lease |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
Senior notes |
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
199 |
|
|
$ |
304 |
|
|
Redemptions and/or maturities through 2012 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $199
million in 2008; $279 million in 2009; $4 million in 2010; $115 million in 2011; and $288 million
in 2012.
Pollution Control Bonds
Pollution control obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds
derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control
facilities. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet
principal and interest requirements of such bonds. The Company has incurred obligations in
connection with the sale by public authorities of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bonds. The
amount of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bonds outstanding at December 31, 2007 was $1.9
billion. Proceeds from certain issuances are restricted until the
expenditures are incurred.
Senior Notes
The Company issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in 2007. The
proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the Companys short term indebtedness,
fund note maturities, redeem long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts, and fund the Companys
continuous construction program. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had $4.0 billion and
$2.8 billion of senior notes outstanding, respectively. These senior notes are effectively
subordinated to all secured debt of the Company, which aggregated $71 million at December 31, 2007.
Capital Leases
Assets acquired under capital leases are recorded in the balance sheets as utility plant in
service, and the related obligations are classified as long-term debt. At December 31, 2007 and
2006, the Company had a capitalized lease obligation for its corporate headquarters building of $69
million and $72 million, respectively, with an interest rate of 8.1%. For ratemaking purposes, the
Georgia PSC has treated the lease as an operating lease and has allowed only the lease payments in
cost of service. The difference between the accrued expense and the lease payments allowed for
ratemaking purposes has been deferred and is being amortized to expense as ordered by the Georgia
PSC. See Note 1 under Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the
Company had capitalized lease obligations of $1.9 million for its vehicles and $4.1 million for its
vehicles and the Plant Kraft coal unloading dock, respectively. However, for ratemaking purposes,
these obligations are treated as operating leases and, as such, lease payments are charged to
expense as incurred. The annual expense incurred for these leases in 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $9.2
million, $9.6 million, and $9.7 million, respectively. In March 2007, the Savannah Economic
Development Authority Taxable Industrial
II-217
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Revenue Bonds First Series 1996 were redeemed; therefore, as of December 31, 2007, the Company no
longer has a capital lease obligation for the Plant Kraft unloading dock.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At the beginning of 2008, the Company had credit arrangements with banks totaling $1.2 billion, of
which $8 million was used to support outstanding letters of credit. Of these facilities, $40
million expires during 2008, with the remaining $1.1 billion expiring in 2012. The facility that
expires in 2008 provides the option of converting borrowings into a two-year term loan. The
Company expects to renew its facilities, as needed, prior to expiration. The agreements contain
stated borrowing rates. All the agreements require payment of commitment fees based on the unused
portion of the commitments or the maintenance of compensating balances with the banks. Commitment
fees are less than 1/8 of 1% for the Company. Compensating balances are not legally restricted
from withdrawal.
The credit arrangements contain covenants that limit the level of indebtedness to capitalization to
65%, as defined in the arrangements. For purposes of these definitions, indebtedness excludes the
long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts and, in certain cases, other hybrid securities. In
addition, the credit arrangements contain cross default provisions that would trigger an event of
default if the Company defaulted on other indebtedness above a specified threshold. At December
31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. None of the arrangements contain
material adverse change clauses at the time of borrowings.
The $1.2 billion of unused credit arrangements provides liquidity support to the Companys variable
rate pollution control bonds and its commercial paper borrowing. The amount of variable rate
pollution control bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of December 31, 2007 was $301
million. In addition, the Company borrows under a commercial paper program and an extendible
commercial note program. The amount of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2007, 2006,
and 2005 was $616 million, $733 million, and $327 million, respectively. There were no outstanding
extendible commercial notes at December 31, 2007. Commercial paper is included in notes payable on
the balance sheets.
During 2007, the peak amount of short-term debt outstanding was $1.1 billion and the average amount
outstanding was $638 million. The average annual interest rate on short-term debt in 2007 was
5.3%.
Financial Instruments
The Company enters into energy-related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and
other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate regulations, the Company has limited
exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity. See Note 3 under
Retail Regulatory Matters Fuel Hedging Program for information on the Companys fuel hedging
program. The Company also enters into hedges of forward electricity sales. There was no material
ineffectiveness related to energy related derivatives recorded in earnings in any period presented.
At December 31, 2007, the $0.4 million fair value of net losses of derivative energy contracts
were reflected in the financial statements as regulatory assets. The fair value gain or loss for
hedges that are recoverable through the regulatory fuel clauses are recorded in regulatory assets
and liabilities and are recognized in earnings at the same time the hedged items affect earnings.
The Company has energy-related hedges in place up to and including 2010. The Company enters into
derivatives to hedge exposure to interest rate changes. Derivatives related to variable rate
securities or forecasted transactions are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The derivatives
employed as hedging instruments are structured to minimize ineffectiveness. As such, no material
ineffectiveness has been recorded in earnings for any period presented.
II-218
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007, the Company had $539 million notional amounts of interest derivatives
accounted for as cash flow hedges outstanding with net fair value gains/(losses) as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
Notional |
|
Variable Rate |
|
Weighted Average |
|
Hedge Maturity |
|
Gain/(Loss) |
Amount |
|
Received |
|
Fixed Rate Paid |
|
Date |
|
December 31, 2007 |
(in millions) |
|
(in millions) |
$ |
100 |
|
|
1-month LIBOR* |
|
|
3.85 |
% |
|
|
January 2008 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
SIFMA Index ** |
|
|
2.50 |
% |
|
|
January 2008 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
225 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.26 |
% |
|
|
March 2018 |
|
|
(10.4 |
) |
$ |
100 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.12 |
% |
|
|
June 2018 |
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
$ |
100 |
|
|
3-month LIBOR |
|
|
5.28 |
% |
|
|
February 2019 |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Interest rate collar with variable rate based on a percentage of one-month LIBOR (showing
rate cap) |
|
** |
|
Hedged using the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap
Index (SIFMA),
(Formerly the Bond Market Association/PSA Municipal Swap Index) |
Subsequent to December 31, 2007, the Company entered into $601 million notional amounts of interest
rate swaps related to variable rate debt through December 2009.
The fair value gain or loss for cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income and is
reclassified into earnings at the same time the hedged items affect earnings. In 2007, 2006, and
2005, the Company settled gains/(losses) totaling $12.1 million, $(3.9) million, and $0.9 million,
respectively, upon termination of certain interest derivatives at the same time it issued debt.
The effective portion of these gains/(losses) have been deferred in other comprehensive income and
will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the original interest derivative. Amounts
reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense were immaterial for all periods
presented. For 2008, pre-tax losses of approximately $3 million are expected to be reclassified
from other comprehensive income to interest expense. The Company has interest related hedges in
place through 2019 and has realized gains/(losses) that are being amortized through 2037.
7. COMMITMENTS
Construction Program
The Company currently estimates property additions to be approximately $2.0 billion, $2.0 billion,
and $1.8 billion, in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. These amounts include $116 million, $138
million, and $128 million in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively, for construction expenditures
related to contractual purchase commitments for uranium and nuclear fuel conversion, enrichment,
and fabrication services included under Fuel Commitments. The construction program is subject to
periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from estimates because of
numerous factors, including, but not limited to, changes in business conditions, changes in FERC
rules and regulations, revised load growth estimates, changes in environmental regulations, changes
in existing nuclear plants to meet new regulatory requirements, increasing costs of labor,
equipment, and materials, and cost of capital. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase
commitments were outstanding in connection with the construction program.
Long-Term Service Agreements
The Company has entered into a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) with General Electric (GE) for
the purpose of securing maintenance support for the combustion turbines at the Plant McIntosh
combined cycle facility. In summary, the LTSA stipulates that GE will perform all planned
inspections on the covered equipment, which includes the cost of all labor and materials. GE is
also obligated to cover the costs of unplanned maintenance on the covered equipment subject to a
limit specified in each contract.
In general, this LTSA is in effect through two major inspection cycles per unit. Scheduled
payments to GE, which are subject to price escalation, are made quarterly based on actual operating
hours of the respective units. Total payments to GE under this agreement are currently estimated
at $187.7 million over the remaining term of the agreement, which is currently projected to be
approximately 10 years. However, the LTSA contains various cancellation provisions at the option
of the Company.
The Company has also entered into an LTSA with GE through 2014 for neutron monitoring system parts
and electronics at Plant Hatch. Total remaining payments to GE under this agreement are currently
estimated at $9.2 million. The contract contains
II-219
NOTES
(continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
cancellation provisions at the option of the Company. Payments made to GE prior to the performance
of any work are recorded as a prepayment in the balance sheets. Work performed by GE is
capitalized or charged to expense as appropriate net of any joint owner billings, based on the
nature of the work.
The Company has entered into a LTSA with Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc. (MPS) for the
purpose of providing certain parts and maintenance services for the three combined cycle units
under construction at Plant McDonough, which are scheduled to go into service in February 2011,
June 2011, and June 2012, respectively. The LTSA stipulates that MPS will perform all planned
maintenance on each covered unit which includes the cost of all materials and services. MPS is
also obligated to cover costs of unplanned maintenance on the gas turbines subject to limits
specified in the LTSA.
This LTSA will commence in 2011 and is in effect through two major inspection cycles per covered
unit. Periodic payments to MPS are to be made quarterly and will also be made based on the
scheduled inspections for the respective covered units. Payments to MPS under this agreement,
which are subject to price escalation, are currently estimated to be $536.8 million for the term of
the agreement which is expected to be between 12 and 13 years. However, the LTSA contains various
termination provisions at the option of the Company.
Limestone Commitments
As part of the Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal
plants, the Company is constructing certain equipment and has entered into various long-term
commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment. Contracts are
structured with tonnage minimums and maximums in order to account for changes in coal burn and
sulfur content. The Company has a minimum contractual obligation of 3.8 million tons, equating to
approximately $114.6 million through 2019. Estimated expenditures over the next five years are
$4.5 million in 2008, $10.2 million in 2009, $19.2 million in 2010, $14.6 million in 2011, and
$14.9 million in 2012.
Fuel Commitments
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of its generating plants, the Company has entered into
various long-term commitments for the procurement of fossil and nuclear fuel. In most cases, these
contracts contain provisions for price escalations, minimum purchase levels, and other financial
commitments. Coal commitments include forward contract purchases for sulfur dioxide emission
allowances. Natural gas purchase commitments contain fixed volumes with prices based on various
indices at the time of delivery. Amounts included in the chart below represent estimates based on
New York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007.
Total estimated minimum long-term obligations at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
Natural Gas |
|
Coal |
|
Nuclear Fuel |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
684 |
|
|
$ |
1,653 |
|
|
$ |
116 |
|
2009 |
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
2010 |
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
449 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
2011 |
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
2012 |
|
|
386 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
2,803 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
4,980 |
|
|
$ |
3,322 |
|
|
$ |
727 |
|
|
Additional commitments for fuel will be required to supply the Companys future needs. Total
charges for nuclear fuel included in fuel expense were $79 million, $71 million and $70 million for
the years 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
SCS may enter into various types of wholesale energy and natural gas contracts acting as an agent
for the Company and all of the other Southern Company traditional operating companies and Southern
Power. Under these agreements, each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power may
be jointly and severally liable. The creditworthiness of Southern Power is currently inferior to
the creditworthiness of the traditional operating companies. Accordingly, Southern Company has
entered into keep-well agreements with the Company and each of the other traditional operating
companies to ensure they will not subsidize or be responsible for any costs, losses, liabilities,
or damages resulting from the inclusion of Southern Power as a contracting party under these
agreements.
II-220
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Purchased Power Commitments
The Company has commitments regarding a portion of a 5% interest in Plant Vogtle owned by MEAG that
are in effect until the latter of the retirement of the plant or the latest stated maturity date of
MEAGs bonds issued to finance such ownership interest. The payments for capacity are required
whether or not any capacity is available. The energy cost is a function of each units variable
operating costs. Portions of the capacity payments relate to costs in excess of Plant Vogtles
allowed investment for ratemaking purposes. The present value of these portions at the time of the
disallowance was written off. Generally, the cost of such capacity and energy is included in
purchased power from non-affiliates in the statements of income. Capacity payments totaled $46
million, $49 million, and $54 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The Company also has
entered into other various long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). Estimated total long-term
obligations under these commitments at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vogtle |
|
Affiliated |
|
Non-Affiliated |
|
|
Capacity Payments |
|
PPA |
|
PPA |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
209 |
|
|
$ |
84 |
|
2009 |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
2010 |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
2011 |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
2012 |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
702 |
|
|
|
1,504 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
394 |
|
|
$ |
1,499 |
|
|
$ |
2,065 |
|
|
Operating Leases
The Company has entered into various operating leases with various terms and expiration dates.
Rental expenses related to these operating leases totaled $31 million for 2007, $33 million for
2006, and $39 million for 2005.
At December 31, 2007, estimated minimum lease payments for these noncancelable operating leases
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Lease Payments |
|
|
Rail Cars |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
18 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
2009 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
2010 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
2011 |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
2012 |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
41 |
|
|
$ |
141 |
|
|
In addition to the rental commitments above, the Company has obligations upon expiration of certain
rail car leases with respect to the residual value of the leased property. These leases expire in
2011 and the Companys maximum obligation is $40.7 million. At the termination of the leases, at
the Companys option, the Company may either exercise its purchase option or the property can be
sold to a third party. The Company expects that the fair market value of the leased property would
substantially reduce or eliminate the Companys payments under the residual value obligation. A
portion of the rail car lease obligations is shared with the joint owners of Plants Scherer and
Wansley. A majority of the rental expenses related to the rail car leases are fully recoverable
through the fuel cost recovery clause as ordered by the Georgia PSC and the remaining portion is
recovered through base rates.
II-221
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Guarantees
Alabama Power has guaranteed unconditionally the obligation of SEGCO under an installment sale
agreement for the purchase of certain pollution control facilities at SEGCOs generating units,
pursuant to which $24.5 million principal amount of pollution control revenue bonds are
outstanding. Alabama Power has also guaranteed $50 million in senior notes issued by SEGCO. The
Company has agreed to reimburse Alabama Power for the pro rata portion of such obligations
corresponding to the Companys then proportionate ownership of stock of SEGCO if Alabama Power is
called upon to make such payment under its guaranty.
As discussed earlier in this Note under Operating Leases, the Company has entered into certain
residual value guarantees related to rail car leases.
8. STOCK OPTION PLAN
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. As of December 31, 2007, 1,658 current and former
employees of the Company participated in the stock option plan. The maximum number of shares of
Southern Company common stock that may be issued under this plan may not exceed 40 million. The
prices of options granted to date have been at the fair market value of the shares on the dates of
grant. Options granted to date become exercisable pro rata over a maximum period of three years
from the date of grant. The Company generally recognizes stock option expense on a straight-line
basis over the vesting period which equates to the requisite service period; however for employees
who are eligible for retirement the total cost is expensed at the grant date. Options outstanding
will expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant, unless terminated earlier by the
Southern Company Board of Directors in accordance with the stock option plan. For certain stock
option awards a change in control will provide accelerated vesting.
The Companys activity in the stock option plan for 2007 is summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Subject to |
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
Option |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
7,830,583 |
|
|
$ |
28.42 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1,432,410 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(1,717,486 |
) |
|
|
25.59 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(7,398 |
) |
|
|
30.13 |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
7,538,109 |
|
|
$ |
30.59 |
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
4,837,923 |
|
|
$ |
28.13 |
|
|
The number of stock options vested, and expected to vest in the future, as of December 31, 2007 was
not significantly different from the number of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007 as
stated above. At December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual term for the
options outstanding and options exercisable was 6.4 years and 5.2 years, respectively, and the
aggregate intrinsic value for the options outstanding and options exercisable was $61.5 million and
$51.4 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, there was $2.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
stock option awards not yet vested. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average
period of approximately 10 months.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005 was $17.4 million, $10.3 million, and $24.2 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit
realized by the Company for the tax deductions from stock option exercises totaled $6.7 million,
$4.0 million, and $9.4 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005.
9. NUCLEAR INSURANCE
Under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act (Act), the Company maintains agreements of indemnity with
the NRC that, together with private insurance, cover third-party liability arising from any nuclear
incident occurring at the Companys Plants Hatch and Vogtle. The Act provides funds up to $10.8
billion for public liability claims that could arise from a single nuclear incident. Each nuclear
plant is insured against this liability to a maximum of $300 million by American Nuclear Insurers
(ANI), with the remaining coverage provided by a mandatory program of deferred premiums that could
be assessed, after a nuclear incident, against all owners of nuclear reactors. The Company could
be assessed up to $101 million per incident for each licensed
reactor it operates but not more than an
II-222
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
aggregate of $15 million per
incident to be paid in a calendar year for each reactor. Such maximum assessment, excluding any
applicable state premium taxes, for the Company, based on its ownership and buyback interests, is
$203 million, per incident, but not more than an aggregate of $30 million to be paid for each
incident in any one year. Both the maximum assessment per reactor and the maximum yearly
assessment are adjusted for inflation at least every five years. The next scheduled adjustment is
due on or before August 31, 2008.
The Company is a member of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), a mutual insurer established
to provide property damage insurance in an amount up to $500 million for members nuclear
generating facilities.
Additionally, the Company has policies that currently provide decontamination, excess property
insurance, and premature decommissioning coverage up to $2.3 billion for losses in excess of the
$500 million primary coverage. This excess insurance is also provided by NEIL.
NEIL also covers the additional costs that would be incurred in obtaining replacement power during
a prolonged accidental outage at a members nuclear plant. Members can purchase this coverage,
subject to a deductible waiting period of up to 26 weeks, with a maximum per occurrence per unit
limit of $490 million. After the deductible period, weekly indemnity payments would be received
until either the unit is operational or until the limit is exhausted in approximately three years.
The Company purchases the maximum limit allowed by NEIL, subject to ownership limitations. Each
facility has elected a 12-week waiting period.
Under each of the NEIL policies, members are subject to assessments if losses each year exceed the
accumulated funds available to the insurer under that policy. The current maximum annual
assessments for the Company under the NEIL policies would be $51 million.
Claims resulting from terrorist acts are covered under both the ANI and NEIL policies (subject to
normal policy limits). The aggregate, however, that NEIL will pay for all claims resulting from
terrorist acts in any 12 month period is $3.2 billion plus such additional amounts NEIL can recover
through reinsurance, indemnity, or other sources.
For all on-site property damage insurance policies for commercial nuclear power plants, the NRC
requires that the proceeds of such policies shall be dedicated first for the sole purpose of
placing the reactor in a safe and stable condition after an accident. Any remaining proceeds are
to be applied next toward the costs of decontamination and debris removal operations ordered by the
NRC, and any further remaining proceeds are to be paid either to the Company or to its bond
trustees as may be appropriate under the policies and applicable trust indentures.
All retrospective assessments, whether generated for liability, property, or replacement power, may
be subject to applicable state premium taxes.
II-223
NOTES (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
10. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial information for 2007 and 2006 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income After |
|
|
Operating |
|
Operating |
|
Dividends on Preferred |
Quarter Ended |
|
Revenues |
|
Income |
|
and Preference Stock |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
March 2007 |
|
$ |
1,657 |
|
|
$ |
279 |
|
|
$ |
131 |
|
June 2007 |
|
|
1,844 |
|
|
|
361 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
September 2007 |
|
|
2,444 |
|
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
December 2007 |
|
|
1,627 |
|
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
March 2006 |
|
$ |
1,584 |
|
|
$ |
288 |
|
|
$ |
132 |
|
June 2006 |
|
|
1,808 |
|
|
|
386 |
|
|
|
197 |
|
September 2006 |
|
|
2,275 |
|
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
December 2006 |
|
|
1,579 |
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
The Companys business
is influenced by seasonal weather conditions.
II-224
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands) |
|
$ |
7,571,652 |
|
|
$ |
7,245,644 |
|
|
$ |
7,075,837 |
|
|
$ |
5,727,768 |
|
|
$ |
5,228,625 |
|
Net Income after Dividends
on Preferred and Preference Stock (in
thousands) |
|
$ |
836,136 |
|
|
$ |
787,225 |
|
|
$ |
744,373 |
|
|
$ |
682,793 |
|
|
$ |
654,036 |
|
Cash Dividends
on Common Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
689,900 |
|
|
$ |
630,000 |
|
|
$ |
582,800 |
|
|
$ |
588,700 |
|
|
$ |
588,800 |
|
Return on Average Common Equity (percent) |
|
|
13.50 |
|
|
|
13.80 |
|
|
|
14.08 |
|
|
|
13.87 |
|
|
|
14.01 |
|
Total Assets (in thousands) |
|
$ |
20,822,761 |
|
|
$ |
19,308,730 |
|
|
$ |
17,898,445 |
|
|
$ |
16,598,778 |
|
|
$ |
15,527,223 |
|
Gross Property Additions (in thousands) |
|
$ |
1,862,449 |
|
|
$ |
1,276,889 |
|
|
$ |
958,563 |
|
|
$ |
1,252,197 |
|
|
$ |
783,053 |
|
|
Capitalization (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
$ |
6,435,420 |
|
|
$ |
5,956,251 |
|
|
$ |
5,452,083 |
|
|
$ |
5,123,276 |
|
|
$ |
4,723,299 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
265,957 |
|
|
|
44,991 |
|
|
|
43,909 |
|
|
|
58,547 |
|
|
|
14,569 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
940,000 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
5,937,792 |
|
|
|
5,211,912 |
|
|
|
5,365,323 |
|
|
|
4,916,694 |
|
|
|
3,984,825 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
$ |
12,639,169 |
|
|
$ |
11,213,154 |
|
|
$ |
10,861,315 |
|
|
$ |
10,098,517 |
|
|
$ |
9,662,693 |
|
|
Capitalization Ratios (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
|
50.9 |
|
|
|
53.1 |
|
|
|
50.2 |
|
|
|
50.7 |
|
|
|
48.9 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.7 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
47.0 |
|
|
|
46.5 |
|
|
|
49.4 |
|
|
|
48.7 |
|
|
|
41.2 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Security Ratings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
Baa1 |
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
Baa1 |
|
|
Baa1 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
BBB+ |
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
BBB+ |
|
|
BBB+ |
|
Fitch |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
Unsecured Long-Term Debt - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
Fitch |
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
Customers (year-end): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
2,024,520 |
|
|
|
1,998,643 |
|
|
|
1,960,556 |
|
|
|
1,926,215 |
|
|
|
1,890,790 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
295,478 |
|
|
|
294,654 |
|
|
|
289,009 |
|
|
|
283,507 |
|
|
|
275,378 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
8,240 |
|
|
|
8,008 |
|
|
|
8,290 |
|
|
|
7,765 |
|
|
|
7,989 |
|
Other |
|
|
4,807 |
|
|
|
4,371 |
|
|
|
4,143 |
|
|
|
4,015 |
|
|
|
3,940 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,333,045 |
|
|
|
2,305,676 |
|
|
|
2,261,998 |
|
|
|
2,221,502 |
|
|
|
2,178,097 |
|
|
Employees (year-end) |
|
|
9,270 |
|
|
|
9,278 |
|
|
|
9,273 |
|
|
|
9,294 |
|
|
|
9,263 |
|
|
II-225
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007 (continued)
Georgia Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
Operating Revenues (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
$ |
2,442,501 |
|
|
$ |
2,326,190 |
|
|
$ |
2,227,137 |
|
|
$ |
1,900,961 |
|
|
$ |
1,726,543 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
2,576,058 |
|
|
|
2,423,568 |
|
|
|
2,357,077 |
|
|
|
1,933,004 |
|
|
|
1,767,487 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
1,403,852 |
|
|
|
1,382,213 |
|
|
|
1,406,295 |
|
|
|
1,217,536 |
|
|
|
1,051,034 |
|
Other |
|
|
75,592 |
|
|
|
73,649 |
|
|
|
73,854 |
|
|
|
67,250 |
|
|
|
63,715 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
6,498,003 |
|
|
|
6,205,620 |
|
|
|
6,064,363 |
|
|
|
5,118,751 |
|
|
|
4,608,779 |
|
Wholesale non-affiliates |
|
|
537,913 |
|
|
|
551,731 |
|
|
|
524,800 |
|
|
|
251,581 |
|
|
|
265,029 |
|
Wholesale affiliates |
|
|
277,832 |
|
|
|
252,556 |
|
|
|
275,525 |
|
|
|
172,375 |
|
|
|
181,355 |
|
|
Total revenues from sales of electricity |
|
|
7,313,748 |
|
|
|
7,009,907 |
|
|
|
6,864,688 |
|
|
|
5,542,707 |
|
|
|
5,055,163 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
257,904 |
|
|
|
235,737 |
|
|
|
211,149 |
|
|
|
185,061 |
|
|
|
173,462 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
7,571,652 |
|
|
$ |
7,245,644 |
|
|
$ |
7,075,837 |
|
|
$ |
5,727,768 |
|
|
$ |
5,228,625 |
|
|
Kilowatt-Hour Sales (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
26,840,275 |
|
|
|
26,206,170 |
|
|
|
25,508,472 |
|
|
|
24,829,833 |
|
|
|
23,532,467 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
33,056,632 |
|
|
|
32,112,430 |
|
|
|
31,334,182 |
|
|
|
29,553,893 |
|
|
|
28,401,764 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
25,490,035 |
|
|
|
25,577,006 |
|
|
|
25,832,265 |
|
|
|
27,197,843 |
|
|
|
26,564,261 |
|
Other |
|
|
697,363 |
|
|
|
660,285 |
|
|
|
737,343 |
|
|
|
744,935 |
|
|
|
732,900 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
86,084,305 |
|
|
|
84,555,891 |
|
|
|
83,412,262 |
|
|
|
82,326,504 |
|
|
|
79,231,392 |
|
Sales for resale non-affiliates |
|
|
10,577,969 |
|
|
|
10,685,456 |
|
|
|
10,588,891 |
|
|
|
5,429,911 |
|
|
|
8,353,046 |
|
Sales for resale affiliates |
|
|
5,191,903 |
|
|
|
5,463,463 |
|
|
|
5,033,165 |
|
|
|
4,925,744 |
|
|
|
6,029,398 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
101,854,177 |
|
|
|
100,704,810 |
|
|
|
99,034,318 |
|
|
|
92,682,159 |
|
|
|
93,613,836 |
|
|
Average Revenue Per Kilowatt-Hour (cents): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
9.10 |
|
|
|
8.88 |
|
|
|
8.73 |
|
|
|
7.66 |
|
|
|
7.34 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
7.79 |
|
|
|
7.55 |
|
|
|
7.52 |
|
|
|
6.54 |
|
|
|
6.22 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
5.51 |
|
|
|
5.40 |
|
|
|
5.44 |
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
3.96 |
|
Total retail |
|
|
7.55 |
|
|
|
7.34 |
|
|
|
7.27 |
|
|
|
6.22 |
|
|
|
5.82 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
5.17 |
|
|
|
4.98 |
|
|
|
5.12 |
|
|
|
4.09 |
|
|
|
3.10 |
|
Total sales |
|
|
7.18 |
|
|
|
6.96 |
|
|
|
6.93 |
|
|
|
5.98 |
|
|
|
5.40 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Kilowatt-Hour Use Per Customer |
|
|
13,315 |
|
|
|
13,216 |
|
|
|
13,119 |
|
|
|
13,002 |
|
|
|
12,555 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Revenue Per Customer |
|
$ |
1,212 |
|
|
$ |
1,173 |
|
|
$ |
1,145 |
|
|
$ |
995 |
|
|
$ |
921 |
|
Plant Nameplate Capacity
Ratings (year-end) (megawatts) |
|
|
15,995 |
|
|
|
15,995 |
|
|
|
15,995 |
|
|
|
14,743 |
|
|
|
14,768 |
|
Maximum Peak-Hour Demand (megawatts): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
13,817 |
|
|
|
13,528 |
|
|
|
14,360 |
|
|
|
13,087 |
|
|
|
13,929 |
|
Summer |
|
|
17,974 |
|
|
|
17,159 |
|
|
|
16,925 |
|
|
|
16,129 |
|
|
|
15,575 |
|
Annual Load Factor (percent) |
|
|
57.5 |
|
|
|
61.8 |
|
|
|
59.4 |
|
|
|
61.0 |
|
|
|
61.6 |
|
Plant Availability (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fossil-steam |
|
|
90.8 |
|
|
|
91.4 |
|
|
|
90.0 |
|
|
|
87.1 |
|
|
|
85.9 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
92.4 |
|
|
|
90.7 |
|
|
|
89.3 |
|
|
|
94.8 |
|
|
|
94.1 |
|
|
Source of Energy Supply (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
61.5 |
|
|
|
59.0 |
|
|
|
60.7 |
|
|
|
57.6 |
|
|
|
58.7 |
|
Nuclear |
|
|
14.6 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
16.5 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
|
Hydro |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
Oil and gas |
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
Purchased power - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From non-affiliates |
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
From affiliates |
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
|
|
16.6 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
II-226
GULF POWER COMPANY
FINANCIAL SECTION
II-227
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The management of Gulf Power Company (the Company) is responsible for establishing and
maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under managements supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report
was not subject to attestation by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm pursuant
to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide
only managements report in this Annual Report.
/s/ Susan N. Story
Susan N. Story
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Ronnie R. Labrato
Ronnie R. Labrato
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 25, 2008
II-228
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Gulf Power Company
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Gulf Power
Company (the Company) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company) as of December 31, 2007 and
2006, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, common stockholders equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements 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. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, 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 financial statements (pages II-251 to II-280) present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Gulf Power Company at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of
accounting for the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
/s/
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
II-229
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
OVERVIEW
Business Activities
Gulf Power Company (the Company) operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity
to retail customers within its traditional service area located in northwest Florida and to
wholesale customers in the Southeast.
Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys business of selling
electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a stable regulatory environment, to
achieve energy sales growth, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of rising costs.
These costs include those related to growing demand, increasingly stringent environmental
standards, fuel prices, and storm restoration costs. Appropriately balancing required costs and
capital expenditures with customer prices will continue to challenge the Company for the
foreseeable future.
In July 2006, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) extended the storm-recovery surcharge
currently being collected by the Company until June 2009. See Notes 1 and 3 to the financial
statements under Property Damage Reserve and Retail Regulatory Matters Storm Damage Cost
Recovery, respectively, for additional information.
Key Performance Indicators
In striving to maximize shareholder value while providing cost-effective energy to over 425,000
customers, the Company continues to focus on several key indicators. These indicators include
customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after dividends on
preferred and preference stock. The Companys financial success is directly tied to the
satisfaction of its customers. Key elements of ensuring customer satisfaction include outstanding
service, high reliability, and competitive prices. Management uses customer satisfaction surveys
and reliability indicators to evaluate the Companys results.
Peak season equivalent forced outage rate (Peak Season EFOR) is an indicator of plant availability
and efficient generation fleet operations during the months when generation needs are greatest.
The rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours of forced outages by total generation hours.
The 2007 Peak Season EFOR of 2.82% was better than the target. Transmission and distribution
system reliability performance is measured by the frequency and duration of outages. Performance
targets for reliability are set internally based on historical performance, expected weather
conditions, and expected capital expenditures. The performance for 2007 was better than target for
these reliability measures. Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock is the
primary component of the Companys contribution to Southern Companys earnings per share goal.
The Companys 2007 results compared with its targets for some of these key indicators are reflected
in the following chart:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Target |
|
Actual |
Key Performance Indicator |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
Customer Satisfaction
|
|
Top quartile in customer
surveys
|
|
Top quartile
|
Peak Season EFOR
|
|
3.00% or less
|
|
|
2.82 |
% |
Net Income
|
|
$82 million
|
|
$84 million
|
See RESULTS OF OPERATIONS herein for additional information on the Companys financial performance.
The financial performance achieved in 2007 reflects the continued emphasis that management places
on these indicators, as well as the commitment shown by employees in achieving or exceeding
managements expectations.
II-230
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Earnings
The Companys 2007 net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock was $84.1 million,
an increase of $8.1 million from the previous year. In 2006, earnings were $76.0 million, an
increase of $0.8 million from the previous year. In 2005, earnings were $75.2 million, an increase
of $7.0 million from the previous year. The increase in earnings in 2007 was due primarily to
increases in retail revenues, earnings on additional investments in environmental controls through
the environment cost recovery provision, and related allowance for equity funds used during
construction partially offset by non-fuel operating expenses. The increase in earnings in 2006 was
due primarily to higher operating revenues partially offset by higher operating expenses, higher
financing costs, and increases in depreciation expense. The increase in earnings in 2005 was due
primarily to higher retail sales and lower non-fuel operating expenses, excluding expenses related
to Hurricane Ivan storm damage, which were offset by revenues and did not affect earnings. See
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery herein.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A condensed statement of income follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
1,259.8 |
|
|
$ |
55.9 |
|
|
$ |
120.3 |
|
|
$ |
123.5 |
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
573.4 |
|
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
119.1 |
|
|
|
48.6 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
71.5 |
|
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
(24.6 |
) |
|
|
32.5 |
|
Other
operations and maintenance |
|
|
270.4 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
9.8 |
|
|
|
20.1 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
85.6 |
|
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
83.0 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
1,083.9 |
|
|
|
46.7 |
|
|
|
111.9 |
|
|
|
109.9 |
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
175.9 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(40.8 |
) |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
(4.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
47.1 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
88.0 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
Dividends on Preferred and
Preference Stock |
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
Net Income after Dividends on
Preferred and Preference Stock |
|
$ |
84.1 |
|
|
$ |
8.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
$ |
7.0 |
|
|
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased in 2007 when compared to 2006 and 2005. The following table
summarizes the changes in operating revenues for the past three years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Retail -prior year |
|
$ |
952.0 |
|
|
$ |
864.9 |
|
|
$ |
736.9 |
|
Estimated change in - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rates and pricing |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
Sales growth |
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
Weather |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
Fuel and other cost recovery |
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
68.0 |
|
|
|
108.3 |
|
|
Retail current year |
|
|
1,006.3 |
|
|
|
952.0 |
|
|
|
864.9 |
|
|
Wholesale revenues - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
83.5 |
|
|
|
87.2 |
|
|
|
84.3 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
113.2 |
|
|
|
118.1 |
|
|
|
91.3 |
|
|
Total wholesale revenues |
|
|
196.7 |
|
|
|
205.3 |
|
|
|
175.6 |
|
|
Other operating revenues |
|
|
56.8 |
|
|
|
46.6 |
|
|
|
43.1 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
1,259.8 |
|
|
$ |
1,203.9 |
|
|
$ |
1,083.6 |
|
|
Percent change |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
11.1 |
% |
|
|
12.9 |
% |
|
II-231
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Retail revenues increased $54.3 million, or 5.7%, in 2007, $87.2 million, or 10.1%, in 2006, and
$128.0 million, or 17.4%, in 2005. The significant factors driving these changes are shown in the
table above.
Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing include cost recovery provisions for energy
conservation costs and environmental compliance costs. Annually, the Company petitions the Florida
PSC for recovery of projected costs, including any true-up amount from prior periods, and approved
rates are implemented each January. The recovery provisions include related expenses and a return
on average net investment. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters
- Environmental Cost Recovery for additional information.
Fuel and other cost recovery provisions include fuel expenses, the energy component of purchased
power costs, and purchased power capacity costs. Annually, the Company petitions the Florida PSC
for recovery of projected fuel and purchased power costs, including any true-up amount from prior
periods, and approved rates are implemented each January. Cost recovery provisions also include
revenues related to the recovery of storm damage restoration costs. The recovery provisions
generally equal the related expenses and have no material effect on net income. See Note 1 to the
financial statements under Revenues and Property Damage Reserve and Note 3 to the financial
statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery for additional
information.
Total wholesale revenues were $196.7 million in 2007, a decrease of $8.5 million, or 4.2%, compared
to 2006, primarily due to decreased energy sales to affiliates at a lower cost per kilowatt-hour
(KWH) supplied by lower-cost generating resources. Total wholesale revenues were $205.2 million in
2006, an increase of $29.5 million, or 16.8%, compared to 2005, primarily due to increased energy
sales to affiliates to serve their territorial energy requirements. Total wholesale revenues were
$175.7 million in 2005, a decrease of $8.1 million, or 4.4%, compared to 2004, primarily due to
lower energy sales to affiliates resulting from decreases in the Companys available generation as
a result of outages at Plants Crist and Smith.
Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliates include unit power sales under long-term contracts
to other Florida utilities. Wholesale revenues from contracts have both capacity and energy
components. Capacity revenues reflect the recovery of fixed costs and a return on investment.
Energy is generally sold at variable cost. The capacity and energy components under these unit
power sales contracts were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Unit power sales - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity |
|
$ |
18,073 |
|
|
$ |
21,477 |
|
|
$ |
20,852 |
|
Energy |
|
|
36,245 |
|
|
|
34,597 |
|
|
|
33,206 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
54,318 |
|
|
|
56,074 |
|
|
|
54,058 |
|
|
Other power sales - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity and other |
|
|
2,397 |
|
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
3,668 |
|
Energy |
|
|
26,799 |
|
|
|
28,632 |
|
|
|
26,620 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
29,196 |
|
|
|
31,068 |
|
|
|
30,288 |
|
|
Total non-affiliated |
|
$ |
83,514 |
|
|
$ |
87,142 |
|
|
$ |
84,346 |
|
|
Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary
from year to year depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each
company. These affiliated sales and purchases are made in accordance with the Intercompany
Interchange Contract (IIC), as approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These
transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings, since the energy is generally sold at
marginal cost and energy purchases are generally offset by revenues through the Companys fuel cost
recovery clause.
Other operating revenues increased $10.2 million in 2007, primarily due to other energy services
and an increase in franchise fees, which were proportional to changes in revenue. The increased
revenues from other energy services did not have a material impact on earnings since they were
generally offset by associated expenses. Other operating revenues increased $3.6 million in both
2006 and 2005, primarily due to an increase in franchise fees, which were proportional to changes
in revenue.
II-232
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Energy Sales
Changes in revenues are influenced heavily by the change in the volume of energy sold from year to
year. KWH sales for 2007 and the percent change by year were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KWHs |
|
Percent Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
5,477 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
Commercial |
|
|
3,971 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
2,048 |
|
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
2.3 |
|
Other |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
11,521 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
Wholesale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
2,227 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
(9.4 |
) |
|
|
1.7 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
2,884 |
|
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
48.6 |
|
|
|
(36.8 |
) |
|
Total wholesale |
|
|
5,111 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
|
(20.6 |
) |
|
Total energy sales |
|
|
16,632 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
(5.6 |
) |
|
Residential energy sales increased 0.9% in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to more favorable
weather conditions and customer growth, partially offset by customer response to higher prices.
Residential energy sales increased 2.0% in 2006, compared to 2005, primarily due to more favorable
weather conditions and customer growth. Residential energy sales increased 2.0% in 2005, compared
to 2004, primarily due to customer growth, partially offset by unfavorable weather conditions.
Commercial energy sales increased 3.3% in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to more favorable
weather conditions and customer growth. Commercial energy sales increased 2.9% in 2006, compared
to 2005, primarily due to more favorable weather conditions and customer growth. Commercial energy
sales increased 1.1% in 2005, compared to 2004, primarily due to customer growth, partially offset
by unfavorable weather conditions.
Industrial energy sales decreased 4.1% in 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to a conversion
project by a major forest products manufacturer and a production process change by a major
petroleum company. Industrial energy sales decreased 1.1% in 2006, compared to 2005, due to
reduced demand for and production of building materials and a conversion project by a major paper
manufacturer. Industrial energy sales increased 2.3% in 2005, compared to 2004, primarily due to
additional sales to customers with gas-fired co-generation resulting from high natural gas prices.
Wholesale energy sales to non-affiliates increased 7.1% in 2007, decreased 9.4% in 2006, and
increased 1.7% in 2005, each compared to the prior year primarily as a result of fluctuations in
the fuel cost to produce energy sold to non-affiliated utilities under both long-term and
short-term contracts. The degree to which oil and natural gas prices, which are the primary fuel
sources for these customers, differ from the Companys fuel costs will influence these changes in
sales. The fluctuations in sales have a minimal effect on earnings because the energy is generally
sold at marginal cost.
Wholesale energy sales to affiliates decreased 1.8% in 2007 compared to 2006, primarily due to the
availability of lower cost generation resources at affiliated companies. Wholesale energy sales to
affiliates increased 48.6% in 2006 compared to 2005, primarily due to increased territorial energy
requirements of affiliates. Wholesale energy sales to affiliates decreased 36.8% in 2005 compared
to 2004, due to decreases in the Companys available generation as a result of outages at Plants
Crist and Smith.
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
Fuel costs constitute the single largest expense for the Company. The mix of fuel sources for
generation of electricity is determined primarily by demand, the unit cost of fuel consumed, and
the availability of generating units. Additionally, the Company purchases a portion of its
electricity needs from the wholesale market.
II-233
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Details of the Companys electricity generated and purchased were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Total generation (millions of KWHs) |
|
|
16,657 |
|
|
|
16,349 |
|
|
|
15,024 |
|
Total purchased power (millions of KWHs) |
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
876 |
|
|
|
1,172 |
|
|
Sources of generation (percent) - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
86 |
% |
|
|
87 |
% |
|
|
86 |
% |
Gas |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
2.86 |
|
|
|
2.68 |
|
|
|
2.16 |
|
Gas |
|
|
6.91 |
|
|
|
7.24 |
|
|
|
6.48 |
|
|
Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
3.44 |
|
|
|
3.27 |
|
|
|
2.77 |
|
Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
8.96 |
|
|
|
8.43 |
|
|
|
8.39 |
|
|
Fuel expense was $573.4 million in 2007, an increase of $38.4 million, or 7.2%, above the prior
year costs. This increase was the result of a $28.3 million increase in the average cost of fuel
and a $10.1 million increase related to total KWHs generated. Fuel expense was $535 million in
2006, an increase of $119.1 million, or 28.7%, above the prior year costs. This increase was the
result of an $82.4 million increase in the average cost of fuel and a $36.7 million increase
related to total KWHs generated. Fuel expense was $416 million in 2005, an increase of
$48.6 million, or 13.2%, above the prior year costs. This increase was the result of a
$67.5 million increase in the average cost of fuel, partially offset by $18.9 million decrease
related to total KWHs generated.
Purchased power expense was $71.5 million in 2007, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 3.2%, below the
prior year costs. This decrease was the result of a $6.5 million decrease in total KWHs purchased,
offset by a $4.2 million increase resulting from the higher average cost per net KWH. Purchased
power expense was $73.8 million in 2006, a decrease of $24.6 million, or 25.0%, below the prior
year costs. This decrease was the result of a $24.9 million decrease in total KWHs purchased and a
$0.3 million increase resulting from the higher average cost per net KWH. Purchased power expense
was $98.4 million in 2005, an increase of $32.5 million, or 49.3%, above the prior year costs.
This increase was the result of a $7.6 million decrease in total KWHs purchased and a $40.1 million
increase resulting from the higher average cost per net KWH.
While there has been a significant upward trend in the cost of coal and natural gas since 2003,
prices moderated somewhat in 2006 and 2007. Coal prices have been influenced by a worldwide
increase in demand from developing countries, as well as increases in mining and fuel
transportation costs. While demand for natural gas in the United States continued to increase in
2007, natural gas supplies have also risen due to increased production and higher storage levels.
Fuel expenses generally do not affect net income, since they are offset by fuel revenues under the
Companys fuel cost recovery provisions. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Fuel Cost
Recovery herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
In 2007, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $10.9 million, or 4.2%, compared to
the prior year primarily due to a $5.0 million increase in other energy services and a $4.3 million
increase in severance costs associated with a reorganization. The increased expenses from other
energy services did not have a material impact on earnings since they were generally offset by
associated revenue. In 2007, the Company offered both voluntary and involuntary severance to a
number of employees in connection with a reorganization of certain functions. In 2006, other
operations and maintenance expenses increased $9.7 million, or 3.9%, compared to the prior year
primarily due to a $4.2 million increase in the recovery of incurred costs for storm damage
activity as approved by the Florida PSC, a $1.9 million increase in employee benefit expenses, and
a $1.1 million increase in property insurance costs. In 2005, other operations and maintenance
expenses increased $20.1 million, or 8.7%, compared to the prior year primarily due to the recovery
of $20.4 million in Hurricane Ivan restoration costs as approved by the Florida PSC. Since these
storm damage expenses were recognized as revenues were recorded, there was no impact on net income.
See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery herein and Notes 1 and
3 to the financial statements under Property Damage Reserve and Retail Regulatory Matters -
Storm Damage Cost Recovery, respectively, for additional information.
II-234
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $3.6 million, or 4.0%, in 2007 compared to the
prior year primarily due to new depreciation rates implemented in January 2007. Depreciation and
amortization expense increased $4.2 million, or 4.9%, in 2006 compared to the prior year primarily
due to the construction of environmental control projects at Plants Crist and Daniel that were
placed in service in 2005. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.2 million, or 2.7%,
in 2005 compared to the prior year primarily due to the completion of environmental control
projects at Plant Crist Unit 7.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
Taxes other than income taxes increased $3.2 million, or 4.0%, in 2007, $3.4 million, or 4.5%, in
2006, and $6.5 million, or 9.3%, in 2005 primarily due to increases in franchise and gross receipts
taxes, which were directly related to the increase in retail revenues.
Interest Income
Interest income increased $0.1 million, or 2.3%, in 2007 and increased $1.4 million, or 37.4%, in
2006 compared to the prior years primarily due to interest received related to the recovery of
financing costs associated with the fuel clause and incurred costs for storm damage activity as
approved by the Florida PSC. Interest income increased $2.6 million, or 210.8%, in 2005 compared
to the prior year primarily due to interest received from a tax refund resulting from Hurricane
Ivan and interest received related to the recovery of financing costs associated with Hurricane
Ivan. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Storm Damage Cost Recovery herein and Note 3 to the
financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery for additional
information.
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized increased $0.5 million, or 1.2%, in 2007 compared to
the prior year as the result of the issuance of $110 million and $85 million in senior notes in
December 2006 and June 2007, respectively. These increases were offset by the extinguishment of
$25 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds in 2006, the redemption of $41.2
million of junior subordinated notes and the related trust preferred and common securities of Gulf
Power Capital Trust IV, and a decrease in outstanding short-term indebtedness. Interest expense,
net of amounts capitalized increased $3.8 million, or 9.5%, in 2006 compared to the prior year as
the result of higher interest rates on variable rate pollution control bonds, increased levels of
short-term borrowings at higher interest rates, and the issuance of $60 million in senior notes in
August 2005. These increases were partially offset by the maturity of a $100 million bank note in
October 2005 and the extinguishment of $30 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage
bonds in 2005. Interest expense increased $5.4 million, or 15.4%, in 2005 compared to the prior
year as the result of higher interest rates on variable rate pollution control bonds, an increase
in outstanding short-term indebtedness as a result of hurricane-related costs, and the issuance of
$72.2 million of junior subordinated notes and the related trust preferred and common securities of
Gulf Power Capital Trusts III and IV in 2004.
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC) increased $2.0 million, or 553.6%, in
2007 compared to the prior year primarily due to construction of an environmental control project
at Plant Crist. AFUDC decreased $0.8 million, or 68.9%, in 2006 compared to the prior year
primarily due to the completion of an environmental control project at Plant Crist Unit 7 during
2005. AFUDC decreased $0.7 million, or 37.1%, in 2005 compared to the prior year primarily due to
the construction and completion of an environmental control project at Plant Crist Unit 7. See
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Environmental Matters Environmental Statutes and Regulations herein
and Note 1 to the financial statements under Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)
for additional information.
Other Deductions
Other deductions increased $0.3 million, or 6.7%, in 2007, increased $1.5 million, or 52.9%, in
2006, and decreased $1.4 million, or 32.2%, in 2005 compared to the prior years primarily as a
result of changes in charitable contributions.
II-235
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Effects of Inflation
The Company is subject to rate regulation based on the recovery of historical costs. When
historical costs are included, or when inflation exceeds projected costs used in rate regulation or
market-based prices, the effects of inflation can create an economic loss since the recovery of
costs could be in dollars that have less purchasing power. In addition, the income tax laws are
based on historical costs. While the inflation rate has been relatively low in recent years, it
continues to have an adverse effect on the Company because of the large investment in utility plant
with long economic lives. Conventional accounting for historical cost does not recognize this
economic loss nor the partially offsetting gain that arises through financing facilities with
fixed-money obligations such as long-term debt, preference stock, and preferred securities. Any
recognition of inflation by regulatory authorities is reflected in the rate of return allowed in
the Companys approved electric rates.
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
General
The Company operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail customers
within its traditional service area located in northwest Florida and to wholesale customers in the
Southeast. Prices for electricity provided by the Company to retail customers are set by the
Florida PSC under cost-based regulatory principles. Prices for electricity relating to power
purchase agreements (PPAs), interconnecting transmission lines, and the exchange of electric power
are regulated by the FERC. Retail rates and earnings are reviewed and may be adjusted periodically
within certain limitations. See ACCOUNTING POLICIES Application of Critical Accounting Policies
and Estimates Electric Utility Regulation herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for
additional information about regulatory matters.
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily indicative of future
earnings potential. The level of the Companys future earnings depends on numerous factors that
affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys business of selling electricity.
These factors include the ability of the Company to maintain a stable regulatory environment that
continues to allow for the recovery of all prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing
costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon growth in energy sales, which
is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy
contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of
electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth in the Companys
service area.
Environmental Matters
Compliance costs related to the Clean Air Act and other environmental statutes and regulations
could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely
basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may exceed amounts estimated.
Some of the factors driving the potential for such an increase are higher commodity costs, market
demand for labor, and scope additions and clarifications. The timing, specific requirements, and
estimated costs could also change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or
modified. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Environmental Matters for additional
information.
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought a civil action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries,
including Alabama Power and Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New
Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired
generating facilities. Through subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a
separate action in January 2001 against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama after Alabama Power was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits,
the EPA alleged that NSR violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by
Alabama Power and Georgia Power. The civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief,
including an order requiring the installation of the best available control technology at the
affected units. The EPA concurrently issued notices of violation relating to the Companys Plant
Crist and a unit partially owned by the Company at Plant Scherer. See Note 4 to the financial
statements for information on the Companys ownership interest in Plant Scherer Unit 3. In early
2000, the EPA filed a motion to amend its complaint to add the allegations in the notices of
violation and to add the Company as a defendant. However, in March 2001, the court denied the
motion based on lack of jurisdiction, and the EPA has not refiled. The action against Georgia
Power has been administratively closed since the spring of 2001, and the case has not been
reopened.
II-236
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to the remaining plants.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case.
The Company believes it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and interpretations
in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil
penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating unit, depending on the
date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in this matter could require substantial capital
expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital expenditures that cannot be
determined at this time and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties. Such
expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
The EPA has issued a series of proposed and final revisions to its NSR regulations under the Clean
Air Act, many of which have been subject to legal challenges by environmental groups and states.
In June 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld, in part, the
EPAs revisions to NSR regulations that were issued in December 2002 but vacated portions of those
revisions addressing the exclusion of certain pollution control projects. These regulatory
revisions have been adopted by the State of Florida. In March 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit also vacated an EPA rule which sought to clarify the scope of the
existing routine maintenance, repair, and replacement exclusion. The EPA has also published
proposed rules clarifying the test for determining when an emissions increase subject to the NSR
permitting requirements has occurred. The impact of these proposed rules will depend on adoption
of the final rules by the EPA and the State of Floridas implementation of such rules, as well as
the outcome of any additional legal challenges, and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005, and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Statutes and Regulations
General
The Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal environmental
agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media, including air,
water, and land resources. Applicable statutes include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act; and the
II-237
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Endangered Species Act. Compliance with these environmental requirements involves significant
capital and operating costs, a major portion of which is expected to be recovered through existing
ratemaking provisions. Through 2007, the Company had invested approximately $422 million in
capital projects to comply with these requirements, with annual totals of $124 million,
$46 million, and $45 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The Company expects that
capital expenditures to assure compliance with existing and new statutes and regulations will be an
additional $317 million, $301 million, and $134 million for 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.
The Companys compliance strategy is impacted by changes to existing environmental laws, statutes,
and regulations, the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emission allowances, and the
Companys fuel mix. Environmental costs that are known and estimable at this time are included in
capital expenditures discussed under FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Capital Requirements and
Contractual Obligations herein.
The Florida Legislature has adopted legislation that allows a utility to petition the Florida PSC
for recovery of prudent environmental compliance costs that are not being recovered through base
rates or any other recovery mechanism. The legislation is discussed in Note 3 to the financial
statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Environmental Cost Recovery. Substantially all of
the costs for the Clean Air Act and other new environmental legislation discussed below are
expected to be recovered through the environmental cost recovery clause.
Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global
climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly
affect the Company. New environmental legislation or regulations, or changes to existing statutes
or regulations, could affect many areas of the Companys operations; however, the full impact of
any such changes cannot be determined at this time.
Air Quality
Compliance with the Clean Air Act and resulting regulations has been and will continue to be a
significant focus for the Company. Through 2007, the Company had spent approximately $252 million
in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and in
monitoring emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Additional controls have been announced and
are currently being installed at several plants to further reduce SO2, NOx,
and mercury emissions, maintain compliance with existing regulations, and meet new requirements.
In 2004, the EPA designated nonattainment areas under an eight-hour ozone standard. No area within
the Companys service area was designated as nonattainment under the eight-hour ozone standard.
Macon, Georgia, where Plant Scherer is located, was designed as nonattainment under the eight-hour
ozone standard. On June 20, 2007, the EPA proposed additional revisions to the current eight-hour
ozone standard which, if enacted, could result in designation of new nonattainment areas within the
Companys service territory. The EPA has requested comment and is expected to publish final
revisions to the standard in 2008. The impact of this decision, if any, cannot be determined at
this time and will depend on subsequent legal action and/or future nonattainment designations and
state regulatory plans.
During 2005, the EPAs fine particulate matter nonattainment designations became effective for
several areas within Georgia. State plans for addressing the nonattainment designations under the
existing standard are required by April 2008 and could require further reductions in SO2
and NOx emissions from power plants including plants owned in part by the Company. In
September 2006, the EPA published a final rule which increased the stringency of the 24-hour
average fine particulate matter air quality standard. No area within the Companys service
territory has been designated as nonattainment within that standard.
The EPA issued the final Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) in March 2005. This cap-and-trade rule
addresses power plant SO2 and NOx emissions that were found to contribute to
nonattainment of the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter standards in downwind states.
Twenty-eight eastern states, including Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, are subject to the
requirements of the rule. The rule calls for additional reductions of NOx and/or
SO2 to be achieved in two phases, 2009/2010 and 2015. The State of Florida has an
EPA-approved plan to implement this rule. These reductions will be accomplished by the
installation of additional emission controls at the Companys coal-fired facilities and/or by the
purchase of emission allowances from a cap-and-trade program. The State of Georgia implemented the
CAIR, and in June 2007, approved a multi-pollutant rule that will require plant specific emission
controls on all but the smallest generating units in Georgia according to a schedule set forth in
the rule. The rule is designed to ensure reductions in emissions of SO2 and
NOx, and mercury in Georgia.
The Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR), formerly called the Regional Haze Rule, was finalized in July
2005. The goal of this rule is to restore natural visibility conditions in certain areas
(primarily national parks and wilderness areas) by 2064. The rule involves (1) the application of
Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) to certain sources built between 1962 and 1977, and
(2) the application of
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
any additional emissions reductions which may be deemed necessary for each designated area to
achieve reasonable progress by 2018 toward the natural conditions goal. Thereafter, for each
10-year planning period, additional emissions reductions will be required to continue to
demonstrate reasonable progress in each area during that period. For power plants, the CAVR allows
states to determine that the CAIR satisfies BART requirements for SO2 and
NOx. Extensive studies were performed for each of the Companys affected units to
demonstrate that additional particulate matter controls are not necessary under BART. Additional
analyses will be required for one of the Companys plants in Florida. States are currently
completing implementation plans that contain strategies for BART and any other measures required to
achieve the first phase of reasonable progress.
The impacts of the eight-hour ozone and the fine particulate matter nonattainment designations, and
the CAVR on the Company will depend on the development and implementation of rules at the state
level. Therefore, the full effects of these regulations on the Company cannot be determined at
this time. The Company has developed and continually updates a comprehensive environmental
compliance strategy to comply with the continuing and new environmental requirements discussed
above. As part of this strategy, the Company plans to install additional SO2 and
NOx emission controls within the next several years to assure continued compliance with
applicable air quality requirements.
In March 2005, the EPA published the final Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), a cap-and-trade program
for the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule sets caps on mercury
emissions to be implemented in two phases, 2010 and 2018, and provides for an emission allowance
trading market. The final CAMR was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit. The petitioners alleged that the EPA was not authorized to establish a
cap-and-trade program for mercury emissions and instead the EPA must establish maximum achievable
control technology standards for coal-fired electric utility steam generating units. On February
8, 2008, the court issued its ruling and vacated the CAMR. The Companys overall environmental
compliance strategy relies primarily on a combination of SO2 and NOx controls to reduce
mercury emissions. Any significant changes in the strategy will depend on the outcome of any
appeals and/or future federal and state rulemakings. Future rulemakings could require emission
reductions more stringent than required by the CAMR.
Water Quality
In July 2004, the EPA published its final technology-based regulations under the Clean Water Act
for the purpose of reducing impingement and entrainment of fish, shellfish, and other forms of
aquatic life at existing power plant cooling water intake structures. The rules require baseline
biological information and, perhaps, installation of fish protection technology near some intake
structures at existing power plants. On January 25, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit overturned and remanded several provisions of the rule to the EPA for revisions. Among
other things, the court rejected the EPAs use of cost-benefit analysis and suggested some ways
to incorporate cost considerations. The full impact of these regulations will depend on subsequent
legal proceedings, further rulemaking by the EPA, the results of studies and analyses performed as
part of the rules implementation, and the actual requirements established by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and release of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company could incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company conducts studies to
determine the extent of any required cleanup and has recognized in its financial statements the
costs to clean up known sites. During the second quarter 2007, the Company increased its estimated
liability for environmental remediation projects by $12.8 million as a result of changes in the
cost estimates to remediate substation sites. These projects have been approved by the Florida PSC
for recovery through the environmental cost recovery clause; therefore, there was no impact on the
Companys net income as a result of these revised estimates. See Note 3 to the financial
statements under Environmental Matters Environmental Remediation for additional information.
Global Climate Issues
Federal legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements related to greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. The ultimate outcome of these proposals cannot be
determined at this time; however, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to
regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The EPA is currently developing its
response to this decision. Regulatory decisions that will follow from this response may have
implications for both new and existing stationary sources, such as power plants. The ultimate
outcome of these rulemaking activities cannot be determined at this time; however, as with the
current legislative proposals, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
On July 13, 2007, the Governor of the State of Florida signed three executive orders addressing
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the state, including statewide emission reduction
targets beginning in 2017. Included in the orders is a directive to the Florida Secretary of
Environmental Protection to develop rules adopting maximum allowable emissions levels of greenhouse
gases for electric utilities, consistent with the statewide emission reduction targets, and a
request to the Florida PSC to initiate rulemaking requiring utilities to produce at least 20% of
their electricity from renewable sources. The impact of these orders on the Company will depend on
the development, adoption, and implementation of any rules governing greenhouse gas emissions, and
the ultimate outcome cannot be determined at this time.
International climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change also continue. Current efforts focus on a potential successor to the Kyoto Protocol for
the post-2008 through 2012 timeframe. The outcome and impact of the international negotiations
cannot be determined at this time. The Company continues to evaluate its future energy and
emission profiles and is participating in voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and to help develop and advance technology to reduce emissions.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $0.8 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the IIC, as approved by the FERC. In May 2005,
the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional
operating companies (including the Company), Southern Power, and Southern Company Services, Inc.,
as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated, (2) whether any
parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility companies
that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct defining
Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just and reasonable.
In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern Powers inclusion
in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of conduct.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
PSC Matters
Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company petitions for fuel cost recovery rates to be approved by the Florida PSC on an annual
basis. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the under recovered balance was $56.6 million and
$77.5 million, respectively, primarily due to lower quantity and price for power sales in 2007 and
2006, and increased costs for coal and a higher percentage of natural gas fired generation in 2006.
The Company continuously monitors the under recovered fuel cost balance in light of the inherent
variability in fuel costs. If the projected fuel revenue over or under recovery exceeds 10% of the
projected fuel revenue applicable for the period, the Company is required to notify the Florida PSC
and indicate if an adjustment to the fuel cost recovery factor is being requested. The Company
filed a notice with the Florida PSC in June 2007, and no adjustment to the factor was requested.
In November 2007, the Florida PSC approved an increase of approximately 0.4% in the fuel factor for
retail customers, effective with billings beginning January 2008. The fuel factors are intended to
allow the Company to recover its projected 2008 fuel and purchased power costs as well as the 2007
under recovered amounts in 2008. Fuel cost recovery revenues, as recorded on the financial
statements, are adjusted for differences in actual recoverable costs and amounts billed in current
regulated rates. Accordingly, changing the billing factor has no significant effect on the
Companys revenues or net income, but does impact annual cash flow. See Note 1 to the financial
statements under Revenues.
Environmental Cost Recovery
On August 14, 2007, the Florida PSC voted to approve a stipulation among the Company, the Office of
Public Counsel, and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group regarding the Companys plan for
complying with certain federal and state regulations addressing air quality. The Companys
environmental compliance plan as filed on March 29, 2007 contemplated implementation of specific
projects identified in the plan from 2007 through 2018. The stipulation covers all elements of the
current plan that are scheduled to be implemented in the 2007 through 2011 timeframe. The Florida
PSC acknowledged that the costs associated with the Companys CAIR/CAMR/CAVR compliance plan are
clearly eligible for recovery through the environment cost recovery clause. See FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations herein, Note 3 to the
financial statements under Environmental Matters Environmental Cost Recovery, and Note 7 to the
financial statements under Construction Program for additional information.
Storm Damage Cost Recovery
Under authority granted by the Florida PSC, the Company maintains a reserve for property damage to
cover the cost of uninsured damages from major storms to its transmission and distribution
facilities, generation facilities, and other property. As of December 31, 2007, the under
recovered balance in the Companys property damage reserve totaled approximately $18.6 million,
which is included in current assets in the balance sheets. As of December 31, 2007, the
storm-recovery costs associated with Hurricane Ivan had been fully recovered. Funds collected by
the Company through its storm-recovery surcharge are now being credited to the property reserve for
recovery of the storm restoration costs of $52.6 million associated with Hurricanes Dennis and
Katrina that were previously charged to the reserve.
See Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements under Property Damage Reserve and Storm Damage
Cost Recovery, respectively, for additional information.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Income Tax Matters
Bonus Depreciation
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act) into
law. The Stimulus Act includes a provision that allows 50% bonus depreciation for certain property
acquired in 2008 and placed in service in 2008 or, in certain limited cases, 2009. The Company is
currently assessing the financial implications of the Stimulus Act; however, the ultimate impact
cannot be determined at this time.
Internal Revenue Code Section 199 Domestic Production Deduction
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to U.S. production activities as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal
Revenue Code), Section 199 (production activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated
percentage of qualified production activities net income. The percentage is phased in over the
years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable
for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9% rate applicable for all years after 2009. See Note 5 to the
financial statements under Effective Tax Rate for additional information.
Right of Way Litigation
In September 2007, the Company and its co-defendant in the Gadsden County litigation reached a
proposed settlement agreement with the plaintiffs that, if approved by the trial court, will
resolve all outstanding claims against the Company in both the Gadsden County litigation and the
2001 telecommunications company litigation. On November 7, 2007, the trial court granted
preliminary approval and set forth the requirements for the trial court to make its final
determination on the proposed settlement. Although the final outcome of this matter cannot now be
determined, if approved the settlement is not expected to have a material effect on the financial
statements of the Company. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Right of Way Litigation
for additional information.
Other Matters
In 2004, Georgia Power and the Company entered into PPAs with Florida Power & Light Company (FP&L)
and Progress Energy Florida. Under the agreements, Georgia Power and the Company will provide FP&L
and Progress Energy Florida with 165 megawatts and 74 megawatts, respectively, of capacity annually
from the jointly owned Plant Scherer Unit 3 for the period from June 2010 through December 2015.
The contracts provide for fixed capacity payments and variable energy payments based on actual
energy delivered. The Florida PSC approved the contracts in 2005.
Also in 2004, Georgia Power and the Company entered into a PPA with Flint Electric Membership
Corporation. Under the agreement, Georgia Power and the Company will provide Flint Electric
Membership Corporation with 75 megawatts of capacity annually from the jointly owned Plant Scherer
Unit 3 for the period from June 2010 through December 2019. The contract provides for fixed
capacity payments and variable energy payments based on actual energy delivered.
The Company is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could
affect future earnings. In addition, the Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions
arising in the ordinary course of business. The Companys business activities are subject to
extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over
environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury,
common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air
and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the
United States. In particular, personal injury claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to
hazardous materials have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential
litigation against the Company cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings
not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any,
arising from such current proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Companys
financial statements. See Note 3 to the financial statements for information regarding material
issues.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the
financial statements. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may
have a material impact on the Companys results of operations and related disclosures. Different
assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those
recorded in the financial statements. Senior management has reviewed and discussed critical
accounting policies and estimates described below with the Audit Committee of Southern Companys
Board of Directors.
Electric Utility Regulation
The Company is subject to retail regulation by the Florida PSC and wholesale regulation by the
FERC. These regulatory agencies set the rates the Company is permitted to charge customers based
on allowable costs. As a result, the Company applies Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Statement No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71), which
requires the financial statements to reflect the effects of rate regulation. Through the
ratemaking process, the regulators may require the inclusion of costs or revenues in periods
different than when they would be recognized by a non-regulated company. This treatment may result
in the deferral of expenses and the recording of related regulatory assets based on anticipated
future recovery through rates or the deferral of gains or creation of liabilities and the recording
of related regulatory liabilities. The application of SFAS No. 71 has a further effect on the
Companys financial statements as a result of the estimates of allowable costs used in the
ratemaking process. These estimates may differ from those actually incurred by the Company;
therefore, the accounting estimates inherent in specific costs such as depreciation and pension and
postretirement benefits have less of a direct impact on the Companys results of operations than
they would on a non-regulated company.
As reflected in Note 1 to the financial statements, significant regulatory assets and liabilities
have been recorded. Management reviews the ultimate recoverability of these regulatory assets and
liabilities based on applicable regulatory guidelines and accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. However, adverse legislative, judicial, or regulatory actions could
materially impact the amounts of such regulatory assets and liabilities and could adversely impact
the Companys financial statements.
Contingent Obligations
The Company is subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as other
factors and conditions that potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, income tax, and
other risks. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for more
information regarding certain of these contingencies. The Company periodically evaluates its
exposure to such risks and records reserves for those matters where a loss is considered probable
and reasonably estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The adequacy
of reserves can be significantly affected by external events or conditions that can be
unpredictable; thus, the ultimate outcome of such matters could materially affect the Companys
financial statements. These events or conditions include the following:
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Changes in existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances, hazardous and solid
wastes, and other environmental matters. |
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Changes in existing income tax regulations or changes in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or
state revenue department interpretations of existing regulations. |
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Identification of additional sites that require environmental remediation or the filing of
other complaints in which the Company may be asserted to be a potentially responsible party. |
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Identification and evaluation of other potential lawsuits or complaints in which the Company
may be named as a defendant. |
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Resolution or progression of existing matters through the legislative process, the court
systems, the IRS, the FERC, or the EPA. |
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues related to the sale of electricity are recorded when electricity is delivered to
customers. However, the determination of KWH sales to individual customers is based on the
reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the
end of each month, amounts of electricity delivered to customers, but not yet metered and billed,
are estimated. Components of the unbilled revenue estimates include total KWH territorial supply,
total KWH billed, estimated total electricity lost in delivery, and customer usage. These
components can fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including weather, generation
patterns, and power delivery volume and other operational constraints. These factors can be
unpredictable and can vary from historical trends. As a result, the overall estimate of unbilled
revenues could be significantly affected, which could have a material impact on the Companys
results of operations.
New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than not
that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before
any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on
the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any
related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax positions
beginning January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Companys
financial statements.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158), which requires recognition
of the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans in the balance sheets.
Additionally, SFAS No. 158 will require the Company to change the measurement date for its defined
benefit postretirement plan assets and obligations from September 30 to December 31 beginning with
the year ending December 31, 2008. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional
information.
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) in September 2006.
SFAS No. 157 provides guidance on how to measure fair value where it is permitted or required
under other accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 also requires additional disclosures about
fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 in its entirety on January 1, 2008, with
no material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Fair Value Option
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159). This
standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items
at fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, with no material effect on its
financial condition or results of operations.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
The Companys financial condition remained stable at December 31, 2007. Net cash flow from
operating activities totaled $217.0 million, $143.4 million, and $152.7 million for 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively. The $73.6 million increase in net cash flows in 2007 was due primarily to
increased cash inflows for fuel cost recovery. The $9.3 million decrease in net cash flows in 2006
was due primarily to increased payments related to income taxes and fuel. The $8.2 million
increase in net cash flows in 2005 was due primarily to the recovery of Hurricane Ivan restoration
costs. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $239.3 million due to gross property
additions to utility plant. Funds for the Companys property additions were provided by operating
activities, capital
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
contributions, and other financing activities. Net cash provided from financing activities totaled
$20.2 million in 2007, compared to $24.7 million in 2006. See the statements of cash flows for
additional information.
Significant balance sheet changes in 2007 included a $97.2 million increase in common stockholders
equity primarily due to the issuance of 800,000 shares of common stock to Southern Company, without
par value, and realized proceeds of $80 million. Other significant balance sheet changes in 2007
included a net increase of $162.1 million in property, plant, and equipment, the issuance of $45
million in preference stock, and the issuance of $85 million in long-term debt, partially offset by
the redemption of $41.2 million in long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts.
The Companys ratio of common equity to total capitalization, including short-term debt, was 45.3%
in 2007, 42.1% in 2006, and 43.0% in 2005. See Note 6 to the financial statements for additional
information.
The Company has received investment grade ratings from the major rating agencies with respect to
its debt and preference stock.
Sources of Capital
The Company plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources
similar to those used in the past, which were primarily from operating cash flows, securities
issuances, term loans, and short-term indebtedness. However, the type and timing of any future
financings, if needed, will depend on market conditions, regulatory approval, and other factors.
Security issuances are subject to regulatory approval by the Florida PSC pursuant to its rules and
regulations. Additionally, with respect to the public offering of securities, the Company files
registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (1933 Act). The amounts of securities authorized by the Florida PSC, as well
as the amounts, if any, registered under the 1933 Act, are continuously monitored and appropriate
filings are made to ensure flexibility in the capital markets.
The Company obtains financing separately without credit support from any affiliate. See Note 6 to
the financial statements under Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information. The Southern
Company system does not maintain a centralized cash or money pool. Therefore, funds of the Company
are not commingled with funds of any other company.
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company has various internal and external
sources of liquidity. At the beginning of 2008, the Company had approximately $5.3 million of cash
and cash equivalents, along with $125 million of unused committed lines of credit with banks to
meet its short-term cash needs. These bank credit arrangements will expire during 2008. The
Company plans to renew these lines of credit during 2008. In addition, the Company has substantial
cash flow from operating activities and access to the capital markets including commercial paper
programs to meet liquidity needs. See Note 6 to the financial statements under Bank Credit
Arrangements for additional information.
The Company may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to
issue and sell commercial paper and extendible commercial notes at the request and for the benefit
of the Company and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the
benefit of the Company are loaned directly to the Company and are not commingled with proceeds from
such issuances for the benefit of any other traditional operating company. There is no cross
affiliate credit support. At December 31, 2007, the Company had $40.8 million of commercial paper
outstanding. In addition, the Company had $3.8 million in notes payable outstanding to General
Electric.
Financing Activities
During 2007, the Company issued $85 million of senior notes and $45 million of preference stock.
The proceeds were used to repay a portion of short-term indebtedness and for other general
corporate purposes, including the Companys continuous construction program.
On January 19, 2007, the Company issued to Southern Company 800,000 shares of the Companys common
stock, without par value, and realized proceeds of $80 million. The proceeds were used to repay a
portion of the Companys short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
Credit Rating Risk
The Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment
schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the
event of a credit rating change to BBB- or Baa3, or below. Generally, collateral may be provided
for by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. These contracts are primarily for
physical electricity purchases and sales. At December 31, 2007, the maximum potential collateral
requirements at a BBB- or Baa3 rating were approximately $23 million. The maximum potential
collateral requirements at a rating below BBB- or Baa3 were approximately $46 million.
The Company, along with all members of the Southern Company power pool, is party to certain
derivative agreements that could require collateral and/or accelerated payment in the event of a
credit rating change to below investment grade for Alabama Power and/or Georgia Power. These
agreements are primarily for natural gas and power price risk management activities. At
December 31, 2007, the Companys total exposure to these types of agreements was approximately
$15 million.
Market Price Risk
Due to cost-based rate regulation, the Company has limited exposure to market volatility in
interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To manage the volatility
attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural
offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to the
Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk management practices. Company
policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict
adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using
techniques including but not limited to market valuation, value at risk, stress testing, and
sensitivity analysis.
To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the Company enters into
fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity
market and, to a lesser extent, into financial hedge contracts for natural gas purchases. The
Company has implemented a fuel-hedging program with the approval of the Florida PSC.
Of the Companys remaining $144.6 million of variable interest rate exposure, approximately $141
million relates to tax-exempt auction rate pollution control bonds. Recent weakness in the auction
markets has resulted in higher interest rates. The Company has sent notice of conversion related
to $37 million of these auction rate securities to alternative interest rate determination methods
and plans to remarket all remaining auction rate securities in a timely manner. None of the
securities are insured or backed by letters of credit that would require approval of a guarantor or
security provider. It is not expected that the higher rates as a result of the weakness in the
auction markets will be material.
The weighted average interest rate on $144.6 million variable long-term debt that has not been
hedged at January 1, 2008 was 4.50%. If the Company sustained a 100 basis point change in interest
rates for all variable rate long-term debt, the change would affect annualized interest expense by
approximately $1.4 million at January 1, 2008. See Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under
Financial Instruments for additional information.
II-246
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts and year-end valuations were as
follows at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Fair Value |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Contracts beginning of year |
|
$ |
(7,186 |
) |
|
$ |
11,526 |
|
Contracts realized or settled |
|
|
6,640 |
|
|
|
8,363 |
|
New contracts at inception |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in valuation techniques |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period changes(a) |
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
(27,075 |
) |
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
(202 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,186 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into
during the period, if any. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source of 2007 Year-End |
|
|
Valuation Prices |
|
|
Total Fair |
|
Maturity |
|
|
Value |
|
Year 1 |
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Actively quoted |
|
$ |
(305 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,151 |
) |
|
$ |
846 |
|
External sources |
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
|
|
Models and other methods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
(202 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,048 |
) |
|
$ |
846 |
|
|
Unrealized gains and losses from mark-to-market adjustments on derivative contracts related to the
Companys fuel hedging programs are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. Realized gains
and losses from these programs are included in fuel expense and are recovered through the Companys
fuel cost recovery clause. Gains and losses on derivative contracts that are not designated as
hedges are recognized in the statements of income as incurred. At December 31, 2007, the fair
value gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative contracts were reflected in the financial
statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
(202 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
(202 |
) |
|
Unrealized (losses) recognized in income were not material in any year presented.
The Company is exposed to market price risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the
derivative energy contracts. The Companys policy is to enter into agreements with counterparties
that have investment grade credit ratings by Moodys and Standard & Poors or with counterparties
who have posted collateral to cover potential credit exposure. Therefore, the Company does not
anticipate market risk exposure from nonperformance by the counterparties. See Notes 1 and 6 to
the financial statements under Financial Instruments for additional information.
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
The construction program of the Company is currently estimated to be $410 million in 2008,
$426 million in 2009, and $245 million in 2010. Environmental expenditures included in these
estimated amounts are $317 million in 2008, $301 million in 2009, and $134 million in 2010. Actual
construction costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in such factors as: business
conditions; environmental statutes and regulations; FERC rules and regulations; load projections;
the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; and the cost of capital.
In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully
recovered.
The Company does not have any new generating capacity under construction. Construction of new
transmission and distribution facilities and capital improvements, including those needed to meet
environmental standards for the Companys existing generation, transmission, and distribution
facilities, is ongoing.
II-247
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company has entered into two PPAs, one of which is with Southern Power, for a total of
approximately 487 megawatts annually from June 2009 through May 2014. The PPAs were the result of
a competitive request for proposals process initiated by the Company in January 2006 to address the
anticipated need for additional capacity beginning in 2009. On May 11, 2007, the Florida PSC
issued an order approving both PPAs for purposes of cost recovery through the Companys purchased
power capacity clause. The PPA with Southern Power was approved by the FERC on July 13, 2007.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company provides postretirement benefits to
substantially all employees and funds trusts to the extent required by the FERC and the Florida
PSC.
Other funding requirements related to obligations associated with scheduled maturities of long-term
debt, as well as the related interest, derivative obligations, preference stock dividends, leases,
and other purchase commitments are as follows. See Notes 1, 6, and 7 to the financial statements
for additional information.
II-248
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009- |
|
2011- |
|
After |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
|
Total |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Long-term debt(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
747,555 |
|
|
$ |
747,555 |
|
Interest |
|
|
38,788 |
|
|
|
77,576 |
|
|
|
77,576 |
|
|
|
500,354 |
|
|
|
694,294 |
|
Other derivative obligations(b) |
|
|
4,065 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,088 |
|
Preference stock dividends(c) |
|
|
6,203 |
|
|
|
12,405 |
|
|
|
12,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,013 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
3,388 |
|
|
|
4,204 |
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
|
2,793 |
|
|
|
11,499 |
|
Purchase commitments(d)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital(e) |
|
|
410,190 |
|
|
|
670,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,080,893 |
|
Limestone(f) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,699 |
|
|
|
11,829 |
|
|
|
46,319 |
|
|
|
63,847 |
|
Coal |
|
|
221,177 |
|
|
|
164,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
385,327 |
|
Natural gas(g) |
|
|
116,163 |
|
|
|
153,940 |
|
|
|
40,618 |
|
|
|
169,540 |
|
|
|
480,261 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,643 |
|
|
|
53,788 |
|
|
|
30,988 |
|
|
|
135,419 |
|
Long-term service agreements(h) |
|
|
6,111 |
|
|
|
14,771 |
|
|
|
16,867 |
|
|
|
31,293 |
|
|
|
69,042 |
|
Postretirement benefits trust(i) |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
806,145 |
|
|
$ |
1,154,154 |
|
|
$ |
214,197 |
|
|
$ |
1,528,842 |
|
|
$ |
3,703,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
All amounts are reflected based on final maturity dates. The Company plans to continue to
retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market
conditions permit. Variable rate interest obligations are estimated based on rates as of
January 1, 2008, as reflected in the statements of capitalization. |
|
(b) |
|
For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements. |
|
(c) |
|
Preference stock does not mature; therefore, amounts are provided for the next five years only. |
|
(d) |
|
The Company generally does not enter into non-cancelable commitments for other operations and
maintenance expenditures. Total other operations and maintenance expenses for the last three
years were $270 million, $260 million, and $250 million, respectively. |
|
(e) |
|
The Company forecasts capital expenditures over a three-year period. Amounts represent
current estimates of total expenditures. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase
commitments were outstanding in connection with the construction program. |
|
(f) |
|
As part of the Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal
plants, the Company is constructing certain equipment and has entered into various long-term
commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment. |
|
(g) |
|
Natural gas purchase commitments are based on various indices at the time of delivery.
Amounts reflected have been estimated based on the New York Mercantile Exchange future prices
at December 31, 2007. |
|
(h) |
|
Long-term service agreements include price escalation based on inflation indices. |
|
(i) |
|
The Company forecasts postretirement trust contributions over a three-year period. No
contributions related to the Companys pension trust are currently expected during this
period. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional information related to the
pension and postretirement plans, including estimated benefit payments. Certain benefit
payments will be made through the related trusts. Other benefit payments will be made from
the Companys corporate assets. |
II-249
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Companys 2007 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements concerning retail rates, storm damage cost recovery and
repairs, fuel cost recovery, environmental regulations and expenditures, earnings growth, access to
sources of capital, projections for postretirement benefit trust contributions, financing
activities, completion of construction projects, impacts of adoption of new accounting rules, and
estimated construction and other expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements;
accordingly, there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors
include:
|
|
the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including legislative
and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility
industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental laws including
regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot, or
particulate matter and other substances, and also changes in tax and other laws and
regulations to which the Company is subject, as well as changes in application of existing
laws and regulations; |
|
|
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries, including
FERC matters and the EPA civil actions against the Company; |
|
|
the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in
which the Company operates; |
|
|
variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population, and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy
conservation measures; |
|
|
available sources and costs of fuel; |
|
|
ability to control costs; |
|
|
investment performance of the Companys employee benefit plans; |
|
|
advances in technology; |
|
|
state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and
negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and storm restoration cost recovery; |
|
|
internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
|
|
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to the Company; |
|
|
the ability of counterparties of the Company to make payments as and when due; |
|
|
the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
|
|
the direct or indirect effect on the Companys business resulting from terrorist incidents
and the threat of terrorist incidents; |
|
|
interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including the Companys credit ratings; |
|
|
the ability of the Company to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices; |
|
|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
|
|
the direct or indirect effects on the Companys business resulting from incidents similar to
the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
|
|
the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies; and |
|
|
other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K) filed
by the Company from time to time with the SEC. |
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
II-250
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenues |
|
$ |
1,006,329 |
|
|
$ |
952,038 |
|
|
$ |
864,859 |
|
Wholesale revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
83,514 |
|
|
|
87,142 |
|
|
|
84,346 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
113,178 |
|
|
|
118,097 |
|
|
|
91,352 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
56,787 |
|
|
|
46,637 |
|
|
|
43,065 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
1,259,808 |
|
|
|
1,203,914 |
|
|
|
1,083,622 |
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
573,354 |
|
|
|
534,921 |
|
|
|
415,789 |
|
Purchased power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
11,994 |
|
|
|
16,288 |
|
|
|
29,995 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
59,499 |
|
|
|
57,536 |
|
|
|
68,402 |
|
Other operations |
|
|
201,768 |
|
|
|
192,375 |
|
|
|
176,620 |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
68,672 |
|
|
|
67,144 |
|
|
|
73,150 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
85,613 |
|
|
|
89,170 |
|
|
|
85,002 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
82,992 |
|
|
|
79,808 |
|
|
|
76,387 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
1,083,892 |
|
|
|
1,037,242 |
|
|
|
925,345 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
175,916 |
|
|
|
166,672 |
|
|
|
158,277 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
5,348 |
|
|
|
5,228 |
|
|
|
3,804 |
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(44,680 |
) |
|
|
(44,133 |
) |
|
|
(40,317 |
) |
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
(1,502 |
) |
|
|
(3,185 |
) |
|
|
(813 |
) |
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(40,834 |
) |
|
|
(42,090 |
) |
|
|
(37,326 |
) |
|
Earnings Before Income Taxes |
|
|
135,082 |
|
|
|
124,582 |
|
|
|
120,951 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
47,083 |
|
|
|
45,293 |
|
|
|
44,981 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
87,999 |
|
|
|
79,289 |
|
|
|
75,970 |
|
Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock |
|
|
3,881 |
|
|
|
3,300 |
|
|
|
761 |
|
|
Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock |
|
$ |
84,118 |
|
|
$ |
75,989 |
|
|
$ |
75,209 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-251
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
87,999 |
|
|
$ |
79,289 |
|
|
$ |
75,970 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
90,694 |
|
|
|
94,466 |
|
|
|
90,890 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
(10,818 |
) |
|
|
1,170 |
|
|
|
33,161 |
|
Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits |
|
|
6,062 |
|
|
|
3,319 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
Stock option expense |
|
|
1,141 |
|
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
211 |
|
|
|
3,502 |
|
Hedge settlements |
|
|
3,030 |
|
|
|
(5,399 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other, net |
|
|
(9,448 |
) |
|
|
6,931 |
|
|
|
3,958 |
|
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
10,302 |
|
|
|
(36,795 |
) |
|
|
(46,248 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock |
|
|
5,025 |
|
|
|
(31,297 |
) |
|
|
(11,740 |
) |
Materials and supplies |
|
|
(2,625 |
) |
|
|
(2,330 |
) |
|
|
3,785 |
|
Prepaid income taxes |
|
|
7,177 |
|
|
|
(7,060 |
) |
|
|
31,898 |
|
Property damage cost recovery |
|
|
25,103 |
|
|
|
24,544 |
|
|
|
20,045 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
(632 |
) |
|
|
(955 |
) |
|
|
3,453 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(555 |
) |
|
|
13,876 |
|
|
|
(72,532 |
) |
Accrued taxes |
|
|
4,773 |
|
|
|
(455 |
) |
|
|
6,847 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
(1,322 |
) |
|
|
(3,251 |
) |
|
|
311 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
732 |
|
|
|
6,165 |
|
|
|
9,011 |
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
216,982 |
|
|
|
143,434 |
|
|
|
152,686 |
|
|
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property additions |
|
|
(241,538 |
) |
|
|
(154,377 |
) |
|
|
(143,171 |
) |
Cost of removal net of salvage |
|
|
(9,408 |
) |
|
|
(4,564 |
) |
|
|
(8,504 |
) |
Construction payables |
|
|
10,817 |
|
|
|
3,309 |
|
|
|
(8,806 |
) |
Other |
|
|
803 |
|
|
|
(8,779 |
) |
|
|
(440 |
) |
|
Net cash used for investing activities |
|
|
(239,326 |
) |
|
|
(164,411 |
) |
|
|
(160,921 |
) |
|
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net |
|
|
(75,821 |
) |
|
|
30,981 |
|
|
|
39,465 |
|
Proceeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
Common stock issued to parent |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
Gross excess tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
799 |
|
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
4,174 |
|
|
|
26,140 |
|
|
|
(94 |
) |
Redemptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,075 |
) |
|
|
|
|
First mortgage bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25,000 |
) |
|
|
(30,000 |
) |
Other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100,000 |
) |
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,236 |
) |
Other long-term debt |
|
|
(41,238 |
) |
|
|
(30,928 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Payment of preferred and preference stock dividends |
|
|
(3,300 |
) |
|
|
(3,300 |
) |
|
|
(761 |
) |
Payment of common stock dividends |
|
|
(74,100 |
) |
|
|
(70,300 |
) |
|
|
(68,400 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(348 |
) |
|
|
(1,285 |
) |
|
|
(3,721 |
) |
|
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities |
|
|
20,166 |
|
|
|
24,656 |
|
|
|
(52,747 |
) |
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
(2,178 |
) |
|
|
3,679 |
|
|
|
(60,982 |
) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year |
|
|
7,526 |
|
|
|
3,847 |
|
|
|
64,829 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year |
|
$ |
5,348 |
|
|
$ |
7,526 |
|
|
$ |
3,847 |
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest (net of $1,048, $160, and $515 capitalized, respectively) |
|
$ |
35,237 |
|
|
$ |
37,297 |
|
|
$ |
35,786 |
|
Income taxes (net of refunds) |
|
|
39,228 |
|
|
|
54,533 |
|
|
|
(27,912 |
) |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-252
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
5,348 |
|
|
$ |
7,526 |
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts receivable |
|
|
63,227 |
|
|
|
56,489 |
|
Unbilled revenues |
|
|
39,000 |
|
|
|
38,287 |
|
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
58,435 |
|
|
|
79,235 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable |
|
|
7,162 |
|
|
|
9,015 |
|
Affiliated companies |
|
|
19,377 |
|
|
|
15,302 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts |
|
|
(1,711 |
) |
|
|
(1,279 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost |
|
|
71,012 |
|
|
|
76,036 |
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
|
45,763 |
|
|
|
35,306 |
|
Property damage cost recovery |
|
|
18,585 |
|
|
|
28,771 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
10,220 |
|
|
|
15,977 |
|
Other |
|
|
14,878 |
|
|
|
14,259 |
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
351,296 |
|
|
|
374,924 |
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In service |
|
|
2,678,952 |
|
|
|
2,574,517 |
|
Less accumulated provision for depreciation |
|
|
931,968 |
|
|
|
901,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,746,984 |
|
|
|
1,672,953 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
150,870 |
|
|
|
62,815 |
|
|
Total property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
1,897,854 |
|
|
|
1,735,768 |
|
|
Other Property and Investments |
|
|
4,563 |
|
|
|
14,846 |
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred charges related to income taxes |
|
|
17,847 |
|
|
|
17,148 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
107,151 |
|
|
|
69,895 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
97,492 |
|
|
|
110,077 |
|
Other |
|
|
22,784 |
|
|
|
17,831 |
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets |
|
|
245,274 |
|
|
|
214,951 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
2,498,987 |
|
|
$ |
2,340,489 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-253
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable |
|
$ |
44,625 |
|
|
$ |
120,446 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
39,375 |
|
|
|
44,375 |
|
Other |
|
|
56,823 |
|
|
|
49,979 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
24,885 |
|
|
|
21,363 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
30,026 |
|
|
|
29,771 |
|
Other |
|
|
10,577 |
|
|
|
15,033 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
7,698 |
|
|
|
7,645 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
15,096 |
|
|
|
16,932 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
6,027 |
|
|
|
9,029 |
|
Other |
|
|
32,023 |
|
|
|
30,975 |
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
267,155 |
|
|
|
345,548 |
|
|
Long-term Debt (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
740,050 |
|
|
|
696,098 |
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes |
|
|
240,101 |
|
|
|
237,862 |
|
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
12,988 |
|
|
|
14,721 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
74,021 |
|
|
|
73,922 |
|
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
172,876 |
|
|
|
165,410 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
82,741 |
|
|
|
46,485 |
|
Other |
|
|
79,802 |
|
|
|
72,533 |
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
662,529 |
|
|
|
610,933 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
1,669,734 |
|
|
|
1,652,579 |
|
|
Preferred and Preference Stock (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
97,998 |
|
|
|
53,887 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
731,255 |
|
|
|
634,023 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
2,498,987 |
|
|
$ |
2,340,489 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Matters (See notes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-254
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
(percent of total)
|
Long Term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.60% due 2042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.35% to 5.90% due 2013-2044 |
|
|
590,000 |
|
|
|
505,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term notes payable |
|
|
590,000 |
|
|
|
505,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control revenue bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.80% due September 1, 2028 |
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rates (3.79% to 5.10% at 1/1/08) due 2022-2037 |
|
|
144,555 |
|
|
|
144,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other long-term debt |
|
|
157,555 |
|
|
|
157,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized debt discount |
|
|
(7,505 |
) |
|
|
(7,695 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (annual interest requirement $38.8 million) |
|
|
740,050 |
|
|
|
696,098 |
|
|
|
47.2 |
% |
|
|
50.3 |
% |
|
Preferred and Preference Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized - 2007: 20,000,000 sharespreferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2007: 10,000,000 sharespreference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2006: 20,000,000 sharespreferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2006: 10,000,000 sharespreference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding $100 par or stated value 6% preference stock |
|
|
53,886 |
|
|
|
53,887 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.45% preference stock |
|
|
44,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2007: 1,000,000 shares (non-cumulative) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2006: 550,000 shares (non-cumulative) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total preferred and preference stock
(annual dividend requirement $6.2 million) |
|
|
97,998 |
|
|
|
53,887 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, without par value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized - 2007: 20,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2006: 20,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding - 2007: 1,792,717 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2006: 992,717 shares |
|
|
118,060 |
|
|
|
38,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
435,008 |
|
|
|
428,592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
181,986 |
|
|
|
171,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(3,799 |
) |
|
|
(4,597 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
731,255 |
|
|
|
634,023 |
|
|
|
46.6 |
|
|
|
45.8 |
|
|
Total Capitalization |
|
$ |
1,569,303 |
|
|
$ |
1,384,008 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-255
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
Paid-In |
|
Retained |
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Capital |
|
Earnings |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
38,060 |
|
|
$ |
397,396 |
|
|
$ |
159,581 |
|
|
$ |
(2,865 |
) |
|
$ |
592,172 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,209 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,209 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,408 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(68,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(68,400 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
38,060 |
|
|
|
400,815 |
|
|
|
166,279 |
|
|
|
(2,810 |
) |
|
|
602,344 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
and preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,989 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,989 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,777 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,777 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,112 |
) |
|
|
(3,112 |
) |
Adjustment to initially apply
FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,325 |
|
|
|
1,325 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(70,300 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(70,300 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
38,060 |
|
|
|
428,592 |
|
|
|
171,968 |
|
|
|
(4,597 |
) |
|
|
634,023 |
|
Net income after dividends on preference stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,118 |
|
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,458 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
798 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(74,100 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(74,100 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
118,060 |
|
|
$ |
435,008 |
|
|
$ |
181,986 |
|
|
$ |
(3,799 |
) |
|
$ |
731,255 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock |
|
$ |
84,118 |
|
|
$ |
75,989 |
|
|
$ |
75,209 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying hedges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in
fair value, net of tax of $232, $(2,082), and $-,
respectively |
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
(3,317 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $269, $140, and $126, respectively |
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in additional minimum pension liability,
net of tax of $-, $(13), and $(91), respectively |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19) |
|
|
|
(146 |
) |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
(3,112 |
) |
|
|
55 |
|
|
Comprehensive Income |
|
$ |
84,916 |
|
|
$ |
72,877 |
|
|
$ |
75,264 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-256
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Gulf Power Company (the Company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company, which is the
parent company of four traditional operating companies, Southern Power Company (Southern Power),
Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), Southern Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC
Wireless), Southern Company Holdings, Inc. (Southern Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company,
Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other direct and indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating
companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, the Company, and Mississippi Power, are vertically
integrated utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. The Company provides
retail service to customers in northwest Florida and to wholesale customers in the Southeast.
Southern Power constructs, acquires, and manages generation assets and sells electricity at
market-based rates in the wholesale market. SCS, the system service company, provides, at cost,
specialized services to Southern Company and the subsidiary companies. SouthernLINC Wireless
provides digital wireless communications services to the traditional operating companies and also
markets these services to the public and provides fiber cable services within the Southeast.
Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding company subsidiary for Southern Companys investments
in synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various other energy-related businesses. The
investments in synthetic fuels ended on December 31, 2007. Southern Nuclear operates and provides
services to Southern Companys nuclear power plants.
The equity method is used for subsidiaries in which the Company has significant influence but
does not control and for variable interest entities where the Company is not the primary
beneficiary.
The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the
Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The Company follows accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States and complies with the accounting policies and practices prescribed by
its regulatory commissions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates, and the actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
to current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, net income,
or cash flows. For presentation purposes, the balance sheets and the statements of cash flows have
been modified to combine Long-term Debt Payable to Affiliate Trusts into Long-term Debt.
Correspondingly, the statements of income were modified to report Interest expense to affiliate
trusts together with Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.
Affiliate Transactions
The Company has an agreement with SCS under which the following services are rendered to the
Company at direct or allocated cost: general and design engineering, purchasing, accounting and
statistical analysis, finance and treasury, tax, information resources, marketing, auditing,
insurance and pension administration, human resources, systems and procedures, and other services
with respect to business and operations and power pool operations. Costs for these services
amounted to $73 million, $59 million, and $54 million during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Cost allocation methodologies used by SCS were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission
prior to the repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, and management
believes they are reasonable. The FERC permits services to be rendered at cost by system service
companies.
The Company has agreements with Georgia Power and Mississippi Power under which the Company owns a
portion of Plant Scherer
and Plant Daniel, respectively. Georgia Power operates Plant Scherer and Mississippi Power
operates Plant Daniel. The Company reimbursed Georgia Power $5.1 million, $8.0 million, and
$4.3 million and Mississippi Power $23.1 million, $19.7 million, and $19.5 million in 2007, 2006,
and 2005, respectively, for its proportionate share of related expenses. See Note 4 and Note 7
under Operating Leases for additional information.
The Company provides incidental services to and receives such services from other Southern Company
subsidiaries which are generally minor in duration and amount. However, with the hurricane damage
experienced in 2005, assistance provided to aid in storm restoration, including Company labor,
contract labor, and materials, caused an increase in these activities. The total amount of storm
restoration provided to Mississippi Power was $11.1 million in 2005. The Company received storm
restoration assistance from other Southern Company subsidiaries totaling $5.8 million in 2005.
These activities were billed at cost.
II-257
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The traditional operating companies, including the Company, and Southern Power jointly enter into
various types of wholesale energy, natural gas, and certain other contracts, either directly or
through SCS, as agent. Each participating company may be jointly and severally liable for the
obligations incurred under these agreements. See Note 7 under Fuel Commitments for additional
information.
In 2007, the Company purchased equipment from Georgia Power and Southern Power. The purchase price
was $4.0 million and $7.9 million, respectively, and is included in property, plant and equipment
in the balance sheets.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The Company is subject to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement
No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71). Regulatory
assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that are expected to be
recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. Regulatory liabilities represent probable
future reductions in revenues associated with amounts that are expected to be credited to customers
through the ratemaking process. Regulatory assets and (liabilities) reflected in the balance sheets
at December 31 relate to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Note |
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Environmental remediation |
|
$ |
66,923 |
|
|
$ |
57,230 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Loss on reacquired debt |
|
|
17,378 |
|
|
|
18,584 |
|
|
|
(b |
) |
Vacation pay |
|
|
7,411 |
|
|
|
5,795 |
|
|
|
(c |
) |
Deferred charges related to income taxes |
|
|
17,847 |
|
|
|
17,148 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Fuel-hedging assets |
|
|
1,657 |
|
|
|
8,031 |
|
|
|
(e |
) |
Underfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
14,602 |
|
|
|
17,968 |
|
|
|
(f |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
1,548 |
|
|
|
3,319 |
|
|
|
(g |
) |
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
56,628 |
|
|
|
77,480 |
|
|
|
(g |
) |
Property damage reserve |
|
|
18,585 |
|
|
|
45,654 |
|
|
|
(h |
) |
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
(4,570 |
) |
|
|
(3,313 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
(172,876 |
) |
|
|
(165,410 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Deferred income tax credits |
|
|
(15,331 |
) |
|
|
(17,935 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Fuel-hedging liabilities |
|
|
(1,455 |
) |
|
|
(845 |
) |
|
|
(e |
) |
Over recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
(5,233 |
) |
|
|
(8,139 |
) |
|
|
(g |
) |
Other liabilities |
|
|
(1,715 |
) |
|
|
(1,804 |
) |
|
|
(g |
) |
Overfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
(60,464 |
) |
|
|
(23,478 |
) |
|
|
(f |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
(59,065 |
) |
|
$ |
30,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
The recovery and amortization periods for these regulatory assets and (liabilities) are as follows: |
|
(a) |
|
Recovered through the environmental cost recovery clause when the remediation is performed. |
|
(b) |
|
Recovered over the remaining life of the original issue, which may range up to 40 years. |
|
(c) |
|
Recorded as earned by employees and recovered as paid, generally within one year. |
|
(d) |
|
Asset retirement and removal liabilities are recovered, deferred charges related to income tax assets are recovered,
and deferred charges related to income tax liabilities are amortized over the related property lives, which may
range up to 65 years. Asset retirement and removal liabilities will be settled and trued up following completion of
the related activities. |
|
(e) |
|
Fuel-hedging assets and liabilities are recognized over the life of the underlying hedged purchase contracts, which
generally do not exceed three years. Upon final settlement, costs are recovered through the fuel cost recovery
clause. |
|
(f) |
|
Recovered and amortized over the average remaining service period which may range up to 14 years. See Note 2 under
Retirement Benefits. |
|
(g) |
|
Recorded and recovered or amortized as approved by the Florida PSC. |
|
(h) |
|
Recorded and recovered or amortized as approved by the Florida PSC. Storm cost recovery surcharge ends in June 2009. |
II-258
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In the event that a portion of the Companys operations is no longer subject to the provisions of
SFAS No. 71, the Company would be required to write off related regulatory assets and liabilities
that are not specifically recoverable through regulated rates. In addition, the Company would be
required to determine if any impairment to other assets, including plant assets, exists and write
down the assets, if impaired, to their fair values. All regulatory assets and liabilities are
reflected in rates.
Revenues
Energy and other revenues are recognized as services are provided. Unbilled revenues related to
retail sales are accrued at the end of each fiscal period. Wholesale capacity revenues are
generally recognized on a levelized basis over the appropriate contract period. The Companys
retail electric rates include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, the
energy component of purchased power costs, and certain other costs. The Company continuously
monitors the under recovered fuel cost balance in light of the inherent variability in fuel costs.
The Company is required to notify the Florida PSC if the projected fuel revenue over or under
recovery exceeds 10% of the projected fuel revenue applicable for the period and indicate if an
adjustment to the fuel cost recovery factor is being requested. The Company filed a notice with
the Florida PSC in June 2007 and no adjustment to the factor was requested. The Company has
similar retail cost recovery clauses for energy conservation costs, purchased power capacity costs,
and environmental compliance costs. Revenues are adjusted for differences between these actual
costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Under or over recovered regulatory clause
revenues are recorded in the balance sheets and are recovered or returned to customers through
adjustments to the billing factors. Annually, the Company petitions for recovery of projected
costs including any true-up amount from prior periods, and approved rates are implemented each
January. In November 2007, the Florida PSC approved billing factors for 2008 intended to allow the
Company to recover projected 2008 costs as well as refund or collect the 2007 over or under
recovered amounts in 2008.
The Company has a diversified base of customers. No single customer or industry comprises 10% or
more of revenues. For all periods presented, uncollectible accounts averaged less than 1% of
revenues.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as the fuel is used.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost less regulatory disallowances and
impairments. Original cost includes: materials; labor; minor items of property; appropriate
administrative and general costs; payroll-related costs such as taxes, pensions, and other
benefits; and the interest capitalized and/or cost of funds used during construction.
The Companys property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Generation |
|
$ |
1,390,635 |
|
|
$ |
1,347,881 |
|
Transmission |
|
|
282,408 |
|
|
|
270,658 |
|
Distribution |
|
|
873,642 |
|
|
|
831,494 |
|
General |
|
|
128,704 |
|
|
|
120,666 |
|
Plant acquisition adjustment |
|
|
3,563 |
|
|
|
3,818 |
|
|
Total plant in service |
|
$ |
2,678,952 |
|
|
$ |
2,574,517 |
|
|
The cost of replacements of property, exclusive of minor items of property, is capitalized. The
cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense as incurred or performed.
Income and Other Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provides deferred
income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences. Investment tax credits utilized
are deferred and amortized to income over the average life of the related property. Taxes that are
collected from customers on behalf of governmental agencies to be remitted to these agencies are
II-259
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
presented net on the statements of income. In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), the Company recognizes tax positions that
are more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing
authorities. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits for additional information on the effect
of adopting FIN 48.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of the original cost of utility plant in service is provided primarily by using
composite straight-line rates, which approximated 3.4% in 2007, 3.7% in 2006, and 3.8% in 2005.
Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update the composite rates. These studies are
approved by the Florida PSC. When property subject to depreciation is retired or otherwise
disposed of in the normal course of business, its original cost, together with the cost of removal,
less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For other property dispositions, the
applicable cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the balance sheet accounts and a gain
or loss is recognized. Minor items of property included in the original cost of the plant are
retired when the related property unit is retired.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal
Asset retirement obligations are computed as the present value of the ultimate costs for an assets
future retirement and are recorded in the period in which the liability is incurred. The costs are
capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the assets useful life.
The Company has received an order from the Florida PSC allowing the continued accrual of other
future retirement costs for long-lived assets that the Company does not have a legal obligation to
retire. Accordingly, the accumulated removal costs for these obligations will continue to be
reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability.
The liability recognized to retire long-lived assets primarily relates to the Companys combustion
turbines at its Pea Ridge facility, various landfill sites, and a barge unloading dock. In
connection with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset
Retirement Obligations (FIN 47), the Company also recorded additional asset retirement obligations
(and assets) of $9.1 million, primarily related to asbestos removal, ash ponds, and disposal of
polychlorinated biphenyls in certain transformers. The Company also has identified retirement
obligations related to certain transmission and distribution facilities, certain wireless
communication towers, and certain structures authorized by the United States Army Corps of
Engineers. However, liabilities for the removal of these assets have not been recorded because the
range of time over which the Company may settle these obligations is unknown and cannot be
reasonably estimated. The Company will continue to recognize in the statements of income allowed
removal costs in accordance with its regulatory treatment. Any differences between costs
recognized under FASB Statement No. 143 Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations and FIN 47
and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a regulatory asset or liability, as ordered
by the Florida PSC, and are reflected in the balance sheets.
Details of the asset retirement obligations included in the balance sheets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Balance beginning of year |
|
$ |
12,718 |
|
|
$ |
15,298 |
|
Liabilities incurred |
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities settled |
|
|
(484 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accretion |
|
|
619 |
|
|
|
785 |
|
Cash flow revisions |
|
|
(1,414 |
) |
|
|
(3,365 |
) |
|
Balance end of year |
|
$ |
11,942 |
|
|
$ |
12,718 |
|
|
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)
In accordance with regulatory treatment, the Company records AFUDC, which represents the estimated
debt and equity costs of capital funds that are necessary to finance the construction of new
regulated facilities. While cash is not realized currently from such allowance, it increases the
revenue requirement over the service life of the plant through a higher rate base and higher
depreciation expense. The equity component of AFUDC is not included in calculating taxable income.
For the years 2007, 2006, and 2005, the average annual AFUDC rate was 7.48%. AFUDC, net of taxes,
as a percentage of net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock was 3.59%, 0.61%,
and 1.97%, respectively, for 2007, 2006, and 2005.
II-260
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether an impairment has occurred is based on either a specific regulatory disallowance or an
estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared with the
carrying value of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment
recognized is determined by either the amount of regulatory disallowance or by estimating the fair
value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. For
assets identified as held for sale, the carrying value is compared to the estimated fair value less
the cost to sell in order to determine if an impairment loss is required. Until the assets are
disposed of, their estimated fair value is re-evaluated when circumstances or events change.
Property Damage Reserve
The Company accrues for the cost of repairing damages from major storms and other uninsured
property damages, including uninsured damages to transmission and distribution facilities,
generation facilities, and other property. The cost of such damages is charged to the reserve.
The Florida PSC approved annual accrual to the property damage reserve is $3.5 million, with a
target level for the reserve between $25.1 million and $36.0 million. The Florida PSC also
authorized the Company to make additional accruals above the $3.5 million at the Companys
discretion. The Company accrued total expenses of $3.5 million in 2007, $6.5 million in 2006, and
$9.5 million in 2005. At December 31, 2007, the unrecovered balance in the property damage reserve
totaled approximately $18.6 million. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Storm Damage
Cost Recovery for additional information regarding the surcharge mechanism approved by the Florida
PSC to replenish these reserves.
Injuries and Damages Reserve
The Company is subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. As
permitted by the Florida PSC, the Company accrues for the uninsured costs of injuries and damages
by charges to income amounting to $1.6 million annually. The Florida PSC has also given the
Company the flexibility to increase its annual accrual above $1.6 million to the extent the balance
in the reserve does not exceed $2 million and to defer expense recognition of liabilities greater
than the balance in the reserve. The cost of settling claims is charged to the reserve. The
injuries and damages reserve was $2.2 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, and is included in Current Liabilities in the balance sheets. Liabilities in excess
of the reserve balance of $0.8 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, are included in Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities in the balance sheets.
Corresponding regulatory assets of $0.8 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, are included in Current Assets in the balance sheets. At December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, none and $0.1 million are included in Deferred Charges and Other Assets in the
balance sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the financial statements, temporary cash investments are considered cash
equivalents. Temporary cash investments are securities with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
Materials and Supplies
Generally, materials and supplies include the average cost of transmission, distribution, and
generating plant materials. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or
capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed.
Fuel Inventory
Fuel inventory includes the average costs of oil, coal, natural gas, and emission allowances. Fuel
is charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed as used. Emission allowances granted by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are included in inventory at zero cost.
Stock Options
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for
options granted in accordance with Accounting
II-261
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Principles Board Opinion No. 25; thus, no compensation expense was recognized because the exercise
price of all options granted equaled the fair market value on the date of the grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB
Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)), using the modified prospective
method. Under that method, compensation cost for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was
recognized as the requisite service was rendered and included: (a) compensation cost for the
portion of share-based awards granted prior to and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006, for
which the requisite service had not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those
awards as calculated in accordance with the original provisions of FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and (b) compensation cost for all share-based awards
granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Results for prior periods have not been restated.
The compensation cost and tax benefit related to the grant and exercise of Southern Company stock
options to the Companys employees are recognized in the Companys financial statements with a
corresponding credit to equity, representing a capital contribution from Southern Company.
For the Company, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) has resulted in a reduction in earnings before
income taxes and net income of $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31,
2006. Additionally, SFAS No. 123(R) requires the gross excess tax benefit from stock option
exercises to be reclassified as a financing cash flow as opposed to an operating cash flow; the
reduction in operating cash flows and the increase in financing cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma
impact on net income of fair-value accounting for options granted was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
As Reported |
|
Options Impact After Tax |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net income |
|
$ |
75,209 |
|
|
$ |
(586 |
) |
|
$ |
74,623 |
|
|
Because historical forfeitures have been insignificant and are expected to remain insignificant, no
forfeitures were assumed in the calculation of compensation expense; rather they are recognized
when they occur.
The estimated fair values of stock options granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were derived using the
Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility
of Southern Companys stock over a period equal to the expected term. The Company used historical
exercise data to estimate the expected term that represents the period of time that options granted
to employees are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury
yield curve in effect at the time of grant that covers the expected term of the stock options. The
following table shows the assumptions used in the pricing model and the weighted average grant-date
fair value of stock options granted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Weighted average grant-date fair value |
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
|
$ |
4.15 |
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, the prices of certain fuel purchases, and electricity purchases and sales. All derivative
financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair
value. Substantially all of the Companys bulk energy purchases and sales contracts that meet the
definition of a derivative are exempt from fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for
under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts qualify as cash flow hedges of anticipated
transactions or are recoverable through the Florida PSC-approved hedging program. This results in
the deferral of related gains and losses in other comprehensive income or regulatory assets and
liabilities, respectively, until the hedged transactions occur. Any ineffectiveness arising from
cash flow hedges is recognized currently in net
II-262
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
income. Other derivative contracts are marked to market through current period income and are
recorded on a net basis in the statements of income.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the event of counterparties
nonperformance. The Company has established controls to determine and monitor the creditworthiness
of counterparties in order to mitigate the Companys exposure to counterparty credit risk.
Other financial instruments for which the carrying amounts did not equal fair values at December 31
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
740,050 |
|
|
$ |
725,885 |
|
2006 |
|
|
696,098 |
|
|
|
682,641 |
|
The fair values were based on either closing market prices or closing prices of comparable
instruments.
Comprehensive Income
The objective of comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity
of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than
transactions with owners. Comprehensive income consists of net income and changes in the fair
value of qualifying cash flow hedges, and prior to the adoption of SFAS No.158, Employers
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158) the minimum
pension liability, less income taxes and reclassifications for amounts included in net income.
Variable Interest Entities
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and
liabilities. The Company had established certain wholly-owned trusts to issue preferred
securities. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the trusts. Therefore, the
investments in these trusts were reflected as Other Investments for the Company, and the related
loans from the trusts were included in Long-term Debt in the balance sheets. In November 2007, the
Company redeemed $41.2 million of its Series E Junior Subordinated Notes and the related trust
preferred and common securities of Gulf Power Capital Trust IV. As of December 31, 2007, the
Company no longer had any outstanding trust preferred securities. See Note 6 under Long-Term Debt
Payable to Affiliated Trusts for additional information.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering substantially all employees.
The plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended (ERISA). No contributions to the plan are expected for the year ending
December 31, 2008. The Company also provides a defined benefit pension plan for a selected group
of management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under this non-qualified plan are funded
on a cash basis. In addition, the Company provides certain medical care and life insurance
benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit plans. The Company funds
related trusts to the extent required by the FERC. For the year ending December 31, 2008,
postretirement trust contributions are expected to total approximately $60,000.
The measurement date for plan assets and obligations is September 30 for each year presented.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 158, Southern Company will be required to change the measurement
date for its defined benefit postretirement plans from September 30 to December 31 beginning with
the year ending December 31, 2008.
II-263
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Pension Plans
The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was $230 million in 2007 and
$242 million in 2006. Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and fair value
of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
246,569 |
|
|
$ |
248,026 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
6,835 |
|
|
|
6,980 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
14,519 |
|
|
|
13,359 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(11,625 |
) |
|
|
(11,034 |
) |
Plan amendments |
|
|
1,698 |
|
|
|
385 |
|
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(6,215 |
) |
|
|
(11,147 |
) |
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
251,781 |
|
|
|
246,569 |
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
305,525 |
|
|
|
280,366 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
51,159 |
|
|
|
35,511 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
682 |
|
|
|
682 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(11,625 |
) |
|
|
(11,034 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
345,741 |
|
|
|
305,525 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
93,960 |
|
|
|
58,956 |
|
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
Prepaid pension asset, net |
|
$ |
94,109 |
|
|
$ |
59,103 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension
plans were $238.6 million and $13.2 million, respectively. All plan assets are related to the
qualified pension plan.
Pension plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable requirements,
including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). The
Companys investment policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income
securities, real estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging
tools but may also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company
primarily minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages
other aspects of risk. The actual composition of the Companys pension plan assets as of the end
of the year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys pension plans consist of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Prepaid pension costs |
|
$ |
107,151 |
|
|
$ |
69,895 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
6,561 |
|
|
|
5,091 |
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(639 |
) |
|
|
(585 |
) |
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
(60,464 |
) |
|
|
(23,478 |
) |
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(12,403 |
) |
|
|
(10,207 |
) |
II-264
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at
December 31, 2007 and 2006 related to the defined benefit pension plans that had not yet been
recognized in net periodic pension cost along with the estimated amortization of such amounts for
2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior |
|
Net |
|
|
Service |
|
(Gain)/ |
|
|
Cost |
|
Loss |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
1,900 |
|
|
$ |
4,661 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
9,932 |
|
|
|
(70,396 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
11,832 |
|
|
$ |
(65,735 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
401 |
|
|
$ |
4,690 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
11,153 |
|
|
|
(34,631 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
11,554 |
|
|
$ |
(29,941 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated amortization in net periodic
pension cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
258 |
|
|
$ |
334 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
1,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,478 |
|
|
$ |
334 |
|
|
The changes in the balances of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities related to the defined
benefit pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 are presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory |
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Assets |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
5,091 |
|
|
$ |
(23,478 |
) |
Net (gain)/loss |
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
(35,765 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
1,698 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
(1,221 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(342 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(541 |
) |
|
|
(1,221 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
1,470 |
|
|
|
(36,986 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
6,561 |
|
|
$ |
(60,464 |
) |
|
Components of net periodic pension cost (income) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
6,835 |
|
|
$ |
6,980 |
|
|
$ |
6,317 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
14,519 |
|
|
|
13,358 |
|
|
|
12,866 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(21,934 |
) |
|
|
(20,727 |
) |
|
|
(20,816 |
) |
Recognized net (gain)/loss |
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
463 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
Net amortization |
|
|
1,419 |
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
|
|
502 |
|
|
Net periodic pension cost (income) |
|
$ |
1,181 |
|
|
$ |
1,387 |
|
|
$ |
(781 |
) |
|
Net periodic pension cost (income) is the sum of service cost, interest cost, and other costs
netted against the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is
determined by multiplying the expected rate of return on plan assets and the market-
II-265
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
related value of plan assets. In determining the market-related value of plan assets, the Company
has elected to amortize changes in the market value of all plan assets over five years rather than
recognize the changes immediately. As a result, the accounting value of plan assets that is used
to calculate the expected return on plan assets differs from the current fair value of the plan
assets.
Future benefit payments reflect expected future service and are estimated based on assumptions used
to measure the projected benefit obligation for the pension plans. At December 31, 2007, estimated
benefit payments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
12,283 |
|
2009 |
|
|
12,603 |
|
2010 |
|
|
13,097 |
|
2011 |
|
|
14,775 |
|
2012 |
|
|
15,479 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
94,245 |
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
Changes during the year in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations (APBO) and in the
fair value of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
73,985 |
|
|
$ |
73,280 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
1,351 |
|
|
|
1,424 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
4,330 |
|
|
|
3,940 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(3,586 |
) |
|
|
(3,728 |
) |
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(2,430 |
) |
|
|
(1,124 |
) |
Retiree drug subsidy |
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
73,909 |
|
|
|
73,985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
17,640 |
|
|
|
16,434 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
2,934 |
|
|
|
1,951 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
2,363 |
|
|
|
3,583 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(3,327 |
) |
|
|
(4,328 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
19,610 |
|
|
|
17,640 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
(54,299 |
) |
|
|
(56,345 |
) |
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
872 |
|
|
|
932 |
|
|
Accrued liability |
|
$ |
(53,427 |
) |
|
$ |
(55,413 |
) |
|
Other postretirement benefit plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable
requirements, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys investment policy
covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income securities, real estate, and
private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging tools but may also be used to
gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company primarily minimizes the risk of
large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages other aspects of risk. The
actual composition of the Companys other postretirement benefit plan assets as of the end of the
year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
II-266
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys other postretirement benefit
plans consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
$ |
8,040 |
|
|
$ |
12,877 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(511 |
) |
|
|
(448 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(52,916 |
) |
|
|
(54,965 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006 related
to the other postretirement benefit plans that have not yet been recognized in net periodic
postretirement benefit cost along with the estimated amortization of such amounts for the next
fiscal year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior |
|
Net |
|
Transition |
|
|
Service Cost |
|
(Gain)/Loss |
|
Obligation |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
3,619 |
|
|
$ |
2,544 |
|
|
$ |
1,877 |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
3,965 |
|
|
$ |
6,678 |
|
|
$ |
2,234 |
|
|
Estimated amortization as net periodic
postretirement benefit cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
346 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
356 |
|
|
The change in the balance of regulatory assets related to the other postretirement benefit plans
for the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
12,877 |
|
Net gain |
|
|
(4,045 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
Amortization of transition obligation |
|
|
(356 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(346 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(90 |
) |
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(792 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
(4,837 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
8,040 |
|
|
II-267
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Components of the other postretirement benefit plans net periodic cost were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Service cost |
|
$ |
1,351 |
|
|
$ |
1,424 |
|
|
$ |
1,357 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
4,330 |
|
|
|
3,940 |
|
|
|
3,892 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(1,320 |
) |
|
|
(1,264 |
) |
|
|
(1,202 |
) |
Net amortization |
|
|
792 |
|
|
|
857 |
|
|
|
735 |
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
5,153 |
|
|
$ |
4,957 |
|
|
$ |
4,782 |
|
|
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Act) provides
a 28% prescription drug subsidy for Medicare eligible retirees. The effect of the subsidy reduced
the Companys expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 by approximately
$1.5 million, $1.7 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, and is expected to have a similar
impact on future expenses.
Future benefit payments, including prescription drug benefits, reflect expected future service and
are estimated based on assumptions used to measure the APBO for the postretirement plans.
Estimated benefit payments are reduced by drug subsidy receipts expected as a result of the
Medicare Act as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit |
|
Subsidy |
|
|
|
|
Payments |
|
Receipts |
|
Total |
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
4,075 |
|
|
$ |
(331 |
) |
|
$ |
3,744 |
|
2009 |
|
|
4,403 |
|
|
|
(381 |
) |
|
|
4,022 |
|
2010 |
|
|
4,749 |
|
|
|
(444 |
) |
|
|
4,305 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5,145 |
|
|
|
(500 |
) |
|
|
4,645 |
|
2012 |
|
|
5,436 |
|
|
|
(570 |
) |
|
|
4,866 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
30,652 |
|
|
|
(3,997 |
) |
|
|
26,655 |
|
|
Actuarial Assumptions
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations used to determine both the benefit
obligations as of the measurement date and the net periodic costs for the pension and other
postretirement benefit plans for the following year are presented below. Net periodic benefit
costs were calculated in 2004 for the 2005 plan year using a discount rate of 5.75%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Discount |
|
|
6.30 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Annual salary increase |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.50 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
Long-term return on plan assets |
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
The Company determined the long-term rate of return based on historical asset class returns and
current market conditions, taking into account the diversification benefits of investing in
multiple asset classes.
An additional assumption used in measuring the APBO was a weighted average medical care cost trend
rate of 9.75% for 2008, decreasing gradually to 5.25% through the year 2015 and remaining at that
level thereafter. An annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost trend rate of 1%
would affect the APBO and the service and interest cost components at December 31, 2007 as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Percent |
|
1 Percent |
|
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Benefit obligation |
|
$ |
4,139 |
|
|
$ |
3,548 |
|
Service and interest costs |
|
|
307 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
II-268
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Employee Savings Plan
The Company also sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees.
The Company provides an 85% matching contribution up to 6% of an employees base salary. Prior to
November 2006, the Company matched employee contributions at a rate of 75% up to 6% of the
employees base salary. Total matching contributions made to the plan for 2007, 2006, and 2005
were $3.5 million, $3.0 million, and $2.9 million, respectively.
3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
General Litigation Matters
The Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In addition, the Companys business activities are subject to extensive governmental
regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and
claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and
citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality
standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury
claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent.
The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company cannot be
predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein,
management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings
would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements.
Environmental Matters
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the EPA brought a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, including Alabama Power and
Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New Source Review (NSR) provisions
of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired generating facilities. Through
subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a separate action in January 2001
against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after Alabama
Power was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits, the EPA alleged that NSR
violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by Alabama Power and Georgia
Power. The civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief, including an order requiring the
installation of the best available control technology at the affected units. The EPA concurrently
issued notices of violation relating to the Companys Plant Crist and a unit partially owned by the
Company at Plant Scherer. See Note 4 to the financial statements for information on the Companys
ownership interest in Plant Scherer Unit 3. In early 2000, the EPA filed a motion to amend its
complaint to add the allegations in the notices of violation and to add the Company as a defendant.
However, in March 2001, the court denied the motion based on lack of jurisdiction, and the EPA has
not refiled. The action against Georgia Power has been administratively closed since the spring of
2001, and none of the parties has sought to reopen the case.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in Duke Energy case.
The Company believes it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and interpretations
in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil
penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating unit, depending on the
date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in this matter could require substantial capital
expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital expenditures that cannot be
determined at this time and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties. Such
expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
II-269
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005 and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and releases of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company may also incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company received
authority from the Florida PSC to recover approved environmental compliance costs through the
environmental cost recovery clause. The Florida PSC reviews costs and adjusts rates up or down
annually.
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Companys liability for the estimated costs of environmental
remediation projects for known sites was $66.9 million and $57.2 million, respectively. During the
second quarter 2007, the Company increased its estimated liability for environmental remediation
projects by $12.8 million as a result of changes in the cost estimates to remediate substation
sites. These estimated costs relate to new regulations and more stringent site closure criteria
by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for impacts to groundwater from
herbicide applications at the Companys substations. The schedule for completion of the
remediation projects will be subject to FDEP approval. These projects have been approved by the
Florida PSC for recovery through the environmental cost recovery clause. Therefore, the Company
has recorded $1.8 million in Current Assets and Current Liabilities and $65.1 million in Deferred
Charges and Other Assets and Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities representing the future
recoverability of these costs.
The final outcome of these matters cannot now be determined. However, based on the currently known
conditions at these sites and the nature and extent of the Companys activities relating to these
sites, management does not believe that the Companys additional liabilities, if any, at these
sites would be material to the financial statements.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company and Southern Power to charge cost-based rates for certain
wholesale sales in the Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than
negotiated market-based rates, and could also result in refunds of up to $0.8 million, plus
interest. The Company believes that there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is
vigorously defending itself in this matter.
II-270
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC), as
approved by the FERC. In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the
provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies (including the Company), Southern
Power, and SCS, as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated,
(2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to
utility companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of
conduct defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just
and reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern
Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of
conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007 Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Right of Way Litigation
Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including the Company, Mississippi Power, and
Southern Telecom, Inc. (a subsidiary of SouthernLINC Wireless), have been named as defendants in
numerous lawsuits brought by landowners since 2001. The plaintiffs lawsuits claim that defendants
may not use, or sublease to third parties, some or all of the fiber optic communications lines on
the rights of way that cross the plaintiffs properties, and that such actions exceed the easements
or other property rights held by defendants. The plaintiffs assert claims for, among other things,
trespass and unjust enrichment, and seek compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief.
The Companys management believes that it has complied with applicable laws and that the
plaintiffs claims are without merit.
In November 2003, the Second Circuit Court in Gadsden County, Florida, ruled in favor of the
plaintiffs on their motion for partial summary judgment concerning liability in one such lawsuit
brought by landowners regarding the installation and use of fiber optic cable over the Company
rights of way located on the landowners property. Subsequently, the plaintiffs sought to amend
their complaint and asked the court to enter a final declaratory judgment and to enter an order
enjoining the Company from allowing expanded general telecommunications use of the fiber optic
cables that are the subject of this litigation. In January 2005, the trial court granted in part
the plaintiffs motion to amend their complaint and denied the requested declaratory and injunctive
relief. In November 2005, the trial court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and against the Company
on their respective motions for partial summary judgment. In that same order, the trial court also
denied the Companys motion to dismiss certain claims. The Company filed an appeal to the Florida
First District Court of Appeals in December 2005. In October 2006, the Florida First District
Court of Appeal issued an order dismissing the Companys December 2005 appeal on the basis that the
trial courts order was a non-final order and therefore not subject to review on appeal at this
time. The case was returned to the trial court for further proceedings. The parties reached
agreement on a proposed settlement plan that was subject to approval by the trial court. On
November 7, 2007, the trial court granted preliminary approval and set forth the requirements for
the trial court to make its final determination on the proposed settlement. Although the final
outcome of this matter cannot now be determined, if approved the settlement is not expected to have
a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.
In addition, in late 2001, certain subsidiaries of Southern Company, including the Company, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Telecom, Inc. (a subsidiary of SouthernLINC
Wireless), were named as defendants in a lawsuit brought by a telecommunications company that uses
certain of the defendants rights of way. This lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the
defendants are contractually obligated to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
telecommunications company from any liability that may be assessed against it in pending and future
right of way litigation. The Company believes that the plaintiffs claims are without merit. In
the fall of 2004, the trial court stayed the case until resolution of the underlying landowner
litigation
II-271
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
discussed above. In January 2005, the Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed the telecommunications
companys appeal of the trial courts order for lack of jurisdiction. An adverse outcome in this
matter, combined with an adverse outcome against the telecommunications company in one or more of
the right of way lawsuits, could result in substantial judgments; however, the final outcome of
these matters cannot now be determined.
Property Tax Dispute
The Monroe County Board of Tax Assessors (Monroe Board) had issued assessments reflecting
substantial increases in the ad valorem tax valuation of the Companys 6.25% ownership interest in
Plant Scherer, which is located in Monroe County, Georgia (Monroe County) for tax years 2003
through 2007. Georgia Power and the Company pursued administrative appeals in Monroe County and
filed notices of arbitration for all disputed years. The outcome of the litigation is discussed
below.
In November 2004, Georgia Power filed suit, on its behalf, against the Monroe Board in the Superior
Court of Monroe County. The Company requested injunctive relief prohibiting Monroe County and the
Monroe Board from unlawfully changing the value of Plant Scherer and ultimately collecting
additional ad valorem taxes from Georgia Power. In December 2005, the court granted Monroe
Countys motion for summary judgment. Georgia Power filed an appeal of the Superior Courts
decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.
On March 30, 2007, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and ruled that the Monroe
Board had exceeded its legal authority and remanded the case for entry of an injunction prohibiting
the Monroe Board from collecting taxes based on its independent valuation of Plant Scherer. On
July 16, 2007, the Georgia Supreme Court agreed to hear the Monroe Boards requested review of this
decision. On January 8, 2008, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld the appeals court decision
preventing Monroe County from reassessing the fair market value of Plant Scherer as filed in the
tax years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. This litigation is now concluded.
Retail Regulatory Matters
Environmental Cost Recovery
The Florida Legislature adopted legislation for an environmental cost recovery clause, which allows
an electric utility to petition the Florida PSC for recovery of prudent environmental compliance
costs that are not being recovered through base rates or any other recovery mechanism. Such
environmental costs include operation and maintenance expense, emission allowance expense,
depreciation, and a return on invested capital. This legislation also allows recovery of costs
incurred as a result of an agreement between the Company and the FDEP for the purpose of ensuring
compliance with ozone ambient air quality standards adopted by the EPA. On August 14, 2007, the
Florida PSC voted to approve a stipulation among the Company, the Office of Public Counsel, and the
Florida Industrial Power Users Group regarding the Companys plan for complying with certain
federal and state regulations addressing air quality. The Companys environmental compliance plan
as filed on March 29, 2007 contemplates implementation of specific projects identified in the plan
from 2007 through 2018. The stipulation covers all elements of the current plan that are scheduled
to be implemented in the 2007 through 2011 timeframe. The Florida PSC acknowledged that the costs
associated with the Companys Clean Air Interstate Rule/Clean Air Mercury Rule/Clean Air Visibility
Rule compliance plan are eligible for recovery through the environmental cost recovery clause.
During 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company recorded environmental cost recovery clause revenues of
$43.6 million, $40.9 million, and $26.3 million, respectively. Annually, the Company seeks
recovery of projected costs including any true-up amounts from prior periods. At December 31,
2007, the over recovered balance was $1.6 million primarily due to operations and maintenance
expenses being less than anticipated.
Storm Damage Cost Recovery
Under authority granted by the Florida PSC, the Company maintains a reserve for property damage to
cover the cost of uninsured damages from major storms to its transmission and distribution
facilities, generation facilities, and other property.
Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of Florida in July 2005 and August 2005,
respectively, damaging portions of the Companys service area. In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan
hit the Gulf Coast of Florida, causing substantial damage within the Companys service area. In
2005, the Florida PSC issued an order that approved a stipulation and settlement between the
Company and several consumer groups and thereby authorized the recovery of the Companys storm
damage costs related to Hurricane Ivan through a two-year surcharge that began in April 2005.
II-272
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In July 2006, the Florida PSC issued an order (2006 Order) approving a stipulation and settlement
between the Company and several consumer groups that resolved all matters relating to the Companys
request for recovery of incurred costs for storm-recovery activities and the replenishment of the
Companys property damage reserve. The 2006 Order provided for an extension of the storm-recovery
surcharge then being collected by the Company for an additional 27 months, expiring in June 2009.
Pursuant to the 2006 Order, the funds resulting from the extension of the surcharge were first
credited to the unrecovered balance of storm-recovery costs associated with Hurricane Ivan until
these costs were fully recovered. The funds are now being credited to the property reserve for
recovery of the storm restoration costs of $52.6 million associated with Hurricanes Dennis and
Katrina that were previously charged to the reserve. Should revenues collected by the Company
through the extension of the storm-recovery surcharge exceed the storm restoration costs associated
with Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina, the excess revenues will be credited to the reserve.
The annual accrual to the reserve of $3.5 million and the Companys limited discretionary authority
to make additional accruals to the reserve will continue as previously approved by the Florida PSC.
The Company made discretionary accruals to the reserve of $3 million and $6 million in 2006 and
2005, respectively. The Company made no discretionary accruals to the reserve in 2007.
According to the 2006 Order, in the case of future storms, if the Company incurs cumulative costs
for storm-recovery activities in excess of $10 million during any calendar year, the Company will
be permitted to file a streamlined formal request for an interim surcharge. Any interim surcharge
would provide for the recovery, subject to refund, of up to 80% of the claimed costs for
storm-recovery activities. The Company would then petition the Florida PSC for full recovery
through a final or non-interim surcharge or other cost recovery mechanism.
See Note 1 under Property Damage Reserve for additional information.
4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
The Company and Mississippi Power jointly own Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2, which together represent
capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW). Plant Daniel is a generating plant located in Jackson County,
Mississippi. In accordance with the operating agreement, Mississippi Power acts as the Companys
agent with respect to the construction, operation, and maintenance of these units.
The Company and Georgia Power jointly own the 818 MW capacity Plant Scherer Unit 3. Plant Scherer
is a generating plant located near Forsyth, Georgia. In accordance with the operating agreement,
Georgia Power acts as the Companys agent with respect to the construction, operation, and
maintenance of the unit.
The Companys pro rata share of expenses related to both plants is included in the corresponding
operating expense accounts in the statements of income.
At December 31, 2007, the Companys percentage ownership and its investment in these jointly owned
facilities were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant Scherer |
|
Plant Daniel |
|
|
Unit 3 (coal) |
|
Units 1 & 2 (coal) |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Plant in service |
|
$ |
191,418 |
(a) |
|
$ |
254,045 |
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
94,466 |
|
|
|
140,984 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
23,046 |
|
|
|
344 |
|
Ownership |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Includes net plant acquisition adjustment of $3.6 million. |
5. INCOME TAXES
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined State of Mississippi
and State of Georgia income tax returns. Under a joint consolidated income tax allocation
agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on a stand-alone basis.
In accordance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, each company is jointly and
severally liable for the tax liability.
II-273
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Current and Deferred Income Taxes
Details of income tax provisions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Federal - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
$ |
51,321 |
|
|
$ |
40,472 |
|
|
$ |
11,330 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
(9,431 |
) |
|
|
(470 |
) |
|
|
26,693 |
|
|
|
|
|
41,890 |
|
|
|
40,002 |
|
|
|
38,023 |
|
|
State - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
6,581 |
|
|
|
3,651 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
(1,388 |
) |
|
|
1,640 |
|
|
|
6,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
5,193 |
|
|
|
5,291 |
|
|
|
6,958 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
47,083 |
|
|
$ |
45,293 |
|
|
$ |
44,981 |
|
|
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Deferred tax liabilities- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation |
|
$ |
260,720 |
|
|
$ |
245,147 |
|
Fuel recovery clause |
|
|
22,934 |
|
|
|
31,380 |
|
Pension benefits and employee benefit obligations |
|
|
38,109 |
|
|
|
23,888 |
|
Property reserve |
|
|
6,624 |
|
|
|
17,612 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
9,206 |
|
|
|
10,940 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations |
|
|
4,837 |
|
|
|
5,151 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,316 |
|
|
|
6,492 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
345,746 |
|
|
|
340,610 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal effect of state deferred taxes |
|
$ |
13,168 |
|
|
$ |
13,713 |
|
Post retirement benefits |
|
|
16,371 |
|
|
|
15,082 |
|
Pension benefits |
|
|
11,880 |
|
|
|
13,310 |
|
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
2,386 |
|
|
|
2,887 |
|
Regulatory liabilities associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
23,192 |
|
|
|
9,057 |
|
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
4,837 |
|
|
|
5,151 |
|
Other |
|
|
12,126 |
|
|
|
13,777 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
83,960 |
|
|
|
72,977 |
|
|
Net deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
261,786 |
|
|
|
267,633 |
|
Less current portion, net |
|
|
(21,685 |
) |
|
|
(29,771 |
) |
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes in the balance sheets |
|
$ |
240,101 |
|
|
$ |
237,862 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the tax-related regulatory assets to be recovered from customers were
$17.8 million. These assets are attributable to tax benefits flowed through to customers in prior
years and to taxes applicable to capitalized allowance for funds used during construction. At
December 31, 2007, the tax-related regulatory liabilities to be credited to customers were
$15.3 million. These liabilities are attributable to deferred taxes previously recognized at rates
higher than the current enacted tax law and to unamortized investment tax credits.
In accordance with regulatory requirements, deferred investment tax credits are amortized over the
lives of the related property with such amortization normally applied as a credit to reduce
depreciation in the statements of income. Credits amortized in this manner amounted to $1.7
million in 2007, $1.8 million in 2006, and $1.9 million in 2005. At December 31, 2007, all
investment tax credits available to reduce federal income taxes payable had been utilized.
II-274
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Effective Tax Rate
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Federal statutory rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal deduction |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
Non-deductible book depreciation |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
Difference in prior years deferred and current tax rate |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
Production activities deduction |
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
Other, net |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
34.9 |
% |
|
|
36.4 |
% |
|
|
37.2 |
% |
|
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to United States production activities as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 199 (production
activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified production
activities income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate
applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9%
rate applicable for all years after 2009. The increase from 3% in 2006 to 6% in 2007 was one of
several factors that increased the Companys 2007 deduction by $4 million over the 2006 deduction.
The resulting additional tax benefit was over $1 million.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, which requires companies to determine whether it is
more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate
taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It
also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax
uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties.
Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits which were previously
accrued under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies of
approximately $0.2 million. The total $0.2 million in unrecognized tax benefits would impact the
Companys effective tax rate if recognized. For 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax
benefits increased by $0.7 million, resulting in a balance of $0.9 million as of December 31, 2007.
Changes during the year in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(thousands) |
Unrecognized tax benefits as of adoption |
|
$ |
211 |
|
Tax positions from current periods |
|
|
469 |
|
Tax positions from prior periods |
|
|
207 |
|
Reductions due to settlements |
|
|
|
|
Reductions due to expired statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
887 |
|
|
Impact on the Companys effective tax rate, if recognized, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(thousands) |
Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate |
|
$ |
887 |
|
Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
887 |
|
|
Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(thousands) |
Interest accrued as of adoption |
|
$ |
5 |
|
Interest accrued during the year |
|
|
53 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
II-275
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. Net interest accrued for
the year ended December 31, 2007 was $58 thousand. The Company did not accrue any penalties on
uncertain tax positions.
The IRS has audited and closed all tax returns prior to 2004. The audits for the state returns
have either been concluded, or the statute of limitations has expired, for years prior to 2002.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of
the Companys unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12
months. The possible settlement of the production activities deduction methodology and/or the
conclusion or settlement of federal or state audits could impact the balances significantly. At
this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined.
6. FINANCING
Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trusts
The Company has formed certain wholly owned trust subsidiaries for the purpose of issuing preferred
securities. The proceeds of the related equity investments and preferred security sales were
loaned back to the Company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes which constitute
substantially all of the assets of these trusts and are reflected in the balance sheets as
Long-term Debt. The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the
preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by it of the trusts payment obligations with respect to these securities. During 2007,
the Company redeemed its last remaining series, which totaled $41.2 million. See Note 1 under
Variable Interest Entities for additional information on the accounting treatment for these
trusts and the related securities.
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common
stock authorized. The Companys preferred stock and Class A preferred stock, without preference
between classes, rank senior to the Companys preference stock and common stock with respect to
payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. No shares of preferred stock or
Class A preferred stock were outstanding at December 31, 2007. The Companys preference stock
ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and voluntary or
involuntary dissolution. Certain series of the preference stock are subject to redemption at the
option of the Company on or after a specified date (typically 5 or 10 years after the date of
issuance) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the liquidation amount of the preference stock.
In addition, one series of the preference stock may be redeemed earlier at a redemption price equal
to 100% of the liquidation amount plus a make-whole premium based on the present value of the
liquidation amount and future dividends.
On January 19, 2007, the Company issued to Southern Company 800,000 shares of the Companys common
stock, without par value, and realized proceeds of $80 million. The proceeds were used to repay a
portion of the Companys short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Pollution Control Bonds
Pollution control obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds
derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control
facilities. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet
principal and interest requirements of such bonds totaling $157.6 million.
Assets Subject to Lien
In January 2007, the Companys first mortgage bond indenture was discharged. As a result, there
are no longer any first mortgage liens on the Companys property and the Company no longer has to
comply with the covenants and restrictions of the first mortgage
II-276
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
bond indenture. The Company has granted a lien on its property at Plant Daniel in connection with
the issuance of two series of pollution control bonds with an outstanding principal amount of
$41 million.
There are no agreements or other arrangements among the affiliated companies under which the assets
of one company have been pledged or otherwise made available to satisfy obligations of Southern
Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At the beginning of 2008, the Company had $125 million of lines of credit with banks subject to
renewal each year, all of which remained unused. Of the $125 million, $121 million provides
liquidity support for the Companys commercial paper program and $4 million of variable rate
pollution control bonds. In connection with these credit lines, the Company has agreed to pay
commitment fees.
Certain credit arrangements contain covenants that limit the level of indebtedness to
capitalization to 65%, as defined in the arrangements. At December 31, 2007, the Company was in
compliance with these covenants.
In addition, certain credit arrangements contain cross default provisions to other indebtedness
that would trigger an event of default if the Company defaulted on indebtedness over a specified
threshold. The cross default provisions are restricted only to indebtedness of the Company. The
Company is currently in compliance with all such covenants.
The Company borrows primarily through a commercial paper program that has the liquidity support of
committed bank credit arrangements. The Company may also borrow through various other arrangements
with banks and through an extendible commercial note program. At December 31, 2007, the Company
had $40.8 million of commercial paper and no extendible commercial notes outstanding. At
December 31, 2006, the Company had $80.4 million of commercial paper and $40 million of bank notes
outstanding. During 2007, the peak amount outstanding for short term debt was $147.4 million and
the average amount outstanding was $47.5 million. The average annual interest rate on commercial
paper was 5.33%.
Financial Instruments
The Company enters into energy-related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and
other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate regulations, the Company has limited
exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity. The Company has
implemented fuel-hedging programs with the approval of the Florida PSC. The Company enters into
hedges of forward electricity sales. There was no material ineffectiveness recorded in earnings in
2007, 2006, and 2005.
At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative contracts were
reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Regulatory assets, net |
|
$ |
(202 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
(202 |
) |
|
The fair value gains or losses for cash flow hedges that are recoverable through the regulatory
fuel clauses are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities and are recognized in earnings at
the same time the hedged items affect earnings. The Company has energy-related hedges in place up
to and including 2010.
The Company also enters into derivatives to hedge exposure to interest rate changes. Derivatives
related to forecasted transactions are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The derivatives employed
as hedging instruments are structured to minimize ineffectiveness. As such, no material
ineffectiveness has been recorded in earnings for any period presented. The hedges will be
terminated at the time the underlying debt is issued.
II-277
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007 the Company had the following interest rate derivatives accounted for as cash
flow hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable |
|
Weighted |
|
Hedge |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Rate |
|
Average |
|
Maturity |
|
Gain (Loss) |
Notional Amount |
|
Received |
|
Fixed Rate Paid |
|
Date |
|
December 31, 2007 |
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
$80
|
|
3-month LIBOR
|
|
|
5.10 |
% |
|
July 2018
|
|
$ |
(2.4 |
) |
In 2007, the Company terminated interest rate derivatives, at the same time the related debt was
issued, with a notional value of $85 million at a gain of $3.0 million. The hedge cost will be
amortized over a 10-year period. For the years 2007, 2006, and 2005, approximately $0.7 million,
$0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, of pre-tax losses were reclassified from other
comprehensive income to interest expense. For 2008, pre-tax losses of approximately $0.7 million
are expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense. The Company
has net losses that are being amortized through 2017.
7. COMMITMENTS
Construction Program
The Company is engaged in a continuous construction program, the cost of which is currently
estimated to total $410 million in 2008, $426 million in 2009, and $245 million in 2010. The
construction program is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may
vary from the above estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include changes in
business conditions; acquisition of additional generating assets; revised load growth estimates;
changes in environmental regulations; changes in FERC rules and regulations; increasing costs of
labor, equipment, and materials; and cost of capital. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase
commitments were outstanding in connection with the ongoing construction program.
Included in the amounts above are $317 million in 2008, $301 million in 2009, and $134 million in
2010 for environmental expenditures. The Company does not have any new generating capacity under
construction. Construction of new transmission and distribution facilities and other capital
improvements, including those needed to meet environmental standards for the Companys existing
generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, are ongoing.
Long-Term Service Agreements
The Company has a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) with General Electric (GE) for the purpose of
securing maintenance support for combined cycle generating facility. The LTSA provides that GE
will perform all planned inspections on the covered equipment, which generally includes the cost of
all labor and materials. GE is also obligated to cover the costs of unplanned maintenance on the
covered equipment subject to limits and scope specified in the LTSA.
In general, the LTSA is in effect through two major inspection cycles of the unit. Scheduled
payments to GE, which are subject to price escalation, are made at various intervals based on
actual operating hours of the unit. Total remaining payments to GE under the LTSA for facilities
owned are currently estimated at $69.0 million over the remaining life of the LTSA, which is
currently estimated to be up to 9 years. However, the LTSA contains various cancellation
provisions at the option of the Company.
Payments made under the LTSA prior to the performance of any planned inspections are recorded as
prepayments. These amounts are included in Current Assets and Deferred Charges and Other Assets in
the balance sheets. Inspection costs are capitalized or charged to expense based on the nature of
the work performed.
Limestone Commitments
As part of the Companys program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from certain of its coal
plants, the Company is constructing certain equipment and has entered into various long-term
commitments for the procurement of limestone to be used in such equipment. Contracts are
structured with tonnage minimums and maximums in order to account for changes in coal burn and
sulfur content. The Company has a minimum contractual obligation of 0.8 million tons equating to
approximately $63.8 million through 2019. Estimated expenditures over the next five years are none
in 2008 and 2009, $5.7 million in 2010, $5.8 million in 2011, and $6.0 million in 2012. Limestone
costs are expected to be recovered through the environmental cost recovery clause.
II-278
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Fuel and Purchased Power Commitments
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of the generating plants, the Company has entered into
various long-term commitments for the procurement of fossil fuel. In most cases, these contracts
contain provisions for price escalations, minimum purchase levels, and other financial commitments.
Coal commitments include forward contract purchases for sulfur dioxide emission allowances.
Natural gas purchase commitments contain fixed volumes with prices based on various indices at the
time of delivery. Amounts included in the chart below represent estimates based on New York
Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. Also, the Company has entered into various
long-term commitments for the purchase of capacity and electricity.
Total estimated minimum long-term obligations at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
Purchased Power* |
|
Natural Gas |
|
Coal |
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
116,163 |
|
|
$ |
221,177 |
|
2009 |
|
|
23,832 |
|
|
|
101,442 |
|
|
|
100,266 |
|
2010 |
|
|
26,811 |
|
|
|
52,498 |
|
|
|
63,884 |
|
2011 |
|
|
26,861 |
|
|
|
20,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
26,927 |
|
|
|
20,320 |
|
|
|
|
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
30,988 |
|
|
|
169,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
135,419 |
|
|
$ |
480,261 |
|
|
$ |
385,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Included above is $76 million in obligations with affiliated companies. |
Additional commitments for fuel will be required to supply the Companys future needs.
SCS may enter into various types of wholesale energy and natural gas contracts acting as an agent
for the Company and all of the other Southern Company traditional operating companies and Southern
Power. Under these agreements, each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power may
be jointly and severally liable. The creditworthiness of Southern Power is currently inferior to
the creditworthiness of the traditional operating companies. Accordingly, Southern Company has
entered into keep-well agreements with the Company and each of the other traditional operating
companies to ensure the Company will not subsidize or be responsible for any costs, losses,
liabilities, or damages resulting from the inclusion of Southern Power as a contracting party under
these agreements.
Operating Leases
The Company has operating lease agreements with various terms and expiration dates. Total
operating lease expenses were $4.7 million, $4.9 million, and $3.0 million, for 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively. Included in these lease expenses are railcar lease costs which are charged to
fuel inventory and are allocated to fuel expense as the fuel is used. These expenses are then
recovered through the Companys fuel cost recovery clause. The Companys share of the lease costs
charged to fuel inventories was $4.4 million in 2007, $4.6 million in 2006, and $3.0 million in
2005. The Company includes any step rents, escalations, and lease concessions in its computation
of minimum lease payments, which are recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease
term.
At December 31, 2007, estimated minimum rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases were
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Lease Payments |
|
|
Rail Cars |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
3,049 |
|
|
$ |
339 |
|
|
$ |
3,388 |
|
2009 |
|
|
1,913 |
|
|
|
251 |
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
2010 |
|
|
1,912 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
2,040 |
|
2011 |
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
553 |
|
2012 |
|
|
561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
561 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
2,793 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,793 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
10,781 |
|
|
$ |
718 |
|
|
$ |
11,499 |
|
|
II-279
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Company and Mississippi Power jointly entered into operating lease agreements for aluminum
railcars for the transportation of coal to Plant Daniel. The Company has the option to purchase
the railcars at the greater of lease termination value or fair market value or to renew the leases
at the end of each lease term. The Company and Mississippi Power also have separate lease
agreements for other railcars that do not include purchase options.
In addition to railcar leases, the Company has other operating leases for fuel handling equipment
at Plant Daniel. The Companys share of these leases was charged to fuel handling expense in the
amount of $0.3 million in 2007. The Companys annual lease payments for 2008 to 2010 will average
approximately $0.2 million.
8. STOCK OPTION PLAN
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. As of December 31, 2007, there were 289 current and
former employees of the Company participating in the stock option plan. The maximum number of
shares of Southern Company common stock that may be issued under this plan may not exceed
40 million. The prices of options granted to date have been at the fair market value of the shares
on the dates of grant. Options granted to date become exercisable pro rata over a maximum period
of three years from the date of grant. The Company generally recognizes stock option expense on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period which equates to the requisite service period; however,
for employees who are eligible for retirement the total cost is expensed at the grant date.
Options outstanding will expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant, unless terminated
earlier by the Southern Company Board of Directors in accordance with the stock option plan. For
certain stock option awards a change in control will provide accelerated vesting.
The Companys activity in the stock option plan for 2007 is summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Subject |
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
to Option |
|
Exercise Price |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
1,198,521 |
|
|
$ |
28.77 |
|
Granted |
|
|
257,967 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(229,584 |
) |
|
|
25.41 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(1,549 |
) |
|
|
32.76 |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
1,225,355 |
|
|
$ |
31.01 |
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
787,812 |
|
|
$ |
28.78 |
|
|
The number of stock options vested, and expected to vest in the future, as of December 31, 2007 was
not significantly different from the number of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007 as
stated above. As of December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual term for the
options outstanding and options exercisable was 6.4 years and 5.2 years, respectively, and the
aggregate intrinsic value for the options outstanding and options exercisable was $9.5 million and
$7.9 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, there was $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
stock option awards not yet vested. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average
period of approximately 10 months.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005 was $3.0 million, $1.6 million, and $4.4 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit
realized by the Company for the tax deductions from stock option exercises for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 totaled $1.1 million, $0.6 million, and $1.7 million,
respectively.
II-280
NOTES (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
9. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial data for 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income After |
|
|
Operating |
|
Operating |
|
Dividends on |
Quarter Ended |
|
Revenues |
|
Income |
|
Preference Stock |
|
|
(in thousands) |
March 2007
|
|
$ |
296,233 |
|
|
$ |
40,775 |
|
|
$ |
18,863 |
|
June 2007
|
|
|
298,394 |
|
|
|
45,017 |
|
|
|
21,275 |
|
September 2007
|
|
|
376,556 |
|
|
|
64,999 |
|
|
|
34,163 |
|
December 2007
|
|
|
288,625 |
|
|
|
25,125 |
|
|
|
9,817 |
|
|
March 2006
|
|
$ |
263,042 |
|
|
$ |
31,079 |
|
|
$ |
12,402 |
|
June 2006
|
|
|
292,722 |
|
|
|
47,062 |
|
|
|
22,038 |
|
September 2006
|
|
|
373,030 |
|
|
|
66,511 |
|
|
|
34,577 |
|
December 2006
|
|
|
275,120 |
|
|
|
22,020 |
|
|
|
6,972 |
|
|
The Companys business is influenced by seasonal weather conditions.
II-281
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands) |
|
$ |
1,259,808 |
|
|
$ |
1,203,914 |
|
|
$ |
1,083,622 |
|
|
$ |
960,131 |
|
|
$ |
877,697 |
|
Net Income after Dividends
on Preferred and Preference Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
84,118 |
|
|
$ |
75,989 |
|
|
$ |
75,209 |
|
|
$ |
68,223 |
|
|
$ |
69,010 |
|
Cash Dividends
on Common Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
74,100 |
|
|
$ |
70,300 |
|
|
$ |
68,400 |
|
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
70,200 |
|
Return on Average Common Equity (percent) |
|
|
12.32 |
|
|
|
12.29 |
|
|
|
12.59 |
|
|
|
11.83 |
|
|
|
12.42 |
|
Total Assets (in thousands) |
|
$ |
2,498,987 |
|
|
$ |
2,340,489 |
|
|
$ |
2,175,797 |
|
|
$ |
2,111,877 |
|
|
$ |
1,839,053 |
|
Gross Property Additions (in thousands) |
|
$ |
239,337 |
|
|
$ |
147,086 |
|
|
$ |
142,583 |
|
|
$ |
161,205 |
|
|
$ |
99,284 |
|
|
Capitalization (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
$ |
731,255 |
|
|
$ |
634,023 |
|
|
$ |
602,344 |
|
|
$ |
592,172 |
|
|
$ |
561,358 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
97,998 |
|
|
|
53,887 |
|
|
|
53,891 |
|
|
|
4,098 |
|
|
|
4,236 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
740,050 |
|
|
|
696,098 |
|
|
|
616,554 |
|
|
|
623,155 |
|
|
|
515,827 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
$ |
1,569,303 |
|
|
$ |
1,384,008 |
|
|
$ |
1,272,789 |
|
|
$ |
1,219,425 |
|
|
$ |
1,151,421 |
|
|
Capitalization Ratios (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
|
46.6 |
|
|
|
45.8 |
|
|
|
47.3 |
|
|
|
48.6 |
|
|
|
48.8 |
|
Preferred and preference stock |
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
47.2 |
|
|
|
50.3 |
|
|
|
48.5 |
|
|
|
51.1 |
|
|
|
44.7 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Security Ratings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Mortgage Bonds - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
Fitch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
Preferred Stock/ Preference Stock - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
Standard and Poors |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
Fitch |
|
|
A- |
|
|
|
A- |
|
|
|
A- |
|
|
|
A- |
|
|
|
A- |
|
Unsecured Long-Term Debt - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
|
|
A2 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
Fitch |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
Customers (year-end): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
373,036 |
|
|
|
364,647 |
|
|
|
354,466 |
|
|
|
343,151 |
|
|
|
341,935 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
53,838 |
|
|
|
53,466 |
|
|
|
53,398 |
|
|
|
51,865 |
|
|
|
51,169 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
285 |
|
|
|
285 |
|
Other |
|
|
491 |
|
|
|
484 |
|
|
|
479 |
|
|
|
473 |
|
|
|
473 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
427,663 |
|
|
|
418,892 |
|
|
|
408,641 |
|
|
|
395,774 |
|
|
|
393,862 |
|
|
Employees (year-end) |
|
|
1,324 |
|
|
|
1,321 |
|
|
|
1,335 |
|
|
|
1,336 |
|
|
|
1,337 |
|
|
II-282
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007 (continued)
Gulf Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
$ |
537,668 |
|
|
$ |
510,995 |
|
|
$ |
465,346 |
|
|
$ |
401,382 |
|
|
$ |
381,464 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
329,651 |
|
|
|
305,049 |
|
|
|
273,114 |
|
|
|
232,928 |
|
|
|
218,928 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
135,179 |
|
|
|
132,339 |
|
|
|
123,044 |
|
|
|
99,420 |
|
|
|
95,702 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,831 |
|
|
|
3,655 |
|
|
|
3,355 |
|
|
|
3,140 |
|
|
|
3,080 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
1,006,329 |
|
|
|
952,038 |
|
|
|
864,859 |
|
|
|
736,870 |
|
|
|
699,174 |
|
Wholesale non-affiliates |
|
|
83,514 |
|
|
|
87,142 |
|
|
|
84,346 |
|
|
|
73,537 |
|
|
|
76,767 |
|
Wholesale affiliates |
|
|
113,178 |
|
|
|
118,097 |
|
|
|
91,352 |
|
|
|
110,264 |
|
|
|
63,268 |
|
|
Total revenues from sales of electricity |
|
|
1,203,021 |
|
|
|
1,157,277 |
|
|
|
1,040,557 |
|
|
|
920,671 |
|
|
|
839,209 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
56,787 |
|
|
|
46,637 |
|
|
|
43,065 |
|
|
|
39,460 |
|
|
|
38,488 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,259,808 |
|
|
$ |
1,203,914 |
|
|
$ |
1,083,622 |
|
|
$ |
960,131 |
|
|
$ |
877,697 |
|
|
Kilowatt-Hour Sales (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
5,477,111 |
|
|
|
5,425,491 |
|
|
|
5,319,630 |
|
|
|
5,215,332 |
|
|
|
5,101,099 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
3,970,892 |
|
|
|
3,843,064 |
|
|
|
3,735,776 |
|
|
|
3,695,471 |
|
|
|
3,614,255 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
2,048,389 |
|
|
|
2,136,439 |
|
|
|
2,160,760 |
|
|
|
2,113,027 |
|
|
|
2,146,956 |
|
Other |
|
|
24,496 |
|
|
|
23,886 |
|
|
|
22,730 |
|
|
|
22,579 |
|
|
|
22,479 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
11,520,888 |
|
|
|
11,428,880 |
|
|
|
11,238,896 |
|
|
|
11,046,409 |
|
|
|
10,884,789 |
|
Sales for resale non-affiliates |
|
|
2,227,026 |
|
|
|
2,079,165 |
|
|
|
2,295,850 |
|
|
|
2,256,942 |
|
|
|
2,504,211 |
|
Sales for resale affiliates |
|
|
2,884,440 |
|
|
|
2,937,735 |
|
|
|
1,976,368 |
|
|
|
3,124,788 |
|
|
|
2,438,874 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
16,632,354 |
|
|
|
16,445,780 |
|
|
|
15,511,114 |
|
|
|
16,428,139 |
|
|
|
15,827,874 |
|
|
Average Revenue Per Kilowatt-Hour
(cents): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
9.82 |
|
|
|
9.42 |
|
|
|
8.75 |
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
|
7.48 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
8.30 |
|
|
|
7.94 |
|
|
|
7.31 |
|
|
|
6.30 |
|
|
|
6.06 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
6.60 |
|
|
|
6.19 |
|
|
|
5.69 |
|
|
|
4.71 |
|
|
|
4.46 |
|
Total retail |
|
|
8.73 |
|
|
|
8.33 |
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
|
6.67 |
|
|
|
6.42 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
3.85 |
|
|
|
4.09 |
|
|
|
4.11 |
|
|
|
3.42 |
|
|
|
2.83 |
|
Total sales |
|
|
7.23 |
|
|
|
7.04 |
|
|
|
6.71 |
|
|
|
5.60 |
|
|
|
5.30 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Kilowatt-Hour Use Per Customer |
|
|
14,755 |
|
|
|
15,032 |
|
|
|
15,181 |
|
|
|
15,096 |
|
|
|
15,064 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Revenue Per Customer |
|
$ |
1,448 |
|
|
$ |
1,416 |
|
|
$ |
1,328 |
|
|
$ |
1,162 |
|
|
$ |
1,126 |
|
Plant Nameplate Capacity
Ratings (year-end) (megawatts) |
|
|
2,659 |
|
|
|
2,659 |
|
|
|
2,712 |
|
|
|
2,712 |
|
|
|
2,786 |
|
Maximum Peak-Hour Demand (megawatts): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
2,215 |
|
|
|
2,195 |
|
|
|
2,124 |
|
|
|
2,061 |
|
|
|
2,494 |
|
Summer |
|
|
2,626 |
|
|
|
2,479 |
|
|
|
2,433 |
|
|
|
2,421 |
|
|
|
2,269 |
|
Annual Load Factor (percent) |
|
|
55.0 |
|
|
|
57.9 |
|
|
|
57.7 |
|
|
|
57.1 |
|
|
|
54.6 |
|
Plant Availability Fossil-Steam (percent) |
|
|
93.4 |
|
|
|
91.3 |
|
|
|
89.7 |
|
|
|
92.4 |
|
|
|
90.7 |
|
|
Source of Energy Supply (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
81.8 |
|
|
|
82.5 |
|
|
|
79.7 |
|
|
|
77.9 |
|
|
|
78.7 |
|
Gas |
|
|
13.6 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
Purchased power - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From non-affiliates |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
From affiliates |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
II-283
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
FINANCIAL SECTION
II-284
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The management of Mississippi Power Company (the Company) is responsible for establishing and
maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under managements supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report
was not subject to attestation by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to
provide only managements report in this Annual Report.
/s/ Anthony J. Topazi
Anthony J. Topazi
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Frances V. Turnage
Frances V. Turnage
Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer
February 25, 2008
II-285
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Mississippi Power Company
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Mississippi
Power Company (the Company) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company) as of December 31,
2007 and 2006, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, common stockholders
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements 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. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, 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 financial statements (pages II-310 to II-342) present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Mississippi Power Company at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of
accounting for the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
/s/
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
II-286
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
OVERVIEW
Business Activities
Mississippi Power Company (Company) operates as a vertically integrated utility providing
electricity to retail customers within its traditional service area located within the State of
Mississippi and to wholesale customers in the Southeast.
Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the Companys business of selling
electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a stable regulatory environment, to
achieve energy sales growth, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of rising costs.
The Company has various regulatory mechanisms that operate to address cost recovery. Since 2005,
the Company has completed a number of regulatory proceedings that provide for the timely recovery
of costs.
Appropriately balancing required costs and capital expenditures with reasonable retail rates will
continue to challenge the Company for the foreseeable future. Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural
disaster in the Companys history, hit the Gulf Coast of Mississippi in August 2005, causing
substantial damage to the Companys service territory. All of the Companys 195,000 customers were
without service immediately after the storm. Through a coordinated effort with Southern Company,
as well as non-affiliated companies, the Company restored power to all who could receive it within
12 days. However, due to obstacles in the rebuilding process, the Company has over 9,000 fewer
retail customers as of December 31, 2007 as compared to pre-storm levels. In 2006, the Company
received from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) a Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) in the amount of $276.4 million for costs related to Hurricane Katrina, of which $267.6
million was for the retail portion of the Hurricane Katrina restoration costs. In 2007, the
Company received $109.3 million of storm restoration bond proceeds under the state bond program of
which $25.2 million was for retail storm restoration cost, $60.0 million was to increase the
Companys retail property damage reserve, and $24.1 million was to cover the retail portion of
construction of a new storm operations center.
The Companys retail base rates are set under the Performance Evaluation Plan (PEP), a rate plan
approved by the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC). PEP was designed with the objective
to reduce the impact of rate changes on the customer and provide incentives for the Company to keep
customer prices low and customer satisfaction and reliability high.
In December 2007, the Company made its annual PEP filing for the projected 2008 test period,
resulting in a rate increase of 1.983% or $15.5 million annually, effective January 2008. See Note
3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Performance Evaluation Plan for
more information on PEP.
Key Performance Indicators
In striving to maximize shareholder value while providing cost effective energy to customers, the
Company continues to focus on several key indicators. These indicators are used to measure the
Companys performance for customers and employees.
Recognizing the critical role in the Companys success played by the Companys employees,
employee-related measures are a significant management focus. These measures include safety and
inclusion. The 2007 safety performance of the Company was the second best in the history of the
Company with an Occupational Safety and Health Administration Incidence Rate of 0.62. This
achievement resulted in the Company being recognized as one of the top in safety performance among
all utilities in the Southeastern Electric Exchange. Inclusion initiatives resulted in performance
above target for the year. In recognition that the Companys long-term financial success is
dependent upon how well it satisfies its customers needs, the Companys retail base rate
mechanism, PEP, includes performance indicators that directly tie customer service indicators to
the Companys allowed return. PEP measures the Companys performance on a 10-point scale as a
weighted average of results in three areas: average customer price, as compared to prices of other
regional utilities (weighted at 40%); service reliability, measured in outage minutes per customer
(40%); and customer satisfaction, measured in a survey of residential customers (20%). See Note 3
to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Performance Evaluation Plan for
more information on PEP.
In addition to the PEP performance indicators, the Company focuses on other performance measures,
including broader measures of customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and
net income. The Companys financial success is directly tied to the satisfaction of its customers.
Management uses customer satisfaction surveys to evaluate the Companys results. Peak season
equivalent forced outage rate (Peak Season EFOR) is an indicator of plant availability and
efficient generation fleet operations during the months when generation needs are greatest. The
rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours of forced outages by total generation hours.
Net income after dividends on preferred stock is the primary component of the Companys
contribution to Southern
II-287
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Companys earnings per share goal. The Companys 2007 results compared with its targets for some
of these key indicators are reflected in the following chart.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Target |
|
Actual |
Key Performance Indicator |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
|
Top quartile in customer
surveys
|
|
Top quartile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak Season EFOR
|
|
3.0% or less
|
|
|
1.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$84.3 million
|
|
$84.0 million
|
See RESULTS OF OPERATIONS herein for additional information on the Companys financial performance.
The financial performance achieved in 2007 reflects the continued emphasis that management places
on all of these indicators, as well as the commitment shown by employees in achieving or exceeding
managements expectations.
Earnings
The Companys net income after dividends on preferred stock was $84.0 million in 2007 compared to
$82.0 million in 2006. The 2.4% increase in 2007 was primarily the result of a $21.3 million
increase in territorial base revenues which was a result of a retail base rate increase effective
April 1, 2006 and territorial sales growth, a $10.9 million increase in total other income and
expense as a result of charitable contributions in 2006 and a gain on a contract termination
approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 2007. These increases were
partially offset by a $18.2 million increase in non-fuel related expenses and an $8.7 million
increase in depreciation and amortization expenses primarily due to the amortization of a
regulatory liability related to Plant Daniel capacity. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL FERC and
Mississippi PSC Matters Retail Regulatory Matters herein for additional information.
Net income after dividends on preferred stock of $82.0 million in 2006 increased when compared to
$73.8 million in 2005 primarily as a result of a $25.9 million increase in retail base rates which
became effective April 1, 2006, a $4.7 million increase in wholesale base revenues, and a $2.9
million decrease in non-fuel related expenses, partially offset by a $13.3 million increase in
depreciation and amortization expenses due to the amortization of a regulatory liability related to
Plant Daniel capacity and a depreciation rate increase effective January 1, 2006, an $8.6 million
decrease in total other income and expense as a result of charitable contributions, and higher
interest rates on long-term debt.
Net income after dividends on preferred stock of $73.8 million in 2005 decreased when compared to
$76.8 million in 2004 primarily due to a $15.7 million decrease in retail base revenue due to the
loss of customers as a result of Hurricane Katrina and a $2.5 million increase in non-fuel related
expenses primarily resulting from increased employee benefit expenses, partially offset by a $5.8
million decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses due to the amortization of a regulatory
liability related to Plant Daniel capacity, a $3.3 million increase in wholesale base revenues, a
$1.2 million increase in other revenues, and a $2.0 million decrease in dividends on preferred
stock as compared to 2004 resulting from the loss on redemption of preferred stock recognized in
the third quarter 2004.
II-288
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A condensed statement of income follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
1,113.7 |
|
|
$ |
104.5 |
|
|
$ |
39.5 |
|
|
$ |
59.4 |
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
494.2 |
|
|
|
55.6 |
|
|
|
80.1 |
|
|
|
33.7 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
95.9 |
|
|
|
22.6 |
|
|
|
(70.2 |
) |
|
|
36.7 |
|
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
255.2 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
|
|
|
(3.0 |
) |
|
|
2.1 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
60.4 |
|
|
|
13.5 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
|
|
|
(5.8 |
) |
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
60.3 |
|
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
966.0 |
|
|
|
109.7 |
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
|
71.2 |
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
147.7 |
|
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
18.5 |
|
|
|
(11.8 |
) |
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(10.2 |
) |
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
(8.6 |
) |
|
|
2.4 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
51.8 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
(4.3 |
) |
|
Net income |
|
|
85.7 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
(5.1 |
) |
Dividends on preferred stock |
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
Net income after dividends on
preferred stock |
|
$ |
84.0 |
|
|
$ |
2.0 |
|
|
$ |
8.2 |
|
|
$ |
(3.0 |
) |
|
Operating Revenues
Details of the Companys operating revenues in 2007 and the prior two years were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Retail prior year |
|
$ |
647.2 |
|
|
$ |
618.9 |
|
|
$ |
584.3 |
|
Estimated change in
|
Rates and pricing |
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
23.2 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
Sales growth |
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
(30.4 |
) |
Weather |
|
|
(2.5 |
) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
Fuel and other cost recovery |
|
|
61.5 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
65.6 |
|
|
Retail current year |
|
|
727.2 |
|
|
|
647.2 |
|
|
|
618.9 |
|
|
Wholesale revenues
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
323.1 |
|
|
|
268.8 |
|
|
|
283.4 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
46.2 |
|
|
|
76.4 |
|
|
|
50.4 |
|
|
Total wholesale revenues |
|
|
369.3 |
|
|
|
345.2 |
|
|
|
333.8 |
|
|
Other operating revenues |
|
|
17.2 |
|
|
|
16.8 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
1,113.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,009.2 |
|
|
$ |
969.7 |
|
|
Percent change |
|
|
10.4 |
% |
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
6.5 |
% |
|
Total retail revenues for 2007 increased 12.4% when compared to 2006 primarily as a result of an
increase in territorial sales growth, a retail base rate increase effective April 1, 2006 and the
Environmental Compliance Overview (ECO) Plan rate effective May 2007. Higher fuel costs also
contributed to the increase. Total retail revenues for 2006 increased 4.6% when compared to 2005
primarily as a result of a retail base rate increase effective April 1, 2006. Higher fuel costs
also contributed to the increase. Total retail revenues
II-289
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
for 2005 increased 5.9% when compared to 2004 as a result of higher fuel revenue due to the
increase in fuel cost. This increase in retail revenues was partially offset by reductions for the
loss of customers in all major classes as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Electric rates for the Company include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel
costs, including the energy component of purchased power costs. Under these provisions, fuel
revenues generally equal fuel expenses, including the fuel component of purchased power, and do not
affect net income. The fuel cost recovery and other revenues increased in 2007 when compared to
2006 as a result of higher fuel costs. In 2006, fuel cost recovery and other revenues increased as
compared to 2005 as a result of higher fuel costs and an increase in kilowatt-hours (KWH)
generated. During 2005, fuel cost recovery and other revenues increased as compared to 2004 due to
higher fuel costs.
Wholesale revenues to non-affiliates are influenced by the non-affiliate utilities own customer
demand, plant availability, and fuel costs. Wholesale revenues to non-affiliates increased $54.3
million, or 20.2%, in 2007 as compared to 2006 as a result of a $51.5 million increase in energy
revenues, of which $32.0 million was associated with increased sales and $19.5 million was
associated with higher fuel prices, and a $2.8 million increase in capacity revenues. In 2006,
wholesale revenues to non-affiliates decreased $14.6 million, or 5.1%, compared to 2005. This
decrease resulted from a $14.7 million decrease in energy revenues, of which $10.1 million was
associated with decreased sales and $4.6 million was associated with lower fuel prices. Wholesale
revenues to non-affiliates increased in 2005 by $17.5 million, or 6.6%, compared to 2004. This
increase primarily resulted from an increase in price per KWH resulting from higher fuel costs.
Included in wholesale revenues to non-affiliates are revenues from rural electric cooperative
associations and municipalities located in southeastern Mississippi. Compared to the prior year,
KWH sales to these utilities increased 4.3% in 2007 due to growth in the service territory,
increased 8.9% in 2006 compared to 2005 due to growth in the service territory and recovery from
Hurricane Katrina in 2006, and decreased 5.0% in 2005 compared to 2004 due to Hurricane Katrina.
The related revenues increased 12.6%, 7.1%, and 16.2%, in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The
customer demand experienced by these utilities is determined by factors very similar to those
experienced by the Company. On February 15, 2008, the Company received notice of termination of an
approximately 100 MW territorial wholesale market based contract effective March 31, 2011. This
termination is estimated to reduce the Companys annual territorial wholesale base revenues by
approximately $12 million.
Short-term opportunity energy sales are also included in sales for resale to non-affiliates. These
opportunity sales are made at market-based rates that generally provide a margin above the
Companys variable cost to produce the energy. KWH sales to non-territorial customers increased
41.0% compared to 2006 primarily due to more off-system sales resulting from increased system
generation.
Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary
from year to year depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each
company. These affiliated sales and purchases are made in accordance with the Intercompany
Interchange Contract (IIC), as approved by the FERC. Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated
companies decreased 39.5% in 2007, when compared to 2006, increased
51.6% in 2006, when compared to
2005, and increased 13.8% in 2005, when compared to 2004. These energy sales do not have a
significant impact on earnings since the energy is generally sold at marginal cost.
II-290
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Energy Sales
Changes in revenues are influenced heavily by the change in the volume of energy sold from year to
year. KWH sales for 2007 and percent change by year were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KWHs |
|
Percent Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
2,135 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
(2.8 |
)% |
|
|
(5.1 |
)% |
Commercial |
|
|
2,876 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
(8.2 |
) |
Industrial |
|
|
4,318 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
(10.3 |
) |
Other |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
(2.5 |
) |
|
|
(5.8 |
) |
|
Total retail |
|
|
9,368 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
(8.4 |
) |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliated |
|
|
5,186 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
(20.2 |
) |
Affiliated |
|
|
1,026 |
|
|
|
(38.9 |
) |
|
|
87.4 |
|
|
|
(14.9 |
) |
|
Total wholesale |
|
|
6,212 |
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
10.4 |
|
|
|
(19.4 |
) |
|
Total energy sales |
|
|
15,580 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
(13.1 |
) |
|
Total retail KWH sales increased in 2007 when compared to 2006 due to continuing restoration of
customers lost after Hurricane Katrina. Total retail KWH sales increased in 2006 when compared to
2005 due to restoration of customers lost after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Total retail KWH sales
decreased in 2005 when compared to 2004 as the result of the loss of customers following Hurricane
Katrina.
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
Fuel costs constitute the single largest expense for the Company. The mix of fuel sources for
generation of electricity is determined primarily by demand, the unit cost of fuel consumed, and
the availability of generating units. Additionally, the Company purchases a portion of its
electricity needs from the wholesale market. Details of the Companys electricity generated and
purchased were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Total generation (millions of KWHs) |
|
|
14,119 |
|
|
|
14,224 |
|
|
|
12,499 |
|
Total purchased power (millions of KWHs) |
|
|
2,084 |
|
|
|
1,718 |
|
|
|
2,637 |
|
|
Sources of generation (percent) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
Gas |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
2.92 |
|
|
|
2.52 |
|
|
|
2.24 |
|
Gas |
|
|
6.25 |
|
|
|
6.04 |
|
|
|
5.94 |
|
|
Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
3.78 |
|
|
|
3.34 |
|
|
|
3.11 |
|
Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH) |
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
4.26 |
|
|
|
5.44 |
|
|
Fuel and purchased power expenses were $590.1 million in 2007, an increase of $78.3 million, or
15.3%, above the prior year costs. This increase was primarily due to a $63.8 million increase in
the cost of fuel and purchased power and a $14.5 million increase related to total KWHs generated
and purchased. In 2006, fuel and purchased power expenses were $511.9 million, an increase of $9.8
million, or 2.0%, above the prior year costs. This increase was primarily due to an increase of
$9.7 million in the cost of fuel and purchased power. Fuel and purchased power expenses in 2005
were $502.1 million, an increase of $70.4 million, or 16.3%, above the prior year costs. This
increase was the result of a $127.6 million increase in the cost of fuel and purchased power and a
$57.2 million decrease related to total KWHs generated and purchased.
II-291
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Fuel expense increased $55.6 million in 2007 as compared to 2006. Approximately $56.8 million in
additional fuel expenses resulted from higher coal, gas, transportation prices, and emission
allowances, which were partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in generation from Mississippi
Power-owned facilities. Fuel expense increased $80.1 million in 2006 as compared to 2005 as a
result of increases in fuel costs and an increase in generation. This increase in fuel expense is
due to a $30.0 million increase in the cost of fuel due to higher coal, gas, transportation, and
emission allowance prices and a $50.0 million increase related to more KWHs generated. Fuel
expense increased $33.7 million in 2005 as compared to 2004. Approximately $71 million in
additional fuel expenses resulted from higher coal, gas, transportation prices, and emission
allowances, which were partially offset by a $36 million decrease resulting from unit outages that
reduced generation.
Purchased power expense increased $22.6 million, or 30.9%, in 2007 when compared to 2006. The
increase was primarily due to an increase in the cost of purchased power and an increase in the
amount of energy purchased which was partially due to a decrease in generation resulting from plant
outages. Purchased power expense decreased $70.2 million, or 49%, in 2006 when compared to 2005.
The decrease was primarily due to more generation being available to meet customer demand and a
decrease in the cost of purchased power. In 2005, purchased power expense increased $36.7 million,
or 34.4%, when compared to 2004. The increase is primarily the result of the reduction in
generation due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. Energy purchases vary from year to year
depending on demand and the availability and cost of the Companys generating resources. These
expenses do not have a significant impact on earnings since the energy purchases are generally
offset by energy revenues through the Companys fuel cost recovery clause.
While there has been a significant upward trend in the cost of coal and natural gas since 2003,
prices moderated somewhat in 2006 and 2007. Coal prices have been influenced by a worldwide
increase in demand from developing countries, as well as increases in mining and fuel
transportation costs. While demand for natural gas in the United States continued to increase in
2007, natural gas supplies have also risen due to increased production and higher storage levels.
Fuel expenses generally do not affect net income, since they are offset by fuel revenues under the
Companys fuel cost recovery clause. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Fuel Cost
Recovery and Note 1 to the financial statements under Fuel Costs for additional information.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
Total other operations and maintenance expenses increased $18.6 million from 2006 to 2007. Other
operations expense increased $15.1 million, or 8.8%, in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily as a result
of a $4.1 million increase in generation construction screening, a $3.3 million insurance recovery
for storm restoration expense recognized in 2006, a $2.1 million increase in employee benefits
primarily due to increase in medical expense, a $2.0 million increase in outside and other contract
services, and a $2.0 million increase in scheduled production projects. Maintenance expense
increased $3.5 million, or 5.2%, in 2007 when compared to 2006, primarily as a result of a $5.5
million increase in generation maintenance expense primarily due to outage work in 2007, partially
offset by a $2.0 million decrease in transmission and distribution maintenance expenses due
primarily to the deferral of these expenses pursuant to the regulatory accounting order from the
Mississippi PSC.
In 2006, total other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $3.0 million compared to 2005.
Other operations expense increased $1.9 million, or 1.1%, in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily as a
result of a $1.8 million increase in distribution operations expense and a $1.5 million increase in
employee benefit expenses, partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in bad debt expense.
Maintenance expense decreased $4.9 million, or 6.8%, in 2006, primarily due to the $3.4 million
accrual of certain expenses arising from Hurricane Katrina related to the wholesale portion of the
business in 2005 and the $2.8 million partial recovery of these expenses from the CDBG in 2006,
partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in 2006 due to the increased operation of combined
cycle units as gas costs decreased in 2006 when compared to 2005.
In 2005, total other operations and maintenance expenses increased $2.1 million compared to 2004.
In 2005, other operations expense increased $7.9 million, or 4.9%, compared to 2004 primarily as a
result of a $5.2 million increase in employee benefit expenses, a $1.7 million increase in rent
expense on the Plant Daniel combined cycle lease, and higher bad debt expense of $1.0 million
primarily resulting from Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, maintenance expense decreased $5.7 million,
or 7.5%, over the prior year, primarily as a result of a $1.1 million decrease in the operation of
combined cycle units due to higher gas prices in 2005 when compared to 2004 and a $4.5 million
decrease in maintenance expense associated with changes in scheduled maintenance as a result of
restoration efforts.
See FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements and Notes 3 and
7 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Performance Evaluation Plan and
Operating Leases Plant Daniel Combined Cycle
II-292
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Generating Units, respectively, for additional information. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC
Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery herein and Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail
Regulatory Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery for additional information. See Note 7 to the
financial statements under Long-Term Service Agreements for further information.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $13.5 million in 2007 compared to 2006 due to a
regulatory liability recorded in 2003 in connection with the Mississippi PSCs accounting order on
Plant Daniel capacity and an increase in amortization of environmental costs related to the
approved ECO Plan. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $13.3 million in 2006 compared
to 2005 due to amortization related to a regulatory liability recorded in 2003 in connection with
the Mississippi PSCs accounting order on Plant Daniel capacity and the impact of a new
depreciation study effective January 1, 2006. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased
$5.8 million in 2005 as compared to the prior year primarily as a result of amortization related to
a regulatory liability recorded in 2003 in connection with the Mississippi PSCs accounting order
on the Plant Daniel capacity. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Performance
Evaluation Plan and Environmental Compliance Overview Plan for additional information.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
Taxes other than income taxes decreased 0.9% in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily as a result of a
$2.0 million decrease in ad valorem taxes, partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in municipal
franchise taxes. In 2006, taxes other than income taxes increased 1.4% over the prior year
primarily as a result of a $0.5 million increase in ad valorem taxes and a $0.3 million increase in
municipal franchise taxes. Taxes other than income taxes increased 8.1% in 2005 as compared to
2004 primarily due to a $2.9 million increase in ad valorem taxes and a $1.1 million increase in
municipal franchise taxes. The retail portion of the increase in ad valorem taxes is recoverable
under the Companys ad valorem tax cost recovery clause and, therefore, does not affect net income.
The increase in municipal franchise taxes is directly related to the increase in total retail
revenues.
Total Other Income and (Expense)
The $10.9 million increase in total other income and expense in 2007 compared to 2006 is primarily
due to higher charitable contributions in 2006 as compared to 2007 and a gain on a contract
termination approved by the FERC in 2007. The $8.6 million decrease in total other income and
expense in 2006 compared to 2005 is primarily due to charitable contributions and higher interest
rates on long-term debt. In 2005, the increases in total other income and expense compared to 2004
are due to a reversal, as a result of changes in the legal and regulatory environment, of a $2.5
million liability originally recorded for the potential assessment of interest associated with a
customer advance. This amount was partially offset by expenses related to recovery from Hurricane
Katrina.
Effects of Inflation
The Company is subject to rate regulation that is based on the recovery of costs. PEP is based on
annual projected costs, including estimates for inflation. When historical costs are included, or
when inflation exceeds projected costs used in rate regulation or market- based prices, the effects
of inflation can create an economic loss since the recovery of costs could be in dollars that have
less purchasing power. In addition, the income tax laws are based on historical costs. The
inflation rate has been relatively low in recent years and any adverse effect of inflation on the
Company has not been significant.
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
General
The Company operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail customers
within its traditional service area located in southeast Mississippi and wholesale customers in the
southeastern United States. Prices for electricity provided by the Company to retail customers are
set by the Mississippi PSC under cost-based regulatory principles. Retail rates and earnings are
reviewed and may be adjusted periodically within certain limitations. Prices for wholesale
electricity sales, interconnecting transmission lines and the exchange of electric power are
regulated by the FERC. See ACCOUNTING POLICIES Application of Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates Electric Utility Regulation herein and Note 3 to the financial statements under FERC
Matters and Retail Regulatory Matters for additional information about regulatory matters.
II-293
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily indicative of future
earnings potential. The level of the Companys future earnings depends on numerous factors that
affect the opportunities, challenges and risks of the Companys business of selling electricity.
These factors include the ability of the Company to maintain a stable regulatory environment that
continues to allow for the recovery of all prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing
costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon growth in energy sales, which
is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy
contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of
electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth in the Companys
service area in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Environmental Matters
Compliance costs related to the Clean Air Act and other environmental statutes and regulations
could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely
basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may exceed amounts estimated.
Some of the factors driving the potential for such an increase are higher commodity costs, market
demand for labor, and scope additions and clarifications. The timing, specific requirements, and
estimated costs could also change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or
modified. See Note 3 to the financial statements under Environmental Matters for additional
information.
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought a civil action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries,
including Alabama Power and Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New
Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired
generating facilities. Through subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a
separate action in January 2001 against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama after Alabama Power was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits,
the EPA alleged that NSR violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by
Alabama Power and Georgia Power, including one co-owned by the Company. The civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief,
including an order requiring the installation of the best available control technology at the
affected units. The action against Georgia Power has been administratively closed since the spring
of 2001, and the case has not been reopened.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to all of the remaining plants:
Plants Barry, Gaston, Gorgas, and Greene County.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case.
The Company believes it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and interpretations
in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil
penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating unit, depending on the
date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in either of these cases could require
substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital expenditures
that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties.
Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition
if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
The EPA has issued a series of proposed and final revisions to its NSR regulations under the Clean
Air Act, many of which have been subject to legal challenges by environmental groups and states.
In June 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld, in part, the
EPAs revisions to NSR regulations that were issued in December 2002 but vacated portions of those
revisions addressing the exclusion of certain pollution control projects. These regulatory
revisions have been adopted by the State of
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Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Mississippi. In March 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit also
vacated an EPA rule which sought to clarify the scope of the existing routine maintenance, repair,
and replacement exclusion. The EPA has also published proposed rules clarifying the test for
determining when an emissions increase subject to the NSR permitting requirements has occurred.
The impact of these proposed rules will depend on adoption of the final rules by the EPA and the
State of Mississippis implementation of such rules, as well as the outcome of any additional legal
challenges, and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005, and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Statutes and Regulations
General
The Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal environmental
agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media, including air,
water, and land resources. Applicable statutes include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act; and the Endangered Species Act.
Compliance with these environmental requirements involves significant capital and operating costs,
a major portion of which is expected to be recovered through the Companys ECO Plan. See Note 3 to
the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Environmental Compliance Overview
Plan for additional information. Through 2007, the Company had invested approximately $161.0
million in capital projects to comply with these requirements, with annual totals of $17.0 million,
$4.8 million, and $4.0 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The Company expects that
capital expenditures to assure compliance with existing and new statutes and regulations will be an
additional $74.4 million, $128.2 million, and $91.9 million for 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.
The Companys compliance strategy is impacted by changes to existing environmental laws, statutes,
and regulations, the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emission allowances, and the
Companys fuel mix. Environmental costs that are known and estimable at this time are included in
capital expenditures discussed under FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Capital Requirements and
Contractual Obligations herein.
Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global
climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly
affect the Company. New environmental legislation or regulations, or changes to existing statutes
or regulations, could affect many areas of the Companys operations; however, the full impact of
any such changes cannot be determined at this time.
Air Quality
Compliance with the Clean Air Act and resulting regulations has been and will continue to be a
significant focus for the Company. Through 2007, the Company had spent approximately $89.0 million
in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and in
monitoring emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Additional controls have been announced and
are currently being installed on several units to further reduce SO2, NOx,
and mercury emissions, maintain compliance with existing regulations, and meet new requirements.
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Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In 2004, the EPA designated nonattainment areas under an eight-hour ozone standard. No area within
the Companys service area was designated as nonattainment under the eight-hour ozone standard. On
June 20, 2007, the EPA proposed additional revisions to the current eight-hour ozone standard
which, if enacted, could result in designation of new nonattainment areas within the Companys
service territory. The EPA has requested comment and is expected to publish final revisions to the
standard in 2008. The impact of this decision, if any, cannot be determined at this time and will
depend on subsequent legal action and/or future nonattainment designations and state regulatory
plans.
The EPA issued the final Clean Air Interstate Rule in March 2005. This cap-and-trade rule
addresses power plant SO2 and NOx emissions that were found to contribute to
nonattainment of the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter standards in downwind states.
Twenty-eight eastern states, including the State of Mississippi, are subject to the requirements of
the rule. The rule calls for additional reductions of NOx and/or SO2 to be
achieved in two phases, 2009/2010 and 2015. The State of Mississippi has an EPA-approved plan for
implementing this rule. These reductions will be accomplished by the installation of additional
emission controls at the Companys coal-fired facilities and/or by the purchase of emission
allowances from a cap-and-trade program.
The Clean Air Visibility Rule (formerly called the Regional Haze Rule) was finalized in July 2005.
The goal of this rule is to restore natural visibility conditions in certain areas (primarily
national parks and wilderness areas) by 2064. The rule involves (1) the application of Best
Available Retrofit Technology (BART) to certain sources built between 1962 and 1977 and (2) the
application of any additional emissions reductions which may be deemed necessary for each
designated area to achieve reasonable progress by 2018 toward the natural conditions goal.
Thereafter, for each 10-year planning period, additional emissions reductions will be required to
continue to demonstrate reasonable progress in each area during that period. For power plants, the
Clean Air Visibility Rule allows states to determine that the Clean Air Interstate Rule satisfies
BART requirements for SO2 and NOx. Extensive studies were performed for each
of the Companys affected units to demonstrate that additional particulate matter controls are not
necessary under BART. States are currently completing implementation strategies for BART and any
other measures required to achieve the first phase of reasonable progress.
The impacts of the new eight-hour ozone standard and the Clean Air Visibility Rule on the Company
will depend on the development and implementation of rules at the federal and/or state level.
Therefore, the full effects of these regulations on the Company cannot be determined at this time.
The Company has developed and continually updates a comprehensive environmental compliance strategy
to comply with the continuing and new environmental requirements discussed above. As part of this
strategy, the Company plans to install additional SO2 and NOx, emission
controls within the next several years to assure continued compliance with applicable air quality
requirements.
In March 2005, the EPA published the final Clean Air Mercury Rule, a cap-and-trade program for the
reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule sets caps on mercury
emissions to be implemented in two phases, 2010 and 2018, and provides for an emission allowance
trading market. The final Clean Air Mercury Rule was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit. The petitioners alleged that the EPA was not authorized to
establish a cap-and-trade program for mercury emissions and instead the EPA must establish maximum
achievable control technology standards for coal-fired electric utility steam generating units. On
February 8, 2008, the court issued its ruling and vacated the Clean Air Mercury Rule. Any
significant changes in the Companys overall environmental compliance strategy will depend on the
outcome of any appeals and/or future federal and state rulemakings. Future rulemakings could
require emission reductions more stringent than required by the Clean Air Mercury Rule.
Water Quality
In July 2004, the EPA published its final technology-based regulations under the Clean Water Act
for the purpose of reducing impingement and entrainment of fish, shellfish, and other forms of
aquatic life at existing power plant cooling water intake structures. The rules require baseline
biological information and, perhaps, installation of fish protection technology near some intake
structures at existing power plants. On January 25, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit overturned and remanded several provisions of the rule to the EPA for revisions. Among
other things, the court rejected the EPAs use of cost-benefit analysis and suggested some ways
to incorporate cost considerations. The full impact of these regulations will depend on subsequent
legal proceedings, further rulemaking by the EPA, the results of studies and analyses performed as
part of the rules implementation, and the actual requirements established by the State of
Mississippi regulatory agencies and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
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Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and release of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company could incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company conducts studies to
determine the extent of any required cleanup and has recognized in the financial statements the
costs to clean up known sites. Amounts for cleanup and ongoing monitoring costs were not material
for any year presented. The Company may be liable for some or all required cleanup costs for
additional sites that may require environmental remediation. The Company has received authority
from the Mississippi PSC to recover approved environmental compliance costs through specific retail
rate clauses. Within limits approved by the Mississippi PSC, these rates are adjusted annually.
See Note 3 to the financial statements under Environmental Matters Environmental Remediation
and Retail Regulatory Matters Environmental Compliance Overview Plan for additional
information.
Global Climate Issues
Federal legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements related to greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. The ultimate outcome of these proposals cannot be
determined at this time; however, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to
regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. The EPA is currently developing its
response to this decision. Regulatory decisions that will follow from this response may have
implications for both new and existing stationary sources, such as power plants. The ultimate
outcome of these rulemaking activities cannot be determined at this time; however, as with the
current legislative proposals, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect future unit retirement
and replacement decisions and results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such
costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
In addition, some states are considering or have undertaken actions to regulate and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. For example, on July 13, 2007, the Governor of the State of Florida
signed three executive orders addressing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the state,
including statewide emission reduction targets beginning in 2017. Included in the orders is a
directive to the Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection to develop rules adopting maximum
allowable emissions levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities, consistent with the
statewide emission reduction targets, and a request to the Florida PSC to initiate rulemaking
requiring utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from renewable sources. The
impact of any similar state regulation on the Company will depend on the future development,
adoption, and implementation of state laws or rules governing greenhouse gas emissions, and the
ultimate outcome cannot be determined at this time.
International climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change also continue. Current efforts focus on a potential successor to the Kyoto Protocol for the
post-2008 through 2012 timeframe. The outcome and impact of the international negotiations cannot
be determined at this time.
The Company continues to evaluate its future energy and emission profiles and is participating in
voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help develop and advance technology to
reduce emissions.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
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Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007, regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $8.4 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the IIC, as approved by the FERC. In May 2005,
the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional
operating companies (including the Company), Southern Power, and Southern Company Services, Inc.
(SCS), as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated, (2)
whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility
companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct
defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just and
reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern
Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of
conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
PSC Matters
Performance Evaluation Plan
See Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Performance Evaluation
Plan for information on the Companys retail base rates. In May 2004, the Mississippi PSC
approved the Companys request to reclassify 266 megawatts of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 capacity
to jurisdictional cost of service effective January 1, 2004, and authorized the Company to include
the related costs and revenue credits in jurisdictional rate base, cost of service, and revenue
requirement calculations for purposes of retail rate recovery. In the May 2004 order establishing
the Companys forward-looking Rate Schedule PEP, the Mississippi PSC ordered that the Mississippi
Public Utility Staff and the Company review the operations of the PEP in 2007. By mutual
agreement, this review was deferred and will occur in 2008. The outcome of this review cannot now
be determined.
In April 2007, the Mississippi PSC issued an order allowing the Company to defer approximately
$10.4 million of certain reliability related maintenance costs beginning January 1, 2007, and
recover them evenly over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2008. These costs related to
maintenance that was needed as follow-up to emergency repairs that were made subsequent to
Hurricane Katrina. At December 31, 2007, the Company had incurred and deferred the retail portion
of $9.5 million of such costs, of which $2.4 million is included in current assets as other
regulatory assets and $7.1 million is included in long-term other regulatory assets.
In September 2007, the Mississippi PSC staff and the Company entered into a stipulation that
included adjustments to expenses which resulted in a one-time credit to retail customers of
approximately $1.1 million. In November 2007, the Mississippi PSC issued an order requiring the
Company to refund this amount to its retail customers no later than December 2007. This amount was
totally refunded as a credit to customer bills by December 31, 2007.
In December 2007, the Company submitted its annual PEP filing for 2008, which resulted in a rate
increase of 1.983% or $15.5 million annually, effective January 2008. In December 2006, the
Company submitted its annual PEP filing for 2007, which resulted in no rate change.
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Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In December 2007, the Company received an order from the Mississippi PSC requiring it to defer $1.4
million associated with the retail portion of certain tax credits and favorable adjustments related
to permanent differences pertaining to its 2006 income tax returns filed in September 2007. These
tax differences have been recorded in a regulatory liability included in the current portion of
other regulatory liabilities and will be amortized ratably over a twelve month period beginning
January 2008.
System Restoration Rider
In September 2006, the Company filed with the Mississippi PSC a request to implement a System
Restoration Rider (SRR) to increase the Companys cap on the property damage reserve and to
authorize the calculation of an annual property damage accrual based on a formula. The purpose of
the SRR is to provide for recovery of costs associated with property damage (including certain
property insurance and the costs of self insurance) and to facilitate the Mississippi PSCs review
of these costs. The Company is required to make annual SRR filings to determine the revenue
requirement associated with any property damage. The Company recorded a regulatory liability in
the amount of approximately $2.4 million in 2006 and $0.6 million in 2007 for the estimated amount
due to retail customers through SRR. The Company along with the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff
has agreed and stipulated to a revised SRR calculation method that would no longer require the
Mississippi PSC to set a cap on the property damage reserve or to authorize the calculation of an
annual property damage accrual. Under the revised SRR calculation method, the Mississippi PSC
would periodically agree on SRR revenue levels that would be developed based on historical data,
expected exposure, type and amount of insurance coverage excluding insurance costs, and other
relevant information. It is anticipated that the Mississippi PSC would agree on the applicable SRR
revenue level every three years, unless a significant change in circumstances occurs such that the
Company and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff or the Mississippi PSC deems that a more
frequent change would be just, reasonable and in the public interest. The Company will submit
annual filings setting forth SRR-related revenues, expenses and investment for the projected filing
period, as well as the true-up for the prior period. The Company is currently waiting on a final
order from the Mississippi PSC determining the final disposition of the regulatory liability and
determination of the final SRR rate schedule.
Environmental Compliance Overview Plan
On February 1, 2008, the Company filed with the Mississippi PSC its annual ECO Plan evaluation for
2008, which resulted in an 18 cents per 1,000 KWH decrease in the rate for retail residential
customers. Hearings with the Mississippi PSC are expected to be held in April 2008. The outcome
of the 2008 filing cannot now be determined. In April 2007, the Mississippi PSC approved the
Companys 2007 ECO Plan, which included an 86 cents per 1,000 KWH increase for retail residential
customers. This increase represented an addition of approximately $7.5 million in annual revenues
for the Company. The new rates were effective in April 2007. See Note 3 to the financial
statements under Retail Regulatory Matters Environmental Compliance Overview Plan for
additional information.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company establishes, annually, a fuel cost recovery factor that is approved by the Mississippi
PSC. Over the past several years, the Company has continued to experience higher than expected
fuel costs for coal and natural gas. The Company is required to file for an adjustment to the fuel
cost recovery factor annually; such filing occurred in November 2007. As a result, the Mississippi
PSC approved an increase in the fuel cost recovery factor effective January 2008 in an amount equal
to 4.2% of total retail revenues. The Companys operating revenues are adjusted for differences in
actual recoverable fuel cost and amounts billed in accordance with the currently approved cost
recovery rate. Accordingly, this increase to the billing factor will have no significant effect on
the Companys revenues or net income, but will increase annual cash flow. At December 31, 2007,
the amount of under recovered fuel costs included in the balance sheets was $40.5 million compared
to $50.8 million at December 31, 2006.
Storm Damage Cost Recovery
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States and caused significant
damage within the Companys service area. The estimated total storm restoration costs relating to
Hurricane Katrina through December 31, 2007 of $302.4 million, which was net of expected insurance
proceeds of approximately $77 million, without offset for the property damage reserve of $3.0
million, was affirmed by the Mississippi PSC in June 2006, and the Company was ordered to establish
a regulatory asset for the retail portion. The Mississippi PSC issued an order directing the
Company to file an application with the MDA for a CDBG. In October 2006, the Company received from
the MDA a CDBG in the amount of $276.4 million, which was allocated to both the retail and
wholesale jurisdictions. In the same month, the Mississippi PSC issued a financing order that
authorized the issuance of system restoration bonds for the remaining $25.2 million of the retail
portion of storm recovery costs not covered by the CDBG. The
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Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Company incurred the $302.4 million total storm costs affirmed by the Mississippi PSC as of
December 31, 2007, and will report the retail regulatory liability balance of $0.1 million to the
Mississippi PSC to determine the final disposition of this balance.
The Company maintains a reserve to cover the cost of damage from major storms to its transmission
and distribution facilities and generally the cost of uninsured damage to its generation facilities
and other property. A 1999 Mississippi PSC order allowed the Company to accrue $1.5 million to
$4.6 million to the reserve annually, with a maximum reserve totaling $23 million. In October
2006, in conjunction with the Mississippi PSC Hurricane Katrina-related financing order, the
Mississippi PSC ordered the Company to cease all accruals to the retail property damage reserve,
until a new reserve cap is established. However, in the same financing order, the Mississippi PSC
approved the replenishment of the property damage reserve with $60 million to be funded with a
portion of the proceeds of bonds to be issued by the Mississippi Development Bank on behalf of the
State of Mississippi and reported as liabilities by the State of Mississippi. These funds were
received in June 2007.
In June 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued an order certifying actual storm restoration costs
relating to Hurricane Katrina through April 30, 2006, of $267.9 million and affirmed estimated
additional costs through December 31, 2007, of $34.5 million, for total storm restoration costs of
$302.4 million, which was net of expected insurance proceeds of approximately $77 million, without
offset for the property damage reserve of $3.0 million. Of the total amount, $292.8 million was
estimated to be the Companys retail jurisdiction. The order directed the Company to file an
application with the MDA for a CDBG.
In October 2006, the Company received from the MDA a CDBG in the amount of $276.4 million. The
Company has appropriately allocated and applied these CDBG proceeds to both retail and wholesale
storm restoration cost recovery. The retail portion of $267.6 million was applied to the retail
regulatory asset in the balance sheets. For the remaining wholesale portion of $8.8 million, $3.3
million was credited to operations and maintenance expense in the statements of income and $5.5
million was applied to accumulated provision for depreciation in the balance sheets. In 2006, the
CDBG proceeds related to capital of $152.7 million and $120.3 million related to retail operations
and maintenance expense were included in the statements of cash flows as separate line items. In
2007, the storm restoration bond proceeds related to $35.0 million capital, of which $10.9 million
related to retail restoration and $24.1 million related to the storm operations center, and $14.3
million related to retail operations and maintenance expenses are included in the statements of
cash flows as separate line items. The cash portions of storm costs are included in the statements
of cash flows under Hurricane Katrina accounts payable, property additions, and cost of removal,
net of salvage and totaled approximately $0.1 million, $12.5 million, and $(8.1) million,
respectively, for 2007, $50.5 million, $54.2 million, and $4.6 million, respectively, for 2006 and
totaled approximately $82.1 million, $81.7 million, and $18.4 million, respectively, for 2005.
In October 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued a financing order that authorized the issuance of
$121.2 million of system restoration bonds. This amount includes $25.2 million for the retail
storm recovery costs not covered by the CDBG, $60 million for a property damage reserve, and $36
million for the retail portion of the construction of the storm operations facility. The storm
restoration bonds were issued by the Mississippi Development Bank on June 1, 2007, on behalf of the
State of Mississippi. On June 1, 2007, the Company received a grant payment of $85.2 million from
the State of Mississippi representing recovery of $25.2 million in retail storm restoration costs
incurred or to be incurred and $60.0 million to increase Mississippi Powers property damage
reserve. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company received two additional grant payments
totaling $24.1 million for expenditures incurred for construction of a new storm operations center.
The funds received related to previously incurred storm restoration expenditures have been
accounted for as a government grant and have been recorded as a reduction to the regulatory asset
that was recorded as the storm restoration expenditures were incurred. The funds received for
storm restoration expenditures to be incurred were recorded as a regulatory liability. The Company
will receive further grant payments of up to $11.9 million as expenditures are incurred to
construct the new storm operations center.
The funds received with respect to certain of the grants were funded through the Mississippi
Development Banks issuance of tax-exempt bonds. Due to the tax-exempt status to the holders of
bonds for federal income tax purposes, the use of the proceeds is limited to expenditures that
qualify under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). Prior to the
receipt of the proceeds from the tax-exempt bonds in 2007, management of the Company represented to
the Mississippi Development Bank that all expenditures to date qualify under the Internal Revenue
Code. Should the Company use the proceeds for non-qualifying expenditures, it could be required to
return that portion of the proceeds received from the tax-exempt bond issuance that was applied to
non-qualifying expenditures. Management expects that all future expenditures will also qualify and
that no proceeds will be required to be returned.
In order for the State of Mississippi to repay the bonds issued by the Mississippi Development
Bank, the State of Mississippi has established a system restoration charge that will be charged to
all retail electric utility customers within the Companys service area. This charge will be
collected by the Company through the retail customers monthly statement and remitted to the State
of Mississippi
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
on a monthly basis. The system restoration charge is the property of the State of
Mississippi. The Companys only obligation is to collect and remit the proceeds of the charge.
The Company began collecting the system restoration charge on June 20, 2007, and remitted the first
payment to the State of Mississippi on July 17, 2007.
The Company incurred the $302.4 million total storm costs affirmed by the Mississippi PSC as of
December 31, 2007. The balance in the retail regulatory liability account at December 31, 2007,
was $0.1 million, which is net of the retail portion of insurance proceeds of $78.1 million, CDBG
proceeds of $267.6 million, storm restoration bond proceeds of $25.1 million, and tax credits of
$0.3 million. Retail costs incurred through December 31, 2007, include approximately $158.5
million of capital and $134.4 million of operations and maintenance expenditures. The Company will
report the regulatory liability balance to the Mississippi PSC to determine the final disposition
of this balance.
In June 2006, the Mississippi PSC order also granted continuing authority to record a regulatory
asset in an amount equal to the retail portion of the recorded Hurricane Katrina restoration costs.
For any future event causing damage to property beyond the balance in the reserve, the order also
granted the Company the authority to record a regulatory asset. The Company would then apply to
the Mississippi PSC for recovery of such amounts or for authority to otherwise dispose of the
regulatory asset. The Company continues to report actual storm expenses to the Mississippi PSC
periodically.
See Note 1 to the financial statements under Provision for Property Damage for additional
information.
Income Tax Matters
Internal Revenue Code Section 199 Domestic Production Deduction
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to U.S. production activities as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 199 (production
activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified production
activities net income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a 3% rate
applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009, and a 9%
rate applicable for all years after 2009. See Note 5 to the financial statements under Effective
Tax Rate for additional information.
Bonus Depreciation
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act) into
law. The Stimulus Act includes a provision that allows 50% bonus depreciation for certain property
acquired in 2008 and placed in service in 2008 or, in certain limited cases, 2009. The Company is
currently assessing the financial implications of the Stimulus Act; however, the ultimate impact
cannot be determined at this time.
Construction Projects
In June 2006, the Company filed an application with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for certain
tax credits available to projects using clean coal technologies under the Energy Policy Act of
2005. The proposed project is an advanced coal gasification facility located in Kemper County,
Mississippi, that would use locally mined lignite coal. The proposed 693 megawatt plant is
expected to require an approximate investment of $1.5 billion, excluding the mine cost, and is
expected to be completed in 2013. The DOE subsequently certified the project and in November 2006,
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allocated Internal Revenue Code Section 48A tax credits of $133
million to the Company. The utilization of these credits is dependent upon meeting the
certification requirements for the project. The plant would use an air-blown integrated
gasification combined cycle technology that generates power from low-rank coals and coals with high
moisture or high ash content. These coals, which include lignite, make up half the proven U.S. and
worldwide coal reserves. The Company is undertaking a feasibility assessment of the project, which
could take up to two years. On December 21, 2006, the Mississippi PSC approved the Companys
request for accounting treatment of the costs associated with the Companys generation resource
planning, evaluation, and screening activities. The Mississippi PSC gave the Company the authority
to create and recognize a regulatory asset for such costs. On December 28, 2007, the Company
received an order allowing it to defer the amortization of these costs to January 2009. In
addition, Mississippi received approval for the updated estimate of approximately $23.8 million in
total generation screening and evaluation costs ($16 million for the retail portion). At December
31, 2007, the Company had spent $18.1 million in total, of which $2.7 million related to land
purchases was capitalized, the retail portion of $11.2 million was deferred in other regulatory
assets, and the wholesale portion of $4.2 million was expensed. The retail portion of these costs
will be charged to and remain as a regulatory asset until the Mississippi PSC determines the
prudence and ultimate recovery of such costs, which decision is expected in January 2009. The
balance of such regulatory asset will be included in
II-301
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
the Companys rate base for ratemaking purposes. Approval by various regulatory agencies,
including the Mississippi PSC, will also be required if the project proceeds. The final outcome of
this matter cannot now be determined.
Other Matters
The Company is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could
affect future earnings. In addition, the Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions
arising in the ordinary course of business. The Companys business activities are subject to
extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over
environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury,
common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air
and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular,
personal injury claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become
more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company
cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported
herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current
proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements. See Note 3
to the financial statements for information regarding material issues.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the
financial statements. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may
have a material impact on the Companys results of operations and related disclosures. Different
assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those
recorded in the financial statements. Senior management has reviewed and discussed critical
accounting policies and estimates described below with the Audit Committee of Southern Companys
Board of Directors.
Electric Utility Regulation
The Company is subject to retail regulation by the Mississippi PSC and wholesale regulation by the
FERC. These regulatory agencies set the rates the Company is permitted to charge customers based
on allowable costs. As a result, the Company applies Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Statement No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71), which
requires the financial statements to reflect the effects of rate regulation. Through the
ratemaking process, the regulators may require the inclusion of costs or revenues in periods
different than when they would be recognized by a non-regulated company. This treatment may result
in the deferral of expenses and the recording of related regulatory assets based on anticipated
future recovery through rates or the deferral of gains or creation of liabilities and the recording
of related regulatory liabilities. The application of SFAS No. 71 has a further effect on the
Companys financial statements as a result of the estimates of allowable costs used in the
ratemaking process. These estimates may differ from those actually incurred by the Company;
therefore, the accounting estimates inherent in specific costs such as depreciation and pension and
postretirement benefits have less of a direct impact on the Companys results of operations than
they would on a non-regulated company.
As reflected in Note 1 to the financial statements, significant regulatory assets and liabilities
have been recorded. Management reviews the ultimate recoverability of these regulatory assets and
liabilities based on applicable regulatory guidelines and accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. However, adverse legislative, judicial, or regulatory actions could
materially impact the amounts of such regulatory assets and liabilities and could adversely impact
the Companys financial statements.
Contingent Obligations
The Company is subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as other
factors and conditions that potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, income tax, and
other risks. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for more
information regarding certain of these contingencies. The Company periodically evaluates its
exposure to such risks and records reserves for those matters where a loss is considered probable
and reasonably estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The adequacy
of reserves can be significantly affected by external events or conditions that can be
unpredictable; thus, the ultimate outcome of such matters could materially affect the Companys
financial statements. These events or conditions include the following:
II-302
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
Changes in existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances, hazardous and
solid wastes, and other environmental matters; |
|
|
|
|
Changes in existing income tax regulations or changes in IRS or state revenue department
interpretations of existing regulations; |
|
|
|
|
Identification of additional sites that require environmental remediation or the filing
of other complaints in which the Company may be asserted to be a potentially responsible
party; |
|
|
|
|
Identification and evaluation of other potential lawsuits or complaints in which the Company
may be named as a defendant; and |
|
|
|
|
Resolution or progression of existing matters through the legislative process, the court
systems, the IRS, the FERC, or the EPA. |
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues related to the sale of electricity are recorded when electricity is delivered to
customers. However, the determination of KWH sales to individual customers is based on the
reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the
end of each month, amounts of electricity delivered to customers, but not yet metered and billed,
are estimated. Components of the unbilled revenue estimates include total KWH territorial supply,
total KWH billed, estimated total electricity lost in delivery, and customer usage. These
components can fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including weather, generation
patterns, and power delivery volume and other operational constraints. These factors can be
unpredictable and can vary from historical trends. As a result, the overall estimate of unbilled
revenues could be significantly affected, which could have a material impact on the Companys
results of operations.
Plant Daniel Operating Lease
As discussed in Note 7 to the financial statements under Operating Leases Plant Daniel Combined
Cycle Generating Units, the Company leases a 1,064 megawatt natural gas combined cycle facility at
Plant Daniel (Facility) from Juniper Capital L.P. (Juniper). For both accounting and rate recovery
purposes, this transaction is treated as an operating lease, which means that the related
obligations under this agreement are not reflected in the balance sheets. See FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND LIQUIDITY Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements herein for further information. The
operating lease determination was based on assumptions and estimates related to the following:
|
|
|
Fair market value of the Facility at lease inception; |
|
|
|
|
The Companys incremental borrowing rate; |
|
|
|
|
Timing of debt payments and the related amortization of the initial acquisition cost during the
initial lease term; |
|
|
|
|
Residual value of the Facility at the end of the lease term; |
|
|
|
|
Estimated economic life of the Facility; and |
|
|
|
|
Junipers status as a voting interest entity. |
The determination of operating lease treatment was made at the inception of the lease agreement and
is not subject to change unless subsequent changes are made to the agreement. However the Company
also is required to monitor Junipers ongoing status as a voting interest entity. Changes in that
status could require the Company to consolidate the Facilitys assets and the related debt and to
record interest and depreciation expense of approximately $37 million annually, rather than annual
lease expense of approximately $27 million.
II-303
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than not
that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before
any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on
the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any
related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax positions
beginning January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Companys
financial statements. See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional information.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158), which requires recognition
of the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans in the balance sheets.
Additionally, SFAS No. 158 will require the Company to change the measurement date for its defined
benefit postretirement plan assets and obligations from September 30 to December 31 beginning with
the year ending December 31, 2008. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional
information.
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), in September
2006. SFAS No. 157 provides guidance on how to measure fair value where it is permitted or
required under other accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 also requires additional disclosures
about fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 in its entirety on January 1,
2008, with no material effect on its financial condition or results
of operations.
Fair Value Option
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).
This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, with no material effect
on its financial condition or results of operations.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
The Companys financial condition remained stable at December 31, 2007. Net cash flow from
operating activities increased from 2006 by $11.7 million. The increase in operating activities
was primarily due to the decrease in the use of funds related to Hurricane Katrina accounts payable
in 2007 by $50.5 million related to cash outflows for restoration costs in 2006. Also impacting
operating activities were decreases in uses of funds related to other accounts payable and over
recovered regulatory clause revenues of $25.9 million and $26.2 million, respectively. The Company
received $74.3 million in bond proceeds during 2007 related to Hurricane Katrina recovery, of which
$60 million is being used to fund the property damage reserve and $14.3 million to recover retail
operations and maintenance storm restoration cost. A $39.9 million decrease in operating
activities related to receivables is primarily due to a $36 million decrease in external insurance
proceeds received in 2007 as compared to 2006 related to Hurricane Katrina. The $153.0 million
increase in net cash from operating activities for 2006 compared to 2005 resulted primarily from
$120.3 million received from the CDBG program. In 2005, net cash flow from operating activities
decreased $77.4 million when compared to 2004 primarily due to the storm damage costs related to
Hurricane Katrina. The change in net cash used for investing activities in 2007 compared to 2006
of $107.0 million was primarily due to a $117.8 million reduction in the source of funds related to
Hurricane Katrina capital related grant and bond proceeds. Net cash used for financing activities
totaled $105.5 million in 2007 compared to $211.5 million in 2006. This decrease in net cash used
for financing activities is primarily due to a decrease in the use of funds related to notes
payable of $109.3 million. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters Storm Damage Cost
Recovery for additional information.
Significant changes in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2007, compared to 2006, primarily
relate to both normal business activities as well as Hurricane Katrina storm restoration
activities. These activities include an increase in property, plant and
II-304
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
equipment of $42.9 million as well as an increase in prepaid pension costs in 2007 as compared
to 2006 in the amount of $29.7 million. These increases in assets were offset by a $20.6 million
decrease in insurance receivable primarily as a result of the receipt of external insurance
proceeds related to Hurricane Katrina. These activities also include a decrease in notes payable
of $41.4 million and an increase in other regulatory liabilities in 2007 as compared to 2006 in the
amount of $96.9 million, of which $60.0 million related to the receipt of bond proceeds from the
State of Mississippi to replenish the property damage reserve, as well as an increase of $32.1
million related to an additional liability resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 158. For
additional information regarding significant changes in the balance sheets, see Note 2 to the
financial statements under Retirement Benefits. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL PSC Matters
Storm Damage Cost Recovery herein and Note 3 to the financial statements under Retail Regulatory
Matters Storm Damage Recovery for additional information related to the deferral of the
restoration costs, including both capital and operation and maintenance expenditures.
The Companys ratio of common equity to total capitalization, excluding long-term debt due within
one year, increased from 65.4% in 2006 to 66.1% at December 31, 2007. The Company has received
investment grade ratings from the major rating agencies with respect to debt, preferred securities,
and preferred stock.
Sources of Capital
The Company plans to obtain the funds required for construction, continued storm damage
restoration, and other purposes from sources similar to those used in the past, which were
primarily from operating cash flows, security issuances, term loans, and short-term borrowings.
See Note 3 to the financial statements under Storm Damage Cost Recovery for additional
information. The amount, type, and timing of any financings, if needed, will depend upon
regulatory approval, prevailing market conditions, and other factors.
The issuance of securities by the Company is subject to regulatory approval by the FERC.
Additionally, with respect to the public offering of securities, the Company files registration
statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (1933 Act). The amount of securities authorized by the FERC, as well as the amounts
registered under the 1933 Act, are continuously monitored and appropriate filings are made to
ensure flexibility in the capital markets.
The Company obtains financing separately without credit support from any affiliate. The Southern
Company system does not maintain a centralized cash or money pool. Therefore, funds of the Company
are not commingled with funds of any other company.
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company has various sources of liquidity. At
December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $4.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and $181
million of unused credit arrangements with banks. See Note 6 to the financial statements under
Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information.
The Company may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to
issue and sell commercial paper and extendible commercial notes at the request and for the benefit
of the Company and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the
benefit of the Company are loaned directly to the Company and are not commingled with proceeds from
such issuances for the benefit of any other traditional operating company. The obligations of each
company under these arrangements are several; there is no cross affiliate credit support. At
December 31, 2007, the Company had $9.9 million of commercial paper outstanding.
Financing Activities
In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company issued senior notes totaling $35 million. Proceeds were
used to repay a portion of the Companys short-term indebtedness.
In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual
obligations, the Company plans to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire
higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions
permit.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
In 2001, the Company began an initial 10-year term of a lease agreement for a combined cycle
generating facility built at Plant Daniel. In June 2003, the Company entered into a restructured
lease agreement for the Facility with Juniper, as discussed in Note 7 to the financial statements
under Operating Leases Plant Daniel Combined Cycle Generating Units. Juniper has also entered
into leases with other parties unrelated to the Company. The assets leased by the Company comprise
less than 50% of Junipers assets. The
II-305
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Company does not consolidate the leased assets and related liabilities, and the lease with Juniper
is considered an operating lease. Accordingly, the lease is not reflected in the balance sheets.
The initial lease term ends in 2011, and the lease includes a renewal and a purchase option based
on the cost of the Facility at the inception of the lease, which was approximately $370 million.
The Company is required to amortize approximately 4% of the initial acquisition cost over the
initial lease term. Eighteen months prior to the end of the initial lease, the Company may elect
to renew for 10 years. If the lease is renewed, the agreement calls for the Company to amortize an
additional 17% of the initial completion cost over the renewal period. Upon termination of the
lease, at the Companys option, it may either exercise its purchase option or the Facility can be
sold to a third party.
The lease also provides for a residual value guarantee, approximately 73% of the acquisition cost,
by the Company that is due upon termination of the lease in the event that the Company does not
renew the lease or purchase the Facility and that the fair market value is less than the
unamortized cost of the Facility.
Credit Rating Risk
The Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment
schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts
that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change
to below BBB- or Baa3. These contracts are primarily for electricity sales and coal purchases. At
December 31, 2007, the maximum potential collateral requirements at a rating below BBB- or Baa3
were approximately $8 million. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company
guaranty, letter of credit, or cash.
The Company, along with all members of the Southern Company power pool, is party to certain
derivative agreements that could require collateral and/or accelerated payment in the event of a
credit rating change to below investment grade for Alabama Power and/or Georgia Power. These
agreements are primarily for natural gas and power price risk management activities. At December
31, 2007, the Companys total exposure to these types of agreements was approximately $15 million.
Market Price Risk
Due to cost-based rate regulation, the Company has limited exposure to market volatility in
interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To manage the volatility
attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural
offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to the
Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and hedging practices. Company policy is
that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict adherence to all
applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques that
include, but are not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress testing, and sensitivity
analysis.
The Company does not currently hedge interest rate risk. The weighted average interest rate on
$122.7 million of variable long-term debt at January 1, 2008 was 4.38%. If the Company sustained a
100 basis point change in interest rates for all unhedged variable rate long-term debt, the change
would affect annualized interest expense by approximately $1.2 million at December 31, 2007. See
Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial Instruments for additional information.
To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the Company enters into
fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity
market. At December 31, 2007, exposure from these activities was not material to the Companys
financial statements.
Of the Companys $122.7 million of variable interest rate exposure, approximately $43 million
relates to tax-exempt auction rate pollution control bonds. Recent weakness in the auction markets
has resulted in higher interest rates. The Company plans to convert the series to a fixed interest
rate determination method and plans to remarket all remaining auction rate securities in a timely
manner. None of the securities are insured or backed by letters of credit that would require
approval of a guarantor or security provider. It is not expected that the higher rates as a result
of the weakness in the auction markets will be material.
In addition, at the instruction of the Mississippi PSC, the Company has implemented a fuel-hedging
program. At December 31, 2007, exposure from these activities was not material to the Companys
financial statements.
II-306
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The changes in fair value of energy contracts and year-end valuations were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Fair Value |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Contracts beginning of year |
|
$ |
(6,360 |
) |
|
$ |
27,106 |
|
Contracts realized or settled |
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
(494 |
) |
New contracts at inception |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in valuation techniques |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period changes(a) |
|
|
5,821 |
|
|
|
(32,972 |
) |
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
1,978 |
|
|
$ |
(6,360 |
) |
|
(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered
into during the period, if any.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source of 2007 Year-End |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation Prices |
|
|
|
Total |
|
Maturity |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Year 1 |
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Actively quoted |
|
$ |
1,329 |
|
|
$ |
(647 |
) |
|
$ |
1,976 |
|
External sources |
|
|
649 |
|
|
|
649 |
|
|
|
|
|
Models and other methods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
1,978 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
1,976 |
|
|
These contracts are related primarily to fuel hedging programs under which unrealized gains and
losses from mark to market adjustments are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. Realized
gains and losses from these programs are included in fuel expense and are recovered through the
Companys energy cost management clause.
Gains and losses on forward contracts for the sale of electricity that do not represent hedges are
recognized in the statements of income as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006,
and 2005, these amounts were not material.
At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative contracts were
reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Regulatory liabilities, net |
|
$ |
1,253 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
928 |
|
Net income |
|
|
(203 |
) |
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
1,978 |
|
|
Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses from energy-related derivative contracts recognized in income
were not material for any year presented. The Company is exposed to market price risk in the event
of nonperformance by counterparties to the energy-related derivative contracts. The Companys
policy is to enter into agreements with counterparties that have investment grade credit ratings by
Moodys and Standard & Poors or with counterparties who have posted collateral to cover potential
credit exposure. Therefore, the Company does not anticipate market risk exposure from
nonperformance by the counterparties. See Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under
Financial Instruments for additional information.
II-307
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
The construction program of the Company is currently estimated to be $186 million for 2008, of
which $8 million is related to Hurricane Katrina restoration, $226 million for 2009, and $211
million for 2010. Environmental expenditures included in these estimated amounts are $74.4
million, $128.2 million, and $91.9 million for 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Actual
construction costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in such factors as: business
conditions; environmental statutes and regulations; FERC rules and regulations; load projections;
storm impacts; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; and the
cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures
will be fully recovered.
In addition, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company provides
postretirement benefits to substantially all employees and funds trusts to the extent required by
the FERC.
Other funding requirements related to obligations associated with scheduled maturities of long-term
debt, as well as the related interest, derivative obligations, preferred stock dividends, leases,
and other purchase commitments, are as follows. See Notes 1, 6, and 7 to the financial statements
for additional information.
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009- |
|
2011- |
|
After |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Long-term debt(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
$ |
1,138 |
|
|
$ |
42,560 |
|
|
$ |
2,070 |
|
|
$ |
237,695 |
|
|
$ |
283,463 |
|
Interest |
|
|
14,431 |
|
|
|
26,481 |
|
|
|
23,970 |
|
|
|
201,773 |
|
|
|
266,655 |
|
Preferred stock dividends(b) |
|
|
1,733 |
|
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,663 |
|
Commodity derivative obligations(c) |
|
|
3,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,754 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
37,031 |
|
|
|
65,269 |
|
|
|
29,458 |
|
|
|
2,793 |
|
|
|
134,551 |
|
Purchase
commitments(d)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital(e) |
|
|
186,000 |
|
|
|
437,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
623,000 |
|
Coal |
|
|
358,421 |
|
|
|
404,867 |
|
|
|
72,782 |
|
|
|
19,500 |
|
|
|
855,570 |
|
Natural gas(f) |
|
|
215,285 |
|
|
|
233,477 |
|
|
|
41,233 |
|
|
|
221,588 |
|
|
|
711,583 |
|
Long-term service agreements(g) |
|
|
11,825 |
|
|
|
24,431 |
|
|
|
25,534 |
|
|
|
103,280 |
|
|
|
165,070 |
|
Postretirement benefits trust(h) |
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
829,768 |
|
|
$ |
1,237,670 |
|
|
$ |
198,512 |
|
|
$ |
786,629 |
|
|
$ |
3,052,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
All amounts are reflected based on final maturity dates. The Company plans to continue to
retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market
conditions permit. Variable rate interest obligations are estimated based on rates as of
January 1, 2008, as reflected in the statements of capitalization. |
|
(b) |
|
Preferred stock does not mature; therefore, amounts are provided for the next five years only. |
|
(c) |
|
For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements. |
|
(d) |
|
The Company generally does not enter into non-cancelable commitments for other operations and
maintenance expenditures. Total other operations and maintenance expenses for 2007, 2006,
and 2005 were $255 million, $237 million, and $240 million, respectively. |
|
(e) |
|
The Company forecasts capital expenditures over a three-year period. Amounts represent
current estimates of total expenditures. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase
commitments were outstanding in connection with the construction program. |
|
(f) |
|
Natural gas purchase commitments are based on various indices at the time of delivery.
Amounts reflected have been estimated based on the New York Mercantile Exchange future prices
at December 31, 2007. |
|
(g) |
|
Long-term service agreements include price escalation based on inflation indices. |
|
(h) |
|
The Company forecasts postretirement benefits trust contributions over a three-year period.
No contributions related to the Companys pension trust are currently expected during this
period. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional information related to the
pension and postretirement plans, including estimated benefit payments. Certain benefit
payments will be made through the related trusts. Other benefit payments will be made from
the Companys corporate assets. |
II-308
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Companys 2007 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements concerning growth, retail rates, storm damage cost recovery
and repairs, fuel cost recovery, environmental regulations and expenditures, access to sources of
capital, projections for postretirement benefit trust contributions, financing activities, impacts
of the adoption of new accounting rules, completion of construction projects, and estimated
construction and other expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly,
there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized.
These factors include:
|
|
the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including legislative
and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility
industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental laws including
regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot, or
particulate matter and other substances and also changes in tax and other laws and regulations
to which the Company is subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws and
regulations; |
|
|
|
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries,
including FERC matters and EPA civil actions; |
|
|
|
the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in
which the Company operates; |
|
|
|
variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy conservation
measures; |
|
|
|
available sources and costs of fuel; |
|
|
|
effects of inflation; |
|
|
|
ability to control costs; |
|
|
|
investment performance of the Companys employee benefit plans; |
|
|
|
advances in technology; |
|
|
|
state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and
negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and storm restoration cost recovery; |
|
|
|
internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
|
|
|
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to the Company; |
|
|
|
the ability of counterparties of the Company to make payments as and when due; |
|
|
|
the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effect on the Companys business resulting from terrorist incidents
and the threat of terrorist incidents; |
|
|
|
interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including the Companys credit ratings; |
|
|
|
the ability of the Company to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices; |
|
|
|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effects on the Companys business resulting from incidents similar to
the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
|
|
|
the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies; and |
|
|
|
other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K) filed
by the Company from time to time with the SEC. |
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
II-309
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail revenues |
|
$ |
727,214 |
|
|
$ |
647,186 |
|
|
$ |
618,860 |
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
323,120 |
|
|
|
268,850 |
|
|
|
283,413 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
46,169 |
|
|
|
76,439 |
|
|
|
50,460 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
17,241 |
|
|
|
16,762 |
|
|
|
17,000 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
1,113,744 |
|
|
|
1,009,237 |
|
|
|
969,733 |
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
494,248 |
|
|
|
438,622 |
|
|
|
358,572 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
9,188 |
|
|
|
16,292 |
|
|
|
32,208 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
86,690 |
|
|
|
56,955 |
|
|
|
111,284 |
|
Other operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
185,318 |
|
|
|
170,277 |
|
|
|
168,355 |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
69,859 |
|
|
|
66,415 |
|
|
|
71,267 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
60,376 |
|
|
|
46,853 |
|
|
|
33,549 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
60,328 |
|
|
|
60,904 |
|
|
|
60,058 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
966,007 |
|
|
|
856,318 |
|
|
|
835,293 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
147,737 |
|
|
|
152,919 |
|
|
|
134,440 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
1,986 |
|
|
|
4,272 |
|
|
|
1,718 |
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(18,158 |
) |
|
|
(18,639 |
) |
|
|
(13,828 |
) |
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
6,029 |
|
|
|
(6,712 |
) |
|
|
(415 |
) |
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(10,143 |
) |
|
|
(21,079 |
) |
|
|
(12,525 |
) |
|
Earnings Before Income Taxes |
|
|
137,594 |
|
|
|
131,840 |
|
|
|
121,915 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
51,830 |
|
|
|
48,097 |
|
|
|
46,374 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
|
85,764 |
|
|
|
83,743 |
|
|
|
75,541 |
|
Dividends on Preferred Stock |
|
|
1,733 |
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
|
Net Income After Dividends on Preferred Stock |
|
$ |
84,031 |
|
|
$ |
82,010 |
|
|
$ |
73,808 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-310
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
85,764 |
|
|
$ |
83,743 |
|
|
$ |
75,541 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
69,971 |
|
|
|
68,198 |
|
|
|
63,319 |
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net |
|
|
(36,572 |
) |
|
|
(47,535 |
) |
|
|
118,316 |
|
Plant Daniel capacity |
|
|
(5,659 |
) |
|
|
(13,008 |
) |
|
|
(25,125 |
) |
Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits |
|
|
8,782 |
|
|
|
5,650 |
|
|
|
2,938 |
|
Stock option expense |
|
|
1,038 |
|
|
|
1,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
3,723 |
|
Hurricane Katrina grant proceeds-property reserve |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net |
|
|
(24,814 |
) |
|
|
(5,761 |
) |
|
|
1,493 |
|
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
25,107 |
|
|
|
64,976 |
|
|
|
(107,836 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock |
|
|
(4,787 |
) |
|
|
7,765 |
|
|
|
(25,745 |
) |
Materials and supplies |
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
(6,234 |
) |
Prepaid income taxes |
|
|
17,727 |
|
|
|
20,247 |
|
|
|
(40,059 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
(1,923 |
) |
|
|
(6,560 |
) |
|
|
(2,498 |
) |
Hurricane Katrina grant proceeds |
|
|
14,345 |
|
|
|
120,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
Hurricane Katrina accounts payable |
|
|
(53 |
) |
|
|
(50,512 |
) |
|
|
(82,102 |
) |
Other accounts payable |
|
|
(4,525 |
) |
|
|
(30,419 |
) |
|
|
40,255 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
(867 |
) |
|
|
1,972 |
|
|
|
4,001 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
(1,993 |
) |
|
|
(629 |
) |
|
|
674 |
|
Over recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,188 |
) |
|
|
20,831 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
4,343 |
|
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
441 |
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
206,658 |
|
|
|
194,966 |
|
|
|
41,933 |
|
|
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property additions |
|
|
(144,925 |
) |
|
|
(127,290 |
) |
|
|
(158,084 |
) |
Cost of removal net of salvage |
|
|
2,195 |
|
|
|
(9,420 |
) |
|
|
(26,140 |
) |
Construction payables |
|
|
8,027 |
|
|
|
(7,596 |
) |
|
|
16,417 |
|
Hurricane Katrina capital grant proceeds |
|
|
34,953 |
|
|
|
152,752 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
(755 |
) |
|
|
(1,992 |
) |
|
|
(2,655 |
) |
|
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities |
|
|
(100,505 |
) |
|
|
6,454 |
|
|
|
(170,462 |
) |
|
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net |
|
|
(41,433 |
) |
|
|
(150,746 |
) |
|
|
202,124 |
|
Proceeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
Gross excess tax benefit of stock options |
|
|
572 |
|
|
|
669 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
5,436 |
|
|
|
5,503 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
Redemptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First mortgage bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(30,000 |
) |
Other long-term debt |
|
|
(36,082 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment of preferred stock dividends |
|
|
(1,733 |
) |
|
|
(1,733 |
) |
|
|
(1,733 |
) |
Payment of common stock dividends |
|
|
(67,300 |
) |
|
|
(65,200 |
) |
|
|
(62,000 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,481 |
) |
|
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities |
|
|
(105,540 |
) |
|
|
(211,507 |
) |
|
|
135,885 |
|
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
(10,087 |
) |
|
|
7,356 |
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year |
|
|
4,214 |
|
|
|
14,301 |
|
|
|
6,945 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year |
|
$ |
4,827 |
|
|
$ |
4,214 |
|
|
$ |
14,301 |
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest (net of $12, $- and $- capitalized, respectively) |
|
$ |
16,164 |
|
|
$ |
29,288 |
|
|
$ |
13,499 |
|
Income taxes (net of refunds) |
|
|
67,453 |
|
|
|
75,209 |
|
|
|
(40,801 |
) |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-311
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
4,827 |
|
|
$ |
4,214 |
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts receivable |
|
|
43,946 |
|
|
|
42,099 |
|
Unbilled revenues |
|
|
23,163 |
|
|
|
23,807 |
|
Under recovered regulatory clause revenues |
|
|
40,545 |
|
|
|
50,778 |
|
Other accounts and notes receivable |
|
|
5,895 |
|
|
|
5,870 |
|
Insurance receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,551 |
|
Affiliated companies |
|
|
11,838 |
|
|
|
23,696 |
|
Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts |
|
|
(924 |
) |
|
|
(855 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost |
|
|
47,466 |
|
|
|
42,679 |
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
|
27,440 |
|
|
|
27,927 |
|
Prepaid income taxes |
|
|
5,735 |
|
|
|
22,031 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
32,234 |
|
|
|
42,391 |
|
Other |
|
|
12,687 |
|
|
|
15,091 |
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
254,852 |
|
|
|
320,279 |
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In service |
|
|
2,130,835 |
|
|
|
2,054,151 |
|
Less accumulated provision for depreciation |
|
|
880,148 |
|
|
|
836,922 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,250,687 |
|
|
|
1,217,229 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
50,015 |
|
|
|
40,608 |
|
|
Total property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
1,300,702 |
|
|
|
1,257,837 |
|
|
Other Property and Investments |
|
|
9,556 |
|
|
|
4,636 |
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred charges related to income taxes |
|
|
8,867 |
|
|
|
9,280 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
66,099 |
|
|
|
36,424 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
62,746 |
|
|
|
61,086 |
|
Other |
|
|
24,843 |
|
|
|
18,834 |
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets |
|
|
162,555 |
|
|
|
125,624 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
1,727,665 |
|
|
$ |
1,708,376 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-312
BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities due within one year |
|
$ |
1,138 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Notes payable |
|
|
9,944 |
|
|
|
51,377 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
40,394 |
|
|
|
24,615 |
|
Other |
|
|
60,758 |
|
|
|
73,236 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
9,640 |
|
|
|
8,676 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,171 |
|
Other |
|
|
48,853 |
|
|
|
50,346 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
2,713 |
|
|
|
2,332 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
21,965 |
|
|
|
23,958 |
|
Plant Daniel capacity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,659 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
11,082 |
|
|
|
11,386 |
|
Other |
|
|
23,882 |
|
|
|
28,880 |
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
230,369 |
|
|
|
284,636 |
|
|
Long-term Debt (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
281,963 |
|
|
|
278,635 |
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes |
|
|
206,818 |
|
|
|
236,202 |
|
Deferred credits related to income taxes |
|
|
15,156 |
|
|
|
16,218 |
|
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
|
|
15,254 |
|
|
|
16,402 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
88,300 |
|
|
|
92,403 |
|
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
90,485 |
|
|
|
82,397 |
|
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
119,458 |
|
|
|
22,559 |
|
Other |
|
|
33,252 |
|
|
|
56,324 |
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
568,723 |
|
|
|
522,505 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
1,081,055 |
|
|
|
1,085,776 |
|
|
Preferred Stock (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity (See accompanying statements) |
|
|
613,830 |
|
|
|
589,820 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
1,727,665 |
|
|
$ |
1,708,376 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Matters (See notes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-313
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
(percent of total) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt payable to affiliated trust |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.20% due 2041 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
36,082 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.4% to 5.625% due 2017-2035 |
|
|
155,000 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustable rates (5.33% at 1/1/08) due 2009 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term notes payable |
|
|
195,000 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pollution control revenue bonds: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rates (3.77% to 4.05% at 1/1/08) due 2020-2028 |
|
|
82,695 |
|
|
|
82,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized lease obligations |
|
|
5,768 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized debt discount |
|
|
(362 |
) |
|
|
(142 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (annual interest requirement $14.4 million) |
|
|
283,101 |
|
|
|
278,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less amount due within one year |
|
|
1,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year |
|
|
281,963 |
|
|
|
278,635 |
|
|
|
30.4 |
% |
|
|
31.0 |
% |
|
Cumulative Preferred Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$100 par value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized: 1,244,139 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding: 334,210 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.40% to 5.25% (annual dividend requirement $1.7 million) |
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, without par value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized: 1,130,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding: 1,121,000 shares |
|
|
37,691 |
|
|
|
37,691 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
314,324 |
|
|
|
307,019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
261,242 |
|
|
|
244,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
599 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
613,830 |
|
|
|
589,820 |
|
|
|
66.1 |
|
|
|
65.4 |
|
|
Total Capitalization |
|
$ |
928,573 |
|
|
$ |
901,235 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-314
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
Paid-In |
|
Retained |
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Capital |
|
Earnings |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
37,691 |
|
|
$ |
295,837 |
|
|
$ |
215,893 |
|
|
$ |
(3,584 |
) |
|
$ |
545,837 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,808 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,699 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
|
(184 |
) |
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(62,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(62,000 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
37,691 |
|
|
|
299,536 |
|
|
|
227,701 |
|
|
|
(3,768 |
) |
|
|
561,160 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,010 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,483 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
(180 |
) |
Adjustment to initially apply
FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,547 |
|
|
|
4,547 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(65,200 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(65,200 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
37,691 |
|
|
|
307,019 |
|
|
|
244,511 |
|
|
|
599 |
|
|
|
589,820 |
|
Net income after dividends on preferred
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,031 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,333 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(67,300 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(67,300 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
37,691 |
|
|
$ |
314,324 |
|
|
$ |
261,242 |
|
|
$ |
573 |
|
|
$ |
613,830 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net income after dividends on preferred stock |
|
$ |
84,031 |
|
|
$ |
82,010 |
|
|
$ |
73,808 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying hedges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in
fair value, net of tax of $(16), $502, and $53,
respectively |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in additional minimum pension liability,
net of tax of $-, $(614), and $(167), respectively |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(990 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
Comprehensive Income |
|
$ |
84,005 |
|
|
$ |
81,830 |
|
|
$ |
73,624 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-315
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Mississippi Power Company (the Company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company, which is
the parent company of four traditional operating companies, Southern Power Company (Southern
Power), Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCS), Southern Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC
Wireless), Southern Company Holdings, Inc. (Southern Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company,
Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other direct and indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating
companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and the Company, provide electric service in
four Southeastern states. The Company operates as a vertically integrated utility providing
service to retail customers in southeast Mississippi and to wholesale customers in the Southeast.
Southern Power constructs, acquires, and manages generation assets, and sells electricity at
market-based rates in the wholesale market. SCS, the system service company, provides, at cost,
specialized services to Southern Company and its subsidiary companies. SouthernLINC Wireless
provides digital wireless communications services to the traditional operating companies and also
markets these services to the public and provides fiber cable services within the Southeast.
Southern Holdings is an intermediate holding company subsidiary for Southern Companys investments
in synthetic fuels and leveraged leases and various other energy- related businesses. The
investments in synthetic fuels ended on December 31, 2007. Southern Nuclear operates and provides
services to Southern Companys nuclear power plants.
The equity method is used for entities in which the Company has significant influence but does not
control and for variable interest entities where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the
Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC). The Company follows accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States and complies with the accounting policies and practices prescribed by
its regulatory commissions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates, and the actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
with current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, net income,
or cash flows.
The balance sheets and statements of cash flows have been modified to combine Long-term Debt
Payable to Affiliated Trust into Long-term Debt. Correspondingly, the statements of income were
modified to report Interest expense to affiliate trust together with Interest expense, net of
amounts capitalized.
Affiliate Transactions
The Company has an agreement with SCS under which the following services are rendered to the
Company at direct or allocated cost: general and design engineering, purchasing, accounting and
statistical analysis, finance and treasury, tax, information resources, marketing, auditing,
insurance and pension administration, human resources, systems and procedures, and other services
with respect to business and operations and power pool transactions. Costs for these services
amounted to $71.8 million, $55.2 million, and $51.6 million during 2007, 2006, and 2005,
respectively. Cost allocation methodologies used by SCS were approved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission prior to the repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as
amended, and management believes they are reasonable. The FERC permits services to be rendered at
cost by system service companies.
The Company provides incidental services to and receives such services from other Southern Company
subsidiaries which are generally minor in duration and amount. However, with the hurricane damage
experienced in recent years, assistance for storm restoration has caused an increase in these
activities. The total amount of storm restoration provided to Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and
Gulf Power in 2005 was $1.0 million. These activities were billed at cost. The Company received
storm restoration assistance from other Southern Company subsidiaries totaling $1.5 million and
$73.5 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Company has an agreement with Alabama Power under
which the Company owns a portion of Greene County Steam Plant. Alabama Power operates Greene
County Steam Plant, and the Company reimburses Alabama Power for its proportionate share of all
associated
expenditures and costs. The Company reimbursed Alabama Power for the Companys proportionate share
of related expenses which totaled $9.8 million, $8.6 million, and $8.2 million in 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively. The Company also has an
II-316
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
agreement with Gulf Power under which Gulf Power owns a portion of Plant Daniel. The Company
operates Plant Daniel, and Gulf Power reimburses the Company for its proportionate share of all
associated expenditures and costs. Gulf Power reimbursed the Company for Gulf Powers
proportionate share of related expenses which totaled $23.1 million, $19.7 million, and $19.5
million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. See Notes 4 and 5 for additional information on
certain deferred tax liabilities payable to affiliates.
The traditional operating companies, including the Company, and Southern Power may jointly enter
into various types of wholesale energy, natural gas, and certain other contracts, either directly
or through SCS, as agent. Each participating company may be jointly and severally liable for the
obligations incurred under these agreements. See Note 7 under Fuel Commitments for additional
information.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The Company is subject to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement
No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No. 71). Regulatory
assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that are expected to be
recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. Regulatory liabilities represent probable
future reductions in revenues associated with amounts that are expected to be credited to customers
through the ratemaking process.
Regulatory assets and (liabilities) reflected in the balance sheets at December 31 relate to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Note |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Hurricane Katrina |
|
$ |
(143 |
) |
|
$ |
4,683 |
|
|
|
(a |
) |
Underfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
28,331 |
|
|
|
38,814 |
|
|
|
(b |
) |
Property damage |
|
|
(63,804 |
) |
|
|
(4,356 |
) |
|
|
(c |
) |
Deferred income tax charges |
|
|
9,486 |
|
|
|
9,860 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Property tax |
|
|
15,043 |
|
|
|
18,264 |
|
|
|
(e |
) |
Transmission & distribution deferral |
|
|
9,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f |
) |
Vacation pay |
|
|
7,736 |
|
|
|
7,078 |
|
|
|
(g |
) |
Loss on reacquired debt |
|
|
9,906 |
|
|
|
9,626 |
|
|
|
(h |
) |
Loss on redeemed preferred stock |
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
743 |
|
|
|
(i |
) |
Loss on rail cars |
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
(h |
) |
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
12,028 |
|
|
|
4,798 |
|
|
|
(c |
) |
Fuel-hedging assets |
|
|
3,298 |
|
|
|
12,252 |
|
|
|
(j |
) |
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
7,705 |
|
|
|
6,954 |
|
|
|
(d |
) |
Deferred income tax credits |
|
|
(17,654 |
) |
|
|
(18,238 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Other cost of removal obligations |
|
|
(90,485 |
) |
|
|
(82,397 |
) |
|
|
(d |
) |
Plant Daniel capacity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,659 |
) |
|
|
(k |
) |
Fuel-hedging liabilities |
|
|
(4,102 |
) |
|
|
(3,644 |
) |
|
|
(j |
) |
Other liabilities |
|
|
(6,596 |
) |
|
|
(2,606 |
) |
|
|
(c |
) |
Overfunded retiree benefit plans |
|
|
(53,396 |
) |
|
|
(21,319 |
) |
|
|
(b |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
(132,334 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,803 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
The recovery and amortization periods for these regulatory assets and (liabilities) are
as follows: |
(a) |
|
For additional information, see Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery. |
|
(b) |
|
Recovered and amortized over the average remaining service period which may range up to 14 years. See Note 2 under Retirement Benefits. |
|
(c) |
|
Recorded and recovered as approved by the Mississippi PSC. |
|
(d) |
|
Asset retirement and removal liabilities are recorded, deferred income tax assets are recovered and deferred tax liabilities are
amortized over the related property lives, which may range up to 50 years. Asset retirement and removal liabilities will be settled and
trued up following completion of the related activities. |
|
(e) |
|
Recovered through the ad valorem tax adjustment clause over a 12-month period beginning in April of the following year. |
|
(f) |
|
Amortized over a four-year period ending 2011. |
|
(g) |
|
Recorded as earned by employees and recovered as paid, generally within one year. |
II-317
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
(h) |
|
Recovered over the remaining life of the original issue or, if refinanced, over the life of the new issue, which may range up to 50 years. |
|
(i) |
|
Amortized over a period beginning in 2004 that is not to exceed seven years. |
|
(j) |
|
Fuel-hedging assets and liabilities are recorded over the life of the underlying hedged purchase contracts, which generally do not exceed
two years. Upon final settlement, costs are recovered through the Energy Cost Management clause (ECM). |
|
(k) |
|
Amortized over a four-year period which ended in 2007. |
In the event that a portion of the Companys operations is no longer subject to the provisions of
SFAS No. 71, the Company would be required to write off related regulatory assets and liabilities
that are not specifically recoverable through regulated rates. In addition, the Company would be
required to determine if any impairment to other assets, including plant, exists and write down the
assets, if impaired, to their fair values. All regulatory assets and liabilities are to be
reflected in rates. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory Matters Storm Damage Cost Recovery.
Government Grants
The Company received a grant in October 2006 from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for
$276.4 million, primarily for storm damage cost recovery. On June 1, 2007, the Company received a
grant payment of $85.2 million from the State of Mississippi related to storm restoration costs to
be incurred and to increase the property damage reserve. In the fourth quarter 2007, the Company
received additional grant payments totaling $24.1 million for expenditures incurred to date for
construction of a new storm operations center. The grant proceeds do not represent a future
obligation of the Company. The portion of any grants received related to retail storm recovery is
applied to the retail regulatory asset that is established as restoration costs are incurred. The
portion related to wholesale storm recovery is recorded either as a reduction to operations and
maintenance expense or as a reduction in accumulated depreciation depending on the restoration work
performed and the appropriate allocations of cost of service.
Revenues
Energy and other revenues are recognized as services are rendered. Wholesale capacity revenues
from long-term contracts are recognized at the lesser of the levelized amount or the amount
billable under the contract over the respective contract period. Unbilled revenues related to
retail sales are accrued at the end of each fiscal period. The Companys retail and wholesale
rates include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, fuel hedging, the
energy component of purchased power costs, and certain other costs. Retail rates also include
provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in costs for ad valorem taxes and certain qualifying
environmental costs. Revenues are adjusted for differences between these actual costs and amounts
billed in current regulated rates. Under or over recovered regulatory clause revenues are recorded
in the balance sheets and are recovered or returned to customers through adjustments to the billing
factors. The Company is required to file with the Mississippi PSC for an adjustment to the fuel
cost recovery factor annually.
The Company has a diversified base of customers. For years ended December 31, 2007, and December
31, 2006, no single customer or industry comprises 10% or more of revenue. For all periods
presented, uncollectible accounts averaged less than 1% of revenues.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as the fuel is used. Fuel expense generally includes the cost of purchased
emission allowances as they are used. Fuel costs also included gains and/or losses from fuel
hedging programs as approved by the Mississippi PSC.
Income and Other Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provides deferred
income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences. Investment tax credits utilized
are deferred and amortized to income over the average life of the related property. Taxes that are
collected from customers on behalf of governmental agencies to be remitted to these agencies are
presented net on the statements of income.
In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN
48), the Company recognizes tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon
examination by the appropriate taxing authorities. See Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits
for additional information on the effect of adopting FIN 48.
II-318
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost less regulatory disallowances and
impairments. Original cost includes: materials; labor; minor items of property; appropriate
administrative and general costs; payroll-related costs such as taxes, pensions, and other
benefits; and the interest capitalized and/or cost of funds used during construction for projects
over $10 million.
The Companys property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Generation |
|
$ |
874,585 |
|
|
$ |
847,904 |
|
Transmission |
|
|
420,392 |
|
|
|
414,490 |
|
Distribution |
|
|
688,715 |
|
|
|
648,304 |
|
General |
|
|
147,143 |
|
|
|
143,453 |
|
|
Total plant in service |
|
$ |
2,130,835 |
|
|
$ |
2,054,151 |
|
|
The cost of replacements of property, exclusive of minor items of property, is capitalized. The
cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense except for the cost of maintenance of coal cars and a portion of the railway track
maintenance costs, which are charged to fuel stock and recovered through the Companys fuel clause.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of the original cost of plant in service is provided primarily by using composite
straight-line rates, which approximated 3.3%, 3.2%, and 3.4% in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update the composite rates. In March 2006, the
Mississippi PSC approved the study filed by the Company in 2005, with new rates effective January
1, 2006. The new depreciation rates did not result in a material change to annual depreciation
expense. When property subject to depreciation is retired or otherwise disposed of in the normal
course of business, its cost, together with the cost of removal, less salvage, is charged to the
accumulated depreciation provision. Minor items of property included in the original cost of the
plant are retired when the related property unit is retired. Depreciation expense includes an
amount for the expected cost of removal of facilities.
In January 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued an accounting order directing the Company to exclude
from its calculation of depreciation expense approximately $1.2 million related to capitalized
Hurricane Katrina costs since these costs will be recovered separately.
In December 2003, the Mississippi PSC issued an interim accounting order directing the Company to
expense and record a regulatory liability of $60.3 million while it considered the Companys
request to include 266 megawatts of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 generating capacity in
jurisdictional cost of service. In May 2004, the Mississippi PSC approved the Companys request
effective January 1, 2004, and ordered the Company to amortize the regulatory liability previously
established to reduce depreciation and amortization expenses as follows: $16.5 million in 2004,
$25.1 million in 2005, $13.0 million in 2006, and $5.7 million in 2007.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal
Asset retirement obligations are computed as the present value of the ultimate costs for an assets
future retirement and are recorded in the period in which the liability is incurred. The costs are
capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the assets useful life.
The Company has received accounting guidance from the Mississippi PSC allowing the continued
accrual of other future retirement costs for long-lived assets that the Company does not have a
legal obligation to retire. Accordingly, the accumulated removal costs for these obligations will
continue to be reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability.
The Company has retirement obligations related to various landfill sites and underground storage
tanks. In connection with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional
Asset Retirement Obligations (FIN 47), the Company also recorded additional asset retirement
obligations (and assets) of $9.5 million, primarily related to asbestos. The Company also has
identified retirement obligations related to certain transmission and distribution facilities,
co-generation facilities, certain wireless communication towers, and certain structures authorized
by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. However, liabilities for the removal of these assets
have not been recorded because the range of time over which the Company may settle these
obligations is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company will continue to recognize
in the statements of income allowed removal costs in accordance with its regulatory treatment. Any
differences between costs recognized under FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations (SFAS No. 143) and FIN 47 and those reflected in rates are recognized as either a
regulatory asset or liability, as ordered by the Mississippi PSC, and are reflected in the balance
sheets.
II-319
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Details of the asset retirement obligations included in the balance sheets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Balance, beginning of year |
|
$ |
15.8 |
|
|
$ |
15.4 |
|
Liabilities incurred |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities settled |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
Accretion |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Cash flow revisions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
Balance, end of year |
|
$ |
17.3 |
|
|
$ |
15.8 |
|
|
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether an impairment has occurred is based on either a specific regulatory disallowance or an
estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared with the
carrying value of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment
recognized is determined by either the amount of regulatory disallowance or by estimating the fair
value of the asset and recording a loss for the amount if the carrying value is greater than the
fair value. For assets identified as held for sale, the carrying value is compared to the
estimated fair value less the cost to sell in order to determine if an impairment loss is required.
Until the assets are disposed of, their estimated fair value is re-evaluated when circumstances or
events change.
Provision for Property Damage
The Company carries insurance for the cost of certain types of damage to generation plants and
general property. However, the Company is self-insured for the cost of storm, fire, and other
uninsured casualty damage to its property, including transmission and distribution facilities. As
permitted by the Mississippi PSC and the FERC, the Company accrues for the cost of such damage
through an annual expense accrual credited to a regulatory liability account. The cost of
repairing actual damage resulting from such events that individually exceed $50,000 is charged to
the reserve. A 1999 Mississippi PSC order allowed the Company to accrue $1.5 million to $4.6
million to the reserve annually, with a maximum reserve totaling $23 million. In October 2006, in
conjunction with the Mississippi PSC Hurricane Katrina-related financing order, the Mississippi PSC
ordered the Company to cease all accruals to the retail property damage reserve until a new reserve
cap is established. However, in the same financing order, the Mississippi PSC approved the
replenishment of the property damage reserve with $60 million to be funded with a portion of the
proceeds of bonds to be issued by the Mississippi Development Bank on behalf of the State of
Mississippi and reported as liabilities by the State of Mississippi. The Company received the $60
million bond proceeds in June 2007. The Company accrued $0.2 million in 2007, $1.2 million in
2006, and $1.5 million in 2005. The Company made no discretionary accruals in 2007 and 2006 as a
result of the order. See Note 3 under Storm Damage Cost Recovery and System Restoration Rider
for additional information regarding the depletion of these reserves following Hurricane Katrina
and the deferral of additional costs, as well as additional rate riders or other cost recovery
mechanisms which have and/or may be approved by the Mississippi PSC to recover the deferred costs
and accrue reserves.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the financial statements, temporary cash investments are considered cash
equivalents. Temporary cash investments are securities with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
Materials and Supplies
Generally, materials and supplies include the average cost of transmission, distribution, and
generating plant materials. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or
capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed or used.
Fuel Inventory
Fuel inventory includes the average costs of oil, coal, natural gas, and emission allowances. Fuel
is charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed as used and recovered by the Company
through fuel cost recovery rates approved by the Mississippi PSC. Emission allowances granted by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are included in inventory at zero cost.
II-320
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Stock Options
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for
options granted in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25; thus, no
compensation expense was recognized because the exercise price of all options granted equaled the
fair market value on the date of the grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB
Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)), using the modified prospective
method. Under that method, compensation cost for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, was
recognized as the requisite service was rendered and included: (a) compensation cost for the
portion of share-based awards granted prior to and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006, for
which the requisite service had not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those
awards as calculated in accordance with the original provisions of FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based awards
granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Results for prior periods have not been restated.
The compensation cost and tax benefits related to the grant and exercise of Southern Company stock
options to the Companys employees are recognized in the Companys financial statements with a
corresponding credit to equity, representing a capital contribution from Southern Company.
For the Company, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) resulted in a reduction in earnings before income
taxes and net income of $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December
31, 2007, and $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Additionally, SFAS No. 123(R) requires the gross excess tax benefit from stock option exercises to
be reclassified as a financing cash flow as opposed to an operating cash flow; the reduction in
operating cash flows and the increase in financing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007
and 2006, was $0.6 and $0.7 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma
impact on net income of fair-value accounting for options granted on net income was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
As Reported |
|
Option Impact After Tax |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net Income |
|
$ |
73,808 |
|
|
$ |
(648 |
) |
|
$ |
73,160 |
|
Because historical forfeitures have been insignificant and are expected to remain insignificant, no
forfeitures were assumed in the calculation of compensation expense; rather they are recognized
when they occur.
The estimated fair values of stock options granted in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were derived using the
Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility
of Southern Companys stock over a period equal to the expected term. The Company used historical
exercise data to estimate the expected term that represents the period of time that options granted
to employees are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury
yield curve in effect at the time of grant that covers the expected term of the stock options.
The following table shows the assumptions used in the pricing model and the weighted average
grant-date fair value of stock options granted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Weighted average grant-date fair value |
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
|
$ |
4.15 |
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to fluctuations in the prices
of certain fuel purchases and electricity purchases and sales. All derivative financial
instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at
II-321
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
fair value.
Substantially all of the Companys bulk energy purchases and sales contracts that meet the
definition of a derivative are
exempt from fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for under the accrual method.
Other derivative contracts qualify as cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions or are
recoverable through the Mississippi PSC approved fuel hedging program as discussed below. This
results in the deferral of related gains and losses in other comprehensive income or regulatory
assets and liabilities, respectively, as appropriate until the hedged transactions occur. Any
ineffectiveness arising from cash flow hedges is recognized currently in net income. Other
derivative contracts are marked to market through current period income and are recorded on a net
basis in the statements of income.
The Mississippi PSC has approved the Companys request to implement an ECM which, among other
things, allows the Company to utilize financial instruments to hedge its fuel commitments. Changes
in the fair value of these financial instruments are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Amounts paid or received as a result of financial settlement of these instruments are classified as
fuel expense and are included in the ECM factor applied to customer billings. The Companys
jurisdictional wholesale customers have a similar ECM mechanism, which has been approved by the
FERC.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the event of counterparties
nonperformance. The Company has established controls to determine and monitor the creditworthiness
of counterparties in order to mitigate the Companys exposure to counterparty credit risk.
Other financial instruments for which the carrying amounts did not equal the fair values at
December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
277,333 |
|
|
$ |
270,897 |
|
2006 |
|
|
278,635 |
|
|
|
275,745 |
|
The fair values were based on either closing market prices or closing prices of comparable
instruments.
Comprehensive Income
The objective of comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity
of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than
transactions with owners. Comprehensive income consists of net income, changes in the fair value
of qualifying cash flow hedges, and prior to the adoption of SFAS No.158, Employers Accounting
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158) the minimum pension
liability, less income taxes and reclassifications for amounts included in net income.
Variable Interest Entities
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and
liabilities. The Company has established a wholly-owned trust to issue preferred securities. See
Note 6 under Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trust for additional information. However, the
Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. Therefore, the investments in this
trust are reflected as Other Investments and the related loan from the trust is included in
Long-term Debt in the balance sheets. During 2007 the Company redeemed its last remaining series
of preferred securities, which totaled $36 million.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a defined benefit, trusteed pension plan covering substantially all employees. The
plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended (ERISA). No contributions to the plan are expected for the year ending December
31, 2008. The Company also provides certain defined benefit pension plans for a selected group of
management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under these non-qualified plans are funded
on a cash basis. In addition, the Company provides certain medical care and life insurance
benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit plans. The Company funds
related trusts to the extent required by the FERC. For the year ending December 31, 2008,
postretirement trust contributions are expected to total approximately $0.2 million.
II-322
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The measurement date for plan assets and obligations is September 30 for each year presented.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 158, the Company will be required to change the measurement date for its
defined benefit postretirement plans from September 30 to December 31 beginning with the year
ending December 31, 2008.
Pension Plans
The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was $240 million and $233 million
for 2007 and 2006, respectively. Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and
fair value of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
250,543 |
|
|
$ |
255,037 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
6,934 |
|
|
|
7,207 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
14,767 |
|
|
|
13,727 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(11,529 |
) |
|
|
(11,288 |
) |
Actuarial loss and employee transfers |
|
|
(6,001 |
) |
|
|
(13,987 |
) |
Amendments |
|
|
2,189 |
|
|
|
(153 |
) |
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
256,903 |
|
|
|
250,543 |
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
267,276 |
|
|
|
246,271 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
43,849 |
|
|
|
30,985 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
1,270 |
|
|
|
1,308 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(11,529 |
) |
|
|
(11,288 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
300,866 |
|
|
|
267,276 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
43,963 |
|
|
|
16,733 |
|
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
433 |
|
|
Prepaid pension asset, net |
|
$ |
44,386 |
|
|
$ |
17,166 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension
plans were $234.8 million and $22.1 million, respectively. All plan assets are related to the
qualified pension plan.
Pension plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable requirements,
including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). The
Companys investment policy covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income
securities, real estate, and private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging
tools but may also be used to gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company
primarily minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages
other aspects of risk. The actual composition of the Companys pension plan assets as of the end
of the year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
II-323
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys pension plan consist of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Prepaid pension costs |
|
$ |
66,099 |
|
|
$ |
36,424 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
11,114 |
|
|
|
9,707 |
|
Current liabilities, other |
|
|
(1,393 |
) |
|
|
(1,209 |
) |
Other regulatory liabilities |
|
|
(53,396 |
) |
|
|
(21,319 |
) |
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(20,320 |
) |
|
|
(18,049 |
) |
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at
December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, related to the defined benefit pension plans that have not
yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost along with the estimated amortization of such
amounts for the next fiscal year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service Cost |
|
Net(Gain)/Loss |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Balance
at December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
2,674 |
|
|
$ |
8,440 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
10,212 |
|
|
|
(63,608 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
12,886 |
|
|
$ |
(55,168 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
798 |
|
|
$ |
8,909 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
11,488 |
|
|
|
(32,807 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
12,286 |
|
|
$ |
(23,898 |
) |
|
Estimated amortization in net
periodic pension cost in 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset |
|
$ |
413 |
|
|
$ |
595 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
(129 |
) |
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,690 |
|
|
$ |
466 |
|
|
The changes in the balances of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities related to the defined
benefit pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2007, are presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory |
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Assets |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
9,707 |
|
|
$ |
(21,319 |
) |
Net (gain)/loss |
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
(30,800 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
2,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(314 |
) |
|
|
(1,277 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(634 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(948 |
) |
|
|
(1,277 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
1,407 |
|
|
|
(32,077 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
11,114 |
|
|
$ |
(53,396 |
) |
|
II-324
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Components of net periodic pension cost (income) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
6,934 |
|
|
$ |
7,207 |
|
|
$ |
6,566 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
14,767 |
|
|
|
13,727 |
|
|
|
13,089 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(19,099 |
) |
|
|
(18,107 |
) |
|
|
(18,437 |
) |
Recognized net (gain) loss |
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
526 |
|
Net amortization |
|
|
1,591 |
|
|
|
1,013 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
Net periodic pension cost |
|
$ |
4,827 |
|
|
$ |
4,613 |
|
|
$ |
2,681 |
|
|
Net periodic pension cost (income) is the sum of service cost, interest cost, and other costs
netted against the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is
determined by multiplying the expected rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value
of plan assets. In determining the market-related value of plan assets, the Company has elected to
amortize changes in the market value of all plan assets over five years rather than recognize the
changes immediately. As a result, the accounting value of plan assets that is used to calculate
the expected return on plan assets differs from the current fair value of the plan assets.
Future benefit payments reflect expected future service and are estimated based on assumptions used
to measure the projected benefit obligation for the pension plans. At December 31, 2007, estimated
benefit payments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit |
|
|
Payments |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
12,145 |
|
2009 |
|
|
12,463 |
|
2010 |
|
|
12,838 |
|
2011 |
|
|
14,222 |
|
2012 |
|
|
15,037 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
93,004 |
|
|
II-325
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Other Postretirement Benefits
Changes during the year in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations (APBO) and in the
fair value of plan assets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Change in benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |
|
$ |
89,673 |
|
|
$ |
86,482 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
1,372 |
|
|
|
1,520 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
5,254 |
|
|
|
4,654 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(3,754 |
) |
|
|
(3,836 |
) |
Actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
(8,388 |
) |
|
|
596 |
|
Retiree drug subsidy |
|
|
338 |
|
|
|
257 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
84,495 |
|
|
|
89,673 |
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
23,689 |
|
|
|
22,759 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
3,470 |
|
|
|
2,290 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
1,851 |
|
|
|
3,652 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(3,417 |
) |
|
|
(5,012 |
) |
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
25,593 |
|
|
|
23,689 |
|
|
Funded status at end of year |
|
|
(58,902 |
) |
|
|
(65,984 |
) |
Fourth quarter contributions |
|
|
906 |
|
|
|
1,421 |
|
|
Accrued liability |
|
$ |
(57,996 |
) |
|
$ |
(64,563 |
) |
|
Other postretirement benefit plan assets are managed and invested in accordance with all applicable
requirements, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys investment policy
covers a diversified mix of assets, including equity and fixed income securities, real estate, and
private equity. Derivative instruments are used primarily as hedging tools but may also be used to
gain efficient exposure to the various asset classes. The Company primarily minimizes the risk of
large losses through diversification but also monitors and manages other aspects of risk. The
actual composition of the Companys other postretirement benefit plan assets as of the end of the
year, along with the targeted mix of assets, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Domestic equity |
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
30 |
% |
International equity |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Private equity |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets related to the Companys other postretirement benefit
plans consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
17,217 |
|
|
$ |
29,107 |
|
Employee benefit obligations |
|
|
(57,996 |
) |
|
|
(64,563 |
) |
|
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets at December 31, 2007 and December 31,
2006, related to the other postretirement benefit plans that have not yet been recognized in net
periodic postretirement benefit cost along with the estimated amortization of such amounts for
2008.
II-326
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior Service |
|
Net(Gain)/ |
|
Transition |
|
|
Cost |
|
Loss |
|
Obligation |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2007: |
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
1,187 |
|
|
$ |
14,180 |
|
|
$ |
1,850 |
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006: |
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
1,293 |
|
|
$ |
25,618 |
|
|
$ |
2,196 |
|
|
|
Estimated amortization as net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2008: |
Regulatory assets |
|
$ |
106 |
|
|
$ |
614 |
|
|
$ |
346 |
|
|
The change in the balance of regulatory assets related to the postretirement benefit plans for the
year ended December 31, 2007, is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
29,107 |
|
Net gain |
|
|
(10,256 |
) |
Change in prior service costs |
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
Amortization of transition obligation |
|
|
(346 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs |
|
|
(106 |
) |
Amortization of net gain |
|
|
(1,182 |
) |
|
Total reclassification adjustments |
|
|
(1,634 |
) |
|
Total change |
|
|
(11,890 |
) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
17,217 |
|
|
Components of the other postretirement benefit plans net periodic cost were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
1,372 |
|
|
$ |
1,520 |
|
|
$ |
1,427 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
5,254 |
|
|
|
4,654 |
|
|
|
4,242 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(1,673 |
) |
|
|
(1,642 |
) |
|
|
(1,563 |
) |
Net amortization |
|
|
1,633 |
|
|
|
1,702 |
|
|
|
1,158 |
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
6,586 |
|
|
$ |
6,234 |
|
|
$ |
5,264 |
|
|
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Act) provides
a 28% prescription drug subsidy for Medicare eligible retirees. The effect of the subsidy reduced
the Companys expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 by approximately $1.8
million, $2.0 million, and $1.2 million, respectively.
Future benefit payments, including prescription drug benefits, reflect expected future service and
are estimated based on assumptions used to measure the APBO for the postretirement plans.
Estimated benefit payments are reduced by drug subsidy receipts expected as a result of the
Medicare Act as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payments |
|
Subsidy Receipts |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
4,316 |
|
|
$ |
(417 |
) |
|
$ |
3,899 |
|
2009 |
|
|
4,679 |
|
|
|
(484 |
) |
|
|
4,195 |
|
2010 |
|
|
5,149 |
|
|
|
(552 |
) |
|
|
4,597 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5,551 |
|
|
|
(629 |
) |
|
|
4,922 |
|
2012 |
|
|
5,899 |
|
|
|
(720 |
) |
|
|
5,179 |
|
2013 to 2017 |
|
|
34,598 |
|
|
|
(4,933 |
) |
|
|
29,665 |
|
|
II-327
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
Actuarial Assumptions
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations used to determine both the benefit
obligations as of the measurement date and the net periodic costs for the pension and other
postretirement benefit plans for the following year are presented below. Net periodic benefit
costs were calculated in 2004 for the 2005 plan year using a discount rate of 5.75%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Discount |
|
|
6.30 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Annual salary increase |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.50 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
Long-term return on plan assets |
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
The Company determined the long-term rate of return based on historical asset class returns and
current market conditions, taking into account the diversification benefits of investing in
multiple asset classes.
An additional assumption used in measuring the APBO was a weighted average medical care cost trend
rate of 9.75% for 2008, decreasing gradually to 5.25% through the year 2015, and remaining at that
level thereafter. An annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost trend rate of 1%
would affect the APBO and the service and interest cost components at December 31, 2007 as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Percent |
|
1 Percent |
|
|
Increase |
|
Decrease |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Benefit obligation |
|
$ |
5,490 |
|
|
$ |
4,688 |
|
Service and interest costs |
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
343 |
|
|
Employee Savings Plan
The Company also sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees.
The Company provides an 85% matching contribution up to 6% of an employees base salary. Prior to
November 2006, the Company matched employee contributions at a rate of 75% up to 6% of the
employees base salary. Total matching contributions made to the plan for 2007, 2006, and 2005
were $3.5 million, $3.0 million, and $2.9 million, respectively.
3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
General Litigation Matters
The Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In addition, the Companys business activities are subject to extensive governmental
regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and
claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and
citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality
standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury
claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent.
The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company cannot be
predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein,
management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings
would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements.
Environmental Matters
New Source Review Actions
In November 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought a civil action in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries,
including Alabama Power and Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the New
Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired
generating facilities. Through subsequent amendments and other legal procedures, the EPA filed a
separate action in January 2001 against Alabama Power in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Alabama after Alabama Power was dismissed from the original action. In these lawsuits,
the EPA alleged that NSR violations occurred at eight coal-fired generating facilities operated by
Alabama Power and Georgia Power, including one co-owned by the Company. The civil actions request penalties and injunctive relief,
including an order requiring the
II-328
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
installation of the best available control technology at the
affected units. The action against Georgia Power has been administratively closed since the spring
of 2001, and the case has not been reopened.
In June 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree
between Alabama Power and the EPA, resolving the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. The
consent decree required Alabama Power to pay $100,000 to resolve the governments claim for a civil
penalty and to donate $4.9 million of sulfur dioxide emission allowances to a nonprofit charitable
organization and formalized specific emissions reductions to be accomplished by Alabama Power,
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs that require emissions reductions. In August 2006,
the district court in Alabama granted Alabama Powers motion for summary judgment and entered final
judgment in favor of Alabama Power on the EPAs claims related to all of the remaining plants:
Plants Barry, Gaston, Gorgas, and Greene County.
The plaintiffs appealed the district courts decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit, and the appeal was stayed by the Appeals Court pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision
in a similar case against Duke Energy. The Supreme Court issued its decision in the Duke Energy
case in April 2007. On October 5, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Alabama issued an order in the Alabama Power case indicating a willingness to re-evaluate its
previous decision in light of the Supreme Courts Duke Energy opinion. On December 21, 2007, the
Eleventh Circuit vacated the district courts decision in the Alabama Power case and remanded the
case back to the district court for consideration of the legal issues in light of the Supreme
Courts decision in the Duke Energy case.
The Company believes it complied with applicable laws and the EPA regulations and interpretations
in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil
penalties of $25,000 to $32,500 per day, per violation at each generating unit, depending on the
date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome in either of these cases could require
substantial capital expenditures or affect the timing of currently budgeted capital expenditures
that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties.
Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition
if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
Carbon Dioxide Litigation
In July 2004, attorneys general from eight states, each outside of Southern Companys service
territory, and the corporation counsel for New York City filed a complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York against Southern Company and four other electric power
companies. A nearly identical complaint was filed by three environmental groups in the same court.
The complaints allege that the companies emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas,
contribute to global warming, which the plaintiffs assert is a public nuisance. Under common law
public and private nuisance theories, the plaintiffs seek a judicial order (1) holding each
defendant jointly and severally liable for creating, contributing to, and/or maintaining global
warming and (2) requiring each of the defendants to cap its emissions of carbon dioxide and then
reduce those emissions by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade. Plaintiffs have
not, however, requested that damages be awarded in connection with their claims. Southern Company
believes these claims are without merit and notes that the complaint cites no statutory or
regulatory basis for the claims. In September 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York granted Southern Companys and the other defendants motions to dismiss these
cases. The plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in
October 2005 and no decision has been issued. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be
determined at this time.
Environmental Remediation
The Company must comply with other environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and
disposal of waste and releases of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations,
the Company may also incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The Company has authority
from the Mississippi PSC to recover approved environmental compliance costs through regulatory
mechanisms.
In 2003, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) designated the Company as a
potentially responsible party at a site in Texas. The site was owned by an electric transformer
company that handled the Companys transformers as well as those of many other entities. The site
owner is now in bankruptcy and the State of Texas has entered into an agreement with the Company
and several other utilities to investigate and remediate the site. Amounts expensed during 2005,
2006, and 2007 related to this work were
not material. Hundreds of entities have received notices from the TCEQ requesting their
participation in the anticipated site remediation. The final outcome of this matter to the Company
will depend upon further environmental assessment and the ultimate number of potentially
responsible parties and cannot now be determined. The remediation expenses incurred by the Company
are
II-329
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
expected to be recovered through the Environmental Compliance Overview (ECO) Plan. See Retail
Regulatory Matters Environmental Compliance Overview Plan herein for additional information.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $8.4 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be
determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The Companys generation fleet is operated under the Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC), as
approved by the FERC. In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the
provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies (including the Company), Southern
Power, and SCS, as agent, under the terms of which the power pool of Southern Company is operated,
(2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to
utility companies that are transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of
conduct defining Southern Power as a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just
and reasonable. In connection with the formation of Southern Power, the FERC authorized Southern
Powers inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of
conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of Southern Power. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. Implementation of the plan is not expected
to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. On November 19, 2007, Southern
Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits
subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is
ongoing.
Right of Way Litigation
Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including the Company, Gulf Power, and Southern
Telecom, Inc., (a subsidiary of SouthernLINC Wireless), have been named as defendants in numerous
lawsuits brought by landowners since 2001. The plaintiffs lawsuits claim that defendants may not
use, or sublease to third parties, some or all of the fiber optic communications lines on the
rights of way that cross the plaintiffs properties and that such actions exceed the easements or
other property rights held by defendants. The plaintiffs assert claims for, among other things,
trespass and unjust enrichment and seek compensatory and punitive
damages and injunctive relief. Management of the Company believes that it has complied with
applicable laws and that the plaintiffs claims are without merit.
II-330
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
To date, the Company has entered into agreements with plaintiffs in approximately 90% of the
actions pending against the Company to clarify the Companys easement rights in the State of
Mississippi. These agreements have been approved by the Circuit Courts of Harrison County and
Jasper County, Mississippi (First Judicial Circuit), and dismissals of the related cases are in
progress. These agreements have not had any material impact on the Companys financial statements.
In addition, in late 2001, certain subsidiaries of Southern Company, including Alabama Power,
Georgia Power, Gulf Power, the Company, and Southern Telecom, Inc., (a subsidiary of SouthernLINC
Wireless), were named as defendants in a lawsuit brought by a telecommunications company that uses
certain of the defendants rights of way. This lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the
defendants are contractually obligated to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
telecommunications company from any liability that may be assessed against it in pending and future
right of way litigation. The Company believes that the plaintiffs claims are without merit. In
the fall of 2004, the trial court stayed the case until resolution of the underlying landowner
litigation discussed above. In January 2005, the Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed the
telecommunications companys appeal of the trial courts order for lack of jurisdiction. An
adverse outcome in this matter, combined with an adverse outcome against the telecommunications
company in one or more of the right of way lawsuits, could result in substantial judgments;
however, the final outcome of these matters cannot now be determined.
Retail Regulatory Matters
Performance Evaluation Plan
The Companys retail base rates are set under Performance Evaluation Plan (PEP), a rate plan
approved by the Mississippi PSC. PEP was designed with the objective that PEP would reduce the
impact of rate changes on the customer and provide incentives for the Company to keep customer
prices low and customer satisfaction and reliability high. PEP is a mechanism for rate adjustments
based on three indicators: price, customer satisfaction, and service reliability.
In May 2004, the Mississippi PSC approved the Companys request to modify certain portions of its
PEP and to reclassify, to jurisdictional cost of service the 266 megawatts of Plant Daniel Units 3
and 4 capacity, effective January 1, 2004. The Mississippi PSC authorized the Company to include
the related costs and revenue credits in jurisdictional rate base, cost of service, and revenue
requirement calculations for purposes of retail rate recovery. The Company amortized the
regulatory liability established pursuant to the Mississippi PSCs interim December 2003 accounting
order, as approved in the May 2004 order, to earnings as follows: $16.5 million in 2004, $25.1
million in 2005, $13.0 million in 2006, and $5.7 million in 2007, resulting in increases to
earnings in each of those years.
In addition, in May 2004, the Mississippi PSC also approved the Companys requested changes to PEP,
including the use of a forward-looking test year, with appropriate oversight; annual, rather than
semi-annual, filings; and certain changes to the performance indicator mechanisms. Rate changes
will be limited to four percent of retail revenues annually under the revised PEP. PEP will remain
in effect until the Mississippi PSC modifies, suspends, or terminates the plan.
In April 2007, the Mississippi PSC issued an order allowing the Company to defer approximately
$10.4 million of certain reliability related maintenance costs beginning January 1, 2007, and
recover them over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2008. These costs related to system
upgrades and improvements that were needed as follow-up to emergency repairs that were made
subsequent to Hurricane Katrina. At December 31, 2007, the Company had incurred and deferred the
retail portion of $9.5 million of such costs, of which $2.4 million is included in current assets
as other regulatory assets and $7.1 million is included in long-term other regulatory assets.
In September 2007, the Mississippi PSC staff and the Company entered into a stipulation that
included adjustments to expenses which resulted in a one-time credit to retail customers of
approximately $1.1 million. In November 2007, the Mississippi PSC issued an order requiring the
Company to refund this amount to its retail customers no later than December 2007. This amount was
totally refunded as a credit to customer bills by December 31, 2007.
In December 2007, the Company submitted its annual PEP filing for 2008, which resulted in a rate
increase of 1.983% or $15.5 million annually, effective January 2008. In December 2006, the
Company submitted its annual PEP filing for 2007, which resulted in no rate change.
In December 2007, the Company received an order from the Mississippi PSC requiring it to defer $1.4
million associated with the retail portion of certain tax credits and adjustments related to
permanent timing differences pertaining to its 2006 income tax returns
II-331
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
filed in September 2007.
These tax differences have been recorded in a regulatory liability included in the current portion
of other regulatory liabilities and will be amortized ratably over a twelve month period beginning
January 2008.
System Restoration Rider
In September 2006, the Company filed with the Mississippi PSC a request to implement a System
Restoration Rider (SRR), to increase the Companys cap on the property damage reserve and to
authorize the calculation of an annual property damage accrual based on a formula. The purpose of
the SRR is to provide for recovery of costs associated with property damage (including certain
property insurance and the costs of self insurance) and to facilitate the Mississippi PSCs review
of these costs. The Company would be required to make annual SRR filings to determine the revenue
requirement associated with the property damage. The Company recorded a regulatory liability in
the amount of approximately $2.4 million in 2006 and $0.6 million in 2007 for the estimated amount
due to retail customers that would be passed through SRR. The Company along with the Mississippi
Public Utilities Staff has agreed and stipulated to a revised SRR calculation method that would no
longer require the Mississippi PSC to set a cap on the property damage reserve or to authorize the
calculation of an annual property damage accrual. Under the revised SRR calculation method, the
Mississippi PSC would periodically agree on SRR revenue levels that would be developed based on
historical data, expected exposure, type and amount of insurance coverage excluding insurance
costs, and other relevant information. It is anticipated that the Mississippi PSC would agree on
the applicable SRR revenue level every three years, unless a significant change in circumstances
occurs such that the Company and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff or the Mississippi PSC
deems that a more frequent change would be just, reasonable and in the public interest. The
Company will submit annual filings setting forth SRR-related revenues, expenses and investment for
the projected filing period, as well as the true-up for the prior period. The Company is currently
waiting on a final order from the Mississippi PSC determining the final disposition of the
regulatory liability and determination of the final SRR rate schedule.
Environmental Compliance Overview Plan
The ECO Plan establishes procedures to facilitate the Mississippi PSCs overview of the Companys
environmental strategy and provides for recovery of costs (including cost of capital) associated
with environmental projects approved by the Mississippi PSC. Under the ECO Plan, any increase in
the annual revenue requirement is limited to 2% of retail revenues. However, the ECO Plan also
provides for carryover of any amount over the 2% limit into the next years revenue requirement.
The Company conducts studies, when possible, to determine the extent of any required environmental
remediation. Should such remediation be determined to be probable, reasonable estimates of costs
to clean up such sites are developed and recognized in the financial statements. In accordance
with the Mississippi PSC order, the Company recovers such costs under the ECO Plan as they are
incurred.
On February 1, 2008, the Company filed with the Mississippi PSC its annual ECO Plan evaluation for
2008 which resulted in an 18 cents per 1,000 KWH decrease in the rate for retail residential
customers. Hearings with the Mississippi PSC are expected to be held in April 2008. The outcome
of the 2008 filing cannot now be determined. In April 2007, the Mississippi PSC approved the
Companys 2007 ECO Plan, which included an 86 cent per 1,000 KWH increase for retail residential
customers. This increase represented an addition of approximately $7.5 million in annual revenues
for the Company. The new rates were effective in April 2007.
Fuel Cost Recovery
The Company establishes, annually, a fuel cost recovery factor that is approved by the Mississippi
PSC. Over the past several years, the Company has continued to experience higher than expected
fuel costs for coal and natural gas. The Company is required to file for an adjustment to the fuel
cost recovery factor annually; such filing occurred in November 2007. As a result, the Mississippi
PSC approved an increase in the fuel cost recovery factor effective January 2008 in an amount equal
to 4.2% of total retail revenues. The Companys operating revenues are adjusted for differences in
actual recoverable fuel cost and amounts billed in accordance with the currently approved cost
recovery rate. Accordingly, this increase to the billing factor will have no significant effect on
the Companys revenues or net income, but will increase annual cash flow. At December 31, 2007,
the amount of under recovered fuel costs included in the balance sheets was $40.5 million compared
to $50.8 million at December 31, 2006.
Storm Damage Cost Recovery
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States and caused significant
damage within the Companys service area. The estimated total storm restoration costs relating to
Hurricane Katrina through December 31, 2007 of $302.4 million, which was net of expected insurance
proceeds of approximately $77 million, without offset for the property damage reserve of
II-332
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
$3.0 million was affirmed by the Mississippi PSC in June 2006, and the Company was ordered to establish
a regulatory asset for the retail portion. The Mississippi PSC issued an order directing the
Company to file an application with the MDA for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). In
October 2006, the Company received from the MDA a CDBG in the amount of $276.4 million, which was
allocated to both the retail and wholesale jurisdictions. In the same month, the Mississippi PSC
issued a financing order that authorized the issuance of system restoration bonds for the remaining
$25.2 million of the retail portion of storm recovery costs not covered by the CDBG. The Company
incurred the $302.4 million total storm costs affirmed by the Mississippi PSC as of December 31,
2007, and will report the retail regulatory liability balance of $0.1 million to the Mississippi
PSC to determine the final disposition of this balance.
The Company maintains a reserve to cover the cost of damage from major storms to its transmission
and distribution facilities and the cost of uninsured damage to its generation facilities and other
property. A 1999 Mississippi PSC order allowed the Company to accrue $1.5 million to $4.6 million
to the reserve annually, with a maximum reserve totaling $23 million. In October 2006, in
conjunction with the Mississippi PSC Hurricane Katrina-related financing order, the Mississippi PSC
ordered the Company to cease all accruals to the retail property damage reserve, until a new
reserve cap is established. However, in the same financing order, the Mississippi PSC approved the
replenishment of the property damage reserve with $60 million to be funded with a portion of the
proceeds of bonds to be issued by the Mississippi Development Bank on behalf of the State of
Mississippi and reported as liabilities by the State of Mississippi. These funds were received in
June 2007.
In June 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued an order certifying actual storm restoration costs
relating to Hurricane Katrina through April 30, 2006 of $267.9 million and affirmed estimated
additional costs through December 31, 2007, of $34.5 million, for total storm restoration costs of
$302.4 million, which was net of expected insurance proceeds of approximately $77 million, without
offset for the property damage reserve of $3.0 million. Of the total amount, $292.8 million
applies to the Companys retail jurisdiction. The order directed the Company to file an
application with the MDA for a CDBG.
In October 2006, the Company received from the MDA a CDBG in the amount of $276.4 million. The
Company has appropriately allocated and applied these CDBG proceeds to both retail and wholesale
storm restoration cost recovery. The retail portion of $267.6 million was applied to the retail
regulatory asset in the balance sheets. For the remaining wholesale portion of $8.8 million, $3.3
million was credited to operations and maintenance expense in the statements of income and $5.5
million was applied to accumulated provision for depreciation in the balance sheets. In 2006, the
CDBG proceeds related to capital of $152.7 million and $120.3 million related to retail operations
and maintenance expense were included in the statement of cash flows as separate line items. In
2007, the storm restoration bond proceeds related to $35.0 million capital, of which $10.9 million
related to retail restoration and $24.1 million related to the storm operations center, and $14.3
million related to retail operations and maintenance expenses are included in the statements of
cash flows as separate line items. The cash portions of storm costs are included in the statements
of cash flows under Hurricane Katrina accounts payable, property additions, and cost of removal,
net of salvage and totaled approximately $0.1 million, $12.5 million, and $(8.1) million,
respectively, for 2007, $50.5 million, $54.2 million, and $4.6 million, respectively, for 2006 and
totaled approximately $82.1 million, $81.7 million, and $18.4 million, respectively, for 2005.
In October 2006, the Mississippi PSC issued a financing order that authorized the issuance of
$121.2 million of system restoration bonds. This amount includes $25.2 million for the retail
storm recovery costs not covered by the CDBG, $60 million for a property damage reserve, and $36
million for the retail portion of the construction of the storm operations facility. The storm
restoration bonds were issued by the Mississippi Development Bank on June 1, 2007, on behalf of the
State of Mississippi. On June 1, 2007, the Company received a grant payment of $85.2 million from
the State of Mississippi representing recovery of $25.2 million in retail storm restoration costs
incurred or to be incurred and $60.0 million to increase the Companys property damage reserve. In
the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company received two additional grant payments totaling $24.1
million for expenditures incurred for construction of a new storm operations center. The funds
received related to previously incurred storm restoration expenditures have been accounted for as a
government grant and have been recorded as a reduction to the regulatory asset that was recorded as
the storm restoration expenditures were incurred. The funds received for storm restoration
expenditures to be incurred were recorded as a regulatory liability. The Company will receive
further grant payments of up to $11.9 million as expenditures are incurred to construct the new
storm operations center.
The funds received with respect to certain of the grants were funded through the Mississippi
Development Banks issuance of tax-exempt bonds. Due to the tax-exempt status to the holders of
bonds for federal income tax purposes, the use of the proceeds is limited to expenditures that
qualify under the Internal Revenue Code. Prior to the receipt of the proceeds from the tax-exempt
bonds in 2007,
management of the Company represented to the Mississippi Development Bank that all expenditures to
date qualify under the Internal Revenue Code. Should the Company use the proceeds for
non-qualifying expenditures, it could be required to return that portion of
II-333
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
the proceeds received
from the tax-exempt bond issuance that was applied to non-qualifying expenditures. Management
expects that all future expenditures will also qualify and that no proceeds will be required to be
returned.
In order for the State of Mississippi to repay the bonds issued by the Mississippi Development
Bank, the State of Mississippi has established a system restoration charge that will be charged to
all retail electric utility customers within the Companys service area. This charge will be
collected by the Company through the retail customers monthly statement and remitted to the State
of Mississippi on a monthly basis. The system restoration charge is the property of the State of
Mississippi. The Companys only obligation is to collect and remit the proceeds of the charge.
The Company began collecting the system restoration charge on June 20, 2007, and remitted the first
payment to the State of Mississippi on July 17, 2007.
The Company incurred the $302.4 million total storm costs affirmed by the Mississippi PSC as of
December 31, 2007. The balance in the retail regulatory liability account at December 31, 2007 was
$0.1 million, which is net of the retail portion of insurance proceeds of $78.1 million, CDBG
proceeds of $267.6 million, storm restoration bond proceeds of $25.1 million, and tax credits of
$0.3 million. Retail costs incurred through December 31, 2007, include approximately $158.5
million of capital and $134.4 million of operations and maintenance expenditures. The Company will
report the regulatory liability balance to the Mississippi PSC to determine the final disposition
of this balance.
In June 2006, the Mississippi PSC order also granted continuing authority to record a regulatory
asset in an amount equal to the retail portion of the recorded Hurricane Katrina restoration costs.
For any future event causing damage to property beyond the balance in the reserve, the order also
granted the Company the authority to record a regulatory asset. The Company would then apply to
the Mississippi PSC for recovery of such amounts or for authority to otherwise dispose of the
regulatory asset. The Company continues to report actual storm expenses to the Mississippi PSC
periodically.
Construction Projects
In June 2006, the Company filed an application with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for certain
tax credits available to projects using clean coal technologies under the Energy Policy Act of
2005. The proposed project is an advanced coal gasification facility located in Kemper County,
Mississippi, that would use locally mined lignite coal. The proposed 693 megawatt plant is
expected to require an approximate investment of $1.5 billion, excluding the mine cost, and is
expected to be completed in 2013. The DOE subsequently certified the project and in November 2006,
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allocated Internal Revenue Code Section 48A tax credits of $133
million to the Company. The utilization of these credits is dependent upon meeting the
certification requirements for the project under the Internal Revenue Code. The plant would use an
air-blown integrated gasification combined cycle technology that generates power from low-rank
coals and coals with high moisture or high ash content. These coals, which include lignite, make
up half the proven U.S. and worldwide coal reserves. The Company is undertaking a feasibility
assessment of the project, which could take up to two years. On December 21, 2006, the Mississippi
PSC approved the Companys request for accounting treatment of the costs associated with the
Companys generation resource planning, evaluation, and screening activities. The Mississippi PSC
gave the Company the authority to create and recognize a regulatory asset for such costs. On
December 28, 2007, the Company received an order allowing it to defer the amortization of these
costs to January 2009. In addition, Mississippi received approval for the updated estimate of
approximately $23.8 million in total generation screening and evaluation costs ($16 million for the
retail portion). At December 31, 2007, the Company had spent $18.1 million in total, of which $2.7
million related to land purchases had been capitalized, the retail portion of $11.2 million had
been deferred in other regulatory assets, and the wholesale portion of $4.2 million has been
expensed. The retail portion of these costs will be charged to and remain as a regulatory asset
until the Mississippi PSC determines the prudence and ultimate recovery of such costs, which
decision is expected in January 2009. The balance of such regulatory asset will be included in the
Companys rate base for ratemaking purposes. Approval by various regulatory agencies, including
the Mississippi PSC, will also be required if the project proceeds. The final outcome of this
matter cannot now be determined.
4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
The Company and Alabama Power own, as tenants in common, Units 1 and 2, (total capacity of 500
megawatts) at Greene County Steam Plant, which is located in Alabama and operated by Alabama Power.
Additionally, the Company and Gulf Power, own as tenants in common, Units 1 and 2, (total capacity
of 1,000 megawatts) at Plant Daniel, which is located in Mississippi and operated by the Company.
II-334
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007, the Companys percentage ownership and investment in these jointly owned
facilities were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Generating |
|
Percent |
|
Gross |
|
Accumulated |
Plant |
|
Ownership |
|
Investment |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Greene County
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
$ |
77,655 |
|
|
$ |
43,122 |
|
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel
|
|
|
50 |
% |
|
$ |
266,249 |
|
|
$ |
132,508 |
|
Units 1 and 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys proportionate share of plant operating expenses is included in the statements of
income.
5. INCOME TAXES
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined income tax returns for
the State of Alabama and the State of Mississippi. Under a joint consolidated income tax
allocation agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on a
stand-alone basis and no subsidiary is allocated more expense than would be paid if it filed a
separate income tax return. In accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations, each company
is jointly and severally liable for the tax liability.
Current and Deferred Income Taxes
Details of the income tax provisions were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Federal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
$ |
79,127 |
|
|
$ |
79,332 |
|
|
$ |
(61,933 |
) |
Deferred |
|
|
(34,524 |
) |
|
|
(36,889 |
) |
|
|
102,659 |
|
|
|
|
|
44,603 |
|
|
|
42,443 |
|
|
|
40,726 |
|
|
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
9,274 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
|
(10,009 |
) |
Deferred |
|
|
(2,047 |
) |
|
|
(10,646 |
) |
|
|
15,657 |
|
|
|
|
|
7,227 |
|
|
|
5,654 |
|
|
|
5,648 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
51,830 |
|
|
$ |
48,097 |
|
|
$ |
46,374 |
|
|
II-335
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation |
|
$ |
230,379 |
|
|
$ |
259,729 |
|
Basis differences |
|
|
39,944 |
|
|
|
13,615 |
|
Fuel clause under recovered |
|
|
10,570 |
|
|
|
9,660 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations |
|
|
6,790 |
|
|
|
6,324 |
|
Regulatory assets associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
15,139 |
|
|
|
19,695 |
|
Other |
|
|
46,442 |
|
|
|
42,142 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
349,264 |
|
|
|
351,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal effect of state deferred taxes |
|
|
9,535 |
|
|
|
11,252 |
|
Other property basis differences |
|
|
8,030 |
|
|
|
8,538 |
|
Pension and other benefits |
|
|
33,622 |
|
|
|
35,210 |
|
Property insurance |
|
|
26,005 |
|
|
|
1,646 |
|
Unbilled fuel |
|
|
10,045 |
|
|
|
8,812 |
|
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(371 |
) |
|
|
(388 |
) |
Asset retirement obligations |
|
|
6,790 |
|
|
|
6,324 |
|
Regulatory liabilities associated with employee benefit obligations |
|
|
20,433 |
|
|
|
8,154 |
|
Other |
|
|
29,785 |
|
|
|
31,244 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
143,874 |
|
|
|
110,792 |
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities, net |
|
|
205,390 |
|
|
|
240,373 |
|
Portion included in prepaid (accrued) income taxes, net |
|
|
1,428 |
|
|
|
(4,171 |
) |
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes in the balance sheets |
|
$ |
206,818 |
|
|
$ |
236,202 |
|
|
At December 31, 2007, the tax-related regulatory assets and liabilities were $9.5 million and $16.3
million, respectively. These assets are attributable to tax benefits flowed through to customers
in prior years and to taxes applicable to capitalized interest. These liabilities are attributable
to deferred taxes previously recognized at rates higher than the current enacted tax law and to
unamortized investment tax credits.
In accordance with regulatory requirements, deferred investment tax credits are amortized over the
lives of the related property with such amortization normally applied as a credit to reduce
depreciation in the statements of income. Credits amortized in this manner amounted to $1.1
million, $1.1 million, and $1.2 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. At December 31,
2007, all investment tax credits available to reduce federal income taxes payable had been
utilized.
Effective Tax Rate
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income taxes determined by applying the
applicable U.S. federal statutory rate to earnings before income taxes and preferred dividends as a
result of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Federal statutory rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal deduction |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Non-deductible book depreciation |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
Other |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
37.7 |
% |
|
|
36.3 |
% |
|
|
38.0 |
% |
|
II-336
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for the portion of income
attributable to United States production activities as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 199
(production activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified
production activities income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010 with a
3% rate applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through 2009,
and a 9% rate applicable for all years after 2009. The increase from 3% in 2006 to 6% in 2007 was
one of several factors that increased the Companys 2007 deduction by $0.3 million over the 2006
deduction. The resulting additional tax benefit was over $0.1 million.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, which requires companies to determine whether it is
more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate
taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It
also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax
uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties.
Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits which were previously
accrued under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies of
approximately $0.6 million. The total $0.6 million in unrecognized tax benefits would impact the
Companys effective tax rate if recognized. For 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax
benefits increased by $0.3 million, resulting in a balance of $0.9 million as of December 31, 2007.
Changes during the year in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized tax benefits as of adoption |
|
$ |
656 |
|
Tax positions from current periods |
|
|
177 |
|
Tax positions from prior periods |
|
|
102 |
|
Reductions due to settlements |
|
|
|
|
Reductions due to expired statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
935 |
|
|
Impact on the Companys effective tax rate, if recognized, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate |
|
$ |
935 |
|
Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
935 |
|
|
Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest accrued as of adoption |
|
$ |
37 |
|
Interest accrued during the year |
|
|
69 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
106 |
|
|
The Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. Net interest accrued for
the year ended December 31, 2007, was $106 thousand. The Company did not accrue any penalties on
uncertain tax positions.
The IRS has audited and closed all tax returns prior to 2004. The audits for the state returns
have either been concluded, or the statute of limitations has expired, for years prior to 2002.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of
the Companys unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12
months. The possible settlement of the production activities
II-337
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
deduction methodology and/or the conclusion or settlement of federal or state audits could impact the balances significantly. At
this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined.
6. FINANCING
Long-Term Debt Payable to Affiliated Trust
The Company formed a wholly-owned trust subsidiary for the purpose of issuing preferred securities.
The proceeds of the related equity investment and preferred security sale were loaned back to the
Company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes which constitute substantially all of the
assets of the trust and were reflected in the balance sheets as Long-term Debt. The Company
considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the preferred securities issued for its
benefit, taken together, constituted a full and unconditional guarantee by it of the trusts
payment obligations with respect to these securities. During 2007, the Company redeemed its last
remaining series of preferred securities, which totaled $36 million. See Note 1 under Variable
Interest Entities for additional information on the accounting treatment for the trust and the
related securities.
Pollution Control Bonds
Pollution control obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds
derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control
facilities. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for authorities to meet principal
and interest requirements of such bonds. The amount of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bonds
outstanding at December 31, 2007, was $82.7 million.
Securities Due Within One Year
At December 31, 2007, the Company has scheduled maturities of capital leases due within one year
totaling $1.1 million. There were no scheduled maturities or redemptions of securities due within
one year at December 31, 2006.
Debt maturities through 2012 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $1.1 million in
2008; $41.2 million in 2009; $1.3 million in 2010; $1.4 million in 2011; and $0.6 million in 2012.
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, depositary preferred stock (each share of depositary
preferred stock representing one-fourth of a share of preferred stock), and common stock authorized
and outstanding. The Companys preferred stock and depositary preferred stock, without preference
between classes, rank senior to the Companys common stock with respect to payment of dividends and
voluntary or involuntary dissolution. Certain series of the preferred stock and depositary
preferred stock are subject to redemption at the option of the Company on or after a specified date
(typically 5 or 10 years after the date of issuance) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
liquidation amount of the stock.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At the beginning of 2008, the Company had total unused committed credit agreements with banks of
$181 million, all of which expire in 2008. The facilities contain $39 million 2-year term loan
options and $15 million 1-year term loan options. The Company expects to renew its credit
facilities, as needed, prior to expiration.
In connection with these credit arrangements, the Company agrees to pay commitment fees based on
the unused portions of the commitments or to maintain compensating balances with the banks.
Commitment fees are 1/8 of 1% or less for the Company. Compensating balances are not legally
restricted from withdrawal.
This $181 million in unused credit arrangements provides required liquidity support to the
Companys borrowings through a commercial paper program. At December 31, 2007, the Company had
$9.9 million outstanding in commercial notes. The credit arrangements also provide support to the
Companys variable daily rate tax-exempt pollution control bonds totaling $40.1 million.
II-338
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
During 2007, the peak amount outstanding for short-term debt was $133.4 million and the average
amount outstanding was $57.4 million. The average annual interest rate on short-term debt was 5.3%
for 2007 and 5.19% for 2006.
Financial Instruments
The Company also enters into energy-related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and
other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate regulations, the Company has limited
exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity. The Company has
implemented fuel-hedging programs with the approval of the Mississippi PSC. The Company enters
into hedges of forward electricity sales. There was no material ineffectiveness recorded in
earnings in 2007, 2006, or 2005.
At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of energy-related derivative contracts were
reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Regulatory liabilities, net |
|
$ |
1,253 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
928 |
|
Net income |
|
|
(203 |
) |
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
1,978 |
|
|
The fair value gains or losses for cash flow hedges are recorded as regulatory assets and
liabilities if they are recoverable through the regulatory clauses, otherwise they are recorded in
other comprehensive income, and are recognized in earnings at the same time the hedged items affect
earnings. For the year 2008, approximately $1.0 million of pre-tax gains are expected to be
reclassified from other comprehensive income to revenues. The Company has energy-related hedges in
place up to and including 2009.
7. COMMITMENTS
Construction Program
The Company is engaged in continuous construction programs, currently estimated to total $186
million in 2008, of which $8 million is related to Hurricane Katrina restoration, $226 million in
2009, and $211 million in 2010. The construction program is subject to periodic review and
revision, and actual construction costs may vary from the above estimates because of numerous
factors. These factors include changes in business conditions; acquisition of additional
generation assets; revised load growth estimates; changes in environmental regulations; changes in
FERC rules and regulations; increasing costs of labor, equipment, and materials; and cost of
capital. At December 31, 2007, significant purchase commitments were outstanding in connection
with the construction program. The Company has no generating plants under construction. Capital
improvements to generating, transmission, and distribution facilities, including those to meet
environmental standards, will continue.
Long-Term Service Agreements
The Company has entered into a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) with General Electric (GE) for
the purpose of securing maintenance support for the leased combined cycle units at Plant Daniel.
The LTSA provides that GE will cover all planned inspections on the covered equipment, which
generally includes the cost of all labor and materials. GE is also obligated to cover the costs of
unplanned maintenance on the covered equipment subject to limits and scope specified in the
contract.
In general, the LTSA is in effect through two major inspection cycles of the units. Scheduled
payments to GE under the LTSA, which are subject to price escalation, are made monthly based on
estimated operating hours of the units and are recognized as expense based on actual hours of
operation. The Company has recognized $9.7 million, $8.4 million, and $7.9 million for 2007, 2006,
and 2005, respectively, which is included in maintenance expense in the statements of income. Remaining
payments to GE under this agreement are currently estimated to total $144 million over the next 13
years. However, the LTSA contains various cancellation provisions at the option of the Company.
The Company also has entered into a LTSA with ABB Power Generation Inc. (ABB) for the purpose of
securing maintenance support for its Chevron Unit 5 combustion turbine plant. In summary, the LTSA
stipulates that ABB will perform all planned maintenance on the covered equipment, which includes
the cost of all labor and materials. ABB is also obligated to cover the costs of unplanned
maintenance on the covered equipment subject to a limit specified in the contract.
II-339
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
In general, this LTSA is in effect through two major inspection cycles. Scheduled payments to ABB,
which are subject to price escalation, are made at various intervals based on actual operating
hours of the unit. Payments to ABB under this agreement are currently estimated to total $21.3
million over the remaining term of the agreement, which is approximately 8 years. However, the
LTSA contains various cancellation provisions at the option of the Company. Payments made to ABB
under the LTSA prior to the performance of any planned maintenance are recorded as a prepayment in
the balance sheets. Inspection costs are capitalized or charged to expense based on the nature of
the work performed. After this contract expires, the Company expects to replace it with a new
contract with similar terms.
Fuel Commitments
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of the generating plants, the Company has entered into
various long-term commitments for the procurement of fuel. In most cases, these contracts contain
provisions for price escalations, minimum purchase levels, and other financial commitments. Coal
commitments include forward contract purchases for sulfur dioxide emission allowances. Natural gas
purchase commitments contain fixed volumes with prices based on various indices at the time of
delivery. Amounts included in the chart below represent estimates based on New York Mercantile
Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007.
Total estimated minimum long-term obligations at December 31, 2007, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
Natural Gas |
|
Coal |
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
215,285 |
|
|
$ |
358,421 |
|
2009 |
|
|
158,463 |
|
|
|
287,498 |
|
2010 |
|
|
75,014 |
|
|
|
117,369 |
|
2011 |
|
|
19,462 |
|
|
|
61,082 |
|
2012 |
|
|
21,771 |
|
|
|
11,700 |
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
221,588 |
|
|
|
19,500 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
711,583 |
|
|
$ |
855,570 |
|
|
Additional commitments for fuel will be required to supply the Companys future needs.
SCS may enter into various types of wholesale energy and natural gas contracts acting as an agent
for the Company and the other traditional operating companies and Southern Power. Under these
agreements, each of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power may be jointly and
severally liable. The creditworthiness of Southern Power is currently inferior to the
creditworthiness of the traditional operating companies. Accordingly, Southern Company has entered
into keep-well agreements with the Company and each of the other traditional operating companies to
ensure the Company will not subsidize or be responsible for any costs, losses, liabilities, or
damages resulting from the inclusion of Southern Power as a contracting party under these
agreements.
Operating Leases
Railcar Leases
The Company and Gulf Power have jointly entered into operating lease agreements for the use of 745
aluminum railcars. The Company has the option to purchase the railcars at the greater of lease
termination value or fair market value, or to renew the leases at the end of the lease term. The
Company also has multiple operating lease agreements for the use of an additional 120 aluminum
railcars that do not contain a purchase option. All of these leases are for the transport of coal
to Plant Daniel.
The Companys share (50%) of the leases, charged to fuel stock and recovered through the fuel cost
recovery clause, was $4.4 million in 2007, $4.6 million in 2006, and $3.0 million in 2005. The
Companys annual railcar lease payments for 2008 through 2012 will average approximately $1.6
million and after 2013, lease payments total in aggregate approximately $2.8 million.
In addition to railcar leases, the Company has other operating leases for fuel handling equipment
at Plants Daniel and Watson and operating leases for barges and tow/shift boats for the transport
of coal at Plant Watson. The Companys share (50% at Plant Daniel and 100% at Plant Watson) of the
leases for fuel handling was charged to fuel handling expense in the amount of $0.9 million in 2007
and $0.9 million in 2006. The Companys annual lease payments for 2008 through 2011 will average
approximately $0.4 million. The Company charged to fuel stock and recovered through fuel cost
recovery the barge transportation leases in the amount of $6.2
II-340
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
million in 2007 and $4.9 million in
2006 related to barges and tow/shift boats. The Companys annual lease payments for 2008 through
2009, with regards to these barge transportation leases, will average approximately $4.2 million.
Plant Daniel Combined Cycle Generating Units
In May 2001, the Company began the initial 10-year term of the lease agreement for a 1,064 megawatt
natural gas combined cycle generating facility built at Plant Daniel (Facility). The Company
entered into this transaction during a period when retail access was under review by the
Mississippi PSC. The lease arrangement provided a lower cost alternative to its cost based rate
regulated customers than a traditional rate base asset. See Note 3 under Retail Regulatory
Matters Performance Evaluation Plan for a description of the Companys formulary rate plan.
In 2003, the Facility was acquired by Juniper Capital L.P. (Juniper), whose partners are
unaffiliated with the Company. Simultaneously, Juniper entered into a restructured lease agreement
with the Company. Juniper has also entered into leases with other parties unrelated to the
Company. The assets leased by the Company comprise less than 50% of Junipers assets. The Company
is not required to consolidate the leased assets and related liabilities, and the lease with
Juniper is considered an operating lease. The lease agreement is treated as an operating lease for
accounting purposes, as well as for both retail and wholesale rate recovery purposes. For income
tax purposes, the Company retains tax ownership. The initial lease term ends in 2011 and the lease
includes a purchase and renewal option based on the cost of the Facility at the inception of the
lease, which was $370 million. The Company is required to amortize approximately 4% of the initial
acquisition cost over the initial lease term. Eighteen months prior to the end of the initial
lease, the Company may elect to renew for 10 years. If the lease is renewed, the agreement calls
for the Company to amortize an additional 17% of the initial completion cost over the renewal
period. Upon termination of the lease, at the Companys option, it may either exercise its
purchase option or the Facility can be sold to a third party.
The lease provides for a residual value guarantee, approximately 73% of the acquisition cost, by
the Company that is due upon termination of the lease in the event that the Company does not renew
the lease or purchase the Facility and that the fair market value is less than the unamortized cost
of the Facility. A liability of approximately $7 million and $9 million for the fair market value
of this residual value guarantee is included in the balance sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. Lease expenses were $27 million in each of the years 2007, 2006, and 2005.
The Company estimates that its annual amount of future minimum operating lease payments under this
arrangement, exclusive of any payment related to the residual value guarantee, as of December 31,
2007, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Lease Payments |
|
|
(in thousands) |
2008 |
|
$ |
28,615 |
|
2009 |
|
|
28,504 |
|
2010 |
|
|
28,398 |
|
2011 |
|
|
28,291 |
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
2013 and thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
Total commitments |
|
$ |
113,808 |
|
|
8. STOCK OPTION PLAN
Southern Company provides non-qualified stock options to a large segment of the Companys employees
ranging from line management to executives. As of December 31, 2007, 268 current and former
employees of the Company participated in the stock option plan. The maximum number of shares of
Southern Company common stock that may be issued under this plan may not exceed 40 million. The
prices of options granted to date have been at the fair market value of the shares on the dates of
grant. Options granted to date become exercisable pro rata over a maximum period of three years
from the date of grant. The Company generally recognizes stock option expense on a straight-line
basis over the vesting period which equates to the requisite service period; however, for employees
who are eligible for retirement the total cost is expensed at the grant date. Options outstanding
will expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant, unless terminated earlier by the
Southern Company Board of Directors in accordance with the stock option plan. For certain stock
option awards a change in control will provide accelerated vesting.
II-341
NOTES (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
The Companys activity in the stock option plan for 2007 is summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Subject |
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
to Option |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
1,483,243 |
|
|
$ |
28.62 |
|
Granted |
|
|
257,657 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(261,330 |
) |
|
|
26.78 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(1,616 |
) |
|
|
34.98 |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
1,477,954 |
|
|
$ |
30.30 |
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2007 |
|
|
992,228 |
|
|
$ |
28.00 |
|
|
The number of stock options vested and expected to vest in the future, as of December 31, 2007, was
not significantly different from the number of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007 as
stated above. As of December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual terms for the
options outstanding and options exercisable was 6.1 years and 5.0 years, respectively, and the
aggregate intrinsic values for the options outstanding and options exercisable was $12.5 million
and $10.7 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, there was $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to
stock option awards not yet vested. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average
period of approximately 10 months.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005, was $2.2 million, $2.4 million, and $4.3 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit
realized by the Company for the tax deductions from stock option exercises totaled $0.9 million,
$0.9 million, and $1.7 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and
2005.
9. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial data for 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
Operating |
|
Net Income After Dividends |
Quarter Ended |
|
Revenues |
|
Income |
|
On Preferred Stock |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
March 2007 |
|
$ |
256,826 |
|
|
$ |
36,824 |
|
|
$ |
19,636 |
|
June 2007 |
|
|
273,216 |
|
|
|
41,671 |
|
|
|
26,280 |
|
September 2007 |
|
|
333,023 |
|
|
|
59,535 |
|
|
|
34,450 |
|
December 2007 |
|
|
250,679 |
|
|
|
9,707 |
|
|
|
3,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2006 |
|
$ |
208,941 |
|
|
$ |
28,728 |
|
|
$ |
15,282 |
|
June 2006 |
|
|
254,920 |
|
|
|
40,392 |
|
|
|
22,766 |
|
September 2006 |
|
|
310,747 |
|
|
|
62,215 |
|
|
|
36,638 |
|
December 2006 |
|
|
234,629 |
|
|
|
21,584 |
|
|
|
7,324 |
|
|
The Companys business is influenced by seasonal weather conditions.
II-342
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands) |
|
$ |
1,113,744 |
|
|
$ |
1,009,237 |
|
|
$ |
969,733 |
|
|
$ |
910,326 |
|
|
$ |
869,924 |
|
Net Income after Dividends
on Preferred Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
84,031 |
|
|
$ |
82,010 |
|
|
$ |
73,808 |
|
|
$ |
76,801 |
|
|
$ |
73,499 |
|
Cash Dividends
on Common Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
67,300 |
|
|
$ |
65,200 |
|
|
$ |
62,000 |
|
|
$ |
66,200 |
|
|
$ |
66,000 |
|
Return on Average Common Equity (percent) |
|
|
13.96 |
|
|
|
14.25 |
|
|
|
13.33 |
|
|
|
14.24 |
|
|
|
13.99 |
|
Total Assets (in thousands) |
|
$ |
1,727,665 |
|
|
$ |
1,708,376 |
|
|
$ |
1,981,269 |
|
|
$ |
1,479,113 |
|
|
$ |
1,511,174 |
|
Gross Property Additions (in thousands) |
|
$ |
114,927 |
|
|
$ |
127,290 |
|
|
$ |
158,084 |
|
|
$ |
70,063 |
|
|
$ |
69,345 |
|
|
Capitalization (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
$ |
613,830 |
|
|
$ |
589,820 |
|
|
$ |
561,160 |
|
|
$ |
545,837 |
|
|
$ |
532,489 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
31,809 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
281,963 |
|
|
|
278,635 |
|
|
|
278,630 |
|
|
|
278,580 |
|
|
|
202,488 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
$ |
928,573 |
|
|
$ |
901,235 |
|
|
$ |
872,570 |
|
|
$ |
857,197 |
|
|
$ |
801,786 |
|
|
Capitalization Ratios (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
|
66.1 |
|
|
|
65.4 |
|
|
|
64.3 |
|
|
|
63.7 |
|
|
|
66.4 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
30.4 |
|
|
|
31.0 |
|
|
|
31.9 |
|
|
|
32.5 |
|
|
|
25.2 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Security Ratings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Mortgage Bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aa3 |
|
Aa3 |
Standard and Poors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
Fitch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AA |
|
AA- |
Preferred Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
A3 |
|
|
|
A3 |
|
|
|
A3 |
|
|
|
A3 |
|
|
|
A3 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
Fitch |
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A+ |
|
|
|
A |
|
Unsecured Long-Term Debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
A1 |
|
Standard and Poors |
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A |
|
Fitch |
|
AA- |
|
AA- |
|
AA- |
|
AA- |
|
|
A+ |
|
|
Customers (year-end): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
150,601 |
|
|
|
147,643 |
|
|
|
142,077 |
|
|
|
160,189 |
|
|
|
159,582 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
33,507 |
|
|
|
32,958 |
|
|
|
30,895 |
|
|
|
33,646 |
|
|
|
33,135 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
522 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
Other |
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
184,803 |
|
|
|
181,285 |
|
|
|
173,660 |
|
|
|
194,540 |
|
|
|
193,408 |
|
|
Employees (year-end) |
|
|
1,299 |
|
|
|
1,270 |
|
|
|
1,254 |
|
|
|
1,283 |
|
|
|
1,290 |
|
|
II-343
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007 (continued)
Mississippi Power Company 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
$ |
230,819 |
|
|
$ |
214,472 |
|
|
$ |
209,546 |
|
|
$ |
199,242 |
|
|
$ |
180,978 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
247,539 |
|
|
|
215,451 |
|
|
|
213,093 |
|
|
|
199,127 |
|
|
|
175,416 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
242,436 |
|
|
|
211,451 |
|
|
|
190,720 |
|
|
|
180,516 |
|
|
|
154,825 |
|
Other |
|
|
6,420 |
|
|
|
5,812 |
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
5,428 |
|
|
|
5,082 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
727,214 |
|
|
|
647,186 |
|
|
|
618,860 |
|
|
|
584,313 |
|
|
|
516,301 |
|
Wholesale non-affiliates |
|
|
323,120 |
|
|
|
268,850 |
|
|
|
283,413 |
|
|
|
265,863 |
|
|
|
249,986 |
|
Wholesale affiliates |
|
|
46,169 |
|
|
|
76,439 |
|
|
|
50,460 |
|
|
|
44,371 |
|
|
|
26,723 |
|
|
Total revenues from sales of electricity |
|
|
1,096,503 |
|
|
|
992,475 |
|
|
|
952,733 |
|
|
|
894,547 |
|
|
|
793,010 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
17,241 |
|
|
|
16,762 |
|
|
|
17,000 |
|
|
|
15,779 |
|
|
|
76,914 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,113,744 |
|
|
$ |
1,009,237 |
|
|
$ |
969,733 |
|
|
$ |
910,326 |
|
|
$ |
869,924 |
|
|
Kilowatt-Hour Sales (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
2,134,883 |
|
|
|
2,118,106 |
|
|
|
2,179,756 |
|
|
|
2,297,110 |
|
|
|
2,255,445 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
2,876,247 |
|
|
|
2,675,945 |
|
|
|
2,725,274 |
|
|
|
2,969,829 |
|
|
|
2,914,133 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
4,317,656 |
|
|
|
4,142,947 |
|
|
|
3,798,477 |
|
|
|
4,235,290 |
|
|
|
4,111,199 |
|
Other |
|
|
38,764 |
|
|
|
36,959 |
|
|
|
37,905 |
|
|
|
40,229 |
|
|
|
39,890 |
|
|
Total retail |
|
|
9,367,550 |
|
|
|
8,973,957 |
|
|
|
8,741,412 |
|
|
|
9,542,458 |
|
|
|
9,320,667 |
|
Sales for resale non-affiliates |
|
|
5,185,772 |
|
|
|
4,624,092 |
|
|
|
4,811,250 |
|
|
|
6,027,666 |
|
|
|
5,874,724 |
|
Sales for resale affiliates |
|
|
1,026,546 |
|
|
|
1,679,831 |
|
|
|
896,361 |
|
|
|
1,053,471 |
|
|
|
709,065 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
15,579,868 |
|
|
|
15,277,880 |
|
|
|
14,449,023 |
|
|
|
16,623,595 |
|
|
|
15,904,456 |
|
|
Average Revenue Per Kilowatt-Hour (cents): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
10.81 |
|
|
|
10.13 |
|
|
|
9.61 |
|
|
|
8.67 |
|
|
|
8.02 |
|
Commercial |
|
|
8.61 |
|
|
|
8.05 |
|
|
|
7.82 |
|
|
|
6.70 |
|
|
|
6.02 |
|
Industrial |
|
|
5.61 |
|
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
5.02 |
|
|
|
4.26 |
|
|
|
3.77 |
|
Total retail |
|
|
7.76 |
|
|
|
7.21 |
|
|
|
7.08 |
|
|
|
6.12 |
|
|
|
5.54 |
|
Wholesale |
|
|
5.94 |
|
|
|
5.48 |
|
|
|
5.85 |
|
|
|
4.38 |
|
|
|
4.20 |
|
Total sales |
|
|
7.04 |
|
|
|
6.50 |
|
|
|
6.59 |
|
|
|
5.38 |
|
|
|
4.99 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Kilowatt-Hour Use Per Customer |
|
|
14,294 |
|
|
|
14,480 |
|
|
|
14,111 |
|
|
|
14,357 |
|
|
|
14,161 |
|
Residential Average Annual
Revenue Per Customer |
|
$ |
1,545 |
|
|
$ |
1,466 |
|
|
$ |
1,357 |
|
|
$ |
1,245 |
|
|
$ |
1,136 |
|
Plant Nameplate Capacity
Ratings (year-end) (megawatts) |
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
Maximum Peak-Hour Demand (megawatts): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
2,294 |
|
|
|
2,204 |
|
|
|
2,178 |
|
|
|
2,173 |
|
|
|
2,458 |
|
Summer |
|
|
2,512 |
|
|
|
2,390 |
|
|
|
2,493 |
|
|
|
2,427 |
|
|
|
2,330 |
|
Annual Load Factor (percent) |
|
|
60.9 |
|
|
|
61.3 |
|
|
|
56.6 |
|
|
|
62.4 |
|
|
|
60.5 |
|
Plant Availability Fossil-Steam (percent) |
|
|
92.2 |
|
|
|
81.1 |
|
|
|
82.8 |
|
|
|
91.4 |
|
|
|
92.6 |
|
|
Source of Energy Supply (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal |
|
|
60.0 |
|
|
|
63.1 |
|
|
|
58.1 |
|
|
|
55.7 |
|
|
|
57.7 |
|
Oil and gas |
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
26.1 |
|
|
|
24.4 |
|
|
|
25.5 |
|
|
|
19.9 |
|
Purchased power - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From non-affiliates |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
From affiliates |
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
18.9 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
II-344
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY
FINANCIAL SECTION
II-345
MANAGEMENTS
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
The management of Southern Power Company (the Company) is responsible for establishing and
maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under managements supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report
was not subject to attestation by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to
provide only managements report in this Annual Report.
/s/ Ronnie L. Bates
Ronnie L. Bates
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Michael W. Southern
Michael W. Southern
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 25, 2008
II-346
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Southern Power Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern Power Company and
Subsidiary Companies (the Company) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company) as of December
31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, common
stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, 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 (pages II-365 to II-380) present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies at
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
II-347
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
OVERVIEW
Business Activities
Southern Power Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company) construct, acquire, own, and
manage generation assets and sell electricity at market-based prices in the Super-Southeast
wholesale market. The Company continues to execute its regional strategy through a combination of
acquiring and constructing new power plants and by entering into
power purchase agreements (PPAs) with
investor owned utilities, independent power producers, municipalities, and electric cooperatives.
In November 2007, the Company and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) mutually agreed to
terminate construction of the gasifier portion of the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC)
project in Orlando, Florida. This termination was the result of continuing uncertainty surrounding
potential Florida state regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions. See FUTURE EARNINGS
POTENTIAL Construction Projects Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) herein
and Note 4 to the financial statements under IGCC for additional information. The Company will
continue to construct the combined cycle portion of the project for OUC.
In December 2007, the Company completed construction of Plant Oleander Unit 5, a combustion turbine
with a nameplate capacity of 163 megawatts (MW) in Brevard County, Florida. The Company has a PPA
covering the entire output of this unit from December 2007 through 2027.
In 2007, the Company continued construction on Plant Franklin Unit 3, a combined cycle unit with an
expected capacity of 621 MW near Smiths, Alabama. This unit is expected to be completed in 2008.
The Company has a PPA covering the entire output of this unit from 2009 through 2015.
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had units totaling 6,896 MW nameplate capacity in commercial
operation. The weighted average duration of the Companys wholesale contracts exceeds 11.3 years,
which reduces remarketing risk. The Company continues to face challenges at the federal regulatory
level relative to market power and affiliate transactions. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL FERC
Matters herein for additional information.
Key Performance Indicators
To evaluate operating results and to ensure the Companys ability to meet its contractual
commitments to customers, the Company focuses on several key performance indicators. These
indicators include plant availability, peak season equivalent forced outage rate (EFOR), and net
income. Plant availability measures the percentage of time during the year that the Companys
generating units are available to be called upon to generate (the higher the better), whereas the
EFOR more narrowly defines the hours during peak demand times when the Companys generating units
are not available due to forced outages (the lower the better). Net income is the primary
component of the Companys contribution to Southern Companys earnings per share goal. The
Companys actual performance in 2007 met or surpassed targets in these key performance areas. See RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS herein for additional information on the Companys financial performance.
Earnings
The Companys 2007 earnings were $131.6 million,
a $7.2 million increase over 2006. This increase
was primarily the result of increased energy sales due to more favorable weather in 2007. Also
contributing to the increase were additional sales from the acquisition of Plant Rowan in September
2006. These increases were partially offset by the $10.7 million after tax loss as a result of the
termination of the construction of the gasifier portion of the IGCC project.
The
Companys 2006 earnings were $124.4 million, a $9.7 million increase over 2005. This increase
was primarily the result of new PPAs started or acquired in the period, including contracts with
Piedmont Municipal Power Authority (PMPA) and EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation
(EnergyUnited) and the PPAs related to the acquisition of Plants DeSoto and Rowan in June 2006 and
September 2006, respectively. Short-term energy sales and increased sales from existing resources
also contributed to this increase.
The Companys 2005 earnings were $114.8 million, a $3.3 million increase over 2004. The 2005
increase was primarily attributed to the acquisition of Plant Oleander in June 2005 and additional
revenues associated with energy margins from fully contracted units, which were partially offset by
the expiration of PPAs at Plant Dahlberg. In addition, interest expense increased in connection
with the
II-348
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Plant Oleander acquisition as well as the reduction in capitalized interest due to completion of
the Companys initial construction program.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A condensed income statement follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
Amount |
|
from Prior Year |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
972.0 |
|
|
$ |
195.0 |
|
|
$ |
(4.0 |
) |
|
$ |
79.7 |
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
238.7 |
|
|
|
93.4 |
|
|
|
(63.8 |
) |
|
|
81.9 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
199.9 |
|
|
|
29.3 |
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
|
|
(28.4 |
) |
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
135.0 |
|
|
|
39.7 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
Loss on IGCC project |
|
|
17.6 |
|
|
|
17.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
74.0 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
15.7 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
680.9 |
|
|
|
188.2 |
|
|
|
(24.6 |
) |
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
291.1 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
20.6 |
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
Other income, net |
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
0.0 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
79.2 |
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
83.6 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
131.6 |
|
|
$ |
7.2 |
|
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
|
$ |
3.3 |
|
|
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues in 2007 were $972 million, a $195 million (25.1%) increase from 2006. This
increase was primarily due to increased short-term energy sales, a full year of operations at Plant
Rowan acquired in September 2006, new sales with EnergyUnited, increased demand under existing PPAs
with affiliates as a result of favorable weather within the Southern Company service territory, and
higher fuel revenues due to an increase in natural gas prices in 2007. The increase in fuel
revenues is accompanied by an increase in related fuel costs and does not have a significant impact
on net income.
Operating revenues in 2006 were $777 million, a $4.0 million (0.5%) decrease from 2005. This
decrease was primarily due to reduced energy revenues as a result of lower natural gas prices.
This reduction is accompanied by a reduction in related fuel costs and does not have a significant
net income impact. Offsetting this energy related reduction were increased sales from a full year
of operations at Plant Oleander and new sales under PPAs with PMPA and EnergyUnited and those PPAs
acquired in the DeSoto and Rowan acquisitions. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Power Sales
Agreements herein and Note 2 to the financial statements under DeSoto and Rowan Acquisitions for
additional information.
Operating revenues in 2005 were $781.0 million, a $79.7 million (11.4%) increase from 2004. This
increase was primarily due to PPAs related to the Plant Oleander acquisition, a new PPA with Flint
Electric Membership Corporation (Flint EMC), and a full year of revenue from PPAs with Georgia
Power at Plant Franklin Unit 2 and Plant Harris Unit 2. The Georgia Power PPA for Plant Franklin
Unit 2 had a scheduled sales increase in June 2004, while the PPA for Plant Harris Unit 2 became
effective in June 2004. These increases were partially offset by the expiration of PPAs at Plant
Dahlberg.
Capacity revenues are an integral component of the Companys PPAs with both affiliate and
non-affiliate customers and represent the greatest contribution to net income. Energy under PPAs
is generally sold at variable cost or is indexed to published gas indices. Energy revenues also
include fees for support services, fuel storage, and unit start charges. Details of these PPA
capacity and energy revenues are as follows:
II-349
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliates |
|
$ |
279.7 |
|
|
$ |
279.1 |
|
|
$ |
278.2 |
|
Non-Affiliates |
|
|
136.9 |
|
|
|
103.3 |
|
|
|
68.7 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
416.6 |
|
|
|
382.4 |
|
|
|
346.9 |
|
|
Energy revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliates |
|
|
227.1 |
|
|
|
190.1 |
|
|
|
254.8 |
|
Non-Affiliates |
|
|
189.1 |
|
|
|
144.9 |
|
|
|
141.5 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
416.2 |
|
|
|
335.0 |
|
|
|
396.3 |
|
|
Total PPA revenues |
|
$ |
832.8 |
|
|
$ |
717.4 |
|
|
$ |
743.2 |
|
|
Wholesale
revenues that were not covered by PPAs totaled $131 million in
2007, which included $40 million of revenues from affiliated
companies. Wholesale sales were made in accordance with the Intercompany Interchange Contract
(IIC), as approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These non-PPA wholesale
revenues will vary from year to year depending on demand and the availability and cost of
generating resources at each company that participates in the centralized operation and dispatch of
the Southern Company fleet of generating plants (Southern Pool).
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
$ |
238.7 |
|
|
$ |
145.2 |
|
|
$ |
209.0 |
|
Purchased power-non-affiliates |
|
|
64.6 |
|
|
|
53.8 |
|
|
|
57.2 |
|
Purchased power-affiliates |
|
|
135.3 |
|
|
|
116.9 |
|
|
|
102.9 |
|
|
Total fuel and purchased power expenses |
|
$ |
438.6 |
|
|
$ |
315.9 |
|
|
$ |
369.1 |
|
|
Fuel costs constitute the single largest expense for the Company. Additionally, the Company
purchases a portion of its electricity needs from the wholesale market.
In 2007, fuel expense increased by $93.4 million (64.3%) compared to 2006. The increase was driven
by a 43.7% increase in generation at Plants Wansley and Dahlberg and a 5.2% increase in the average
cost of natural gas.
In 2006, fuel expense decreased by $63.8 million (30.5%) compared to 2005. The decrease was driven
by a 25.4% reduction in the average cost of natural gas. Gas prices in 2006 were lower and had
less weather-driven volatility than the previous year. The fuel price decrease was partially
offset by volume increases primarily from increased generation at Plants Wansley and Dahlberg.
In 2005, fuel expense increased by $81.9 million (64.4%). The increase was driven by a 54.2%
increase in the average cost of natural gas.
While there has been a significant upward trend in the cost of natural gas since 2003, prices
moderated somewhat in 2006 and 2007. While demand for natural gas in the United States continued
to increase in 2007, natural gas supplies have also risen due to increased production and higher
storage levels. The Companys PPAs generally provide that the purchasers are responsible for
substantially all of the cost of fuel.
Purchased power expense increased $29.3 million (17.1%) in 2007 when compared to 2006, primarily
due to increased purchases of lower cost energy resources from the Southern Pool and non-affiliates
and contracts with Georgia Electric Membership Corporation and Dalton Utilities. Purchased power
volume in 2007 increased 21.0% compared to 2006. Purchased power expense increased $10.7 million
(6.6%) in 2006 when compared to 2005, due to purchases from the Southern Pool and contracts with
Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA) and Dalton Utilities. Purchased power expense decreased
$28.4 million (15.1%) in 2005 when compared to 2004, due to limited market energy sales as the
Companys generating resources were employed for increased PPA commitments. In 2004, the capacity
from the uncontracted units was sold into short-term markets and the related energy sales were
often served with lower cost, short-term power purchases from affiliates and non-affiliates.
Purchased power expenses will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating
resources available throughout
II-350
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
the Southern Company system and other contract resources. Load requirements are submitted to the
Southern Pool on an hourly basis and are fulfilled with the lowest cost alternative, whether that
is generation owned by the Company, affiliate-owned generation, or external purchases.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
In 2007, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $39.7 million (41.7%) compared to
2006. This increase was due primarily to a full year of operations at Plant DeSoto and Plant Rowan
acquired in June 2006 and September 2006, respectively, and additional administrative and general
expenses as a result of costs incurred to implement the FERC compliance plan. See FUTURE EARNINGS
POTENTIAL FERC Matters Intercompany Interchange Contract herein, Note 2 to the financial
statements under DeSoto and Rowan Acquisitions, and Note 3 to the financial statements under
FERC Matters Intercompany Interchange Contract for additional information.
In 2006 and 2005, other operations and maintenance expenses increased $14.5 million (17.9%) and
$5.6 million (7.5%), respectively. These increases were primarily the result of the operation of
new generating units from acquisitions of Plant Oleander in June 2005, Plant DeSoto in June 2006,
and Plant Rowan in September 2006. See Note 2 to the financial statements under DeSoto and Rowan
Acquisitions and Oleander Acquisition for additional information.
Loss on IGCC Project
In November 2007, the Company and OUC mutually agreed to terminate the construction of the gasifier
portion of the IGCC project. The Company will continue construction of the gas-fired combined
cycle generating facility, owned by OUC. The Company recorded a loss in the fourth quarter 2007 of
approximately $17.6 million related to the cancellation of the gasifier portion of the IGCC
project. This loss consists of the write-off of construction costs of $14.0 million and an accrual
for termination payments of $3.6 million. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Construction Projects
Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) herein and Note 4 to the financial
statements under IGCC for additional information.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $8.0 million (12.2%), $11.7 million (21.6%), and $3.1
million (6%) in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. These increases were primarily the result of
additional depreciation related to Plants DeSoto and Rowan acquired in June 2006 and September
2006, respectively, Plant Oleander acquired in June 2005, and higher depreciation rates from a
depreciation study adopted in March 2006. See Note 1 to the financial statements under
Depreciation and Note 2 to the financial statements under DeSoto and Rowan Acquisitions and
Oleander Acquisition for additional information. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Other
Matters herein for additional information regarding a new depreciation study.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
The 2007 increase in taxes other than income taxes was not material.
Taxes other than income taxes increased $2.3 million (17.4%) and $2.0 million (18.1%) in 2006 and
2005, respectively. This was primarily due to incremental ad valorem taxes on new assets: Plants
DeSoto and Rowan acquired in June 2006 and September 2006, respectively, and Plant Oleander
acquired in June 2005. See Note 2 to the financial statements under DeSoto and Rowan
Acquisitions and Oleander Acquisition for additional information.
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized
Interest expense decreased $1.0 million (1.2%) in 2007 primarily due to additional capitalized
interest of $10.9 million on active construction projects and reduced interest on commercial paper
of $2.0 million due to lower borrowing levels. This decrease was partially offset by $11.9 million
increase in interest on $200 million of senior notes that were issued in November 2006.
Interest expense increased $0.8 million (1.0%) and $13.3 million (20.0%) in 2006 and 2005,
respectively. The 2006 increase was primarily the result of additional debt incurred for
acquisitions. This increase was offset by $5.6 million of interest capitalized on active
construction projects. The 2005 increase was due to incremental debt incurred for the Oleander
acquisition. Additional factors for the 2005 increase included a reduction of $17.4 million in
interest costs being capitalized as projects reached completion, were sold, or were suspended
during those periods. Plant McIntosh Units 10 and 11 were transferred to Georgia Power and
construction
II-351
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
was suspended on Plant Franklin Unit 3 during 2004, effectively ceasing all capitalized interest in
2005. For additional information, see FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Construction Projects, Note 4
to the financial statements under IGCC, and Note 7 to the financial statements under
Construction Programs.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Changes in other income, net in 2007, 2006, and 2005 were primarily the result of unrealized gains
and losses on derivative energy contracts. See FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Market Price
Risk herein and Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial Instruments.
Income Taxes
Income taxes increased $1.7 million (2.1%) in 2007, increased $9.9 million (13.9%) in 2006, and
decreased $1.1 million (1.5%) in 2005. Fluctuations in income taxes were primarily the result of
changes to pre-tax income.
Effects of Inflation
When inflation exceeds projections used in market, term, and cost evaluations performed at contract
initiation, the effects of inflation can create an economic loss. In addition, the income tax laws
are based on historical costs. Therefore inflation creates an economic loss as the Company is
recovering its costs of investments in dollars that could have less purchasing power. While the
inflation rate has been relatively low in recent years, it continues to have an adverse effect on
the Company due to large investment in utility plant with long economic lives. Conventional
accounting for historical costs does not recognize this economic loss or the partially offsetting
gain that arises through financing facilities with fixed money obligations such as long-term debt.
FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL
General
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily indicative of future
earnings potential. A number of factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of the
Companys competitive wholesale energy business. These factors include the ability to achieve
sales growth while containing costs. Another major factor is federal regulatory policy, which may
impact the Companys level of participation in this market. The level of future earnings depends
on numerous factors including regulatory matters (such as those related to affiliate contracts),
sales, creditworthiness of customers, total generating capacity available in the Southeast, and the
successful remarketing of capacity as current contracts expire.
Power Sales Agreements
The Companys sales are primarily through long-term PPAs. The Company is working to maintain
and expand its share of the wholesale market in the Super-Southeast power markets. Recent
oversupply of generating capacity in the market is being reduced and the Company expects that
many areas of the market will need capacity beyond 2011.
The Companys PPAs consist of two types of agreements. The first type, referred to as a unit
or block sale, is a customer purchase from a dedicated plant unit where all or a portion of
the generation from that unit is reserved for that customer. The second type, referred to as
requirements service, provides that the Company serve the customers capacity and energy
requirements from a combination of the customers own generating units and from Company
resources not dedicated to serve unit or block sales. The Company has rights to purchase
power from these customers when economically viable.
II-352
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
The Company has entered into the following PPAs over the past 3 years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract |
|
|
Date |
|
Megawatts |
|
Plant |
|
Term |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Progress Energy Carolina Inc.
|
|
December 2007
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
1/10-12/10 |
Progress Energy Carolina Inc.(a)
|
|
December 2007
|
|
|
160 |
|
|
Wansley
|
|
1/11-12/11 |
Georgia Power
|
|
April 2007
|
|
|
561 |
|
|
Wansley
|
|
6/10-5/17 |
Georgia Power
|
|
April 2007
|
|
|
292 |
|
|
Dahlberg
|
|
6/10-5/25 |
Progress Energy Carolina Inc.
|
|
February 2007
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
1/10-12/19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power
|
|
October 2006
|
|
|
292 |
|
|
Dahlberg
|
|
6/09-5/14 |
Duke Power (b)
|
|
September 2006
|
|
|
152 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
9/06-12/10 |
Duke Power (b)
|
|
September 2006
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
9/06-12/10 |
North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No. 1
(NCMPA1) (b)
|
|
September 2006
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
9/06-12/10 |
NCMPA1(b)
|
|
September 2006
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
1/11-12/30 |
EnergyUnited (Full Requirements)
|
|
May 2006
|
|
149 (c)
|
|
Unassigned
|
|
9/06-12/10 |
EnergyUnited (Full Requirements)
|
|
May 2006
|
|
388 (c)
|
|
Unassigned
|
|
1/11-12/25 |
EnergyUnited (Block)
|
|
May 2006
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
Rowan
|
|
1/11-12/25 |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. (d)
|
|
April 2006
|
|
|
621 |
|
|
Franklin
|
|
1/09-12/15 |
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.
|
|
February 2006
|
|
|
465 |
|
|
Oleander
|
|
1/10-12/15 |
Florida Municipal Power Agency
|
|
February 2006
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
Oleander
|
|
12/07 -12/27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florida Power & Light (e)
|
|
June 2005
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
Oleander
|
|
6/05-5/12 |
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. (e)
|
|
June 2005
|
|
|
465 |
|
|
Oleander
|
|
6/05-12/09 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Subject to obtaining transmission service. |
|
(b) |
|
Assumed contract through the Plant Rowan acquisition. |
|
(c) |
|
Reflects average annual capacity purchases. |
|
(d) |
|
Contract was assumed from Progress Ventures, Inc. in 2007. |
|
(e) |
|
Assumed contract through the Plant Oleander acquisition. |
The Company has PPAs with some of Southern Companys traditional operating companies and with
other investor owned utilities, independent power producers, municipalities, and electric
cooperatives. Although some of the Companys PPAs are with the traditional operating
companies, the Companys generating facilities are not in the traditional operating
companies regulated rate bases, and the Company is not able to seek recovery from the
traditional operating companies ratepayers for construction, repair, environmental, or
maintenance costs. The Company expects that the capacity payments in the PPAs will produce
sufficient cash flow to cover costs, pay debt service, and provide an equity return.
However, the Companys overall profit will depend on numerous factors, including efficient
operation of its generating facilities.
As a general matter, existing PPAs provide that the purchasers are responsible for
substantially all of the cost of fuel relating to the energy delivered under such PPAs. To
the extent a particular generating facility does not meet the operational requirements
contemplated in the PPAs, the Company may be responsible for excess fuel costs. With respect
to fuel transportation risk, most of the Companys PPAs provide that the counterparties are
responsible for procuring and transporting the fuel to the particular generating facility.
Fixed and variable operation and maintenance costs will be recovered through capacity charges
based on dollars-per-kilowatt year or energy charges based on dollars-per-MW hour. In
general, the Company has long-term service contracts with General Electric (GE) to reduce its
exposure to certain operation and maintenance costs relating to GE equipment. See Note 7 to
the financial statements under Long-Term Service Agreements for additional information.
II-353
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Many of the Companys PPAs have provisions that require the posting of collateral or an
acceptable substitute guarantee in the event that Standard & Poors or Moodys downgrades the
credit ratings of the counterparty to an unacceptable credit rating or the counterparty is
not rated or fails to maintain a minimum coverage ratio. The PPAs are expected to provide
the Company with a stable source of revenue during their respective terms.
The Company has entered into long-term power sales agreements for an average of 91% of its
available capacity for the next 10 years as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008- |
|
|
2010- |
|
|
2012- |
|
|
2014- |
|
|
2016- |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2015 |
|
|
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total available capacity 1 |
|
|
7,618 |
|
|
|
7,506 |
|
|
|
7,393 |
|
|
|
7,393 |
|
|
|
7,393 |
|
Average contracted capacity |
|
|
6,706 |
|
|
|
7,210 |
|
|
|
6,893 |
|
|
|
7,079 |
|
|
|
5,936 |
|
% contracted |
|
|
88 |
% |
|
|
96 |
% |
|
|
93 |
% |
|
|
96 |
% |
|
|
80 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1. |
|
Includes confirmed third party power purchases for 2008 through 2010. |
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales by the Company in Southern
Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund period that ended in May
2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $0.7 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The majority of the Companys generation fleet is operated under the IIC, as approved by the FERC.
In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new proceeding to examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the
traditional operating companies, the Company, and Southern Company Services, Inc., as agent, under
the terms of which the Southern Pool is operated, (2) whether any parties to the IIC have violated
the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility companies that are transmission providers,
and (3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct defining the Company as a system company
rather than a marketing affiliate is just and reasonable. In connection with the formation of
the Company, the FERC authorized the Companys inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The FERC also
previously approved Southern Companys code of conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the
modifications. The modifications largely involve functional separation and information restrictions related to
marketing activities conducted on
II-354
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
behalf of the Company. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC
approved, with certain modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. On November 19,
2007, Southern Company notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division
of audits subsequently began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters,
which is ongoing. The Companys cost of implementing the plan, including the modifications, is
expected to be approximately $8 million annually.
Income Tax Matters
Internal Revenue Code Section 199 Domestic Production Deduction
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to U.S. production activities as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Section
199 (production activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of qualified
production activities net income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through 2010
with a 3% rate applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007 through
2009, and a 9% rate applicable for all years after 2009. See Note 5 to the financial statements
under Effective Tax Rate for additional information.
Bonus Depreciation
On February 13, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act) into
law. The Stimulus Act includes a provision that allows 50% bonus depreciation for certain property
acquired in 2008 and placed in service in 2008 or, in certain limited cases, 2009. The Company is
currently assessing the financial implications of the Stimulus Act; however, the ultimate impact
cannot be determined at this time.
Environmental Matters
The Companys operations are subject to extensive regulation by state and federal environmental
agencies under a variety of statutes and regulations governing environmental media, including air,
water, and land resources. Applicable statutes include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act; the Endangered Species Act; and related federal and state regulations.
Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global
climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly
affect the Company.
New environmental legislation or regulations, such as requirements related to greenhouse gases, or
changes to existing statutes or regulations, could affect many areas of the Companys operations.
While the Companys PPAs generally contain provisions that permit charging the counterparty with
some of the new costs incurred as a result of changes in environmental laws and regulations, the
full impact of any such regulatory or legislative changes cannot be determined at this time.
Because the Companys units are newer gas-fired generating facilities, costs associated with
environmental compliance for these facilities have been less significant than for similarly
situated coal-fired generating facilities or older gas-fired generating facilities. Environmental,
natural resource, and land use concerns, including the applicability of air quality limitations,
the availability of water withdrawal rights, uncertainties regarding aesthetic impacts such as
increased light or noise, and concerns about potential adverse health impacts, can, however,
increase the cost of siting and operating any type of future electric generating facility. The
impact of such statutes and regulations on the Company cannot be determined at this time.
Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, common
law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air and water quality
standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury
claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent.
The ultimate outcome of such potential litigation against the Company cannot be determined at this
time.
Global Climate Issues
Federal legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements related to greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. The ultimate outcome of these proposals cannot be
determined at this time; however, mandatory restrictions on the Companys greenhouse gas emissions
could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect results of operations,
cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered under applicable power purchase
agreements.
II-355
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles.
The EPA is currently developing its response to this decision. Regulatory decisions that will
follow from this response may have implications for both new and existing stationary sources, such
as power plants. The ultimate outcome of these rulemaking activities cannot be determined at this
time; however, as with the current legislative proposals, mandatory restrictions on the Companys
greenhouse gas emissions could result in significant additional compliance costs that could affect
results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered under
applicable PPAs.
In addition, some states are considering or have undertaken actions to regulate and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. For example, on July 13, 2007, the Governor of the State of Florida
signed three executive orders addressing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the state,
including statewide emission reduction targets beginning in 2017. Included in the orders is a
directive to the Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection to develop rules adopting maximum
allowable emissions levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities, consistent with the
statewide emission reduction targets, and a request to the Florida Public Service Commission to
initiate rulemaking requiring utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from renewable
sources. The impact of these orders on the Company will depend on the development, adoption, and
implementation of any rules governing greenhouse gas emissions, and the ultimate outcome cannot be
determined at this time.
International climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change also continue. Current efforts focus on a potential successor to the Kyoto Protocol for
the post 2008 through 2012 timeframe. The Company continues to evaluate its future energy and
emission profiles and is participating in voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and to help develop and advance technology to reduce emissions.
Construction Projects
Plant Franklin Unit 3
The Company restarted construction activities on Plant Franklin Unit 3 in 2006, with an expected
completion date in June 2008. The total cost is expected to be approximately $318.6 million, of
which $280.4 million had been spent as of December 31, 2007. The expected capacity of this unit is
621 MW and will be used to provide annual capacity for a PPA with Constellation Energy Group, Inc.
from 2009 through 2015.
Plant Oleander Unit 5
The Company completed construction of Plant Oleander Unit 5 in December 2007. Costs incurred
through December 31, 2007 were $56.9 million. This unit is a combustion turbine with a nameplate
capacity of 163 MW in Brevard County, Florida. This unit is contracted to provide annual capacity
for a PPA with the Florida Municipal Power Agency from 2007 through 2027.
Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC)
In December 2005, the Company and the OUC executed definitive agreements for development of a
285-MW IGCC project in Orlando, Florida. The definitive agreements provided that the Company would
own at least 65% of the gasifier portion of the IGCC project. OUC would own the remainder of the
gasifier portion and 100% of the combined cycle portion of the IGCC project. The Company signed
cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that provided up to $293.75 million
in grant funding for the gasification portion of this project. The IGCC project was expected to
begin commercial operation in 2010. Due to continuing uncertainty surrounding potential state regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions,
the Company and OUC mutually agreed to terminate the construction of the gasifier portion of the IGCC project in November 2007.
The Company will continue
construction of the gas-fired combined cycle generating facility for OUC under a fixed-price,
long-term contract for engineering, procurement and construction services. The Company recorded a
loss in the fourth quarter 2007 of approximately $17.6 million related to cancellation of the
gasifier portion of the IGCC project. This amount is net of reimbursements from OUC and the DOE.
This loss consists of the write-off of construction costs of $14.0 million and an accrual for
termination costs of $3.6 million. All termination costs are expected to be paid in 2008. As part
of the termination agreement with OUC, the Company agreed to sell a tract of land in Orange County,
Florida to OUC. The Company will record a gain of approximately $6 million on this sale in the
first quarter of 2008.
II-356
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Other Matters
The Company completed a depreciation study in 2006 and updated the composite depreciation rates for
its property, plant, and equipment. This change in estimate arises from changes in useful life
assumptions for certain components of plant in service. This change increased depreciation expense
and reduced net income. The 2006 net income impact of this change was $3.8 million. See Note 1 to
the financial statements under Depreciation for additional information. The Company is currently
undergoing a new depreciation study that will be implemented in 2008. It is expected that the
results of this new study will increase depreciation expense and reduce net income. The net income
impact of this change is estimated to be $2.7 million annually.
From time to time, the Company is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory
matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, the Company is subject to certain claims
and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Companys business activities
are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment.
Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage,
personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as
air and water quality standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. The
ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company cannot be predicted at
this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not
anticipate that the liabilities, if any arising from such current proceedings would have a material
adverse effect on the Companys financial statements. See Note 3 to the financial statements for
information regarding material issues.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1
to the financial statements. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that
may have a material impact on the Companys results of operations and related disclosures.
Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different
from those recorded in the financial statements. Senior management has reviewed and discussed the
critical accounting policies and estimates described below with the Audit Committee of Southern
Companys Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
The Companys revenue recognition depends on appropriate classification and documentation of
transactions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended and interpreted (SFAS
No. 133). In general, the Companys power sale transactions can be classified in one of four
categories: non-derivatives, normal sales, cash flow hedges, and mark to market. For more
information on derivative transactions, see FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Market Price
Risk and Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements under Financial Instruments. The Companys
revenues are dependent upon significant judgments used to determine the appropriate transaction
classification, which must be documented upon the inception of each contract. Factors that must be
considered in making these determinations include:
|
|
|
Assessing whether a sales contract meets the definition of a lease; |
|
|
|
|
Assessing whether a sales contract meets the definition of a derivative; |
|
|
|
|
Assessing whether a sales contract meets the definition of a capacity contract; |
|
|
|
|
Assessing the probability at inception and throughout the term of the individual contract
that the contract will result in physical delivery; |
|
|
|
|
Ensuring that the contract quantities do not exceed available generating capacity (including
purchased capacity); |
|
|
|
|
Identifying the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, and the nature of the risk being
hedged; and |
|
|
|
|
Assessing hedge effectiveness at inception and throughout the contract term. |
II-357
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Normal Sale and Non-Derivative Transactions
The Company has capacity contracts that provide for the sale of electricity and that involve
physical delivery in quantities within the Companys available generating capacity. These
contracts either do not meet the definition of a derivative or are designated as normal sales thus
exempting them from fair value accounting under SFAS No. 133. As a result, such transactions are
accounted for as executory contracts; additionally the related revenue is recognized in accordance
with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 91-6, Revenue Recognition of Long-Term Power Sales
Contracts on an accrual basis in amounts equal to the lesser of the levelized amount or the amount
billable under the contract, over the respective contract periods. Revenues are recorded on a
gross basis in accordance with EITF No. 99-19 Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as
an Agent. Revenues from transactions that do not meet the definition of a derivative are also
recorded in this manner. Contracts recorded on the accrual basis represented the majority of the
Companys operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Cash Flow Hedge Transactions
The Company designates other derivative contracts for the sale of electricity as cash flow hedges
of anticipated sale transactions. These contracts are marked to market through other comprehensive
income over the life of the contract. Realized gains and losses are then recognized in revenues as
incurred.
Mark-to-Market Transactions
Contracts for sales of electricity that are not normal sales and are not designated as cash flow
hedges are marked to market and recorded directly through net income. Net unrealized gains on such
contracts were not material for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Percentage of Completion
The Company is currently engaged in a long-term contract for engineering, procurement, and
construction services to build a combined cycle unit for OUC. Construction activities commenced in
2006 and are expected to be complete by the end of 2010. Revenues and costs are recognized using
the percentage-of-completion method. The Company utilizes the cost-to-cost approach as this method
is less subjective than relying on assessments of physical progress. The percentage of completion
represents the percentage of the total costs incurred to the estimated total cost of the contract.
Revenues and costs are recognized by applying this percentage to the total revenues and estimated
costs of the contract.
Asset Impairments
The Companys investments in long-lived assets are primarily generation assets, whether in service
or under construction. The Company evaluates the carrying value of these assets under FASB
Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, whenever
indicators of potential impairment exist. Examples of impairment indicators could include
significant changes in construction schedules, current period losses combined with a history of
losses, or a projection of continuing losses or a significant decrease in market prices. If an
indicator exists, the asset is tested for recoverability by comparing the asset carrying value to
the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows directly attributable to the asset. A high
degree of judgment is required in developing estimates related to these evaluations, which are
based on projections of various factors, including the following:
|
|
|
Future demand for electricity based on projections of economic growth and estimates of
available generating capacity; |
|
|
|
|
Future power and natural gas prices, which have been quite volatile in recent years; and |
|
|
|
|
Future operating costs. |
Acquisition Accounting
The Company has been engaged in a strategy of acquiring assets. The Company has accounted for
these acquisitions under the purchase method in accordance with FASB Statement No. 141, Business
Combinations. Accordingly, the Company has included these operations in the consolidated financial
statements from the respective date of acquisition. The purchase price of each acquisition was
allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities based on a valuation prepared by a third
party.
II-358
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Contingent Obligations
The Company is subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as other
factors and conditions that potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, income tax, and
other risks. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL herein and Note 3 to the financial statements for more
information regarding certain of these contingencies. The Company periodically evaluates its
exposure to such risks and records reserves for those matters where a loss is considered probable
and reasonably estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The adequacy
of reserves can be significantly affected by external events or conditions that can be
unpredictable; thus, the ultimate outcome of such matters could materially affect the Companys
financial statements. These events or conditions include the following:
Changes in existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances, hazardous and solid
wastes, and other environmental matters.
Changes in existing income tax regulations or changes in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or
state revenue department interpretations of existing regulations.
Identification of additional sites that require environmental remediation or the filing of
other complaints in which the Company may be asserted to be a potentially responsible party.
Identification and evaluation of other potential lawsuits or complaints in which the Company
may be named as a defendant.
Resolution or progression of existing matters through the legislative process, the court
systems, the IRS, the FERC, or the EPA.
New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than not
that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before
any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on
the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any
related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax positions
beginning January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Companys
financial statements.
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) in September 2006.
SFAS No. 157 provides guidance on how to measure fair value where it is permitted or required
under other accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 also requires additional disclosures about
fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 in its entirety on January 1, 2008, with
no material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Fair Value Option
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).
This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, with no material effect
on its financial condition or results of operations.
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R, when adopted, will significantly change the accounting for
business combinations, specifically the accounting for contingent consideration, contingencies,
acquisition costs, and restructuring costs. The Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 141R on January 1,
2009. It is likely that the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will have a significant impact on the
accounting for any business combinations completed by the Company after January 1, 2009.
II-359
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin
No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements to establish accounting and reporting standards for the
non-controlling (minority) interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.
It clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary should be reported as equity in the
consolidated financial statements and establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a
parents ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation. The Company
plans to adopt SFAS No. 160 on January 1, 2009 and is currently assessing its impact, if any.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Overview
Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $315.4 million in 2007 increasing 30% from
2006. This increase is primarily due to the increase in sales due to favorable weather and cash
received under billings for the engineering, procurement, and construction services to build a
combined cycle unit for OUC. The OUC contract is not expected to have any positive or negative
cash impacts to the Company over the term of the contract as the Company is not anticipating a
profit or loss from this transaction at this time. Net cash used for investing activities totaled
$183.9 million in 2007 decreasing 61% from 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the
acquisition of Plants DeSoto and Rowan in June 2006 and September 2006, respectively. Gross
property additions to utility plant of $183.7 million in 2007 were primarily related to the
on-going construction activity at Plant Franklin Unit 3 and the completion of construction at Plant
Oleander Unit 5. Net cash used for financing activities was $161.5 million in 2007 compared to
$233.4 million provided to the Company in 2006. This change was primarily due to the cash proceeds
of $200 million from the issuance of 30-year senior notes in 2006 and borrowings and equity
contributions to finance the acquisitions of Plants DeSoto and Rowan.
Other significant balance sheet changes consist of an increase in assets and liabilities for risk
management activities of $14.1 million and $12.5 million, respectively. These increases, which do
not affect cash, are primarily due to mark-to-market changes on forward energy sales of uncovered
plant assets and related gas hedges on the forward sales.
In 2007, the Company also paid $89.8 million in dividends to Southern Company and reduced
short-term indebtedness outstanding by $74 million.
Sources of Capital
The Company may use operating cash flows, external funds, or equity capital from Southern Company
to finance any new projects, acquisitions, and ongoing capital requirements. The Company expects
to generate external funds from the issuance of unsecured senior debt and commercial paper or
utilization of credit arrangements from banks. However, the amount, type, and timing of any
financings, if needed, will depend upon regulatory approval, prevailing market conditions, and
other factors.
The Companys current liabilities frequently exceed current assets due to the use of short-term
indebtedness as a funding source, as well as cash needs which can fluctuate significantly due to
the seasonality of the business. To meet liquidity and capital resource requirements, the Company
had at December 31, 2007, $400 million of committed credit arrangements with banks that expire in
2012. Borrowings of $13 million under this facility were outstanding as of December 31, 2007.
Proceeds from these credit arrangements may be used for working capital and general corporate
purposes as well as liquidity support for the Companys commercial paper program. See Note 6 to
the financial statements under Bank Credit Arrangements for additional information.
The Companys commercial paper program is used to finance acquisition and construction costs
related to electric generating facilities and for general corporate purposes. At December 31,
2007, there was $36.7 million of commercial paper outstanding. See Note 6 to the financial
statements under Commercial Paper for additional information.
Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing commercial
paper programs and lines of credit without maintaining large cash balances.
Financing Activities
During 2007, the Company did not issue any new long-term securities.
During 2006, the Company issued $200 million of 30-year unsecured long-term senior notes. The
proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the Companys outstanding short-term
indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes, including the
II-360
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Companys continuous construction program. In conjunction with issuing the securities, the Company
terminated $200 million in interest swaps at a cost of $8.1 million. This cost was recorded in
other comprehensive income and is being amortized to interest expense over a 10-year period.
The issuance of all securities by the Company is generally subject to regulatory approval by the
FERC. Additionally, with respect to the public offering of securities, the Company files
registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (1933 Act). The amounts of securities authorized by the FERC, as well as the
amounts registered under the 1933 Act, are continuously monitored and appropriate filings are made
to ensure flexibility in the capital markets.
Credit Rating Risk
The Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment
schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts
that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change
to BBB and Baa2 or to BBB- or Baa3 or below. These contracts are primarily for physical
electricity purchases and sales. At December 31, 2007, the maximum potential collateral
requirements at a BBB and Baa2 rating were approximately $9 million and at a BBB- or Baa3 rating
were approximately $270 million. At December 31, 2007 the maximum potential collateral
requirements at a rating below BBB- or Baa3 were approximately $457 million. Generally, collateral
may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash.
In addition, through the acquisition of Plant Rowan, the Company assumed a PPA with Duke Energy
that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a downgrade to the
Companys credit rating to below BBB- or Baa3. The amount of collateral required would depend upon
actual losses, if any, resulting from a credit downgrade, limited to the Companys remaining
obligations under the contract.
The Company, along with the other members of the Southern Pool, is also party to certain agreements
that could require collateral and/or accelerated payment in the event of a credit rating change to
below investment grade for Alabama Power and/or Georgia Power. These agreements are primarily for
natural gas and power price risk management activities. At December 31, 2007, the Companys total
exposure to these types of agreements was approximately $15 million.
Market Price Risk
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain energy-related
commodity prices, and, occasionally, currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility
attributable to these exposures, the Company nets the exposures to take advantage of natural
offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to the
Companys policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and hedging practices. Company policy is
that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes. Derivative positions are monitored
using techniques that include market valuation and sensitivity analysis.
Because energy from the Companys facilities is primarily sold under long-term PPAs with tolling
agreements and provisions shifting substantially all of the responsibility for fuel cost to the
counterparties, the Companys exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of
electricity is limited.
The fair value of changes in derivative energy contracts and year-end valuations were as follows at
December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Fair Value |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Contracts beginning of year |
|
$ |
1,850 |
|
|
$ |
223 |
|
Contracts realized or settled |
|
|
(1,887 |
) |
|
|
(5,233 |
) |
New contracts at inception |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in valuation techniques |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period changes (a) |
|
|
3,408 |
|
|
|
6,860 |
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
3,371 |
|
|
$ |
1,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new
contracts entered into during the period, if any. |
II-361
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
At December 31, 2007, the sources of the valuation prices were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source of 2007 Year-End |
|
|
Valuation Prices |
|
|
|
Total |
|
Maturity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Year 1 |
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Actively quoted |
|
$ |
(406 |
) |
|
$ |
(337 |
) |
|
$ |
(69 |
) |
External sources |
|
|
3,777 |
|
|
|
3,777 |
|
|
|
|
|
Models and other methods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts end of year |
|
$ |
3,371 |
|
|
$ |
3,440 |
|
|
$ |
(69 |
) |
|
Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses on electric contracts used to hedge anticipated sales, and gas
contracts used to hedge anticipated purchases and sales, are deferred in other comprehensive
income. Gains and losses on contracts that do not represent hedges are recognized in the
statements of income as incurred.
At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of energy related derivative contracts were
reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net Income |
|
$ |
3,293 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
78 |
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
3,371 |
|
|
Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses from energy-related derivative contracts recognized in income
were not material for any year presented. The Company is exposed to market-price risk in the event
of nonperformance by counterparties to the derivative energy contracts. The Companys policy is to
enter into agreements with counterparties that have investment grade credit ratings by Standard &
Poors and Moodys or with counterparties who have posted collateral to cover potential credit
exposure. Therefore, the Company does not anticipate market risk exposure from nonperformance by
the counterparties. For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements
under Financial Instruments.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had no variable long-term debt outstanding. Therefore, there
would be no effect on annualized interest expense related to long-term debt if the Company
sustained a 100 basis point change in interest rates. The Company is not aware of any facts or
circumstances that would significantly affect such exposures in the near term.
Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations
The capital program of the Company is currently estimated to be $109.1 million for 2008, $281.9
million for 2009, and $765.4 million for 2010. These amounts include estimates for potential plant
acquisitions and/or new construction as well as ongoing capital improvements. Actual construction
costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in factors such as: business conditions;
environmental statutes and regulations; FERC rules and regulations; load projections; the cost and
efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; and the cost of capital. Currently,
there is one unit at Plant Franklin under construction.
Other funding requirements related to obligations associated with scheduled maturities of long-term
debt, as well as the related interest, leases, derivative obligations, and other purchase
commitments are as follows. See Notes 1, 6, and 7 to the financial statements for additional
information.
II-362
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009- |
|
2011- |
|
After |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2012 |
|
2012 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Long-term debt(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
575.0 |
|
|
$ |
725.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,300.0 |
|
Interest |
|
|
74.2 |
|
|
|
148.6 |
|
|
|
148.6 |
|
|
|
382.8 |
|
|
|
754.2 |
|
Other derivative obligations(b) |
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
24.3 |
|
Purchase commitments(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital(d) |
|
|
109.1 |
|
|
|
1,047.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,156.4 |
|
Natural gas(e) |
|
|
194.9 |
|
|
|
155.9 |
|
|
|
72.0 |
|
|
|
211.0 |
|
|
|
633.8 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
21.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
Long-term service agreements(f) |
|
|
33.3 |
|
|
|
101.4 |
|
|
|
70.6 |
|
|
|
963.5 |
|
|
|
1,168.8 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
430.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,475.8 |
|
|
$ |
866.9 |
|
|
$ |
2,304.6 |
|
|
$ |
5,077.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
All amounts are reflected based on final maturity dates. The Company plans to retire higher-cost securities and replace these
obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit. |
|
(b) |
|
For additional information, see Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements. |
|
(c) |
|
The Company generally does not enter into non-cancelable commitments for other operations and maintenance expenditures. Total
other operations and maintenance expenses for the last three years were $135.0 million, $95.3 million, and $80.8 million,
respectively. |
|
(d) |
|
The Company forecasts capital expenditures over a three-year period. Amounts represent current estimates of total expenditures. |
|
(e) |
|
Natural gas purchase commitments are based on various indices at the time of delivery. Amounts reflected have been estimated
based on New York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. |
|
(f) |
|
Long-term service agreements include price escalation based on inflation indices. |
II-363
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Companys 2007 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements concerning environmental regulations and expenditures,
financing activities, access to sources of capital, impacts of the adoption of new accounting
rules, impacts of the new depreciation study, completion of construction projects, and estimated
construction and other expenditures. 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. There are various factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly,
there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors include:
|
|
the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including legislative
and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility
industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental laws including
regulation of water quality and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot, or
particulate matter and other substances, and also changes in tax and other laws and
regulations to which the Company is subject, as well as changes in application of existing
laws and regulations; |
|
|
|
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries,
including FERC matters; |
|
|
|
the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in
which the Company operates; |
|
|
|
variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general
economy, population, and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy
conservation measures; |
|
|
|
available sources and costs of fuel; |
|
|
|
effects of inflation; |
|
|
|
advances in technology; |
|
|
|
state and federal rate regulations; |
|
|
|
the ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and construction
of facilities; |
|
|
|
internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
|
|
|
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to the Company; |
|
|
|
the ability of counterparties of the Company to make payments as and when due; |
|
|
|
the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effect on the Companys business resulting from terrorist incidents
and the threat of terrorist incidents; |
|
|
|
interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts, including the Companys credit ratings; |
|
|
|
the ability of the Company to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices; |
|
|
|
catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts,
pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
|
|
|
the direct or indirect effects on the Companys business resulting from incidents similar to
the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
|
|
|
the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and |
|
|
|
other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K) filed
by the Company from time to time with the SEC. |
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
II-364
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
$ |
416,648 |
|
|
$ |
279,384 |
|
|
$ |
223,058 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
547,229 |
|
|
|
491,762 |
|
|
|
556,664 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
8,137 |
|
|
|
5,902 |
|
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
972,014 |
|
|
|
777,048 |
|
|
|
781,004 |
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel |
|
|
238,680 |
|
|
|
145,236 |
|
|
|
209,008 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliates |
|
|
64,604 |
|
|
|
53,795 |
|
|
|
57,182 |
|
Affiliates |
|
|
135,336 |
|
|
|
116,902 |
|
|
|
102,874 |
|
Other operations |
|
|
98,156 |
|
|
|
73,804 |
|
|
|
61,235 |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
36,815 |
|
|
|
21,472 |
|
|
|
19,570 |
|
Loss on IGCC project |
|
|
17,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
73,985 |
|
|
|
65,959 |
|
|
|
54,254 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
15,744 |
|
|
|
15,637 |
|
|
|
13,314 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
680,939 |
|
|
|
492,805 |
|
|
|
517,437 |
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
291,075 |
|
|
|
284,243 |
|
|
|
263,567 |
|
Other Income and (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(79,175 |
) |
|
|
(80,154 |
) |
|
|
(79,322 |
) |
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
3,285 |
|
|
|
2,191 |
|
|
|
2,379 |
|
|
Total other income and (expense) |
|
|
(75,890 |
) |
|
|
(77,963 |
) |
|
|
(76,943 |
) |
|
Earnings Before Income Taxes |
|
|
215,185 |
|
|
|
206,280 |
|
|
|
186,624 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
83,548 |
|
|
|
81,811 |
|
|
|
71,833 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
131,637 |
|
|
$ |
124,469 |
|
|
$ |
114,791 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-365
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
131,637 |
|
|
$ |
124,469 |
|
|
$ |
114,791 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
89,221 |
|
|
|
82,365 |
|
|
|
68,210 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
31,665 |
|
|
|
33,150 |
|
|
|
24,055 |
|
Deferred revenues |
|
|
(4,852 |
) |
|
|
2,248 |
|
|
|
(370 |
) |
Mark-to-market adjustments |
|
|
(3,033 |
) |
|
|
(328 |
) |
|
|
(154 |
) |
Accumulated billings on construction contract |
|
|
60,417 |
|
|
|
12,810 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated costs on construction contract |
|
|
(29,645 |
) |
|
|
(7,198 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Loss on IGCC project |
|
|
17,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net |
|
|
7,874 |
|
|
|
2,484 |
|
|
|
3,617 |
|
Changes in certain current assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables |
|
|
(3,155 |
) |
|
|
38,479 |
|
|
|
(42,355 |
) |
Fossil fuel stock |
|
|
(4,105 |
) |
|
|
(374 |
) |
|
|
(4,316 |
) |
Materials and supplies |
|
|
(1,169 |
) |
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
(4,096 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
(1,863 |
) |
|
|
(3,003 |
) |
|
|
(5,900 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
23,028 |
|
|
|
(34,163 |
) |
|
|
41,662 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
1,474 |
|
|
|
(8,522 |
) |
|
|
5,782 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
687 |
|
|
|
535 |
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities |
|
|
315,432 |
|
|
|
242,985 |
|
|
|
201,461 |
|
|
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property additions |
|
|
(183,669 |
) |
|
|
(91,491 |
) |
|
|
(30,780 |
) |
Acquisition of plant facilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(409,213 |
) |
|
|
(210,323 |
) |
Sale of property to affiliates |
|
|
4,291 |
|
|
|
15,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
Change in construction payables, net |
|
|
(1,960 |
) |
|
|
10,965 |
|
|
|
(124 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(2,514 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used for investing activities |
|
|
(183,852 |
) |
|
|
(474,065 |
) |
|
|
(241,227 |
) |
|
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net |
|
|
(74,004 |
) |
|
|
13,060 |
|
|
|
110,692 |
|
Proceeds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions |
|
|
3,533 |
|
|
|
108,689 |
|
|
|
5,022 |
|
Redemptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term debt |
|
|
(1,209 |
) |
|
|
(200 |
) |
|
|
(200 |
) |
Payment of common stock dividends |
|
|
(89,800 |
) |
|
|
(77,700 |
) |
|
|
(72,400 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(10,471 |
) |
|
|
(958 |
) |
|
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities |
|
|
(161,504 |
) |
|
|
233,378 |
|
|
|
42,156 |
|
|
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
|
(29,924 |
) |
|
|
2,298 |
|
|
|
2,390 |
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year |
|
|
29,929 |
|
|
|
27,631 |
|
|
|
25,241 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
29,929 |
|
|
$ |
27,631 |
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest (net of $16,541, $5,648 and $- capitalized, respectively) |
|
$ |
63,766 |
|
|
$ |
65,206 |
|
|
$ |
64,487 |
|
Income taxes (net of refunds) |
|
|
50,724 |
|
|
|
53,608 |
|
|
|
33,751 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-366
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
29,929 |
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts receivable |
|
|
19,100 |
|
|
|
16,789 |
|
Other accounts receivable |
|
|
1,025 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
Affiliated companies |
|
|
27,004 |
|
|
|
26,215 |
|
Fossil fuel stock, at average cost |
|
|
15,160 |
|
|
|
11,056 |
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
|
19,284 |
|
|
|
19,877 |
|
Prepaid service agreements current |
|
|
14,233 |
|
|
|
30,280 |
|
Other prepaid expenses |
|
|
2,840 |
|
|
|
5,878 |
|
Assets from risk management activities |
|
|
16,079 |
|
|
|
2,006 |
|
Other |
|
|
4,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
118,956 |
|
|
|
142,155 |
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In service |
|
|
2,534,507 |
|
|
|
2,434,146 |
|
Less accumulated provision for depreciation |
|
|
280,962 |
|
|
|
219,654 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,253,545 |
|
|
|
2,214,492 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
|
283,084 |
|
|
|
260,279 |
|
|
Total property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
2,536,629 |
|
|
|
2,474,771 |
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid long-term service agreements |
|
|
87,058 |
|
|
|
51,615 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
4,138 |
|
|
|
4,473 |
|
Other |
|
|
21,993 |
|
|
|
17,929 |
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets |
|
|
113,189 |
|
|
|
74,017 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
2,768,774 |
|
|
$ |
2,690,943 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-367
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2007 and 2006
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities due within one year |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,209 |
|
Notes payable |
|
|
49,748 |
|
|
|
123,752 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
48,475 |
|
|
|
33,205 |
|
Other |
|
|
20,322 |
|
|
|
16,453 |
|
Accrued taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
392 |
|
|
|
393 |
|
Other |
|
|
2,658 |
|
|
|
2,183 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
30,168 |
|
|
|
29,849 |
|
Liabilities from risk management activities |
|
|
12,639 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
Billings in excess of cost on construction contract |
|
|
36,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
9,523 |
|
|
|
4,684 |
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
210,309 |
|
|
|
211,884 |
|
|
Long-Term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.25% due 2012 |
|
|
575,000 |
|
|
|
575,000 |
|
4.875% due 2015 |
|
|
525,000 |
|
|
|
525,000 |
|
6.375% due 2036 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
Unamortized debt discount |
|
|
(2,901 |
) |
|
|
(3,155 |
) |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
1,297,099 |
|
|
|
1,296,845 |
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes |
|
|
138,123 |
|
|
|
106,016 |
|
Deferred capacity revenues Affiliated |
|
|
34,801 |
|
|
|
36,313 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliated |
|
|
7,754 |
|
|
|
8,958 |
|
Other |
|
|
2,801 |
|
|
|
5,423 |
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
|
|
183,479 |
|
|
|
156,710 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
1,690,887 |
|
|
|
1,665,439 |
|
|
Common Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 1,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding 1,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
|
858,466 |
|
|
|
854,933 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
253,131 |
|
|
|
211,295 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(33,710 |
) |
|
|
(40,724 |
) |
|
Total common stockholders equity |
|
|
1,077,887 |
|
|
|
1,025,504 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
2,768,774 |
|
|
$ |
2,690,943 |
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Matters (See notes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-368
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
Paid-In |
|
Retained |
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Capital |
|
Earnings |
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Total |
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
740,535 |
|
|
$ |
122,134 |
|
|
$ |
(51,058 |
) |
|
$ |
811,611 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114,791 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,708 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,708 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,633 |
|
|
|
6,633 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(72,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(72,400 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
746,243 |
|
|
|
164,525 |
|
|
|
(44,425 |
) |
|
|
866,343 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
124,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
124,469 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
108,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108,689 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,701 |
|
|
|
3,701 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(77,700 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(77,700 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
854,933 |
|
|
|
211,295 |
|
|
|
(40,724 |
) |
|
|
1,025,504 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
131,637 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
131,637 |
|
Capital contributions from parent company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,533 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,014 |
|
|
|
7,014 |
|
Cash dividends on common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(89,800 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(89,800 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
858,466 |
|
|
$ |
253,131 |
|
|
$ |
(33,710 |
) |
|
$ |
1,077,887 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
131,637 |
|
|
$ |
124,469 |
|
|
$ |
114,791 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying hedges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in fair value, net of tax of $(558), $(2,801), and $106, respectively |
|
|
(842 |
) |
|
|
(4,263 |
) |
|
|
164 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income,
net of tax of $5,244, $3,992, and $4,155, respectively |
|
|
7,856 |
|
|
|
7,964 |
|
|
|
6,469 |
|
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
7,014 |
|
|
|
3,701 |
|
|
|
6,633 |
|
|
Comprehensive Income |
|
$ |
138,651 |
|
|
$ |
128,170 |
|
|
$ |
121,424 |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
II-369
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Southern Power Company (the Company) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company, which is
also the parent company of four traditional operating companies, Southern Company Services, Inc.
(SCS), Southern Communications Services, Inc. (SouthernLINC Wireless), Southern Company Holdings,
Inc. (Southern Holdings), Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. (Southern Nuclear), and other
direct and indirect subsidiaries. The traditional operating companies, Alabama Power Company
(APC), Georgia Power Company (GPC), Gulf Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company, are
vertically integrated utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. The
Company constructs, acquires, and manages generation assets and sells electricity at market-based
rates in the wholesale market. SCS, the system service company, provides, at cost, specialized
services to Southern Company and its subsidiary companies. SouthernLINC Wireless provides digital
wireless communications services to the traditional operating companies and also markets these
services to the public and provides fiber cable services within the Southeast. Southern Holdings
is an intermediate holding company subsidiary for Southern Companys investments in synthetic fuels
and leveraged leases and various other energy-related businesses. The investments in synthetic
fuels ended on December 31, 2007. Southern Nuclear operates and provides services to Southern
Companys nuclear power plants.
The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The
Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States requires the use of estimates, and the actual results may differ from those estimates.
The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
Southern Company Florida LLC (SCF), Oleander Power Project, LP (Oleander), DeSoto County
Generating Company, LLC (DeSoto), and Southern Power Company Orlando Gasification LLC (SPC-OG),
which own, operate, and maintain the Companys ownership interests in Plant Stanton Unit A, Plant
Oleander, Plant DeSoto, and construct the combined cycle for the Orlando Utilities Commission
(OUC), respectively. See Note 2 under DeSoto and Rowan Acquisitions and Oleander Acquisition
and Note 4 under IGCC for further information. All intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, net
income, or cash flows.
The statements of cash flows has been modified to remove the line presented in prior years as Tax
benefit of stock options and include these amounts in the line item Other,net.
Affiliate Transactions
The Company has an agreement with SCS under which the following services are rendered to the
Company at amounts in compliance with FERC regulation: general and design engineering, purchasing,
accounting and statistical analysis, finance and treasury, tax, information resources, marketing,
auditing, insurance and pension administration, human resources, systems and procedures and other
services with respect to business and operations and power pool transactions. SCS also enters into
fuel purchase and transportation arrangements and contracts, financial instruments for purposes of
hedging, and wholesale energy purchase and sale transactions for the benefit of the Company.
Because the Company has no employees, all employee-related charges are rendered at amounts in
compliance with FERC regulation under agreements with SCS or the traditional operating companies.
Costs for these services from SCS amounted to approximately $125.4 million in 2007, $77.8 million
in 2006, and $51.9 million in 2005. Approximately $74.1 million in 2007, $59.7 million in 2006,
and $47.8 million in 2005 were general, administrative, operations, and maintenance expenses; the
remainder was capitalized to construction work in progress and other assets. Cost allocation
methodologies used by SCS were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the
repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, and management believes they
are reasonable. The FERC permits services to be rendered at cost by system service companies.
In 2003, the Company entered into agreements with APC and GPC under which APC and GPC operated and
maintained Plants Dahlberg, Wansley, Franklin, and Harris. GPC also supplied various services for
other plants. On August 1, 2007, those agreements were terminated and replaced with service
agreements under which APC and GPC provided labor and other specifically requested services to the
Company. These services are billed at amounts in compliance with FERC regulation on a monthly
basis and are
II-370
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
recorded as operations and maintenance expenses in the statements of income. For the periods ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, billings under these agreements totaled approximately $9.2
million, $7.6 million, and $7.1 million, respectively.
Total billings for all purchased power agreements (PPAs) in effect with affiliates totaled $505.2
million, $467.9 million, and $531.5 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Included in
these billings were $34.8 million, $36.3 million, and $37.5 million of Deferred capacity revenues
affiliated recorded on the balance sheets at December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and December
31, 2005, respectively. The Company and the traditional operating companies may jointly enter into
various types of wholesale energy, natural gas, and certain other contracts, either directly or
through SCS as agent. Each participating company may be jointly and severally liable for the
obligations incurred under these agreements.
The Company and the traditional operating companies generally settle amounts related to the above
transactions on a monthly basis in the month following the performance of such services or the
purchase or sale of electricity.
In 2007, the Company sold plots of land in Prattville, Alabama and Chilton County, Alabama to APC.
The total sales price was $4.3 million and is recorded in Sale of property to affiliates on the
statements of cash flows. In addition, the Company sold a turbine rotor to Gulf Power for $7.9
million.
In 2006, the Company sold its membership interests in Cherokee Falls Development of South Carolina
LLC to Southern Companys nuclear development affiliate. The sales price was $15.7 million and is
recorded in Sale of property to affiliates on the statements of cash flows.
Revenues
Capacity is sold at rates specified under contractual terms and is recognized at the lesser of the
levelized amount or the amount billable under the contract over the respective contract periods.
Energy is generally sold at market-based rates and the associated revenue is recognized as the
energy is delivered. Transmission revenues and other fees are recognized as incurred as other
operating revenue. Revenues are recorded on a gross basis for all full requirements PPAs. See
Financial Instruments for additional information.
Significant portions of the Companys revenues have been derived from certain customers. For the
year ended December 31, 2007, GPC accounted for 45.6% of revenues, APC accounted for 6.9% of
revenues, and Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation accounted for
5.5% of revenues. For the year
ended December 31, 2006, GPC accounted for 52.7% of revenues, APC accounted for 8.2% of revenues,
and Flint Electric Membership Corporation accounted for 4.6% of revenues. For the year ended
December 31, 2005, GPC accounted for 60.1% of revenues and APC accounted for 8.2% of revenues.
The Company has a long-term contract for engineering, procurement, and construction services to
build a combined cycle unit for the OUC. Construction activities commenced in 2006 and are
expected to be complete by the end of 2010. Revenue and costs are recognized using the
percentage-of-completion method. The Company utilizes the cost-to-cost approach as this method is
less subjective than relying on assessments of physical progress. The percentage of completion
represents the percentage of the total costs incurred to the estimated total cost of the contract.
Revenues and costs are recognized by applying this percentage to the total revenues and estimated
costs of the contract.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are expensed as the fuel is consumed.
Income and Other Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provides deferred
income taxes for all significant income tax temporary differences.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), the Company recognizes tax positions that are more
likely than not of being sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities. See
Note 5 under Unrecognized Tax Benefits for additional
information on the effect of adopting FIN 48.
II-371
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Property, Plant, and Equipment
The Companys depreciable property, plant, and equipment consist entirely of generation assets.
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost. Original cost includes materials,
direct labor incurred by contractors and affiliated companies, minor items of property, and
interest capitalized. Interest is capitalized on qualifying projects during the development and
construction period. The cost to replace significant items of property defined as retirement units
is capitalized. The cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is
charged to maintenance expense as incurred.
Depreciation
Depreciation of the original cost of assets is computed under the straight-line method and applies
a composite depreciation rate based on the assets estimated useful lives determined by the
Company. The primary assets in property, plant, and equipment are power plants, all of which have
an estimated useful life of 35 years, except combustion turbines at Plant Dahlberg, Plant Oleander,
Plant Rowan, and Plant DeSoto, all of which have an estimated useful life of 40 years. These lives
reflect a composite of the significant components (retirement units) that make up the plants.
Depreciation studies are conducted periodically to update the composite rates.
A depreciation study was completed and the applicable remaining plant lives and associated
depreciation rates were revised in March 2006. This change in estimate was due to revised useful
life assumptions for certain components of plant in service. Depreciation rates by generating
facility increased from a range of 2.5% to 2.9% to an adjusted range of 2.8% to 3.8%. These
changes increased depreciation and reduced net income. The result of these changes decreased 2006
net income by $3.8 million.
When property subject to composite depreciation is retired or otherwise disposed of in the normal
course of business, its cost is charged to accumulated depreciation. For other property
dispositions, the applicable cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and a
gain or loss is recognized.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Costs of Removal
The present value of the ultimate costs for an assets future retirement is recorded in the period
in which the liability is incurred. The costs are capitalized as part of the related long-lived
asset and depreciated over the assets useful life.
At
December 31, 2007, the Company had no material liability for asset retirement obligations.
Interest Capitalized
Interest related to the construction of new facilities is capitalized in accordance with standard
interest capitalization requirements per FASB Statement No. 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows
attributable to the assets, as compared with the carrying value of the assets. If an impairment
has occurred, the amount of the impairment recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of
the assets and recording a loss for the amount if the carrying value is greater than the fair
value. For assets identified as held for sale, the carrying value is compared to the estimated
fair value less the cost to sell in order to determine if an impairment loss is required. Until
the assets are disposed of, their estimated fair value is re-evaluated when circumstances or events
change.
Deferred Project Development Costs
The Company capitalizes project development costs once it is determined that it is probable that a
specific site will be acquired and a power plant constructed. These costs include professional
services, permits, and other costs directly related to the construction of a new project. These
costs are generally transferred to construction work in progress upon commencement of construction.
The total deferred project development costs were $8.4 million at December 31, 2007, $1.3 million
at December 31, 2006, and $3.8 million at
II-372
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
December 31, 2005.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the financial statements, temporary cash investments are considered cash
equivalents. Temporary cash investments are securities with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
Materials and Supplies
Generally, materials and supplies include the average costs of generating plant materials.
Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or capitalized to plant, as
appropriate, when installed.
Fuel Inventory
Fuel inventory includes the cost of oil and emission allowances. The Company maintains minimal oil
levels for use at Plant Dahlberg, Plant Oleander, Plant DeSoto, and Plant Rowan. Inventory is
maintained using the weighted average cost method. Fuel inventory and emissions allowances are
recorded at actual cost when purchased and then expensed at weighted average cost as used.
Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, the prices of certain fuel purchases, and electricity purchases and sales. All derivative
financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair
value. Substantially all of the Companys bulk energy purchases and sales contracts that meet the
definition of a derivative are exempt from fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for
under the accrual method. Other derivative contracts qualify as cash flow hedges of anticipated
transactions. This results in the deferral of related gains and losses in other comprehensive
income until the hedged transactions occur. Any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in net
income. Other derivative contracts are marked to market through current period income and are
recorded on a net basis in the statements of income.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the event of counterparties
nonperformance. The Company has established controls to determine and monitor the creditworthiness
of counterparties in order to mitigate the Companys exposure to counterparty credit risk.
The Companys financial instruments for which the carrying amounts did not equal fair value at
December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
1,297 |
|
|
$ |
1,298 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
1,298 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
The fair values were based on either closing market prices or closing prices of comparable
instruments.
Comprehensive Income
The objective of comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in common stock equity
of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than
transactions with owners. Comprehensive income consists of net income and changes in the fair
value of qualifying cash flow hedges, less income taxes and reclassifications of amounts included
in net income.
2. ACQUISITIONS
Oleander Acquisition
In June 2005, the Company acquired all of the outstanding general and limited partnership interests
of Oleander from subsidiaries of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. The results of Oleanders
operations have been included in the Companys consolidated financial statements since that date.
The Companys acquisition of the general and limited partnership interests in Oleander was pursuant
to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated April 8, 2005, for an aggregate total cost of approximately
$218.1 million, including
II-373
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
approximately $11.9 million of working capital and other adjustments. At the time of acquisition,
Plant Oleander, a dual-fueled generating plant in Brevard County, Florida, had a nameplate capacity
of 628 megawatts (MW). The Oleander acquisition was in accordance with the Companys overall
regional growth strategy.
Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company completed construction of Plant Oleander Unit 5 in
December 2007. This unit is a combustion turbine with a nameplate capacity of 163 MW and is
contracted to provide annual capacity for a PPA with the Florida Municipal Power Agency from 2007
through 2027.
Desoto and Rowan Acquisitions
Effective June 1, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of DeSoto
County Generating Company, LLC (DeSoto) from a subsidiary of Progress Energy, Inc. The results of
DeSotos operations have been included in the Companys consolidated financial statements since
that date. The Companys acquisition of the membership interest in DeSoto was pursuant to an
agreement dated May 8, 2006, for an aggregate total cost of $79.7 million. DeSoto owns a
dual-fired generating plant near Arcadia, Florida with a nameplate capacity of 344 MW. The DeSoto
acquisition was in accordance with the Companys overall regional growth strategy.
Effective September 1, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of
Rowan County Power, LLC (Rowan) from a subsidiary of Progress Energy, Inc. Rowan was merged into
the Company, and the results of Rowans operations have been included in the Companys consolidated
financial statements since that date. The Companys acquisition of the membership interests in
Rowan was pursuant to an agreement dated May 8, 2006 for an aggregate total cost of $329.5 million.
Through the Rowan acquisition, the Company owns a dual-fired generating plant near Salisbury,
North Carolina with a nameplate capacity of 986 MW. The Rowan acquisition was in accordance with
the Companys overall regional growth strategy.
The pro forma data of the Company below is unaudited and gives effect to the DeSoto and Rowan plant
acquisitions as if they had occurred at January 1, 2005. The unaudited pro forma financial
information is not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated results of operations
or financial condition of the Company that would have been reported had the acquisitions been
completed as of the dates presented nor should be taken as representative of any future
consolidated results of operations or financial condition of the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31 |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Pro forma revenues |
|
$ |
795,701 |
|
|
$ |
825,655 |
|
Pro forma net income |
|
|
118,703 |
|
|
|
116,108 |
|
|
3. CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
General Litigation Matters
The Company is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In addition, the Companys business activities are subject to extensive governmental
regulation related to public health and the environment. Litigation over environmental issues and
claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and
citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as opacity and air and water quality
standards, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury
claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent.
The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against the Company and its
subsidiaries cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically
reported herein, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such
current proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial statements.
FERC Matters
Market-Based Rate Authority
The Company has authorization from the FERC to sell power to non-affiliates, including short-term
opportunity sales, at market-based prices. Specific FERC approval must be obtained with respect to
a market-based contract with an affiliate.
In December 2004, the FERC initiated a proceeding to assess Southern Companys generation dominance
within its retail service territory. The ability to charge market-based rates in other markets is
not an issue in the proceeding. Any new market-based rate sales
II-374
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
by the Company in Southern Companys retail service territory entered into during a 15-month refund
period that ended in May 2006 could be subject to refund to a cost-based rate level.
In late June and July 2007, hearings were held in this proceeding and the presiding administrative
law judge issued an initial decision on November 9, 2007 regarding the methodology to be used in
the generation dominance tests. The proceedings are ongoing. The ultimate outcome of this
generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined, but an adverse decision by the FERC in a
final order could require the Company to charge cost-based rates for certain wholesale sales in the
Southern Company retail service territory, which may be lower than negotiated market-based rates,
and could also result in refunds of up to $0.7 million, plus interest. The Company believes that
there is no meritorious basis for this proceeding and is vigorously defending itself in this
matter.
On June 21, 2007, the FERC issued its final rule regarding market-based rate authority. The FERC
generally retained its current market-based rate standards. The impact of this order and its
effect on the generation dominance proceeding cannot now be determined.
Intercompany Interchange Contract
The majority of the Companys generation fleet is operated under the Intercompany Interchange
Contract (IIC), as approved by the FERC. The IIC also governs the operation of the Southern
Company generation fleet (Southern Pool). In May 2005, the FERC initiated a new proceeding to
examine (1) the provisions of the IIC among the traditional operating companies, the Company, and
SCS, as agent, under the terms of which the Southern Pool is operated, (2) whether any parties to
the IIC have violated the FERCs standards of conduct applicable to utility companies that are
transmission providers, and (3) whether Southern Companys code of conduct defining the Company as
a system company rather than a marketing affiliate is just and reasonable. In connection with
the formation of the Company, the FERC authorized the Companys inclusion in the IIC in 2000. The
FERC also previously approved Southern Companys code of conduct.
In October 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting a settlement resolving the proceeding subject
to Southern Companys agreement to accept certain modifications to the settlements terms and
Southern Company notified the FERC that it accepted the modifications. The modifications largely
involve functional separation and information restrictions related to marketing activities
conducted on behalf of the Company. Southern Company filed with the FERC in November 2006 a
compliance plan in connection with the order. On April 19, 2007, the FERC approved, with certain
modifications, the plan submitted by Southern Company. On November 19, 2007, Southern Company
notified the FERC that the plan had been implemented and the FERC division of audits subsequently
began an audit pertaining to compliance implementation and related matters, which is ongoing. The
Companys cost of implementing the compliance plan, including the modifications, is expected to be
approximately $8 million annually.
4. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
Plant Stanton A
The Company is a 65% owner of Plant Stanton A, a combined-cycle project with a nameplate capacity
of 630 MW. The unit is co-owned by OUC (28%), Florida Municipal Power Agency (3.5%), and Kissimmee
Utility Authority (3.5%). The Company has a service agreement with SCS whereby SCS is responsible
for the operation and maintenance of Plant Stanton A. As of
December 31, 2007, $150.7 million was
recorded in plant in service with associated accumulated depreciation of $18.7 million. These
amounts represent the Companys share of the total plant assets and each owner must provide its own
financing. The Companys proportionate share of Plant Stanton As operating expense is included in
the corresponding operating expenses in the statements of income.
IGCC
In December 2005, the Company and the OUC executed definitive agreements for development of a
285-MW integrated coal gasification combined cycle project in Orlando, Florida. The definitive
agreements provided that the Company would own at least 65% of the gasifier portion of the IGCC
project. OUC would own the remainder of the gasifier portion and 100% of the combined cycle
portion of the IGCC project. The Company signed cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) that provided up to $293.75 million in grant funding for the gasification portion of
this project. The IGCC project was expected to begin commercial
operation in 2010. Due to continuing uncertainty surrounding
potential state regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions, the Company and OUC mutually agreed to terminate the
construction of the gasifier portion of
the IGCC project in November 2007. The Company will continue construction of the gas-fired combined cycle
generating facility for OUC. The Company recorded a loss in the fourth quarter 2007 of
approximately $17.6 million related to cancellation of the gasifier portion of the IGCC project.
This amount is net of reimbursements from OUC and the DOE. This loss consists of the write-off of
construction costs of $14.0 million and an accrual for termination costs of $3.6 million. All
termination costs are expected to be paid
II-375
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
in 2008. As part of the termination agreement with OUC, the Company agreed to sell a tract of land
in Orange County, Florida to OUC. The Company will record a gain of $6 million on this sale in
2008.
5. INCOME TAXES
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined tax returns for the
State of Georgia, the State of Alabama, and the State of Mississippi. Under a joint consolidated
income tax allocation agreement, each subsidiarys current and deferred tax expense is computed on
a stand-alone basis, and no subsidiary is allocated more expense than would be paid if it filed a
separate income tax return. In accordance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, each
company is jointly and severally liable for the tax liability.
Current and Deferred Income Taxes
Details of income tax provisions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Federal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
$ |
42,841 |
|
|
$ |
39,653 |
|
|
$ |
40,468 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
26,808 |
|
|
|
26,915 |
|
|
|
20,437 |
|
|
|
|
|
69,649 |
|
|
|
66,568 |
|
|
|
60,905 |
|
|
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
9,042 |
|
|
|
9,008 |
|
|
|
7,310 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
4,857 |
|
|
|
6,235 |
|
|
|
3,618 |
|
|
|
|
|
13,899 |
|
|
|
15,243 |
|
|
|
10,928 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
83,548 |
|
|
$ |
81,811 |
|
|
$ |
71,833 |
|
|
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in
the financial statements and their respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Deferred tax liabilities
Accelerated depreciation |
|
$ |
(197,271 |
) |
|
$ |
(164,172 |
) |
Book/tax basis difference on asset transfers |
|
|
(4,125 |
) |
|
|
(4,469 |
) |
|
Total |
|
|
(201,396 |
) |
|
|
(168,641 |
) |
|
Deferred tax assets
Book/tax basis differences on asset transfers |
|
|
7,754 |
|
|
|
8,958 |
|
Other comprehensive loss on interest rate swaps |
|
|
32,052 |
|
|
|
29,798 |
|
Levelized capacity revenues |
|
|
13,377 |
|
|
|
15,404 |
|
Other |
|
|
10,090 |
|
|
|
8,465 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
63,273 |
|
|
|
62,625 |
|
|
Accumulated deferred income taxes in the balance sheets |
|
$(138,123) |
|
$ |
(106,016 |
) |
|
Deferred tax liabilities are the result of property related timing differences. The transfer of
the Plant McIntosh construction project to GPC in 2004 resulted in a deferred gain for federal
income tax purposes. GPC is reimbursing the Company for the related tax liability balance of $4.6
million. Of this total, $0.4 million is included in the balance sheets in Receivables
Affiliated companies and the remainder is included in Deferred Charges and Other Assets: Other
Affiliated.
Deferred tax assets consist primarily of timing differences related to the recognition of capacity
revenues, and the deferred loss on interest rate swaps reflected in other comprehensive income.
The transfer of Plants Dahlberg, Wansley, and Franklin to the Company from GPC in 2001 also
resulted in a deferred gain for federal income tax purposes. The Company will reimburse GPC for
the related tax asset of $9.1 million. Of this total, $1.3 million is included in the balance
sheets in Accounts payable Affiliated and the remainder is included in Deferred Credits and
Other Liabilities: Other Affiliated.
II-376
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Effective
Tax Rate
A
reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the effective
income tax rate is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Federal statutory rate |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal deduction |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
Other |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
38.8 |
% |
|
|
39.7 |
% |
|
|
38.5 |
% |
|
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a tax deduction for a portion of income attributable
to United States production activities as defined in Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
Section 199 (production activities deduction). The deduction is equal to a stated percentage of
qualified production activities income. The percentage is phased in over the years 2005 through
2010 with a 3% rate applicable to the years 2005 and 2006, a 6% rate applicable for years 2007
through 2009, and a 9% rate applicable for all years after 2009. This increase from 3% in 2006 to
6% in 2007 was one of several factors that increased the Companys 2007 deduction by $1.2 million
over the 2006 deduction. The resulting additional tax benefit was $0.4 million.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, which requires companies to determine whether it is
more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate
taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It
also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax
uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties.
Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits which were previously
accrued under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies of
approximately $0.2 million. The total $0.2 million in unrecognized tax benefits would impact the
Companys effective tax rate if recognized. For 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax
benefits increased by $1.2 million, resulting in a balance of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2007.
Changes during the year in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Unrecognized tax benefits as of adoption |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
Tax positions from current periods |
|
|
0.4 |
|
Tax positions from prior periods |
|
|
0.8 |
|
Reductions due to settlements |
|
|
|
|
Reductions due to expired statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
|
Impact on the Companys effective tax rate, if recognized, was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate |
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
|
II-377
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
Interest accrued as of adoption |
|
$ |
|
|
Interest accrued during the year |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
The Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. Net interest accrued for
the year ended December 31, 2007 was $0.1 million. The Company did not accrue any penalties on
uncertain tax positions.
The IRS has audited and closed all tax returns prior to 2004. The audits for the state returns
have either been concluded, or the statutes or limitations have expired for years prior to 2002.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of
the Companys unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12
months. The possible settlement of the production activities deduction methodology and/or the
conclusion or settlement of federal or state audits could impact the balances significantly. At
this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined.
6. FINANCING
Senior Notes
In 2007, the Company did not issue any long-term debt securities. The Company issued a total of
$200 million unsecured 30-year senior notes in 2006. The proceeds of the issuance were used to
repay a portion of the Companys short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes,
including the Companys construction program. Long term debt outstanding was $1.3 billion at
December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Bank Credit Arrangements
The Company has a $400 million unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility (Facility) expiring
in July 2012. The purpose of the Facility is to provide liquidity support to the Companys
commercial paper program and for other general corporate purposes. Borrowings of $13 million were
outstanding under the Facility at December 31, 2007.
The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the unused balance of the Facility. This fee is
less than 1/8 of 1%. In 2007 and 2006, the Company incurred approximately
$0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in expenses from commitment fees under the Facility.
In 2005, the Company incurred expenses of $0.8 million from commitment fees under a previous
facility.
The Facility contains a covenant that limits the debt to capitalization ratio to a maximum of 65%,
as defined in the Facility. The Facility also contains a cross default provision that would be
triggered if the Company defaulted on other indebtedness above a specified threshold. As of
December 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
The Facility and the senior note indenture related to certain series of the Companys senior notes
also contain certain limitations on the payment of common stock dividends. No dividends may be
paid unless, as of the end of any calendar quarter, the Companys projected cash flows from fixed
priced capacity PPAs (as defined in the agreements) are at least 80% of total projected cash flows
for the next 12 months or the Companys debt to capitalization ratio is no greater than 60%. At
December 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with these ratios and had no restrictions on its
ability to pay dividends.
Commercial Paper
The Company has the ability to borrow under a commercial paper program. For the period ended
December 31, 2007, the peak commercial paper balance outstanding was $167 million. The average
amount outstanding was $95.8 million in 2007. The average
II-378
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
annual
interest rate was 5.5% in 2007. As of December 31, 2007, the commercial paper program had
an outstanding balance of $36.7 million. The outstanding balance on December 31, 2006 was $123.8
million.
Financial Instruments
The Company enters into energy related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and
other fuel price changes. The Companys exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and
prices of electricity is limited because its long-term sales contracts shift substantially all fuel
cost responsibility to the purchaser. At December 31, 2007, the fair value gains/(losses) of
derivative energy contracts was reflected in the financial statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net Income |
|
$ |
3,293 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
78 |
|
|
Total fair value |
|
$ |
3,371 |
|
|
Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting are reflected in other income on the Companys
consolidated statement of income. Fair value gains or losses for cash flow hedges are recorded in
other comprehensive income and reclassified to fuel expense. There were no material amounts
reclassified during any year presented. For the year 2008, the reclassifications from other
comprehensive income to fuel expense are also expected to be immaterial. There was no significant
ineffectiveness recorded in earnings for any period presented. The Company has energy-related
hedges in place through 2008. At December 31, 2007, there were approximately $9.4 million of
deferred pre-tax realized net hedging gains relating to capitalized costs and revenues during the
construction of specific plants. This will be reclassified from other comprehensive income to
depreciation and amortization over the remaining life of the respective plants, which is
approximately 27 years. For any year presented, the pre-tax gains reclassified from other
comprehensive income to depreciation and amortization have been immaterial.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had no interest derivatives outstanding. The Company has
deferred losses totaling $65.1 million in other comprehensive income that will be amortized to
interest expense through 2016. For the years 2007, 2006, and 2005, approximately $13.3 million,
$12.0 million, and $11.2 million, respectively, of pre-tax losses were reclassified from other
comprehensive income to interest expense. During 2008, approximately $12.0 million of pre-tax
losses are expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense.
7. COMMITMENTS
Construction Program
The Company currently estimates property additions to be $109.1 million, $281.9 million, and $765.4
million in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. There is currently one unit at Plant Franklin
actively under construction.
Long-Term Service Agreements
The Company has entered into Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) with General Electric (GE) for
the purpose of securing maintenance support for its combined cycle and combustion turbine
generating facilities. In summary, the LTSAs provide that GE will perform all planned inspections
and certain unplanned maintenance on the covered equipment, which includes the cost of all labor
and materials.
Scheduled payments to GE, which are subject to price escalation, are made at various intervals
based on actual operating hours or number of gas turbine starts of the respective units. Total
remaining payments to GE under these agreements are currently estimated at $1.2 billion over the
remaining term of the agreements, which may range up to 40 years. However, the LTSAs contain
various cancellation provisions at the Companys option.
Payments made to GE prior to the performance of any planned inspections or unplanned maintenance
are recorded as a prepayment in current assets or deferred charges and other assets on the balance
sheets and are recorded as property additions in the statement of cash flows. Inspection and
maintenance costs are capitalized or charged to expense based on the nature of the work performed.
These transactions are non-cash and are not reflected in the statements of cash flows.
II-379
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
Fuel and Purchased Power Commitments
SCS, as agent for the traditional operating companies and the Company, has entered into various
fuel transportation and procurement agreements to supply a portion of the fuel (primarily natural
gas) requirements for the operating facilities. In most cases, these contracts contain provisions
for firm transportation costs, storage costs, minimum purchase levels, and other financial
commitments.
Natural gas purchase commitments contain given volumes with prices based on various indices at the
actual time of delivery. Amounts included in the chart below represent estimates based on the New
York Mercantile Exchange future prices at December 31, 2007. Also, the Company has entered into
various long-term commitments for the purchase of electricity.
Total estimated minimum long-term obligations at December 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas |
|
Purchased Power |
|
|
Commitments |
|
Commitments |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
194.9 |
|
|
$ |
5.4 |
|
2009 |
|
|
53.3 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
2010 |
|
|
102.6 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
2011 |
|
|
34.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
37.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
2013 and beyond |
|
|
211.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
633.8 |
|
|
$ |
27.1 |
|
|
Additional commitments for fuel will be required to supply the Companys future needs.
Acting as an agent for all of Southern Companys traditional operating companies and the Company,
SCS may enter into various types of wholesale energy and natural gas contracts. Under these
agreements, each of the traditional operating companies and the Company may be jointly and
severally liable. The creditworthiness of the Company is currently inferior to the
creditworthiness of the traditional operating companies; therefore, Southern Company has entered
into keep-well agreements with each of the traditional operating companies to ensure they will not
subsidize nor be responsible for any costs, losses, liabilities, or damages resulting from the
inclusion of the Company as a contracting party under these agreements.
Operating Leases
The Company has operating lease agreements with various terms and expiration dates. Total
operating lease expenses were $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million for 2007, 2006, and
2005, respectively. At December 31, 2007, estimated minimum rental commitments for noncancelable
operating leases were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Lease |
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
2008 |
|
$ |
0.5 |
|
2009 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
2010 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
2011 |
|
|
0.3 |
|
2012 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
2013 and beyond |
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
24.3 |
|
|
II-380
NOTES (continued)
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
8. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial information for 2007 and 2006 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
Operating |
|
Net |
Quarter Ended |
|
Revenues |
|
Income |
|
Income |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
March 2007
|
|
$ |
192,492 |
|
|
$ |
74,517 |
|
|
$ |
32,036 |
|
June 2007
|
|
|
244,018 |
|
|
|
84,840 |
|
|
|
39,854 |
|
September 2007
|
|
|
347,751 |
|
|
|
107,208 |
|
|
|
51,438 |
|
December 2007
|
|
|
187,753 |
|
|
|
24,510 |
|
|
|
8,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2006
|
|
$ |
139,829 |
|
|
$ |
50,432 |
|
|
$ |
19,900 |
|
June 2006
|
|
|
193,639 |
|
|
|
72,373 |
|
|
|
31,821 |
|
September 2006
|
|
|
270,031 |
|
|
|
99,303 |
|
|
|
45,871 |
|
December 2006
|
|
|
173,549 |
|
|
|
62,135 |
|
|
|
26,877 |
|
The Companys business is influenced by seasonal weather conditions. Fourth quarter 2007 operating
income and net income were impacted by the loss on the IGCC project of $17.6 million pretax and
$10.7 million after tax.
II-381
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 2003-2007
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies 2007 Annual Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Operating Revenues (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale non-affiliates |
|
$ |
416,648 |
|
|
$ |
279,384 |
|
|
$ |
223,058 |
|
|
$ |
266,463 |
|
|
$ |
278,559 |
|
Wholesale affiliates |
|
|
547,229 |
|
|
|
491,762 |
|
|
|
556,664 |
|
|
|
425,065 |
|
|
|
312,586 |
|
|
Total revenues from sales of electricity |
|
|
963,877 |
|
|
|
771,146 |
|
|
|
779,722 |
|
|
|
691,528 |
|
|
|
591,145 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
8,137 |
|
|
|
5,902 |
|
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
9,783 |
|
|
|
90,635 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
972,014 |
|
|
$ |
777,048 |
|
|
$ |
781,004 |
|
|
$ |
701,311 |
|
|
$ |
681,780 |
|
|
Net Income (in thousands) |
|
$ |
131,637 |
|
|
$ |
124,469 |
|
|
$ |
114,791 |
|
|
$ |
111,508 |
|
|
$ |
155,149 |
|
Cash Dividends
on Common Stock (in thousands) |
|
$ |
89,800 |
|
|
$ |
77,700 |
|
|
$ |
72,400 |
|
|
$ |
207,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Return on Average Common Equity (percent) |
|
|
12.52 |
|
|
|
13.16 |
|
|
|
13.68 |
|
|
|
12.23 |
|
|
|
17.65 |
|
Total Assets (in thousands) |
|
$ |
2,768,774 |
|
|
$ |
2,690,943 |
|
|
$ |
2,302,976 |
|
|
$ |
2,067,013 |
|
|
$ |
2,409,285 |
|
Gross Property Additions/Plant Acquisitions
(in thousands) |
|
$ |
183,669 |
|
|
$ |
500,704 |
|
|
$ |
241,103 |
|
|
$ |
115,606 |
|
|
$ |
344,362 |
|
|
Capitalization (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
$ |
1,077,887 |
|
|
$ |
1,025,504 |
|
|
$ |
866,343 |
|
|
$ |
811,611 |
|
|
$ |
1,011,476 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
1,297,099 |
|
|
|
1,296,845 |
|
|
|
1,099,520 |
|
|
|
1,099,435 |
|
|
|
1,149,112 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
$ |
2,374,986 |
|
|
$ |
2,322,349 |
|
|
$ |
1,965,863 |
|
|
$ |
1,911,046 |
|
|
$ |
2,160,588 |
|
|
Capitalization Ratios (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock equity |
|
|
45.4 |
|
|
|
44.2 |
|
|
|
44.1 |
|
|
|
42.5 |
|
|
|
46.8 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
54.6 |
|
|
|
55.8 |
|
|
|
55.9 |
|
|
|
57.5 |
|
|
|
53.2 |
|
|
Total (excluding amounts due within one year) |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Security Ratings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unsecured Long-Term Debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
|
Baa1 |
Standard and Poors |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
Fitch |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
BBB+ |
|
Kilowatt-Hour Sales (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales for resale non-affiliates |
|
|
6,985,592 |
|
|
|
5,093,527 |
|
|
|
3,932,638 |
|
|
|
5,369,261 |
|
|
|
6,057,053 |
|
Sales for resale affiliates |
|
|
10,766,003 |
|
|
|
8,493,441 |
|
|
|
6,355,249 |
|
|
|
6,583,017 |
|
|
|
5,430,973 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
17,751,595 |
|
|
|
13,586,968 |
|
|
|
10,287,887 |
|
|
|
11,952,278 |
|
|
|
11,488,026 |
|
|
Average Revenue Per Kilowatt-Hour (cents) |
|
|
5.43 |
|
|
|
5.68 |
|
|
|
7.58 |
|
|
|
5.79 |
|
|
|
5.15 |
|
Plant Nameplate Capacity Ratings (year-end)
(megawatts) |
|
|
6,896 |
|
|
|
6,733 |
|
|
|
5,403 |
|
|
|
4,775 |
|
|
|
4,775 |
|
Maximum Peak-Hour Demand (megawatts): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
2,815 |
|
|
|
2,780 |
|
|
|
2,037 |
|
|
|
2,098 |
|
|
|
2,077 |
|
Summer |
|
|
3,717 |
|
|
|
2,869 |
|
|
|
2,420 |
|
|
|
2,740 |
|
|
|
2,439 |
|
Annual Load Factor (percent) |
|
|
48.2 |
|
|
|
53.6 |
|
|
|
48.9 |
|
|
|
54.4 |
|
|
|
54.9 |
|
Plant Availability (percent) |
|
|
96.7 |
|
|
|
98.3 |
|
|
|
97.6 |
|
|
|
97.9 |
|
|
|
96.8 |
|
Source of Energy Supply (percent): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas |
|
|
70.4 |
|
|
|
68.3 |
|
|
|
72.6 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
|
|
53.4 |
|
Purchased power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From non-affiliates |
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
|
|
30.5 |
|
From affiliates |
|
|
20.8 |
|
|
|
22.1 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
13.4 |
|
|
|
16.1 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
II-382
PART III
Items 10, 11, 12 (except for Equity Compensation Plan Information which is included herein on
page III-42), 13, and 14 for Southern Company are incorporated by reference to Southern Companys
definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Specifically,
reference is made to Nominees for Election as Directors, Corporate Governance, and
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance for Item 10, Executive Compensation,
Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Compensation and Management Succession Committee Report,
Director Compensation, and Director Compensation Table for Item 11, Stock Ownership Table for
Item 12, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence for Item 13,
and Principal Public Accounting Firm Fees for Item 14.
Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 for Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power are
incorporated by reference to the Information Statements of Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and
Mississippi Power relating to each of their respective 2008 Annual Meetings of Shareholders.
Specifically, reference is made to Nominees for Election as Directors, Corporate Governance,
and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance for Item 10, Executive Compensation
Information, Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Compensation and Management Succession
Committee Report, Director Compensation, and Director Compensation Table for Item 11, Stock
Ownership Table for Item 12, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director
Independence for Item 13, and Principal Public Accounting Firm Fees for Item 14.
Items 10, 11, 12, and 13 for Southern Power are omitted pursuant to General
Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Identification of directors of Gulf Power.
|
|
|
Susan N. Story
|
|
Fred C. Donovan, Sr. (1) |
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Age 67 |
Age 47
|
|
Served as Director since 1991 |
Served as Director since 2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
C. LeDon Anchors (1)
|
|
William A. Pullum (1) |
Age 67
|
|
Age 60 |
Served as Director since 2001
|
|
Served as Director since 2001 |
|
|
|
William C. Cramer, Jr. (1)
|
|
Winston E. Scott (1) |
Age 55
|
|
Age 57 |
Served as Director since 2002
|
|
Served as Director since 2003 |
(1) No position other than director.
Each of the above is currently a director of Gulf Power, serving a term running from the last
annual meeting of Gulf Powers shareholders (June 26, 2007) for one year until the next annual
meeting or until a successor is elected and qualified.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the individuals listed above and
any other person pursuant to which he or she was or is to be selected as an officer, other than any
arrangements or understandings with officers of Gulf Power acting solely in their capacities as
such.
III-1
Identification of executive officers of Gulf Power.
|
|
|
Susan N. Story
|
|
Theodore J. McCullough |
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Vice President Senior Production Officer |
Age 47
|
|
Age 44 |
Served as Executive Officer since 2003
|
|
Served as Executive Officer since 2007 |
|
|
|
P. Bernard Jacob
|
|
Bentina C. Terry |
Vice President Customer Operations
|
|
Vice President External Affairs and Corporate Services |
Age 53
|
|
Age 37 |
Served as Executive Officer since 2003
|
|
Served as Executive Officer since 2007 |
|
|
|
Ronnie R. Labrato* |
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
Age 54 |
|
|
Served as Executive Officer since 2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr. Labrato has been named Vice President of Internal Auditing at Southern Company and will
resign from his position at Gulf Power to assume his new duties effective April 1, 2008. |
Each of the above is currently an executive officer of Gulf Power, serving a term running from the
last annual organizational meeting of the directors (July 26, 2007) for one year until the next
annual meeting or until a successor is elected and qualified, except for Mr. McCullough whose
election was effective August 11, 2007.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the individuals listed above and any
other person pursuant to which he or she was or is to be selected as an officer, other than any
arrangements or understandings with officers of Gulf Power acting solely in their capacities as
such.
Identification of certain significant employees. None.
Family relationships. None.
Business experience. Unless noted otherwise, each director has served in his or her present
position for at least the past five years.
Susan N. Story - President and Chief Executive Officer since 2003. She previously served as Senior
Vice President of Southern Power from November 2002 to April 2003; and Executive Vice President of
SCS from January 2001 to April 2003.
C. LeDon Anchors - Attorney and President of Anchors Smith Grimsley, Attorneys at Law, Fort Walton
Beach, Florida. He is a Director of Beach Community Bank.
William C. Cramer, Jr. - President and Owner of Tommy Thomas Chevrolet, Panama City, Florida.
Fred C. Donovan, Sr. - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baskerville-Donovan, Inc. (an
architectural and engineering firm), Pensacola, Florida.
William A. Pullum - President/Director of Bill Pullum Realty, Inc., Navarre, Florida.
Winston E. Scott - Vice President and Deputy General Manager, Engineering and Science Contract
Group at Jacobs Engineering, Houston, Texas. He previously served as Executive Director of the
Florida Space Authority, Cape Canaveral, Florida, from 2003 to 2006; Professor and Associate Dean
with the Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University and Florida State University (FSU) College
of Engineering in 2003; and Vice President for Student Affairs at FSU from 2000 to 2003.
III-2
P. Bernard Jacob - Vice President of Customer Operations since 2007. He previously served as Vice
President of External Affairs and Corporate Services from 2003 to 2007 and Director of Information
Resources Security and Program Management at SCS from 2002 to 2003.
Ronnie R. Labrato - Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2006. He previously
served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller from July 2001 to January 2006.
Theodore J. McCullough Vice President and Senior Production Officer since August 11, 2007. He
previously served as the Manager of Georgia Powers Plant Branch from December 2003 to August 2007
and Combined Cycle Site Manager of Southern Powers Plant Franklin from January 2002 to December
2003.
Bentina C. Terry - Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Services since March 24, 2007.
She previously served as the Vice President and Corporate Counsel for Southern Nuclear from January
2005 to March 2007; Area Distribution Manager of Georgia Power from February 2004 through January
2005; and Assistant to the President of Georgia Power from November 2002 to February 2004.
Involvement in certain legal proceedings. None.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance. None.
Code of Ethics
The registrants collectively have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to
each director, officer, and employee of the registrants and their subsidiaries. The code of
business conduct and ethics can be found on Southern Companys website located at
www.southerncompany.com. The code of business conduct and ethics is also available free of charge
in print to any shareholder by requesting a copy from Patricia L. Roberts, Assistant Corporate
Secretary, Southern Company, 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Any amendment
to or waiver from the code of ethics that applies to executive officers and directors will be
posted on the website.
Corporate Governance
Southern Company has adopted corporate governance guidelines and committee charters. The corporate
governance guidelines and the charters of Southern Companys Audit Committee, Governance Committee,
and Compensation and Management Succession Committee can be found on Southern Companys website
located at www.southerncompany.com. The corporate governance guidelines and charters are also
available free of charge in print to any shareholder by requesting a copy from Patricia L. Roberts,
Assistant Corporate Secretary, Southern Company, 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW, Atlanta, Georgia
30308.
III-3
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
In this Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) and this Form 10-K, references to the
Compensation Committee are to the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Board
of Directors of Southern Company.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
Southern Company, through a single executive compensation program for all officers of its
subsidiaries, drives and rewards both Southern Company financial performance and individual
business unit performance.
This executive compensation program is based on a philosophy that total executive compensation must
be competitive with the companies in our industry, must be tied to and motivate our executives to
meet our short- and long-term performance goals, and must foster and encourage alignment of
executive interests with the interests of our stockholders and our customers. The program
generally is designed to motivate all employees, including executives, to achieve operational
excellence and financial goals while maintaining a safe work environment.
The executive compensation program places significant focus on rewarding performance. The program
is performance-based in several respects:
|
|
Southern Companys actual earnings per share (EPS) and Gulf Powers
business unit performance, which includes return on equity (ROE),
compared to target performance levels established early in the year,
determine the ultimate annual incentive payouts. |
|
|
|
Southern Company common stock (Common Stock) price changes result in
higher or lower ultimate values of stock options. |
|
|
|
Southern Companys dividend payout and total shareholder return
compared to those of its industry peers lead to higher or lower
payouts under the Performance Dividend Program (performance
dividends). |
In support of the performance-based pay philosophy, we have no general employment contracts with
our named executive officers or guaranteed severance, except upon a change in control, and no pay
is conditioned solely upon continued employment with any of the named executive officers, other
than base salary.
The pay-for-performance principles apply not only to the named executive officers, but to hundreds
of Gulf Power employees. The short-term incentive program covers over 1,300 Gulf Power employees,
which is almost all of Gulf Powers employees, and our change in control protection program covers
all Gulf Power employees not part of a collective bargaining unit. Stock options and performance
dividends cover approximately 265 Gulf Power employees. These programs engage our people in our
business, which ultimately is good not only for them, but for Gulf Powers customers and Southern Companys stockholders.
OVERVIEW OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMPONENTS
The executive compensation program for the named executive officers is composed of several
components, each of which plays a different role. The table below discusses the intended role of
each material pay component, what it rewards, and why we use it. Following the table is additional
information that describes how we made 2007 pay decisions.
III-4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intended Role and What the Element |
|
|
Pay Element |
|
Rewards |
|
Why We Use the Element |
|
|
|
|
|
Base Salary
|
|
Base salary is pay for competence
in the executive role, with a
focus on scope of
responsibilities.
|
|
Market practice.
Provides a threshold level of
cash compensation for job
performance. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Incentive
|
|
Gulf Powers annual incentive
program rewards achievement of
operational, EPS, and business
unit financial goals.
|
|
Market practice.
Focuses attention on
achievement of short-term goals that
ultimately works to fulfill our
mission to customers and leads to
increased stockholder value in the
long-term. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term
Incentive: Stock
Options
|
|
Stock options reward price
increases in Common Stock over
the market price on the date of
grant, over a 10-year term.
|
|
Performance-based compensation.
Aligns executives interests
with those of Southern Companys
stockholders. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market practice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term
Incentive:
Performance
Dividends
|
|
Performance dividends provide
cash compensation dependent on
the number of stock options held
at year end, Southern Companys
declared dividends during the
year, and Southern Companys
four-year total shareholder
return versus industry peers.
|
|
Performance-based compensation.
Enhances the value of stock
options and focuses executives on
maintaining a significant dividend
yield for Southern Companys
stockholders.
Aligns executives interests
with Southern Companys
stockholders interests since
payouts are dependent on
performance, defined as Common Stock
performance vs. industry peers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market practice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Relocation
Incentive
|
|
Lump sum payment of 10% of base
salary provides incentive to
geographically relocate.
|
|
Enhances the value of the relocation
program perquisite. |
|
III-5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intended Role and What the Element |
|
|
Pay Element |
|
Rewards |
|
Why We Use the Element |
Retirement Benefits
|
|
The Deferred Compensation
Plan provides the opportunity to
defer to future years all or part
of base salary and annual
incentive in either a prime
interest rate or Common Stock
account.
|
|
Permitting
compensation deferral
is a cost-effective
method of providing
additional cash flow
to Gulf Power while
enhancing the retirement savings of executives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executives participate in
employee benefit plans available
to all employees of Gulf Power,
including a 401(k) savings plan
and the funded Southern Company
Pension Plan (Pension Plan).
|
|
The purpose of
these supplemental
plans is to eliminate
the effect of tax
limitations on the payment of retirement benefits. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Supplemental Benefit
Plan counts pay, including
deferred salary, ineligible to be
counted under the Pension Plan
and the 401(k) plan due to
Internal Revenue Service rules.
|
|
Represents an
important component of competitive
market-based compensation in Southern Companys
peer group and generally. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan counts short-term
incentive pay above 15% of base
salary for pension purposes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perquisites and
Other Personal
Benefits
|
|
Personal financial planning
maximizes the perceived value of
our executive compensation
program to executives and allows
executives to focus on Gulf
Powers operations.
|
|
Perquisites benefit
both Gulf Power and
executives, at low
cost to Gulf Power. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home security systems lower
our risk of harm to executives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Club memberships are
provided primarily for business
use. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Relocation benefits cover the
costs associated with geographic
relocation at the request of the employer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post-Termination Pay
|
|
Change in control plans provide
severance pay, accelerated
vesting, and payment of short-
and long-term incentive awards
upon a change in control of Gulf
Power or Southern Company coupled
with involuntary termination not
for Cause or a voluntary
termination for Good Reason.
|
|
Providing
protections to senior
executives upon a
change in control
minimizes disruption
during a pending or
anticipated change in
control.
Payment and
vesting occur only
upon the occurrence
of both an actual
change in control and
loss of the
executives position. |
|
III-6
MARKET DATA
For the named executive officers, we review compensation data from large, publicly-owned electric
and gas utilities. The data was developed and analyzed by Hewitt Associates, one of the
compensation consultants retained by the Compensation Committee. The companies included each year
in the primary peer group are those whose data is available through the consultants database.
Those companies are drawn from this list of regulated utilities of $2 billion in revenues and up.
Proxy data for this entire list of companies below also is used. No other companies data are used
in our market-pay benchmarking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allegheny Energy, Inc.
|
|
Entergy Corporation
|
|
PNM Resources, Inc. |
Alliant Energy Corporation
|
|
Exelon Corporation
|
|
PPL Corporation |
Ameren Corporation
|
|
FirstEnergy Corp.
|
|
Progress Energy, Inc. |
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
|
|
FPL Group, Inc.
|
|
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated |
Centerpoint Energy, Inc.
|
|
Great Plains Energy Incorporated
|
|
Puget Energy, Inc. |
CMS Energy Corporation
|
|
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.
|
|
SCANA Corporation |
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
|
|
KeySpan Corporation
|
|
Sempra Energy |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
NiSource Inc.
|
|
Sierra Pacific Resources |
Dominion Resources, Inc.
|
|
Northeast Utilities
|
|
TECO Energy, Inc. |
DTE Energy Company
|
|
NSTAR
|
|
TXU Corp. |
Duke Energy Corporation
|
|
OGE Energy Corp.
|
|
Vectren Corporation |
Edison International
|
|
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation |
Energy East Corporation
|
|
PG&E Corporation Pinnacle West Capital Corporation
|
|
WPS Resources Corporation Xcel Energy Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Company is one of the largest U.S. utility companies in revenues and market
capitalization, and its largest business units are some of the largest in the industry as well.
For that reason, the consultant size-adjusts the market data in order to fit it to the scope of our
business.
In using this market data, market is defined as the size-adjusted 50th percentile of the data, with
a focus on pay opportunities at target performance (rather than actual plan payouts). Gulf Power
specifically looks at the market data for chief executive officer positions and other positions in
terms of scope of responsibilities, that most closely resemble the positions held by the named
executive officers. Based on that data, Gulf Power establishes a total target compensation
opportunity for each named executive officer. Total target compensation opportunity is the sum of
base salary, annual incentive payout (at the target performance level), stock option awards at a
target value, and performance dividend payout (at the target performance level). Actual
compensation paid may be more or less than the total target compensation opportunity based on
actual performance above or below target performance levels. As a result, the compensation program
is designed to result in payouts that are market-appropriate given Gulf Powers performance for the
year or period.
We did not target a specified weight for base salary or annual or long-term incentives as a percent
of total target compensation opportunities, nor did amounts realized or realizable from prior
compensation serve to increase or decrease 2007 compensation amounts. Total target compensation
opportunities for senior management as a group are managed to be at the median of the market for
companies our size and in our industry. The total target compensation opportunities established in
2007 for each named executive officer is shown below.
III-7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Target |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term |
|
Compensation |
Name |
|
Salary |
|
Annual Incentive |
|
Incentive |
|
Opportunity |
S. N. Story |
|
$ |
370,172 |
|
|
$ |
222,103 |
|
|
$ |
370,164 |
|
|
$ |
962,439 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
$ |
233,614 |
|
|
$ |
105,126 |
|
|
$ |
131,403 |
|
|
$ |
470,143 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
$ |
217,123 |
|
|
$ |
97,705 |
|
|
$ |
118,571 |
|
|
$ |
433,399 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
$ |
208,141 |
|
|
$ |
87,336 |
|
|
$ |
82,783 |
|
|
$ |
378,260 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
$ |
169,994 |
|
|
$ |
62,830 |
|
|
$ |
46,398 |
|
|
$ |
279,222 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
$ |
200,547 |
|
|
$ |
87,990 |
|
|
$ |
79,760 |
|
|
$ |
368,297 |
|
As is our long-standing practice, the salary levels shown above were not effective before March
2007. Therefore, the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table are lower because that
table reports actual amounts paid in 2007. For purposes of comparing the value of our compensation
program to the market data, stock options are valued at 15%, and performance dividend targets at
10%, of the average daily Common Stock price for the year preceding the grant, both of which
represent risk-adjusted present values on the date of grant and are consistent with the
methodologies used to develop the market data. For the 2007 grant of stock options and the
performance dividend targets established for the 2007 2010 performance period, this value was
$8.515 per stock option granted. In the long-term incentive column, 60% of the value shown is
attributable to stock options and 40% attributable to performance dividends. The stock option
value used for market data comparisons exceeds the value reported in the Grants of Plan-Based
Awards Table because the value above is calculated assuming that the options are held for their
full 10-year term. The calculation of the Black-Scholes value reported in the Grants of Plan-Based
Awards Table uses historical holding period averages of approximately five years.
|
§ |
|
As discussed above, the Compensation Committee targets total target
compensation opportunities for executives as a group at market. Therefore,
some executives may be paid somewhat above and others somewhat below market.
This practice allows for minor differentiation based on time in the position,
scope of responsibilities, and individual performance. The differences in the
total pay opportunities for each named executive officer are based almost
exclusively on the differences indicated by the market data for persons holding
similar positions. Ms. Terry and Mr. McCullough were promoted into their
current positions during 2007. Therefore, their respective total target
compensation opportunities were lower than they would have been had they been
in their current positions for the entire year. The average total target
compensation opportunities for the named executive officers for 2007 were
slightly less than the market data described above. However, because of the
use of market data from a large number of peer companies for positions that are
not identical in terms of scope of responsibility from company to company, we
do not consider this difference material and we continue to believe that our
compensation program is market-appropriate. |
|
|
§ |
|
In 2007, the Compensation Committee engaged an additional executive
compensation consulting firm to conduct a broad assessment of Southern
Companys executive compensation program. Benchmarking data as well as actual
levels of payouts made at peer companies was reviewed. The consulting firm was
directed to review the level of total target pay opportunities, the weight of
each primary pay component, and the annual and long-term incentive goal
metrics. Based on the findings in this review, Gulf Power and the Compensation
Committee continue to believe that our executive compensation program provides
the appropriate level and mix of compensation for the senior management of Gulf
Power, including the named executive officers. |
|
|
§ |
|
In 2004, the Compensation Committee received from its executive
compensation consulting firm a detailed comparison of our executive benefits
program to the benefits of a group of other large utilities and general
industry companies. The results indicated that Gulf Powers executive benefits
program was slightly below market. The Compensation Committee plans to have
this study updated in 2008. |
III-8
DESCRIPTION OF KEY COMPENSATION COMPONENTS
2007 Base Salary
The named executive officers are each within a position level with a base salary range that is
established under the direction of the Compensation Committee using the market data described
above. Also considered in recommending the specific base salary level for each named executive
officer is the need to retain an experienced team, internal equity, time in position, and
individual performance. This analysis of individual performance included the degree of competence
and initiative exhibited and the individuals relative contribution to the results of operations in
prior years.
Base salaries for Messrs. Jacob and Labrato and Ms. Terry were recommended by Ms. Susan N. Story,
the Gulf Power President and Chief Executive Officer, to Mr. David M. Ratcliffe, the Southern
Company President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McCullough currently serves, and Ms. Manuel
served during a portion of 2007, as both executive officers of Gulf Power and of Southern Companys
generation business unit (Southern Company Generation). Their base salaries were recommended by an
Executive Vice President of Southern Company Generation, with input from Ms. Story, to the
President of Southern Company Generation. Ms. Storys base salary is approved by Mr. Ratcliffe.
The actual base salary levels set for each of the named executive officers were set within the
pre-established salary ranges.
2007 Incentive Compensation
Achieving Operational and Financial Goals Our Guiding Principle for Incentive
Compensation
Our number one priority is to provide our customers outstanding reliability and superior service at
low prices while achieving a level of financial performance that benefits Southern Companys
stockholders in the short and long term.
In 2007, we strove for and rewarded:
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Continued industry-leading reliability and customer satisfaction, while
maintaining our low retail prices relative to the national average; and |
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Meeting increased energy demand with the best economic and environmental choices. |
In 2007, we also focused on and rewarded:
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Southern Company EPS Growth A continuation of growing EPS an average
of 5% per year from a base, excluding earnings from synthetic fuel
investments, established in 2002. The target goal shown below is 5%
greater than the goal established for 2006. |
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Gulf Power ROE in the top quartile of comparable electric utilities. |
III-9
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Common Stock dividend growth. |
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Long-term, risk-adjusted Southern Company total shareholder return. |
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Financial Integrity An attractive risk-adjusted return, sound
financial policy, and a stable A credit rating. |
The incentive compensation program is designed to encourage Gulf Power to achieve these goals.
The Southern Company Chief Executive Officer with the assistance of Southern Companys Human
Resources staff recommends to the Compensation Committee program design and award amounts for
senior executives.
2007 Annual Incentive Program
Program Design
The Performance Pay Program is Southern Companys annual incentive plan. Almost all employees of
Gulf Power are participants, including the named executive officers, a total of over 1,300 Gulf
Power participants.
The performance measured by the program uses goals set at the beginning of each year by the
Compensation Committee.
An illustration of the annual incentive goal structure for 2007 is provided below.
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Operational goals for 2007 were safety, customer service, plant
availability, transmission and distribution system reliability,
inclusion, and, for Southern Company Generation, also net income.
Each of these operational goals is explained in more detail under
Goal Details below. The result of all operational goals is averaged
and multiplied by the bonus impact of the EPS and business unit
financial goals. The amount for each goal can range from 0.90 to 1.10
or 0.00 if a threshold performance level is not achieved as more fully
described below. The level of achievement for each operational goal
is determined and the results are averaged. |
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Southern Company EPS is weighted at 50% of the financial goals. EPS
is defined as earnings from continuing operations divided by average
shares outstanding during the year, excluding earnings from synthetic
fuel investments. The EPS performance measure is applicable to all
participants in the Performance Pay Program, including the named
executive officers. |
III-10
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Business unit financial performance is weighted at 50% of the
financial goals. Gulf Powers financial performance goal is ROE,
which is defined as Gulf Powers net income divided by average equity
for the year. For Southern Company Generation, it is calculated using
a corporate-wide weighted average of all the business unit financial
performance goals, including primarily the ROE of Gulf Power and
affiliated companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi
Power. For Mr. McCullough, the business unit financial goal was
weighted 30% Gulf Power ROE and 20% Southern Company Generation
financial goal. Ms. Manuels business unit financial goal was the
same as that for Mr. McCullough until she assumed her current position
at an affiliated company. Ms. Manuel is not a named executive officer
in her current position. Her business unit financial goal at year-end
2007 was based entirely on the Southern Company Generation financial
goal. |
The Compensation Committee may make adjustments, both positive and negative, to goal achievement
for purposes of determining payouts. Such adjustments include the impact of items considered one
time or outside of normal operations or not anticipated in the business plan when the earnings goal
was established, and of sufficient magnitude to warrant recognition. For the payouts based on 2007
performance, no adjustments materially impacted the payouts to the named executive officers.
Under the terms of the program, no payout can be made if Southern Companys current earnings are
not sufficient to fund its Common Stock dividend at the same level or higher than the prior year.
Goal Details
Operational Goals:
Customer
Service Gulf Power uses customer satisfaction surveys to evaluate its performance. The
survey results provide an overall ranking for Gulf Power, as well as a ranking for each customer
segment: residential, commercial, and industrial.
Reliability Transmission and distribution system reliability performance is measured by the
frequency and duration of outages. Performance targets for reliability are set internally based on
historical performance, expected weather conditions, and expected capital expenditures.
Availability Peak season equivalent forced outage rate is an indicator of fossil/hydro plant
availability and efficient generation fleet operations during the months when generation needs are
greatest. The rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours of forced outages by total
generation hours.
Safety
Southern Companys Target Zero program is focused on continuous improvement in having a
safe work environment. The performance is measured by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration recordable incident rate.
Inclusion/Diversity
The inclusion program seeks to improve our inclusive workplace. This goal
includes measures for work environment (employee satisfaction survey), representation of minorities
and females in leadership roles, and supplier diversity.
Southern Company capital expenditures gate or threshold goal Southern Company strived to manage
total capital expenditures for the participating business units at or below $3.8 billion for 2007,
excluding nuclear fuel. If the capital expenditure target is exceeded, total operational goal
performance is capped at 0.90 for all business units, regardless of the actual operational goal
results. Adjustments to the goal may occur due to significant events not anticipated in Southern
Companys business plan established early in 2007, such as acquisitions or disposition of assets,
new capital projects, and other events.
For Ms. Manuel, the Southern Company Generation operational goals are applied rather than those for
Gulf Power. These goals included availability, safety, inclusion, and Southern Company Generation
net income. For Mr. McCullough, the operational goals are weighted 60% based on Gulf Powers
operational goals and 40% based on Southern Company Generations operational goals.
III-11
The range of performance levels established for the operational goals are detailed below.
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Availability - |
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Safety - |
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Gulf Power/ |
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Gulf Power/ |
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Southern |
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Southern |
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Southern |
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Company |
Level of |
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Customer |
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Company |
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Company |
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Generation |
Performance |
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Service |
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Reliability |
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Generation |
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Generation |
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Inclusion |
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Net Income |
Maximum (1.10) |
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Top quartile for each |
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Improve historical |
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2.25%/2.00% |
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1.00/0.30 |
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Significant |
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$170 million |
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customer segment |
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performance |
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improvement |
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Target (1.00) |
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2nd quartile |
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Maintain historical |
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3.00%/2.75% |
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1.50/0.60 |
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Improve |
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$150 million |
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performance |
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Threshold (0.90) |
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3rd quartile |
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Below historical |
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4.00%/3.75% |
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2.00/0.90 |
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Below expectations |
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$120 million |
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performance |
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0 Trigger |
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4th quartile |
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Significant issues |
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9.00%/6.00% |
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>2.00/>0.90 |
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Significant issues |
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<$120 million |
EPS and Business Unit Financial Performance:
The range of EPS and business unit financial goals for 2007 is shown below. The ROE goal varies
from the allowed retail ROE range due to state regulatory accounting requirements, wholesale
activities, other non-jurisdictional revenues and expenses, and other activities not subject to
state regulation.
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Southern |
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Payout Factor |
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Company EPS, |
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at Highest |
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Payout Below |
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excluding |
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Level of |
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Threshold for |
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earnings from |
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Business unit |
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Operational |
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Operational |
Level of |
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synthetic fuel |
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financial |
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Payout |
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Goal |
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Goal |
Performance |
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investments |
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performance ROE |
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Factor |
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Achievement |
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Achievement |
Maximum |
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$ |
2.265 |
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14.25 |
% |
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2.00 |
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2.20 |
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0.00 |
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Target |
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$ |
2.155 |
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13.50 |
% |
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1.00 |
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1.10 |
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0.00 |
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Threshold |
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$ |
2.08 |
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10.50 |
% |
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0.25 |
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0.275 |
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0.00 |
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Below threshold |
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<$ |
2.08 |
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<10.50 |
% |
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0.00 |
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0.00 |
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0.00 |
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2007 Achievement
Each named executive officer had a target annual incentive opportunity, based on his or her
position, set by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of 2007. Targets are set as a
percentage of base salary. Ms. Storys target was set at
60%. For Messrs. Jacob and Labrato it was set at 45%. For
Ms. Manuel it was initially set at 40% based on her position
level and increased to 45% in August 2007 when she assumed her
current position. For Mr. McCullough it was initially set at 35%
and was increased to 40% in August 2007 when he assumed his current
position. For Ms. Terry it was initially set at 40% and was
increased to 45% in March 2007 when she assumed her current position. Actual payouts were determined by adding the payouts derived
from EPS and business unit financial performance goal achievement for 2007 and multiplying that sum
by the result of the operational goal achievement. The gate goal target was not exceeded and
therefore did not affect payouts. Actual 2007 goal achievement is shown in the following table.
III-12
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EPS, |
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Business |
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excluding |
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Unit |
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Total |
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earnings |
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EPS Goal |
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Financial |
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Weighted |
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Operational |
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from |
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Performance |
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Business |
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Performance |
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Financial |
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Total |
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Goal |
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synthetic |
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Factor |
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Unit |
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Factor |
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Performance |
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Payout |
Business |
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Multiplier |
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fuel |
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(50% |
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Financial |
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(50% |
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Factor |
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Factor |
Unit |
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(A) |
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investments |
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Weight) |
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Performance |
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Weight) |
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(B) |
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(AxB) |
Gulf
Power |
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1.07 |
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$2.21 |
|
1.69 |
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13.25 |
% |
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0.94 |
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1.31 |
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1.40 |
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Southern Company |
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Corporate |
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Generation |
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1.05 |
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$2.21 |
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1.69 |
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Average |
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1.25 |
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1.47 |
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1.54 |
|
For Ms. Manuel, the Total Payout Factor was based 50% on EPS and 50% on Southern Company Generation
performance. For Mr. McCullough, the Total Payout Factor was based 50% on EPS, 30% on Gulf Power
performance, and 20% on Southern Company Generation performance.
Ms. Manuels was adjusted by the
Southern Company Generation operational goal multiplier and
Mr. McCulloughs was adjusted based on a weighted average
of the Gulf Power operational goal multiplier (60%) and the Southern
Company Generation operational goal multiplier (40%).
Note that the Total Payout Factor may vary from the Total Weighted Performance multiplied by the
operational goal multiplier due to rounding. To calculate the annual incentive payout amount, the
target opportunity (annual incentive target times base salary) is multiplied by the Total Payout
Factor. For Mss. Manuel and Terry and Mr. McCullough it is
prorated based on the period of time they served in different
positions as described above.
Annual incentive payouts were determined using EPS and business unit financial performance results.
The EPS results used differ somewhat from the results reported in Southern Companys financial
statements in the Southern Companys 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders. Gulf Powers ROE results
used for annual incentive calculations differ somewhat from the results reported by Gulf Power in
Item 6 herein. These differences are described below.
EPS, excluding earnings from synthetic fuel investments In 2007, Southern Companys synthetic
fuel investments generated tax credits as a result of synthetic fuel production. Due to higher oil
prices over the past two years, such tax credits were partially phased out and one synfuel
investment was terminated in 2006. These tax credits were no longer available after December 31,
2007. Southern Company management uses EPS, excluding earnings from synthetic fuel investments, to
evaluate the performance of Southern Companys ongoing business activities. We believe the
presentation of earnings and EPS, excluding the results of the synthetic fuel investments, also is
useful for investors because it provides additional information for purposes of comparing our
performance for such periods. For 2007, reported EPS was $2.29 per share including earnings from
synthetic fuel investments, and $2.21 per share excluding earnings from synthetic fuel investments.
As established by the Compensation Committee in early 2007, the annual incentive goal for 2007
measured the EPS performance, excluding earnings from synthetic fuel investments.
The 2007
reported ROE for Gulf Power was 12.32%. ROE performance for the
annual incentive calculation was
13.25%, due to an adjustment made to mitigate the ROE impact of losses under certain wholesale
contracts. This adjustment was approved by the Compensation Committee at the time the ROE goal for
Gulf Power was established in early 2007.
Actual performance exceeded the target performance levels established by the Compensation Committee
in early 2007; therefore, the payout levels also exceeded the target pay opportunities that were
established. More information on how target pay opportunities are established is provided under
the section entitled Market Data in this CD&A.
III-13
The table below shows the pay opportunity set in early 2007 for the annual incentive payout at
target-level performance and the actual payout based on the actual performance shown above.
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Name |
|
Target Annual Incentive Opportunity |
|
Actual Annual Incentive Payout |
S. N. Story |
|
$ |
222,103 |
|
|
$ |
310,944 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
$ |
105,126 |
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|
$ |
147,177 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
$ |
97,705 |
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|
$ |
136,787 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
$ |
87,336 |
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$ |
130,448 |
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T. J. McCullough |
|
$ |
62,830 |
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$ |
91,369 |
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B. C. Terry |
|
$ |
87,990 |
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$ |
124,088 |
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Stock Options
Options to purchase Common Stock are granted annually and were granted in 2007 to the named
executive officers and about 265 other employees of Gulf Power. Options have a 10-year term, vest
over a three-year period, fully vest upon retirement or termination of employment following a
change in control and expire at the earlier of five years from the date of retirement or the end of
the 10-year term.
Stock option award sizes for 2007 were calculated using guidelines set by the Compensation
Committee as a percent of base salary. These guidelines are kept stable from year to year unless
the market data indicates a clear need to change them.
The number of options granted is the guideline amount divided by Southern Companys average daily
Common Stock price for the 12 months preceding the grant. This is done to mitigate volatility in
the number of options granted and to provide a standard grant methodology.
The calculation of the 2007 stock option grants for the named executive officers is shown below.
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Number of Stock |
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Options Granted |
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(Guideline |
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Amount/Average |
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Guideline |
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Average Daily |
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Daily Stock |
Name |
|
Guideline % |
|
Salary |
|
Amount |
|
Stock Price |
|
Price) |
S. N. Story |
|
400% of Salary |
|
$ |
370,172 |
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$ |
1,480,688 |
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$ |
34.06 |
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|
43,472 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
225% of Salary |
|
$ |
233,614 |
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$ |
525,632 |
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$ |
34.06 |
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|
15,432 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
225% of Salary |
|
$ |
210,799 |
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$ |
474,298 |
|
|
$ |
34.06 |
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|
13,925 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
175% of Salary |
|
$ |
189,219 |
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$ |
331,133 |
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$ |
34.06 |
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|
9,722 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
125% of Salary |
|
$ |
148,492 |
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$ |
185,615 |
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$ |
34.06 |
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|
5,449 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
175% of Salary |
|
$ |
182,316 |
|
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$ |
319,053 |
|
|
$ |
34.06 |
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|
9,367 |
|
The guideline percent is based on the positions held at the time grants are made, which were
different for Ms. Manuel, Ms. Terry, and Mr. McCullough from the positions held as of year-end
2007. Also, stock option grants were made based on salaries in effect on March 1, 2007.
More information about the option program is contained in the Grant of Plan Based Awards Table and
the information accompanying it.
Performance Dividends
All option holders, including the named executive officers, can receive performance-based dividend
equivalents on stock options held at the end of the year. Dividend equivalents can range from 0%
to 100% of the Common Stock dividend paid during the year per option held at
the end of the year. Actual payout will depend on Southern Companys total shareholder return over
a four-year performance measurement period compared to a group of other
III-14
electric and gas utility companies. The peer group is determined at the beginning of each
four-year performance measurement period. The peer group varies from the Market Data peer group
due to the timing and criteria of the peer selection process. The peer group for performance
dividends is set by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the four-year measurement
period. However, despite these timing differences, there is substantial overlap in the companies
included.
Total shareholder return is calculated by measuring the ending value of a hypothetical $100
invested in each companys common stock at the beginning of each of 16 quarters.
No performance dividends are paid if Southern Companys earnings are not sufficient to fund a
Common Stock dividend at least equal to that paid in the prior year.
2007 Payout
The peer
group used to determine the 2007 payout for the 2004-2007 performance measurement period was
made up of utilities with revenues of $2 billion or more with regulated revenues of 70% or more.
Those companies are listed below.
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Allegheny Energy, Inc.
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Exelon Corporation
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|
Progress Energy, Inc. |
Alliant Energy Corporation
|
|
FirstEnergy Corporation
|
|
Public Service Enterprise
Group Incorporated |
Ameren Corporation
|
|
FPL Group, Inc.
|
|
Puget Energy, Inc. |
American Electric Power
Company, Inc.
|
|
NiSource Inc.
|
|
SCANA Corporation |
Avista Corporation
|
|
Northeast Utilities
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|
Sempra Energy |
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
|
|
NorthWestern Corporation
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|
Sierra Pacific Resources |
DTE Energy Company
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|
NSTAR
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|
Westar Energy, Inc. |
Energy East Corporation
|
|
OGE Energy Corp.
|
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation |
Entergy Corporation
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|
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
|
|
Xcel Energy Inc. |
|
|
Pinnacle West Capital
Corporation |
|
|
|
The scale below determined the percent of the full years dividend paid on each option held at
December 31, 2007 based on the 2004-2007 performance measurement
period. Payout for performance between points was
interpolated on a straight-line basis.
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|
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Performance vs. Peer Group |
|
Payout (% of a Full Years Dividend Paid) |
90th percentile or higher |
|
|
100 |
% |
50th percentile |
|
|
50 |
% |
10th percentile or lower |
|
|
0 |
% |
The above payout scale, when established in 2004, paid 25% of the dividend at the 30th
percentile and zero below that. The scale was extended to the 10th percentile on a
straight-line basis by the Compensation Committee in October 2005, in order to avoid the earnings
volatility and employee relations issues that the payout cliff created.
Total shareholder return was calculated by measuring the ending value of a hypothetical $100
invested in each companys stock at the beginning of each of 16 quarters.
Southern Companys total shareholder return performance during the four-year period ending with
2007 was the
39th percentile, resulting in a payout of 36% of the full years Common Stock
dividend, or $0.58. This figure was multiplied by each named executive officers outstanding stock
options at December 31, 2007 to calculate the payout under the program. The amount paid is
included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Column in the Summary Compensation Table.
III-15
2010 Opportunity
The peer
group for the 2007-2010 performance measurement period (which will be
used to determine the 2010 payout) is made up of utility companies with revenues of $1.2
billion or more with regulated revenues of approximately 60% or more. Those companies are listed
below.
The guideline used to establish the peer group for the 2004-2007 performance measurement period was
somewhat different from that used in 2006 to establish the peer group for the 2007-2010 performance
measurement period. The guideline for inclusion in the peer group is reevaluated annually as
needed to assist in identifying 25 to 30 companies similar to Southern Company. While the
guideline does vary somewhat, 25 of the 29 companies in the peer group for the 2004-2007
performance measurement period also were in the peer group established for the 2007-2010 period.
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Allegheny Energy, Inc.
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Edison International
|
|
Progress Energy, Inc. |
Alliant Energy Corporation
|
|
Energy East Corporation
|
|
Puget Energy, Inc. |
Ameren Corporation
|
|
Entergy Corporation
|
|
SCANA Corporation |
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
|
|
Exelon Corporation
|
|
Sempra Energy |
Aquila, Inc.
|
|
FPL Group, Inc.
|
|
Sierra Pacific Resources |
Avista Corporation
|
|
Hawaiian Electric
|
|
TECO |
Centerpoint Energy, Inc.
|
|
NiSource Inc.
|
|
UIL Holdings |
CMS Energy Corporation
|
|
Northeast Utilities
|
|
Unisource |
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
|
|
NSTAR
|
|
Vectren Corporation |
DPL Inc.
|
|
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
|
|
Westar Energy, Inc. |
DTE, Inc.
|
|
PG&E Corporation
|
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation |
Duke Energy
|
|
Pinnacle West Capital
Corporation
|
|
Xcel Energy Inc. |
|
The scale below will determine the percent of the full years dividend paid on each option held at
December 31, 2010, based on the 2007-2010 performance
measurement period. Payout for performance between points is
interpolated on a straight-line basis.
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|
|
Performance vs. Peer Group |
|
Payout (% of a Full Years Dividend Paid) |
90th percentile or higher |
|
|
100 |
% |
50th percentile |
|
|
50 |
% |
10th percentile or lower |
|
|
0 |
% |
See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table and the accompanying information following it for more
information about threshold, target and maximum payout opportunities for the 2007-2010 Performance
Dividend Program.
Timing of Incentive Compensation
As discussed above, Southern Company EPS and Gulf Powers financial performance goals for the 2007
annual incentive program were established at the February 2007 Compensation Committee meeting.
Annual stock option grants were also made at that meeting. The establishment of incentive
compensation goals and the granting of stock options were not timed with the release of non-public
material information. This procedure was consistent with prior practices. Stock option grants are
made to new hires or newly-eligible participants on preset, regular quarterly dates that were
approved by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of options granted to employees in 2007
was the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
III-16
Post-Employment Compensation
As mentioned above, we provide certain post-employment compensation to employees, including the
named executive officers:
Retirement Benefits
Generally, all full-time employees of Gulf Power, including the named executive officers,
participate in our funded Pension Plan after completing one year of service. Normal retirement
benefits become payable when participants both attain age 65 and complete five years of
participation. We also provide unfunded benefits that count salary and short-term incentive pay
that is ineligible to be counted under the Pension Plan. (These plans are the Supplemental Benefit
Plan and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that are mentioned in the chart on pages III-27
through III-28 of this CD&A.) See the Pension Benefits Table and the information accompanying it
for more information about pension-related benefits.
Gulf Power also provides the Deferred Compensation Plan which is an unfunded plan that permits
participants to defer income as well as certain federal, state, and local taxes until a specified
date or their retirement, disability, death, or other separation from service. Up to 50% of base
salary and up to 100% of the annual incentive and performance dividends may be deferred, at the
election of eligible employees. All of the named executive officers are eligible to participate in
the Deferred Compensation Plan. See the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table and the
information accompanying it for more information about the Deferred Compensation Plan.
Change in Control Protections
The Compensation Committee approved the change in control protection program in 1998. The program
provides some level of severance benefits to all employees not part of a collective bargaining
unit, if the conditions of the program are met, as described below. The Compensation Committee
established this program and the levels of severance amount in order to provide certain
compensatory protections to executives upon a change in control and thereby allow them to negotiate
aggressively with a prospective purchaser. Providing such protections to our employees in general
minimizes disruption during a pending or anticipated change in control. For all participants,
payment and vesting occur only upon the occurrence of both an actual change in control and loss of
the individuals position.
Change in control protections, including severance pay and, in some situations, vesting or payment
of long-term incentive awards, are provided upon a change in control of Southern Company or Gulf
Power coupled with an involuntary termination not for Cause or a voluntary termination for Good
Reason. This means there is a double trigger before severance benefits are paid; i.e., there
must be both a change in control and a termination of employment.
If the conditions described above are met, the named executive officers are entitled to severance
payments equal to two or three times their base salary plus the annual incentive amount assuming
target-level performance. Most officers, including the Gulf Powers named executive officers, are
entitled to severance payments equal to two times their base salary plus the annual incentive
amount assuming target-level performance. Ms. Story is entitled to the larger amount. These
amounts are consistent with that provided by other companies of our size and in our industry and
were established based on market-data provided to the Compensation Committee from its compensation
consultant.
More information about post-employment compensation, including severance arrangements under our
change in control program, is included in the section entitled Potential Payments upon Termination
or Change in Control.
III-17
Executive Stock Ownership Requirements
Effective January 1, 2006, the Compensation Committee adopted Common Stock ownership requirements
for officers of Southern Company and its subsidiaries that are in a position of Vice President or
above. All of the named executive officers are covered by the requirements. The guidelines were
implemented to further align the interest of officers and Southern Companys stockholders by
promoting a long-term focus and long-term share ownership.
The types of ownership arrangements counted toward the requirements are shares owned outright,
those held in Southern Company-sponsored plans, and Common Stock accounts in the Deferred
Compensation Plan and the Supplemental Benefit Plan. One-third of vested Southern Company stock
options may be counted, but if so, the ownership target is doubled.
The requirements are expressed as a multiple of base salary as per the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of Salary Without |
|
Multiple of Salary Counting |
Name |
|
Counting Stock Options |
|
1/3 of Vested Options |
S. N. Story
|
|
3 Times
|
|
6 Times |
R. R. Labrato
|
|
1 Time
|
|
2 Times |
P. B. Jacob
|
|
1 Time
|
|
2 Times |
P. M. Manuel
|
|
1 Time
|
|
2 Times |
T. J. McCullough
|
|
1 Time
|
|
2 Times |
B. C. Terry
|
|
1 Time
|
|
2 Times |
Current officers have until September 30, 2011 to meet the applicable ownership requirement.
Newly-elected officers will have five years to meet the applicable ownership requirement.
Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatments on Compensation
None of the compensation paid to the Gulf Powers employees, including the named executive
officers, is subject to the restrictions under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (Code).
Policy on Recovery of Awards
Southern Companys 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan provides that, if Southern Company or
Gulf Power is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance as a
result of misconduct, and if an executive knowingly or grossly negligently engaged in or failed to
prevent the misconduct or is subject to automatic forfeiture under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
the executive will reimburse Gulf Power the amount of any payment in settlement of awards earned or
accrued during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing that was restated.
Southern Company Policy Regarding Hedging the Economic Risk of Stock Ownership
Southern Companys policy is that insiders, including outside directors, will not trade in Southern
Company options on the options market and will not engage in short sales.
III-18
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee met with management to review and discuss the CD&A. Based on such
review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Southern Company Board of
Directors that the CD&A be included in Gulf Powers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007. The Southern Company Board of Directors approved that recommendation.
Members of the Compensation Committee:
J. Neal Purcell, Chair
Jon A. Boscia
H. William Habermeyer, Jr.
Donald M. James
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The Summary Compensation Table shows the amount and type of compensation received by the Chief
Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and the next four most highly-paid executive
officers who served in 2007. Collectively, these officers are referred to as the named executive
officers.
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Value and |
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Nonquali- |
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Non- |
|
fied |
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Equity |
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Deferred |
|
All |
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Incentive |
|
Compensa |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Plan |
|
-tion |
|
Compen |
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
-sation |
|
Total |
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
|
(j) |
Susan N. Story |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
366,578 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
164,686 |
|
|
|
404,421 |
|
|
|
231,120 |
|
|
|
37,196 |
|
|
|
1,204,001 |
|
President, Chief |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
349,187 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
144,347 |
|
|
|
383,590 |
|
|
|
65,344 |
|
|
|
29,330 |
|
|
|
971,798 |
|
Executive Officer
and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ronnie R. Labrato |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
231,132 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
63,580 |
|
|
|
189,469 |
|
|
|
166,084 |
|
|
|
25,849 |
|
|
|
676,114 |
|
Vice President and |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
219,732 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
60,598 |
|
|
|
182,948 |
|
|
|
71,618 |
|
|
|
25,945 |
|
|
|
568,341 |
|
Chief Financial
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. Bernard Jacob |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
213,374 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
57,371 |
|
|
|
152,730 |
|
|
|
125,674 |
|
|
|
22,726 |
|
|
|
571,875 |
|
Vice President |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
199,142 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
54,938 |
|
|
|
156,439 |
|
|
|
53,935 |
|
|
|
18,699 |
|
|
|
483,153 |
|
Penny M. Manuel* |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
193,758 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
151,800 |
|
|
|
68,851 |
|
|
|
44,202 |
|
|
|
491,391 |
|
Vice President |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
177,484 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
26,053 |
|
|
|
133,157 |
|
|
|
21,857 |
|
|
|
12,801 |
|
|
|
371,352 |
|
Theodore McCullough* |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
154,087 |
|
|
|
17,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
21,345 |
|
|
|
107,045 |
|
|
|
30,674 |
|
|
|
29,962 |
|
|
|
360,113 |
|
Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bentina C. Terry** |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
193,869 |
|
|
|
18,232 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,417 |
|
|
|
140,268 |
|
|
|
13,802 |
|
|
|
64,210 |
|
|
|
466,798 |
|
Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Ms. Manuel transferred to SCS in August 2007. Mr. McCullough was named an executive
officer of Gulf Power in August 2007. |
|
** |
|
Ms. Terry was named an executive officer of Gulf Power in March 2007. |
III-19
Column (d)
The
amounts reported in this column for 2007 were relocation incentives that are paid to employees who
are promoted and relocate geographically, at the request of the
employer. It is a lump sum payment
equal to 10% of base salary. Both Ms. Terry and Mr. McCullough relocated in 2007.
Column (e)
No equity-based compensation has been awarded to the named executive officers, or any other
employees of Gulf Power, other than Stock Option Awards which are reported in column (f).
Column (f)
This column reports the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with
respect to 2007 in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
(revised 2004) (FAS 123R) disregarding any estimates of forfeitures relating to service-based
vesting conditions. See Note 1 to the financial statements of Gulf Power in Item 8 herein for a
discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these amounts.
For Messrs. Labrato and Jacob, the amounts shown equal the grant date fair value for the 2007
options granted in 2007, as reported in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table because these named
executive officers have been retirement eligible for several years and therefore their options will
vest in full upon termination. Accordingly, under FAS 123R, the full grant date fair value of their
option awards is expensed in the year of grant. However, for Mss. Story, Manuel, and Terry and Mr.
McCullough, the amounts reported reflect the amounts expensed in 2007 attributable to the following
stock option grants made in 2007 and in prior years because each of these named executive officers
was not retirement eligible on the grant dates. Therefore, the grant date fair value for options
granted to Mss. Story, Manuel, and Terry and Mr. McCullough is
recognized over the shorter period of a) the vesting period of
each option or b) the period to the date they become retirement
eligible. The grant date fair value for the grant made in 2007 is reported in the Grants of
Plan-Based Awards Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount Expensed in 2007 ($) |
Grant Date |
|
S. N. Story |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
B. C. Terry |
2004 |
|
|
4,993 |
|
|
|
780 |
|
|
|
715 |
|
|
|
486 |
|
2005 |
|
|
50,042 |
|
|
|
7,742 |
|
|
|
7,102 |
|
|
|
12,501 |
|
2006 |
|
|
57,149 |
|
|
|
12,720 |
|
|
|
7,061 |
|
|
|
12,313 |
|
2007 |
|
|
52,502 |
|
|
|
11,538 |
|
|
|
6,467 |
|
|
|
11,117 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
164,686 |
|
|
|
32,780 |
|
|
|
21,345 |
|
|
|
36,417 |
|
Column (g)
The amounts in this column are the aggregate of the payouts under the annual incentive program and
the performance dividend program attributable to performance periods ending December 31, 2007 that
are discussed in detail in the CD&A. The amounts paid under each program to the named executive
officers are shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Annual Incentive ($) |
|
Performance Dividends ($) |
|
Total ($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
310,944 |
|
|
|
93,477 |
|
|
|
404,421 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
147,177 |
|
|
|
42,292 |
|
|
|
189,469 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
136,787 |
|
|
|
15,943 |
|
|
|
152,730 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
130,448 |
|
|
|
21,352 |
|
|
|
151,800 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
91,369 |
|
|
|
15,676 |
|
|
|
107,045 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
124,088 |
|
|
|
16,180 |
|
|
|
140,268 |
|
III-20
§ Column (h)
This column reports the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of each named executive
officers accumulated benefit under the Pension Plan and the supplemental pension plans
(collectively, Pension Benefits) during 2006 and 2007. The amount included for 2006 is the
difference between the actuarial present values of the Pension Benefits measured as of September
30, 2005 and September 30, 2006; the 2007 amount is the difference in the actuarial present values
of the Pension Benefits measured as of September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2007. The Pension
Benefits as of each measurement date are based on the named executive officers age, pay, and
service accruals and the plan provisions applicable as of the measurement date. The actuarial
present values as of each measurement date reflect the assumptions Gulf Power selected for
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions cost
purposes as of that measurement date; however, the named executive officers were assumed to remain
employed at Gulf Power until their benefits commence at the pension plans stated normal retirement
date, generally age 65. As a result, the amounts in column (h) related to Pension Benefits
represent the combined impact of several factorsgrowth in the named executive officers Pension
Benefits over the measurement year; impact on the total present values of one year shorter
discounting period due to the named executive officer being one year closer to normal retirement;
impact on the total present values attributable to changes in assumptions from measurement date to
measurement date; and impact on the total present values attributable to plan changes between
measurement dates.
For more information about the Pension Benefits and the assumptions used to calculate the actuarial
present value of accumulated benefits as of September 30, 2007, see the information following the
Pension Benefits Table. The key differences between assumptions used for the actuarial present
values of accumulated benefits calculations as of September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2007 follow:
§ |
|
Discount rate was increased to 6.3% as of September 30, 2007 from 6.0% as of September 30,
2006. |
§ |
|
Unpaid incentives have been assumed to be 135% of target levels as of September 30, 2007;
payments at 130% of target levels was assumed as of September 30, 2006. |
The pension plans provisions were substantively the same as of September 30, 2005 and September
30, 2006. However, the present values of accumulated Pension Benefits as of September 30, 2007
reflect new provisions regarding the form and timing of payments from the supplemental pension
plans. These changes bring those plans into compliance with Section 409A of the Code. The key
change was to the form of payment. Instead of providing monthly payments for the lifetime of each
named executive officer and his/her spouse, these plans will pay the single sum value of those
benefits for an average lifetime in 10 annual installments. Calculations of the present value of
accumulated benefits calculations shown prior to September 30, 2007 reflect supplemental pension
benefits being paid monthly for the lifetimes of named executive officers and their spouses. The
2007 change in pension value reported in column (h) for each named executive officer is greater
than what it otherwise would have been due to the new form of payment. This new form of payment is
described more fully in the information following the Pension Benefits Table.
This column also reports above-market earnings on deferred compensation. Above-market earnings are
defined by the SEC as any amount above 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate as prescribed
under Section 1274(d) of the Code.
Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, eligible employees are permitted to defer up to 50% of their
salary and 100% of payments under the annual incentive program or the performance dividend program.
The deferred amounts are then treated as if invested in one of two investment options at the
election of the participant. Amounts may be treated as if invested in the Common Stock (Stock
Equivalent Account) or the prime interest rate as published in the Wall Street Journal as the base
rate on corporate loans posted as of the last business day of each month by at least 75% of the
United States largest banks (Prime Equivalent Account).
The amounts invested in the Stock Equivalent Account are treated as if dividends are paid and
reinvested at the same rate as that paid to Southern Companys stockholders. That amount is not
considered above-market as defined by the SEC.
III-21
In 2006 and 2007, the prime interest rate used in the Prime Equivalent Account exceeded 120% of the
applicable long-term rate in effect at the measurement point under the SECs rules. Therefore,
earnings that exceed the amount calculated at that rate are reported here. The range of interest
rates under the Prime Equivalent Account was 7.25% to 8.25% in 2006 and 2007 and the applicable
long-term rate was 7.14%.
The table below itemizes the amounts reported in this column.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
Above-Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
Earnings on Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Name |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
221,213 |
|
|
|
9,907 |
|
|
|
231,120 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
56,406 |
|
|
|
8,938 |
|
|
|
65,344 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
165,758 |
|
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
166,084 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
71,618 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
71,618 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
125,316 |
|
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
125,674 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
53,721 |
|
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
53,935 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
68,851 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
68,851 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
21,857 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
21,857 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
30,607 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
30,674 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
13,729 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
13,802 |
|
Column (i)
This column reports the following items: perquisites; tax reimbursements by Gulf Power on certain
perquisites; Gulf Powers contributions in 2007 to the Southern Company Employee Savings Plan
(ESP), which is a tax-qualified defined contribution plan intended to meet requirements of Section
401(k) of the Code; and contributions in 2007 under the Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan
(Non-Pension Related) (SBP). The
SBP is described more fully in the information following the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Table.
The amounts reported are itemized below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perquisites |
|
Reimbursements |
|
ESP |
|
SBP |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
11,475 |
|
|
|
7,025 |
|
|
|
11,475 |
|
|
|
7,221 |
|
|
|
37,196 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
8,789 |
|
|
|
5,418 |
|
|
|
11,329 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
25,849 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
8,259 |
|
|
|
4,494 |
|
|
|
9,973 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
22,726 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
30,142 |
|
|
|
4,451 |
|
|
|
9,609 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
44,202 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
21,406 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
7,351 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
29,962 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
42,587 |
|
|
|
12,802 |
|
|
|
8,821 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
64,210 |
|
Description of Perquisites
Personal Financial Planning is provided for most officers
of Gulf Power, including all of the named
executive officers. Gulf Power pays for the services of the financial planner on behalf of the
officers, up to a maximum amount of $8,700 per year, after the initial year that the benefit is
provided. In the initial year, the allowed amount is $15,000. Gulf Power also provides a
five-year allowance of $6,000 for estate planning and tax return preparation fees.
Personal Use of Company-Provided Club Memberships. Gulf Power provides club memberships to certain
officers, including all of the named executive officers. The memberships are provided for business
use; however, personal use is permitted. The amount included reflects the pro-rata portion of the
membership fees paid by Gulf Power that are attributable to the named executive officers personal
use. Direct costs associated with any personal use, such as meals, are paid for or reimbursed by
the employee and therefore are not included.
III-22
Relocation Benefits. These benefits are provided to cover the costs associated with geographic
relocation.
Personal Use of Corporate-Owned Aircraft. Southern Company owns aircraft that are used to
facilitate business travel. All flights on these aircraft must have a business purpose. Also, if
seating is available, Southern Company permits a spouse or other family member to accompany an
employee on a flight. However, because in such cases the aircraft is being used for a business
purpose, there is no incremental cost associated with the spousal travel and no amounts are
included for such travel. Any additional expenses incurred that are related to spousal travel are
included.
Home Security Systems. Gulf Power pays for the services of third-party providers for the
installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the named executive officers home security systems.
Other Miscellaneous Perquisites. The amount included reflects the full cost to Gulf Power of
providing the following items: personal use of Company-provided tickets for sporting and other
entertainment events, and gifts distributed to and activities provided to attendees at Southern
Company-sponsored events.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS MADE IN 2007
The Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table provides information on stock option grants made and goals
established for future payouts under Gulf Powers incentive compensation programs during 2007 by
the Compensation Committee. In this table, the annual incentive and the performance dividend
payouts are referred to as PPP and PDP, respectively.
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Grant |
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Closing |
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Date |
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All Other |
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Price |
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Fair |
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Option |
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on Last |
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Value |
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|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
Trading |
|
of |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
Date |
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non- |
|
Securities |
|
Price of |
|
Prior to |
|
and |
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
Grant |
|
Option |
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Options |
|
Awards |
|
Date |
|
Awards |
Name |
|
Date |
|
|
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(i) |
S. N. Story |
|
2/19/2007 |
|
PPP |
|
|
49,973 |
|
|
|
222,103 |
|
|
|
488,627 |
|
|
|
43,472 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
179,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
PDP |
|
|
12,853 |
|
|
|
128,531 |
|
|
|
257,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
2/19/2007 |
|
PPP |
|
|
23,653 |
|
|
|
105,126 |
|
|
|
231,278 |
|
|
|
15,432 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
63,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
PDP |
|
|
5,815 |
|
|
|
58,151 |
|
|
|
116,303 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
2/19/2007 |
|
PPP |
|
|
21,984 |
|
|
|
97,705 |
|
|
|
214,952 |
|
|
|
13,925 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
57,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
PDP |
|
|
2,192 |
|
|
|
21,922 |
|
|
|
43,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
2/19/2007 |
|
PPP |
|
|
19,651 |
|
|
|
87,336 |
|
|
|
192,139 |
|
|
|
9,722 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
40,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
PDP |
|
|
2,936 |
|
|
|
29,359 |
|
|
|
58,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
2/19/2007 |
|
PPP |
|
|
14,137 |
|
|
|
62,830 |
|
|
|
138,226 |
|
|
|
5,449 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
22,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
PDP |
|
|
2,155 |
|
|
|
21,554 |
|
|
|
43,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. C. Terry |
|
2/19/2007 |
|
PPP |
|
|
19,798 |
|
|
|
87,990 |
|
|
|
193,578 |
|
|
|
9,367 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
38,592 |
|
|
|
|
|
PDP |
|
|
2,225 |
|
|
|
22,248 |
|
|
|
44,496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columns (c), (d), and (e)
The amounts reported as PPP reflect the amounts established by the Compensation Committee in early
2007 to be paid for certain levels of performance as of December 31, 2007 under the annual
incentive program, Gulf Powers short-term incentive program. The Compensation Committee assigns
each named executive officer a target incentive opportunity, expressed as a percentage of base
salary, that is paid for target-level performance under the annual incentive program. The target
incentive opportunities established for the named executive officers for 2007
III-23
performance were 60% for Ms. Story, 45% for Mss. Manuel and Terry and Messrs. Labrato and Jacob,
and 40% for Mr. McCullough at year-end 2007. Due to changes in job assignments in 2007, target
incentive opportunities for Mss. Manuel and Terry and Mr. McCullough were 40%, 40%, and 35%,
respectively for a portion of 2007. The payout for threshold performance was set at 0.225 times
the target incentive opportunity and the maximum amount payable was set at 2.20 times the target.
The amount paid to each named executive officer under the annual incentive program for actual 2007
performance is included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column in the Summary
Compensation Table and is itemized in the notes following that table. More information about the
annual incentive program, including the applicable performance criteria established by the
Compensation Committee, is provided in the CD&A.
Gulf Power also has a long-term incentive program, the performance dividend program, that pays
performance-based dividend equivalents based on Southern Companys total shareholder return (TSR)
compared with the TSR of its peer companies over a four-year performance measurement period. The
Compensation Committee establishes the level of payout for prescribed levels of performance over
the measurement period.
In
February 2007, the Compensation Committee established the
performance dividend program goal for the
four-year performance measurement period beginning on January 1, 2007 and ending on December 31,
2010. The amount earned in 2010 based on the performance measurement
for 2007-2010 will be paid following the end of
the period. However, no amount is earned and paid unless the Compensation Committee approves the
payment at the beginning of the final year of the performance measurement period. Also, nothing is
earned unless Southern Companys earnings are sufficient to fund a Common Stock dividend at the
same level as the prior year.
The performance dividend program pays to all option holders a percentage of the Common Stock
dividend paid to Southern Companys stockholders in the last year of the performance measurement
period. It can range from approximately five percent for performance above the 10th percentile
compared with the performance of the peer companies to 100% of the dividend if Southern Companys
TSR is at or above the 90th percentile. That amount is then paid per option held at the
end of the four-year period. The amount, if any, ultimately paid to the option holders, including
the named executive officers, at the end of the last year of the 2007-2010 performance measurement period will be
based on (1) Southern Companys TSR compared to that of its peer companies as of December 31, 2010,
(2) the actual dividend paid in 2010 to Southern Companys stockholders, if any, and (3) the number
of options held by the named executive officers on December 31, 2010.
The number of options held on December 31, 2010 will be affected by the number of additional
options granted to the named executive officers prior to December 31, 2010, if any, and the number
of options exercised by the named executive officers prior to December 31, 2010, if any. None of
these components necessary to calculate the range of payout under the performance dividend program
for the 2007-2010 performance measurement period is known at the time the goal is established.
The amounts reported as PDP in columns (c), (d), and (e) were calculated based on the number of
options held by the named executive officers on December 31, 2007, as reported in columns (b) and
(c) of the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table and the Common Stock dividend of
$1.595 per share paid to Southern Companys stockholders in 2007. These factors are itemized
below.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Held |
|
Performance Dividend |
|
Performance Dividend |
|
Performance Dividend |
|
|
as of |
|
Per Option |
|
Per Option |
|
Per Option Paid at |
|
|
December |
|
Paid at Threshold |
|
Paid at Target |
|
Maximum |
|
|
31, 2007 |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
|
Performance |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
161,167 |
|
|
|
0.07975 |
|
|
|
0.7975 |
|
|
|
1.595 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
72,917 |
|
|
|
0.07975 |
|
|
|
0.7975 |
|
|
|
1.595 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
27,488 |
|
|
|
0.07975 |
|
|
|
0.7975 |
|
|
|
1.595 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
36,814 |
|
|
|
0.07975 |
|
|
|
0.7975 |
|
|
|
1.595 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
27,027 |
|
|
|
0.07975 |
|
|
|
0.7975 |
|
|
|
1.595 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
27,897 |
|
|
|
0.07975 |
|
|
|
0.7975 |
|
|
|
1.595 |
|
III-24
More information about the performance dividend program is provided in the CD&A.
Columns (f), (g), and (h)
The stock options vest at the rate of one-third per year, on the anniversary date of the grant.
Also, grants fully vest upon termination as a result of death, total disability, or retirement and
expire five years after retirement, three years after death or total disability, or their normal
expiration date if earlier. Please see Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control
for more information about the treatment of stock options under different termination and change in
control events.
The Compensation Committee granted these stock options to the named executive officers at its
regularly scheduled meeting on February 19, 2007. February 19, 2007 was a holiday (Presidents
Day) and the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (NYSE) was closed. Therefore, under the terms of the
Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, the exercise price was set at the closing price ($36.42 per
share) on the last trading day prior to the grant date which was February 16, 2007.
Column (i)
The value of stock options granted in 2007 was derived using the Black-Scholes stock option pricing
model. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are discussed in Note 1 to the financial
statements of Gulf Power in Item 8 herein.
III-25
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2007 FISCAL YEAR-END
This table provides information pertaining to all outstanding stock options held by the named
executive officers as of December 31, 2007.
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Stock Awards |
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Equity |
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Equity |
|
Incentive |
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Incentive |
|
Plan |
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Plan |
|
Awards: |
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Market or |
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
of |
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Market |
|
Unearned |
|
Unearned |
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
Value of |
|
Shares, |
|
Shares, |
|
|
of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Shares or |
|
Units or |
|
Units or |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Units of |
|
Other |
|
Other |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That |
|
Stock |
|
Rights |
|
Rights |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Have |
|
That Have |
|
That Have |
|
That Have |
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Not |
|
Not |
|
Not |
|
Not |
|
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
37,837 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
29.50 |
|
|
|
02/13/2014 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
25,686 |
|
|
|
12,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.70 |
|
|
|
02/18/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,777 |
|
|
|
27,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.81 |
|
|
|
02/20/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
43,472 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
02/19/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
11,530 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
27.975 |
|
|
|
02/14/2013 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
15,646 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.50 |
|
|
|
02/13/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,471 |
|
|
|
5,236 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.70 |
|
|
|
02/18/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,868 |
|
|
|
9,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.81 |
|
|
|
02/20/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
15,432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
02/19/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,738 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
32.70 |
|
|
|
02/18/2015 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
8,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.81 |
|
|
|
02/20/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
13,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
02/19/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
6,022 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
27.975 |
|
|
|
02/14/2013 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
5,910 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.50 |
|
|
|
02/13/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,974 |
|
|
|
1,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.70 |
|
|
|
02/18/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,067 |
|
|
|
6,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.81 |
|
|
|
02/20/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
9,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
02/19/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
1,185 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
19.0762 |
|
|
|
02/16/2011 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.425 |
|
|
|
04/16/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,221 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.26 |
|
|
|
02/15/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,985 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.975 |
|
|
|
02/14/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,421 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.50 |
|
|
|
02/13/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,645 |
|
|
|
1,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.70 |
|
|
|
02/18/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,703 |
|
|
|
3,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.81 |
|
|
|
02/20/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
5,449 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
02/19/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
6,417 |
|
|
|
3,208 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
32.70 |
|
|
|
02/18/2015 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
2,969 |
|
|
|
5,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.81 |
|
|
|
02/20/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
9,367 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.42 |
|
|
|
02/19/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
III-26
Stock options vest one-third per year on the anniversary of the grant date. Options granted from
2001 through 2004, were fully vested as of December 31, 2007. The options granted in 2005, 2006,
and 2007 become fully vested as shown below.
|
|
|
Expiration Date |
|
Date Fully Vested |
February 18, 2015
|
|
February 18, 2008 |
February 20, 2016
|
|
February 20, 2009 |
February 19, 2017
|
|
February 19, 2010 |
Options also fully vest upon death, total disability, or retirement and expire three years
following death or total disability or five years following retirement, or on the original
expiration date if earlier. Please see Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control
for more information about the treatment of stock options under different termination and change in
control events.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED IN 2007
None of the named executive officers were granted Stock Awards. Of the named executive officers,
only Mr. McCullough did not exercise options in 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Exercise ($) |
|
Vesting (#) |
|
Vesting ($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
14,978 |
|
|
|
126,702 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
10,366 |
|
|
|
125,843 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
25,507 |
|
|
|
145,357 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
6,395 |
|
|
|
75,810 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
7,505 |
|
|
|
62,418 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
PENSION BENEFITS AT 2007 FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Present Value of |
|
During |
|
|
|
|
Years Credited |
|
Accumulated |
|
Last Fiscal |
Name |
|
Plan Name |
|
Service (#) |
|
Benefit ($) |
|
Year ($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
S. N. Story |
|
Pension Plan |
|
|
24.92 |
|
|
|
315,372 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
24.92 |
|
|
|
523,860 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
24.92 |
|
|
|
208,665 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
Pension Plan |
|
|
27.67 |
|
|
|
514,936 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
27.67 |
|
|
|
216,733 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
27.67 |
|
|
|
160,702 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
Pension Plan |
|
|
24.33 |
|
|
|
385,507 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
24.33 |
|
|
|
149,165 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
24.33 |
|
|
|
114,611 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
Pension Plan |
|
|
23.67 |
|
|
|
211,879 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
23.67 |
|
|
|
64,420 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
23.67 |
|
|
|
63,533 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
Pension Plan |
|
|
19.67 |
|
|
|
150,509 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
19.67 |
|
|
|
21,566 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
19.67 |
|
|
|
37,688 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
Pension Plan |
|
|
5.42 |
|
|
|
30,980 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
5.42 |
|
|
|
9,068 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
5.42 |
|
|
|
10,223 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
III-27
The named
executive officers earn employer-paid pension benefits from three integrated retirement
plans. More information about pension benefits is provided in the CD&A.
The Pension Plan
The Pension Plan is a, tax-qualified,
funded plan. It is Southern Companys primary retirement plan.
Generally, all full-time employees participate in this plan after one year of service. Normal
retirement benefits become payable when participants both attain age 65 and complete five years of
participation. The plan benefit equals the greater of amounts computed using a 1.7% offset
formula and a 1.25% formula, as described below. Benefits are limited to a statutory maximum.
The 1.7% offset formula amount equals 1.7% of final average pay times years of participation less
an offset related to Social Security benefits. The offset equals a service ratio times 50% of the
anticipated Social Security benefits in excess of $4,200. The service ratio adjusts the offset for
the portion of a full career that a participant has worked. The highest three rates of pay out of a
participants last 10 calendar years of service are averaged to derive final average pay. The pay
considered for this formula is the base rate of pay reduced for any voluntary deferrals. A
statutory limit restricts the amount considered each year; the limit for 2007 was $225,000.
The 1.25% formula amount equals 1.25% of final average pay times years of participation. For this
formula, the final average pay computation is the same as above, but annual cash incentives paid
during each year are added to the base rates of pay.
Early retirement benefits become payable once plan participants have during employment both
attained age 50 and completed 10 years of participation. Participants who retire early from active
service receive benefits equal to the amounts computed using the same formulas employed at normal
retirement. However, a 0.3% reduction applies for each month (3.6% for each year) prior to normal
retirement that participants elect to have their benefit payments commence. For example, 64% of
the formula benefits are payable starting at age 55. As of December 31, 2007, only Messrs. Labrato
and Jacob were eligible to retire immediately.
The Pension Plans benefit formulas produce amounts payable monthly over a participants
post-retirement lifetime. At retirement, plan participants can choose to receive their benefits in
one of seven alternative forms of payment. All forms pay benefits monthly over the lifetime of the
retiree or the joint lifetimes of the retiree and a spouse. A reduction applies if a retiring
participant chooses a payment form other than a single life annuity. The reduction makes the value
of the benefits paid in the form chosen comparable to what it would have been if benefits were paid
as a single life annuity over the retirees life.
Participants vest in the Pension Plan after completing five years of service. All the named
executive officers are vested in their Pension Plan benefits. Participants who terminate
employment after vesting can elect to have their pension benefits commencing at age 50 if they
participated in the Pension Plan for 10 years. If such an election is made, the early retirement
reductions that apply are actuarially determined factors and are larger than 0.3% per month.
If a participant dies while actively employed, benefits will be paid to a surviving spouse. A
survivors benefit equals 45% of the monthly benefit that the participant had earned before his or
her death. Payments to a surviving spouse of a participant who could have retired will begin
immediately. Payments to a survivor of a participant who was not retirement eligible will begin
when the deceased participant would have attained age 50. After commencing, survivor benefits are
payable monthly for the remainder of a survivors life. Participants who are eligible for early
retirement may opt to have an 80% survivor benefit paid if they die; however, there is a charge
associated with this election.
If participants become totally disabled,
periods that Social Security or employer provided disability
income benefits are paid will count as service for benefit calculation purposes. The crediting of
this additional service ceases at the point a disabled participant elects to commence retirement
payments. Outside of the extra service crediting, the normal plan provisions apply to disabled
participants.
III-28
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan (Pension-Related) (SBP-P)
The SBP-P is an unfunded retirement plan that is not tax-qualified. This plan provides to
high-paid employees any benefits that the Pension Plan cannot pay due to statutory pay/benefit
limits and voluntary pay deferrals. The SBP-Ps vesting, early retirement, and disability
provisions mirror those of the Pension Plan.
The amounts paid by the SBP-P are based on the additional monthly benefit that the Pension Plan
would pay if the statutory limits and pay deferrals were ignored. When an SBP-P participant
separates from service, vested monthly benefits provided by the benefit formulas are converted into
a single sum value. It equals the present value of what would have been paid monthly for an
actuarially determined average post-retirement lifetime. The discount rate used in the calculation
is based on the 30-year Treasury yields for the September preceding the calendar year of
separation, but not more than 6%. Vested participants terminating prior to becoming eligible to
retire will be paid their single sum value as of September 1 following the calendar of separation.
If the terminating participant is retirement eligible, the single sum value will be paid in 10
annual installments starting shortly after separation. The unpaid balance of a retirees single
sum will be credited with interest at the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal. If the
separating participant is a key man under
Section 409A of the Code, the first installment will be delayed for six months after the date of separation.
If an SBP-P participant dies after becoming vested in the Pension Plan, the spouse of the deceased
participant will receive the installments the participant would have been paid upon retirement. If
a vested participants death occurs prior to age 50, the installments will be paid to a survivor as
if the participant had survived to age 50.
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)
The SERP also is an unfunded retirement plan that is not tax qualified. This plan provides to high
paid employees additional benefits that the Pension Plan and the SBP-P would pay if the 1.7% offset
formula calculations reflected a portion of annual cash incentives. To derive the SERP benefits, a
final average pay is determined reflecting participants base rates of pay and their incentives to
the extent they exceed 15% of those base rates (ignoring statutory limits and pay deferrals). This
final average pay is used in the 1.7% offset formula to derive a gross benefit. The Pension Plan
and the SBP-P benefits are subtracted from the gross benefit to calculate the SERP benefit. The
SERPs early retirement, survivor benefit and disability provisions mirror the SBP-Ps provisions.
However, except upon a change in control, SERP benefits do not vest until participants retire, so no
benefits are paid if a participant terminates prior to becoming eligible to retire. More
information about vesting and payment of SERP benefits following a change in control is included in
the section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control.
The following assumptions were used in the present value calculations:
|
|
Discount rate 6.3% as of September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Retirement date Normal retirement age (65 for all named executive officers) |
|
|
|
Mortality after normal retirement RP2000 Combined Healthy mortality rate table |
|
|
|
Mortality, withdrawal, disability and retirement rates prior to normal retirement None |
|
|
|
Form of payment for Pension Benefits |
|
o |
|
Unmarried retirees: 100% elect a single life annuity |
|
|
o |
|
Married retirees: 20% elect a single life annuity; 40% elect a joint and 50%
survivor annuity; and 40% elect a joint and 100% survivor annuity |
|
|
Percent married at retirement 80% of males and 70% of females |
|
|
|
Spouse ages Wives two years younger than their husbands |
|
|
|
Incentives earned but unpaid as of the measurement date 130% of target percentages times
base rate of pay for year incentive is earned. |
|
|
|
Installment determination5.30% discount rate for single sum calculation and 7.30% prime
rate during installment payment period |
III-29
For all of the named executive officers, the number
of years of credited service is one year less
than the number of years of employment.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION AS OF 2007 FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
Registrant |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Contributions |
|
Contributions |
|
Earnings |
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
Balance |
|
|
in Last FY |
|
in Last FY |
|
in Last FY |
|
Distributions |
|
at Last FYE |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
7,221 |
|
|
|
119,924 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,496,299 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
46,335 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
3,702 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
56,578 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
16,409 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,420 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
47,263 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
421 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
9,516 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,902 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
35,424 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
59,383 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,720 |
|
|
|
129,196 |
|
|
|
1,743 |
|
Southern
Company provides the Deferred
Compensation Plan (DCP) which is designed to permit participants
to defer income as well as certain federal, state, and local taxes until a specified date or their
retirement, or other separation from service. Up to 50% of base salary and up
to 100% of the annual incentive and performance dividends may be deferred, at the election of
eligible employees. All of the named executive officers are eligible to participate in the DCP.
Participants have two options for the
deemed investments of the amounts deferred the Stock
Equivalent Account and the Prime Equivalent Account. Under the terms of the DCP, participants are
permitted to transfer between investments at any time.
The amounts deferred in the Stock Equivalent
Account are treated as if invested at an equivalent
rate of return to that of an actual investment in Common Stock, including the crediting of dividend
equivalents as such are paid by Southern Company from time to time. It provides participants with
an equivalent opportunity for the capital appreciation (or loss) and income held by a Southern
Company stockholder. During 2007, the rate of return in the Stock Equivalent Account was 9.83%,
which was Southern Companys TSR for 2007.
Alternatively, participants may elect
to have their deferred compensation deemed invested in the
Prime Equivalent Account which is treated as if invested at a prime interest rate compounded
monthly, as published in the Wall Street Journal as the base rate on corporate loans posted as of
the last business day of each month by at least 75% of the United States largest banks. The range
of interest rates earned on amounts deferred during 2007 in the Prime Equivalent Account was 7.25%
to 8.25%.
Column (b)
This column reports the actual amounts
of compensation deferred under the DCP by each named
executive officer in 2007. The amount of salary deferred by the named executive officers, if any,
is included in the Salary column in the Summary Compensation Table. The amount of incentive
compensation deferred in 2007 was the amount paid for performance under the annual incentive
program and the performance dividend program that were earned as of December 31, 2006 but not
payable until the first quarter of 2007. This amount is not reflected in the Summary Compensation
Table because that table reports incentive compensation that was earned in 2007, but not payable
until early 2008. These deferred amounts may be distributed in a lump sum or in up to 10 annual
installments at termination of employment or in a lump sum at a specified date, at the election of
the participant.
III-30
Column (c)
This
column reflects contributions under the SBP. Under the Code, employer
matching contributions are prohibited under the ESP on employee contributions above stated
limits in the ESP, and, if applicable, above legal limits set forth in the Code. The SBP is a
nonqualified deferred compensation plan under which contributions are
made that are prohibited from being made in the ESP. The contributions are treated as if
invested in Common Stock and are payable in cash upon termination of employment in a lump sum or in
up to 20 annual installments, at the election of the participant. The amounts reported in this
column were also reported in the All Other Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table.
Column (d)
This column reports earnings on both compensation the named executive officers elected to defer and
earnings on employer contributions under the SBP. See the notes to column (h) of the Summary
Compensation Table for a discussion of amounts of nonqualified deferred compensation earnings
included in the Summary Compensation Table.
Column (f)
This column includes amounts that were deferred under the DCP and contributions under the SBP in
prior years and reported in prior years Information Statements or Annual Reports on Form 10-K.
The chart below shows the amounts reported in prior years Information Statements or Annual Reports
on Form 10-K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Deferred |
|
Employer Contributions |
|
|
|
|
the DCP Prior to 2007 |
|
under the SBP Prior to |
|
|
|
|
and Reported in Prior |
|
2007 and Reported in Prior |
|
|
|
|
Years Information |
|
Years Information Statements |
|
|
|
|
Statements or Annual |
|
or Annual Reports on Form |
|
|
|
|
Reports on Form 10-K |
|
10-K |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
18,373 |
|
|
|
251,380 |
|
|
|
269,753 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
1,616 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,616 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
11,518 |
|
|
|
22,674 |
|
|
|
34,192 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
This section describes and estimates payments that could be made to the named executive officers
under different termination and change in control events. The estimated payments would be made
under the terms of Southern Companys compensation and benefits programs or the change in control
severance program. All of the named executive officers are participants in Southern Companys
change in control severance plan for officers. (As described in the CD&A, all employees
not part of a collective bargaining unit are participants in a change in control severance plan.)
The amount of potential payments is calculated as if the triggering events occurred as of December
31, 2007 and assumes that the price of Common Stock is the closing market price as of December 31,
2007.
Description of Termination and Change in Control Events
The following charts list different types of termination and change in control events that can
affect the treatment of payments under the compensation and benefit programs. These
events also affect payments to the named executive officers under their change in control severance
agreements. No payments are made under the severance
III-31
agreements unless, within two years of the change in control, the named executive officer is
involuntarily terminated or he or she voluntarily terminates for Good Reason. (See the description
of Good Reason below.)
Traditional Termination Events
|
|
Retirement or Retirement Eligible Termination of a named executive officer who is at
least 50 years old and has at least 10 years of credited service. |
|
|
Resignation Voluntary termination of a named executive officer who is not retirement
eligible. |
|
|
Lay Off Involuntary termination of a named executive officer not for cause, who is not
retirement eligible. |
|
|
Involuntary Termination Involuntary termination of a named executive officer for cause.
Cause includes individual performance below minimum performance standards and misconduct, such
as violation of Gulf Powers Drug and Alcohol Policy. |
|
|
Death or Disability Termination of a named executive officer due to death or disability. |
Change in Control-Related Events
At the Southern Company or Gulf Power level:
|
|
Southern Company Change in Control I Acquisition by another entity of 20% or more of
Common Stock, or following a merger with another entity Southern
Companys stockholders own 65% or
less of the entity surviving the merger. |
|
|
Southern Company Change in Control II Acquisition by another entity of 35% or more of
Common Stock, or following a merger with another entity Gulf Powers stockholders own less
than 50% of Gulf Power surviving the merger. |
|
|
Southern Company Termination A merger or other event and Southern Company is not the
surviving company or the Common Stock is no longer publicly traded. |
|
|
Gulf Power Change in Control Acquisition by another entity, other than another subsidiary
of Southern Company, of 50% or more of the stock of Gulf Power, a merger with another entity
and Gulf Power is not the surviving company, or the sale of substantially all the assets of
Gulf Power. |
At the employee level:
|
|
Involuntary Change in Control Termination or Voluntary Change in Control Termination for
Good Reason Employment is terminated within two years of a change in control, other than for
cause, or the employee voluntarily terminates for Good Reason. Good Reason for voluntary
termination within two years of a change in control is generally satisfied when there is a
material reduction in salary, incentive compensation opportunity or benefits, relocation of over 50
miles, or a diminution in duties and responsibilities. |
III-32
The following chart describes the treatment of different pay and benefit elements in connection
with the Traditional Termination Events described above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lay Off |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement/ |
|
(Involuntary |
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary |
|
|
Retirement |
|
Termination Not |
|
|
|
|
|
Termination |
Program |
|
Eligible |
|
For Cause) |
|
Resignation |
|
Death or Disability |
|
(For Cause) |
Pension Benefits Plans
|
|
Benefits payable as described in the notes following the Pension Benefits Table.
|
|
Benefits payable as described in the notes following the
Pension Benefits Table.
|
|
Same as Lay Off.
|
|
Benefits payable as described in the notes following the Pension Benefits Table.
|
|
Same as for retirement and resignation, as the case may be. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Incentive Program
|
|
Pro-rated if terminate before 12/31.
|
|
Pro-rated if terminate before 12/31.
|
|
Forfeit.
|
|
Pro-rated if terminate before 12/31.
|
|
Forfeit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Dividend
Program
|
|
Paid year of retirement plus two additional years.
|
|
Forfeit.
|
|
Forfeit.
|
|
Payable until options expire or exercised.
|
|
Forfeit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options
|
|
Vest; expire earlier of original expiration date or five years.
|
|
Vested options expire in 90 days; unvested are forfeited.
|
|
Vested options
expire in 90 days;
unvested are
forfeited.
|
|
Vest; expire earlier of original expiration or three years.
|
|
Forfeit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Planning Perquisite
|
|
Continues for one year.
|
|
Terminates.
|
|
Terminates.
|
|
Continues for one year.
|
|
Terminates. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
Payable per prior elections (lump sum or up to 10 annual installments).
|
|
Same as Retirement.
|
|
Same as Retirement.
|
|
Payable to beneficiary or disabled participant per prior elections; amounts
deferred prior to 2005 can be paid as a lump sum per plan administration
committees discretion.
|
|
Same as Retirement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Benefit Plan
non-pension related
|
|
Payable per prior elections (lump sum or up to 20 annual installments).
|
|
Same as Retirement.
|
|
Same as Retirement.
|
|
Same as the Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
Same as Retirement. |
|
III-33
The chart below describes the treatment of payments under pay and benefit programs under different
change in control events, except the Pension Plan (Change in Control Chart). The Pension Plan is
not affected by change in control events.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Control-Related |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Company |
|
Voluntary Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination or Gulf |
|
Control-Related |
|
|
Southern Company |
|
Southern Company |
|
Power Change in |
|
Termination for |
Program |
|
Change in Control I |
|
Change in Control II |
|
Control |
|
Good Reason |
Nonqualified
Pension Benefits
|
|
All SERP-related benefits vest if
participant vested in tax-qualified pension benefits; otherwise, no
impact.
|
|
Benefits vest for all participants and
single sum value of benefits earned to the
change in control date paid following
termination or retirement.
|
|
Same as Southern
Company Change in Control II.
|
|
Based on type of change in control event. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Incentive
|
|
No plan termination is paid at greater of target or actual performance.
If plan terminated within two years of change in control, pro-rated at target performance level.
|
|
Same as Southern Company Change in Control I.
|
|
Pro-rated at target performance level.
|
|
If not otherwise eligible for payment,
if annual incentive still in effect,
pro-rated at target performance level. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Dividend
|
|
No plan termination is paid at greater of target or actual performance.
If plan terminated within two years of change in control, pro-rated at greater of target or actual performance level.
|
|
Same as Southern Company Change in Control I.
|
|
Pro-rated at greater of actual or target performance level.
|
|
If not otherwise eligible for payment,
if the performance dividend program is
still in effect, greater of actual or
target performance level for year of
severance only. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Vest and convert to surviving companys securities; if cannot
convert, pay spread in cash.
|
|
Vest. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DCP
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SBP
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events.
|
|
Not affected by change in control events. |
|
III-34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Control-Related |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Company |
|
Voluntary Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination or Gulf |
|
Control-Related |
|
|
Southern Company |
|
Southern Company |
|
Power Change in |
|
Termination for |
Program |
|
Change in Control I |
|
Change in Control II |
|
Control |
|
Good Reason |
Severance Benefits
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Two or three times
base salary plus
target annual
incentive plus tax
gross up for
certain named
executive officers
if severance
amounts exceed
Section 280G of the
Code excess
parachute payment
by 10% or more. |
|
Health Benefits
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Up to five years
participation in
group health plan
plus payment of two
or three years
premium amounts. |
|
Outplacement
Services
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
Six months. |
|
Potential Payments
This section describes and estimates payments that would become payable to the named executive
officers upon a termination or change in control as of December 31, 2007.
Pension Benefits
The amounts that would have become payable to the named executive officers if the Traditional
Termination Events occurred as of December 31, 2007 under the Pension Plan, the SBP-P, and the SERP
are itemized in the chart below. The amounts shown under the column Retirement are amounts that
would have become payable to the named executive officers that were retirement eligible on December
31, 2007 and are the monthly Pension Plan benefits and the first of 10 annual installments from the
SBP-P and the SERP. The amounts shown under the column Resignation or Involuntary Termination
are the amounts that would have become payable to the named executive officers who were not
retirement eligible on December 31, 2007 and are the monthly Pension Plan benefits that would
become payable as of the earliest possible date under the Pension Plan and the single sum value of
benefits earned up to the termination date under the SBP-P, paid as a single payment rather than in
10 annual installments. Benefits under the SERP would be forfeited. The amounts shown that are
payable to a spouse in the event of the death of the named executive officer are the monthly
amounts payable to a spouse under the Pension Plan and the first of 10 annual installments from the
SBP-P and the SERP. The amounts in this chart are very different from the pension values shown in the
Summary Compensation Table and the Pension Benefits Table. Those tables show the present values of
all the benefits amounts anticipated to be paid over the lifetimes of the named executive officers
and their spouses. Those plans are described in the notes following the Pension Benefits Table. Of
the named executive officers, only Messrs. Labrato and Jacob were retirement eligible on December
31, 2007.
III-35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resignation or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary |
|
Death |
|
|
Retirement |
|
Termination |
|
(payments to a spouse) |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
Pension |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
2,011 |
|
|
|
3,303 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
696,683 |
|
|
|
91,287 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
41,232 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
Pension |
|
|
5,112 |
|
|
|
All plans treated as |
|
|
|
3,611 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
32,025 |
|
|
|
retiring |
|
|
|
32,025 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
26,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,684 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
Pension |
|
|
3,840 |
|
|
|
All plans treated as |
|
|
|
2,949 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
22,604 |
|
|
|
retiring |
|
|
|
22,604 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
20,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,146 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
Pension |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
2,653 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,426 |
|
|
|
13,453 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
16,473 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
Pension |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
1,229 |
|
|
|
2,018 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,034 |
|
|
|
4,663 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
8,253 |
|
B C. Terry |
|
Pension |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
376 |
|
|
|
618 |
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,144 |
|
|
|
3,016 |
|
|
|
SERP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,821 |
|
As described in the Change in Control Chart, the only change in the form of payment, acceleration
or enhancement of the pension benefits is that the single sum value of benefits earned up to the
change in control date under the SBP-P and the SERP could be paid as a single payment rather than
in 10 annual installments. Also, the SERP benefits vest for participants who are not retirement
eligible upon a change in control. Estimates of the single sum payment that would have been made
to the named executive officers, assuming termination as of December 31, 2007 following a change in
control event, other than a Southern Company Change in Control I (which does not impact how pension
benefits are paid), are itemized below. These amounts would be paid instead of the benefits shown
in the Traditional Termination Events table above; they are not paid in addition to those amounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SBP-P |
|
SERP |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
677,700 |
|
|
|
306,099 |
|
|
|
983,799 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
320,249 |
|
|
|
266,843 |
|
|
|
587,092 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
226,044 |
|
|
|
201,457 |
|
|
|
427,501 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
86,989 |
|
|
|
106,512 |
|
|
|
193,501 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
29,216 |
|
|
|
51,706 |
|
|
|
80,922 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
13,759 |
|
|
|
17,428 |
|
|
|
31,187 |
|
The pension benefit amounts in the tables above were calculated as of December 31, 2007 assuming
payments would begin as soon as possible under the terms of the plans. Accordingly, appropriate
early retirement reductions were applied. Any unpaid incentives were assumed to be paid at 1.35
times the target level. Pension Plan benefits were calculated assuming named executive officers
chose a single life annuity form of payment, because that results in the greatest monthly benefit.
The single sum values of the SBP-P and the SERP benefits were based on a 4.85% discount rate as
prescribed by the terms of the plan for those who separated from service in 2007.
III-36
Annual Incentive
Because this section assumes that a termination or change in control event occurred on December 31,
2007, there is no amount that would be payable other than what was reported and described in the
Summary Compensation Table because actual performance in 2007 exceeded target performance.
Performance Dividends
Because the assumed termination date is December 31, 2007, there is no additional amount that would
be payable other than what was reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the Traditional
Termination Events. As described in the Traditional Termination Events chart, there is some
continuation of benefits under the performance dividend program for retirees.
However, under the Change in Control-Related Events, performance dividends are payable at the
greater of target performance or actual performance. For the 2004-2007 performance period, actual
performance was less than target performance. The table below estimates the additional amount that
would have been payable under the performance dividend program if a change in control occurred as
of December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Additional Performance Dividends ( $) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
35,054 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
15,859 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
5,979 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
8,007 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
5,878 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
6,068 |
|
Stock Options
Stock Options would be treated as described in the Termination and Change in Control charts above.
Under a Southern Company Termination, all stock options vest. In addition, if there is an
Involuntary Change in Control Termination or Voluntary Change in Control Termination for Good
Reason, stock options vest. There is no payment associated with stock options unless there is a
Southern Company Termination and the participants stock options cannot be converted into surviving
company stock options. In that event, the excess of the exercise price and the closing price of
the Common Stock on December 31, 2007 would be paid in cash for all stock options held by the named
executive officers. The chart below shows the number of stock options for which vesting would be
accelerated under a Southern Company Termination and the amount that would be payable under a
Southern Company Termination if there were no conversion to the surviving companys stock options.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Payable in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of |
|
Cash under a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Following |
|
Southern Company |
|
|
Number of Options |
|
Accelerated Vesting |
|
Termination without |
|
|
with Accelerated |
|
under a Southern |
|
Conversion of Stock |
|
|
Vesting |
|
Company Termination |
|
Options |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
S. N. Story |
|
|
83,867 |
|
|
|
161,167 |
|
|
|
888,548 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
30,402 |
|
|
|
72,917 |
|
|
|
472,079 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
27,488 |
|
|
|
27,488 |
|
|
|
104,706 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
17,841 |
|
|
|
36,814 |
|
|
|
223,714 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
10,677 |
|
|
|
27,027 |
|
|
|
198,920 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
18,511 |
|
|
|
27,897 |
|
|
|
124,047 |
|
III-37
DCP and SBP
The aggregate balances reported in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table would be payable to
the named executive officers as described in the Traditional Termination and Change in
Control-Related Events charts above. There is no enhancement or acceleration of payments under
these plans associated with termination or change in control events, other than the lump-sum
payment opportunity described in the above charts. The lump sums that would be payable are those
that are reported in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table.
Health Benefits
Messrs. Labrato and Jacob are retirement eligible and health care benefits are provided to
retirees, and there is no incremental payment associated with the termination or change in control
events. At the end of 2007, Mss. Story, Manuel and Terry and Mr. McCullough were not retirement
eligible and thus health care benefits would not become available until each reaches age 50, except
in the case of a change in control-related termination, as described in the Change in
Control-Related Events chart. The estimated cost of providing three years of group health
insurance premiums for Ms. Story is $14,228 and two years of group health insurance premiums for
Ms. Manuel is $26,682; Ms. Terry is $9,071 and Mr. McCullough is $27,257.
Financial Planning Perquisite
Since Messrs. Labrato and Jacob are retirement eligible, an additional year of the Financial
Planning perquisite, which is set at a maximum of $8,700 per year, is provided after retirement or
will be provided after retirement. Mss. Story, Manuel, and Terry and Mr. McCullough are not
retirement eligible.
There are no other perquisites provided to the named executive officers under any of the
traditional termination or change in control-related events.
Severance Benefits
The named executive officers are participants in a change in control severance plan. In addition
to the treatment of Health Benefits, the annual incentive program, and the performance dividend program
described above, the named executive officers are entitled to a severance benefit, including
outplacement services, if within two years of a change in control, they an involuntarily
terminated, not for Cause, or they voluntarily terminate for Good Reason. The severance benefits
are not paid unless the named executive officer releases Gulf Power from any claims he may have
against Gulf Power.
The estimated cost of providing the six months of outplacement services is $6,000 per named
executive officer. The severance payment is three times the base salary and target payout under
the annual incentive program for Ms. Story and two times the base salary and target payout under
the annual incentive program for the other named executive officers. If any portion of the
severance payment is an excess parachute payment as defined under Section 280G of the Code, Gulf
Power will pay the named executive officer an additional amount to cover the taxes that would be
due on the excess parachute payment a tax gross-up. However, that additional amount will not
be paid unless the severance amount plus all other amounts that are considered parachute payments
under the Code exceed 110% of the severance payment.
III-38
The table below estimates the severance payments that would be made to the named executive officers
if they were terminated as of December 31, 2007 in connection with a change in control. There is
no estimated tax gross-up included for any of the named executive officers because their respective
estimated severance amounts payable are below the amounts considered excess parachute payments
under the Code.
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Severance Amount ($ ) |
S. N. Story |
|
|
1,776,826 |
|
R. R. Labrato |
|
|
677,481 |
|
P. B. Jacob |
|
|
629,657 |
|
P. M. Manuel |
|
|
603,609 |
|
T. J. McCullough |
|
|
475,983 |
|
B. C. Terry |
|
|
581,586 |
|
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Only non-employee directors of Gulf Power are compensated for service on the board of directors.
The pay components for non-employee directors are:
Annual retainers:
|
|
|
$12,000 annual retainer |
Equity grants:
|
|
|
340 shares of Common Stock in quarterly grants of 85 shares (1) |
Meeting fees:
|
|
|
$1,200 for participation in a meeting of the board |
|
|
|
|
$1,000 for participation in a meeting of a committee of the board |
(1) Equity grants may be deferred at the directors election.
DIRECTOR DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
If deferred, all quarterly equity grants are required to be deferred in the Deferred Compensation
Plan For Directors of Gulf Power Company (Director Deferred Compensation Plan) and are invested in
Common Stock units which earn dividends as if invested in Common Stock. Earnings are reinvested in
additional stock units. Upon leaving the board, distributions are made in shares of Common Stock.
In addition, directors may elect to defer up to 100% of their remaining compensation in the
Director Deferred Compensation Plan until membership on the board ends. Deferred compensation may
be invested as follows, at the directors election:
|
|
in Common Stock units which earn dividends as if invested in Common Stock and are
distributed in shares of Common Stock upon leaving the board |
|
|
|
in Common Stock units which earn dividends as if invested in Common Stock and are
distributed in cash upon leaving the board |
|
|
|
at prime interest which is paid in cash upon leaving the board |
III-39
All investments and earnings in the Director Deferred Compensation Plan are fully vested and, at
the election of the director, may be distributed in a lump sum payment or in up to 10 annual
distributions after leaving the board.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table reports all compensation to Gulf Powers non-employee directors during 2007,
including amounts deferred in the Director Deferred Compensation Plan. Non-employee directors do
not receive Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation, and there is no pension plan for non-employee
directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or Paid |
|
Stock |
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
in Cash |
|
Awards |
|
Earnings |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($)(1) |
|
($)(2) |
|
($)(3) |
|
($) |
C. LeDon Anchors |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
18,363 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,363 |
|
William C. Cramer, Jr. |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,363 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,363 |
|
Fred C. Donovan, Sr. |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,363 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
36,432 |
|
William A. Pullum |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,363 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,363 |
|
Winston E. Scott |
|
|
36,274 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,274 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes amounts voluntarily deferred in the Director Deferred Compensation Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes fair market value of equity grants on grant dates. All such stock awards are vested
immediately upon grant. |
|
(3) |
|
Above-market earnings on amounts invested in the Director Deferred Compensation Plan.
Above-market earnings are defined by the SEC as any amount above 120% of the applicable
federal long-term rate as prescribed under Section 1274(d) of the Code. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee is made up of non-employee directors of Southern Company who have never
served as executive officers of Southern Company or Gulf Power. During 2007, none of Southern
Companys or Gulf Powers executive officers served on the board of directors of any entities whose
directors or officers serve on the Compensation Committee.
III-40
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. Southern Company is the beneficial owner of 100%
of the outstanding common stock of Gulf Power.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and |
|
|
|
|
Name and Address |
|
Nature of |
|
Percent |
|
|
of Beneficial |
|
Beneficial |
|
of |
Title of Class |
|
Owner |
|
Ownership |
|
Class |
Common Stock |
|
The Southern Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Atlanta, Georgia 30308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
Registrant: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power |
|
|
1,792,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
Security Ownership of Management. The following tables show the number of shares of Southern
Company common stock owned by the directors, nominees, and executive officers as of December 31,
2007. It is based on information furnished by the directors, nominees, and executive officers.
The shares owned by all directors, nominees, and executive officers as a group constitute less than
one percent of the total number of shares outstanding on December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Beneficially Owned Include: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individuals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have Rights |
|
Name of Directors, |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
to Acquire |
|
Nominees, and |
|
Beneficially |
|
|
Deferred Stock |
|
|
Within 60 |
|
Executive Officers |
|
Owned (1) |
|
|
Units (2) |
|
|
Days (3) |
|
Susan N. Story |
|
|
124,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118,410 |
|
C. LeDon Anchors |
|
|
5,413 |
|
|
|
4,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
William C. Cramer, Jr. |
|
|
6,240 |
|
|
|
6,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fred C. Donovan, Sr. |
|
|
3,734 |
|
|
|
3,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
William A. Pullum |
|
|
7,452 |
|
|
|
7,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
Winston E. Scott |
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. Bernard Jacob |
|
|
17,939 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,792 |
|
Ronnie R. Labrato |
|
|
61,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57,762 |
|
Theodore J. McCullough |
|
|
22,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,692 |
|
Bentina C. Terry |
|
|
19,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,685 |
|
Directors, Nominees
and Executive
Officers as a group
(10 people) |
|
|
269,645 |
|
|
|
21,620 |
|
|
|
230,341 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Beneficial ownership means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a
security and/or investment power with respect to a security or any combination thereof. |
|
(2) |
|
Indicates the number of deferred stock units held under the Director Deferred Compensation
Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Indicates shares of Common Stock that certain executive officers have the right to acquire
within 60 days. Shares indicated are included in the Shares Beneficially Owned column. |
Changes in Control. Southern Company and Gulf Power know of no arrangements which may at a
subsequent date result in any change in control.
III-41
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2007 concerning shares of Southern
Companys common stock authorized for issuance under Southern Companys existing non-qualified
equity compensation plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
under equity |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
Weighted-average |
|
compensation plans |
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
exercise price of |
|
(excluding |
|
|
exercise of |
|
outstanding |
|
securities |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
options, warrants, |
|
reflected in |
|
|
warrants, and rights |
|
and rights |
|
column (a)) |
Plan category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
34,074,622 |
|
|
$ |
30.77 |
|
|
|
41,946,605 |
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes shares available for future issuances under the Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan,
the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the Outside Directors Stock Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes shares available for future issuance under the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan (40,230,627) and the Outside Directors Stock Plan (1,715,978). |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Transactions with Related Persons.
None.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons.
Gulf Power does not have a written policy pertaining solely to the approval or ratification of
related party transactions. Southern Company has a Code of Ethics as well as a Contract Guidance
Manual and other formal written procurement policies and procedures that guide the purchase of
goods and services, including requiring competitive bids for most transactions above $10,000 or
approval based on documented business needs for sole sourcing arrangements.
III-42
Promoters and Certain Control Persons.
None.
Director Independence.
The board of directors of Gulf Power consists of five independent non-employee directors (Messrs.
C. LeDon Anchors, William C. Cramer, Jr., Fred C. Donovan, Sr., William A. Pullum, and Winston E.
Scott) and Ms. Story, the president and chief executive officer of Gulf Power.
Southern Company owns all of Gulf Powers outstanding common stock, which represents a substantial
majority of the overall voting power of Gulf Powers equity securities, and Gulf Power has listed
only debt securities on the NYSE. Accordingly, under the rules of the NYSE, Gulf Power is exempt
from most of the NYSEs listing standards relating to corporate governance, including requirements
relating to certain board committees. Gulf Power has voluntarily complied with certain of the
NYSEs listing standards relating to corporate governance where such compliance was deemed to be in
the best interests of Gulf Powers shareholders.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following represents the fees billed to Gulf Power and Southern Power for the last two fiscal
years by Deloitte & Touche LLP, each companys principal public accountant for 2007 and 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Gulf Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
1,113 |
|
|
$ |
1,076 |
|
Audit-Related
Fees (2) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,140 |
|
|
$ |
1,076 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
1,016 |
|
|
$ |
1,106 |
|
Audit-Related
Fees (2) |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,080 |
|
|
$ |
1,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes services performed in connection with financing transactions. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes other non-statutory audit services and accounting
consultations. |
The Southern Company Audit Committee (on behalf of Southern Company and its subsidiaries) adopted a
Policy of Engagement of the Independent Auditor for Audit and Non-Audit Services that includes
requirements for such Audit Committee to pre-approve audit and non-audit services provided by
Deloitte & Touche LLP. All of the audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP in fiscal years
2007 and 2006 (described in the footnotes to the table above) and related fees were approved in
advance by the Southern Company Audit Committee.
III-43
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
(a) |
|
The following documents are filed as a part of this report on Form 10-K: |
|
(1) |
|
Financial Statements: |
|
|
|
|
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for Southern Company
and Subsidiary Companies is listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for Alabama Power is
listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for Georgia Power is
listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for Gulf Power is
listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for Mississippi Power
is listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for Southern Power and
Subsidiary Companies is listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting for Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies is listed under Item
8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the financial statements
for Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf
Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power and Subsidiary Companies are listed under
Item 8 herein. |
|
|
|
|
The financial statements filed as a part of this report for Southern Company and
Subsidiary Companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and
Southern Power and Subsidiary Companies are listed under Item 8 herein. |
|
|
(2) |
|
Financial Statement Schedules: |
|
|
|
|
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as to Schedules for Southern
Company and Subsidiary Companies, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi
Power, and Southern Power and Subsidiary Companies are included herein on pages IV-8,
IV-9, IV-10, IV-11, IV-12, and IV-13. |
|
|
|
|
Financial Statement Schedules for Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power and Subsidiary
Companies are listed in the Index to the Financial Statement Schedules at page S-1. |
|
|
(3) |
|
Exhibits: |
|
|
|
|
Exhibits for Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi
Power, and Southern Power are listed in the Exhibit Index at page E-1. |
IV-1
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
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. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
David M. Ratcliffe
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Wayne Boston |
|
|
|
|
|
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: February 25, 2008 |
|
|
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. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.
David M. Ratcliffe
Chairman, President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
W. Paul Bowers
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
W. Ron Hinson
Comptroller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors:
|
|
|
|
|
Juanita P. Baranco
|
|
|
|
H. William Habermeyer, Jr |
|
|
Dorrit J. Bern
|
|
|
|
Warren A. Hood, Jr. |
|
|
Francis S. Blake
|
|
|
|
J. Neal Purcell |
|
|
Jon A. Boscia
|
|
|
|
William G. Smith, Jr. |
|
|
Thomas F. Chapman
|
|
|
|
Gerald J. St. Pé |
By: /s/
Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Date: February 25, 2008
IV-2
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
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. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By: Charles D. McCrary
President and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/
Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Date: February 25, 2008
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. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Charles D. McCrary
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Art P. Beattie
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Philip C. Raymond
Vice President and Comptroller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whit Armstrong
|
|
Robert D. Powers
|
|
|
|
|
|
David J. Cooper, Sr.
|
|
C. Dowd Ritter |
|
|
|
|
|
John D. Johns
|
|
James H. Sanford |
|
|
|
|
|
Patricia M. King
|
|
John Cox Webb, IV |
|
|
|
|
|
James K. Lowder
|
|
James W. Wright |
|
|
|
|
|
Malcolm Portera |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Wayne Boston |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
|
|
|
Date: February 25, 2008
IV-3
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
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. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
|
|
|
|
|
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
Michael D. Garrett
|
|
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Wayne Boston |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact) |
|
|
Date: February 25, 2008
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. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Michael D. Garrett
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Cliff S. Thrasher
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Ann P. Daiss
Vice President, Comptroller, and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors:
|
|
|
Robert L. Brown, Jr.
|
|
D. Gary Thompson |
|
|
Ronald D. Brown
|
|
Richard W. Ussery |
|
|
Anna R. Cablik
|
|
William Jerry Vereen |
|
|
David M. Ratcliffe
|
|
E. Jenner Wood, III |
|
|
Jimmy C. Tallent |
|
|
|
|
By: /s/
Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Date: February 25, 2008
IV-4
GULF POWER COMPANY
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. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
|
|
|
|
|
GULF POWER COMPANY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
Susan N. Story |
|
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Wayne Boston |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact) |
|
|
Date: February 25, 2008
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. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Susan N. Story
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Ronnie R. Labrato
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Constance J. Erickson
Comptroller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors:
|
|
|
C. LeDon Anchors
|
|
William A. Pullum |
|
|
William C. Cramer, Jr.
|
|
Winston E. Scott |
|
|
Fred C. Donovan, Sr. |
|
|
|
|
By: /s/
Wayne
Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Date: February 25, 2008
IV-5
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
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. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
|
|
|
|
|
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY |
|
|
By:
|
|
Anthony J. Topazi |
|
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Wayne Boston |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact) |
|
|
Date: February 25, 2008
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. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Anthony J. Topazi
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Frances V. Turnage
Vice President, Treasurer, and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Moses H. Feagin
Comptroller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors:
|
|
|
Roy Anderson, III
|
|
Christine L. Pickering |
|
|
Tommy E. Dulaney
|
|
George A. Schloegel |
|
|
Robert C. Khayat
|
|
Philip J. Terrell |
|
|
Aubrey B. Patterson, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/
Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Date: February 25, 2008
IV-6
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY
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. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
|
|
|
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY |
|
|
|
By:
|
|
Ronnie L. Bates |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Wayne Boston |
|
|
|
|
|
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact) |
Date: February 25, 2008
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. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters
having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Ronnie L. Bates
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Michael W. Southern
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Laura I. Patterson
Comptroller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors:
|
|
|
William Paul Bowers
|
|
G. Edison Holland, Jr. |
|
|
Thomas A. Fanning
|
|
David M. Ratcliffe |
|
|
By: /s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Date: February 25, 2008
IV-7
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Southern Company
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Southern Company and Subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2007, and the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2007 and have issued our reports thereon dated February 25, 2008 (which report on the consolidated
financial statements expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph
concerning a change in method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and a change in method
of accounting for the impact of changes in the timing of income tax cash flows generated by
leveraged leases in 2007 and a change in method of accounting for the funded status of defined
benefit and other postretirement plans in 2006); such consolidated financial statements and reports
are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the consolidated financial
statement schedule of the Company (page S-2) listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. This
consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
/s/
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
Member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
IV-8
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Alabama Power Company
We have audited the financial statements of Alabama Power Company (the Company) as of December
31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, and have
issued our report thereon dated February 25, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning a change in method of accounting for the funded
status of defined benefit and other postretirement plans in 2006); such financial statements and
report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the financial statement
schedule of the Company (page S-3) listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. This financial
statement schedule is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
February 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
Member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
IV-9
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Georgia Power Company
We have audited the financial statements of Georgia Power Company (the Company) as of December
31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, and have
issued our report thereon dated February 25, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning a change in method of accounting for uncertainty
in income taxes in 2007 and a change in method of accounting for the funded status of defined
benefit and other postretirement plans in 2006); such financial statements and report are included
elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of the
Company (page S-4) listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. This financial statement schedule
is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
Member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
IV-10
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Gulf Power Company
We have audited the financial statements of Gulf Power Company (the Company) as of December 31,
2007 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, and have
issued our report thereon dated February 25, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning a change in method of accounting for the funded
status of defined benefit and other postretirement plans in 2006); such financial statements and
report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the financial statement
schedule of the Company (page S-5) listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. This financial
statement schedule is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
Member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
IV-11
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Mississippi Power Company
We have audited the financial statements of Mississippi Power Company (the Company) as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007,
and have issued our report thereon dated February 25, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified
opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning a change in method of accounting for the
funded status of defined benefit and other postretirement plans in 2006); such financial statements
and report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule of the Company (page S-6) listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. This
financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule,
when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in
all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
Member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
IV-12
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Southern Power Company
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Southern Power Company and Subsidiary
Companies (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2007, and have issued our report thereon dated February 25, 2008; such
consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits
also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company (page S-7) listed in the
accompanying index at Item 15. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on
our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
Member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
IV-13
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
|
|
Schedule II |
|
Page |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves 2007, 2006, and 2005 |
|
|
The Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies |
|
S-2 |
Alabama Power Company |
|
S-3 |
Georgia Power Company |
|
S-4 |
Gulf Power Company |
|
S-5 |
Mississippi Power Company |
|
S-6 |
Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies |
|
S-7 |
Schedules I through V not listed above are omitted as not applicable or not required. Columns
omitted from schedules filed have been omitted because the information is not applicable or not
required.
S-1
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
(Stated in Thousands of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at Beginning |
|
Charged to |
|
Charged to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at End |
Description |
|
of Period |
|
Income |
|
Other Accounts |
|
Deductions |
|
of Period |
|
Provision for
uncollectible accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
34,901 |
|
|
$ |
34,471 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
47,230 | (a) | |
|
|
$ |
22,142 |
|
2006 |
|
|
37,510 |
|
|
|
49,226 |
|
|
|
1,230 |
|
|
|
53,065 | (a) | |
|
|
|
34,901 |
|
2005 |
|
|
33,399 |
|
|
|
46,193 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
42,106 | (a) | |
|
|
|
37,510 |
|
Tax valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 (b) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
10,160 |
|
|
|
53,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,324 |
|
2005 |
|
|
5,237 |
|
|
|
4,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,160 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts
previously written off. |
(b) |
|
See Note 5 to the financial statements of Southern
Company in Item 8 herein. |
S-2
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
(Stated in Thousands of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at Beginning |
|
Charged to |
|
Charged to Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at End |
Description |
|
of Period |
|
Income |
|
Accounts |
|
Deductions |
|
of Period |
|
Provision for
uncollectible
accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
7,091 |
|
|
$ |
16,678 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
15,781 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
$ |
7,988 |
|
2006 |
|
|
7,560 |
|
|
|
14,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,599 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
7,091 |
|
2005 |
|
|
5,404 |
|
|
|
12,832 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,676 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
7,560 |
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts
previously written off. |
S-3
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
(Stated in Thousands of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at Beginning |
|
Charged to |
|
Charged to Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at End |
Description |
|
of Period |
|
Income |
|
Accounts |
|
Deductions |
|
of Period |
|
Provision for
uncollectible accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
10,030 |
|
|
$ |
20,336 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
22,730 |
(a) |
|
|
|
$ |
7,636 |
|
2006 |
|
|
9,563 |
|
|
|
26,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,036 |
(a) |
|
|
|
|
10,030 |
|
2005 |
|
|
7,978 |
|
|
|
25,594 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,009 |
(a) |
|
|
|
|
9,563 |
|
Tax valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 (b) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
10,160 |
|
|
|
53,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,324 |
|
2005 |
|
|
5,237 |
|
|
|
4,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,160 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts
previously written off. |
(b) |
|
See Note 5 to the financial statements of Georgia
Power in Item 8 herein. |
S-4
GULF POWER COMPANY
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
(Stated in Thousands of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at Beginning |
|
Charged to |
|
Charged to Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at End |
Description |
|
of Period |
|
Income |
|
Accounts |
|
Deductions |
|
of Period |
|
Provision for
uncollectible
accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
1,279 |
|
|
$ |
3,315 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,883 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
$ |
1,711 |
|
2006 |
|
|
1,134 |
|
|
|
2,612 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,467 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
1,279 |
|
2005 |
|
|
2,144 |
|
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,285 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
1,134 |
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts
previously written off. |
S-5
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
(Stated in Thousands of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at Beginning |
|
Charged to |
|
Charged to Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at End |
Description |
|
of Period |
|
Income |
|
Accounts |
|
Deductions |
|
of Period |
|
Provision for
uncollectible
accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
855 |
|
|
$ |
1,896 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,827 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
$ |
924 |
|
2006 |
|
|
2,321 |
|
|
|
1,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,537 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
855 |
|
2005 |
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
2,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,063 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
2,321 |
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
Represents write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries of amounts
previously written off. |
S-6
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006, AND 2005
(Stated in Thousands of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at Beginning |
|
Charged to |
|
Charged to Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at End |
Description |
|
of Period |
|
Income |
|
Accounts |
|
Deductions |
|
of Period |
|
Provision for
uncollectible
accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350 |
(Note) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
Represents write-off of accounts receivable considered to be uncollectible, less recoveries
of amounts previously written off. |
S-7
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits indicated by an asterisk (*) preceding the exhibit number are filed
herewith. The balance of the exhibits has heretofore been filed with the SEC as the exhibits and
in the file numbers indicated and are incorporated herein by reference. The exhibits marked with a
pound sign (#) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be
identified as such by Item 15 of Form 10-K.
(3) Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Southern Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Composite Certificate of Incorporation of Southern
Company, reflecting all amendments thereto through
January 5, 1994. (Designated in Registration No.
33-3546 as Exhibit 4(a), in Certificate of
Notification, File No. 70-7341, as Exhibit A, and in
Certificate of Notification, File No. 70-8181, as
Exhibit A.) |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
By-laws of Southern Company as amended effective
February 17, 2003, and as presently in effect.
(Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2003, File No. 1-3526, as
Exhibit 3(a)1.) |
Alabama Power
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Charter of Alabama Power and amendments thereto
through October 17, 2007. (Designated in
Registration Nos. 2-59634 as Exhibit 2(b), 2-60209
as Exhibit 2(c), 2-60484 as Exhibit 2(b), 2-70838 as
Exhibit 4(a)-2, 2-85987 as Exhibit 4(a)-2, 33-25539
as Exhibit 4(a)-2, 33-43917 as Exhibit 4(a)-2, in
Form 8-K dated February 5, 1992, File No. 1-3164, as
Exhibit 4(b)-3, in Form 8-K dated July 8, 1992, File
No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4(b)-3, in Form 8-K dated
October 27, 1993, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibits 4(a)
and 4(b), in Form 8-K dated November 16, 1993, File
No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4(a), in Certificate of
Notification, File No. 70-8191, as Exhibit A, in
Alabama Powers Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
3(b)2, in Form 8-K dated August 10, 1998, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.4, in Alabama Powers Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 3(b)2, in Alabama Powers Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 3(b)2, in Form 8-K dated February
5, 2003, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.4, in Alabama
Powers Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2003, File No 1-3164, as Exhibit 3(b)1, in Form 8-K
dated February 5, 2004, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.4, in Alabama Powers Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2006, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
3(b)(1), in Form 8-K dated December 5, 2006, File
No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
September 12, 2007, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.5,
and in Form 8-K dated October 17, 2007, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.5.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
By-laws of Alabama Power as amended effective
January 26, 2007, and as presently in effect.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated January 26, 2007, File
No 1-3164, as Exhibit 3(b)2.) |
Georgia Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Charter of Georgia Power and amendments thereto through October 9,
2007. (Designated in Registration Nos. 2-63392 as Exhibit 2(a)-2, 2-78913 as
Exhibits 4(a)-(2) and 4(a)-(3), 2-93039 as Exhibit 4(a)-(2), 2-96810 as Exhibit
4(a)-2, 33-141 as Exhibit 4(a)-(2), 33-1359 as Exhibit 4(a)(2), 33-5405 as Exhibit
4(b)(2), 33-14367 as Exhibits 4(b)-(2) and 4(b)-(3), 33-22504 as Exhibits 4(b)-(2),
4(b)-(3) and 4(b)-(4), in Georgia Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1991, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibits 4(a)(2) and 4(a)(3), in Registration No. 33-48895
as Exhibits 4(b)-(2) and 4(b)-(3), in Form 8-K dated December 10, 1992, File No.
1-6468 as Exhibit 4(b), in Form 8-K dated June 17, 1993, File No. 1- |
E-1
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6468, as Exhibit 4(b), in
Form 8-K dated October 20, 1993, File No. 1-6468, as
Exhibit 4(b), in Georgia Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File
No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 3(c)2, in Georgia Powers Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 3(c)2, in Form 8-K dated June
27, 2006, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 3.1, and in Form 8-K dated October 3,
2007, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.5.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
By-laws of Georgia Power as amended effective August 17, 2005, and as
presently in effect. (Designated in Form 8-K dated August 17, 2005, File No. 1-6468,
as Exhibit 3(c)2.) |
Gulf Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
Gulf Power and amendments thereto through October
17, 2007. (Designated in Form 8-K dated October 27,
2005, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 3.1, in Form 8-K
dated November 9, 2005, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit
4.7, and in Form 8-K dated October 16, 2007, File
No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.5.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
By-laws of Gulf Power as amended effective November
2, 2005, and as presently in effect. (Designated in
Form 8-K dated November 2, 2005, File No. 0-2429, as
Exhibit 3.2.) |
Mississippi Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Articles of Incorporation of Mississippi Power,
articles of merger of Mississippi Power Company (a
Maine corporation) into Mississippi Power and
articles of amendment to the articles of
incorporation of Mississippi Power through April 2,
2004. (Designated in Registration No. 2-71540 as
Exhibit 4(a)-1, in Form U5S for 1987, File No.
30-222-2, as Exhibit B-10, in Registration No.
33-49320 as Exhibit 4(b)-(1), in Form 8-K dated
August 5, 1992, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibits 4(b)-2
and 4(b)-3, in Form 8-K dated August 4, 1993, File
No. 0-6849, as Exhibit 4(b)-3, in Form 8-K dated
August 18, 1993, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibit 4(b)-3,
in Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibit
3(e)2, in Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibit
3(e)2, and in Form 8-K dated March 3, 2004, File No.
0-6849, as Exhibit 4.6.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
By-laws of Mississippi Power as amended effective
February 28, 2001, and as presently in effect.
(Designated in Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2001, File No. 0-6849, as
Exhibit 3(e)2.) |
Southern Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Southern Power dated
January 8, 2001. (Designated in Registration No.
333-98553 as Exhibit 3.1.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
By-laws of Southern Power effective January 8, 2001.
(Designated in Registration No. 333-98553 as Exhibit
3.2.) |
(4) Instruments Describing Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures
Southern Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of February 1, 2002,
among Southern Company, Southern Company Capital
Funding, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee,
and indentures supplemental thereto through November
16, 2005. (Designated in Form 8-K dated January 29,
2002, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated January 30, 2002, |
E-2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
File No. 1-3526, as
Exhibit 4.2 and in Form 8-K dated November 8, 2005,
File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 4.2.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of January 1, 2007,
between Southern Company and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as Trustee, and indentures
supplemental thereto through March 28, 2007.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated January 11, 2006, File
No. 1-3526, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 and in Form 8-K
dated March 20, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit
4.2.) |
Alabama Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of January 1,
1997, between Alabama Power and The Bank of New York
(as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly
known as The Chase Manhattan Bank)), as Trustee, and
indentures supplemental thereto through October 2,
2002. (Designated in Form 8-K dated January 9,
1997, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated February 18, 1999, File No. 3164, as
Exhibit 4.2 and in Form 8-K dated September 26,
2002, File No. 3164, as Exhibits 4.9-A and 4.9-B.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of December 1, 1997,
between Alabama Power and The Bank of New York (as
successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly
known as The Chase Manhattan Bank)), as Trustee, and
indentures supplemental thereto through December 12,
2007. (Designated in Form 8-K dated December 4,
1997, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated February 20, 1998, File No. 1-3164,
as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated April 17, 1998,
File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
August 11, 1998, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated September 8, 1998, File No. 1-3164,
as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated September 16,
1998, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K
dated October 7, 1998, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated October 28, 1998, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated November
12, 1998, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form
8-K dated May 19, 1999, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated August 13, 1999, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated September
21, 1999, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form
8-K dated May 11, 2000, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated August 22, 2001, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibits 4.2(a) and 4.2(b), in Form 8-K
dated June 21, 2002, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2(a), in Form 8-K dated October 16, 2002, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2(a), in Form 8-K dated
November 20, 2002, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2(a), in Form 8-K dated December 6, 2002, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated February
11, 2003, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibits 4.2(a) and
4.2(b), in Form 8-K dated March 12, 2003, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated April 15,
2003, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K
dated May 1, 2003, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2,
in Form 8-K dated November 14, 2003, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated February
10, 2004, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2 in Form
8-K dated April 7, 2004, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated August 19, 2004, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated November
9, 2004, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form
8-K dated March 8, 2005, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated January 11, 2006, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated January
13, 2006, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form
8-K dated February 1, 2006, File No. 1-3164, as
Exhibits 4.2(a) and 4.2(b), in Form 8-K dated March
9, 2006, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form
8-K dated June 7, 2006, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated January 30, 2007, File No.
1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated April 4,
2007, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K
dated October 11, 2007, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
4.2, and in Form 8-K dated December 4, 2007, File
No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Alabama
Power Capital Trust V dated as of September 1, 2002.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated September 26, 2002,
File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.12-B.) |
E-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Guarantee Agreement relating to Alabama Power
Capital Trust V dated as of September 1, 2002.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated September 26, 2002,
File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.16-B.) |
Georgia Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of June 1,
1997, between Georgia Power and The Bank of New York
(as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly
known as The Chase Manhattan Bank)), as Trustee, and
indentures supplemental thereto through January 23,
2004. (Designated in Certificate of Notification,
File No. 70-8461, as Exhibits D and E, in Form 8-K
dated February 17, 1999, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit
4.4, in Form 8-K dated June 13, 2002, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.4, in Form 8-K dated October
30, 2002, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.4 and in
Form 8-K dated January 15, 2004, File No. 1-6468, as
Exhibit 4.4.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of January 1, 1998,
between Georgia Power and The Bank of New York (as
successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly
known as The Chase Manhattan Bank)), as Trustee, and
indentures supplemental thereto through December 6,
2007. (Designated in Form 8-K dated January 21,
1998, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in
Forms 8-K each dated November 19, 1998, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated March 3,
1999, File No. 1-6469 as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K
dated February 15, 2000, File No. 1-6469 as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated January 26, 2001, File No.
1-6469 as Exhibits 4.2(a) and 4.2(b), in Form 8-K
dated February 16, 2001, File No. 1-6469 as Exhibit
4.2, in Form 8-K dated May 1, 2001, File No. 1-6468,
as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated June 27, 2002,
File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
November 15, 2002, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2,
in Form 8-K dated February 13, 2003, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated February
21, 2003, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form
8-K dated April 10, 2003, File No. 1-6468, as
Exhibits 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, in Form 8-K dated
September 8, 2003, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.1,
in Form 8-K dated September 23, 2003, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated January
12, 2004, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2,
in Form 8-K dated February 12, 2004, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated August 11,
2004, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated January 13, 2005, File No. 1-6468, as
Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated April 12, 2005, File
No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated
November 30, 2005, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.1,
in Form 8-K dated December 8, 2006, File No. 1-6468,
as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated March 6, 2007,
File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
June 4, 2007, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated June 18, 2007, File No. 1-6468, as
Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated July 10, 2007, File
No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
October 23, 2007, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2
and, in Form 8-K dated November 29, 2007, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2.) |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of March 1, 1998
between Georgia Power, as successor to Savannah
Electric, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and
indentures supplemental thereto through June 30,
2006. (Designated in Form 8-K dated March 9, 1998,
File No. 1-5072, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in Form
8-K dated May 8, 2001, File No. 1-5072, as Exhibits
4.2(a) and 4.2(b), in Form 8-K dated March 4, 2002,
File No. 1-5072, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
November 4, 2002, File No. 1-5072, as Exhibit 4.2,
in Form 8-K dated December 10, 2003, File No.
1-5072, as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
December 2, 2004, File No. 1-5072, as Exhibit 4.1
and in Form 8-K dated June 27, 2006, File No.
1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2.) |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Georgia
Power Capital Trust VII dated as of January 1, 2004.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated January 15, 2004, as
Exhibit 4.7-A.) |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Guarantee Agreement relating to Georgia Power
Capital Trust VII dated as of January 1, 2004.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated January 15, 2004, as
Exhibit 4.11-A.) |
E-4
Gulf Power
|
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|
|
(d)
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of January 1, 1998, between Gulf Power
and The Bank of New York (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly known
as The Chase Manhattan Bank)), as Trustee, and indentures supplemental thereto
through June 12, 2007. (Designated in Form 8-K dated June 17, 1998, File No. 0-2429,
as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in Form 8-K dated August 17, 1999, File No. 0-2429, as
Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated July 31, 2001, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated October 5, 2001, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated
January 18, 2002, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated March 21, 2003,
File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated July 10, 2003, File No. 0-2429, as
Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, in Form 8-K dated September 5, 2003, File No. 0-2429, as
Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated April 6, 2004, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.1, in
Form 8-K dated September 13, 2004, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated
August 11, 2005, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated October 27, 2005,
File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit 4.1, in Form 8-K dated November 28, 2006, File No.
0-2429, as Exhibit 4.2, and in Form 8-K dated June 5, 2007, File No. 0-2429, as
Exhibit 4.2.) |
Mississippi Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of May 1, 1998 between Mississippi Power
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Successor Trustee, and indentures
supplemental thereto through November 14, 2007. (Designated in Form 8-K dated May 14,
1998, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2(a) and 4.2(b), in Form 8-K dated March
22, 2000, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated March 12, 2002, File No.
0-6849, as Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated April 24, 2003, File No. 001-11229, as
Exhibit 4.2, in Form 8-K dated March 3, 2004, File No. 001-11229, as Exhibit 4.2, in
Form 8-K dated June 24, 2005, File No. 001-11229, as Exhibit 4.2, and in Form 8-K
dated November 8, 2007, File No. 001-11229, as Exhibit 4.2.) |
Southern Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Senior Note Indenture dated as of June 1, 2002, between Southern Power
and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and indentures supplemental thereto through
November 21, 2006. (Designated in Registration No. 333-98553 as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2
and in Southern Powers Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, File No.
333-98553, as Exhibit 4(g)1, and in Form 8-K dated November 13, 2006, File No.
333-98553, as Exhibit 4.2.) |
(10) Material Contracts
Southern Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2006.
(Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File
No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)1.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Forms of Award Agreement under the Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan effective January 1, 2006. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)2.) |
|
#
|
|
* (a)
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of The Southern Company, Amended and Restated
effective January 1, 2008. |
E-5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
(Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006,
File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)1.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Outside Directors Stock Plan for The Southern Company and its Subsidiaries, effective
May 26, 2004. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2004, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)2.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated
effective as of January 1, 2005. (Designated in Form 8-K dated March 30, 2007, File
No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10.2.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of
January 1, 2005. (Designated in Form 8-K dated March 30, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as
Exhibit 10.1.) |
|
#
|
|
* (a)
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, SCS, and G. Edison Holland, Jr. |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Charles D. McCrary. (Designated in Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)5.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, SCS, and David M. Ratcliffe. (Designated in Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)1.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan,
effective February 28, 2007. (Designated in Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)8.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
-
|
|
Master Separation and Distribution Agreement dated as of September 1, 2000 between
Southern Company and Mirant. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)100.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
-
|
|
Indemnification and Insurance Matters Agreement dated as of September 1, 2000 between
Southern Company and Mirant. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)101.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
-
|
|
Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 1, 2000 among Southern Company and
its affiliated companies and Mirant and its affiliated companies. (Designated in
Southern Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3526, as
Exhibit 10(a)102.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement as amended and restated
effective January 1, 2001 between Wachovia Bank, N.A., Southern Company, SCS, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, SouthernLINC Wireless, Southern
Company Energy Solutions, LLC, and Southern Nuclear. (Designated in Southern Companys
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)103.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Stock Trust Agreement for Directors of Southern Company and its subsidiaries,
dated as of January 1, 2000, between Reliance Trust Company, Southern Company, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power. (Designated in Southern
Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit
10(a)104.) |
E-6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Deferred Cash Compensation Trust Agreement for Directors of
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, effective September 1, 2001, between Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi
Power. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2001, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)92.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, SCS, and Thomas A. Fanning. (Designated in Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)2.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
-
|
|
Supplemental Pension Agreement between Georgia Power, Gulf Power, SCS, and G. Edison
Holland, Jr. effective February 22, 2002. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)119.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Senior Executive Change in Control Severance Plan effective May 1,
2003. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003,
File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)3.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Executive Change in Control Severance Plan, Amended and Restated
effective May 1, 2003. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 2003, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)(2).) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, Georgia Power, and Michael D. Garrett. (Designated in Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)3.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, SCS, and William Paul Bowers. (Designated in Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)4.) |
|
#
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
-
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. (Designated in Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)1.) |
|
#
|
|
* (a)
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
-
|
|
Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers. |
|
#
|
|
* (a)
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
-
|
|
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangements. |
Alabama Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective May 1, 2007, among Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, and SCS.
(Designated in Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-3164, as
Exhibit 10(b)5.) |
|
#
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2006.
See Exhibit 10(a)1 herein. |
|
#
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Forms of Award Agreement under the Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan effective January 1, 2006. See Exhibit 10(a)2 herein. |
|
#
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
See Exhibit 10(a)4 herein. |
|
#
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Outside Directors Stock Plan for The Southern Company and its Subsidiaries, effective
May 26, 2004. See Exhibit 10(a)5 herein. |
E-7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated
effective as of January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)6 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of
January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Executive Change in Control Severance Plan, Amended and Restated
effective May 1, 2003. See Exhibit 10(a)20 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan for
Directors of Alabama Power Company, Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2001. (Designated in Alabama Powers Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2001, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 10(b)28.) |
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan,
effective February 28, 2007. See Exhibit 10(a)11 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement as amended and restated
effective January 1, 2001 between Wachovia Bank, N.A., Southern Company, SCS, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, SouthernLINC Wireless, Southern
Company Energy Solutions, LLC, and Southern Nuclear. See Exhibit 10(a)15 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Stock Trust Agreement for Directors of Southern Company and its subsidiaries,
dated as of January 1, 2000, between Reliance Trust Company, Southern Company, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power. See Exhibit 10(a)16 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Deferred Cash Compensation Trust Agreement for Directors of
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, effective September 1, 2001, between Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi
Power. See Exhibit 10(a)17 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Senior Executive Change in Control Severance Plan effective May 1,
2003. See Exhibit 10(a)20 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006, between
Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Charles D. McCrary. See Exhibit 10(a)9 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between Southern Company, Alabama
Power, and C. Alan Martin, effective June 1, 2004. (Designated in Alabama Powers Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(b)4.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
*
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
-
|
|
Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
-
|
|
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangements. (Designated in Alabama
Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit
10(b)20.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
-
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. See Exhibit 10(a)24 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgia Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective May 1, 2007, among Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, and SCS. See
Exhibit 10(b)1 herein. |
E-8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Revised and Restated Integrated Transmission System Agreement dated as of November 12,
1990, between Georgia Power and OPC. (Designated in Georgia Powers Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1990, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 10(g).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Revised and Restated Integrated Transmission System Agreement between Georgia Power and
Dalton dated as of December 7, 1990. (Designated in Georgia Powers Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1990, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 10(gg).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Revised and Restated Integrated Transmission System Agreement between Georgia Power and
MEAG dated as of December 7, 1990. (Designated in Georgia Powers Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1990, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 10(hh).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2006.
See Exhibit 10(a)1 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
-
|
|
Forms of Award Agreement under the Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan effective January 1, 2006. See Exhibit 10(a)2 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective January
1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)4 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
-
|
|
Outside Directors Stock Plan for The Southern Company and its Subsidiaries, effective
May 26, 2004. See Exhibit 10(a)5 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated as of
January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)6 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of
January 1, 2008. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Executive Change in Control Severance Plan, Amended and Restated
effective May 1, 2003. See Exhibit 10(a)21 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
*
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan For Directors of Georgia Power Company, Amended and Restated
Effective January 1, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan,
effective February 28, 2007. See Exhibit 10(a)11 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement as amended and restated
effective January 1, 2001, between Wachovia Bank, N.A., Southern Company, SCS, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, SouthernLINC Wireless, Southern
Company Energy Solutions, LLC, and Southern Nuclear. See Exhibit 10(a)15 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Stock Trust Agreement for Directors of Southern Company and its subsidiaries,
dated as of January 1, 2000, between Reliance Trust Company, Southern Company, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power. See Exhibit 10(a)16 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Deferred Cash Compensation Trust Agreement for Directors of
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, effective September 1, 2001, between Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi
Power. See Exhibit 10(a)17 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Senior Executive Change in Control Severance Plan effective May 1,
2003. See Exhibit 10(a)20 herein. |
E-9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Agreement between Southern Company, SCS, and Christopher C.
Womack dated May 31, 2002. (Designated in Southern Companys Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2002, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 10(a)118.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Supplemental Pension Agreement among SCS, Southern Nuclear,
Alabama Power, and James H. Miller, III. (Designated in Alabama Powers Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2003, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 10(b)1.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 2006 between
Southern Company, Georgia Power, and Michael D. Garrett. See Exhibit 10(a)22 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
-
|
|
Supplemental Pension Agreement between Georgia Power, Gulf Power, SCS, and G. Edison
Holland, Jr. effective February 22, 2002. See Exhibit 10(a)19 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
*
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
-
|
|
Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
-
|
|
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangements. (Designated in Georgia
Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit
10(c)24.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
-
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. See Exhibit 10(a)24 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective May 1, 2007, among Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, and SCS. See
Exhibit 10(b)1 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Unit Power Sales Agreement dated July 19, 1988, between FPC and Alabama Power, Georgia
Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and SCS. (Designated in Savannah Electrics Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988, File No. 1-5072, as Exhibit 10(d).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended Unit Power Sales Agreement dated July 20, 1988, between FP&L and Alabama Power,
Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and SCS. (Designated in Savannah
Electrics Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988, File No. 1-5072, as Exhibit
10(e).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended Unit Power Sales Agreement dated August 17, 1988, between Jacksonville Electric
Authority and Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and SCS.
(Designated in Savannah Electrics Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988, File
No. 1-5072, as Exhibit 10(f).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2006.
See Exhibit 10(a)1 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
-
|
|
Forms of Award Agreement under the Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan effective January 1, 2006. See Exhibit 10(a)2 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
See Exhibit 10(a)4 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
-
|
|
Outside Directors Stock Plan for The Southern Company and its Subsidiaries, effective
May 26, 2004. See Exhibit 10(a)5 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of
January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein. |
E-10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Executive Change in Control Severance Plan, Amended and Restated
effective May 1, 2003. See Exhibit 10(a)21 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated
effective as of January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)6 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan For Directors of Gulf Power Company, Amended and Restated
effective January 1, 2000 and First Amendment thereto. (Designated in Gulf Powers
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 0-2429 as Exhibit 10(d)33.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan,
effective February 28, 2007. See Exhibit 10(a)11 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement as amended and restated
effective January 1, 2001 between Wachovia Bank, N.A., Southern Company, SCS, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, SouthernLINC Wireless, Southern
Company Energy Solutions, LLC, and Southern Nuclear. See Exhibit 10(a)15 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Stock Trust Agreement for Directors of Southern Company and its subsidiaries,
dated as of January 1, 2000, between Reliance Trust Company, Southern Company, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power. See Exhibit 10(a)16 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Deferred Cash Compensation Trust Agreement for Directors of
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, effective September 1, 2001, between Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi
Power. See Exhibit 10(a)17 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Senior Executive Change in Control Severance Plan effective May 1,
2003. See Exhibit 10(a)20 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
*
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
-
|
|
Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
-
|
|
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangements. (Designated in Gulf
Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 0-2429, as Exhibit
10(d)20.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
-
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. See Exhibit 10(a)24 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised
effective May 1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia
Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern
Power, and SCS. See Exhibit 10(b)1 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Transmission Facilities Agreement dated February 25,
1982, Amendment No. 1 dated May 12, 1982 and
Amendment No. 2 dated December 6, 1983, between
Entergy Corporation (formerly Gulf States) and
Mississippi Power. (Designated in Mississippi
Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1981, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibit 10(f), in
Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1982, File No. 0-6849, as
Exhibit 10(f)(2), and in Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1983, File No. 0-6849, as Exhibit 10(f)(3).) |
E-11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2006.
See Exhibit 10(a)1 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Forms of Award Agreement under the Southern Company 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan effective January 1, 2006. See Exhibit 10(a)2 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated January 1, 2005.
See Exhibit 10(a)4 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
-
|
|
Outside Directors Stock Plan for The Southern Company and its Subsidiaries, effective
May 26, 2004. See Exhibit 10(a)5 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of
January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Executive Change in Control Severance Plan, Amended and Restated
effective May 1, 2003. See Exhibit 10(a)20 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
-
|
|
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated
effective as of January 1, 2005. See Exhibit 10(a)6 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Mississippi Power Company, Amended and
Restated effective January 1, 2000 and Amendment Number One thereto. (Designated in
Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, File No. 0-6849 as
Exhibit 10(e)37 and in Mississippi Powers Form 10-K for the year December 31, 2000,
File No. 0-6849 as Exhibit 10(e)30.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan,
effective February 28, 2007. See Exhibit 10(a)11 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement as amended and restated
effective January 1, 2001 between Wachovia Bank, N.A., Southern Company, SCS, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, SouthernLINC Wireless, Southern
Company Energy Solutions, LLC, and Southern Nuclear. See Exhibit 10(a)15 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Stock Trust Agreement for Directors of Southern Company and its subsidiaries,
dated as of January 1, 2000, between Reliance Trust Company, Southern Company, Alabama
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power. See Exhibit 10(a)16 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Deferred Cash Compensation Trust Agreement for Directors of
Southern Company and its subsidiaries, effective September 1, 2001, between Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi
Power. See Exhibit 10(a)17 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
-
|
|
Southern Company Senior Executive Change in Control Severance Plan effective May 1,
2003. See Exhibit 10(a)20 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
*
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
-
|
|
Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
-
|
|
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation Arrangements. (Designated in Mississippi
Powers Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 001-11229, as Exhibit
10(e)20.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
-
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. See Exhibit 10(a)24 herein. |
E-12
Southern Power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
-
|
|
Service contract dated as of January 1, 2001,
between SCS and Southern Power. (Designated in
Southern Companys Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2001, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit
10(a)(2).) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
-
|
|
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised
effective May 1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia
Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern
Power, and SCS. See Exhibit 10(b)1 herein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
-
|
|
Power Purchase Agreement between Southern Power and
Alabama Power dated as of June 1, 2001. (Designated
in Registration No. 333-98553 as Exhibit 10.18.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
-
|
|
Amended and Restated Power Purchase Agreement
between Southern Power and Georgia Power at Plant
Autaugaville dated as of August 6, 2001. (Designated
in Registration No. 333-98553 as Exhibit 10.19.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
-
|
|
Contract for the Purchase of Firm Capacity and
Energy between Southern Power and Georgia Power
dated as of July 26, 2001. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-98553 as Exhibit 10.21.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
-
|
|
Power Purchase Agreement between Southern Power and
Georgia Power at Plant Goat Rock dated as of March
30, 2001. (Designated in Registration No. 333-98553
as Exhibit 10.22.) |
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(f)
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7 |
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Purchase and Sale Agreement, by and between CP
Oleander, LP and CP Oleander I, Inc., as Sellers,
Constellation Power, Inc. and SP Newco I LLC and SP
Newco II LLC, as Purchasers, and Southern Power, as
Purchasers Parent, for the Sale of Partnership
Interests of Oleander Power Project, LP, dated as of
April 8, 2005. (Designated in Form 8-K dated June
7, 2005, File No. 333-98553, as Exhibit 2.1) |
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(f)
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8 |
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Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 7, 2006
by and among Southern Power, the Lenders (as defined
therein), Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent,
and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York
Branch, as Initial Issuing Bank and Amendment Number
One thereto. (Designated in Southern Powers Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No.
333-98553, as Exhibit 10(f)1 and in Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2007, File No. 333-98553,
as Exhibit 10(f)2.) (Omits schedules and exhibits.
Southern Power agreed to provide supplementally the
omitted schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon
request.) |
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(f)
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9 |
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Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Progress
Genco Ventures, LLC and Southern Power Company
DeSoto LLC dated May 8, 2006. (Designated in Form
8-K dated May 31, 2006, File No. 333-98553, as
Exhibit 2.1.) (Omits schedules and exhibits.
Southern Power agreed to provide supplementally the
omitted schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon
request.) (Southern Power requested confidential
treatment for certain portions of this document
pursuant to an application for confidential
treatment sent to the SEC. Southern Power omitted
such portions from the filing and filed them
separately with the SEC.) |
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(f)
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10 |
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Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Southern
Power Company Desoto LLC and Southern Power
effective May 24, 2006. (Designated in Form 8-K
dated May 31, 2006, File No. 333-98553, as Exhibit
2.2.) |
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(f)
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11 |
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Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Progress
Genco Ventures, LLC and Southern Power Company
Rowan LLC dated May 8, 2006. (Designated in Southern
Powers Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2006, File No. 333-98553, as Exhibit 10(f)4.)
(Omits schedules and exhibits. Southern Power
agrees to provide supplementally |
E-13
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the omitted
schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon request.)
(Southern Power requested confidential
treatment for certain portions of this document pursuant to an application for
confidential treatment sent to the SEC. Southern Power omitted such portions
from the filing and filed them separately with the SEC.) |
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(f)
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12 |
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Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Southern Power Company
Rowan LLC and Southern Power effective May 24, 2006. (Designated in Southern Powers
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 333-98553, as Exhibit
10(f)5.) |
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(14) |
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Code of Ethics |
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Southern Company |
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(a)
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The Southern Company Code of Ethics. (Designated in Southern Companys
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 14(a).) |
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Alabama Power |
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(b)
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The Southern Company Code of Ethics. See Exhibit 14(a) herein. |
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Georgia Power |
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(c)
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The Southern Company Code of Ethics. See Exhibit 14(a) herein. |
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Gulf Power |
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(d)
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The Southern Company Code of Ethics. See Exhibit 14(a) herein. |
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Mississippi Power |
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(e)
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The Southern Company Code of Ethics. See Exhibit 14(a) herein. |
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Southern Power |
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(f)
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The Southern Company Code of Ethics. See Exhibit 14(a) herein. |
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(21) |
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Subsidiaries of Registrants |
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Southern Company |
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* (a)
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Subsidiaries of Registrant. |
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Alabama Power |
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(b)
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Subsidiaries of Registrant. See Exhibit 21(a) herein. |
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Georgia Power |
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(c)
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Subsidiaries of Registrant. See Exhibit 21(a) herein. |
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Gulf Power |
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(d)
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Subsidiaries of Registrant. See Exhibit 21(a) herein. |
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Mississippi Power |
E-14
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(e)
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Subsidiaries of Registrant. See Exhibit 21(a) herein. |
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Southern Power |
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Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(b) of Form 10-K. |
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(23) |
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Consents of Experts and Counsel |
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Southern Company |
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* (a) 1
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
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Alabama Power |
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* (b) 1
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
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Georgia Power |
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* (c) 1
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
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Gulf Power |
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* (d) 1
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
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Mississippi Power |
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* (e) 1
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
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Southern Power |
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* (f) 1
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-
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
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(24) |
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Powers of Attorney and Resolutions |
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Southern Company |
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* (a)
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Power of Attorney and resolution. |
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Alabama Power |
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* (b)
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-
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Power of Attorney and resolution. |
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Georgia Power |
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* (c)
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-
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Power of Attorney and resolution. |
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Gulf Power |
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* (d)
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-
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Power of Attorney and resolution. |
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Mississippi Power |
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* (e)
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-
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Power of Attorney and resolution. |
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Southern Power |
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* (f)
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-
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Power of Attorney and resolution. |
E-15
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(31) |
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Section 302 Certifications |
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Southern Company |
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* (a)
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1 |
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-
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Certificate of Southern Companys Chief
Executive Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* (a)
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2 |
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Certificate of Southern Companys Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Alabama Power |
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* (b)
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1 |
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-
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Certificate of Alabama Powers Chief
Executive Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* (b)
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2 |
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Certificate of Alabama Powers Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Georgia Power |
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* (c)
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1 |
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-
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Certificate of Georgia Powers Chief
Executive Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* (c)
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2 |
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-
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Certificate of Georgia Powers Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Gulf Power |
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* (d)
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1 |
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-
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Certificate of Gulf Powers Chief Executive
Officer required by Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* (d)
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2 |
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-
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Certificate of Gulf Powers Chief Financial
Officer required by Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Mississippi Power |
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* (e)
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1 |
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-
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Certificate of Mississippi Powers Chief
Executive Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* (e)
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2 |
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-
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Certificate of Mississippi Powers Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Southern Power |
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* (f)
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1 |
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-
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Certificate of Southern Powers Chief
Executive Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* (f)
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2 |
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Certificate of Southern Powers Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
E-16
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(32) |
|
Section 906 Certifications |
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Southern Company |
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* (a)
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-
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Certificate of Southern Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Alabama Power |
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* (b)
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-
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Certificate of Alabama Powers Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Georgia Power |
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* (c)
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-
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Certificate of Georgia Powers Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Gulf Power |
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* (d)
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-
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Certificate of Gulf Powers Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Mississippi Power |
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* (e)
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-
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Certificate of Mississippi Powers Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Southern Power |
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* (f)
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-
|
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Certificate of Southern Powers Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
E-17