UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

OR

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

Commission
File Number
 
Registrant, State of Incorporation
Address and Telephone Number
 
IRS Employer
Identification No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0-30512
 
CH Energy Group, Inc.
(Incorporated in New York)
284 South Avenue
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4839
(845) 452-2000
 
14-1804460
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-3268
 
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
(Incorporated in New York)
284 South Avenue
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4839
(845) 452-2000
 
14-0555980


 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

CH Energy Group, Inc.
Yes  þ
 
No  o
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Yes  þ
 
No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

CH Energy Group, Inc.
Yes  þ
 
No  o
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Yes  þ
 
No  o

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):

CH Energy Group, Inc.
 
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Large Accelerated Filer þ
 
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer o
 
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
 
Non-Accelerated Filer þ
Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

CH Energy Group, Inc.
Yes  o
 
No  þ
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Yes  o
 
No  þ

As of the close of business on October 31, 2012 (i) CH Energy Group, Inc. had outstanding 14,948,216 shares of Common Stock ($0.10 per share par value) and (ii) all of the outstanding 16,862,087 shares of Common Stock ($5 per share par value) of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation were held by CH Energy Group, Inc.

CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(2)(a), (b) AND (c).
 

 
 

 
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Financial Statements (Unaudited)

CH Energy Group, Inc.
PAGE
 
 
 
   Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
2
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
   September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
7

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
 
 
 
 
   Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
   September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011
10
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
12

13


 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
55
 
 
 
87
 
 
 
87

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

88
 
 
 
88
 
 
 
89
 
 
 
89
 
 
 
89
 
 
 
90
 
 
91
_______________________________________________

FILING FORMAT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined quarterly report being filed by two different registrants:  CH Energy Group, Inc. ("CH Energy Group") and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation ("Central Hudson"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CH Energy Group.  Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, any reference in this report to CH Energy Group includes all subsidiaries of CH Energy Group, including Central Hudson.  Central Hudson makes no representation as to the information contained in this report in relation to CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries other than Central Hudson.
 

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Financial Statements (Unaudited)

CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Revenues
 
   
   
   
 
Electric
 
$
148,916
   
$
149,706
   
$
393,617
   
$
418,511
 
Natural gas
   
18,306
     
18,462
     
100,276
     
127,941
 
Competitive business subsidiaries:
                               
Petroleum products
   
47,168
     
47,951
     
182,939
     
194,612
 
Other
   
4,680
     
4,636
     
13,880
     
13,730
 
   Total Operating Revenues
   
219,070
     
220,755
     
690,712
     
754,794
 
Operating Expenses
                               
Operation:
                               
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation
   
57,177
     
60,734
     
139,600
     
168,797
 
Purchased natural gas
   
5,873
     
6,337
     
37,977
     
63,425
 
Purchased petroleum
   
42,930
     
43,564
     
158,659
     
167,558
 
Other expenses of operation - regulated activities
   
56,015
     
55,480
     
174,737
     
181,460
 
Other expenses of operation - competitive business subsidiaries
   
10,519
     
10,986
     
34,307
     
34,841
 
Merger related costs
   
1,037
     
-
     
9,499
     
-
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
10,626
     
10,064
     
31,793
     
30,250
 
Taxes, other than income tax
   
12,776
     
11,760
     
38,372
     
36,687
 
   Total Operating Expenses
   
196,953
     
198,925
     
624,944
     
683,018
 
Operating Income
   
22,117
     
21,830
     
65,768
     
71,776
 
Other Income and Deductions
                               
Income from unconsolidated affiliates
   
(59
)
   
25
     
43
     
644
 
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income
   
1,594
     
1,037
     
5,236
     
4,334
 
Impairment of investments
   
-
     
(3,582
)
   
-
     
(3,582
)
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs
   
326
     
319
     
976
     
1,032
 
Business development costs
   
(2
)
   
(529
)
   
(65
)
   
(1,027
)
Other - net
   
(402
)
   
340
     
(886
)
   
(550
)
   Total Other Income
   
1,457
     
(2,390
)
   
5,304
     
851
 
Interest Charges
                               
Interest on long-term debt
   
6,201
     
6,620
     
18,638
     
20,090
 
Penalty for early retirement of debt
   
-
     
2,982
     
-
     
2,982
 
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest
   
1,665
     
1,553
     
4,952
     
4,568
 
   Total Interest Charges
   
7,866
     
11,155
     
23,590
     
27,640
 
 
                               
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary
   
15,708
     
8,285
     
47,482
     
44,987
 
Income Taxes
   
6,548
     
3,478
     
21,345
     
16,998
 
Net Income from Continuing Operations
   
9,160
     
4,807
     
26,137
     
27,989
 
 
                               
Discontinued Operations
                               
Income from discontinued operations before tax
   
-
     
166
     
-
     
987
 
Gain from sale of discontinued operations
   
-
     
2,070
     
-
     
1,527
 
Income tax expense from discontinued operations
   
-
     
(1,527
)
   
-
     
(1,454
)
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
   
-
     
3,763
     
-
     
3,968
 
 
                               
Net Income
   
9,160
     
8,570
     
26,137
     
31,957
 
 
                               
Net Income attributable to non-controlling interest:
                               
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
103
     
242
     
521
     
727
 
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
-
     
-
     
342
     
-
 
Net Income Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
9,057
     
8,328
     
25,274
     
31,230
 
 
                               
Dividends declared on Common Stock
   
-
     
8,263
     
16,572
     
25,021
 
Change in Retained Earnings
 
$
9,057
   
$
65
   
$
8,702
   
$
6,209
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
- 1 -

 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Common Stock:
 
   
   
   
 
Average shares outstanding - Basic
   
14,920
     
15,126
     
14,903
     
15,416
 
Average shares outstanding - Diluted
   
15,127
     
15,314
     
15,110
     
15,604
 
 
                               
Income from continuing operations attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
                               
Earnings per share - Basic
 
$
0.61
   
$
0.30
   
$
1.70
   
$
1.77
 
Earnings per share - Diluted
 
$
0.60
   
$
0.30
   
$
1.67
   
$
1.75
 
 
                               
Income from discontinued operations attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
                               
Earnings per share - Basic
 
$
-
   
$
0.25
   
$
-
   
$
0.26
 
Earnings per share - Diluted
 
$
-
   
$
0.24
   
$
-
   
$
0.25
 
 
                               
Amounts attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
                               
Earnings per share - Basic
 
$
0.61
   
$
0.55
   
$
1.70
   
$
2.03
 
Earnings per share - Diluted
 
$
0.60
   
$
0.54
   
$
1.67
   
$
2.00
 
Dividends Declared per Share
 
$
-
   
$
0.54
   
$
1.11
   
$
1.64
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net Income
 
$
9,160
   
$
8,570
   
$
26,137
   
$
31,957
 
 
                               
Other Comprehensive Loss:
                               
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on investments held by equity method investees - net of tax of ($56) and ($17) in 2012 and ($37) and ($10) in 2011, respectively
   
84
     
56
     
26
     
15
 
 
                               
Other comprehensive income
   
84
     
56
     
26
     
15
 
 
                               
Comprehensive Income
   
9,244
     
8,626
     
26,163
     
31,972
 
 
                               
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
103
     
242
     
863
     
727
 
 
                               
Comprehensive income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
9,141
   
$
8,384
   
$
25,300
   
$
31,245
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Activities:
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
26,137
   
$
31,957
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
28,302
     
28,614
 
Amortization
   
3,491
     
3,120
 
Deferred income taxes - net
   
24,055
     
15,061
 
Bad debt expense
   
4,996
     
6,049
 
Impairment of investments
   
-
     
3,582
 
Undistributed equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
   
(42
)
   
(644
)
Pension expense
   
17,909
     
20,725
 
Other post-employment benefits ("OPEB") expense
   
5,210
     
5,203
 
Regulatory liability - rate moderation
   
(1,107
)
   
(7,849
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism recorded
   
(2,405
)
   
4,956
 
Regulatory asset amortization
   
3,535
     
3,524
 
Gain on sale of assets
   
(71
)
   
(897
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net of business acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other receivables
   
3,451
     
2,380
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
   
963
     
(843
)
Special deposits and prepayments
   
5,267
     
2,779
 
Income and other taxes
   
255
     
(1,773
)
Accounts payable
   
(5,020
)
   
(18,092
)
Accrued interest
   
2,211
     
1,566
 
Customer advances
   
5,440
     
(508
)
Pension plan contribution
   
(28,494
)
   
(32,536
)
OPEB contribution
   
(3,269
)
   
(1,184
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism (refunded) collected
   
141
     
2,388
 
Regulatory asset - storm deferral
   
(942
)
   
(3,441
)
Regulatory asset - manufactured gas plant ("MGP") site remediation
   
2,920
     
3,761
 
Regulatory asset - Temporary State Assessment
   
(3,568
)
   
(2,169
)
Deferred natural gas and electric costs
   
3,498
     
22,164
 
Other - net
   
19,713
     
6,895
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
112,576
     
94,788
 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from federal grants
   
-
     
14,744
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
   
111
     
42,234
 
Additions to utility and other property and plant
   
(80,372
)
   
(61,755
)
Acquisitions made by competitive business subsidiaries
   
(550
)
   
(2,255
)
Other - net
   
(3,681
)
   
(3,022
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(84,492
)
   
(10,054
)
Financing Activities:
               
Redemption of long-term debt
   
(36,495
)
   
(20,464
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
48,000
     
33,400
 
(Repayments) borrowings of short-term debt - net
   
(6,500
)
   
5,000
 
Dividends paid on Common Stock
   
(24,841
)
   
(25,290
)
Redemption of Preferred Stock
   
(12,180
)
   
-
 
Dividends paid on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
(764
)
   
(727
)
Shares repurchased
   
(2,993
)
   
(48,612
)
Other - net
   
(593
)
   
(647
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(36,366
)
   
(57,340
)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(8,282
)
   
27,394
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
   
15,281
     
29,420
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
6,999
   
$
56,814
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
- 3 -

 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS  (CONT'D)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
 
   
 
Interest paid
 
$
16,866
   
$
22,276
 
Federal and state income taxes paid
 
$
118
   
$
1,037
 
Additions to plant included in liabilities
 
$
4,856
   
$
3,997
 
Merger related transaction costs in liabilities
 
$
956
   
$
-
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
ASSETS
 
   
   
 
Utility Plant
 
   
   
 
Electric
 
$
1,045,949
   
$
1,008,394
   
$
988,319
 
Natural gas
   
311,841
     
305,664
     
301,989
 
Common
   
157,878
     
147,286
     
142,201
 
Gross Utility Plant
   
1,515,668
     
1,461,344
     
1,432,509
 
 
                       
Less: Accumulated depreciation
   
401,966
     
388,784
     
385,198
 
  Net
   
1,113,702
     
1,072,560
     
1,047,311
 
 
                       
Construction work in progress
   
67,415
     
58,847
     
63,996
 
Net Utility Plant
   
1,181,117
     
1,131,407
     
1,111,307
 
 
                       
Non-Utility Property & Plant
                       
Griffith non-utility property & plant
   
32,535
     
31,669
     
30,795
 
Other non-utility property & plant
   
524
     
524
     
6,181
 
Gross Non-Utility Property & Plant
   
33,059
     
32,193
     
36,976
 
 
                       
Less:  Accumulated depreciation - Griffith
   
22,896
     
22,006
     
21,656
 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation - other
   
-
     
-
     
1,121
 
Net Non-Utility Property & Plant
   
10,163
     
10,187
     
14,199
 
 
                       
Current Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
6,999
     
15,281
     
56,814
 
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.8 million, $7.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively
   
85,542
     
90,937
     
90,155
 
Accrued unbilled utility revenues
   
12,071
     
15,299
     
11,320
 
Other receivables
   
6,881
     
9,512
     
8,618
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
   
24,151
     
25,114
     
25,530
 
Regulatory assets
   
36,454
     
49,526
     
43,407
 
Income tax receivable
   
-
     
432
     
2,822
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
760
     
349
     
42
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
407
     
407
     
407
 
Special deposits and prepayments
   
16,588
     
21,795
     
19,836
 
Accumulated deferred income tax
   
987
     
5,895
     
12,956
 
Total Current Assets
   
190,840
     
234,547
     
271,907
 
 
                       
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
                       
Regulatory assets - pension plan
   
140,702
     
159,020
     
121,238
 
Regulatory assets - other
   
109,887
     
114,980
     
105,899
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
1,120
     
931
     
-
 
Goodwill
   
37,752
     
37,512
     
36,538
 
Other intangible assets - net
   
11,590
     
13,173
     
12,682
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
4,444
     
4,128
     
4,610
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
   
2,427
     
2,777
     
3,043
 
Other investments
   
17,677
     
14,461
     
14,422
 
Other
   
5,468
     
6,989
     
6,175
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
   
331,067
     
353,971
     
304,607
 
Total Assets
 
$
1,713,187
   
$
1,730,112
   
$
1,702,020
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
   
   
 
Capitalization
 
   
   
 
  CH Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity
 
   
   
 
Common Stock (30,000,000 shares authorized: $0.10 par value; 16,862,087 shares issued) 14,947,899 shares, 14,894,964 shares and 14,885,037 shares outstanding, respectively
 
$
1,686
   
$
1,686
   
$
1,686
 
Paid-in capital
   
349,136
     
351,053
     
350,693
 
Retained earnings
   
251,093
     
242,391
     
236,551
 
Treasury stock - 1,914,188 shares, 1,967,123 shares and 1,977,050 shares, respectively
   
(90,417
)
   
(92,908
)
   
(93,210
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
380
     
354
     
474
 
Capital stock expense
   
(166
)
   
(328
)
   
(328
)
Total Equity
   
511,712
     
502,248
     
495,866
 
Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
9,027
     
21,027
     
21,027
 
Long-term debt
   
493,473
     
446,003
     
446,466
 
Total Capitalization
   
1,014,212
     
969,278
     
963,359
 
Current Liabilities
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
1,041
     
37,006
     
70,373
 
Notes payable
   
-
     
6,500
     
5,000
 
Accounts payable
   
34,094
     
43,904
     
47,915
 
Accrued interest
   
8,544
     
6,333
     
7,964
 
Dividends payable
   
-
     
8,511
     
8,505
 
Accrued vacation and payroll
   
7,208
     
6,702
     
6,956
 
Customer advances
   
27,967
     
22,527
     
18,801
 
Customer deposits
   
7,473
     
6,647
     
6,651
 
Regulatory liabilities
   
7,732
     
11,161
     
12,444
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
5,181
     
19,791
     
12,778
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
10,130
     
6,652
     
5,227
 
Accrued income and other taxes
   
891
     
-
     
-
 
Deferred revenues
   
3,860
     
4,801
     
3,699
 
Other
   
19,466
     
17,905
     
14,565
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
133,587
     
198,440
     
220,878
 
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
                       
Regulatory liabilities - OPEB
   
12,139
     
6,988
     
12,038
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
105,109
     
108,887
     
110,280
 
Operating reserves
   
3,633
     
3,383
     
3,414
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
154
     
-
     
3,193
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
8,238
     
11,036
     
11,937
 
Accrued OPEB costs
   
51,700
     
53,055
     
46,426
 
Accrued pension costs
   
99,869
     
121,911
     
76,414
 
Tax reserve
   
1,988
     
3,172
     
9,668
 
Other
   
20,418
     
18,802
     
18,831
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
   
303,248
     
327,234
     
292,201
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Tax
   
262,140
     
235,160
     
225,582
 
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
 
$
1,713,187
   
$
1,730,112
   
$
1,702,020
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
- 6 -

 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
CH Energy Group Common Shareholders
   
   
 
   
 
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
Shares Issued
   
Amount
   
Shares Repurchased
   
Amount
   
Paid-In Capital
   
Capital Stock Expense
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
   
Non-controlling Interest
   
Total Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,062,825
)
 
$
(44,887
)
 
$
350,360
   
$
(328
)
 
$
230,342
   
$
459
   
$
172
   
$
537,804
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                                               
Net income
                                                   
31,957
                     
31,957
 
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
                                                   
(727
)
                   
(727
)
Change in fair value:
                                                                               
Investments
                                                           
15
             
15
 
Reclassification to liabilities held for sale
                                                                   
(172
)
   
(172
)
Dividends declared on common stock
                                                   
(25,021
)
                   
(25,021
)
Treasury shares activity - net
                   
(914,225
)
   
(48,323
)
   
333
                                     
(47,990
)
Balance at September 30, 2011
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,977,050
)
 
$
(93,210
)
 
$
350,693
   
$
(328
)
 
$
236,551
   
$
474
   
$
-
   
$
495,866
 
 
                                                                               
Balance at December 31, 2011
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,967,123
)
 
$
(92,908
)
 
$
351,053
   
$
(328
)
 
$
242,391
   
$
354
   
$
-
   
$
502,248
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                                               
Net income
                                                   
26,137
                     
26,137
 
Preferred Stock Redemption
                                           
162
     
(342
)
                   
(180
)
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
                                                   
(521
)
                   
(521
)
Change in fair value:
                                                                               
Investments
                                                           
26
             
26
 
Dividends declared on common stock
                                                   
(16,572
)
                   
(16,572
)
Treasury shares activity - net
                   
52,935
     
2,491
     
(1,917
)
                                   
574
 
Balance at September 30, 2012
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,914,188
)
 
$
(90,417
)
 
$
349,136
   
$
(166
)
 
$
251,093
   
$
380
   
$
-
   
$
511,712
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
- 7 -

 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Revenues
 
   
   
   
 
Electric
 
$
148,916
   
$
149,706
   
$
393,617
   
$
418,511
 
Natural gas
   
18,306
     
18,462
     
100,276
     
127,941
 
Total Operating Revenues
   
167,222
     
168,168
     
493,893
     
546,452
 
 
                               
Operating Expenses
                               
Operation:
                               
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation
   
57,177
     
60,734
     
139,600
     
168,797
 
Purchased natural gas
   
5,873
     
6,337
     
37,977
     
63,425
 
Other expenses of operation
   
56,015
     
55,480
     
174,737
     
181,460
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,466
     
8,909
     
28,336
     
26,790
 
Taxes, other than income tax
   
12,701
     
11,644
     
38,034
     
36,303
 
Total Operating Expenses
   
141,232
     
143,104
     
418,684
     
476,775
 
 
                               
Operating Income
   
25,990
     
25,064
     
75,209
     
69,677
 
 
                               
Other Income and Deductions
                               
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income
   
1,581
     
1,023
     
5,197
     
4,310
 
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs
   
326
     
319
     
976
     
1,032
 
Other - net
   
(313
)
   
513
     
(697
)
   
(300
)
Total Other Income
   
1,594
     
1,855
     
5,476
     
5,042
 
 
                               
Interest Charges
                               
Interest on long-term debt
   
5,719
     
5,872
     
17,177
     
17,668
 
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest
   
1,666
     
1,529
     
4,898
     
4,517
 
Total Interest Charges
   
7,385
     
7,401
     
22,075
     
22,185
 
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
   
20,199
     
19,518
     
58,610
     
52,534
 
 
                               
Income Taxes
   
7,840
     
7,853
     
22,847
     
20,858
 
 
                               
Net Income
   
12,359
     
11,665
     
35,763
     
31,676
 
 
                               
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
-
     
-
     
342
     
-
 
Dividends Declared on Cumulative Preferred Stock
   
103
     
242
     
521
     
727
 
 
                               
Income Available for Common Stock
 
$
12,256
   
$
11,423
   
$
34,900
   
$
30,949
 
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Net Income
 
$
12,359
 
$
11,665
 
$
35,763
 
$
31,676
 
Other Comprehensive Income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Comprehensive Income
 
$
12,359
 
$
11,665
 
$
35,763
 
$
31,676
 
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Activities:
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
35,763
   
$
31,676
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
26,728
     
25,463
 
Amortization
   
1,608
     
1,328
 
Deferred income taxes - net
   
24,096
     
19,975
 
Bad debt expense
   
4,501
     
5,075
 
Pension expense
   
17,909
     
20,725
 
OPEB expense
   
5,210
     
5,203
 
Regulatory liability - rate moderation
   
(1,107
)
   
(7,849
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism recorded
   
(2,405
)
   
4,956
 
Regulatory asset amortization
   
3,535
     
3,524
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net:
               
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other receivables
   
(2,468
)
   
1,690
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
   
866
     
(2,550
)
Special deposits and prepayments
   
5,583
     
1,563
 
Income and other taxes
   
(339
)
   
(682
)
Accounts payable
   
(4,220
)
   
(10,420
)
Accrued interest
   
1,730
     
1,346
 
Customer advances
   
985
     
(3,597
)
Pension plan contribution
   
(28,494
)
   
(32,536
)
OPEB contribution
   
(3,269
)
   
(1,184
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism collected
   
141
     
2,388
 
Regulatory asset - storm deferral
   
(942
)
   
(3,441
)
Regulatory asset - MGP site remediation
   
2,920
     
3,761
 
Regulatory asset - Temporary State Assessment
   
(3,568
)
   
(2,169
)
Deferred natural gas and electric costs
   
3,498
     
22,164
 
Other - net
   
17,293
     
10,658
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
105,554
     
97,067
 
 
               
Investing Activities:
               
Additions to utility plant
   
(78,792
)
   
(57,434
)
Other - net
   
(4,058
)
   
(3,705
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(82,850
)
   
(61,139
)
 
               
Financing Activities:
               
Redemption of long-term debt
   
(36,000
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
48,000
     
33,400
 
Borrowings of short-term debt - net
   
(1,500
)
   
-
 
Redemption of Preferred Stock
   
(12,180
)
   
-
 
Dividends paid to parent - CH Energy Group
   
(22,000
)
   
(33,000
)
Dividends paid on cumulative Preferred Stock
   
(764
)
   
(727
)
Other - net
   
(622
)
   
(647
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(25,066
)
   
(974
)
 
               
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(2,362
)
   
34,954
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period
   
2,521
     
9,622
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period
 
$
159
   
$
44,576
 
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
15,795
   
$
17,036
 
Federal and state income taxes paid
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Additions to plant included in liabilities
 
$
4,856
   
$
3,997
 
Regulatory asset - storm deferral costs in liabilities
 
$
-
   
$
9,396
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
- 9 -

 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
ASSETS
 
   
   
 
Utility Plant
 
   
   
 
Electric
 
$
1,045,949
   
$
1,008,394
   
$
988,319
 
Natural gas
   
311,841
     
305,664
     
301,989
 
Common
   
157,878
     
147,286
     
142,201
 
Gross Utility Plant
   
1,515,668
     
1,461,344
     
1,432,509
 
 
                       
Less: Accumulated depreciation
   
401,966
     
388,784
     
385,198
 
  Net
   
1,113,702
     
1,072,560
     
1,047,311
 
 
                       
Construction work in progress
   
67,415
     
58,847
     
63,996
 
Net Utility Plant
   
1,181,117
     
1,131,407
     
1,111,307
 
 
                       
Non-Utility Property and Plant
   
524
     
524
     
681
 
Less: Accumulated depreciation
   
-
     
-
     
36
 
       Net Non-Utility Property and Plant
   
524
     
524
     
645
 
 
                       
Current Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
159
     
2,521
     
44,576
 
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.1 million, $5.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively
   
62,225
     
61,610
     
66,859
 
Accrued unbilled utility revenues
   
12,071
     
15,299
     
11,320
 
Other receivables
   
3,075
     
5,301
     
4,679
 
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost
   
20,171
     
21,037
     
22,577
 
Regulatory assets
   
36,454
     
49,526
     
43,407
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
711
     
320
     
-
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
407
     
407
     
407
 
Special deposits and prepayments
   
12,735
     
18,258
     
15,697
 
Accumulated deferred income tax
   
-
     
-
     
6,593
 
Total Current Assets
   
148,008
     
174,279
     
216,115
 
 
                       
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
                       
Regulatory assets - pension plan
   
140,702
     
159,020
     
121,238
 
Regulatory assets - other
   
109,887
     
114,980
     
105,899
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
1,120
     
931
     
-
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
4,444
     
4,128
     
4,610
 
Other investments
   
17,205
     
14,047
     
14,008
 
Other
   
2,274
     
3,065
     
2,217
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
   
275,632
     
296,171
     
247,972
 
 
                       
Total Assets
 
$
1,605,281
   
$
1,602,381
   
$
1,576,039
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
- 10 -

 
CENTRAL HUDSON BALANCE SHEET (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
   
   
 
Capitalization
 
   
   
 
Common Stock (30,000,000 shares authorized: $5 par value; 16,862,087 shares issued and outstanding)
 
$
84,311
   
$
84,311
   
$
84,311
 
Paid-in capital
   
199,980
     
199,980
     
199,980
 
Retained earnings
   
178,865
     
165,965
     
162,847
 
Capital stock expense
   
(4,799
)
   
(4,961
)
   
(4,961
)
Total Equity
   
458,357
     
445,295
     
442,177
 
 
                       
Cumulative Preferred Stock not subject to mandatory redemption
   
9,027
     
21,027
     
21,027
 
 
                       
Long-term debt
   
465,950
     
417,950
     
417,903
 
Total Capitalization
   
933,334
     
884,272
     
881,107
 
 
                       
Current Liabilities
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
-
     
36,000
     
69,400
 
Notes payable
   
-
     
1,500
     
-
 
Accounts payable
   
26,721
     
35,731
     
42,229
 
Accrued interest
   
7,913
     
6,183
     
7,313
 
Dividends payable - Preferred Stock
   
-
     
242
     
242
 
Accrued vacation and payroll
   
5,786
     
5,556
     
5,568
 
Customer advances
   
15,589
     
14,604
     
10,157
 
Customer deposits
   
7,408
     
6,582
     
6,587
 
Regulatory liabilities
   
7,732
     
11,161
     
12,444
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
5,181
     
19,791
     
12,778
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
9,675
     
6,117
     
4,552
 
Accrued income and other taxes
   
2,003
     
1,274
     
1,184
 
Accumulated deferred income tax
   
5,373
     
156
     
-
 
Other
   
17,285
     
14,855
     
11,481
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
110,666
     
159,752
     
183,935
 
 
                       
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
                       
Regulatory liabilities - OPEB
   
12,139
     
6,988
     
12,038
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
105,109
     
108,887
     
110,280
 
Operating reserves
   
2,444
     
2,120
     
2,235
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
154
     
-
     
3,193
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
7,174
     
9,726
     
10,483
 
Accrued OPEB costs
   
51,700
     
53,055
     
46,426
 
Accrued pension costs
   
99,869
     
121,911
     
76,414
 
Tax reserve
   
1,988
     
3,172
     
9,668
 
Other
   
19,466
     
17,955
     
17,884
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
   
300,043
     
323,814
     
288,621
 
 
                       
Accumulated Deferred Income Tax
   
261,238
     
234,543
     
222,376
 
 
                       
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
 
                       
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
 
$
1,605,281
   
$
1,602,381
   
$
1,576,039
 
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Central Hudson Common Shareholders
   
 
  
 
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
Shares Issued
   
Amount
   
Shares Repurchased
   
Amount
   
Paid-In Capital
   
Capital Stock Expense
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
   
Total Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,961
)
 
$
164,898
   
$
-
   
$
444,228
 
Net income
                                                   
31,676
             
31,676
 
Dividends declared:
                                                                       
On cumulative Preferred Stock
                                                   
(727
)
           
(727
)
On Common Stock to parent - CH Energy Group
                                                   
(33,000
)
           
(33,000
)
Balance at September 30, 2011
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,961
)
 
$
162,847
   
$
-
   
$
442,177
 
 
                                                                       
Balance at December 31, 2011
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,961
)
 
$
165,965
   
$
-
   
$
445,295
 
Net income
                                                   
35,763
             
35,763
 
Preferred Stock Redemption
                                           
162
     
(342
)
           
(180
)
Dividends declared:
                                                                       
On cumulative Preferred Stock
                                                   
(521
)
           
(521
)
On Common Stock to parent - CH Energy Group
                                                   
(22,000
)
           
(22,000
)
Balance at September 30, 2012
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,799
)
 
$
178,865
   
$
-
   
$
458,357
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of CH Energy Group, Inc. ("CH Energy Group") and its regulated electric and natural gas subsidiary, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation ("Central Hudson").  The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both CH Energy Group and Central Hudson.  CH Energy Group's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CH Energy Group and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which include Central Hudson and CH Energy Group's non-utility subsidiary, Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation ("CHEC").  Operating results of CHEC include its wholly owned subsidiary, Griffith Energy Services, Inc. ("Griffith").  Discontinued operations on CH Energy Group's Consolidated Statements of Income include the operating results of CHEC's subsidiaries which were sold in 2011, including Lyonsdale Biomass, LLC ("Lyonsdale"), Shirley Wind, LLC ("Shirley Wind"), CH-Auburn, LLC ("CH-Auburn") and CH-Greentree, LLC ("CH-Greentree").  Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  See Note 5 – "Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments" for further information.

The Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), which for regulated public utilities, includes specific accounting guidance for regulated operations.  For additional information regarding regulatory accounting, see Note 2 – "Regulatory Matters."

Pending Acquisition by Fortis Inc.

On February 21, 2012, CH Energy Group announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger under which it agreed, subject to shareholder approval and the approval of applicable regulatory authorities, to be acquired by Fortis Inc. ("Fortis") for $65 per share of common stock in cash.  On June 19, 2012, shareholders of CH Energy Group approved the proposed acquisition of the Company by Fortis.  On July 3, 2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  On July 17, 2012, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States approved the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  On October 2, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission permitted the 30-day waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the acquisition of the Company by Fortis to expire.  The transaction remains subject to review by the New York State Public Service Commission ("PSC").  On April 20, 2012 Fortis and Central Hudson jointly filed a petition requesting approval of the proposed transaction under Section 70 of the Public Service Law.  Pursuant to a procedure schedule established by the Administrative Law Judges, the PSC Staff and other parties to the proceeding filed testimony and comments on October 12, 2012.  Management continues to believe that PSC approval will be obtained and the transaction will close during the first quarter of 2013.
 

Unaudited Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of CH Energy Group and Financial Statements of Central Hudson are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.  These unaudited quarterly Financial Statements do not contain all footnote disclosures concerning accounting policies and other matters which would be included in annual Financial Statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the audited Financial Statements (including the Notes thereto) included in the combined CH Energy Group/Central Hudson Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the "Corporations' 10-K Annual Report").

CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's balance sheets as of September 30, 2011 are not required to be included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; however, these balance sheets are included for supplemental analysis purposes.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the 2011 Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation.  For more information regarding reclassification of discontinued operations, see Note 5 – "Acquisition, Divestitures and Investments."

Revenue Recognition

CH Energy Group's deferred revenue balances as of September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011 were $3.9 million, $4.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively.  The deferred revenue balance will be recognized in CH Energy Group's operating revenues over the 12-month term of the respective customer contract.

As required by the PSC, Central Hudson records gross receipts tax revenues and expenses on a gross income statement presentation basis (i.e., included in both revenue and expenses).  Sales and use taxes for both Central Hudson and Griffith are accounted for on a net basis (excluded from revenue).
 
 
Fuel, Materials & Supplies
 
The following is a summary of CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's inventories (In Thousands):
 
 
CH Energy Group
 
Central Hudson
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2011
 
Natural gas
$
8,889
 
$
11,711
 
$
13,106
 
$
8,889
 
$
11,711
 
$
13,106
 
Petroleum products and propane
 
2,882
   
3,422
   
2,177
   
-
   
494
   
494
 
Fuel used in electric generation
 
286
   
285
   
287
   
286
   
285
   
287
 
Materials and Supplies
 
12,094
   
9,696
   
9,960
   
10,996
   
8,547
   
8,690
 
Total
$
24,151
 
$
25,114
 
$
25,530
 
$
20,171
 
$
21,037
 
$
22,577
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization

Current accounting guidance related to asset retirements precludes the recognition of expected future retirement obligations as a component of depreciation expense or accumulated depreciation.  Central Hudson, however, is required to use depreciation methods and rates approved by the PSC under regulatory accounting.  These depreciation rates include a charge for the cost of future removal and retirement of fixed assets.  In accordance with current accounting guidance for regulated operations, Central Hudson continues to accrue for the future cost of removal for its rate-regulated natural gas and electric utility assets.  In accordance with current accounting guidance related to asset retirements, Central Hudson has classified $53.0 million, $52.6 million, and $52.6 million of cost of removal as regulatory liabilities as of September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011, and September 30, 2011, respectively.  This liability represents the portion of the cost of removal charge in excess of the amount reported as an Asset Retirement Obligation under GAAP.

See Note 6 - "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for further discussion of amortization of intangibles (other than goodwill).
 

Earnings Per Share

In the calculation of earnings per share (basic and diluted) of CH Energy Group's Common Stock, earnings for CH Energy Group are reduced by the Preferred Stock dividends of Central Hudson.

The average dilutive effect of CH Energy Group's stock options, performance shares and restricted shares are as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Shares
   
207,160
     
188,177
     
207,160
     
187,931
 
 
Certain stock options can be excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of those options were greater than the average market price per share of Common Stock.  There were no options excluded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.
 
Parental Guarantees

CH Energy Group and CHEC have issued guarantees to counterparties to assure the payment, when due, of certain obligations incurred by CH Energy Group subsidiaries, in physical and financial transactions.
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
Transaction Description
Maximum Potential
Payments
 
Outstanding
Liabilities(1)
 
Heating oil, propane, other petroleum products, weather and commodity hedges (In Thousands)
 
26,250
  $
 
$6,579
 
 
               
(1)
Balance included in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
Management is not aware of any existing condition that would require payment under the guarantees.
 
Common Stock Dividends

On October 4, 2012, the Board of Directors of CH Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of 55.5 cents per share payable November 1, 2012, to shareholders of record as of October 15, 2012.  Although this dividend was declared at the beginning of the fourth quarter, it represents the third quarter 2012 dividend declaration.

CH Energy Group's ability to pay dividends is affected by the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends.  The Federal Power Act limits the payment of dividends by Central Hudson to its retained earnings.  More restrictive is the PSC's limit on the dividends Central Hudson may pay to CH Energy Group which is 100% of the average annual income available for common stock, calculated on a two-year rolling average basis.  Based on this calculation, Central Hudson was restricted to a maximum payment of $44.6 million in dividends to CH Energy Group for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Central Hudson's dividend would be reduced to 75% of its average annual income in the event of a downgrade of its senior debt rating below "BBB+" by more than one rating agency if the stated reason for the downgrade is related to any of CH Energy Group's or Central Hudson's affiliates.  Further restrictions are imposed for any downgrades below this level.  CH Energy Group's other subsidiaries do not have express restrictions on their ability to pay dividends.
 
 
NOTE 2 – Regulatory Matters
 
Summary of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
 
The following table sets forth Central Hudson's regulatory assets and liabilities (In Thousands):
 
     
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
Regulatory Assets (Debits):
 
   
   
 
Current:
 
   
   
 
Deferred purchased electric and natural gas costs
 
$
7,277
   
$
10,775
   
$
8,155
 
Deferred unrealized losses on derivatives
   
5,181
     
19,791
     
12,778
 
PSC General and Temporary State Assessment and carrying charges
   
10,823
     
8,123
     
12,481
 
RDM and carrying charges
   
3,123
     
791
     
-
 
Residual natural gas deferred balances
   
4,554
     
4,554
     
4,554
 
Deferred debt expense on re-acquired debt
   
601
     
625
     
600
 
Deferred and accrued costs - MGP site remediation and carrying charges
   
4,605
     
4,577
     
4,549
 
Other
   
290
     
290
     
290
 
 
   
36,454
     
49,526
     
43,407
 
Long-term:
                       
Deferred pension costs
   
140,702
     
159,020
     
121,238
 
Deferred unrealized losses on derivatives
   
154
     
-
     
3,193
 
Carrying charges - pension reserve
   
8,278
     
4,986
     
4,055
 
Deferred and accrued costs - MGP site remediation and carrying charges
   
12,371
     
14,260
     
14,086
 
Deferred debt expense on re-acquired debt
   
4,887
     
5,332
     
5,071
 
Deferred Medicare Subsidy taxes
   
7,725
     
7,307
     
7,171
 
Residual natural gas deferred balances and carrying charges
   
6,466
     
9,829
     
10,810
 
Income taxes recoverable through future rates
   
40,067
     
42,997
     
37,716
 
Energy efficiency incentives
   
2,719
     
2,719
     
-
 
Deferred storm costs and carrying charges
   
13,282
     
15,416
     
12,838
 
Other
   
13,938
     
12,134
     
10,959
 
 
   
250,589
     
274,000
     
227,137
 
Total Regulatory Assets
 
$
287,043
   
$
323,526
   
$
270,544
 
 
                       
Regulatory Liabilities (Credits):
                       
Current:
                       
Excess electric depreciation reserve
 
$
-
   
$
1,107
   
$
2,008
 
RDM and carrying charges
   
-
     
-
     
3,520
 
Deferred unrealized gains on derivatives
   
711
     
-
     
-
 
Income taxes refundable through future rates
   
4,836
     
5,062
     
4,938
 
Deferred unbilled gas revenues
   
2,185
     
4,992
     
1,978
 
 
   
7,732
     
11,161
     
12,444
 
Long-term:
                       
Customer benefit fund
   
2,321
     
2,623
     
3,139
 
Deferred cost of removal
   
52,986
     
52,565
     
52,630
 
Rate Base impact of tax repair project and carrying charges
   
8,260
     
9,413
     
10,170
 
Excess electric depreciation reserve and carrying charges
   
1,586
     
2,678
     
2,653
 
Deferred unrealized gains on derivatives
   
1,120
     
931
     
-
 
Income taxes refundable through future rates
   
20,312
     
29,648
     
24,189
 
Deferred OPEB costs
   
12,139
     
6,988
     
12,038
 
Carrying charges - OPEB reserve
   
8,740
     
5,405
     
4,379
 
Other
   
9,784
     
5,624
     
13,120
 
 
   
117,248
     
115,875
     
122,318
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities
 
$
124,980
   
$
127,036
   
$
134,762
 
 
                       
Net Regulatory Assets
 
$
162,063
   
$
196,490
   
$
135,782
 
 
 
- 18 -

 
The significant new regulatory assets and liabilities include:

Storm Costs:  Central Hudson is authorized to request and the PSC has historically approved deferral accounting for incremental storm restoration costs which meet the following criteria: (1) the expense must be incremental to the amount provided in rates, (2) the incremental costs must be material and extraordinary in nature, and (3) the utility's earnings are below the authorized rate of return on common equity.  The balance shown for storm costs as of September 30, 2012 relates to the impacts of Tropical Storm Irene as well as a significant snow storm event in late October 2011.  These amounts are based on actual rate year results for the rate year ended June 30, 2012.  Management believes the costs deferred as of September 30, 2012 are probable of future recovery.  See Other Regulatory Matters and PSC Proceedings for further details on these storm events.

2010 Rate Order

From July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, Central Hudson is operating under the terms of the 2010 Rate Order, which provides for the following:
 


Description
 
2010 Rate Order
Electric delivery revenue increases
 
$11.8 million(1) 7/1/10
$9.3 million(1)  7/1/11
$9.1 million 7/1/12
Natural gas delivery revenue increases
 
$5.7 million 7/1/10
$2.4 million 7/1/11
$1.6 million 7/1/12
ROE
 
10.0%
Earnings sharing
 
Yes(2)
Capital structure – common equity
 
48%
Targets with true-up provisions - % of revenue requirement to defer for shortfalls
 
 
Net plant balances
 
100%
Transmission and distribution ROW maintenance
 
100%
RDMs – electric and natural gas(3)
 
Yes
New deferral accounting for full recovery
 
 
Fixed debt costs
 
Yes(4)
Transmission sag mitigation
 
Yes
New York State Temporary Assessment
 
Yes
Material regulatory actions(5)
 
Yes(5)
Property taxes – Deferral for 90% of excess/deficiency relative to revenue requirement
 
Yes(6)

(1)
Moderated by $12 million and $4 million bill credits, respectively.
(2)
ROE > 10.5%, 50% to customers, > 11.0%, 80% to customers, > 11.5%, 90% to customers.
(3)
Electric is based on revenue dollars; gas is based on usage per customer.
(4)
Deferral authorization in RY2 and RY3 only.
(5)
Legislative, governmental or regulatory actions with individual impacts greater than or equal to 2% of net income of the applicable department.
(6)
The Company's pre-tax gain or loss limited to $0.7 million per rate year.
 
 
- 19 -

 
Other PSC Proceedings

In late August 2011, Central Hudson's service territory was affected by Tropical Storm Irene, disrupting service to approximately 180,000 customers.  On November 28, 2011, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking to defer for future recovery with carrying charges $11.4 million of incremental electric storm restoration expense above the respective rate allowance during the twelve months ended June 30, 2012, which is the second rate year established by the PSC in its approval of a Joint Proposal in Case 09-E-0588.  These incremental costs represent the amount Central Hudson deferred on its books as of October 31, 2011 based on actual costs incurred, bills received and an estimate for bills outstanding.  The Company believes the incremental costs associated with this storm meet the PSC's criteria for deferral.  As of September 30, 2012, the deferred balance related to this storm event was $11.0 million based on final bills received.

On October 29, 2011, Central Hudson experienced an unusual fall storm with snow accumulations of up to 20 inches in the service territory, resulting in electric service outages to over 150,000 customers, extensive damage to the electric system and significant restoration costs.  Following Tropical Storm Irene, the October snowstorm represented the second extraordinary storm event that occurred within the second rate year established by the PSC in its Rate Plan adopting the terms of a Joint Proposal in Case 09-E-0588.  On April 24, 2012, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges $8.6 million of total incremental electric storm restoration expense. The Company believes that it is entitled to fully recover all of these incremental expenses and has filed its petition with the PSC to reflect that position.  However, because the petition requests the PSC to deviate from its prior precedents, the amount the PSC may grant could be lower.  Accordingly, management deferred only the portion of the incremental costs that strictly follows Commission practice used in the Company's previous requests to defer incremental storm costs.  Approximately $3.7 million, $1.1 million, $2.1 million and $0.1 million of incremental restoration expense associated with this storm was expensed in December 2011, March 2012,  June 2012 and July 2012, respectively, so that the return on common equity for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012 does not exceed the authorized rate of return of 10%.  As of September 30, 2012, the deferred balance related to this storm event was $1.6 million.

On April 20, 2012, CH Energy Group, Central Hudson, Fortis, FortisUS Inc. ("FortisUS"), and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc. ("Petitioners"), submitted a joint petition to the PSC for approval of the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis and related transactions.  The petition describes how the acquisition of Central Hudson by Fortis will produce benefits for constituencies that include customers, employees and communities in Central Hudson's service territory as well as positive public benefits.  The petition categorizes the public benefits into three major areas: 1) FortisUS' commitments and intention to preserve and build on the existing strength of Central Hudson, 2) mitigation of any potential negative aspects of the merger consistent with the PSC's disposition of specific issues that have arisen in prior utility merger proceedings in New York State and 3) identifiable monetary benefits resulting from assignment of costs to shareholders and cost savings made possible by the merger.  The petition includes proposals and commitments that effectively mitigate any potential risks to Central Hudson's customers from foreign holding company ownership and rate increase risk.  The petitioners have quantified the economic value of the proposals in the merger to be in excess of $20 million.  Central Hudson believes the merger is in the public interest and should be approved on the basis of the proposals set forth in the petition.  See Item 2 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the caption "Regulatory Matters – PSC Proceedings" for further discussion.
 
 
NOTE 3 - New Accounting Guidance
 
Newly adopted and soon to be adopted accounting guidance is summarized below, including explanations for any new guidance issued in 2012 (except that which is not currently applicable) which is expected to have a material impact on CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries.
 
Impact
 
Category
 
Accounting
Reference
 
Title
 
Issued Date
 
Effective Date
 
Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)
 
ASU No. 2011-05
 
Presentation of Comprehensive Income
 
Jun-11
 
Jan-12
 
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)
 
ASU No. 2011-08
 
Testing Goodwill for Impairment
 
Sept-11
 
Jan-12
 
Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)
 
ASU No. 2011-12
 
Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Dec-11
 
Jan-12
 
Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820)
 
ASU No. 2011-04
 
Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and IFRS
 
May-11
 
Jan-12
 
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)
 
ASU No. 2012-02
 
Amendments for Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment
 
Jul-12
 
Sept-12
 
Balance Sheet (Topic 210)
 
ASU No. 2011-11
 
Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
 
Dec-11
 
Jan-13
 
Impact Key:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
No current impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries when adopted on the effective date noted.  Additional disclosures have been added or presentation of information modified where required.
(2)
No anticipated impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries upon future adoption.
 
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02 which was amended guidance to ASU No. 2011-08. The amendment simplifies how entities test indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment.  After an assessment of certain qualitative factors, if it is determined to be more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired, entities must perform the quantitative impairment test.  Otherwise, the quantitative test is optional.  The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. 
 

NOTE 4 – Income Tax

In September of 2010, Central Hudson filed a request with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") to change the Company's tax accounting method related to costs to repair and maintain utility assets.  The change was effective for the tax year ending December 31, 2009.  This change allows Central Hudson to take a current tax deduction for a significant amount of repair costs that were previously capitalized for tax purposes.

In September 2012, Central Hudson filed corporate income tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2011.  With that filing, the Company included an election to adopt the provisions of Revenue Procedure 2011-43 ("Rev Proc"), which provided IRS guidance related to the repair deduction previously taken on electric transmission and distribution property. Adoption of the provisions of the Rev Proc resulted in reduced federal and state net operating income tax loss ("NOL") carryforwards. The Company believes the remaining electric repair deduction meets and complies with the requirements included in the Rev Proc. As such, tax reserves related to the electric transmission and distribution repair deductions have been reclassified to deferred tax liability accounts.

IRS guidance with respect to repairs taken on Gas Transmission and Distribution repairs is still pending. Therefore, remaining reserves related to the gas repair deduction continue to be shown as "Tax Reserve" under the Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities section of the Central Hudson Balance Sheet.
 
Other than the uncertain tax position related to the Company's accounting method change for gas transmission and distribution repairs, there are no other uncertain tax positions.  The following is a summary of activity related to uncertain tax positions (In Thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
$
3,178
 
$
10,934
 
$
3,172
 
$
11,486
 
Adjustments related to tax accounting method change
 
(1,190
)
 
(1,266
)
 
(1,184
)
 
(1,818
)
Balance at the end of the period
$
1,988
 
$
9,668
 
$
1,988
 
$
9,668
 
 
Jurisdiction
 
Tax Years Open for Audit
Federal(1)
 
2007 - 2011
New York State
 
2009 - 2011
 
(1)   Federal tax filings for the years 2007 - 2010 are currently under audit.
 
 
Reconciliation - CH Energy Group
 
The following is a reconciliation between the amount of federal income tax computed on income before taxes at the statutory rate and the amount reported in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Statement of Income (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
9,057
   
$
8,328
   
$
25,274
   
$
31,230
 
Preferred Stock dividends of Central Hudson
   
103
     
242
     
521
     
727
 
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
-
     
-
     
342
     
-
 
Federal income tax
   
-
     
(524
)
   
-
     
153
 
State income tax
   
(255
)
   
17
     
(5
)
   
289
 
Deferred federal income tax
   
5,818
     
1,927
     
19,136
     
13,998
 
Deferred state income tax
   
985
     
531
     
2,214
     
1,104
 
Income before taxes
 
$
15,708
   
$
10,521
   
$
47,482
   
$
47,501
 
 
                               
Computed federal tax at 35% statutory rate
 
$
5,498
   
$
3,682
   
$
16,619
   
$
16,625
 
State income tax net of federal tax benefit
   
791
     
623
     
2,457
     
1,588
 
Depreciation flow-through
   
784
     
757
     
2,363
     
2,322
 
Cost of Removal
   
(600
)
   
(458
)
   
(1,796
)
   
(1,373
)
Merger Transaction Costs
   
412
     
-
     
3,400
     
-
 
Production tax credits
   
-
     
(51
)
   
-
     
(149
)
Federal grant
   
-
     
(2,580
)
   
-
     
(2,580
)
Other
   
(337
)
   
(22
)
   
(1,698
)
   
(889
)
Total income tax
 
$
6,548
   
$
1,951
   
$
21,345
   
$
15,544
 
 
                               
Effective tax rate - federal
   
37.0
%
   
13.3
%
   
40.3
%
   
29.8
%
Effective tax rate - state
   
4.6
%
   
5.2
%
   
4.7
%
   
2.9
%
Effective tax rate - combined
   
41.6
%
   
18.5
%
   
45.0
%
   
32.7
%
 
Merger related transaction costs that are facilitative in nature are considered nondeductible for tax purposes. Merger related transaction costs incurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaling $1.0 million and $8.6 million have been determined to be facilitative and therefore nondeductible.  Additionally, the effective rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were impacted by the tax benefit related to federal grants received.  These were the major reasons for the increase in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior year.
 
 
Reconciliation - Central Hudson
 
The following is a reconciliation between the amount of federal income tax computed on income before taxes at the statutory rate and the amount reported in Central Hudson's Statement of Income (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net income
 
$
12,359
   
$
11,665
   
$
35,763
   
$
31,676
 
Federal income tax
   
-
     
133
     
-
     
348
 
State income tax
   
-
     
218
     
-
     
535
 
Deferred federal income tax
   
6,934
     
6,739
     
19,928
     
18,020
 
Deferred state income tax
   
906
     
763
     
2,919
     
1,955
 
Income before taxes
 
$
20,199
   
$
19,518
   
$
58,610
   
$
52,534
 
 
                               
Computed federal tax at 35% statutory rate
 
$
7,070
   
$
6,831
   
$
20,514
   
$
18,387
 
State income tax net of federal tax benefit
   
906
     
905
     
2,919
     
2,303
 
Depreciation flow-through
   
784
     
757
     
2,363
     
2,322
 
Cost of Removal
   
(600
)
   
(458
)
   
(1,796
)
   
(1,373
)
Other
   
(320
)
   
(182
)
   
(1,153
)
   
(781
)
Total income tax
 
$
7,840
   
$
7,853
   
$
22,847
   
$
20,858
 
 
                               
Effective tax rate - federal
   
34.3
%
   
35.2
%
   
34.0
%
   
35.0
%
Effective tax rate - state
   
4.5
%
   
5.0
%
   
5.0
%
   
4.7
%
Effective tax rate - combined
   
38.8
%
   
40.2
%
   
39.0
%
   
39.7
%
 
NOTE 5 – Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments

Acquisitions

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Griffith acquired fuel distribution companies as follows (Dollars in Thousands):
 
 
 
# of
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
Acquired
 
Purchase
 
Intangible
 
 
 
 
Tangible
Quarter Ended
 
Companies
 
Price
 
Assets(1)
 
Goodwill
 
Assets
March 31, 2012
 
 
$
275 
 
$
265 
 
$
240 
 
$
10 
June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
275 
 
 
275 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
 
$
550 
 
$
540 
 
$
240 
 
$
10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)   Including goodwill.
 
Amortizable intangible assets acquired in the current year consist of customer relationships, which will be amortized over a 15-year period, and covenants not to compete, which will be amortized over a 5-year period.  The weighted average amortization period of amortizable intangible assets acquired in the current year is 14 years.
 

Divestitures

In the first quarter of 2011, Griffith reduced its environmental reserve by $0.6 million based on the completion of an environmental study.  The reserve adjustment related to the 2009 divestiture of operations in certain geographic locations.  In the second quarter of 2011, Griffith recorded an expense adjustment of $0.1 million relating to divested operations. As such, income of $0.3 million, net of tax, has been reflected in income from discontinued operations in the CH Energy Group Consolidated Income Statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

During 2011, CHEC divested four of its renewable energy investments. The results of operations of Lyonsdale, Shirley Wind, CH-Auburn and CH-Greentree for the prior period are presented in discontinued operations in the CH Energy Group Consolidated Statement of Income.  Management has elected to include cash flows from discontinued operations of those investments with those from continuing operations in the CH Energy Group Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  The details of each of the sales transactions by investment are as follows (In Thousands):

     
 
CH-Auburn
   
Shirley Wind
   
Lyonsdale
   
CH-Greentree
 
Date of Sale
 
9/16/2011
   
8/11/2011
   
5/1/2011
   
12/29/2011
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Current Assets
 
$
174
   
$
623
   
$
2,099
   
$
-
 
Other Assets
   
-
     
461
     
-
     
-
 
Property, Plant and Equipment:
                               
Property, plant and equipment
   
4,667
     
32,564
     
10,670
     
5,500
 
Less: Accumulated depreciation
   
626
     
657
     
4,191
     
1,205
 
Total property, plant and equipment, net
   
4,041
     
31,907
     
6,479
     
4,295
 
Assets sold
 
$
4,215
   
$
32,991
   
$
8,578
   
$
4,295
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Current Liabilities
 
$
85
   
$
6
   
$
322
   
$
-
 
Other Liabilities
   
1,736
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Liabilities sold
 
$
1,821
   
$
6
   
$
322
   
$
-
 
 
                               
Net Assets Sold
 
$
2,394
   
$
32,985
   
$
8,256
   
$
4,295
 
 
Proceeds from these sales were used primarily for the repurchase of outstanding Common Stock of CH Energy Group.  Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Shirley Wind were used to pay down private placement debt at CH Energy Group, which provided corporate financing for the construction of this project.
 
 
The table below provides additional detail of the financial results of the discontinued operations (In Thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues from discontinued operations
 
$
-
   
$
1,112
   
$
-
   
$
6,654
 
Income from discontinued operations before tax
   
-
     
166
     
-
     
987
 
Gain from sale of discontinued operations
   
-
     
2,070
     
-
     
1,527
 
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations
   
-
     
(1,527
)
   
-
     
(1,454
)
 
Investments
 
The value of CHEC's investments as of September 30, 2012 is as follows  (In Thousands):
 
CHEC Investment
Description
 
Intercompany Debt
   
Equity Investment
   
Total
 
Griffith Energy Services
100% controlling interest in a fuel distribution business
 
$
24,500
   
$
34,765
   
$
59,265
 
Cornhusker Holdings
12% equity interest plus subordinated debt investment in an operating corn-ethanol plant
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
CH-Community Wind
50% equity interest in a joint venture that owns 18% interest in two operating wind projects
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other
Partnerships and an energy sector venture capital fund
   
-
     
2,426
     
2,426
 
 
  
 
$
24,500
   
$
37,191
   
$
61,691
 
 
These investments are not considered a part of the core business; however, management intends to retain these investments at this time.

NOTE 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, customer relationships and covenants not to compete associated with acquisitions are included in intangible assets.  In accordance with current accounting guidance related to goodwill and other intangible assets, goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are periodically reviewed for impairment.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, management performed a qualitative assessment of any potential impairment of Griffith's goodwill.  The last quantitative analysis of impairment was performed as of September 30, 2010, which reflected that the fair value of Griffith exceeded its carrying value by approximately $34.2 million.  Additionally, management believes that no event has occurred which would trigger impairment since the last quantitative test performed.  Based on these factors and other factors considered in its qualitative analysis, management believes that it is more likely than not that the fair market value of Griffith is more than the carrying value and, therefore, the first and second steps of the impairment test prescribed in guidance were not necessary.
 
 
The components of amortizable intangible assets of CH Energy Group are summarized as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Customer relationships
$
36,781
 
$
25,407
 
$
36,517
 
$
23,571
 
$
35,516
 
$
22,978
 
Covenants not to compete
 
397
   
181
   
361
   
134
   
267
   
123
 
Total Amortizable Intangibles
$
37,178
 
$
25,588
 
$
36,878
 
$
23,705
 
$
35,783
 
$
23,101
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Intangibles Amortization Expense (In Thousands)
$
625
 
$
598
 
$
1,883
 
$
1,792
 
 
The estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years, assuming no new acquisitions or divestitures, is as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
Estimated Amortization Expense
$
2,515
 
$
2,506
 
$
2,251
 
$
887
 
$
583
 
 
NOTE 7 – Short-Term Borrowing Arrangements

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson borrowings under its committed and uncommitted short-term borrowing arrangements are as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
 
CH Energy Group Holding Company Short-term borrowings
 
$
-
   
$
5,000
   
$
5,000
 
Central Hudson Short-term borrowings
   
-
     
1,500
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
-
   
$
6,500
   
$
5,000
 
Total CH Energy Group Weighted Average Interest Rate
   
1.08
%
   
0.72
%
   
0.56
%
 
NOTE 8 – Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock

For a schedule of activity related to common stock, paid-in capital and capital stock, see the Consolidated Statement of Equity for CH Energy Group and Central Hudson.

Effective July 31, 2007, CH Energy Group's Board of Directors extended and amended the Common Stock Repurchase Program of the Company (the "Repurchase Program"), which was originally authorized in 2002.  As amended, the Repurchase Program authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares (excluding shares repurchased before July 31, 2007) or approximately 13% of CH Energy Group's outstanding Common Stock, from time to time, through July 31, 2012.  As of September 30, 2012, CH Energy Group had purchased 948,676 shares under the Repurchase Program.
 

As part of this Repurchase Program, on August 16, 2011, CH Energy Group implemented an accelerated share repurchase program ("ASR") through which, CH Energy Group paid $30 million and received 554,017 shares.  Following the announcement of the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis on February 21, 2012, the agent elected to terminate the agreement.  As a result of the termination, CH Energy Group paid an additional $2.6 million to the agent in final settlement of the ASR program.  There was no change in the number of shares purchased.

Subsequent to February 21, 2012, CH Energy Group is prohibited from purchasing additional shares under the merger agreement with Fortis.  The shares repurchased prior to that date under this repurchase agreement have not been retired or cancelled, and the repurchases accordingly have been presented as an increase to treasury stock in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Effective July 1, 2011, employer matching contributions to an eligible employee's Savings Incentive Plan ("SIP") account could be paid in either cash or in CH Energy Group Common Stock, and CH Energy Group initially chose to meet its matching obligation in Common Stock.  Since March 1, 2012, the Company has been providing cash for all of its matching obligations, except for matching contributions associated with classified employees of Central Hudson.  The classified employees will continue to receive matching contributions in CH Energy Group Common Stock.  As of September 30, 2012, 45,567 shares had been issued from treasury related to employer matching contributions, of which 26,011 shares were issued in 2012 with 3,953 shares issued during the third quarter of 2012. 

On May 18, 2012, Central Hudson redeemed two of its four outstanding series of preferred stock.  Registered holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D (4.35%) received $102.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  Registered holders of 4.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E received $101.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  The redemption was funded from the proceeds of the sale of Medium Term Notes on March 30, 2012.  See Note 9 – "Capitalization – Long-Term Debt" for further information.  The premium paid in connection with the redemption of the preferred stock was recorded as a reduction of Retained Earnings on Central Hudson's Balance Sheet and as Premium on Preferred Stock Redemption on Central Hudson's Income Statement.

Through September 30, 2012, Central Hudson made $22.0 million of dividend payments in 2012 to parent CH Energy Group, of which $9.0 million was paid during the three months ended September 30, 2012.  Central Hudson made $33.0 million of dividend payments to parent CH Energy Group in the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
NOTE 9 – Capitalization – Long-Term Debt

On March 30, 2012, Central Hudson issued $48.0 million of its Series G registered unsecured Medium Term Notes.  The notes bear interest at the rate of 4.776% per annum on a principal amount of $48.0 million and mature on April 1, 2042. 

The proceeds from the sale of the Notes were used by Central Hudson to refinance $36.0 million of its 6.64% Series D Medium Term Notes that matured on March 28, 2012, and to redeem its Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D, with an aggregate redemption price of $6.1 million, and its 4.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E, with an aggregate redemption price of $6.1 million.  See Note 8 – "Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock" for further information.

NYSERDA

Central Hudson's outstanding Series B NYSERDA Bonds total $33.7 million at September 30, 2012.  These bonds are tax-exempt multi-modal bonds that are currently in a variable rate mode.  In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for variations in the interest costs from these bonds.  As such, variations between the actual interest rates on these bonds and the interest rate included in the current delivery rate structure for these bonds are deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and therefore do not impact earnings.

To mitigate the potential cash flow impact from unexpected increases in short-term interest rates on Series B NYSERDA Bonds, on March 28, 2012, Central Hudson purchased an interest rate cap based on an index of short-term tax-exempt debt.  The rate cap is two years in length with a notional amount aligned with Series B and will expire on April 1, 2014.  The cap is based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175%.  Central Hudson would receive a payout if the adjusted index exceeds 5.0% for a given month.  The rate cap replaced an expiring rate cap with substantially similar terms. See Note 14 – "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for fair value disclosures related to this instrument.

Central Hudson is currently evaluating what actions, if any, it may take in the future in connection with its Series B NYSERDA Bonds.  Potential actions may include converting the debt to another interest rate mode or refinancing with taxable bonds.

NOTE 10 – Post-Employment Benefits

Central Hudson provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through its post-retirement benefit plans.  Central Hudson pension benefits include a Retirement Income Plan ("RIP") and a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP").
 

In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for any variations between actual pension and other post-employment benefits ("OPEB") expense and the amount included in the current delivery rate structure.  As a result, post-retirement benefit plans at Central Hudson do not have any impact on earnings.  The following information is provided in accordance with current accounting requirements.

The following are the components of Central Hudson's net periodic benefit costs for its pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Pension Benefits
   
OPEB(1)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
 
$
2,741
   
$
2,448
   
$
639
   
$
657
 
Interest cost
   
6,179
     
6,537
     
1,313
     
1,723
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(6,770
)
   
(6,860
)
   
(1,597
)
   
(1,748
)
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service cost (credit)
   
501
     
536
     
(1,462
)
   
(1,467
)
Transitional obligation
   
-
     
-
     
628
     
641
 
Recognized actuarial loss
   
5,788
     
6,523
     
1,451
     
2,227
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
8,439
   
$
9,184
   
$
972
   
$
2,033
 
 
  
 
Pension Benefits
   
OPEB(1)
 
  
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
 
$
8,223
   
$
7,345
   
$
1,927
   
$
2,003
 
Interest cost
   
18,534
     
19,611
     
4,637
     
5,187
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(20,306
)
   
(20,580
)
   
(5,065
)
   
(5,170
)
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service cost (credit)
   
1,502
     
1,608
     
(4,394
)
   
(4,399
)
Transitional obligation
   
-
     
-
     
1,910
     
1,924
 
Recognized actuarial loss
   
17,364
     
19,569
     
6,103
     
7,603
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
25,317
   
$
27,553
   
$
5,118
   
$
7,148
 
 
(1) The OPEB amounts for all periods presented reflect the effect of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.
 
The balance of Central Hudson's accrued pension costs (i.e., the under-funded status) is as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2011
 
Accrued pension costs
$
 
100,520
  $
 
122,562
  $
 
77,065
 
 
These balances include the difference between the projected benefit obligation ("PBO") for pensions and the market value of the pension assets, and the liability for the non-qualified SERP.
 
 
The following reflects the impact of the recording of funding status adjustments on the Balance Sheets of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson (In Thousands):
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
Prefunded pension costs prior to funding status adjustment
 
$
33,447
   
$
30,270
   
$
39,291
 
Additional liability required
   
(133,967
)
   
(152,832
)
   
(116,356
)
Total accrued pension costs
 
$
(100,520
)
 
$
(122,562
)
 
$
(77,065
)
Total offset to additional liability - Regulatory assets - Pension Plan
 
$
133,967
   
$
152,832
   
$
116,356
 
 
Gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but that are not recognized as components of net periodic pension cost would typically be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax.  However, Central Hudson has PSC approval to record regulatory assets rather than adjusting comprehensive income to offset the additional liability.

Contribution levels for the RIP and OPEB plans are determined by various factors including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, benefit changes, and corporate resources.  In addition, OPEB plan contribution levels are also impacted by medical claims assumptions used and mortality assumptions used.

Contributions for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
Retirement Income Plan
   
OPEB
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Contributions
 
$
28,000
   
$
32,028
   
$
3,269
   
$
1,184
 
 
 
- 31 -

 
Retirement Plan Policy and Strategy

Central Hudson's Retirement Plan investment policy seeks to achieve long-term growth and income to match the long-term nature of its funding obligations. Management has transitioned to a liability-driven investment ("LDI") strategy for its pension plan assets.  Management's objective is to reduce the plan's funded status volatility and the level of contributions by more closely aligning the characteristics of plan assets with liabilities.

Asset allocation targets in effect for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as well as actual asset allocations as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 expressed as a percentage of the market value of the Retirement Plan's assets, are summarized in the table below:
 
Asset Class
 
September 30,
2012
   
Minimum
   
Target Average
   
Maximum
   
December 31,
2011
 
Equity Securities
   
49.6
%
   
45
%
   
50
%
   
55
%
   
35.8
%
Debt Securities
   
48.7
%
   
45
%
   
50
%
   
55
%
   
54.4
%
Other(1)
   
1.7
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
9.8
%
 
(1)
Consists of temporary cash investments, as well as receivables for investments sold and interest, and payables for investments purchased, which have not settled as of that date.

The above asset allocations as of September 30, 2012 reflect the transition to a LDI strategy resulting in an asset allocation of approximately 50% equity and 50% long duration fixed income assets. The asset allocations as of December 31, 2011 were driven by the ongoing transition and were compounded by 2011 market activity.  In 2011, a reduction in interest rates made the long duration bonds held in debt securities more valuable and a decrease in stock price performance reduced the value of the pension plan's equity investments. Due to market value fluctuations, RIP assets will require rebalancing from time to time to maintain the target asset allocation.  Management is currently monitoring ongoing market activity and the impact on the pension plan asset allocations to determine if a rebalancing will be necessary.

Central Hudson cannot assure that the RIP's return objectives or funded status objectives will be achieved.

NOTE 11 – Equity-Based Compensation

CH Energy Group has adopted the CH Energy Group, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan").  The 2011 Plan reserves for awards to be granted up to a maximum of 400,000 shares of Common Stock plus any shares remaining available under the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") as of April 26, 2011 and any shares that are subject to awards granted under the 2006 Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, surrendered or otherwise terminated without the issuance of shares on or after that date.  Awards may consist of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, dividend equivalents and other awards that CH Energy Group may authorize. 
 
 
The 2011 Plan will continue in effect until February 9, 2021, unless sooner terminated by the Board of Directors.  Termination will not affect grants and awards then outstanding.
 
Performance Shares
 
A summary of the status of outstanding performance shares granted to executives under the 2006 and 2011 Plans are as follows:
 
Grant Date
 
Grant Date Fair Value
   
Performance Shares Granted
   
Performance Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2012
 
February 8, 2010
 
$
38.62
     
48,740
     
43,220
 
February 7, 2011
 
$
49.77
     
40,320
     
40,320
 
February 6, 2012
 
$
56.15
     
39,440
     
39,440
 
 
The ultimate number of shares earned under the awards is based on metrics established by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the award cycle.  Participants may elect to defer receipt of shares earned in accordance with terms and subject to conditions of the Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan.  Ultimate payouts from the Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan are made in the form of cash or shares.  Accordingly, these awards are classified as liabilities and are adjusted to fair value as of the end of each reporting period.
 
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
 
The following table summarizes information concerning restricted shares and stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2012:
 
Grant Date
 
Type of Award
 
Shares or
Stock Units Granted
 
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Vesting Terms
 
Unvested Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2012
 
October 1, 2009
 
Shares
 
14,375 
 
$
43.86 
 
Ratably over 5 years
 
8,625 
 
November 20, 2009
 
Stock Units
 
13,900 
 
$
41.43 
 
1/3 each year in Years 5, 6 and 7
 
13,900 
 
February 8, 2010
 
Shares
 
3,060 
 
$
38.62 
 
End of 3 years
 
2,655 
 (1)
February 10, 2010
 
Shares
 
5,200 
 
$
38.89 
 
End of 3 years
 
5,200 
 
November 15, 2010
 
Shares
 
3,000 
 
$
46.53 
 
Ratably over 3 years
 
2,000 
 
February 7, 2011
 
Shares
 
1,500 
 
$
49.77 
 
1/3 each year in Years 3, 4 and 5
 
1,500 
 
February 7, 2011
 
Shares
 
2,230 
 
$
49.77 
 
End of 3 years
 
2,230 
 
February 6, 2012
 
Shares
 
2,170 
 
$
56.15 
 
End of 3 years
 
2,170 
 
 
(1)
The vesting of 405 shares was accelerated as approved by the Board of Directors.
 
 
- 33 -

 
Compensation Expense
 
The following table summarizes expense for equity-based compensation by award type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (In Thousands):
 
 
 
CH Energy Group
   
Central Hudson
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Performance shares
 
$
312
   
$
659
   
$
272
   
$
546
 
Restricted shares and stock units
 
$
114
   
$
116
   
$
65
   
$
66
 
Recognized tax benefit of restricted shares and stock units
 
$
46
   
$
46
   
$
26
   
$
26
 
 
 
 
CH Energy Group
   
Central Hudson
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Performance shares
 
$
2,663
   
$
2,213
   
$
1,483
   
$
1,843
 
Restricted shares and stock units
 
$
341
   
$
343
   
$
195
   
$
198
 
Recognized tax benefit of restricted shares and stock units
 
$
137
   
$
140
   
$
77
   
$
78
 
 
Compensation expense for performance shares is recognized over the three year performance period based on the fair value of the awards at the end of each reporting period and the time elapsed within each grant's performance period.  The fair value of performance shares is determined based on the shares' current market value at the end of each reporting period, estimated forfeitures for each grant, and expected payout based on management's best estimate including analysis of historical performance in accordance with the defined metrics of each grant.  Compensation expense is recorded as performance shares are earned over the relevant three-year life of the performance share grant prior to its award.  The portion of the compensation expense related to an employee who retires during the performance period is the amount recognized up to the date of retirement.

Compensation expense for restricted shares and stock options is recognized over the defined vesting periods based on the grant date fair value of the awards.  Stock option expense recognized over the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was not material.
 
CH Energy Group compensation expense related to performance share awards increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily as a result of the increased price per share of CH Energy Group common stock.  The market price of CH Energy Group stock increased approximately $8 per share immediately following the February 21, 2012 announcement that CH Energy Group had entered into a merger agreement with Fortis.  CH Energy Group's equity-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included approximately $0.9 million attributable to the increase in stock price on outstanding performance share awards, which has been recognized at the holding company as a transaction cost resulting from the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis and not allocated to its subsidiaries.
 
 
 
NOTE 12 – Commitments and Contingencies

Electricity Purchase Commitments

On June 30, 2010 and September 9, 2010, Central Hudson entered into agreements with Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC to purchase electricity (but not capacity) on a unit-contingent basis at defined prices from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013.  The electricity purchased under these current contracts with Entergy is estimated to represent approximately 13% of Central Hudson's full-service customer requirements on an annual basis.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, energy supplied under these agreements cost approximately $14.7 million.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, energy supplied under these agreements cost approximately $15.9 million.  These contracts meet the definition of a normal purchase and are therefore excluded from current accounting requirements related to derivatives.

In the event the above noted counterparty is unable to fulfill its commitment to deliver under the terms of the agreements, Central Hudson would obtain the supply from the New York Independent System Operator ("NYISO") market, and under Central Hudson's current ratemaking treatment, recover the full cost from customers.  As such, there would be no impact on earnings.

Central Hudson must also acquire sufficient peak load capacity to meet the peak load requirements of its full service customers.  This capacity is made up of contracts with capacity providers, purchases from the NYISO capacity market and its own generating capacity.

Environmental Matters

Central Hudson

·
Air

There has been no change to this matter in 2012, however, the relevant disclosure is provided as required.  In 1999, the New York State Attorney General ("Attorney General") alleged that Central Hudson "may have constructed, and continues to operate, major modifications to the Danskammer Point Steam Electric Generating Station ("Danskammer Plant") without obtaining certain requisite preconstruction permits."  In March 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") assumed responsibility for the investigation.  Central Hudson believes any permits required for these projects were obtained in a timely manner.  Central Hudson sold the Danskammer Plant to Dynegy in January 2001.  While Central Hudson could have retained liability after the sale, depending on the type of remedy, Central Hudson believes that the statutes of limitation relating to any alleged violation of air emissions rules have lapsed.
 

·
Former Manufactured Gas Plant Facilities

Central Hudson and its predecessors owned and operated manufactured gas plants ("MGPs") to serve their customers' heating and lighting needs. These plants manufactured gas from coal and oil beginning in the mid to late 1800s with all sites ceasing operations by the 1950s. This process produced certain by-products that may pose risks to human health and the environment.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("DEC"), which regulates the timing and extent of remediation of MGP sites in New York State, has notified Central Hudson that it believes Central Hudson or its predecessors at one time owned and/or operated MGPs at seven sites in Central Hudson's franchise territory.  The DEC has further requested that Central Hudson investigate and, if necessary, remediate these sites under a Consent Order, Voluntary Cleanup Agreement, or Brownfield Cleanup Agreement.  The DEC has placed all seven of these sites on the New York State Environmental Site Remediation Database.  As authorized by the PSC, Central Hudson is currently permitted to defer for future recovery the differences between actual costs for MGP site investigation and remediation and the associated rate allowances, with carrying charges to be accrued on the deferred balances at the authorized pre-tax rate of return.

MGP site investigation and remediation can be divided into various stages of completion based on the milestones of activities completed and reports reviewed.  Central Hudson accrues for remediation costs based on the amounts that can be reasonably estimated at a point in time.  These stages, the types of costs accrued during various stages and the sites currently in each stage, include:
·
Investigation – Begins with preliminary investigations and is completed upon filing and approval by DEC of a Remedial Investigation ("RI") Report.  Central Hudson accrues for estimated investigation costs, Remediation Alternative Analysis ("RAA"), and Remedial Design ("RD") costs.
Ø
Site #6 – Kingston (NY) – Remedial Investigation in Progress
-
The RI report is being revised to incorporate the DEC's comments with the anticipated submittal in the fourth quarter of 2012.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs to complete the RAA and the RD.
·
Remedial Alternative Analysis – Engineering analysis of alternatives for remediation based on the RI is compiled into a RAA Report.  Upon completion of the RAA and the filing with the DEC, management accrues for an estimate of remediation costs developed and quantified in the RAA based on DEC approved methods, as well as an estimate of post-remediation operation, maintenance and monitoring costs ("OM&M").  These amounts represent a significant portion of the total costs to remediate and are subject to change based on further investigations, final remedial design and associated engineering estimates, regulatory comments and requests, remedial design changes/negotiations, and changed or unforeseen conditions during the remediation or additional requirements following the remediation. Prior to the completion of the RAA, management cannot reasonably estimate what cost, if any, will be incurred for remediation or post-remediation activities.
 
 
Ø
Site #5 – North Water Street (Poughkeepsie, NY) – Remedial Alternatives Analysis in progress
-
DEC approved an Interim Remedial Measure ("IRM") associated with the southern portion of this site.  The IRM activities commenced in September 2012 and are anticipated to be completed in fall of 2012.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate for completion of the RAA and RD as well as the estimated cost of the IRM.
·
Remedial Design - Upon approval of the RAA and final decision of remediation approach based on alternatives presented, a RD is developed and filed with the DEC for approval.
·
Remediation – Completion of the work plan as defined in the approved RD.  Upon completion, final reports are filed with the DEC for approval and may include a Construction Completion Report ("CCR"), Final Engineering Report ("FER"), or other reports required by the DEC based on the work performed.
Ø
Site #4 – Catskill (NY) – Remediation in Progress
-
Remediation activities commenced in September 2012 and are anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2013.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs to complete the RD, remediation, and OM&M.
·
Post-Remediation Monitoring – Entails the OM&M as directed by the DEC based on the approved final report of remediation.  The activities are typically defined in a Site Management Plan ("SMP"), which is approved by the DEC.  The extent of activities during this phase may increase or decrease based on the results of ongoing monitoring being performed and future potential usage of the property.
Ø
Site #2 – Newburgh (NY) – Post-Remediation In Progress
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs for OM&M and execution of the draft SMP.
-
Central Hudson has recently retired and removed propane air facilities located on Area A.  Additional investigation and testing will be required, which may require additional remediation.  Management cannot currently estimate the costs that may be incurred related to this additional investigation and testing.
Ø
Site #3 – Laurel Street (Poughkeepsie, NY) – Post-Remediation In Progress
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs for OM&M.
Ø
Site #1 – Beacon (NY) – Post-Remediation Monitoring Complete
-
SMP submitted to DEC and release letter for the site expected.
-
No further costs expected and no amounts accrued as of September 30, 2012 related to this site.
-
If the building at this site were to be removed, further investigation and testing would be required related to the soil under the building, which may require additional remediation.  Management cannot currently estimate the costs that may be incurred related to this.
 

- 37 -

 
 
Ø
 Site #7 – Bayeaux Street (Poughkeepsie, NY) – No action required
-
No further investigation or remedial action is currently required.  However, per the DEC this site still remains on the list for potential future investigation.

A summary of amounts accrued and spent are detailed in the chart below (In Thousands):
 
Site #
   
Liability Recorded as of 12/31/11
   
Amounts Spent in 2012(1)
   
Liability Adjustment
   
Liability Recorded as of 9/30/12
   
Current Portion of Liability at 9/30/12
   
Long-Term Portion of Liability at 9/30/12
 
1, 2, 3, 4    
$
14,590
   
$
592
     
1,091
   
$
15,089
   
$
8,645
   
$
6,444
 
5, 6      
1,253
     
354
     
861
     
1,760
     
1,030
     
730
 
       
$
15,843
   
$
946
   
$
1,952
   
$
16,849
   
$
9,675
   
$
7,174
 
 
(1)
Amounts spent in 2012 as shown above do not include legal fees of approximately $15 thousand.
 
Based on a cost model analysis completed in 2012 of possible remediation and future operating, maintenance, and monitoring costs for sites #2 through #6, Central Hudson believes there is a 90% confidence level that the total costs to remediate these sites will not exceed $152.0 million over the next 30 years.  The cost model involves assumptions relating to investigation expenses, results of investigations, remediation costs, potential future liabilities, and post-remedial operating, maintenance and monitoring costs, and is based on a variety of factors including projections regarding the amount and extent of contamination, the location, size and use of the sites, proximity to sensitive resources, status of regulatory investigations, and information regarding remediation activities at other MGP sites in New York State.  The cost model also assumes that proposed or anticipated remediation techniques are technically feasible and that proposed remediation plans receive DEC and NYSDOH approval.

Future remediation activities, including OM&M and related costs may vary significantly from the assumptions used in Central Hudson's current cost estimates, and these costs could have a material adverse effect (the extent of which cannot be reasonably determined) on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson if Central Hudson were unable to recover all or a substantial portion of these costs via collection in rates from customers and/or through insurance.
 

Central Hudson expects to recover its remediation costs from its customers.  The current components of this recovery include:
-
Current Rate Order includes cash recovery from customers of $13.6 million spread equally over the three year settlement period ending June 30, 2013;
-
As part of the 2010 Rate Order, Central Hudson maintained previously granted deferral authority and subsequent recovery for amounts spent over the rate allowance.
-
Total MGP Site Investigation and Remediation costs recovered through rates and other regulatory mechanisms from July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2012 was approximately $23.9 million, with $1.7 million and $4.1 million recovered in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
-
The total spent in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to site investigation and remediation was approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
-
The regulatory asset balance as of September 30, 2012 was $17.0 million, which represents the difference between amounts spent or currently accrued as a liability and the amounts recovered through rate allowance, as well as carrying charges accrued. Upon completion of investigation at sites #5 and #6, when remediation and post-remediation costs will be able to be reasonably estimated and therefore will be recorded as a liability, this regulatory asset balance will likely increase significantly.  Management projects that the investigation at these sites will likely be completed within the next two years.

Central Hudson has put its insurers on notice and intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for its costs.  Certain of these insurers have denied coverage.  In addition to the rate allowance amounts noted above, Central Hudson recovered approximately $2.3 million from insurance. There were no amounts recovered in the third quarter of 2012.  However, we do not expect insurance recoveries to offset a meaningful portion of total costs.

·
Little Britain Road property owned by Central Hudson

There has been no change to this site in 2012, however, the relevant disclosure is provided as required.  In 2000, Central Hudson and the DEC entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement ("VCA") whereby Central Hudson removed approximately 3,100 tons of soil and conducted groundwater sampling.  Central Hudson believes that it has fulfilled its obligations under the VCA and should receive the release provided for in the VCA, but the DEC has proposed that additional groundwater work be done to address groundwater sampling results that showed the presence of certain contaminants at levels exceeding DEC criteria.  Central Hudson believes that such work is not necessary and has completed a soil vapor intrusion study showing that indoor air at the facility met Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") and NYSDOH standards. In October 2011, DEC requested a 'non-committal' meeting with Central Hudson to discuss the site and possible next steps. A meeting date has yet to be established.
 

At this time Central Hudson does not have sufficient information to estimate the need for additional remediation or potential remediation costs.  Central Hudson has put its insurers on notice regarding this matter and intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for amounts, if any, for which it may become liable.  Central Hudson cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

·
Eltings Corners

There has been no change to this site in 2012, however, the relevant disclosure is provided as required.  Central Hudson owns and operates a maintenance and warehouse facility.  In the course of Central Hudson's hazardous waste permit renewal process for this facility, sediment contamination was discovered within the wetland area across the street from the main property.  In cooperation with the DEC, Central Hudson continues to investigate the nature and extent of the contamination.  Additional off-site sediment and on-site groundwater sampling was performed during 2012 in accordance with a supplemental work plan approved by the DEC. It's unknown as to whether or not further investigation will be required.  Thus, the extent of the contamination as well as the timing and costs for any future remediation efforts cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

CHEC

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Griffith spent $0.3 million on remediation efforts in Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut.

Griffith's reserve for environmental remediation is $1.5 million as of September 30, 2012, of which $0.5 million is expected to be spent in the next twelve months.

In connection with the 2009 sale of operations in certain geographic locations, Griffith agreed to indemnify the purchaser for certain claims, losses and expenses arising out of any breach by Griffith of the representations, warranties and covenants Griffith made in the sale agreement, certain environmental matters and all liabilities retained by Griffith.  Griffith's indemnification obligation is subject to a number of limitations, including a five-year limitation within which certain claims must be brought, an aggregate deductible of $0.8 million applicable to certain types of non-environmental claims and other deductibles applicable to certain specific environmental claims, and caps on Griffith's liability with respect to certain of the indemnification obligations.  The sale agreement includes an aggregate cap of $5.7 million on Griffith's obligation to indemnify the purchaser for breaches of many of Griffith's representations and warranties and for certain environmental liabilities.  In 2009, the Company reserved $2.6 million for environmental remediation costs it may be obligated to pay based on its indemnification obligations under the sale agreement.  To date, Griffith has paid approximately $1.1 million under its environmental remediation cost obligation.  In the first quarter of 2011, Griffith reduced the reserve by $0.6 million based on the completion of an environmental study.  The balance as of September 30, 2012 related to the divestiture is $0.9 million.  Management believes this is the most likely amount Griffith would pay with respect to its indemnification obligations under the sale agreement.
 

Certain Litigation Related to the Fortis Transaction

Following the announcement of the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis on February 21, 2012, several complaints were filed by purported CH Energy Group shareholders in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (the "New York County Court") and the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Dutchess, challenging the proposed merger. The Dutchess County actions have been transferred to the New York County Court, and all actions have been joined under the master caption In re CH Energy Group, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, Index No. 775,000/2012.

On April 9, 2012, a master amended complaint was filed in the joined litigation related to the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  The master amended complaint, which was filed on behalf of a putative class of CH Energy Group public shareholders, names as defendants CH Energy Group, its directors, Fortis, FortisUS, and Cascade Acquisition Sub, Inc. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed transaction and that the entity defendants aided and abetted that breach.  The master amended complaint further alleges that the preliminary proxy filed in connection with the proposed transaction with Fortis contains material misstatements and omissions.  The master complaint seeks, among other things, an order preliminarily and permanently enjoining the proposed transaction with Fortis, damages, and plaintiffs' expenses.

On May 9, 2012, the parties executed a memorandum of understanding that embodies their agreement in principle on the structure of a proposed settlement. The proposed settlement, which is subject to certain conditions, including court approval following notice to a proposed settlement class consisting of all CH Energy Group shareholders during the period from February 19, 2012 through the date of the consummation of the proposed merger (the "Class"), would, among other things, dismiss all causes of action asserted in the master amended complaint and release all claims that members of the Class may have arising out of or relating in any manner to the proposed merger. Pursuant to the terms of the proposed settlement, defendants agreed to make certain disclosures to shareholders.  In the meantime, the plaintiffs and their counsel have agreed, among other things, to stay the litigation and not to initiate any proceedings (including, but not limited to, a motion for a preliminary injunction) other than those incident to effecting the settlement.

Absent court approval of the proposed settlement, the defendants intend to vigorously defend themselves against the action.
 

Other Matters

Asbestos Litigation

As of September 30, 2012, of the 3,335 asbestos cases brought against Central Hudson, 1,163 remain pending.  Of the cases no longer pending against Central Hudson, 2,017 have been dismissed or discontinued without payment by Central Hudson, and Central Hudson has settled 155 cases.  Central Hudson is presently unable to assess the validity of the remaining asbestos lawsuits; however, based on information known to Central Hudson at this time, including Central Hudson's experience in settling asbestos cases and in obtaining dismissals of asbestos cases, Central Hudson believes that the costs which may be incurred in connection with the remaining lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of either CH Energy Group or Central Hudson.

Central Hudson and Griffith are involved in various other legal and administrative proceedings incidental to their businesses, which are in various stages.  While these matters collectively could involve substantial amounts, based on the facts currently known, it is the opinion of management that their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on either of CH Energy Group's or the individual segment's financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson expense legal costs as incurred.
 
 
NOTE 13 – Segments and Related Information

CH Energy Group's reportable operating segments are the regulated electric utility business and regulated natural gas utility business of Central Hudson and the unregulated fuel distribution business of Griffith.  Other activities of CH Energy Group, which do not constitute a business segment, include CHEC's renewable energy investments and the holding company's activities, which consist primarily of financing its subsidiaries, and are reported under the heading "Other Businesses and Investments."

Certain additional information regarding these segments is set forth in the following tables.  General corporate expenses and Central Hudson's property common to both electric and natural gas segments have been allocated in accordance with practices established for regulatory purposes.

Central Hudson's and Griffith's operations are seasonal in nature and weather-sensitive and, as a result, financial results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends for a twelve-month period.  Demand for electricity typically peaks during the summer, while demand for natural gas and heating oil typically peaks during the winter.

In the following segment charts for CH Energy Group, information related to Griffith and Other Businesses and Investments represents continuing operations unless otherwise noted.
 
 
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
Segments
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Central Hudson
 
Businesses
 
 
 
 
   
Natural
   
   
and
   
   
 
 
 
Electric
   
Gas
   
Griffith
   
Investments
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
148,916
   
$
18,306
   
$
51,848
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
219,070
 
Intersegment revenues
   
3
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
(4
)
   
-
 
   Total revenues
   
148,919
     
18,307
     
51,848
     
-
     
(4
)
   
219,070
 
Operating income (loss)
   
25,456
     
534
     
(2,799
)
   
(1,074
)
   
-
     
22,117
 
Interest and investment income
   
1,304
     
277
     
-
     
491
     
(478
) (1)
   
1,594
 
Interest charges
   
5,824
     
1,561
     
469
     
490
     
(478
) (1)
   
7,866
 
Income (Loss) before income taxes
   
20,916
     
(717
)
   
(3,272
)
   
(1,219
)
   
-
     
15,708
 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
13,287
     
(1,031
)
   
(1,930
)
   
(1,269
)
   
-
     
9,057
 
Segment assets at September 30
   
1,240,553
     
364,728
     
100,668
     
7,658
     
(420
)
   
1,713,187
 
 
(1)
This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith).
 
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Segments
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Central Hudson
   
   
Businesses
   
   
 
 
 
   
Natural
   
   
and
   
   
 
 
 
Electric
   
Gas
   
Griffith
   
Investments
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
149,706
   
$
18,462
   
$
52,587
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
220,755
 
Intersegment revenues
   
3
     
139
     
-
     
-
     
(142
)
   
-
 
   Total revenues
   
149,709
     
18,601
     
52,587
     
-
     
(142
)
   
220,755
 
Operating income (loss)
   
24,807
     
257
     
(3,169
)
   
(65
)
   
-
     
21,830
 
Interest and investment income
   
752
     
271
     
-
     
611
     
(597
) (1)
   
1,037
 
Interest charges
   
5,878
     
1,523
     
610
     
3,741
     
(597
) (1)
   
11,155
 
Income (Loss) before income taxes
   
20,377
     
(859
)
   
(3,826
)
   
(7,407
)
   
-
     
8,285
 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
12,060
     
(637
)
   
(2,269
) (3)
   
(826
) (2)
   
-
     
8,328
 
Segment assets at September 30
   
1,211,879
     
364,160
     
98,890
     
29,371
     
(2,280
)
   
1,702,020
 
 
(1)
This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith).
(2)
Includes income from discontinued operations of $3,775.
(3)
Includes loss from discontinued operations of $12.
 
 
 
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
Segments
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Central Hudson
   
   
Businesses
   
   
 
 
 
   
Natural
   
   
and
   
   
 
 
Electric
   
Gas
   
Griffith
   
Investments
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
393,617
   
$
100,276
   
$
196,819
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
690,712
 
Intersegment revenues
   
8
     
111
     
-
     
-
     
(119
)
   
-
 
   Total revenues
   
393,625
     
100,387
     
196,819
     
-
     
(119
)
   
690,712
 
Operating income
   
57,952
     
17,257
     
177
     
(9,618
)
   
-
     
65,768
 
Interest and investment income
   
4,362
     
835
     
-
     
1,764
     
(1,725
) (1)
   
5,236
 
Interest charges
   
17,406
     
4,669
     
1,692
     
1,548
     
(1,725
) (1)
   
23,590
 
Income (Loss) before income taxes
   
45,084
     
13,526
     
(1,502
)
   
(9,626
)
   
-
     
47,482
 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
28,400
     
6,500
     
(886
)
   
(8,740
)
   
-
     
25,274
 
Segment assets at September 30
   
1,240,553
     
364,728
     
100,668
     
7,658
     
(420
)
   
1,713,187
 
 
(1)
This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (Central Hudson and Griffith).
 
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Segments
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Central Hudson
   
   
Businesses
   
   
 
 
 
   
Natural
   
   
and
   
   
 
 
Electric
   
Gas
   
Griffith
   
Investments
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
418,511
   
$
127,941
   
$
208,342
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
754,794
 
Intersegment revenues
   
13
     
344
     
-
     
-
     
(357
)
   
-
 
   Total revenues
   
418,524
     
128,285
     
208,342
     
-
     
(357
)
   
754,794
 
Operating income
   
53,695
     
15,982
     
2,314
     
(215
)
   
-
     
71,776
 
Interest and investment income
   
3,373
     
937
     
-
     
2,112
     
(2,088
) (1)
   
4,334
 
Interest charges
   
17,626
     
4,559
     
2,100
     
5,443
     
(2,088
) (1)
   
27,640
 
Income (Loss) before income taxes
   
39,916
     
12,618
     
235
     
(7,782
)
   
-
     
44,987
 
Net Income Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
23,775
     
7,174
     
449
(3)    
(168
) (2)
   
-
     
31,230
 
Segment assets at September 30
   
1,211,879
     
364,160
     
98,890
     
29,371
     
(2,280
)
   
1,702,020
 
 
(1)
This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from temporary lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith).
(2)
Includes income from discontinued operations of $3,658.
(3)
Includes income from discontinued operations of $310.
 
 
- 45 -

 
NOTE 14 - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
Accounting for Derivatives

Central Hudson has been authorized to fully recover risk management costs through its natural gas and electricity cost adjustment charge clauses.  Risk management costs are defined by the PSC as "costs associated with transactions that are intended to reduce price volatility or reduce overall costs to customers.  These costs include transaction costs, and gains and losses associated with risk management instruments."  The related gains and losses associated with Central Hudson's derivatives are included as part of Central Hudson's commodity cost and/or price-reconciled in its natural gas and electricity cost adjustment charge clauses, and are not designated as hedges.  Additionally, Central Hudson has been authorized to fully recover the interest costs associated with its variable rate debt, which includes costs and gains or losses associated with its interest rate cap contracts.  As a result, these derivative activities at Central Hudson do not impact earnings.

On March 18, 2011, Central Hudson entered into a total return master swap agreement with Bank of America with the intent to enter into future swap contracts to exchange total returns on CH Energy Group, Inc. common stock for fixed payments to Bank of America.  The purpose was to reduce the volatility to earnings from phantom shares under CH Energy Group's Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan.  Based on the terms and conditions of the swap agreement, the fair value of the swaps were designated as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  Quarterly valuations were made on the last business day of the quarter, at which time a net cash settlement was recorded.  On September 28, 2012, the total return master swap agreement expired, and the final valuation resulted in an immaterial settlement. On a year to date basis, the total return swap resulted in income of $0.5 million.
Derivative activity related to Griffith's heating oil contracts is not material.

The percentage of Central Hudson's electric and gas requirements closed with fixed price forward purchases is as follows:
 
 
Central Hudson
 
% of Requirement Hedged (1)
 
Electric Derivative Contracts:
 
 
   October 2012 – December 2012
   
33.1
%
   2013
   
14.3
%
   2014
   
14.4
%
   2015
   
7.2
%
   2016
   
7.2
%
   2017
   
7.1
%
Natural Gas Derivative Contracts:
       
   November 2012 – March 2013
   
31.9
%
 
(1)  Projected coverage as of September 30, 2012.
 

Derivative Risks

The basic types of risks associated with derivatives are market risk (that the value of the derivative will be adversely impacted by changes in the market, primarily the change in interest and exchange rates) and credit risk (that the counterparty will not perform according to the terms of the contract).  The market risk of the derivatives generally offset the market risk associated with the hedged commodity.

The majority of Central Hudson and Griffith's derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain specified issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings.  Should the company's ratings fall below these specified levels, it would be in violation of the provisions, and the derivatives' counterparties could terminate the contracts and request immediate payment.

To help limit the credit exposure of their derivatives, both Central Hudson and Griffith have entered into master netting agreements with counterparties whereby contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position.  Of the eighteen total agreements held by both companies, eleven contain credit-risk related contingent features. As of September 30, 2012, the amount that would be required to settle these instruments if the contingent features were triggered is immaterial.

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson have elected gross presentation for their derivative contracts under master netting agreements and collateral positions.  On September 30, 2012, neither Central Hudson nor Griffith had collateral posted against the fair value amount of derivatives.

The fair value of CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's derivative instruments and their location in the respective Balance Sheets are summarized in the table below, followed by a summarization of their effect on the respective Statements of Income.  For additional information regarding Central Hudson's physical hedges, see the discussion following the caption "Electricity Purchase Commitments" in Note 12 - "Commitments and Contingencies."
 

Gross Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
 
Derivative contracts are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  As of September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's derivative assets and liabilities by category and hierarchy level are as follows (In Thousands):
 
Asset or Liability Category
 
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
   
   
   
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Derivative Contracts:
 
   
   
   
 
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
1,179
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
1,179
 
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
652
     
652
     
-
     
-
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
1,831
   
$
652
   
$
-
   
$
1,179
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
49
   
$
49
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
1,880
   
$
701
   
$
-
   
$
1,179
 
 
                               
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
(5,335
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(5,335
)
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group and Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
(5,335
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(5,335
)
 
                               
As of December 31, 2011
                               
Assets:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
931
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
931
 
Central Hudson - total return swap
   
320
     
-
     
320
     
-
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
1,251
   
$
-
   
$
320
   
$
931
 
 
                               
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
29
   
$
29
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
1,280
   
$
29
   
$
320
   
$
931
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
(17,761
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(17,761
)
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
(2,030
)
   
(2,030
)
   
-
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group and Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
(19,791
)
 
$
(2,030
)
 
$
-
   
$
(17,761
)
 
                               
As of September 30, 2011
                               
Assets:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
 
                               
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
42
   
$
42
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
42
   
$
42
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
(14,702
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(14,702
)
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
(1,269
)
   
(1,269
)
   
-
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group and Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
(15,971
)
 
$
(1,269
)
 
$
-
   
$
(14,702
)
 
Central Hudson obtains forward pricing for Level 3 derivatives from an independent third party provider of derivative pricing. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in their pricing model are bi-lateral contracts and projected activity of certain major participants. Generally, a change in any of the underlying assumptions would result in a positively correlated change in fair value measurement.
 
 
The table listed below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending net balances for assets and liabilities measured at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
$
(11,585
)
 
$
(16,515
)
 
$
(16,830
)
 
$
(23,872
)
Unrealized gains
   
7,429
     
1,813
     
12,674
     
9,170
 
Realized losses
   
(4,356
)
   
(2,564
)
   
(19,360
)
   
(7,734
)
Purchases
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Issuances
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Sales and settlements
   
4,356
     
2,564
     
19,360
     
7,734
 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance at End of Period
 
$
(4,156
)
 
$
(14,702
)
 
$
(4,156
)
 
$
(14,702
)
 
                               
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized  gains or losses relating to derivatives still held at end of period
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
The company did not have any transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2.
 
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income

Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson's derivative instruments are conveyed to or recovered from customers through PSC authorized deferral accounting mechanisms, with no material impact on cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.  Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson's energy derivative instruments are reported as part of purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation in Central Hudson's Consolidated Statement of Income as the corresponding amounts are either recovered from or returned to customers through electric cost adjustment clauses in revenues.
 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, neither CH Energy Group nor Central Hudson had derivatives designated as hedging instruments.  The following table summarizes the effects of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson derivatives on the statements of income (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized as Increase/(Decrease) in the Income Statement
 
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
  
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Central Hudson:
 
   
   
   
 
         
   Electricity swap contracts
 
$
(4,356
)
 
$
(2,564
)
 
$
(19,360
)
 
$
(7,734
)
Regulatory asset(1)
   Natural gas swap contracts
   
-
     
-
     
(2,406
)
   
(1,385
)
Regulatory asset(1)
   Total return swap contracts
   
(32
)
   
(59
)
   
538
     
128
 
Other - net
Total Central Hudson
 
$
(4,388
)
 
$
(2,623
)
 
$
(21,228
)
 
$
(8,991
)
 
Griffith:
                               
         
   Heating oil call option contracts
 
$
(10
)
 
$
60
   
$
(36
)
 
$
(22
)
Purchased petroleum
Total Griffith
 
$
(10
)
 
$
60
   
$
(36
)
 
$
(22
)
 
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
(4,398
)
 
$
(2,563
)
 
$
(21,264
)
 
$
(9,013
)
 
 
(1)
Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson's derivative instruments are conveyed to or recovered from customers through PSC authorized deferral accounting mechanisms, with an offset in revenue and on the balance sheet, and no impact on results of operations.
 
NOTE 15 – Other Fair Value Measurements

Other Assets Recorded at Fair Value

In addition to the derivatives reported at fair value discussed in Note 14 – "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", CH Energy Group reports certain other assets at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the amount reported at fair value related to these assets as of September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011 (In Thousands):
 
Asset Category
 
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
As of September 30, 2012:
 
   
   
   
 
Other investments
 
$
3,579
   
$
3,579
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
As of December 31, 2011:
                               
Other investments
 
$
2,605
   
$
2,605
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
As of September 30, 2011:
                               
Other investments
 
$
3,870
   
$
3,870
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
As of September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, a portion of the trust assets for the funding of CH Energy Group's Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan were invested in mutual funds, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These investments are valued at quoted market prices in active markets and as such are Level 1 investments as defined in the fair value hierarchy.  These amounts are included in the line titled "Other investments" within the Deferred Charges and Other Assets section of the CH Energy Group Consolidated and Central Hudson Balance Sheets.
 

CHEC recorded a reserve against the full balance of its $10 million note receivable from Cornhusker Holdings in the third quarter of 2010.  An impairment analysis was performed and based on this analysis, the present value of the after-tax projected cash flows indicate that there are insufficient funds to repay the subordinated debt to CHEC after payments to the senior creditors are satisfied.  This analysis used significant unobservable inputs including a discount rate and projected cash flows for the entity and as such this is a Level 3 investment.  As of September 30, 2012, management believes the fair value of this note receivable remains at zero and therefore appropriately reserved.

In the third quarter of 2011, CHEC recorded an impairment loss for the full value of its investment in CH-Community Wind.  An impairment analysis was performed and based on this analysis, the present value of the after-tax projected cash flows using a market participant's expected return, is insufficient for CHEC to recover any of its investment.  This analysis used significant unobservable inputs including a discount rate and projected cash flows for the entity and as such this is a Level 3 investment.  As of September 30, 2012, management believes the fair value of this investment remains at zero and therefore appropriately reserved.

Other Fair Value Disclosure

Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements, however, the fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Carrying amount (Level 1)

Long-term Debt:  Quoted market prices for the same or similar issues (Level 2) Valuations were obtained for each issue using the observed Treasury market in conjunction with secondary market trading levels and recent new issuances of comparable companies.

Notes Payable:  Carrying amount (Level 2)
Due to the short-term nature (typically one month or less) of our Notes Payable borrowings, the carrying value is equivalent to the current fair market value.
 
 
Long-term Debt Maturities and Fair Value - CH Energy Group
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
  
 
Fixed Rate
   
Variable Rate
   
Total Debt Outstanding
 
Expected Maturity Date
 
Amount
   
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
 
As of September 30, 2012:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 2012 
 
$
511
     
6.78
%
 
$
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2013 
   
31,076
     
6.93
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2014 
   
21,650
     
5.53
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2015 
   
1,230
     
6.86
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2016 
   
9,315
     
3.36
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
Thereafter
   
397,032
     
5.29
%
   
33,700
     
0.26
%
 
   
 
   Total
 
$
460,814
     
5.38
%
 
$
33,700
     
0.26
%
 
$
494,514
     
5.07
%
 
                                               
Fair Value
 
$
548,723
           
$
33,700
           
$
582,423
         
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2011:
                                               
 2012 
 
$
37,006
     
6.71
%
 
$
-
     
-
%
               
 2013 
   
31,076
     
6.92
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2014 
   
21,650
     
5.45
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2015 
   
1,230
     
6.86
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2016 
   
9,315
     
3.39
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
Thereafter
   
349,032
     
5.23
%
   
33,700
     
0.37
%
               
   Total
 
$
449,309
     
5.55
%
 
$
33,700
     
0.37
%
 
$
483,009
     
5.22
%
 
                                               
Fair Value
 
$
504,135
           
$
33,700
           
$
537,835
         
 
                                               
As of September 30, 2011:
                                               
 2011 
 
$
34,341
     
6.86
%
 
$
-
     
-
%
               
 2012 
   
37,007
     
6.71
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2013 
   
31,076
     
6.92
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2014 
   
21,650
     
5.46
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2015 
   
1,230
     
6.86
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
Thereafter
   
357,835
     
5.28
%
   
33,700
     
0.38
%
               
   Total
 
$
483,139
     
5.54
%
 
$
33,700
     
0.38
%
 
$
516,839
     
5.18
%
 
                                               
Fair Value
 
$
540,896
           
$
33,700
           
$
574,596
         
 
 
- 52 -

 
Long-term Debt Maturities and Fair Value - Central Hudson
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
  
 
Fixed Rate
   
Variable Rate
   
Total Debt Outstanding
 
Expected Maturity Date
 
Amount
   
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
 
As of September 30, 2012:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 2012 
 
$
-
     
-
%
 
$
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2013 
   
30,000
     
6.93
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2014 
   
14,000
     
4.81
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2015 
   
-
     
-
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
 2016 
   
8,000
     
2.78
%
   
-
     
-
%
 
   
 
Thereafter
   
380,250
     
5.22
%
   
33,700
     
0.26
%
 
   
 
   Total
 
$
432,250
     
5.28
%
 
$
33,700
     
0.26
%
 
$
465,950
     
4.96
%
 
                                               
Fair Value
 
$
510,843
           
$
33,700
           
$
544,543
         
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2011:
                                               
 2012 
 
$
36,000
     
6.71
%
 
$
-
     
-
%
               
 2013 
   
30,000
     
6.93
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2014 
   
14,000
     
4.81
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2015 
   
-
     
-
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2016 
   
8,000
     
2.83
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
Thereafter
   
332,250
     
5.14
%
   
33,700
     
0.37
%
               
   Total
 
$
420,250
     
5.46
%
 
$
33,700
     
0.37
%
 
$
453,950
     
5.12
%
 
                                               
Fair Value
 
$
468,042
           
$
33,700
           
$
501,742
         
 
                                               
As of September 30, 2011:
                                               
 2011 
 
$
33,400
     
-
%
 
$
-
     
-
%
               
 2012 
   
36,000
     
6.71
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2013 
   
30,000
     
6.93
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2014 
   
14,000
     
4.81
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
 2015 
   
-
     
-
%
   
-
     
-
%
               
Thereafter
   
340,203
     
5.21
%
   
33,700
     
0.38
%
               
   Total
 
$
453,603
     
5.46
%
 
$
33,700
     
0.38
%
 
$
487,303
     
5.07
%
 
                                               
Fair Value
 
$
505,472
           
$
33,700
           
$
539,172
         
 
 
- 53 -

 
NOTE 16 – Subsequent Events

In addition to items disclosed in the footnotes, CH Energy Group has performed an evaluation of events subsequent to September 30, 2012 through the date the financial statements were issued and noted three additional items to disclose.

On October 4, 2012, the Board of Directors of CH Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of 55.5 cents per share payable November 1, 2012, to shareholders of record as of October 15, 2012.  Although this dividend was declared at the beginning of the fourth quarter, it represents the third quarter 2012 dividend declaration.

On October 19, 2012, CH Energy Group, Inc. entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the lenders named therein and KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent.

On October 29, 2012, Central Hudson's service territory was impacted by Hurricane Sandy, and approximately 103,000 electric customers were affected.  All Central Hudson employees, as well as mutual aid and contractor crews, were deployed to expedite the restoration effort.  Given the nature and extent of this storm, Central Hudson believes the restoration effort associated with this storm meets the "extraordinary" criteria for PSC deferral.  Costs associated with the restoration effort are being tracked separately.  Based on management's estimates of total storm restoration costs and operating results for the rate year ended June 30, 2013, incremental costs determined to meet the PSC criteria for deferral accounting, as previously discussed in Note 2 - Regulatory Matters, will be deferred. 
 
 
- 54 -

 
ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the third quarter Financial Statements and the notes thereto and the MD&A in Item 7 of the Companies' combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011; and the MD&A in Part I, Item 2 of the Companies' combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012.

Business Overview

CH Energy Group is a holding company with four business units:

 
Business Segments:
 
 
(1)
Central Hudson's regulated electric utility business;
 
 
 
(2)
Central Hudson's regulated natural gas utility business;
 
 
 
(3)
Griffith's fuel distribution business;
 
 
 
 
Other Businesses and Investments:
 
 
(4)
CHEC's renewable energy investments and the holding company's activities, which consist primarily of financing its subsidiaries.
 

CH Energy Group's objective is to deliver value to its shareholders through current income, in the form of quarterly dividend payments, and through share appreciation that is expected to result from earnings and dividend growth over the long term.

On February 21, 2012, CH Energy Group announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger under which it agreed, subject to shareholder approval and the approval of applicable regulatory authorities, to be acquired by Fortis Inc. ("Fortis") for $65 per share of common stock in cash.  On June 19, 2012, shareholders of CH Energy Group approved the proposed acquisition of the Company by Fortis.  The only outstanding approval needed for the transaction to close is from the New York State Public Service Commission ("NYS PSC").  Fortis' strategy includes the expansion of its utility operations, which are currently concentrated in Canada, into the U.S.  CH Energy Group's mission and strategy remains unchanged as discussed in more detail below.
 
 
Mission and Strategy

CH Energy Group's mission is to provide electricity, natural gas, petroleum and related services to an expanding customer base in a safe, reliable, courteous and affordable manner; to produce growing financial returns for shareholders; to foster a culture that encourages employees to reach their full potential; and to be a good corporate citizen.

CH Energy Group endeavors to fulfill its mission, providing an attractive risk adjusted return to CH Energy Group shareholders, by executing our plan to:
·
Concentrate on energy distribution through Central Hudson in the Mid-Hudson Valley and through Griffith in the Mid-Atlantic region
·
Invest primarily in utility electric and natural gas transmission and distribution
·
Focus on risk management
-
Limit commodity exposure
-
Manage regulatory affairs effectively
-
Maintain a financial profile that supports a credit rating in the "A" category
·
Target stable and predictable earnings, with growth trend expectations of 5% or more per year off a 2009 base
·
Provide an annualized dividend that is approximately 65% to 70% of annual earnings
 
Strategy Execution

Following the 2011 successful implementation and transition to the current strategy, CH Energy Group's management believes that it is well positioned to achieve its goal of a 5% earnings growth trend starting with 2009 as a base year.

Management continues to focus on Central Hudson's electric and natural gas infrastructure as the core growth drivers of CH Energy Group.  Central Hudson's capital expenditure program is on course to achieve its targets under its three year rate plan and management anticipates earning a return approximately equal to its allowed return in 2012.  The unseasonably warm winter resulted in significantly lower volumes of petroleum products being delivered to Griffith's customers, especially its residential customers.  While not typical, the price of fuel oil products rose during the warmer than normal winter period.  Customers responded to these escalating prices by reducing their usage from what it otherwise would have been, given the actual weather experienced.

Griffith continued its focus on cost management in 2012 in an effort to moderate the impact of lower volumes as well as increased wages and the effects that higher commodity costs had on Griffith's cost of doing business. Griffith was able to increase margins in an environment of contracting customer demand for petroleum products to improve overall results.  Additionally, Griffith successfully acquired and tucked-in two business units in 2012, which are expected to be accretive in 2013.  However, the decrease in core earnings year over year coupled with the increased capital invested for acquisitions has resulted in a decline in the return on investment for Griffith.
 

Griffith's financial results in 2012 have been impacted by an extremely mild winter and escalating wholesale prices, which further dampened demand for its products.  Griffith has offset a portion of the resulting effect of reduced sales volume through margin management and cost management, but its return on investment has fallen for the year to date.

Business unit contributions to operating revenues and net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are discussed in more detail in the Results of Operations section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Information Regarding the Fortis Transaction

Since the announcement of the proposed acquisition by Fortis, CH Energy Group and Fortis have been working cooperatively toward a successful closing.  On June 19, 2012, shareholders of CH Energy Group approved the proposed acquisition of the Company by Fortis.  The transaction is expected to be completed shortly after NYS PSC approval is obtained.  This is the only outstanding approval needed to close the transaction.  Management continues to believe that PSC approval will be obtained and the transaction will close during the first quarter of 2013.

EARNINGS PER SHARE AND OVERVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER AND YEAR TO DATE RESULTS
The following discussion and analyses include explanations of significant changes in revenues and expenses between the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 for Central Hudson's regulated electric and natural gas businesses, Griffith, and the Other Businesses and Investments.
 

The discussions and tables below present the change in earnings of CH Energy Group's business units in terms of earnings for each outstanding share of CH Energy Group's Common Stock.  Management believes that expressing the results in terms of the impact on shares of CH Energy Group is useful to investors because it shows the relative contribution of the various business units to CH Energy Group's earnings.  This information is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and not an alternative to earnings per share determined on a consolidated basis, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.  Additionally, management believes that the disclosure of Significant Events within each business unit provides investors with the context around the Company's results that is important in enabling them to ascertain the likelihood that past performance is indicative of future performance.  A reconciliation of each business unit's earnings per share to CH Energy Group's earnings per share, determined on a consolidated basis, is included in the table below.
 
CH Energy Group Consolidated
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Central Hudson - Electric
 
$
0.89
   
$
0.79
   
$
0.10
   
$
1.90
   
$
1.54
   
$
0.36
 
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.04
)
   
0.44
     
0.47
     
(0.03
)
Griffith
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.15
)
   
0.02
     
(0.06
)
   
0.03
     
(0.09
)
Other Businesses and Investments
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.58
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.57
)
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Earnings, as reported
 
$
0.61
   
$
0.55
   
$
0.06
   
$
1.70
   
$
2.03
   
$
(0.33
)
 
                                               
Significant Events:
                                               
Central Hudson
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.02
 
Griffith
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(0.11
)
   
0.03
     
(0.14
)
Other Businesses and Investments
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.61
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.55
)
Total Significant Events
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.85
)
 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
(0.67
)
 
                                               
CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP):
                                               
Central Hudson
 
$
0.82
   
$
0.78
   
$
0.04
   
$
2.47
   
$
2.16
   
$
0.31
 
Griffith
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.15
)
   
0.02
     
0.05
     
-
     
0.05
 
Other Businesses and Investments
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.04
)
   
0.03
     
0.03
     
0.05
     
(0.02
)
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)
 
$
0.68
   
$
0.59
   
$
0.09
   
$
2.55
   
$
2.21
   
$
0.34
 
 
 
 

Details by business unit were as follows:
 
Central Hudson
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Central Hudson - Electric
 
$
0.89
   
$
0.79
   
$
0.10
   
$
1.90
   
$
1.54
   
$
0.36
 
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.04
)
   
0.44
     
0.47
     
(0.03
)
Total Central Hudson Earnings
 
$
0.82
   
$
0.76
   
$
0.06
   
$
2.34
   
$
2.01
   
$
0.33
 
 
                                               
Significant Events:
                                               
Storm deferral adjustment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.10
)
Higher weather related restoration costs(1)
   
-
     
(0.02
)
   
0.02
     
-
     
(0.12
)
   
0.12
 
Central Hudson Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.82
   
$
0.78
   
$
0.04
   
$
2.47
   
$
2.16
   
$
0.31
 
 
                                               
 
                 
Change
                   
Change
 
Delivery revenue
                 
$
0.14
                   
$
0.35
 
Higher property and other taxes
                   
(0.04
)
                   
(0.08
)
Higher depreciation
                   
(0.04
)
                   
(0.10
)
Higher maintenance costs for capital projects
                   
-
                     
(0.07
)
(Higher) Lower trimming costs
                   
(0.02
)
                   
0.11
 
Share accretion
                   
-
                     
0.08
 
Other
                   
-
                     
0.02
 
 
                 
$
0.04
                   
$
0.31
 
 
(1)
Amount represents incremental costs incurred for weather related service restoration, including costs for outside contractor assistance in restoration efforts and higher than average internal expenses (such as overtime and materials), which did not meet the PSC criteria for deferral and therefore have not been deferred for future recovery from customers.
 
Earnings from Central Hudson's electric and natural gas operations increased in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011.  In December 2011 and during the first half of 2012, Central Hudson reduced its deferred storm costs associated with the significant snow storm event in late October 2011 ("SnowFall") by $0.03 and $0.13, respectively.  After adjusting Central Hudson's earnings per share for these deferral adjustments and other incremental weather related restoration costs experienced in 2011, earnings were $0.04 per share higher in the third quarter, and $0.31 per share higher in the first nine months, year over year.  Both periods were favorably impacted by higher delivery revenues resulting primarily from the delivery rate increase that went into effect in July 2011 and was needed to address the cost of capital, as we continued to make significant investments in our system, as well as higher operating expenses.  The nine month period was also favorably impacted by lower tree trimming costs and share accretion compared to the same period in 2011.  The lower trimming cost was due to the acceleration of trimming in the first half of 2011 to take advantage of crew availability and favorable contract pricing.  Favorable share accretion on a year-to-date basis is attributable to CH Energy Group's repurchase of nearly $49 million of common stock during 2011.
 
 
Griffith
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Griffith - Fuel Distribution Earnings
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.06
)
 
$
0.03
   
$
(0.09
)
 
                                               
Significant Events:
                                               
Weather impact on sales
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.01
   
$
(0.12
)
Discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
0.02
     
(0.02
)
Griffith Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
0.05
   
$
-
   
$
0.05
 
 
                                               
 
                 
Change
                   
Change
 
Weather-normalized sales (including conservation)
                 
$
(0.02
)
                 
$
(0.05
)
Gross margin on petroleum sales
                   
0.01
                     
0.04
 
Operating expenses
                   
0.02
                     
0.04
 
Other
                   
0.01
                     
0.02
 
 
                 
$
0.02
                   
$
0.05
 
 
Griffith's earnings increased $0.02 per share in the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to margins and effective cost management.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, Griffith's earnings were $0.09 lower primarily due to lower volumes resulting from the unusually warm winter season in 2012 compared to the colder than normal winter season in 2011.  In addition, Griffith's 2011 earnings benefited from reducing the environmental reserve associated with the 2009 divestiture.  Excluding the impact of these items, Griffith's weather-normalized core earnings through September were $0.05 higher than the same period last year.  This increase reflects higher margins and effective cost management as well as lower weather-normalized sales volumes.  The lower core volumes were primarily due to customer conservation in response to high commodity prices.
 
 
Other Businesses and Investments
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Other Businesses & Investments Earnings
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.57
)
 
                                               
 
                                               
Significant Events:
                                               
Renewable Investments:
                                               
Operations
 
$
-
   
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.05
   
$
-
   
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.09
 
Gain on sales
   
-
     
0.12
     
(0.12
)
   
-
     
0.12
     
(0.12
)
Federal tax grant benefit in 2011
   
-
     
0.17
     
(0.17
)
   
-
     
0.17
     
(0.17
)
Payment for early retirement of debt following 2011 divestiture
   
-
     
(0.12
)
   
0.12
     
-
     
(0.12
)
   
0.12
 
Wind investment impairment in 2011
   
-
     
(0.14
)
   
0.14
     
-
     
(0.14
)
   
0.14
 
Merger related costs
   
(0.07
)
   
-
     
(0.07
)
   
(0.61
)
   
-
     
(0.61
)
Other Businesses and Investments Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.03
   
$
0.05
   
$
(0.02
)
 
                                               
 
                 
Change
                   
Change
 
Lower net interest income
                 
$
-
                   
$
(0.03
)
Other
                   
0.03
                     
0.01
 
 
                 
$
0.03
                   
$
(0.02
)
 
The earnings of CH Energy Group (the holding company) and CHEC's partnerships and other investments decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 primarily due to the costs associated with the Fortis acquisition, which reduced earnings by $0.07 and $0.61 per share, respectively.  Excluding the significant events listed above, core earnings increased during the three months and decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior periods.  The core earnings increase noted in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior period was primarily driven by business development internal labor costs incurred in the third quarter of 2011.  The core earnings decrease noted on a year to date basis was largely due to lower net interest income.
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
A breakdown by business unit of CH Energy Group's operating revenues (net of divestitures) and net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are illustrated below (Dollars in Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
Business Unit
 
Operating
Revenues
   
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
Operating
Revenues
   
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
 
Electric(1)
 
$
148,916
     
68
%
 
$
13,287
     
146
%
 
$
149,706
     
68
%
 
$
12,060
     
144
%
Gas(1)
   
18,306
     
8
     
(1,031
)
   
(11
)
   
18,462
     
8
     
(637
)
   
(8
)
Total Central Hudson
   
167,222
     
76
     
12,256
     
135
     
168,168
     
76
     
11,423
     
136
 
Griffith(1)(2)
   
51,848
     
24
     
(1,930
)
   
(21
)
   
52,587
     
24
     
(2,269
)
   
(27
)
Other Businesses and Investments(3)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,269
)
   
(14
)
   
-
     
-
     
(826
)
   
(9
)
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
219,070
     
100
%
 
$
9,057
     
100
%
 
$
220,755
     
100
%
 
$
8,328
     
100
%
 
(1)
A portion of the revenues above represent amounts collected from customers for the recovery of purchased electric and natural gas costs at Central Hudson and the cost of purchased petroleum products at Griffith and therefore have no material impact on net income.  A breakout of these components is as follows:
 
   Electric 3rd Quarter 2012: 26% cost recovery revenues + 42% other revenues = 68%
 
 
   Electric 3rd Quarter 2011: 28% cost recovery revenues + 40% other revenues = 68%
 
 
   Natural gas 3rd Quarter 2012: 3% cost recovery revenues + 5% other revenues = 8%
 
 
   Natural gas 3rd Quarter 2011: 3% cost recovery revenues + 5% other revenues = 8%
 
 
   Griffith 3rd Quarter 2012: 20% commodity costs + 4% other revenues = 24%
 
 
   Griffith 3rd Quarter 2011: 20% commodity costs + 4% other revenues = 24%
 
(2)
Net loss for Griffith for the three months ended September 30, 2011 includes a loss from discontinued operations of $12.
 
(3)
Net loss for Other Businesses and Investments for the three months ended September 30, 2011 includes income from discontinued operations of $3,775.
 
 
  
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 
Business Unit
 
Operating
Revenues
   
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
Operating
Revenues
   
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
 
Electric(1)
 
$
393,617
     
57
%
 
$
28,400
     
112
%
 
$
418,511
     
55
%
 
$
23,775
     
77
%
Gas(1)
   
100,276
     
15
     
6,500
     
26
     
127,941
     
17
     
7,174
     
23
 
Total Central Hudson
   
493,893
     
72
     
34,900
     
138
     
546,452
     
72
     
30,949
     
100
 
Griffith(1)(2)
   
196,819
     
28
     
(886
)
   
(4
)
   
208,342
     
28
     
449
     
1
 
Other Businesses and Investments(3)
   
-
     
-
     
(8,740
)
   
(34
)
   
-
     
-
     
(168
)
   
(1
)
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
690,712
     
100
%
 
$
25,274
     
100
%
 
$
754,794
     
100
%
 
$
31,230
     
100
%
 
(1)
A portion of the revenues above represent amounts collected from customers for the recovery of purchased electric and natural gas costs at Central Hudson and the cost of purchased petroleum products at Griffith and therefore have no material impact on net income.  A breakout of these components is as follows:
 
 
   Electric YTD 2012: 20% cost recovery revenues + 37% other revenues = 57%
 
 
   Electric YTD 2011: 22% cost recovery revenues + 33% other revenues = 55%
 
 
   Natural gas YTD 2012: 5% cost recovery revenues + 10% other revenues = 15%
 
 
   Natural gas YTD 2011: 8% cost recovery revenues + 9% other revenues = 17%
 
 
   Griffith YTD 2012: 23% commodity costs + 5% other revenues = 28%
 
 
   Griffith YTD 2011: 22% commodity costs + 6% other revenues = 28%
 
(2)
Net income for Griffith for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes net income from discontinued operations of $310.
 
(3)
Net loss for Other Businesses and Investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes a loss from discontinued operations of $3,658.
 
 
 
- 62 -

 
Central Hudson

The following discussion and analysis includes explanations of significant changes in operating revenues, operating expenses, volumes delivered, other income, interest charges, and income taxes between the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 for Central Hudson's regulated electric and natural gas businesses.
 
Income Statement Variances
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Increase/(Decrease) in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
167,222
   
$
168,168
   
$
(946
)
   
(0.6
)%
 
                               
Operating Expenses:
                               
   Purchased electricity, fuel and natural gas
   
63,050
     
67,071
     
(4,021
)
   
(6.0
)
   Depreciation and amortization
   
9,466
     
8,909
     
557
     
6.3
 
   Other operating expenses
   
68,716
     
67,124
     
1,592
     
2.4
 
      Total Operating Expenses
   
141,232
     
143,104
     
(1,872
)
   
(1.3
)
Operating Income
   
25,990
     
25,064
     
926
     
3.7
 
Other Income, net
   
1,594
     
1,855
     
(261
)
   
(14.1
)
Interest Charges
   
7,385
     
7,401
     
(16
)
   
(0.2
)
Income before income taxes
   
20,199
     
19,518
     
681
     
3.5
 
Income Taxes
   
7,840
     
7,853
     
(13
)
   
(0.2
)
Net income
 
$
12,359
   
$
11,665
   
$
694
     
5.9
 %
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Increase/(Decrease) in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
493,893
   
$
546,452
   
$
(52,559
)
   
(9.6
)%
 
                               
Operating Expenses:
                               
   Purchased electricity, fuel and natural gas
   
177,577
     
232,222
     
(54,645
)
   
(23.5
)
   Depreciation and amortization
   
28,336
     
26,790
     
1,546
     
5.8
 
   Other operating expenses
   
212,771
     
217,763
     
(4,992
)
   
(2.3
)
      Total Operating Expenses
   
418,684
     
476,775
     
(58,091
)
   
(12.2
)
Operating Income
   
75,209
     
69,677
     
5,532
     
7.9
 
Other Income, net
   
5,476
     
5,042
     
434
     
8.6
 
Interest Charges
   
22,075
     
22,185
     
(110
)
   
(0.5
)
Income before income taxes
   
58,610
     
52,534
     
6,076
     
11.6
 
Income Taxes
   
22,847
     
20,858
     
1,989
     
9.5
 
Net income
 
$
35,763
   
$
31,676
   
$
4,087
     
12.9
 %
 
 
- 63 -

 
Delivery Volumes

Delivery volumes for Central Hudson vary in response to weather conditions and customer behavior.  Electric deliveries peak in the summer and deliveries of natural gas used for heating purposes peak in the winter.  Delivery volumes also vary as customers respond to the price of the particular energy product and changes in local economic conditions.

The following chart reflects the change in the level of electric and natural gas deliveries for Central Hudson in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.  Deliveries of electricity and natural gas to residential and commercial customers have historically contributed the most to Central Hudson's earnings.  Industrial sales and interruptible sales have a negligible impact on earnings.  Central Hudson's delivery rate structure include revenue decoupling mechanisms ("RDMs") which provide the ability to record revenues equal to those forecasted in the development of current rates for most of Central Hudson's customers.  As a result, fluctuations in actual delivery volumes do not have a significant impact on Central Hudson's earnings.
 
Electric Deliveries
(In Gigawatt-Hours)
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
   
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
   
Three Months Ended
   
   
 
 
 
September 30,
   
Variation in
   
September 30,
   
Variation in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Residential
   
590
     
575
     
15
     
3
 %
   
549
     
538
     
11
     
2
 %
Commercial
   
539
     
541
     
(2
)
   
(0
)
   
531
     
524
     
7
     
1
 
Industrial and other
   
296
     
299
     
(3
)
   
(1
)
   
294
     
298
     
(4
)
   
(1
)
Total Deliveries
   
1,425
     
1,415
     
10
     
1
 %
   
1,374
     
1,360
     
14
     
1
 %
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
   
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
   
   
   
Nine Months Ended
   
   
 
 
 
September 30,
   
Variation in
   
September 30,
   
Variation in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Residential
   
1,572
     
1,656
     
(84
)
   
(5
)%
   
1,584
     
1,602
     
(18
)
   
(1
)%
Commercial
   
1,473
     
1,515
     
(42
)
   
(3
)
   
1,467
     
1,492
     
(25
)
   
(2
)
Industrial and other
   
828
     
840
     
(12
)
   
(1
)
   
825
     
837
     
(12
)
   
(1
)
Total Deliveries
   
3,873
     
4,011
     
(138
)
   
(3
)%
   
3,876
     
3,931
     
(55
)
   
(1
)%
 
(1)
Central Hudson uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
 
 
- 64 -

 
Natural Gas Deliveries
(In Million Cubic Feet)
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
   
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
   
Three Months Ended
   
   
 
 
 
September 30,
   
Variation in
   
September 30,
   
Variation in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Residential
   
302
     
312
     
(10
)
   
(3
)%
   
328
     
351
     
(23
)
   
(7
)%
Commercial
   
503
     
494
     
9
     
2
 
   
511
     
522
     
(11
)
   
(2
)
Industrial and other
   
24
     
49
     
(25
)
   
(51
)
   
25
     
51
     
(26
)
   
(51
)
Total Deliveries
   
829
     
855
     
(26
)
   
(3
)%
   
864
     
924
     
(60
)
   
(6
)%
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
   
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
   
   
   
Nine Months Ended
   
   
 
 
 
September 30,
   
Variation in
   
September 30,
   
Variation in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Residential
   
3,401
     
4,357
     
(956
)
   
(22
)%
   
4,236
     
4,326
     
(90
)
   
(2
)%
Commercial
   
3,751
     
4,582
     
(831
)
   
(18
)
   
4,449
     
4,571
     
(122
)
   
(3
)
Industrial and other
   
226
     
342
     
(116
)
   
(34
)
   
275
     
341
     
(66
)
   
(19
)
Total Deliveries
   
7,378
     
9,281
     
(1,903
)
   
(21
)%
   
8,960
     
9,238
     
(278
)
   
(3
)%
 
(1)
Central Hudson uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
 
Electric deliveries to residential customers increased during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior period primarily due to an increase in sales per customer.

Natural gas deliveries to residential and commercial customers decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011 due to a decrease in sales per customer, partially offset by cooler weather experienced in September of 2012 as compared to 2011.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the year-over-year variance in electric and natural gas deliveries to residential and commercial customers was driven primarily by the unfavorable impacts of the warmer than normal winter season in the beginning of 2012 compared to the colder than normal winter season in 2011.

Revenues

Central Hudson's revenues consist of two major categories: those that offset specific expenses in the current period (matching revenues), and those that impact earnings.  Matching revenues recover Central Hudson's actual costs for particular expenses.  Any difference between these revenues and the actual expenses incurred is deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and therefore does not impact earnings.
 
 
Change in Central Hudson Revenues - Electric
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
Nine Months Ended
   
 
    
 
September 30,
   
Increase /
   
September 30,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
   
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
 
Revenues with Matching Expense Offsets:(1)
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Energy cost adjustment
 
$
56,404
   
$
59,609
   
$
(3,205
)
 
$
136,623
   
$
165,548
   
$
(28,925
)
Sales to others for resale
   
773
     
1,125
     
(352
)
   
2,977
     
3,249
     
(272
)
Other revenues with matching offsets
   
22,283
     
22,315
     
(32
)
   
62,581
     
64,799
     
(2,218
)
Subtotal
   
79,460
     
83,049
     
(3,589
)
   
202,181
     
233,596
     
(31,415
)
 
                                               
Revenues Impacting Earnings:
                                               
Customer sales
   
66,164
     
62,536
     
3,628
     
178,187
     
175,923
     
2,264
 
RDM and other regulatory mechanisms
   
703
     
1,340
     
(637
)
   
6,451
     
1,462
     
4,989
 
Pole attachments and other rents
   
1,109
     
1,231
     
(122
)
   
3,403
     
3,136
     
267
 
Finance charges
   
772
     
843
     
(71
)
   
2,244
     
2,557
     
(313
)
Other revenues
   
708
     
707
     
1
     
1,151
     
1,837
     
(686
)
Subtotal
   
69,456
     
66,657
     
2,799
     
191,436
     
184,915
     
6,521
 
 
                                               
Total Electric Revenues
 
$
148,916
   
$
149,706
   
$
(790
)
 
$
393,617
   
$
418,511
   
$
(24,894
)
 
                                               
(1)
Revenues with matching offsets do not affect earnings since they offset related costs, the most significant being energy cost adjustment revenues, which provide for the recovery of purchased electricity costs.  Other related costs include authorized business expenses recovered through rates and the cost of special programs authorized by the PSC and funded with certain available credits.  Changes in revenues from electric sales to other entities for resale also do not affect earnings since any related profits or losses are returned or charged, respectively, to customers.
 
Change in Central Hudson Revenues - Natural Gas
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
Nine Months Ended
   
 
    
 
September 30,
   
Increase /
   
September 30,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
   
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
 
Revenues with Matching Expense Offsets:(1)
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Energy cost adjustment
 
$
1,971
   
$
3,106
   
$
(1,135
)
 
$
23,927
   
$
48,574
   
$
(24,647
)
Sales to others for resale
   
3,921
     
3,290
     
631
     
14,344
     
15,106
     
(762
)
Other revenues with matching offsets
   
2,338
     
2,223
     
115
     
14,185
     
17,032
     
(2,847
)
Subtotal
   
8,230
     
8,619
     
(389
)
   
52,456
     
80,712
     
(28,256
)
 
                                               
Revenues Impacting Earnings:
                                               
Customer sales
   
8,765
     
8,636
     
129
     
40,586
     
46,015
     
(5,429
)
RDM and other regulatory mechanisms
   
500
     
569
     
(69
)
   
4,178
     
(1,538
)
   
5,716
 
Interruptible profits
   
617
     
687
     
(70
)
   
1,903
     
1,981
     
(78
)
Finance charges
   
193
     
228
     
(35
)
   
701
     
923
     
(222
)
Other revenues
   
1
     
(277
)
   
278
     
452
     
(152
)
   
604
 
Subtotal
   
10,076
     
9,843
     
233
     
47,820
     
47,229
     
591
 
 
                                               
Total Natural Gas Revenues
 
$
18,306
   
$
18,462
   
$
(156
)
 
$
100,276
   
$
127,941
   
$
(27,665
)
 
(1)
Revenues with matching offsets do not affect earnings since they offset related costs, the most significant being energy cost adjustment revenues, which provide for the recovery of purchased natural gas costs.  Other related costs include authorized business expenses recovered through rates and the cost of special programs authorized by the PSC and funded with certain available credits.  For natural gas sales to other entities for resale, 85% of such profits are returned to customers.
 
 
- 66 -

 
Electric revenues decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower energy cost adjustment revenues and a decrease in regulatory RDMs.  The decrease in the energy cost adjustment revenues was primarily due to lower purchased volumes and lower wholesale prices, but was partially offset by an increase in revenues for the recovery of previously deferred purchased costs.  The decrease in electric revenues was partially reduced by increased revenues from customer sales due to both higher delivery rates and an increase in residential delivery volumes.

Electric revenues decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues and other revenues with matching offsets. These decreases were offset by an increase in RDMs and an increase in customer sales driven primarily by higher delivery rates partially offset by lower delivery volumes. The decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues resulted from lower wholesale prices and lower revenues required to be recovered for previously deferred purchased electric costs, which were only partially offset by an increase in volume.

Natural gas revenues decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower energy cost adjustment revenues, which was partially reduced by an increase in sales to others for resale and customer sales.  The decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues was driven by lower commodity prices and only partially offset by an increase in volumes.  The increase in customer sales was due to an increase in delivery rates compared to the prior year.

Natural gas revenues decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, due to a decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues, revenues with matching offsets and customer sales. These decreases were only partially offset by an increase in RDMs. The decrease in energy cost adjustment revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 resulted from lower commodity prices and lower revenues required to be recovered for previously deferred purchased natural gas costs, as well as a decrease in volumes driven by the warmer than normal winter weather in the first quarter of 2012.

Other revenues with matching offsets in both electric and natural gas were relatively unchanged during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior period and decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the costs related to NYS energy efficiency programs, the NYS Temporary State Assessment and decreased pension costs.

Changes in RDMs result from a difference in actual delivery revenues as compared to the levels provided in PSC approved rates for each period.
 

Operating Expenses

The most significant elements of Central Hudson's operating expenses are purchased electricity and purchased natural gas; however, changes in these costs do not affect earnings since they are offset by changes in related revenues recovered through Central Hudson's energy cost adjustment mechanisms.  Additionally, there are other costs that are matched to revenues largely from customer billings, notably the cost of pensions and OPEBs, the Temporary State Assessment, and NYS energy efficiency programs.

Total utility operating expenses decreased 1% and 12% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011.  The following summarizes the change in operating expenses:
 
Change in Central Hudson Operating Expenses
(In Thousands)
 
   
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
Nine Months Ended
   
 
   
 
September 30,
   
Increase /
   
September 30,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
   
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
 
Expenses Currently Matched to Revenues:(1)
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Purchased electricity
 
$
57,177
   
$
60,734
   
$
(3,557
)
 
$
139,600
   
$
168,797
   
$
(29,197
)
Purchased natural gas
   
5,892
     
6,396
     
(504
)
   
38,271
     
63,680
     
(25,409
)
Temporary State Assessment
   
4,797
     
4,744
     
53
     
15,039
     
16,014
     
(975
)
Pension
   
4,751
     
5,699
     
(948
)
   
17,406
     
20,195
     
(2,789
)
 OPEB
   
1,604
     
1,581
     
23
     
5,102
     
5,059
     
43
 
NYS energy programs
   
7,266
     
7,038
     
228
     
19,729
     
21,998
     
(2,269
)
MGP site remediations
   
1,146
     
1,120
     
26
     
3,454
     
3,393
     
61
 
Other matched expenses
   
5,057
     
4,356
     
701
     
16,036
     
15,172
     
864
 
Subtotal
   
87,690
     
91,668
     
(3,978
)
   
254,637
     
314,308
     
(59,671
)
 
                                               
Other Expense Variations:
                                               
Tree trimming
   
2,725
     
2,316
     
409
     
9,928
     
12,816
     
(2,888
)
Other distribution maintenance
   
2,282
     
1,942
     
340
     
7,269
     
5,401
     
1,868
 
Property and school taxes(2)
   
9,524
     
8,769
     
755
     
28,461
     
26,226
     
2,235
 
Weather related service restoration
   
3,020
     
3,250
     
(230
)
   
7,097
     
9,425
     
(2,328
)
Depreciation
   
9,466
     
8,909
     
557
     
28,336
     
26,790
     
1,546
 
Uncollectible expense
   
1,169
     
1,730
     
(561
)
   
4,500
     
5,076
     
(576
)
Purchased natural gas incentive arrangements
   
(19
)
   
(59
)
   
40
     
(294
)
   
(255
)
   
(39
)
Other expenses
   
25,375
     
24,579
     
796
     
78,750
     
76,988
     
1,762
 
Subtotal
   
53,542
     
51,436
     
2,106
     
164,047
     
162,467
     
1,580
 
   Total Operating Expenses
 
$
141,232
   
$
143,104
   
$
(1,872
)
 
$
418,684
   
$
476,775
   
$
(58,091
)
 
(1)
Includes expenses that, in accordance with the 2010 Rate Order, are adjusted in the current period to equal the revenues earned for the applicable expenses.
(2)
In accordance with the 2010 Rate Order, Central Hudson is authorized to defer 90% of any difference between actual property tax expense and the amounts provided in rates for each Rate Year.
 
In addition to the required adjustment to match revenues collected from customers, the decrease in purchased electricity and purchased natural gas for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in the prior year was driven primarily by lower wholesale prices.  Variations in volumes and revenues collected for the recovery of previously deferred purchased electric and gas costs also impacted year-over-year variations as discussed under the previous Revenues subcaption.  
 

Variations in costs associated with NYS energy programs, Pension and other matched expenses were due to a change in the level of expenses recorded, with a corresponding change in revenues, resulting from the change in the amounts included in delivery rates as authorized in the 2010 Rate Order.  The costs associated with the Temporary State Assessment are adjusted to match revenues collected from customers over the applicable period.  Variations in the Temporary State Assessment year over year primarily relate to variations in delivery volumes to which the collection rate is applied.

Weather related service restoration costs can fluctuate from year to year based on changes in the number and severity of storms each year.  On April 24, 2012, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges $8.6 million of total incremental electric storm restoration expense. The Company believes that it is entitled to fully recover all of these incremental expenses and has filed its petition with the PSC to reflect that position.  Central Hudson recorded a $1.1 million reversal in March 2012, $2.1 million reversal in June 2012 and $0.1 million in July 2012 of deferred storm costs associated with the October 2011 SnowFall event so that the return on common equity for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012 would not exceed the authorized rate of return of 10%.  Absent these adjustments, weather related storm restoration costs decreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011.  In 2011, a severe ice storm affecting portions of the electric service territory, as well as weather related gas emergencies as a result of other severe weather experienced early in 2011, resulted in higher than normal storm restoration costs, however, these events did not individually meet the PSC criteria for deferral accounting and therefore, the incremental costs were not deferred.

Expenses associated with tree-trimming decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to 2011 primarily as a result of accelerated trimming performed in the first half of 2011 to take advantage of crew availability, as well as favorable trimming conditions and pricing.

The increase in other distribution maintenance during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to 2011 primarily related to the expense component of capital distribution improvement projects.  Favorable weather conditions in 2012 have resulted in a higher number of capital projects and as a result, an increase in the amount of expense associated with these projects.
 

Other Income

Other income and deductions for Central Hudson for the three months ended September 30, 2012, decreased $0.3 million, compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to losses on Central Hudson's deferred compensation plan assets and a reduction in regulatory carrying charges on balances due from customers.

Other income and deductions for Central Hudson for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, increased $0.4 million, compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to an increase in regulatory carrying charges from customers related to the deferred storm costs and the reserve balance for pension costs.

Interest Charges

Central Hudson's interest charges were relatively unchanged during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 and decreased $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

The year-over-year variation was the result of several factors.  Central Hudson effectively reduced interest charges by refinancing its 1999 Series A NYSERDA Bonds bearing interest at 5.45% and the 2002 Series D Medium Term Notes bearing interest at 6.64% with Series G Medium Term Notes bearing an average interest rate of 4.37%.  Lower interest rates were partially offset by an overall higher outstanding debt balance during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior periods as a result of an additional $12.0 million borrowed during 2012 to fund the redemption of two of Central Hudson's outstanding series of preferred stock.  Net increases in carrying charges due to customers was primarily due to an increase in the underlying reserve balance for OPEB costs, which was partially offset by a decrease in the net regulatory electric liability set aside for customer benefit.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for Central Hudson were relatively unchanged for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and increased $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same periods in 2011 primarily due to the change in pre-tax book income.

CH Energy Group

In addition to the impacts on Central Hudson discussed above, CH Energy Group's sales volumes, revenues and operating expenses, income taxes and other income were impacted by Griffith and the other businesses described below.  The results of Griffith and the other businesses described below exclude inter-company interest income and expense which are eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
Income Statement Variances
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Increase/(Decrease) in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
219,070
   
$
220,755
   
$
(1,685
)
   
(0.8
)%
Operating Expenses:
                               
   Purchased electricity, fuel, natural gas and petroleum
   
105,980
     
110,635
     
(4,655
)
   
(4.2
)
   Depreciation and amortization
   
10,626
     
10,064
     
562
     
5.6
 
   Merger related costs
   
1,037
     
-
     
1,037
     
100.0
 
   Other operating expenses
   
79,310
     
78,226
     
1,084
     
1.4
 
      Total Operating Expenses
   
196,953
     
198,925
     
(1,972
)
   
(1.0
)
Operating Income
   
22,117
     
21,830
     
287
     
1.3
 
Other Income (Deductions), net
   
1,457
     
(2,390
)
   
3,847
     
161.0
 
Interest Charges
   
7,866
     
11,155
     
(3,289
)
   
(29.5
)
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary
   
15,708
     
8,285
     
7,423
     
89.6
 
Income Taxes
   
6,548
     
3,478
     
3,070
     
88.3
 
Net income from continuing operations
   
9,160
     
4,807
     
4,353
     
90.6
 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
     
3,763
     
(3,763
)
   
(100.0
)
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
103
     
242
     
(139
)
   
(57.4
)
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
9,057
   
$
8,328
   
$
729
     
8.8
 %
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Increase/(Decrease) in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
690,712
   
$
754,794
   
$
(64,082
)
   
(8.5
)%
Operating Expenses:
                               
   Purchased electricity, fuel, natural gas and petroleum
   
336,236
     
399,780
     
(63,544
)
   
(15.9
)
   Depreciation and amortization
   
31,793
     
30,250
     
1,543
     
5.1
 
   Merger related costs
   
9,499
     
-
     
9,499
     
100.0
 
   Other operating expenses
   
247,416
     
252,988
     
(5,572
)
   
(2.2
)
      Total Operating Expenses
   
624,944
     
683,018
     
(58,074
)
   
(8.5
)
Operating Income
   
65,768
     
71,776
     
(6,008
)
   
(8.4
)
Other Income (Deductions), net
   
5,304
     
851
     
4,453
     
523.3
 
Interest Charges
   
23,590
     
27,640
     
(4,050
)
   
(14.7
)
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary
   
47,482
     
44,987
     
2,495
     
5.5
 
Income Taxes
   
21,345
     
16,998
     
4,347
     
25.6
 
Net income from continuing operations
   
26,137
     
27,989
     
(1,852
)
   
(6.6
)
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
     
3,968
     
(3,968
)
   
(100.0
)
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
521
     
727
     
(206
)
   
(28.3
)
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
342
     
-
     
342
     
100.0
 
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
25,274
   
$
31,230
   
$
(5,956
)
   
(19.1
)%
 
 
- 71 -

 
Griffith

Sales Volumes

Delivery and sales volumes for Griffith vary in response to weather conditions, changes in our customer base and customer behavior.  Deliveries of petroleum products used for heating purposes peak in the winter.  Sales also vary as customers respond to the price of the particular energy product and changes in local economic conditions.

Changes in sales volumes of petroleum products, including the impact of acquisitions, are set forth below.
 
Actual & Weather Normalized Deliveries
(In Thousands of Gallons)
 
   
 
Actual Deliveries
   
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Increase /
(Decrease) in
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Increase /
(Decrease) in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Heating Oil:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Base company volume(2)
   
1,277
     
2,406
     
(1,129
)
   
(47
)%
   
1,442
     
2,389
     
(947
)
   
(40
)%
Acquisitions volume
   
38
     
22
     
16
     
73
     
43
     
18
     
25
     
139
 
Total Heating Oil
   
1,315
     
2,428
     
(1,113
)
   
(46
)
   
1,485
     
2,407
     
(922
)
   
(38
)
 
                                                               
Motor Fuels:
                                                               
Base company volume(2)
   
11,829
     
10,953
     
876
     
8
     
11,829
     
10,953
     
876
     
8
 
Acquisitions volume
   
812
     
802
     
10
     
1
     
812
     
802
     
10
     
1
 
Total Motor Fuels
   
12,641
     
11,755
     
886
     
8
     
12,641
     
11,755
     
886
     
8
 
 
                                                               
Propane and Other:
                                                               
Base company volume(2)
   
79
     
100
     
(21
)
   
(21
)
   
90
     
99
     
(9
)
   
(9
)
Total Propane and Other
   
79
     
100
     
(21
)
   
(21
)
   
90
     
99
     
(9
)
   
(9
)
 
                                                               
Total:
                                                               
Base company volume(2)
   
13,185
     
13,459
     
(274
)
   
(2
)
   
13,361
     
13,441
     
(80
)
   
(1
)
Acquisitions volume
   
850
     
824
     
26
     
3
     
855
     
820
     
35
     
4
 
Total
   
14,035
     
14,283
     
(248
)
   
(2
)%
   
14,216
     
14,261
     
(45
)
   
-
 %
 
(1)
Griffith uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
(2)
For the purpose of this chart, "Base company" excludes any impact from acquisitions made by Griffith in 2012 and 2011.
 
 
 
- 72 -

 
Actual & Weather Normalized Deliveries
(In Thousands of Gallons)
 
   
 
Actual Deliveries
   
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Increase /
(Decrease) in
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Increase /
(Decrease) in
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
2012
   
2011
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Heating Oil:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Base company volume(2)
   
15,288
     
21,517
     
(6,229
)
   
(29
)%
   
19,753
     
21,506
     
(1,753
)
   
(8
)%
Acquisitions volume
   
471
     
170
     
301
     
177
     
611
     
167
     
444
     
266
 
Total Heating Oil
   
15,759
     
21,687
     
(5,928
)
   
(27
)
   
20,364
     
21,673
     
(1,309
)
   
(6
)
 
                                                               
Motor Fuels:
                                                               
Base company volume(2)
   
32,650
     
32,121
     
529
     
2
     
32,650
     
32,121
     
529
     
2
 
Acquisitions volume
   
2,237
     
2,170
     
67
     
3
     
2,237
     
2,170
     
67
     
3
 
Total Motor Fuels
   
34,887
     
34,291
     
596
     
2
     
34,887
     
34,291
     
596
     
2
 
 
                                                               
Propane and Other:
                                                               
Base company volume(2)
   
508
     
734
     
(226
)
   
(31
)
   
635
     
734
     
(99
)
   
(13
)
Total Propane and Other
   
508
     
734
     
(226
)
   
(31
)
   
635
     
734
     
(99
)
   
(13
)
 
                                                               
Total:
                                                               
Base company volume(2)
   
48,446
     
54,372
     
(5,926
)
   
(11
)
   
53,038
     
54,361
     
(1,323
)
   
(2
)
Acquisitions volume
   
2,708
     
2,340
     
368
     
16
     
2,848
     
2,337
     
511
     
22
 
Total
   
51,154
     
56,712
     
(5,558
)
   
(10
)%
   
55,886
     
56,698
     
(812
)
   
(1
)%
 
(1)
Griffith uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
(2)
For the purpose of this chart, "Base company" excludes any impact from acquisitions made by Griffith in 2012 and 2011.
 
 
Actual and Weather Normalized Delivery Volumes as % of Total Volumes
 
  
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
  
 
Actual
   
Weather
Normalized
   
Actual
   
Weather
Normalized
   
Actual
   
Weather
Normalized
   
Actual
   
Weather
Normalized
 
Heating Oil:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Base company
   
9
%
   
10
%
   
17
%
   
17
%
   
30
%
   
35
%
   
38
%
   
38
%
Acquisitions
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
Motor Fuels:
                                                               
Base company
   
84
%
   
83
%
   
77
%
   
77
%
   
64
%
   
59
%
   
57
%
   
57
%
Acquisitions
   
6
%
   
6
%
   
5
%
   
5
%
   
4
%
   
4
%
   
4
%
   
4
%
Propane and Other:
                                                               
Base company
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
1
%
   Total
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
 
Sales of petroleum products decreased 2% in the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due primarily to the cumulative impact of unusually warmer than normal weather, as measured by heating degree days.
 

Sales of petroleum products decreased 10% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due primarily to weather that was 26% warmer in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, as measured by heating degree days. Additionally, volume decreased due to customer conservation in response to higher oil prices as well as due to customer attrition.
 
Gross Profit
 
A breakdown of Griffith's gross profit by product and service line for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are illustrated below (Dollars in Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Product and Service Line
 
2012
   
2011
 
Heating oil - Base company
 
$
823
     
11
%
 
$
1,221
     
16
%
Heating oil - Acquisitions
   
16
     
-
 
   
12
     
-
 
Motor fuels - Base company
   
2,799
     
37
 
   
2,653
     
36
 
Motor fuels - Acquisitions
   
265
     
3
 
   
201
     
3
 
Propane and Other - Base company
   
53
     
1
 
   
78
     
1
 
Service and installations - Base company
   
3,184
     
42
 
   
3,088
     
41
 
Service and installations - Acquisitions
   
140
     
2
 
   
-
     
-
 
Other - Base company
   
283
     
4
 
   
222
     
3
 
Total
 
$
7,563
     
100
%
 
$
7,475
     
100
%
 
  
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Product and Service Line
 
2012
   
2011
 
Heating oil - Base Company
 
$
13,943
     
41
%
 
$
16,879
     
46
%
Heating oil - Acquisitions
   
337
     
1
 
   
87
     
-
 
Motor fuels - Base Company
   
7,807
     
23
 
   
7,762
     
21
 
Motor fuels - Acquisitions
   
696
     
2
 
   
571
     
2
 
Propane and Other - Base Company
   
679
     
2
 
   
953
     
3
 
Service and installations - Base Company
   
9,369
     
28
 
   
9,289
     
26
 
Service and installations - Acquisitions
   
338
     
1
 
   
2
     
-
 
Other - Base Company
   
829
     
2
 
   
802
     
2
 
Total
 
$
33,998
     
100
%
 
$
36,345
     
100
%
 
 
- 74 -

 
Revenues
 
Change in Griffith Revenues
(In Thousands)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
Nine Months Ended
   
 
 
 
September 30,
   
Increase /
   
September 30,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
   
2012
   
2011
   
(Decrease)
 
Revenues:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Heating oil(1)
 
$
4,680
   
$
8,560
   
$
(3,880
)
 
$
60,861
   
$
78,186
   
$
(17,325
)
Heating oil - Acquisitions
   
136
     
77
     
59
     
1,834
     
575
     
1,259
 
Motor Fuels(1)
   
39,163
     
36,132
     
3,031
     
108,997
     
105,083
     
3,914
 
Motor Fuels - Acquisitions
   
2,742
     
2,624
     
118
     
7,548
     
7,192
     
356
 
Other(1)
   
447
     
558
     
(111
)
   
3,699
     
3,576
     
123
 
Service Revenues(1)
   
4,488
     
4,635
     
(147
)
   
13,372
     
13,728
     
(356
)
Service Revenues - Acquisitions
   
192
     
1
     
191
     
508
     
2
     
506
 
Total
 
$
51,848
   
$
52,587
   
$
(739
)
 
$
196,819
   
$
208,342
   
$
(11,523
)
 
(1)
These line items exclude the impact of acquisitions made by Griffith in 2012 and 2011 for the analysis which compares the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 to 2011.
 
Note: The above chart reflects revenues net of weather hedging contracts.
 
Revenues, net of the effect of weather hedging contracts, decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, due primarily to a decline in sales volume which was partially offset by an increase in wholesale prices.

Operating Expenses

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, operating expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 2%, from $55.8 million in 2011 to $54.7 million in 2012.  The cost of petroleum products decreased $0.6 million, or 1%, due to lower volume. Other operating costs decreased $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to a decrease in operating expenses related to reduced volumes and a reduction in uncollectible accounts.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, operating expenses decreased $9.4 million, or 5%, from $206 million in 2011 to $196.6 million in 2012.  The cost of petroleum products decreased $9.0 million, or 5%, primarily due to lower volume.

Other Businesses and Investments

All revenue and operating expenses of Lyonsdale, Shirley Wind, CH-Auburn and CH-Greentree during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are included in the discontinued operations section in the Consolidated Financial Statements of CH Energy Group as a result of the divestitures during 2011.

Operating expenses of other businesses and investments increased $1.0 million and $9.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011 as a result of costs incurred related to the agreement and plan of merger entered into with Fortis.  These costs relate to professional services of approximately $1.0 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the impact of the increase in CH Energy Group's stock price immediately following the announcement of the proposed acquisition by Fortis on the outstanding performance share awards under CH Energy Group's equity-based compensation plans of $0.9 million, which has been recognized at the holding company as a merger-related transaction cost and not allocated to its subsidiaries.  The equity based compensation expense recognized at the holding company for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was not material.
 

Other income and deductions for the balance of CH Energy Group, primarily the holding company and CHEC's investments in partnerships and other investments (other than Griffith) increased by approximately $6.9 million and $7.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in the prior year.   The increase for both the three and nine month periods was the result of a $3.6 million wind investment impairment charge in the third quarter of 2011 and a prepayment penalty of $3.0 million incurred following the sale of Shirley Wind when CH Energy Group Holding Company paid down $20 million of its 2009 Series A private placement debt in 2011.  Additional increase for the three and nine month periods was the result of a decrease in business development costs in 2012 as compared to the prior year.

CH Energy Group – Income Taxes

Income taxes on income from continuing operations for CH Energy Group increased $3.1 million and $4.3 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011.  This increase was primarily due to costs incurred by CH Energy Group related to the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  Acquisition costs incurred to date of $8.6 million relating to professional fees are being treated as non-deductible for tax purposes, which resulted in higher tax expense as well as higher Federal and NY State effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Additionally, tax expense and the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were impacted by the tax benefit related to federal grants received.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

The growth of CH Energy Group's retained earnings in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, contributed to the increase in the book value per share of its Common Stock from $33.72 at December 31, 2011, to $34.23 at September 30, 2012.  Common equity comprised 50.4% of total capital (including short-term debt) at September 30, 2012, an increase from 49.6% at December 31, 2011.  Book value per share at September 30, 2011 was $33.31 and the common equity ratio was 47.7%.
 
 
Cash Flow Summary - CH Energy Group and Central Hudson
 
Changes in CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's cash and cash equivalents resulting from operating, investing, and financing activities are summarized in the following chart (In Thousands):
 
 
CH Energy Group
   
Central Hudson
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net Cash Provided By/(Used In):
   
   
 
   Operating Activities
 
$
112,576
   
$
94,788
   
$
105,554
   
$
97,067
 
   Investing Activities
   
(84,492
)
   
(10,054
)
   
(82,850
)
   
(61,139
)
   Financing Activities
   
(36,366
)
   
(57,340
)
   
(25,066
)
   
(974
)
Net change for the period
   
(8,282
)
   
27,394
     
(2,362
)
   
34,954
 
Balance at beginning of period
   
15,281
     
29,420
     
2,521
     
9,622
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
6,999
   
$
56,814
   
$
159
   
$
44,576
 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Central Hudson's and CH Energy Group's working capital needs were provided by cash from operations and supplemented with short-term financing as needed.  Capital expenditures in both periods were funded primarily with excess cash from operations and long-term financing.  In 2011, proceeds from the sale of CHEC's investments in renewable energy and the related receipt of federal grants were used to repurchase CH Energy Group Common Stock and to repay debt at CH Energy Group Holding Company.  Additional discussions regarding cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities for each period are provided below.

Cash provided by sales, including the collection of previously deferred electric and natural gas costs, exceeded the period's expenses and working capital needs in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011 for both Central Hudson and CH Energy Group.  In 2012, the warmer winter weather in the first quarter combined with lower wholesale prices compared to the first nine months of 2011 resulted in lower working capital needs for both Central Hudson and Griffith.  Contributions to Central Hudson's pension and OPEB plans significantly impacted both years' cash with $31.8 million in the first nine months of 2012 and $33.7 million in the first nine months of 2011.  CH Energy Group's net cash provided by operating activities was also negatively impacted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to merger related transaction costs paid.

Central Hudson's net cash used in investing activities was primarily for investments in Central Hudson's electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems.  The warmer weather in 2012 enabled Central Hudson to make a significant investment in its infrastructure with increased capital projects compared to the prior period.  Proceeds from the sale of CHEC investments in renewable energy, including Lyonsdale, Shirley Wind and CH-Auburn, and proceeds from the receipt of federal grants, reduced by additional investments in Shirley Wind and acquisitions made by Griffith in 2011, impacted net cash used in investing activities of CH Energy Group for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 

In 2012, Central Hudson issued $48.0 million of long-term debt which was used to refinance $36.0 million of maturing debt and to fund the redemption of two of its series of Cumulative Preferred Stock for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $12.2 million.  Short-term borrowings in 2011 were used for supplemental working capital needs and other corporate uses.  In 2012, cash on hand on September 28, 2012 was used to pay down short-term borrowings.  During the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, $22.0 million and $33.0 million in dividends were paid by Central Hudson to CH Energy Group, respectively.  Also in 2012, CH Energy Group paid final settlement costs associated with the Accelerated Share Repurchase program of $3.0 million compared to $30.0 million paid for the repurchases of CH Energy Group Common Stock paid in the first nine months of 2011.

Capitalization – Issuance of Treasury Stock

Effective July 1, 2011, employer matching contributions to an eligible employee's Savings Incentive Plan ("SIP") account could be paid in either cash or in CH Energy Group Common Stock, and CH Energy Group chose to meet its matching obligation in Common Stock.  Since March 1, 2012, the Company has been providing cash for all of its matching obligations, except for matching associated with classified employees of Central Hudson.  The classified employees will continue to receive matching in CH Energy Group Common Stock.  As of September 30, 2012, 45,567 shares had been issued from treasury related to the employer matching contribution, of which 3,953 had been issued during the third quarter of 2012. 

For information regarding equity compensation and the purchase of treasury shares, see Note 11 - "Equity Based Compensation" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Contractual Obligations

Other contractual obligations and commitments of CH Energy Group are disclosed in Note 12 – "Commitments and Contingencies" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the caption "Electric Purchase Commitments."

Central Hudson determines the amount it will contribute to its pension plan (the "Retirement Plan") based on several factors, including the value of plan assets relative to plan liabilities, the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, legislative requirements, regulatory considerations and available corporate resources.  The amount of the Retirement Plan's liabilities is affected by the discount rate used to determine benefit obligations and the accrual of additional benefits.  Funding for the Retirement Plan totaled $28.0 million and $32.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No additional funding of the plan is expected for the remainder of 2012.
 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 there were $3.3 million and $1.2 million in employer contributions for OPEB plans, respectively.  The determination of future funding depends on a number of factors, including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, medical claims assumptions used, benefit changes, regulatory considerations and corporate resources. No further funding is expected for the remainder of 2012.

Management has transitioned to an investment strategy with 50% long duration fixed income assets that is intended to reduce the year-to-year volatility of the funded status of the plan and of the level of contributions by more closely aligning the characteristics of plan assets with liabilities.  Management cannot currently predict what impact future financial market volatility may have on the funded status of the plan or future funding decisions.

Under the policy of the PSC regarding pension and OPEB costs, Central Hudson recovers these costs through customer rates with differences between actual cost and rate allowances deferred for future recovery from or return to customers.  Based on the current policy, Central Hudson expects to fully recover its net periodic pension and OPEB costs over time.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, CH Energy Group incurred costs of $1.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively, related to the agreement and plan of merger under which CH Energy Group agreed to be acquired by Fortis. CH Energy Group estimates additional merger-related costs of approximately $17 million in connection with the closing of the merger transaction.  Costs to be incurred in connection with the closing will include New York State tax on the sale consideration, additional expense to be recognized associated with the accelerated vesting of equity based compensation and success fees immediately prior to the closing of the acquisition by Fortis as defined in the merger agreement.

Merger-related transaction costs that are facilitative in nature are considered nondeductible for tax purposes. Merger-related transaction costs incurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaling $1.0 million and $8.6 million have been determined to be facilitative and therefore nondeductible.

Financing Program

CH Energy Group believes that it is well positioned with a strong balance sheet and strong liquidity.  Significant capacity is available on CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's committed credit facilities.  Central Hudson's investment-grade credit ratings help facilitate access to long-term debt.  However, management can make no assurance in regards to the continued availability of financing or the terms and costs.

At September 30, 2012, CH Energy Group maintained a $150 million credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and KeyBank National Association as the participating banks. On October 19, 2012, CH Energy Group amended and restated the credit facility, extending the term to October 19, 2015 and reducing the maximum amount that can be borrowed to $100 million. The reduction in the borrowing amount reflects CH Energy Group's projected liquidity needs in accordance with its current business strategy, which no longer includes business development of renewable energy projects.  If the participating lenders are unable to fulfill their commitments under this facility, funding may not be available as needed.

Central Hudson maintains a $150 million committed revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., KeyBank National Association and RBS Citizens Bank, N.A. as the participating banks.  The credit facility has a term of up to five years.  If these lenders are unable to fulfill their commitments under these facilities, funding may not be available as needed.

Central Hudson's current senior unsecured debt rating/outlook is 'A'/CreditWatch negative by Standard & Poor's Rating Services ("Standard & Poor's"), 'A'/stable by Fitch Ratings and 'A3'/stable by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's")1.

On February 22, 2012, Standard & Poor's placed its ratings of Central Hudson on CreditWatch with negative implications, following the February 21, 2012 announcement that CH Energy Group had agreed to be acquired by Fortis. Standard & Poor's stated that they expect to resolve the CreditWatch listing as the merger nears completion and additional information is available.  CH Energy Group is unable to predict the outcome of that resolution.  The CreditWatch listing is not expected to have a material impact on Central Hudson's financial performance.

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson believe they will be able to meet their short-term and long-term cash requirements, assuming that Central Hudson's future rate plans reflect the costs of service, including a reasonable return on invested capital.

On March 30, 2012, Central Hudson issued $48.0 million of its Series G registered unsecured Medium Term Notes.  The notes bear interest at the rate of 4.776% per annum on a principal amount of $48.0 million and mature on April 1, 2042. 

The proceeds of the sale of the Notes were used by Central Hudson to repay the short-term borrowings of $36.0 million incurred to refinance its 6.64% Series D Medium Term Notes that matured March 28, 2012, and to redeem its Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D (4.35%), with an aggregate redemption price of approximately $6.1 million, and its 4.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E, with an aggregate redemption price of approximately $6.1 million on May 18, 2012.

Holders of the Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D (4.35%) received $102.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends in the amount of $0.57 per share, for a total redemption price of $102.57 per share.  Holders of the 4.96% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E received $101.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends in the amount of $0.65 per share, for a total redemption price of $101.65 per share.
 
 

1 These ratings reflect only the views of the rating agency issuing the rating, are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities of Central Hudson and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency issuing the rating.  Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
 

For additional information related to CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's financing program, please see Note 7 – "Short-term Borrowing Arrangements," Note 8 – "Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock" and Note 9 – "Capitalization – Long-term Debt" to the Financial Statements of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report.

NYSERDA

Central Hudson's outstanding Series B NYSERDA Bonds total $33.7 million at September 30, 2012.  These bonds are tax-exempt multi-modal bonds that are currently in a variable rate mode.  In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for variations in the interest costs from these bonds.  As such, variations between the actual interest rates on these bonds and the interest rate included in the current delivery rate structure for these bonds are deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and do not have any impact on earnings.

To mitigate the potential cash flow impact from unexpected increases in short-term interest rates on Series B NYSERDA Bonds, on March 26, 2012, Central Hudson purchased an interest rate cap based on an index of short-term tax-exempt debt.  The rate cap is two years in length with a notional amount aligned with Series B and will expire on April 1, 2014.  The cap is based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175%.  Central Hudson would receive a payout if the adjusted index exceeds 5.0% for a given month.  This rate cap replaces an expiring rate cap with substantially similar terms.

REGULATORY MATTERS – PSC PROCEEDINGS

Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Commission Approval of Deferred Incremental Costs Associated with Tropical Storm Irene
(Case 11-E-0651)

Background:  On November 28, 2011, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges $11.4 million of incremental electric storm restoration expense above the respective rate allowance during the twelve months ended June 30, 2012, which is the second rate year established by the PSC in its approval of a Joint Proposal in Case 09-E-0588.  These incremental costs represent the amount Central Hudson deferred on its books as of October 31, 2011 based on actual costs incurred, bills received and an estimate for bills outstanding.  The Company believes the incremental costs associated with this storm meet the PSC's criteria for deferral: 1) amount is incremental to the amount in rates; 2) the incremental amount is material and extraordinary in nature; and 3) the utility's earnings are below the authorized rate of return on common equity.

Potential Impacts:  If the PSC approves any amount less than the $11.4 million reflected in the petition, Central Hudson's expenses would increase by the unapproved amount during the quarter in which the PSC's order is received.  No prediction can be made regarding the final outcome of this matter.
 

Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Commission Approval of Deferral of October 29, 2011 SnowFall Costs
(Case 12-M-0204)

Background:  On October 29, 2011, Central Hudson experienced an unusual winter storm with snow accumulations of up to 20 inches in the service territory, resulting in electric service outages to over 150,000 customers, extensive damage to the electric system and significant restoration costs.  Following Tropical Storm Irene, the October snowstorm represented the second extraordinary storm event that occurred within the second rate year established by the PSC in its Rate Plan adopting the terms of a Joint Proposal in Case 09-E-0588.  On April 24, 2012, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges $8.6 million of total incremental electric storm restoration expense. The Company believes that it is entitled to fully recover all of these incremental expenses and has filed its petition with the PSC to reflect that position.  However, because the petition requests the PSC to deviate from its prior precedents, the amount the PSC may grant could be lower.  Accordingly, management deferred only the portion of the incremental costs that strictly follows Commission practice used in the Company's previous requests to defer incremental storm costs.  Approximately $3.7 million, $1.1 million and $2.1 million of incremental restoration expense associated with this storm was expensed in December 2011, March 2012 and June 2012, respectively, so that the return on common equity for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012 did not exceed the authorized rate of return of 10%.

Potential Impacts:  Depending on the amount approved by the PSC, Central Hudson's expenses could be impacted as follows:
-
Any amount approved in excess of $1.7 million would reduce Central Hudson's expenses.
-
If the PSC approves less than $1.7 million, Central Hudson's expenses would increase by the difference between the amount approved and $1.7 million.
 

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation Financing Petition
(Case 12-M-0172 - Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Authority to enter into multi-year committed credit agreements and issue and sell long-term debt)
Background:  On April 13, 2012, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking approval to (a) enter into multi-year committed credit agreements to provide committed funding to meet expected liquidity needs, in amounts not to exceed $175 million in the aggregate and maturities not to exceed five years, and (b) approval to issue and sell long-term debt, commencing immediately upon issuance of an order regarding the petition, and from time to time through December 31, 2015, in an amount not to exceed $250 million in the aggregate.
Final Order:  On September 14, 2012, the PSC issued its Order Authorizing Issuance of Securities for Central Hudson in this proceeding.  The Order grants the authorization requested for $175 million of committed credit; grants the authorization requested, with conditions, for $250 million of long-term debt; and revokes the authorization granted in the prior financing order, avoiding the overlap in orders (the prior financing order covered a period ending December 31, 2012 and the new order is effective immediately).

Impacts on Financing Needs:  The PSC's order provides Central Hudson with the ability to meet its working capital, construction financing and maturing debt needs.

Fortis – Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation Section 70 Joint Petition
(Case 12-M-0192 – Proceeding on the Joint Petition for Approval of the Acquisition of CH Energy Group, Inc. by Fortis Inc. and Related Transactions)

Background:  On April 20, 2012, CH Energy Group, Central Hudson, Fortis, FortisUS Inc. ("FortisUS"), and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc. ("Petitioners"), submitted a joint petition to the PSC for approval of the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis and related transactions.  The petition describes how the acquisition of Central Hudson by Fortis will produce benefits for constituencies that include customers, employees and communities in Central Hudson's service territory as well as positive public benefits.  The petition categorizes the public benefits into three major areas: 1) FortisUS' commitments and intention to preserve and build on the existing strength of Central Hudson, 2) mitigation of any potential negative aspects of the merger consistent with the PSC's disposition of specific issues that have arisen in prior utility merger proceedings in New York State and 3) identifiable monetary benefits resulting from assignment of costs to shareholders and cost savings made possible by the merger.  The petition includes proposals and commitments that effectively mitigate any potential risks to Central Hudson's customers from foreign holding company ownership and rate increase risk.  The petitioners have quantified the economic value of the proposals in the merger to be in excess of $20 million.

·
On June 29, 2012, the ALJ issued a Ruling on Schedule and Procedure establishing the following schedule:
-
 Staff and Intervenor Initial Filings: August 31, 2012
-
 Reply Filings, all parties: September 21, 2012
-
 Statements of Material Issues of Fact Requiring Hearing: October 5, 2012
·
On July 9, 2012 PSC Trial Staff filed a Motion for Reconsideration of Ruling on Schedule and Procedure.
·
On July 10, 2012 Multiple Intervenors submitted a letter supporting Staff.
·
On July 18, 2012 Public Utility Law Project submitted a letter supporting Staff.
·
On July 24, 2012 Petitioners filed an Opposition to Staff Motion for Reconsideration.
·
On July 31, 2012, the ALJ issued a Ruling on Motion for Consideration adopting a revised schedule for the proceeding as follows:
-
Initial filings were submitted by Staff, Multiple Intervenors, PULP, the NYS Utility Intervention Unit, IBEW, Empire State Development, Dutchess County and the Town and Village of Athens.
-
Reply Filings, all parties: November 2, 2012
-
Statements of Material Issues of Fact: November 16, 2012
-
Evidentiary hearings (if necessary): December 10, 2012
·
On October 12, 2012, the PSC's Staff and other interested parties filed testimony and comments regarding the proposed acquisition.
·
On November 5, 2012, the PSC Trial Staff filed Supplemental Testimony and Exhibits to correct errors related to their calculation of a Public Benefit Adjustment.
·
The ALJs adopted further revisions to the schedule for the proceeding as follows:
-
Reply Comments and Rebuttal Testimonies, all parties: November 27, 2012
-
Statements of Material Issues of Fact Requiring Hearing: December 4, 2012.
-
Evidentiary hearings (if necessary).

 
 
Potential Impacts:  Central Hudson believes the merger is in the public interest and should be approved on the basis of the proposals set forth in the petition. No prediction can be made regarding the outcome of the matter at this time.

Other PSC Proceedings

During the third quarter of 2012, there has been no significant activity related to the following proceedings:

·
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
·
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
·
Management Audit
·
SIR Proceeding
·
Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard and State Energy Planning

OTHER MATTERS

Changes in Accounting Standards

See Note 1 – "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 – "New Accounting Guidance" for discussion of relevant changes, which discussion is incorporated by reference herein.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Climate

While it is possible that some form of global climate change program will be adopted at the federal level in the next term of Congress, it is too early to determine what impact such program will have on CH Energy Group.  It should be noted, however, that the Company's calculated CO2 emission levels are relatively small, mainly because the Company does not generate electricity in significant quantities and the electricity it does generate is primarily from zero emission hydroelectric plants.  Therefore, federally mandated greenhouse gas reductions or limits on CO2 emissions are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.  However, the Company can make no prediction as to the outcome of this matter.  If the cost of CO2 emissions causes purchased electricity and natural gas costs to rise, such increases are expected to be collected through automatic adjustment clauses.  If sales are depressed by higher costs through price elasticity, the RDMs are expected to prevent an earnings impact on the Company.
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any documents incorporated by reference which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "believes," "projects," "expects," "plans," "assumes," "seeks," and similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements including, without limitation, those relating to CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's future business prospects, revenues, proceeds, working capital, investment valuations, liquidity, income, and margins, as well as the acquisition by a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. and the expected timing of the transaction, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to several important factors, including those identified from time to time in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to: the possibility that various conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed Fortis transaction will not be satisfied or waived, including regulatory approvals of the proposed Fortis transaction and the timing and terms thereof; the impact of delay or failure to complete the proposed Fortis transaction on CH Energy Group's stock price; the costs associated with the proposed Fortis transaction; deviations from normal seasonal weather and storm activity; fuel prices; energy supply and demand; potential future acquisitions; legislative, regulatory, and competitive developments; interest rates; access to capital; market risks; electric and natural gas industry restructuring and cost recovery; the ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief; changes in fuel supply or costs including future market prices for energy, capacity, and ancillary services; the success of strategies to satisfy electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane requirements; the outcome of pending litigation and certain environmental matters, particularly the status of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites and waste site remediation requirements; and certain presently unknown or unforeseen factors, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism.  CH Energy Group and Central Hudson undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements.
 

Additional Information about the Fortis Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis, CH Energy Group filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC on May 9, 2012, and has filed other relevant materials with the SEC as well.  Investors and stockholders of CH Energy Group are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC because they contain important information about the proposed acquisition and related matters.  Investors and stock stockholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents filed by CH Energy Group, at the SEC's Web site, www.sec.gov.  These documents can also be obtained by investors and stockholders free of charge from CH Energy Group at CH Energy Group's website at www.chenergygroup.com, or by contacting CH Energy Group's Shareholder Relations Department at (845) 486-5204.
 
ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to Part II, Item 7A of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report for a discussion of market risk.  The practices employed by CH Energy Group and Central Hudson to mitigate these risks - which were discussed in the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report - continue to operate effectively.  For related discussion on this activity, see, in the Financial Statements of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report, Note 14 – "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and Item 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the sub-caption "Capital Resources and Liquidity," and Note 9 – "Capitalization - Long-Term Debt" and Item 2 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the sub-caption "Financing Program" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4 – Controls and Procedures

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and based on the evaluation, concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Corporations' controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes to the Corporations' internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Corporations' last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporations' internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Legal Proceedings

For information about developments regarding certain legal proceedings, see Item 3 ("Legal Proceedings") of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report, and Note 12 – "Commitments and Contingencies" of that 10-K and/or Note 12 – "Commitments and Contingencies" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A – Risk Factors

RISKS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION BY FORTIS INC.

We May Be Unable to Satisfy the Conditions or Obtain the Approvals Required to Complete the Proposed Acquisition

While the proposed acquisition has been approved by CH Energy Group shareholders, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the approval of the PSC has not yet been obtained.  The PSC may not approve the acquisition or may seek to impose conditions on the completion of the transaction, which could cause the conditions to the acquisition to not be satisfied or which could delay or increase the cost of the transaction.

The Proposed Acquisition May Not Be Completed, Which May Have an Adverse Effect on Our Share Price

Failure to complete the acquisition or an unanticipated delay in doing so could negatively affect our share price.

Termination of the Proposed Acquisition Could Result in CH Energy Group Being Required to Pay Termination Fees to Fortis

CH Energy Group will be obligated to reimburse up to $4 million of FortisUS' expenses if (i) FortisUS or CH Energy Group terminates the merger agreement because the acquisition has not been completed by the outside date or FortisUS terminates the merger agreement based on a breach of the merger agreement by CH Energy Group, and (ii) a competing proposal has been made or publicly disclosed and not withdrawn prior to the termination of the merger agreement or applicable breach.  In addition, if within twelve months after such termination, a definitive agreement providing for an acquisition transaction is entered into, or an acquisition transaction is consummated by CH Energy Group with, the person who made the acquisition proposal prior to such termination or applicable breach or with any other third party making an acquisition proposal within three months following such termination, CH Energy Group will be obligated to pay FortisUS a termination fee of $19.7 million (less any expense reimbursement previously paid).  In no event will more than one termination fee be payable.
 

For a discussion identifying additional risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, see the discussion under "Item 1A – Risk Factors" of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report.
 
ITEM 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table provides a summary of shares repurchased by CH Energy Group for the quarter ended September 30, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1)
July 1-31, 2012
 
 
$
 
 
1,051,324 
August 1-31, 2012
 
$
 
 
 
September 1-30, 2012
 
 
$
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
(1)
On July 31, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares or approximately 13% of CH Energy Group's outstanding common stock on that date, from time to time, over the five year period ending July 31, 2012.  
 
ITEM 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

ITEM 6 – Exhibits

Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibit Index for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is located immediately after the signature pages to this report.
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: 
/s/ Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Vice President - Accounting and Controller
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION
 
 
(Co-Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: 
/s/ Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Controller

Dated: November 9, 2012
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
Following is the list of Exhibits, as required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit No.
(Regulation
S-K Item 601
Designation)
 
Exhibit Description
 
 
 
 
Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 25, 2012 to Credit Agreement dated as of October 19, 2011 among Central Hudson, the lenders named therein and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
 
 
 
10.2
 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 19, 2012 among CH Energy Group, Inc., the lenders named therein and KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent.  (Incorporated herein by reference to CH Energy Group's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 24, 2012; Exhibit 10.1)
 
 
 
 
CH Energy Group Statement showing the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
 
 
Central Hudson Statement showing the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

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