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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
 
   
X
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

 
Commission
File Number
Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization,
Address of Principal Executive Offices, Telephone
Number, and IRS Employer Identification No.
 
 
Commission
File Number
Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization,
Address of Principal Executive Offices, Telephone
Number, and IRS Employer Identification No.
1-11299
ENTERGY CORPORATION
(a Delaware corporation)
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Telephone (504) 576-4000
72-1229752
 
1-31508
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
(a Mississippi corporation)
308 East Pearl Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Telephone (601) 368-5000
64-0205830
         
         
1-10764
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
(an Arkansas corporation)
425 West Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Telephone (501) 377-4000
71-0005900
 
0-05807
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
(a Louisiana corporation)
1600 Perdido Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Telephone (504) 670-3700
72-0273040
         
         
0-20371
ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.
(a Louisiana limited liability company)
446 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Telephone (800) 368-3749
74-0662730
 
1-34360
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
(a Texas corporation)
350 Pine Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
Telephone (409) 981-2000
61-1435798
         
         
1-32718
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC
(a Texas limited liability company)
446 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Telephone (800) 368-3749
75-3206126
 
1-09067
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(an Arkansas corporation)
Echelon One
1340 Echelon Parkway
Jackson, Mississippi 39213
Telephone (601) 368-5000
72-0752777



 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Registrant
 
Title of Class
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
     
Entergy Corporation
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value – 178,092,521
  shares outstanding at January 31, 2013
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.
     
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due November 2040
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
Mortgage Bonds, 4.90% Series due December 2052
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
     
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
Mortgage Bonds, 6.0% Series due March 2040
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
Mortgage Bonds, 5.875% Series due June 2041
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
Mortgage Bonds, 5.25% Series due July 2052
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
     
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Mortgage Bonds, 6.0% Series due November 2032
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
Mortgage Bonds, 6.20% Series due April 2040
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
Mortgage Bonds, 6.0% Series due May 2051
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
     
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Mortgage Bonds, 5.0% Series due December 2052
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
     
Entergy Texas, Inc.
Mortgage Bonds, 7.875% Series due June 2039
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Registrant
Title of Class
   
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value
Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $0.01 Par Value
   
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Common Membership Interests
   
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value
   
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value
   
Entergy Texas, Inc.
Common Stock, no par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are well-known seasoned issuers, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 
Yes
 
No
       
Entergy Corporation
Ö
   
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
   
Ö
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
   
Ö
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
Ö
   
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
   
Ö
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
   
Ö
Entergy Texas, Inc.
   
Ö
System Energy Resources, Inc.
   
Ö



Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 
Yes
 
No
       
Entergy Corporation
   
Ö
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
   
Ö
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
   
Ö
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
   
Ö
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
   
Ö
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
   
Ö
Entergy Texas, Inc.
   
Ö
System Energy Resources, Inc.
   
Ö

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on Entergy’s 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).  Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants’ knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ Ö ]

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 definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 
Large
accelerated
filer
 
 
 
Accelerated filer
 
 
Non-accelerated
filer
 
Smaller
reporting
company
               
Entergy Corporation
Ö
           
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
       
Ö
   
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
       
Ö
   
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
       
Ö
   
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
       
Ö
   
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
       
Ö
   
Entergy Texas, Inc.
       
Ö
   
System Energy Resources, Inc.
       
Ö
   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.)  Yes o   No þ

System Energy Resources meets the requirements set forth in General Instruction I(1) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form 10-K with reduced disclosure as allowed in General Instruction I(2).  System Energy Resources is reducing its disclosure by not including Part III, Items 10 through 13 in its Form 10-K.



The aggregate market value of Entergy Corporation Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value, held by non-affiliates as of the end of the second quarter of 2012, was $12.0 billion based on the reported last sale price of $67.89 per share for such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2012.  Entergy Corporation is the sole holder of the common stock of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc.  Entergy Corporation is the sole holder of the common stock of Entergy Louisiana Holdings, Inc., which is the sole holder of the common membership interests in Entergy Louisiana, LLC.  Entergy Corporation is the sole holder of the common stock of EGS Holdings, Inc., which is the sole holder of the common membership interests in Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement of Entergy Corporation to be filed in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held May 3, 2013, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.




























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TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
SEC Form 10-K
Reference Number
Page
Number
     
 
iv
 
vii
   
Part II. Item 7.
1
Part II. Item 6.
48
 
49
Part II. Item 8.
50
Part II. Item 8.
51
Part II. Item 8.
52
Part II. Item 8.
54
Part II. Item 8.
56
Part II. Item 8.
57
Part I. Item 1.
205
Part I. Item 1.
205
Part I. Item 1.
224
Part I. Item 1.
229
 
244
 
246
 
246
Part I. Item 1A.
247
Unresolved Staff Comments
Part I. Item 1B.
None
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
   
Part II. Item 7.
269
 
283
Part II. Item 8.
284
Part II. Item 8.
285
Part II. Item 8.
286
Part II. Item 8.
288
Part II. Item 6.
289
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
   
Part II. Item 7.
290
 
308
Part II. Item 8.
309
Part II. Item 8.
310
Part II. Item 8.
311
Part II. Item 8.
312



Part II. Item 8.
314
Part II. Item 6.
315
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
   
Part II. Item 7.
316
 
334
Part II. Item 8.
335
Part II. Item 8.
336
Part II. Item 8.
337
Part II. Item 8.
338
Part II. Item 8.
340
Part II. Item 6.
341
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
   
Part II. Item 7.
342
 
353
Part II. Item 8.
354
Part II. Item 8.
355
Part II. Item 8.
356
Part II. Item 8.
358
Part II. Item 6.
359
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
   
Part II. Item 7.
360
 
371
Part II. Item 8.
372
Part II. Item 8.
373
Part II. Item 8.
374
Part II. Item 8.
376
Part II. Item 6.
377
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
   
Part II. Item 7.
378
 
389
Part II. Item 8.
390
Part II. Item 8.
391
Part II. Item 8.
392
Part II. Item 8.
394
Part II. Item 6.
395
System Energy Resources, Inc.
   
Part II. Item 7.
396
 
403
 
 
Part II. Item 8.
404
Part II. Item 8.
405
Part II. Item 8.
406
Part II. Item 8.
408
Part II. Item 6.
409
Part I. Item 2.
410
Part I. Item 3.
410
Part I. Item 4.
410
Part I. and Part III.
Item 10.
410
Part II. Item 5.
412
Part II. Item 6.
414
Part II. Item 7.
414
Part II. Item 7A.
414
Part II. Item 8.
414
Part II. Item 9.
414
Part II. Item 9A.
414
Part II. Item 9A.
416
Part III. Item 10.
424
Part III. Item 11.
429
Part III. Item 12.
494
Part III. Item 13.
497
Part III. Item 14.
499
Part IV. Item 15.
502
 
503
 
511
 
513
 
S-1
 
E-1

This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by Entergy Corporation and its seven “Registrant Subsidiaries”: Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc.  Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf.  Each company makes representations only as to itself and makes no other representations whatsoever as to any other company.

The report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each respective reporting company.  No one section of the report deals with all aspects of the subject matter.  Separate Item 6, 7, and 8 sections are provided for each reporting company, except for the Notes to the financial statements.  The Notes to the financial statements for all of the reporting companies are combined.  All Items other than 6, 7, and 8 are combined for the reporting companies.


FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

In this combined report and from time to time, Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries each makes statements as a registrant concerning its expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance.  Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “potential,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast,” and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the only means to identify these statements.  Although each of these registrants believes that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, it cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct.  Any forward-looking statement is based on information current as of the date of this combined report and speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made.  Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, these registrants undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  There are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed or incorporated by reference in (a) Item 1A. Risk Factors, (b) Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis, and (c) the following factors (in addition to others described elsewhere in this combined report and in subsequent securities filings):

·  
resolution of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including various performance-based rate discussions, Entergy’s utility supply plan, and recovery of fuel and purchased power costs;
·  
the termination of Entergy Arkansas’s and Entergy Mississippi’s participation in the System Agreement in December 2013 and November 2015, respectively;
·  
regulatory and operating challenges and uncertainties associated with the Utility operating companies’ proposal to move to the MISO RTO;
·  
changes in utility regulation, including the beginning or end of retail and wholesale competition, the ability to recover net utility assets and other potential stranded costs, and the application of more stringent transmission reliability requirements or market power criteria by the FERC;
·  
changes in regulation of nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including possible shutdown of nuclear generating facilities, particularly those owned or operated by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, and the effects of new or existing safety or environmental concerns regarding nuclear power plants and nuclear fuel;
·  
resolution of pending or future applications, and related regulatory proceedings and litigation, for license renewals or modifications of nuclear generating facilities;
·  
the performance of and deliverability of power from Entergy’s generation resources, including the capacity factors at its nuclear generating facilities;
·  
Entergy's ability to develop and execute on a point of view regarding future prices of electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related commodities;
·  
prices for power generated by Entergy’s merchant generating facilities and the ability to hedge, meet credit support requirements for hedges, sell power forward or otherwise reduce the market price risk associated with those facilities, including the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants;
·  
the prices and availability of fuel and power Entergy must purchase for its Utility customers, and Entergy’s ability to meet credit support requirements for fuel and power supply contracts;
·  
volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, uranium, and other energy-related commodities;
·  
changes in law resulting from federal or state energy legislation or legislation subjecting energy derivatives used in hedging and risk management transactions to governmental regulation;


FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION (Concluded)

·  
changes in environmental, tax, and other laws, including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, greenhouse gases, mercury, and other regulated air emissions, and changes in costs of compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations;
·  
uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste storage and disposal;
·  
risks associated with the proposed spin-off and subsequent merger of Entergy’s electric transmission business into a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., including the risk that Entergy and the Utility operating companies may not be able to timely satisfy the conditions or obtain the approvals required to complete such transaction or such approvals may contain material restrictions or conditions, and the risk that if completed, the transaction may not achieve its anticipated results;
·  
variations in weather and the occurrence of hurricanes and other storms and disasters, including uncertainties associated with efforts to remediate the effects of hurricanes, ice storms, or other weather events and the recovery of costs associated with restoration, including accessing funded storm reserves, federal and local cost recovery mechanisms, securitization, and insurance;
·  
effects of climate change;
·  
changes in the quality and availability of water supplies;
·  
Entergy’s ability to manage its capital projects and operation and maintenance costs;
·  
Entergy’s ability to purchase and sell assets at attractive prices and on other attractive terms;
·  
the economic climate, and particularly economic conditions in Entergy’s Utility service area and the Northeast United States and events that could influence economic conditions in those areas;
·  
the effects of Entergy’s strategies to reduce tax payments;
·  
changes in the financial markets, particularly those affecting the availability of capital and Entergy’s ability to refinance existing debt, execute share repurchase programs, and fund investments and acquisitions;
·  
actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt and preferred stock, changes in general corporate ratings, and changes in the rating agencies’ ratings criteria;
·  
changes in inflation and interest rates;
·  
the effect of litigation and government investigations or proceedings;
·  
advances in technology;
·  
the potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism, cyber attacks or data security breaches, including increased security costs, and war or a catastrophic event such as a nuclear accident or a natural gas pipeline explosion;
·  
Entergy’s ability to attract and retain talented management and directors;
·  
changes in accounting standards and corporate governance;
·  
declines in the market prices of marketable securities and resulting funding requirements for Entergy’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans;
·  
future wage and employee benefit costs, including changes in discount rates and returns on benefit plan assets;
·  
changes in decommissioning trust fund values or earnings or in the timing of or cost to decommission nuclear plant sites;
·  
the effectiveness of Entergy’s risk management policies and procedures and the ability and willingness of its counterparties to satisfy their financial and performance commitments;
·  
factors that could lead to impairment of long-lived assets; and
·  
the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition, or divestiture plans, regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of merger, acquisition, or divestiture, and the success of the business following a merger, acquisition, or divestiture.


DEFINITIONS

Certain abbreviations or acronyms used in the text and notes are defined below:

Abbreviation or Acronym
Term
 
     
AFUDC
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
 
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
 
ANO 1 and 2
Units 1 and 2 of Arkansas Nuclear One (nuclear), owned by Entergy Arkansas
 
APSC
Arkansas Public Service Commission
 
ASLB
Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, the board within the NRC that conducts hearings and performs other regulatory functions that the NRC authorizes
 
ASU
Accounting Standards Update issued by the FASB
 
Board
Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation
 
Cajun
Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.
 
capacity factor
Actual plant output divided by maximum potential plant output for the period
 
City Council or Council
Council of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana
 
DOE
United States Department of Energy
 
D. C. Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
 
Entergy
Entergy Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries
 
Entergy Corporation
Entergy Corporation, a Delaware corporation
 
Entergy Gulf States, Inc.
Predecessor company for financial reporting purposes to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana that included the assets and business operations of both Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., a company formally created as part of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and the successor company to Entergy Gulf States, Inc. for financial reporting purposes.  The term is also used to refer to the Louisiana jurisdictional business of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as the context requires.
 
Entergy-Koch
A joint venture equally owned by subsidiaries of Entergy and Koch Industries, Inc.  Entergy-Koch’s pipeline and trading businesses were sold in 2004.
 
Entergy Texas
Entergy Texas, Inc., a company formally created as part of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc.  The term is also used to refer to the Texas jurisdictional business of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as the context requires.
 
Entergy Wholesale
Commodities (EWC)
Entergy’s non-utility business segment primarily comprised of the ownership and operation of six nuclear power plants, the ownership of interests in non-nuclear power plants, and the sale of the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers
 
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
 
ERCOT
Electric Reliability Council of Texas
 
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
 
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
 
firm LD
Transaction that requires receipt or delivery of energy at a specified delivery point (usually at a market hub not associated with a specific asset) or settles financially on notional quantities; if a party fails to deliver or receive energy, the defaulting party must compensate the other party as specified in the contract
 
FitzPatrick
James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
Grand Gulf
Unit No. 1 of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (nuclear), 90% owned or leased by System Energy
 
GWh
Gigawatt-hour(s), which equals one million kilowatt-hours
 


DEFINITIONS (Continued)

Abbreviation or Acronym
Term
   
Independence
Independence Steam Electric Station (coal), owned 16% by Entergy Arkansas, 25% by Entergy Mississippi, and 7% by Entergy Power
Indian Point 2
Unit 2 of Indian Point Energy Center (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
Indian Point 3
Unit 3 of Indian Point Energy Center (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
ISO
Independent System Operator
kV
Kilovolt
kW
Kilowatt, which equals one thousand watts
kWh
Kilowatt-hour(s)
LDEQ
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
LPSC
Louisiana Public Service Commission
Mcf
1,000 cubic feet of gas
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., a regional transmission organization
MMBtu
One million British Thermal Units
MPSC
Mississippi Public Service Commission
MW
Megawatt(s), which equals one thousand kilowatt(s)
MWh
Megawatt-hour(s)
Nelson Unit 6
Unit No. 6 (coal) of the Nelson Steam Electric Generating Station, 70% of which is co-owned by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (57.5%) and Entergy Texas (42.5%), and 10.9% of which is owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
Net debt to net capital ratio
Gross debt less cash and cash equivalents divided by total capitalization less cash and cash equivalents
Net MW in operation
Installed capacity owned and operated
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NYPA
New York Power Authority
OASIS
Open Access Same Time Information Systems
Palisades
Palisades Power Plant (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
Pilgrim
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
PPA
Purchased power agreement or power purchase agreement
PRP
Potentially responsible party (a person or entity that may be responsible for remediation of environmental contamination)
PUCT
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Registrant Subsidiaries
Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc.


DEFINITIONS (Concluded)

Abbreviation or Acronym
Term
   
Ritchie Unit 2
Unit 2 of the R.E. Ritchie Steam Electric Generating Station (gas/oil)
River Bend
River Bend Station (nuclear), owned by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
RTO
Regional transmission organization
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
SMEPA
South Mississippi Electric Power Association, which owns a 10% interest in Grand Gulf
System Agreement
Agreement, effective January 1, 1983, as modified, among the Utility operating companies relating to the sharing of generating capacity and other power resources
System Energy
System Energy Resources, Inc.
System Fuels
System Fuels, Inc.
TWh
Terawatt-hour(s), which equals one billion kilowatt-hours
U.K.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Unit Power Sales Agreement
Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, as amended and approved by FERC, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy, relating to the sale of capacity and energy from System Energy’s share of Grand Gulf
Utility
Entergy’s business segment that generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power, with a small amount of natural gas distribution
Utility operating companies
Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas
Vermont Yankee
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment
Waterford 3
Unit No. 3 ( nuclear ) of the Waterford Steam Electric Station, 100% owned or leased by Entergy Louisiana
weather-adjusted usage
Electric usage excluding the effects of deviations from normal weather
White Bluff
White Bluff Steam Electric Generating Station, 57% owned by Entergy Arkansas



 
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Entergy operates primarily through two business segments: Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.

·  
The Utility business segment includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operates a small natural gas distribution business.  As discussed in more detail in “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ,” in December 2011, Entergy entered into an agreement to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly-formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp.
·  
The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment includes the ownership and operation of six nuclear power plants located in the northern United States and the sale of the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.  This business also provides services to other nuclear power plant owners.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities also owns interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.

Following are the percentages of Entergy’s consolidated revenues and net income generated by its operating segments and the percentage of total assets held by them.

   
% of Revenue
 
% of Net Income
 
% of Total Assets
Segment
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
                                     
Utility
 
78
 
79
 
78
 
110 
 
82 
 
65 
 
82 
 
80 
 
80 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
22
 
21
 
22
 
 
36 
 
36 
 
22 
 
24 
 
26 
Parent & Other
 
-
 
  -
 
-
 
(15)
 
(18)
 
(1)
 
(4)
 
(4)
 
(6)

Hurricane Isaac

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac caused extensive damage to portions of Entergy's service area in Louisiana, and to a lesser extent in Mississippi and Arkansas.  The storm resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage primarily to distribution infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy's electric facilities in areas with damage from Hurricane Isaac are currently estimated to be approximately $370 million, including approximate amounts of $7 million at Entergy Arkansas, $70 million at Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $220 million at Entergy Louisiana, $22 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $48 million at Entergy New Orleans.

The Utility operating companies are considering all reasonable avenues to recover storm-related costs from Hurricane Isaac, including, but not limited to, accessing funded storm reserves; securitization or other alternative financing; and traditional retail recovery on an interim and permanent basis.  Each Utility operating company is responsible for its restoration cost obligations and for recovering or financing its storm-related costs.  In November 2012, Entergy New Orleans drew $10 million from its funded storm reserves.  In January 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana drew $65 million and $187 million, respectively, from their funded storm reserves.  Storm cost recovery or financing may be subject to review by applicable regulatory authorities.

Entergy recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $120 million and construction work in progress of approximately $250 million.  Entergy recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service areas because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.

 
1

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Results of Operations

2012 Compared to 2011

Following are income statement variances for Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities, Parent & Other, and Entergy comparing 2012 to 2011 showing how much the line item increased or (decreased) in comparison to the prior period.

   
 
Utility
   
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities
   
Parent &
Other
   
 
Entergy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
2011 Consolidated Net Income (Loss)
  $ 1,123,866     $ 491,846     $ (248,340 )   $ 1,367,372  
                                 
Net revenue (operating revenue less fuel expense,
purchased power, and other regulatory
charges/credits)
      64,531       (191,311 )     (4,313 )     (131,093 )
Other operation and maintenance expenses
    128,955       52,253       (3,574 )     177,634  
Asset impairment
    -       355,524       -       355,524  
Taxes other than income taxes
    803       20,675       (206 )     21,272  
Depreciation and amortization
    45,728       (3,145 )     (200 )     42,383  
Other income
    (458 )     9,866       3,885       13,293  
Interest expense
    20,746       (15,167 )     50,078       55,657  
Other expenses
    9,356       (25,209 )     -       (15,853 )
Income taxes
    22,029       (114,957 )     (162,480 )     (255,408 )
                                 
2012 Consolidated Net Income (Loss)
  $ 960,322     $ 40,427     $ (132,386 )   $ 868,363  

Refer to “ SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ” which accompanies Entergy Corporation’s financial statements in this report for further information with respect to operating statistics.

In the fourth quarter 2012, Entergy moved two subsidiaries from Parent & Other to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment to improve the alignment of certain intercompany items and income tax activity.  The prior period financial information in this Form 10-K has been restated to reflect this change.

As discussed in more detail in Note 1 to the financial statements, results of operations for 2012 include a $355.5 million ($223.5 million after-tax) impairment charge to write down the carrying values of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values.  Also, net income in 2012 was significantly affected by two settlements with the IRS; one of which related to the income tax treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita storm costs, and the other of which related to nuclear power plant decommissioning liabilities, both of which resulted in a reduction in income tax expense.  The net income effect was partially offset by a regulatory charge, which reduced net revenue in 2012, associated with the storm costs settlement to reflect the obligation to customers with respect to the settlement.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlements.  Net income for Utility for 2011 was significantly affected by a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts, which resulted in a reduction in income tax expense.  The net income effect was partially offset by a regulatory charge, which reduced net revenue in 2011, because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the benefits with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and benefit sharing.


 
2

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Net Revenue

Utility

Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

  
 
Amount
 
  
 
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 4,904  
Mark-to-market tax settlement sharing
    200  
Retail electric price
    81  
Grand Gulf recovery
    71  
Net wholesale revenue
    (28 )
Purchased power capacity
    (29 )
Volume/weather
    (80 )
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation
    (161 )
Other
    11  
2012 net revenue
  $ 4,969  

The mark-to-market tax settlement sharing variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in September 2011 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the benefits of a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts with customers. See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and benefit sharing.

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to:

·  
an increase in the storm cost recovery rider at Entergy Mississippi, as approved by the MPSC for a five-month period effective August 2012.  This increase is offset by costs included in other operation and maintenance expenses and has no effect on net income;
·  
an increase in the energy efficiency rider at Entergy Arkansas, as approved by the APSC, effective July 2012.  This increase is offset by costs included in other operation and maintenance expenses and has no effect on net income;
·  
a special formula rate plan rate increase at Entergy Louisiana effective May 2011 in accordance with a previous LPSC order relating to the acquisition of Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the formula rate plan increase; and
·  
base rate increases at Entergy Texas beginning May 2011 as a result of the settlement of the December 2009 rate case and effective July 2012 as a result of the PUCT’s order in the December 2011 rate case.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rate cases.

These increases were partially offset by formula rate plan decreases at Entergy New Orleans effective October 2011 and at Entergy Gulf States Louisiana effective September 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the formula rate plan decreases.

The Grand Gulf recovery variance is primarily due to increased recovery of higher costs resulting from the Grand Gulf uprate.

The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to decreased sales volume to municipal and co-op customers and lower prices.

The purchased power capacity variance is primarily due to price increases for ongoing purchased power capacity and additional capacity purchases.
 
 
3

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased electricity usage, including the effect of milder weather as compared to the prior period on residential and commercial sales. Hurricane Isaac, which hit the Utility’s service area in August 2012, also contributed to the decrease in electricity usage.  Billed electricity usage decreased a total of 1,684 GWh, or 2%, across all customer classes.

The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in 2012 because Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana are sharing the savings from an IRS settlement related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financing with customers.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and savings obligation.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

  
 
Amount
 
  
 
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 2,045  
Nuclear realized price changes
    (194 )
Nuclear volume
    (33 )
Other
    36  
2012 net revenue
  $ 1,854  

As shown in the table above, net revenue for Entergy Wholesale Commodities decreased by $191 million, or 9%, in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to lower pricing in its contracts to sell power and lower volume in its nuclear fleet resulting from more unplanned and refueling outage days in 2012 as compared to 2011 which was partially offset by the exercise of resupply options provided for in purchase power agreements whereby Entergy Wholesale Commodities may elect to supply power from another source when the plant is not running. Amounts related to the exercise of resupply options are included in the GWh billed in the table below. Partially offsetting the lower net revenue from the nuclear fleet was higher net revenue from the Rhode Island State Energy Center, which was acquired in December 2011.

Following are key performance measures for Entergy Wholesale Commodities for 2012 and 2011.

   
2012
 
2011
         
Owned capacity
 
6,612
 
6,599
GWh billed
 
46,178
 
43,497
Average realized price per MWh
 
$50.02
 
$54.50
         
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Fleet
Capacity factor
 
89%
 
93%
GWh billed
 
41,042
 
40,918
Average realized revenue per MWh
 
$50.29
 
$54.73
Refueling Outage Days:
       
FitzPatrick
 
34
 
-
Indian Point 2
 
28
 
-
Indian Point 3
 
-
 
30
Palisades
 
34
 
-
Pilgrim
 
-
 
25
Vermont Yankee
 
-
 
25
 
 
4

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



Realized Revenue per MWh for Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Plants

The recent economic downturn and negative trends in the energy commodity markets have resulted in lower natural gas prices and lower market prices for electricity in the New York and New England power regions, which is where five of the six Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants are located.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear business experienced a decrease in realized price per MWh to $50.29 in 2012 from $54.73 in 2011 and $59.16 in 2010, and is likely to experience a decrease again in 2013 because, as shown in the contracted sale of energy table in “ Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments ,” Entergy Wholesale Commodities has sold forward 85% of its planned nuclear energy output for 2013 for an expected average contracted energy price of $46 per MWh based on market prices at December 31, 2012.  In addition, Entergy Wholesale Commodities has sold forward 73% of its planned nuclear energy output for 2014 for an expected average contracted energy price of $45 per MWh based on market prices at December 31, 2012.  Near-term prices present a challenging economic situation for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants.  The challenge is greater for some of these plants based on a variety of factors such as their market for both energy and capacity, their size, their contracted positions, and the investment required to maintain the safety and integrity of the plants.  If, in the future, economic conditions or regulatory activity no longer support the continued operation of a plant it could adversely affect Entergy’s results of operations through impairment charges, increased depreciation rates, transitional costs, or accelerated decommissioning costs.  Impairment of long-lived assets and nuclear decommissioning costs, and the factors that influence these items, are both discussed below in “ Critical Accounting Estimates .”  See also the discussion below in “ Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorizations to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants ” regarding Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plant operating license and related activity.

Other Income Statement Items

Utility

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $1,951 million for 2011 to $2,080 million for 2012 primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $47 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to decreasing discount rates and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of benefits costs;
·  
$38 million of costs incurred in 2012 related to the planned spin-off and merger of the Utility’s transmission business;
·  
an increase of $29 million in nuclear expenses primarily due to higher labor costs, including higher contract labor;
·  
an increase of $21 million resulting from a temporary increase in the Entergy Mississippi storm damage reserve authorized by the MPSC effective August 2012.  These costs included are recovered through the storm cost recovery rider and have no effect on net income;
·  
an increase of $14 million in energy efficiency costs at Entergy Arkansas.  These costs are recovered through the energy efficiency rider and have no effect on net income;
·  
the deferral in 2011 of $13.4 million of 2010 Michoud plant maintenance costs pursuant to the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’ 2010 test year formula rate plan filing approved by the City Council in September 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the Entergy New Orleans 2010 test year formula rate plan filing and settlement; and
·  
an increase of $10 million in operating expenses due to the sale of surplus oil inventory in 2011.
 
 
5

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


These increases were partially offset by:

·  
a decrease of approximately $7 million as a result of the deferral or capitalization of storm restoration costs for Hurricane Isaac, which hit the Utility’s service area in August 2012;
·  
the effect of the deferral, as approved by the FERC, and the LPSC for the Louisiana jurisdictions, of costs related to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO, which reduced expenses by $10 million; and
·  
a decrease of $9 million in legal expenses, not including legal costs related to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO and the planned spin-off and merger of the Utility’s transmission business which are included in other bullets, primarily resulting from a decrease in legal and regulatory activity decreasing the use of outside legal services.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
 
Interest expense increased primarily due to a revision in 2011 caused by FERC’s acceptance of a change in the treatment of funds received from independent power producers for transmission interconnection projects.  Also contributing to the increase were net debt issuances by certain of the Utility operating companies.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $906 million for 2011 to $958 million for 2012 primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $23 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to decreasing discount rates and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of benefits costs;
·  
an increase of $23 million primarily due to higher contract labor costs and higher material and supply costs; and
·  
an increase of $20 million due to the operations of the Rhode Island State Energy Center, which was acquired in December 2011.

These increases were partially offset by the effects of recording the final court decisions in the Vermont Yankee and Indian Point 2 lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Energy related to spent nuclear fuel disposal.  The damages awarded include the reimbursement of approximately $25 million of spent nuclear fuel storage costs previously recorded as operation and maintenance expenses.

The asset impairment variance is due to a $355.5 million ($223.5 million after-tax) impairment charge recorded in the first quarter 2012 to write down the carrying values of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values.  See Note 1 to the financial statements for further discussion of this charge.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increased property taxes at FitzPatrick,  increased electric generating excises at Vermont Yankee, and property taxes from the Rhode Island State Energy Center acquired in December 2011.  Previously, FitzPatrick was granted an exemption from property taxation and paid taxes according to a payment in lieu of property tax agreement.  This agreement expired on June 30, 2011 and FitzPatrick is now being taxed under the regular property tax system.  FitzPatrick has pending litigation in the Fifth Judicial District of New York State Supreme Court challenging each annual property tax assessment placed on FitzPatrick since the expiration of the payment in lieu of tax agreement.  The State of Vermont enacted legislation, which became effective on July 1, 2012, increasing the electric generating excise on Vermont Yankee.  Vermont Yankee is challenging the constitutionality of this legislation.  In October 2012 the federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont dismissed the suit on jurisdictional grounds.  In November 2012, Entergy appealed the District Court’s decision to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, where the suit remains pending.
 
 
 
6

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to adjustments resulting from final court decisions in the Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2 and Vermont Yankee lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Energy related to spent nuclear fuel disposal.  The effects of recording the proceeds from the judgments reduced the plant in service balances with a corresponding $25 million reduction to previously-recorded depreciation expense.  Partially offsetting the adjustment was an increase due to additions to plant in service, including the acquisition of the Rhode Island State Energy Center in December 2011.

Other expenses decreased primarily due to a credit to decommissioning expense of $49 million in the second quarter 2012 compared to a credit to decommissioning expense of $34 million in the fourth quarter 2011 resulting from reductions in the decommissioning cost liabilities for certain nuclear plants as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies.  See “ Critical Accounting Estimates – Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” below for further discussion of these credits.

Parent & Other

Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $500 million of 4.7% senior notes by Entergy Corporation in January 2012 and a higher interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Entergy Corporation credit facility.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for 2012 was 3.4%.  The difference in the effective income tax rate versus the statutory rate of 35% for 2012 is related to (1) an IRS settlement of the tax treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita storm costs and the reversal of the provision for the uncertain tax position related to that item as discussed further in Note 3 to the financial statements; (2) a unanimous court decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirming an earlier decision of the U.S. Tax Court holding that Entergy was entitled to claim a credit against its U.S. tax liability for the U.K. windfall tax that it paid.  The decision necessitated that Entergy reverse the provision for the uncertain tax position related to that item; and (3) an IRS Settlement on nuclear power plant decommissioning liabilities resulting in an earnings benefit of approximately $155 million, as discussed further in Note 3 to the financial statements.

The effective income tax rate for 2011 was 17.3%. The difference in the effective income tax rate versus the statutory rate of 35% in 2011 was primarily due to a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts, which resulted in a reduction in income tax expense of $422 million.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for further discussion of the settlement.

See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rates, and for additional discussion regarding income taxes.
 
 
7

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


2011 Compared to 2010

Following are income statement variances for Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities, Parent & Other, and Entergy comparing 2011 to 2010 showing how much the line item increased or (decreased) in comparison to the prior period.

   
 
Utility
   
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities
   
Parent &
Other
   
 
Entergy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
2010 Consolidated Net Income (Loss)
  $ 829,719     $ 450,104     $ (9,518 )   $ 1,270,305  
                                 
Net revenue (operating revenue less fuel expense,
purchased power, and other regulatory
charges/credits)
    (146,947 )     (155,898 )       3,620       (299,225 )
Other operation and maintenance expenses
    1,674       (141,672 )     38,354       (101,644 )
Taxes other than income taxes
    248       1,079       400       1,727  
Depreciation and amortization
    16,326       16,008       (26 )     32,308  
Gain on sale of business
    -       (44,173 )     -       (44,173 )
Other income
    (3,388 )     (47,257 )     9,339       (41,306 )
Interest expense
    (37,502 )     (69,661 )     45,623       (61,540 )
Other expenses
    1,688       (23,335 )     1       (21,646 )
Income taxes
    (426,916 )     (71,489 )     167,429       (330,976 )
                                 
2011 Consolidated Net Income (Loss)
  $ 1,123,866     $ 491,846     $ (248,340 )   $ 1,367,372  
 
Refer to “ SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ” which accompanies Entergy Corporation’s financial statements in this report for further information with respect to operating statistics.

Net income for Utility in 2011 was significantly affected by a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts, which resulted in a reduction in income tax expense.  The net income effect was partially offset by a regulatory charge, which reduced net revenue in 2011, because a portion of the benefits will be shared with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and benefit sharing.

Net Revenue

Utility

Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

  
 
Amount
 
  
 
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 5,051  
Mark-to-market tax settlement sharing
    (196 )
Purchased power capacity
    (21 )
Net wholesale revenue
    (14 )
Volume/weather
    13  
ANO decommissioning trust
    24  
Retail electric price
    49  
Other
    (2 )
2011 net revenue
  $ 4,904  
 
 
8

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



The mark-to-market tax settlement sharing variance results from a regulatory charge because a portion of the benefits of a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts will be shared with customers, slightly offset by the amortization of a portion of that charge beginning in October 2011.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and benefit sharing.

The purchased power capacity variance is primarily due to price increases for ongoing purchased power capacity and additional capacity purchases.

The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to lower margins on co-owner contracts and higher wholesale energy costs.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase of 2,061 GWh in weather-adjusted usage across all sectors.  Weather-adjusted residential retail sales growth reflected an increase in the number of customers.  Industrial sales growth has continued since the beginning of 2010.  Entergy’s service territory has benefited from the national manufacturing economy and exports, as well as industrial facility expansions.  Increases have been offset to some extent by declines in the paper, wood products, and pipeline segments.  The increase was also partially offset by the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales.

The ANO decommissioning trust variance is primarily related to the deferral of investment gains from the ANO 1 and 2 decommissioning trust in 2010 in accordance with regulatory treatment.  The gains resulted in an increase in interest and investment income in 2010 and a corresponding increase in regulatory charges with no effect on net income.
 
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to:

·  
rate actions at Entergy Texas, including a base rate increase effective August 2010 and an additional increase beginning May 2011;
·  
a formula rate plan increase at Entergy Louisiana effective May 2011; and
·  
a base rate increase at Entergy Arkansas effective July 2010.

These were partially offset by formula rate plan decreases at Entergy New Orleans effective October 2010 and October 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of these proceedings.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

  
 
Amount
 
  
 
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 2,200  
Nuclear realized price changes
    (159 )
Fuel expenses
    (30 )
Harrison County
    (27 )
Nuclear volume
    61  
2011 net revenue
  $ 2,045  

As shown in the table above, net revenue for Entergy Wholesale Commodities decreased by $155 million, or 7%, in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
lower pricing in its contracts to sell power;
·  
higher fuel expenses, primarily at the nuclear plants; and
·  
the absence of the Harrison County plant, which was sold in December 2010.
 
 
 
9

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


These factors were partially offset by higher volume resulting from fewer planned and unplanned outage days in 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Following are key performance measures for Entergy Wholesale Commodities for 2011 and 2010:

   
2011
 
2010
         
Owned capacity
 
6,599
 
6,351
GWh billed
 
43,497
 
42,934
Average realized price per MWh
 
$54.50
 
$58.69
         
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Fleet
Capacity factor
 
93%
 
90%
GWh billed
 
40,918
 
39,655
Average realized revenue per MWh
 
$54.73
 
$59.16
Refueling Outage Days:
       
FitzPatrick
 
-
 
35
Indian Point 2
 
-
 
33
Indian Point 3
 
30
 
-
Palisades
 
-
 
26
Pilgrim
 
25
 
-
Vermont Yankee
 
25
 
29
 
Other Income Statement Items

Utility

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $1,949 million for 2010 to $1,951 million for 2011 primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $17 million in nuclear expenses primarily due to higher labor costs, including higher contract labor;
·  
an increase of $15 million in contract costs due to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO;
·  
an increase of $9 million in legal expenses primarily resulting from an increase in legal and regulatory activity increasing the use of outside legal services;
·  
an increase of $8 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to the addition of Acadia Unit 2 in April 2011; and
·  
several individually insignificant items.

These increases were substantially offset by:

·  
a decrease of $29 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily resulting from an increase in the accrual for incentive-based compensation in 2010 and a decrease in stock option expense.  The decrease in stock option expense is offset by credits recorded by the parent company, Entergy Corporation;
·  
the deferral in 2011 of $13.4 million of 2010 Michoud plant maintenance costs pursuant to the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’ 2010 test year formula rate plan filing approved by the City Council in September 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the 2010 test year formula rate plan filing and settlement;
·  
the amortization of $11 million of Entergy Texas rate case expenses in 2010.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the Entergy Texas rate case settlement; and
·  
a decrease of $10 million in operating expenses due to the sale of surplus oil inventory in 2011.
 
 
 
10

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation rates at Entergy Arkansas as a result of the rate case settlement agreement approved by the APSC in June 2010.

Interest expense decreased primarily due to:

·  
the refinancing of long-term debt at lower interest rates by certain of the Utility operating companies;
·  
a revision caused by FERC’s acceptance of a change in the treatment of funds received from independent power producers for transmission interconnection projects; and
·  
interest expense accrued in 2010 related to the expected result of the LPSC Staff audit of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s fuel adjustment clause for the period 1995 through 2004.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased from $1,047 million for 2010 to $906 million for 2011 primarily due to:

·  
the write-off of $64 million of capital costs in 2010, primarily for software that would not be utilized, and $16 million of additional costs incurred in 2010 in connection with Entergy’s decision to unwind the infrastructure created for the planned spin-off of its non-utility nuclear business;
·  
a decrease of $30 million due to the absence of expenses from the Harrison County plant, which was sold in December 2010;
·  
a decrease in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase of $19 million in the accrual for incentive-based compensation in 2010;
·  
a decrease of $12 million in spending on tritium remediation work; and
·  
the write-off of $10 million of capitalized engineering costs in 2010 associated with a potential uprate project.

The gain on sale resulted from the sale in 2010 of Entergy’s ownership interest in the Harrison County Power Project 550 MW combined-cycle plant to two Texas electric cooperatives that owned a minority share of the plant.  Entergy sold its 61 percent share of the plant for $219 million and realized a pre-tax gain of $44.2 million on the sale.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service and declining useful life of nuclear assets.

Other income decreased primarily due to a decrease in interest income earned on loans to the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and a decrease of $13 million in realized earnings on decommissioning trust fund investments.

Interest expense decreased primarily due to the write-off of $39 million of debt financing costs in 2010, primarily incurred for a $1.2 billion credit facility that will not be used, in connection with Entergy’s decision to unwind the infrastructure created for the planned spin-off of its non-utility nuclear business.

Other expenses decreased primarily due to a credit to decommissioning expense of $34 million in 2011 resulting from a reduction in the decommissioning liability for a plant as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study obtained to comply with a state regulatory requirement.  See “ Critical Accounting Estimates – Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” below for further discussion of accounting for asset retirement obligations.
 
 
 
11

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Parent & Other

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to lower intercompany stock option credits recorded by the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and an increase of $13 million related to the planned spin-off and merger of Entergy’s transmission business.  See “ Plan to Spin Off  the Utility’s Transmission Business ” below for further discussion.

Interest expense increased primarily due to $1 billion of Entergy Corporation senior notes issued in September 2010, with the proceeds used to pay down borrowings outstanding on Entergy Corporation’s revolving credit facility that were at a lower interest rate.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for 2011 was 17.3%.  The difference in the effective income tax rate versus the statutory rate of 35% in 2011 was primarily due to a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts, which resulted in a reduction in income tax expense of $422 million.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for further discussion of the settlement.

The effective income tax rate for 2010 was 32.7%.  The difference in the effective income tax rate versus the statutory rate of 35% in 2010 was primarily due to:

·  
a favorable U.S. Tax Court decision holding that the U.K. Windfall Tax may be used as a credit for purposes of computing the U.S. foreign tax credit, which allowed Entergy to reverse a provision for uncertain tax positions of $43 million, included in Parent and Other, on the issue.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for further discussion of this tax litigation;
·  
a $19 million tax benefit recorded in connection with Entergy’s decision to unwind the infrastructure created for the planned spin-off of its non-utility nuclear business; and
·  
the recognition of a $14 million Louisiana state income tax benefit related to storm cost financing.

Partially offsetting the decreased effective income tax rate was a charge of $16 million resulting from a change in tax law associated with the recently enacted federal healthcare legislation, as discussed below in “ Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits ” and state income taxes and certain book and tax differences for Utility plant items.

See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective income tax rates, and for additional discussion regarding income taxes.

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

On December 5, 2011, Entergy announced that it would spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC).  In order to effect the spin-off and merger, Entergy entered into (i) a Merger Agreement with Mid South TransCo LLC, a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy (TransCo); ITC; and ITC Midsouth LLC (formerly known as Ibis Transaction Subsidiary LLC) (Merger Sub), a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC; and (ii) a Separation Agreement with TransCo, ITC, each of the Utility operating companies, and Entergy Services, Inc.  These agreements, which have been approved by the Boards of Directors of Entergy and ITC, provide for the separation of Entergy’s transmission business (the Transmission Business), the distribution to Entergy’s stockholders of all of the common units, excluding any common units to be contributed to an exchange trust in the event Entergy makes the exchange trust election described below, of TransCo, a holding company subsidiary formed to hold the Transmission Business, and the merger of Merger Sub with and into TransCo, with TransCo continuing as the surviving entity in the Merger (the Merger), following which each common unit of TransCo will be converted into the right to receive one fully paid and nonassessable share of ITC common stock.  Both the Distribution (as defined below) and the Merger are expected to qualify as tax-free transactions.
 
 
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Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, Entergy will distribute the TransCo common units to its shareholders, excluding any TransCo common units to be contributed to an exchange trust in the event Entergy makes the exchange trust election described below.  At Entergy’s election, it may distribute the TransCo common units by means of a pro rata dividend in a spin-off or pursuant to an exchange offer in a split-off, or a combination of a spin-off and a split-off (the Distribution).  In connection with the Merger, ITC will effectuate a $700 million recapitalization, which will take the form of a one-time special dividend to its shareholders of record as of a record date prior to the Merger (the Special Dividend), a share repurchase or a combination thereof.  The decision regarding the form of the recapitalization will be determined by the board of directors of ITC at a later date closer to the Merger.  Entergy’s shareholders who become shareholders of ITC as a result of the Merger will not receive the Special Dividend.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, immediately after the consummation of the Separation (as defined below), the consummation of the Financings (as defined below), the payment of the Special Dividend and the consummation of the Distribution, Merger Sub will merge with and into TransCo, with TransCo continuing as the surviving entity, and Entergy shareholders who hold common units of TransCo will have those units exchanged for ITC common stock on a one-for-one basis.  Consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and the Merger Agreement is expected to result in Entergy’s shareholders, together with the exchange trust described below if it is utilized, holding at least 50.1% of ITC’s common stock and existing ITC shareholders holding no more than 49.9% of ITC’s common stock immediately after the Merger.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Entergy may elect to retain up to the number of TransCo common units that would convert in the Merger into up to 4.9999% of the total number of shares of ITC common stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis immediately following the consummation of the Merger that otherwise would have been distributed in the Distribution (the Exchange Trust Election).  If Entergy makes the Exchange Trust Election, Entergy will transfer the retained TransCo common units to an irrevocable trust (the Exchange Trust).  The TransCo common units transferred to the Exchange Trust will not be distributed to the distribution agent on behalf of Entergy shareholders in the Distribution.  At the closing of the Merger, the TransCo common units transferred to the Exchange Trust will convert to ITC common stock.  The trustee of the Exchange Trust will own and hold legal title to the TransCo common units and, following consummation of the Merger, ITC common stock for the benefit of Entergy and Entergy shareholders; provided, however, in no event will the ITC common stock held by the Exchange Trust be transferred to Entergy.  Upon delivery of notice by Entergy, the trustee of the Exchange Trust will conduct an exchange offer (the Exchange Trust Exchange Offer) pursuant to which Entergy shareholders may exchange Entergy common stock for the ITC common stock held by the Exchange Trust.  Any ITC common stock remaining in the Exchange Trust after six months following the completion of the Merger will be distributed to Entergy shareholders pro rata.  The purpose of the Exchange Trust is to permit an exchange offer with Entergy shareholders to occur during a period after the closing, when the trading market for the ITC common stock has settled following the Merger.  The Exchange Trust Exchange Offer, if elected by Entergy, is an option to help Entergy efficiently manage its post-transaction capital structure and improve cash flow and credit metrics.  Upon the consummation of a successful exchange offer by the Exchange Trust, there would be fewer outstanding shares of Entergy common stock, as those shares would have been exchanged for the shares of ITC common stock held by the Exchange Trust.  Consequently, a successful delayed exchange offer would permit Entergy to reduce its common shares outstanding and aggregate cash dividends paid and as a result could improve Entergy’s available cash flow and credit metrics.

The Merger Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties.  The Merger Agreement may be terminated: (i) by mutual consent of Entergy and ITC, (ii) by either Entergy or ITC if the Merger has not been completed by June 30, 2013, subject to an up to six month extension by either Entergy or ITC in certain circumstances, (iii) by either Entergy or ITC if the transactions are enjoined or otherwise prohibited by applicable law, (iv) by Entergy, on the one hand, or ITC, on the other hand, upon a material breach of the Merger Agreement by the other party that has not been cured by the cure period specified in the Merger Agreement, (v) by either Entergy or ITC if ITC’s shareholders fail to approve the ITC shareholder proposals, (vi) by Entergy if the ITC Board of Directors withdraws or changes its recommendation of the ITC shareholder proposals in a manner adverse to Entergy, (vii) by Entergy if ITC willfully breaches in any material respect its non-solicitation covenant and the breach has not been cured by the cure period specified in the Merger Agreement, (viii) by Entergy if there is a law or order that enjoins the transactions or imposes a burdensome condition on Entergy, (ix) by either Entergy or ITC if there is a law or order that enjoins the transactions or imposes a
 
 
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Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

 
burdensome condition on ITC, (x) by ITC, prior to ITC shareholder approval, to enter into a transaction for a superior proposal, provided that ITC complies with its notice and other obligations in the non-solicitation provision and pays Entergy the termination fee concurrently with termination or (xi) by ITC if Entergy takes certain actions with respect to the migration of the Transmission Business to a regional transmission organization if such actions could reasonably be expected to have certain adverse effects on TransCo or ITC after the Merger. In the event that (i) ITC terminates the Merger Agreement to accept a superior acquisition proposal, (ii) Entergy terminates the Merger Agreement because the ITC Board of Directors has withdrawn its recommendation of the ITC shareholder proposals, approves or recommends another acquisition proposal, fails to reaffirm its recommendation or materially breaches the non-solicitation provisions, (iii) either of the parties terminates the Merger Agreement because the approval of ITC’s shareholders is not obtained or (iv) Entergy terminates because of ITC’s uncured willful breach of the Merger Agreement, and in the case of clauses (iii) and (iv) an ITC takeover transaction was publicly announced and not withdrawn prior to termination and within 12 months of termination ITC agrees to or consummates a takeover transaction, then ITC must pay Entergy a $113,570,800 termination fee.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions for a transaction such as the Merger, including, among others, (i) consummation of the Separation, the Distribution, the Financings and the Special Dividend, (ii) the approval of the ITC shareholder proposals by the shareholders of ITC, (iii) the authorization for listing on the New York Stock Exchange of ITC common stock to be issued in the Merger, (iv) the receipt by Entergy of regulatory approvals necessary to become a member of an acceptable regional transmission organization, (v) the receipt of regulatory approvals necessary to consummate the transaction and no such regulatory approvals impose a burdensome condition on ITC or Entergy, (vi) the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (which has occurred), (vii) the absence of a material adverse effect on the Transmission Business or ITC, (viii) the receipt by Entergy of a solvency opinion and (ix) the receipt of a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that certain requirements for the tax-free treatment of the distribution of TransCo are met and an opinion that the Distribution and the Merger will be treated as tax-free reorganizations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement are planned for completion in 2013.

Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, Entergy will engage in a series of preliminary restructuring transactions that result in the transfer to TransCo’s subsidiaries of the assets relating to the Transmission Business (the Separation).  TransCo and its subsidiaries will consummate certain financing transactions (the TransCo Financing) totaling approximately $1.775 billion (as may be adjusted pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement) pursuant to which (i) TransCo’s subsidiaries will borrow through a funded bridge facility with a term of 366 days and (ii) TransCo will issue senior securities of TransCo to Entergy (the TransCo Securities).  Neither Entergy nor the Utility operating companies will guarantee or otherwise be liable for the payment of the TransCo Securities after the Separation occurs.  Entergy will issue new debt or enter into agreements under which certain unrelated creditors will agree to purchase existing corporate debt of Entergy, which will be exchangeable into the TransCo Securities at closing (the Exchangeable Debt Financing).  Entergy intends to contribute some or all of the proceeds from the new debt to the Utility operating companies.  In addition, prior to the closing TransCo and/or the TransCo subsidiaries may obtain a working capital revolving credit facility in a principal amount agreed to by Entergy and ITC (such financing, together with the TransCo Financing and the Exchangeable Debt Financing, the Financings).

Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, immediately prior to the closing, each Utility operating company will contribute its respective transmission assets to a subsidiary that will become a TransCo subsidiary in the Separation in exchange for the equity interest in that subsidiary and the net proceeds received by that subsidiary from the funded bridge facility described above.  Each Utility operating company will distribute the equity interests in the subsidiaries holding the transmission assets to Entergy, which will then contribute such interests to TransCo.  The Utility operating companies intend to apply all of the amounts received by them from the subsidiaries and from Entergy to the prepayment or redemption of outstanding preferred and debt securities, with
 
 
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Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


 
the goal, following completion of the Separation, of maintaining their capitalization generally consistent with their capitalization prior to the Separation.  Although the aggregate amount and particular series of preferred and debt securities of each Utility operating company to be redeemed as well as the redemption dates are uncertain at this time and are expected to remain subject to change, each Utility operating company currently anticipates that all of its outstanding preferred securities, if any are outstanding, will be redeemed or otherwise retired prior to the Separation and that debt securities in the following approximate aggregate amounts will be redeemed prior to or following the Separation: $.45 billion for Entergy Arkansas, $.25 billion for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $.33 billion for Entergy Louisiana, $.24 billion for Entergy Mississippi, $2.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $.28 billion for Entergy Texas.  Entergy and the Utility operating companies may, subject to certain conditions, modify or supplement the manner in which the Separation is consummated.  As of December 31, 2012, net transmission plant in service, which does not include transmission-related construction work in progress or general or intangible plant, for the Utility operating companies was $1.03 billion for Entergy Arkansas, $.57 billion for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $.73 billion for Entergy Louisiana, $.58 billion for Entergy Mississippi, $.03 billion for Entergy New Orleans, and $.64 billion for Entergy Texas.  Consummation of the Separation is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions applicable to Entergy and ITC contained in the Separation Agreement and the Merger Agreement, including that the sum of the principal amount of TransCo Securities issued to Entergy and the principal amount of the bridge facility entered into by TransCo’s subsidiaries is approximately $1.775 billion, subject to adjustment pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement.

Filings with Retail Regulators

In conjunction with ITC, each of the Utility operating companies has filed applications with their respective retail regulators seeking approval for the proposal to spin off and merge the Transmission Business with ITC, including approval for change of control of the transmission assets and transaction-related steps in the spin-off and merger.  An application was filed with the LPSC on September 5, 2012, with the City Council on September 12, 2012, with the APSC on September 28, 2012, with the MPSC on October 5, 2012, and with the PUCT on February 19, 2013.  Also, on February 22, 2013, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT its transmission cost recovery rider application seeking to recover its 2014 ITC transmission charges and MISO administrative costs.   Entergy Arkansas and ITC also filed a joint application with the Missouri Public Service Commission on February 14, 2013 to obtain approval for the transfer of limited transmission facilities located in Missouri.

The ALJ in the LPSC proceeding has established a procedural schedule with staff testimony due March 14, 2013 and a hearing set to commence on June 24, 2013.  LPSC consideration is anticipated in September 2013.  The City Council has established a procedural schedule with a hearing scheduled to commence on July 23, 2013, with certification of the record to the City Council no later than August 6, 2013.  The APSC established a procedural schedule with staff testimony due in April 2013 and a hearing commencing in July 2013.  The MPSC has established a procedural schedule with staff testimony due in June 2013, a hearing commencing in August 2013, and a final order issued on or before September 15, 2013.  The PUCT is required to issue an order within 180 days of Entergy Texas’s filing.

Filings with the FERC

On September 24, 2012, Entergy, ITC, and certain of their subsidiaries submitted a series of filings with the FERC to obtain regulatory approvals related to the proposed transfer to ITC subsidiaries of the transmission assets owned by the Utility operating companies.  These filings include a joint application for authorization of the acquisition and disposition of jurisdictional transmission facilities, approval of transmission service formula rates and certain jurisdictional agreements, and a petition for declaratory order on the application of Federal Power Act section 305(a).  The application seeks approval under Federal Power Act section 205 of formula rates under Attachment O of the MISO Tariff for each of the new ITC Operating Companies (which will become Transmission Owner members of MISO) and of related jurisdictional pro forma agreements.  In a separate filing, MISO sought approval of an amendment to the MISO Tariff pursuant to Federal Power Act section 205 to enable the integration of the new ITC Operating Companies’ transmission facilities into MISO prior to the Utility operating companies becoming market participants in MISO.  On September 26, 2012, Entergy Services submitted an application under Federal Power Act section 205 requesting FERC authorization to cancel System Agreement Service Schedule MSS-2 (Transmission Equalization) effective upon closing of the transaction.  In October 2012, Entergy, ITC, and certain subsidiaries submitted filings with the FERC to obtain regulatory approvals under Federal Power Act section 204 for the various financings being undertaken as part of the transaction.

 
 
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Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Various parties have submitted comments and protests to the FERC regarding these filings.  The comments filed at the FERC include various matters related to the proposed transaction itself, including concerns about hold harmless commitments, whether the benefits of the transaction outweigh rate effects, and whether the transaction is consistent with the public interest, as well as issues related to the Utility operating companies’ proposal to join MISO.  Commenters have also challenged, among other things, aspects of the transmission rates proposed by the ITC applicants, including for example the proposed return on common equity, debt/equity ratio, and the number of transmission pricing zones.  Entergy and ITC are in the process of responding to the comments and protests filed as of a January 22, 2013 comment deadline established by the FERC.  FERC rules call for a decision 180 days from the date of a completed application provided that the matter is not set for hearing or is not otherwise extended for up to an additional 180 days.  If a matter is set for hearing, a procedural schedule will be established.

Other Filings

In July 2012, Entergy Corporation submitted a request to the Internal Revenue Service seeking a private letter ruling substantially to the effect that certain requirements for the tax-free treatment of the distribution of the transmission business are met.  In September 2012, Entergy submitted an application to the NRC for approval of certain nuclear plant license transfers and amendments as part of the steps to complete the spin-off and merger.  In December 2012, Entergy submitted a pre-merger notification under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR Act) with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice and the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act has expired.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorizations to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants

In March 2011 and May 2012 the NRC renewed the operating licenses of Vermont Yankee and Pilgrim, respectively, for an additional 20 years, as a result of which each license now expires in 2032.  For additional discussion regarding the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant, see “ Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ” in Note 1 to the financial statements.  In the Vermont Yankee license renewal case, the Vermont Department of Public Service and the New England Coalition appealed the NRC’s renewal of Vermont Yankee’s license to the D.C. Circuit.  In June 2012 the D.C. Circuit denied that appeal.  The time for seeking further judicial review of the NRC’s issuance of Vermont Yankee’s renewed operating license has expired.  In the Pilgrim license renewal case, three contentions remained pending before the ASLB at the time the license was issued.  Two of those contentions were subsequently denied by the ASLB and not appealed within the applicable time.  A third remaining contention (alleging failure of the Pilgrim Environmental Impact Statement to address adequately an endangered species) was denied by the ASLB and then appealed to the NRC, which denied the appeal on December 6, 2012.  No appeal of the NRC’s decision was filed within the time allowed for such appeals.  The NRC has indicated that should the appeal of a contention result in voiding of the renewed license, Pilgrim could operate under the “timely renewal” doctrine in reliance on the prior, and now superseded, license until proceedings concerning the renewed license are final.  Massachusetts appealed the NRC’s renewal of Pilgrim’s license to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  Entergy intervened in that appeal.  Briefing was completed and oral argument was held December 5, 2012.  On February 25, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied Massachusetts’s appeal.

The NRC operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 expire in September 2013 and December 2015, respectively, and NRC license renewal applications are in process for these plants.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their license expiration dates while their renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  In April 2007, Entergy submitted the application to the NRC to renew the operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and 3 for an additional 20 years.  The ASLB has admitted 21 contentions raised by the State of New York or other parties, which were combined into 16 discrete issues.  Three of the issues have been resolved, and 13 issues remain
 
 
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Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



subject to ASLB resolution.  In July 2011, the ASLB granted the State of New York’s motion for summary disposition of an admitted contention challenging the adequacy of a section of Indian Point’s environmental analysis as incorporated in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) (discussed below).  That section provided cost estimates for Severe Accident Mitigation Alternatives (SAMAs), which are hardware and procedural changes that could be implemented to mitigate estimated impacts of off-site radiological releases in case of a hypothesized severe accident.  In addition to finding that the SAMA cost analysis was insufficient, the ASLB directed the NRC staff to explain why cost-beneficial SAMAs should not be required to be implemented.  Entergy appealed the ASLB’s decision to the NRC and the NRC staff supported Entergy’s appeal, while the State of New York opposed it.  In December 2011, the NRC denied Entergy’s appeal as premature, stating that the appeal could be renewed at the conclusion of the ASLB proceedings.

Pursuant to ASLB scheduling orders in the Indian Point 2 and 3 license renewal proceeding, hearings on the nine contentions remaining in “Track 1” were held over 12 days in October, November, and December 2012.  Testimony on the four contentions currently in “Track 2” has not been completed.  Track 2 hearings have not been scheduled.

The NRC staff is also continuing to perform its technical and environmental reviews of the Indian Point 2 and 3 license renewal application.  The NRC staff issued a Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER) in August 2009, a supplement to the FSER in August 2011, a FSEIS in December 2010 and a supplement to the FSEIS in June 2012.  The NRC staff issued a draft supplemental FSEIS in June 2012 and has stated its intent to issue, following an opportunity for comment, another supplement to the FSEIS by April 30, 2013.  In addition, the NRC staff has stated its intent to issue a further supplement to the FSER by July 31, 2013.  These reports are expected to affect testimony yet to be filed on Track 2 contentions.
 
The hearing process is an integral component of the NRC’s regulatory framework, and evidentiary hearings on license renewal applications are not uncommon.  Entergy is participating fully in the hearing process as permitted by the NRC’s hearing rules.  As noted in Entergy’s responses to the various intervenor filings, Entergy believes the contentions proposed by the intervenors are unsupported and without merit.  Entergy will continue to work with the NRC staff as it completes its technical and environmental reviews of the Indian Point 2 and 3 license renewal applications.  See “ Nuclear Matters ” below for discussion of spent nuclear fuel storage issues and the timing of license renewals.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has taken the position that Indian Point must obtain a new state-issued Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification as part of the license renewal process.  Entergy submitted its application for a water quality certification to the NYSDEC in April 2009, with a reservation of rights regarding the applicability of Section 401 in this case.  After Entergy submitted certain additional information in response to NYSDEC requests for additional information, in February 2010 the NYSDEC staff determined that Entergy’s water quality certification application was complete.  In April 2010 the NYSDEC staff issued a proposed notice of denial of Entergy’s water quality certification application (the Notice).  NYSDEC staff’s Notice triggered an administrative adjudicatory hearing before NYSDEC ALJs on the proposed Notice.  The NYSDEC staff decision does not restrict Indian Point operations, but the issuance of a certification is potentially required prior to NRC issuance of renewed unit licenses.  In June 2011, Entergy filed notice with the NRC that the NYSDEC, the agency that would issue or deny a water quality certification for the Indian Point license renewal process, has taken longer than one year to take final action on Entergy’s application for a water quality certification and, therefore, has waived its opportunity to require a certification under the provisions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.  The NYSDEC has notified the NRC that it disagrees with Entergy’s position and does not believe that it has waived the right to require a certification.  The NYSDEC ALJs overseeing the agency’s certification adjudicatory process stated in a ruling issued in July 2011 that while the waiver issue is pending before the NRC, the NYSDEC hearing process will continue on selected issues.  The judge held a Legislative Hearing (agency public comment session) and an Issues Conference (pre-trial conference) in July 2010 and set certain issues for trial in October 2011, which is continuing into 2013.  After the full hearing on the merits, the ALJs will issue a recommended decision to the Commissioner who will then issue the final agency decision.  A party to the proceeding can appeal the decision of the Commissioner to state court.
 
 
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Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


In addition, the consistency of Indian Point’s operations with New York State’s coastal management policies must be resolved to the extent required by the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).  On July 24, 2012, Entergy filed a supplement to the Indian Point license renewal application currently pending before the NRC.  The supplement states that, based on applicable federal law and in light of prior reviews by the State of New York, the NRC may issue the requested renewed operating licenses for Indian Point without the need for an additional consistency review by the State of New York under the CZMA.  On July 30, 2012, Entergy filed a motion for declaratory order with the ASLB seeking confirmation of its position that no further CZMA consistency determination is required before the NRC may issue renewed licenses.  Responses to Entergy’s motion for declaratory order are due March 22, 2013.  In addition, Entergy filed with the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) on November 7, 2012 a petition for declaratory order that Indian Point is grandfathered under either of two criteria prescribed by the New York Coastal Management Program (NYCMP), which sets forth the state coastal policies applied in a CZMA consistency review.   The NYSDOS denied the motion by order dated January 9, 2013.  An appeal may be taken to state court within four months.  Finally, on December 17, 2012, Entergy filed with NYSDOS a consistency determination explaining why Indian Point satisfies all applicable NYCMP policies.   Entergy included in the consistency determination a “reservation of rights” clarifying that Entergy does not concede NYSDOS’s right to conduct a new CZMA review for Indian Point.  On January 16, 2013, NYSDOS notified Entergy that it deemed the consistency determination incomplete because it does not include the further supplement to the FSEIS that, as indicated above, is targeted for issuance by April 30, 2013.  The six-month federal deadline for state decision on a consistency determination does not begin to run until the submission is complete.

The NRC operating license for Palisades expires in 2031 and for FitzPatrick expires in 2034.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

This section discusses Entergy’s capital structure, capital spending plans and other uses of capital, sources of capital, and the cash flow activity presented in the cash flow statement.

Capital Structure

Entergy’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
2012
 
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
58.7% 
 
57.3% 
Effect of excluding securitization bonds
 
(1.8%)
 
(2.3%)
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
56.9% 
 
55.0% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(1.1%)
 
(1.5%)
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
55.8% 
 
53.5% 

(1)
Calculation excludes the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Texas, respectively.
 
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable, capital lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt, common shareholders’ equity, and subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy uses the net debt to net capital ratio and the ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy’s financial condition.

Long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion, makes up most of Entergy’s total debt outstanding.  Following are Entergy’s long-term debt principal maturities and estimated interest payments as of December 31, 2012.  To estimate future interest payments for variable rate debt, Entergy used the rate as of December 31, 2012.  The amounts below include payments on the Entergy Louisiana and System Energy sale-leaseback transactions, which are included in long-term debt on the balance sheet.
 
 
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Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



Long-term debt maturities and
estimated interest payments
 
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
 
2016-2017
 
 
after 2017
   
(In Millions)
                     
Utility
 
$1,194
 
$904
 
$816
 
$1,540
 
$12,186
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
15
 
15
 
18
 
4
 
57
Parent and Other
 
83
 
83
 
627
 
1,385
 
512
Total
 
$1,292
 
$1,002
 
$1,461
 
$2,929
 
$12,755

Note 5 to the financial statements provides more detail concerning long-term debt outstanding.

Entergy Corporation has in place a credit facility that has a borrowing capacity of $3.5 billion and expires in March 2017.  Entergy Corporation also has the ability to issue letters of credit against 50% of the total borrowing capacity of the credit facility.  The commitment fee is currently 0.275% of the commitment amount.  Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior unsecured debt ratings of Entergy Corporation.  The weighted average interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 2.04% on the drawn portion of the facility.

As of December 31, 2012, amounts outstanding and capacity available under the $3.5 billion credit facility are:

 
Capacity
 
 
Borrowings
 
Letters
of Credit
 
Capacity
Available
(In Millions)
             
$3,500
 
$795
 
$8
 
$2,697

A covenant in Entergy Corporation’s credit facility requires Entergy to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.  The calculation of this debt ratio under Entergy Corporation’s credit facility is different than the calculation of the debt to capital ratio above.  Entergy is currently in compliance with the covenant.  If Entergy fails to meet this ratio, or if Entergy or one of the Utility operating companies (except Entergy New Orleans) defaults on other indebtedness or is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the Entergy Corporation credit facility’s maturity date may occur.

In September 2012, Entergy Corporation implemented a commercial paper program with a program limit of up to $500 million.  In November 2012, Entergy Corporation increased the limit for the commercial paper program to $1 billion.  At December 31, 2012, Entergy Corporation had $665 million of commercial paper outstanding.  The weighted-average interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 0.88%.

Capital lease obligations are a minimal part of Entergy’s overall capital structure.  Following are Entergy’s payment obligations under those leases.

 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016-2017
 
after 2017
 
 
(In Millions)
                     
Capital lease payments
$6
 
$5
 
$5
 
$9
 
$34
 

The capital leases are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.
 
 
19

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each had credit facilities available as of December 31, 2012 as follows.

 
Company
 
 
Expiration Date
 
Amount of
Facility
 
 
Interest Rate (a)
 
Amount Drawn as
of Dec. 31, 2012
                 
Entergy Arkansas
 
April 2013
 
$20 million (b)
 
1.81%
 
-
Entergy Arkansas
 
March 2017
 
$150 million (c)
 
1.71%
 
-
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
March 2017
 
$150 million (d)
 
1.71%
 
-
Entergy Louisiana
 
March 2017
 
$200 million (e)
 
1.71%
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
May 2013
 
$35 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
May 2013
 
$25 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
May 2013
 
$10 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-
Entergy New Orleans
 
November 2013
 
$25 million (g)
 
1.69%
 
-
Entergy Texas
 
March 2017
 
$150 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-

(a)
The interest rate is the weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2012 applied, or that would be applied, to outstanding borrowings under the facility.
(b)
The credit facility requires Entergy Arkansas to maintain a debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.  Borrowings under this Entergy Arkansas credit facility may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable.
(c)
The credit facility allows Entergy Arkansas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Arkansas to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(d)
The credit facility allows Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(e)
The credit facility allows Entergy Louisiana to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Louisiana to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(f)
Borrowings under the Entergy Mississippi credit facilities may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable.  Entergy Mississippi is required to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(g)
The credit facility requires Entergy New Orleans to maintain a debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(h)
The credit facility allows Entergy Texas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Texas to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.  Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, securitization bonds are excluded from debt and capitalization in calculating the debt ratio.
 
Operating Lease Obligations and Guarantees of Unconsolidated Obligations

Entergy has a minimal amount of operating lease obligations and guarantees in support of unconsolidated obligations.  Entergy’s guarantees in support of unconsolidated obligations are not likely to have a material effect on Entergy’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.  Following are Entergy’s payment obligations as of December 31, 2012 on non-cancelable operating leases with a term over one year.

 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016-2017
 
after 2017
 
 
(In Millions)
                     
Operating lease payments
$94
 
$97
 
$80
 
$94
 
$140
 

The operating leases are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

 
20

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



Summary of Contractual Obligations of Consolidated Entities

Contractual Obligations
 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
after 2017
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
                     
Long-term debt (1)
 
$1,292
 
$2,463
 
$2,929
 
$12,755
 
$19,439
Capital lease payments (2)
 
$6
 
$10
 
$9
 
$34
 
$59
Operating leases (2)
 
$94
 
$177
 
$94
 
$140
 
$505
Purchase obligations (3)
 
$1,939
 
$3,512
 
$2,609
 
$11,195
 
$19,255

(1)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(2)
Lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  Almost all of the total are fuel and purchased power obligations.

In addition to the contractual obligations, Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $163.3 million to its pension plans and approximately $82.5 million to other postretirement plans in 2013, although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Also in addition to the contractual obligations, Entergy has $148 million of unrecognized tax benefits and interest net of unused tax attributes for which the timing of payments beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of effective settlement of tax positions.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.

Capital Funds Agreement

Pursuant to an agreement with certain creditors, Entergy Corporation has agreed to supply System Energy with sufficient capital to:

·  
maintain System Energy’s equity capital at a minimum of 35% of its total capitalization (excluding short-term debt);
·  
permit the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf;
·  
pay in full all System Energy indebtedness for borrowed money when due; and
·  
enable System Energy to make payments on specific System Energy debt, under supplements to the agreement assigning System Energy’s rights in the agreement as security for the specific debt.


 
21

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital

Following are the amounts of Entergy’s planned construction and other capital investments by operating segment for 2013 through 2015.

Planned construction and capital investments
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
     
(In Millions)
               
Maintenance Capital:
           
 
Utility:
           
 
Generation
 
$133
 
$127
 
$135
 
Transmission
 
253
 
229
 
202
 
Distribution
 
504
 
494
 
489
 
Other
 
97
 
107
 
105
 
Total
 
987
 
957
 
931
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
108
 
131
 
176
     
$1,095
 
$1,088
 
$1,107
Capital Commitments:
           
 
Utility:
           
 
Generation
 
$716
 
$415
 
$392
 
Transmission
 
162
 
240
 
303
 
Distribution
 
45
 
21
 
16
 
Other
 
92
 
88
 
92
 
Total
 
1,015
 
764
 
803
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
257
 
242
 
281
     
1,272
 
1,006
 
1,084
Total
 
$2,367
 
$2,094 
 
$2,191

The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs, and do not include material costs for capital projects that might result from the NRC post-Fukushima requirements that remain under development.

Maintenance Capital refers to amounts Entergy plans to spend on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of its service, equipment, or systems and to support normal customer growth, and includes spending for the nuclear and non-nuclear plants at Entergy Wholesale Commodities.

Capital Commitments refers to non-routine capital investments for which Entergy is either contractually obligated, has Board approval, or otherwise expects to make to satisfy regulatory or legal requirements.  Amounts reflected in this category include the following.

·  
The currently planned construction or purchase of additional generation supply sources within the Utility’s service territory through the Utility’s portfolio transformation strategy, including a self-build option at Entergy Louisiana’s Ninemile site identified in the Summer 2009 Request for Proposal and final spending from the Waterford 3 steam generator replacement project, both of which are discussed below.
·  
Spending to support the Utility’s plan to join the MISO RTO by December 2013 along with other transmission projects.
·  
Entergy Wholesale Commodities investments associated with specific investments such as dry cask storage, nuclear license renewal, component replacement and identified repairs, and potential wedgewire screens at Indian Point.
·  
Environmental compliance spending.  Entergy continues to review potential environmental spending needs and financing alternatives for any such spending, and future spending estimates could change based on the results of this continuing analysis and the implementation of new environmental laws and regulations.
 
 
22

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


The Utility’s owned generating capacity remains short of customer demand, and its supply plan initiative will continue to seek to transform its generation portfolio with new or repowered generation resources.  Opportunities resulting from the supply plan initiative, including new projects or the exploration of alternative financing sources, could result in increases or decreases in the capital expenditure estimates given above.  Estimated capital expenditures are also subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of business restructuring, regulatory constraints and requirements, environmental regulations, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.

Ninemile Point Unit 6 Self-Build Project

In June 2011, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application seeking certification that the public necessity and convenience would be served by Entergy Louisiana’s construction of a combined-cycle gas turbine generating facility (Ninemile 6) at its existing Ninemile Point electric generating station.  Ninemile 6 will be a nominally-sized 550 MW unit that is estimated to cost approximately $721 million to construct, excluding interconnection and transmission upgrades.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana joined in the application, seeking certification of its purchase under a life-of-unit power purchase agreement of up to 35% of the capacity and energy generated by Ninemile 6.  The Ninemile 6 capacity and energy is proposed to be allocated 55% to Entergy Louisiana, 25% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and 20% to Entergy New Orleans.  In February 2012 the City Council passed a resolution authorizing Entergy New Orleans to purchase 20% of the Ninemile 6 energy and capacity.  In March 2012 the LPSC unanimously voted to grant the certifications requested by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana.  Following approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana issued full notice to proceed to the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.  All major permits and approvals required to begin construction have been obtained and construction is in progress.

Under the terms approved by the LPSC, costs may be recovered through Entergy Louisiana’s and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s formula rate plans, if one is in effect when the project is placed in service; alternatively, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana must file rate cases approximately 12 months prior to the expected in-service date.  Entergy New Orleans is expected to file a full rate case 12 months prior to the expected in-service date.

Waterford 3 Steam Generator Replacement Project

Entergy Louisiana planned to replace the Waterford 3 steam generators, along with the reactor vessel closure head and control element drive mechanisms, in the spring 2011.  Replacement of these components is common to pressurized water reactors throughout the nuclear industry.  In December 2010, Entergy Louisiana advised the LPSC that the replacement generators would not be completed and delivered by the manufacturer in time to install them during the spring 2011 refueling outage.  During the final steps in the manufacturing process, the manufacturer discovered separation of stainless steel cladding from the carbon steel base metal in the channel head of both replacement steam generators (RSGs), in areas beneath and adjacent to the divider plate.  As a result of this damage, the manufacturer was unable to meet the contractual delivery deadlines, and the RSGs were not installed in the spring 2011.  Waterford 3 resumed operations with the original steam generators upon completion of the spring 2011 refueling outage, which included inspection and maintenance of the original steam generators.

Entergy Louisiana worked with the RSG manufacturer to fully develop, evaluate, and implement repair options, and the RSGs were delivered in time for Waterford 3’s fall 2012 refueling outage, which began in October 2012.  During the fall 2012 refueling outage Entergy Louisiana replaced the RSGs, reactor vessel head, and control element drive mechanisms.  Those components, which together comprised the replacement project, were placed in-service in December 2012.

In June 2008, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC for approval of the replacement project, including full cost recovery.  Following discovery and the filing of testimony by the LPSC staff and an intervenor, the parties entered into a stipulated settlement of the proceeding.  The LPSC unanimously approved the settlement in November 2008.  The settlement resolved the following issues: 1) the accelerated degradation of the steam generators is not the result of any imprudence on the part of Entergy Louisiana; 2)
 
 
23

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


the decision to undertake the replacement project at the then-estimated cost is in the public interest, is prudent, and would serve the public convenience and necessity; 3) the scope of the replacement project is in the public interest; 4) undertaking the replacement project at the target installation date during the 2011 refueling outage is in the public interest; and 5) the jurisdictional costs determined to be prudent in a future prudence review are eligible for cost recovery, either in an extension or renewal of the formula rate plan or in a full base rate case including necessary pro forma adjustments.

In November 2011 the LPSC approved a one-year extension of Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan and provided a mechanism to begin recovering the costs of the replacement project in the first billing cycle after it is placed in service.  On December 21, 2012, Entergy Louisiana provided notice of the first year revenue requirement associated with the replacement project that would be placed into rates in the January 2013 billing cycle.  The estimated revenue requirement included the LPSC-jurisdictional share of the replacement project costs, less (i) a credit for earnings above a 10.25% return on common equity (based on the 2011 test year) for the period following the in-service date, and (ii) a credit for operation and maintenance savings expected from the RSGs.  These rates are anticipated to remain in effect until Entergy Louisiana’s rate case filed in February 2013 is resolved.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the formula rate plan and rate case filings.  With completion of the replacement project, the LPSC will undertake a prudence review in connection with a filing to be made by Entergy Louisiana on or before April 30, 2013 with regard to the following aspects of the replacement project: 1) project management; 2) cost controls; 3) success in achieving stated objectives; 4) the costs of the replacement project; and 5) the outage length and replacement power costs.

Dividends and Stock Repurchases

Declarations of dividends on Entergy’s common stock are made at the discretion of the Board.  Among other things, the Board evaluates the level of Entergy’s common stock dividends based upon Entergy’s earnings, financial strength, and future investment opportunities.  At its January 2013 meeting, the Board declared a dividend of $0.83 per share, which is the same quarterly dividend per share that Entergy has paid since the second quarter 2010.  The prior quarterly dividend per share was $0.75.  Entergy paid $589 million in 2012, $590 million in 2011, and $604 million in 2010 in cash dividends on its common stock.

In accordance with Entergy’s stock-based compensation plans, Entergy periodically grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted unit awards to key employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy’s common stock.  According to the plans, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market.  Entergy’s management has been authorized by the Board to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans.

In addition to the authority to fund grant exercises, the Board has authorized share repurchase programs to enable opportunistic purchases in response to market conditions.  In October 2009 the Board granted authority for a $750 million share repurchase program which was completed in the fourth quarter 2010.  In October 2010 the Board granted authority for an additional $500 million share repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2012, $350 million of authority remains under the $500 million share repurchase program.  The amount of repurchases may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending or new investment opportunities, or if limitations in the credit markets continue for a prolonged period.

Sources of Capital

Entergy’s sources to meet its capital requirements and to fund potential investments include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand ($533 million as of December 31, 2012);
·  
securities issuances;
·  
bank financing under new or existing facilities or commercial paper; and
·  
sales of assets.
 
 
24

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Circumstances such as weather patterns, fuel and purchased power price fluctuations, and unanticipated expenses, including unscheduled plant outages and storms, could affect the timing and level of internally generated funds in the future.

Provisions within the Articles of Incorporation or pertinent indentures and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt and preferred stock of certain of Entergy Corporation’s subsidiaries could restrict the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on their common and preferred stock.  As of December 31, 2012, under provisions in their mortgage indentures, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million and $68.5 million, respectively.  All debt and common and preferred equity issuances by the Registrant Subsidiaries require prior regulatory approval and their preferred equity and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements.  Entergy believes that the Registrant Subsidiaries have sufficient capacity under these tests to meet foreseeable capital needs.

The FERC has jurisdiction over securities issuances by the Utility operating companies and System Energy (except securities with maturities longer than one year issued by Entergy Arkansas and Entergy New Orleans, which are subject to the jurisdiction of the APSC and the City Council, respectively).  No regulatory approvals are necessary for Entergy Corporation to issue securities.  The current FERC-authorized short-term borrowing limits are effective through October 31, 2013.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have obtained long-term financing authorizations from the FERC that extend through July 2013.  Entergy Arkansas has obtained long-term financing authorization from the APSC that extends through December 2015.  Entergy New Orleans has obtained long-term financing authorization from the City Council that extends through July 2014.  In addition to borrowings from commercial banks, the FERC short-term borrowing orders authorize the Registrant Subsidiaries to continue as participants in the Entergy System money pool.  The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy’s subsidiaries’ dependence on external short-term borrowings.  Borrowings from the money pool and external short-term borrowings combined may not exceed the FERC-authorized limits.  See Notes 4 and 5 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy’s borrowing limits, authorizations, and amounts outstanding.

In January 2013, Entergy Arkansas arranged for the issuance by (i) Independence County, Arkansas of $45 million of 2.375% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 due January 2021, and (ii) Jefferson County, Arkansas of $54.7 million of 1.55% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 due October 2017, each of which series is secured by a separate series of non-interest bearing first mortgage bonds of Entergy Arkansas.  The proceeds of these issuances were applied to the refunding of outstanding series of pollution control revenue bonds previously issued by the respective issuers.

In February 2013 the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity issued $70 million of 3.38% Series R notes due August 2020.  The Entergy Gulf States nuclear fuel company variable interest entity used the proceeds principally to purchase additional nuclear fuel.
 
Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike

In September 2008, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike caused catastrophic damage to portions of Entergy's service territories in Louisiana and Texas, and to a lesser extent in Arkansas and Mississippi.  The storms resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage to distribution, transmission, and generation infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  In September 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana and the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation (LURC), an instrumentality of the State of Louisiana, filed with the LPSC an application requesting that the LPSC grant financing orders authorizing the financing of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s   storm costs, storm reserves, and issuance costs pursuant to Act 55 of the Louisiana Regular Session of 2007 (Act 55 financings).  In July 2010 the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA) issued $468.9 million in bonds under Act 55.  From the $462.4
 
 
25

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


million of bond proceeds loaned by the LCDA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $200 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Louisiana and transferred $262.4 million directly to Entergy Louisiana.  In July 2010, the LCDA issued another $244.1 million in bonds under Act 55.  From the $240.3 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LCDA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $90 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and transferred $150.3 million directly to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Entergy Louisiana do not report the bonds on their balance sheets because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA, and there is no recourse against Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy Louisiana in the event of a bond default.  See Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the Act 55 financings.

Entergy Arkansas January 2009 Ice Storm

In January 2009 a severe ice storm caused significant damage to Entergy Arkansas’s transmission and distribution lines, equipment, poles, and other facilities.  A law was enacted in April 2009 in Arkansas that authorizes securitization of storm damage restoration costs.  In June 2010 the APSC issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of storm cost recovery bonds, including carrying costs of $11.5 million and $4.6 million of up-front financing costs.  In August 2010, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Arkansas, issued $124.1 million of storm cost recovery bonds.  There is no recourse to Entergy or Entergy Arkansas in the event of a bond default.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the issuance of the storm cost recovery bonds.

Entergy Louisiana Securitization Bonds – Little Gypsy

In August 2011 the LPSC issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of bonds to recover Entergy Louisiana’s investment recovery costs associated with the cancelled Little Gypsy repowering project.  In September 2011, Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding I, L.L.C., a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Louisiana, issued $207.2 million of senior secured investment recovery bonds.  The bonds have an interest rate of 2.04% and an expected maturity date of June 2021.  There is no recourse to Entergy or Entergy Louisiana in the event of a bond default.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the issuance of the investment recovery bonds.

Cash Flow Activity

As shown in Entergy’s Statements of Cash Flows, cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Millions)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 694     $ 1,295     $ 1,710  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    2,940       3,128       3,926  
Investing activities
    (3,639 )     (3,447 )     (2,574 )
Financing activities
    538       (282 )     (1,767 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (161 )     (601 )     (415 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 533     $ 694     $ 1,295  
 
 
26

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Operating Activities

2012 Compared to 2011

Entergy's net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $188 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to:

·  
the decrease in Entergy Wholesale Commodities net revenue that is discussed previously;
·  
Hurricane Isaac storm restoration spending in 2012;
·  
income tax payments of $49.2 million in 2012 compared to income tax refunds of $2 million in 2011; and
·  
a refund of $30.6 million, including interest, paid to AmerenUE in June 2012.  The FERC ordered Entergy Arkansas to refund to AmerenUE the rough production cost equalization payments previously collected.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the FERC order.

These decreases were partially offset by a decrease of $230 million in pension contributions.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

2011 Compared to 2010

Entergy's net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $798 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to the receipt in July 2010 of $703 million from the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation as a result of the Louisiana Act 55 storm cost financings for Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike.  The Act 55 storm cost financings are discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.  The decrease in Entergy Wholesale Commodities net revenue that is discussed above also contributed to the decrease in operating cash flow.

Investing Activities

2012 Compared to 2011

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $192 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to an increase in construction expenditures, primarily in the Utility business resulting from Hurricane Isaac restoration spending, the uprate project at Grand Gulf, the Ninemile Unit 6 self-build project, and the Waterford 3 steam generator replacement project in 2012.  Entergy’s construction spending plans for 2013 through 2015 are discussed further in the “ Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital ” above.
 
This increase was partially offset by:

·  
a decrease of $190 million in payments for the purchase of plants resulting from the purchase of the Hot Spring Energy Facility by Entergy Arkansas for approximately $253 million in November 2012, the purchase of the Hinds Energy Facility by Entergy Mississippi for approximately $206 million in November 2012, the purchase of the Acadia Power Plant by Entergy Louisiana for approximately $300 million in April 2011, and the purchase of the Rhode Island State Energy Center for approximately $346 million by an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary in December 2011.  These transactions are described in more detail in Note 15 to the financial statements;
·  
proceeds received from the U.S. Department of Energy resulting from litigation regarding the storage of spent nuclear fuel; and
·  
a decrease in nuclear fuel purchases because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle.
 
 
27

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



2011 Compared to 2010

Net cash used in investing activities increased $873 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
the purchase of the Acadia Power Plant by Entergy Louisiana for approximately $300 million in April 2011, the purchase of the Rhode Island State Energy Center for approximately $346 million by an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary in December 2011, and the sale of an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary’s ownership interest in the Harrison County Power Project for proceeds of $219 million in 2010.  These transactions are described in more detail in Note 15 to the financial statements;
·  
an increase in nuclear fuel purchases because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; and
·  
a slight increase in construction expenditures, including spending resulting from April 2011 storms that caused damage to transmission and distribution lines, equipment, poles, and other facilities, primarily in Arkansas.  The capital cost of repairing that damage was approximately $55 million.

These increases were offset by the investment in 2010 of a total of $290 million in Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s storm reserve escrow accounts as a result of their Act 55 storm cost financings, which are discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Financing Activities

2012 Compared to 2011

Entergy’s financing activities provided $538 million of cash in 2012 compared to using $282 million of cash in 2011 primarily due to the following activity:

·  
long-term debt activity provided approximately $348 million of cash in 2012 compared to $554 million of cash in 2011.  The most significant long-term debt activity in 2012 included the net issuance of $1.1 billion of long-term debt at the Utility operating companies and System Energy, the issuance of $500 million of senior notes by Entergy Corporation, and Entergy Corporation decreasing borrowings outstanding on its long-term credit facility by $1.1 billion.  Entergy Corporation issued $665 million of commercial paper in 2012 to repay borrowings on its long-term credit facility;
·  
Entergy repurchasing $235 million of its common stock in 2011, as discussed below;
·  
a net increase in 2012 of $51 million in short-term borrowings by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities; and
·  
$51 million in proceeds from the sale to a third party in 2012 of a portion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s investment in Entergy Holdings Company’s Class A preferred membership interests.
 
For the details of Entergy's commercial paper program and the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities’ short-term borrowings, see Note 4 to the financial statements.  For the details of Entergy’s long-term debt outstanding, see Note 5 to the financial statements.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $1,485 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily because long-term debt activity provided approximately $554 million of cash in 2011 and used approximately $307 million of cash in 2010.  The most significant long-term debt activity in 2011 included the issuance of $207 million of securitization bonds by a subsidiary of Entergy Louisiana, the issuance of $200 million of first mortgage bonds by Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Corporation increasing the borrowings outstanding on its 5-year credit facility by $288 million.  For the details of Entergy’s long-term debt outstanding on December 31, 2011 and 2010 see Note 5 to the financial statements.  In addition to the long-term debt activity, Entergy Corporation repurchased $235 million of its common stock in 2011 and repurchased $879 million of its common stock in 2010.  Entergy’s stock repurchases are discussed further in the “ Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital - Dividends and Stock Repurchases” section above.
 
 
28

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation

State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

The rates that the Utility operating companies and System Energy charge for their services significantly influence Entergy’s financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.  These companies are regulated and the rates charged to their customers are determined in regulatory proceedings.  Governmental agencies, including the APSC, the City Council, the LPSC, the MPSC, the PUCT, and the FERC, are primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.  Following is a summary of the Utility operating companies’ authorized returns on common equity:

 
 
Company
 
Authorized
Return on
Common Equity
     
Entergy Arkansas
 
10.2%
     
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
9.9%-11.4% Electric; 10.0%-11.0% Gas
     
Entergy Louisiana
 
9.45% - 11.05%
     
Entergy Mississippi
 
9.88% - 12.01%
     
Entergy New Orleans
 
10.7% - 11.5% Electric; 10.25% - 11.25% Gas
     
Entergy Texas
 
9.8%

The Utility operating companies’ base rate, fuel and purchased power cost recovery, and storm cost recovery proceedings are discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Federal Regulation

Independent Coordinator of Transmission

In 2000 the FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations).  Delays in implementing the FERC RTO order occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators have had to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.  In November 2006, the Utility operating companies installed the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), an RTO, as their Independent Coordinator of Transmission (ICT).  The ICT structure approved by FERC is not an RTO under FERC Order No. 2000 and installation of the ICT did not transfer control of the Entergy transmission system to the ICT.  Instead, the ICT performs some, but not all, of the functions performed by a typical RTO, as well as certain functions unique to the Entergy transmission system. In particular, the ICT was vested with responsibility for:

·  
granting or denying transmission service on the Utility operating companies’ transmission system.
·  
administering the Utility operating companies’ OASIS node for purposes of processing and evaluating transmission service requests.
·  
developing a base plan for the Utility operating companies’ transmission system and deciding whether costs of transmission upgrades should be rolled into the Utility operating companies’ transmission rates or directly assigned to the customer requesting or causing an upgrade to be constructed.
·  
serving as the reliability coordinator for the Entergy transmission system.
 
 
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·  
overseeing the operation of the weekly procurement process (WPP).
·  
evaluating interconnection-related investments already made on the Entergy System for purposes of determining the future allocation of the uncredited portion of these investments, pursuant to a detailed methodology.  The ICT agreement also clarifies the rights that customers receive when they fund a supplemental upgrade.

The FERC, in conjunction with the APSC, the LPSC, the MPSC, the PUCT, and the City Council, hosted a conference on June 24, 2009, to discuss the ICT arrangement and transmission access on the Entergy transmission system.  During the conference, several issues were raised by regulators and market participants, including the adequacy of the Utility operating companies’ capital investment in the transmission system, the Utility operating companies’ compliance with the existing North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability planning standards, the availability of transmission service across the system, and whether the Utility operating companies could have purchased lower cost power from merchant generators located on the transmission system rather than running their older generating facilities.  On July 20, 2009, the Utility operating companies filed comments with the FERC responding to the issues raised during the conference.  The comments explained that: 1) the Utility operating companies believe that the ICT arrangement has fulfilled its objectives; 2) the Utility operating companies’ transmission planning practices comply with laws and regulations regarding the planning and operation of the transmission system; and 3) these planning practices have resulted in a system that meets applicable reliability standards and is sufficiently robust to allow the Utility operating companies both to substantially increase the amount of transmission service available to third parties and to make significant amounts of economic purchases from the wholesale market for the benefit of the Utility operating companies’ retail customers.   The Utility operating companies also explained that, as with other transmission systems, there are certain times during which congestion occurs on the Utility operating companies’ transmission system that limits the ability of the Utility operating companies as well as other parties to fully utilize the generating resources that have been granted transmission service.  Additionally, the Utility operating companies committed in their response to exploring and working on potential reforms or alternatives for the ICT arrangement.  The Utility operating companies’ comments also recognized that NERC was in the process of amending certain of its transmission reliability planning standards and that the amended standards, if approved by the FERC, will result in more stringent transmission planning criteria being applicable in the future.  The FERC may also make other changes to transmission reliability standards.  Changes to the reliability standards could result in increased capital expenditures by the Utility operating companies.
 
In 2009 the Entergy Regional State Committee (E-RSC), which is comprised of representatives from all of the Utility operating companies' retail regulators, was formed to consider issues related to the ICT and Entergy's transmission system.  Among other things, the E-RSC in concert with the FERC conducted a cost/benefit analysis comparing the ICT arrangement to other transmission proposals, including participation in an RTO.

In November 2010 the FERC issued an order accepting the Utility operating companies’ proposal to extend the ICT arrangement with SPP until November 2012.  In addition, in December 2010 the FERC issued an order that granted the E-RSC additional authority over transmission upgrades and cost allocation.  In July 2012 the LPSC approved, subject to conditions, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s request to extend the ICT arrangement and to transition to MISO as the provider of ICT services effective as of November 2012 and continuing until the Utility operating companies join the MISO RTO, or December 31, 2013, whichever occurs first.  In January 2013 the LPSC approved the use of a market monitor as part of the ICT services to be provided by MISO.

In October 2012 the FERC accepted the Utility operating companies’ proposal for (a) an interim extension of the ICT arrangement through and until the earlier of December 31, 2014 or the date the proposed transfer of functional control of the Utility operating companies’ transmission assets to the MISO RTO is completed and (b) the transfer from SPP to MISO as the provider of ICT services, effective December 1, 2012.  In December 2012 the FERC issued an order accepting further revisions to the Utility operating companies’ OATT, including a Monitoring Plan and Retention Agreement, to establish Potomac Economics Ltd., MISO’s current market monitor, as an independent Transmission Service Monitor for the Entergy transmission system, effective as of December 1, 2012.  Potomac will monitor actions of Entergy and transmission customers within the Entergy region as related to systems operations, reliability coordination, transmission planning, and transmission reservations and scheduling.
 
 
30

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System Agreement

The FERC regulates wholesale rates (including Entergy Utility intrasystem energy allocations pursuant to the System Agreement) and interstate transmission of electricity, as well as rates for System Energy’s sales of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.  The Utility operating companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and bulk transmission facilities under the terms of the System Agreement, which is a rate schedule that has been approved by the FERC.  Certain of the Utility operating companies’ retail regulators and other parties are pursuing litigation involving the System Agreement at the FERC.  The proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement and allegations of imprudence by the Utility operating companies in their execution of their obligations under the System Agreement.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for discussions of this litigation.

Utility Operating Company Notices of Termination of System Agreement Participation

Citing its concerns that the benefits of its continued participation in the current form of the System Agreement have been seriously eroded, in December 2005, Entergy Arkansas submitted its notice that it will terminate its participation in the current System Agreement effective ninety-six ( 96) months from the date of the notice or such earlier date as authorized by the FERC.

In October 2007 the MPSC issued a letter confirming its belief that Entergy Mississippi should exit the System Agreement in light of the recent developments involving the System Agreement.  In November 2007, Entergy Mississippi provided its written notice to terminate its participation in the System Agreement effective ninety-six (96) months from the date of the notice or such earlier date as authorized by the FERC.

In February 2009, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi filed with the FERC their notices of cancellation to terminate their participation in the System Agreement, effective December 18, 2013 and November 7, 2015, respectively.  While the FERC had indicated previously that the notices should be filed 18 months prior to Entergy Arkansas’s termination (approximately mid-2012), the filing explains that resolving this issue now, rather than later, is important to ensure that informed long-term resource planning decisions can be made during the years leading up to Entergy Arkansas’s withdrawal and that all of the Utility operating companies are properly positioned to continue to operate reliably following Entergy Arkansas’s and, eventually, Entergy Mississippi’s, departure from the System Agreement.

In November 2009 the FERC accepted the notices of cancellation and determined that Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi are permitted to withdraw from the System Agreement following the 96-month notice period without payment of a fee or the requirement to otherwise compensate the remaining Utility operating companies as a result of withdrawal.  In February 2011, the FERC denied the LPSC’s and the City Council’s rehearing requests.  In September and October 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied the LPSC’s and the City Council’s appeals of the FERC decisions.  In January 2013, the LPSC and the City Council filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.

In November 2012 the Utility operating companies filed amendments to the System Agreement with the FERC pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act.  The amendments consist primarily of the technical revisions needed to the System Agreement to (i) allocate certain charges and credits from the MISO settlement statements to the participating Utility operating companies; and (ii) address Entergy Arkansas’s withdrawal from the System Agreement.  As noted in the filing, the Utility operating companies’ plan to integrate into MISO and the revisions to the System Agreement are the main feature of the Utility operating companies’ future operating arrangements, including the successor arrangements with respect to the departure of Entergy Arkansas
 
 
31

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

from the System Agreement.  Additional aspects of the Utility operating companies’ future operating arrangements will be addressed in other FERC dockets related to the allocation of the Ouachita plant transmission upgrade costs and the upcoming filings at the FERC related to the rates, terms, and conditions under which the Utility operating companies will join MISO.   The LPSC, MPSC, PUCT, and City Council filed protests at the FERC regarding the amendments filed in November 2012 and other aspects of the Utility operating companies’ future operating arrangements, including requests that the continued viability of the System Agreement in MISO (among other issues) be set for hearing by the FERC.

See also the discussion of the order of the PUCT concerning Entergy Texas’s proposal to join MISO discussed further in the “ Federal Regulation Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ” section below.

Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO

On April 25, 2011, Entergy announced that each of the Utility operating companies propose joining MISO, which is expected to provide long-term benefits for the customers of each of the Utility operating companies.  MISO is an RTO that operates in eleven U.S. states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) and also in Canada.  Each of the Utility operating companies filed an application with its retail regulator concerning the proposal to join MISO and transfer control of each company’s transmission assets to MISO. The applications to join MISO sought a finding that membership in MISO is in the public interest. Becoming a member of MISO will not affect the ownership by the Utility operating companies of their transmission facilities or the responsibility for maintaining those facilities. Once the Utility operating companies are fully integrated as members, however, MISO will assume control of transmission planning and congestion management and, through its Day 2 market, MISO will provide schedules and pricing for the commitment and dispatch of generation that is offered into MISO’s markets, as well as pricing for load that bids into the market.

The LPSC voted to grant Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s application for transfer of control to MISO, subject to conditions, in May 2012 and issued its order in June 2012.

On October 26, 2012, the APSC authorized Entergy Arkansas to sign the MISO Transmission Owners Agreement, which Entergy Arkansas has now done, and move forward with the MISO integration process. The APSC stated in its order that it would give conditional approval of Entergy Arkansas’s application upon MISO’s filing with the APSC proof of approval by the appropriate MISO entities of certain governance enhancements.  On October 31, 2012, MISO filed with the APSC proof of approval of the governance enhancements and requested a finding of compliance and approval of Entergy Arkansas's application.  On November 21, 2012, the APSC issued an order requiring that MISO file a “higher level of proof” that the MISO Transmission Owners have “officially approved and adopted” one of the proposed governance enhancements in the form of sworn compliance testimony, or a sworn affidavit, from the chairman of the MISO Transmission Owners Committee.  On January 7, 2013, MISO filed its Motion for Finding of Compliance with the APSC’s order, with supporting testimony, including a copy of the testimony of the Chairman of the MISO Transmission Owners Committee in support of a filing at the FERC made January 4, 2013, on behalf of MISO and a majority of its transmission owners, jointly submitting changes to Appendix K of the MISO Transmission Owner Agreement to implement the governance enhancements.  MISO stated that the evidence submitted to the APSC showed that a majority of the MISO Transmission Owners have adopted and approved the MISO governance enhancements and the joint filing submitted to FERC on January 4, 2013, and asked that the APSC find MISO in compliance with the conditions of the APSC’s October 26, 2012 order, and that the APSC expeditiously enter an order approving Entergy Arkansas’s application to join MISO.

On January 23, 2013, Entergy Arkansas filed a Motion to Discontinue Activities Necessary to Operate as a True Stand-Alone Electric Utility, with supporting testimony, in which Entergy Arkansas requested an order from the APSC authorizing it to drop the stand-alone option by March 1, 2013.  Consistent with the conditions enumerated in a previous APSC order, Entergy Arkansas’s testimony stated that there is a low risk that MISO’s integration of Entergy Arkansas will not be successfully completed on time.

In September 2012, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff filed a joint stipulation indicating that they agree that Entergy Mississippi’s proposed transfer of functional control of its transmission facilities to MISO is in the public interest, subject to certain contingencies and conditions.  In November 2012 the MPSC issued an order approving a joint stipulation filed by Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff, concluding that Entergy Mississippi’s proposed transfer of functional control of its transmission facilities is in the public interest, subject to certain conditions.
 
 
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Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
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In November 2012 the City Council issued a resolution concerning the application of Entergy New Orleans.  In its resolution, the City Council approved a settlement agreement agreed to by Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Louisiana, MISO, and the advisors to the City Council related to joining MISO and found that it is in the public interest for Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to join MISO, subject to certain conditions.

Entergy Texas submitted its change of control filing in April 2012.  In August 2012 parties in the PUCT proceeding, with the exception of Southwest Power Pool, filed a non-unanimous settlement. The substance of the settlement is that it is in the public interest for Entergy Texas to transfer operational control of its transmission facilities to MISO under certain conditions.  In October 2012 the PUCT issued an order approving the transfer as in the public interest, subject to the terms and conditions in the settlement, with several additional terms and conditions requested by the PUCT and agreed to by the settling parties.  In particular, the settlement and the PUCT order require Entergy Texas, unless otherwise directed by the PUCT, to provide by October 31, 2013 its notice to exit the System Agreement, subject to certain conditions.  In addition, the PUCT order requires Entergy Texas, as well as Entergy Corporation and Entergy Services, Inc., to exercise reasonable best efforts to engage the Utility operating companies and their retail regulators in searching for a consensual means, subject to FERC approval, of allowing Entergy Texas to exit the System Agreement prior to the end of the mandatory 96-month notice period.

With these actions on the applications, the Utility operating companies have obtained from all of the retail regulators the public interest findings sought by the Utility operating companies in order to move forward with their plan to join MISO.  Each of the retail regulators’ orders includes conditions, some of which entail compliance prospectively.

In December 2012 the PUCT Staff filed a memo in the proceeding established by the PUCT to track compliance with its October 2012 order.  In the memo, the PUCT Staff expressed concerns about the effect of Entergy Texas’s exit from the System Agreement on power purchase agreements for gas and oil-fired generation units owned by Entergy Texas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana that were entered into upon the December 2007 jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and, further, expressed concerns about the implications of these issues as they relate to the continuing validity of the PUCT’s October 2012 order regarding MISO.  Entergy Texas subsequently filed a position statement relating that Entergy Texas’s exit from the System Agreement would trigger the termination of the power purchase agreements of concern to the PUCT Staff.  Entergy Texas expressed its continuing commitment to work collaboratively with the PUCT Staff and other parties to address ongoing issues and challenges in implementing the PUCT order including any potential impact from termination of the power purchase agreements.  In January 2013, Entergy Texas filed an updated analysis of the effect of termination of the power purchase agreements indicating that termination would have little or no effect on Entergy Texas’s costs.  An independent consultant has been retained to assist the PUCT Staff in its assessment of the analysis.

The FERC filings related to the terms and conditions of integrating the Utility operating companies into MISO are planned to be made by mid-2013.  The target implementation date for joining MISO is December 2013.  Entergy believes that the decision to join MISO should be evaluated separately from and independent of the decision regarding the proposed transaction with ITC, and Entergy plans to continue to pursue the MISO proposal and the planned spin-off or split-off exchange offer and merger of Entergy’s Transmission Business with ITC on parallel regulatory paths.

In addition to the FERC filings planned to be made by mid-2013, there are a number of proceedings pending at FERC related to the Utility operating companies’ proposal to join MISO.  In April 2012 the FERC conditionally accepted MISO’s proposal related to the allocation of transmission upgrade costs in connection with the transition and integration of the Utility operating companies into MISO.  In November 2012 the FERC issued an order denying the requests for rehearing of the April 2012 order, and conditionally accepting MISO’s May 2012 compliance filing, subject to a further compliance filing due within 30 days of the date of the November 2012 Order.  In December 2012, MISO and the MISO Transmission Owners submitted to FERC a request for rehearing and proposed revisions to the MISO Tariff in compliance with FERC’s November 2012 order.   The request for rehearing and compliance filing are pending at FERC.
 
 
33

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
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In addition, the Utility operating companies have proposed giving authority to the E-RSC, upon unanimous vote and within the first five years after the Utility operating companies join the MISO RTO, (i) to require the Utility operating companies to file with the FERC a proposed allocation of certain transmission upgrade costs among the Utility operating companies’ transmission pricing zones that would differ from the allocation that would occur under the MISO OATT and (ii) to direct the Utility operating companies as transmission owners to add projects to MISO’s transmission expansion plan.  On January 4, 2013, MISO submitted a filing with the FERC to give the Organization of MISO States, Inc. enhanced authority for determining transmission cost allocation methodologies to be filed pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act.

On January 17, 2013, Occidental Chemical Corporation filed a complaint against MISO and a petition for declaratory judgment, both with the FERC, alleging that MISO’s proposed treatment of Qualifying Facilities (QFs) in the Entergy region is unduly discriminatory in violation of sections 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act and violates PURPA and the FERC’s implementing regulations.   Occidental’s filing asks that the FERC declare that MISO’s QF integration plan is unlawful, find that the plan cannot be implemented because MISO did not file it pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act, and direct that MISO modify certain aspects of the plan.  On February 14, 2013, Entergy sought to intervene and filed an answer to these pleadings.  On January 22, 2013, the MPSC, APSC, and City Council filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC determine whether the avoided cost calculation methodology proposed in an LPSC proceeding by Entergy Services, on behalf of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, complies with PURPA and the FERC’s implementing regulations.  On February 21, 2013, Entergy Services intervened and filed an answer to the petition for declaratory order.

Entergy’s initial filings with its retail regulators estimated that the transition and implementation costs of joining the MISO RTO could be up to $105 million if all of the Utility operating companies join the MISO RTO, most of which will be spent in late 2012 and 2013.  Maintaining the viability of the alternatives of Entergy Arkansas joining the MISO RTO alone or standing alone within an ICT arrangement is expected to result in an additional cost of approximately $35 million, for a total estimated cost of up to $140 million.  This amount could increase with extended litigation in various regulatory proceedings.  It is expected that costs will be incurred to obtain regulatory approvals, to revise or implement commercial and legal agreements, to integrate transmission and generation facilities, to develop back-office accounting and settlement systems, and to build out communications infrastructure.

FERC Reliability Standards Investigation

FERC’s Division of Investigations is conducting an investigation of certain issues relating to the Utility operating companies compliance with certain reliability standards related to protective system maintenance, facility ratings and modeling, training, and communications.  In November 2012 the FERC issued a
“Staff Notice of Alleged Violations” stating that the Division of Investigations’ staff has preliminarily determined that Entergy Services violated thirty-three requirements of sixteen reliability standards by failing to adequately perform certain functions.  Entergy Services is in the process of responding to the staff’s concerns.  The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides authority to impose civil penalties for violations of the Federal Power Act and FERC regulations.

U.S. Department of Justice Investigation

In September 2010, Entergy was notified that the U.S. Department of Justice had commenced a civil investigation of competitive issues concerning certain generation procurement, dispatch, and transmission system practices and policies of the Utility operating companies. In November 2012 the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release in which the U.S. Department of Justice stated, among other things, that the civil investigation concerning certain generation procurement, dispatch, and transmission
 
 
34

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


system practices and policies of the Utility operating companies would remain open.  The release noted, however, the intention of each of the Utility operating companies to join MISO and Entergy’s agreement with ITC to undertake the spin-off and merger of Entergy’s transmission business.  The release stated that if Entergy follows through on these matters, the U.S. Department of Justice’s concerns will be resolved. The release further stated that the U.S. Department of Justice will monitor developments, and in the event that Entergy does not make meaningful progress, the U.S. Department of Justice can and will take appropriate enforcement action, if warranted.

Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments

Market risk is the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future net income or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions.  Entergy holds commodity and financial instruments that are exposed to the following significant market risks.

·  
The commodity price risk associated with the sale of electricity by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business.
·  
The interest rate and equity price risk associated with Entergy’s investments in pension and other postretirement benefit trust funds.  See Note 11 to the financial statements for details regarding Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit trust funds.
·  
The interest rate and equity price risk associated with Entergy’s investments in nuclear plant decommissioning trust funds, particularly in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details regarding Entergy’s decommissioning trust funds.
·  
The interest rate risk associated with changes in interest rates as a result of Entergy’s issuances of debt.  Entergy manages its interest rate exposure by monitoring current interest rates and its debt outstanding in relation to total capitalization.  See Notes 4 and 5 to the financial statements for the details of Entergy’s debt outstanding.

The Utility business has limited exposure to the effects of market risk because it operates primarily under cost-based rate regulation.  To the extent approved by their retail rate regulators, the Utility operating companies hedge the exposure to natural gas price volatility of their fuel and gas purchased for resale costs, which are recovered from customers.

Entergy’s commodity and financial instruments are exposed to credit risk.  Credit risk is the risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement.  Entergy is also exposed to a potential demand on liquidity due to credit support requirements within its supply or sales agreements.
 
Commodity Price Risk

Power Generation

As a wholesale generator, Entergy Wholesale Commodities core business is selling energy, measured in MWh, to its customers.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities enters into forward contracts with its customers and sells energy in the day ahead or spot markets.  In addition to selling the energy produced by its plants, Entergy Wholesale Commodities sells unforced capacity, which allows load-serving entities to meet specified reserve and related requirements placed on them by the ISOs in their respective areas.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ forward physical power contracts consist of contracts to sell energy only, contracts to sell capacity only, and bundled contracts in which it sells both capacity and energy.  While the terminology and payment mechanics vary in these contracts, each of these types of contracts requires Entergy Wholesale Commodities to deliver MWh of energy, make capacity available, or both.  In addition to its forward physical power contracts, Entergy Wholesale Commodities also uses a combination of financial contracts, including swaps, collars, put and/or call options, to manage forward commodity price risk.  Certain hedge volumes have price downside and upside relative to market price movement.  The contracted minimum, expected value,
 
 
35

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



and sensitivity are provided to show potential variations.  While the sensitivity reflects the minimum, it does not reflect the total maximum upside potential from higher market prices.  The information contained in the table below represents projections at a point in time and will vary over time based on numerous factors, such as future market prices, contracting activities, and generation.  Following is a summary of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ current forward capacity and generation contracts as well as total revenue projections based on market prices as of December 31, 2012.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Portfolio

   
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
                     
Energy
                   
Percent of planned generation under contract (a):
                   
Unit-contingent (b)
 
42%
 
22%
 
12%
 
12%
 
13%
Unit-contingent with availability guarantees (c)
 
19%
 
15%
 
13%
 
13%
 
13%
Firm LD (d)
 
24%
 
55%
 
14%
 
   -%
 
   -%
Offsetting positions (e)
 
   -%
 
(19%)
 
   -%
 
   -%
 
   -%
Total
 
85%
 
73%
 
39%
 
25%
 
26%
Planned generation (TWh) (f) (g)
 
40
 
41
 
41
 
40
 
41
Average revenue per MWh on contracted volumes:
                   
Minimum
 
$45
 
$44
 
$45
 
$50
 
$51
Expected based on market prices as of Dec. 31, 2012
 
$46
 
$45
 
$47
 
$51
 
$52
Sensitivity: -/+ $10 per MWh market price change
 
$45-$48
 
$44-$48
 
$45-$52
 
$50-$53
 
$51-$54
                     
Capacity
                   
Percent of capacity sold forward (h):
                   
Bundled capacity and energy contracts (i)
 
16%
 
16%
 
16%
 
16%
 
16%
Capacity contracts (j)
 
33%
 
13%
 
12%
 
  5%
 
   -%
Total
 
49%
 
29%
 
28%
 
21%
 
16%
Planned net MW in operation (g) (k)
 
5,011
 
5,011
 
5,011
 
5,011
 
5,011
Average revenue under contract per kW per month
(applies to Capacity contracts only)
 
$2.3
 
$2.9
 
$3.3
 
$3.4
 
$-
                     
Total Nuclear Energy and Capacity Revenues
                   
Expected sold and market total revenue per MWh
 
$48
 
$45
 
$45
 
$47
 
$48
Sensitivity: -/+ $10 per MWh market price change
 
$47-$51
 
$42-$50
 
$38-$52
 
$40-$55
 
$41-$56

Entergy Wholesale Commodities Non-Nuclear Portfolio

   
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
                     
Energy
                   
Percent of planned generation under contract (a):
                   
Cost-based contracts (l)
 
39%
 
32%
 
35%
 
32%
 
32%
Firm LD (d)
 
  6%
 
  6%
 
  6%
 
  6%
 
  6%
Total
 
45%
 
38%
 
41%
 
38%
 
38%
Planned generation (TWh) (f) (m)
 
6
 
6
 
6
 
6
 
6
       
 
           
Capacity
                   
Percent of capacity sold forward (h):
                   
Cost-based contracts (l)
 
29%
 
24%
 
24%
 
24%
 
26%
Bundled capacity and energy contracts (i)
 
  8%
 
  8%
 
  8%
 
  8%
 
  9%
Capacity contracts (j)
 
48%
 
47%
 
48%
 
20%
 
   -%
Total
 
85%
 
79%
 
80%
 
52%
 
35%
Planned net MW in operation (k) (m)
 
1,052
 
1,052
 
1,052
 
1,052
 
977
 
 
36

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis



(a)
Percent of planned generation output sold or purchased forward under contracts, forward physical contracts, forward financial contracts, or options that mitigate price uncertainty that may require regulatory approval or approval of transmission rights.
(b)
Transaction under which power is supplied from a specific generation asset; if the asset is not operating, seller is generally not liable to buyer for any damages.
(c)
A sale of power on a unit-contingent basis coupled with a guarantee of availability provides for the payment to the power purchaser of contract damages, if incurred, in the event the seller fails to deliver power as a result of the failure of the specified generation unit to generate power at or above a specified availability threshold.  All of Entergy’s outstanding guarantees of availability provide for dollar limits on Entergy’s maximum liability under such guarantees.
(d)
Transaction that requires receipt or delivery of energy at a specified delivery point (usually at a market hub not associated with a specific asset) or settles financially on notional quantities; if a party fails to deliver or receive energy, defaulting party must compensate the other party as specified in the contract, a portion of which may be capped through the use of risk management products.
(e)
Transactions for the purchase of energy, generally to offset a firm LD transaction.
(f)
Amount of output expected to be generated by Entergy Wholesale Commodities resources considering plant operating characteristics, outage schedules, and expected market conditions that effect dispatch.
(g)
Assumes NRC license renewal for plants whose current licenses expire within five years and uninterrupted normal operation at all plants.  NRC license renewal applications are in process for two units, as follows (with current license expirations in parentheses): Indian Point 2 (September 2013) and Indian Point 3 (December 2015).  For a discussion regarding the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant, see “ Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ” in Note 1 to the financial statements.  For a discussion regarding the license renewals for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3, see “ Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorizations to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants ” above.
(h)
Percent of planned qualified capacity sold to mitigate price uncertainty under physical or financial transactions.
(i)
A contract for the sale of installed capacity and related energy, priced per megawatt-hour sold.
(j)
A contract for the sale of an installed capacity product in a regional market.
(k)
Amount of capacity to be available to generate power and/or sell capacity considering uprates planned to be completed during the year.
(l)
Contracts priced in accordance with cost-based rates, a ratemaking concept used for the design and development of rate schedules to ensure that the filed rate schedules recover only the cost of providing the service; these contracts are on owned non-utility resources located within Entergy’s Utility service area, which do not operate under market-based rate authority.  The percentage sold assumes approval of long-term transmission rights.  Includes sales to the Utility through 2013 of 121 MW of capacity and energy from Entergy Power sourced from Independence Steam Electric Station Unit 2.
(m)
Non-nuclear planned generation and net MW in operation include purchases from affiliated and non-affiliated counterparties under long-term contracts and exclude energy and capacity from Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ wind investment and from the 544 MW Ritchie plant that is not planned to operate.
 
Entergy estimates that a positive $10 per MWh change in the annual average energy price in the markets in which the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear business sells power, based on the respective year-end market conditions, planned generation volumes, and hedged positions, would have a corresponding effect on pre-tax net income of $125 million in 2013 and would have had a corresponding effect on pre-tax net income of $48 million in 2012.

Entergy’s purchase of the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 plants from NYPA included value sharing agreements with NYPA.  In October 2007, NYPA and the subsidiaries that own the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 plants amended and restated the value sharing agreements to clarify and amend certain provisions of the original terms.  Under the amended value sharing agreements, the Entergy subsidiaries agreed to make annual payments to NYPA based on the generation output of the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants from January 2007 through December 2014.  Entergy subsidiaries will pay NYPA $6.59 per MWh for power sold from Indian Point 3, up to an annual cap of $48 million, and $3.91 per MWh for power sold from FitzPatrick, up to an annual cap of $24
 
 
37

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

million.  The annual payment for each year’s output is due by January 15 of the following year.  Entergy will record the liability for payments to NYPA as power is generated and sold by Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick.  In 2012, 2011, and 2010, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a liability of approximately $72 million for generation during each of those years.  An amount equal to the liability was recorded each year to the plant asset account as contingent purchase price consideration for the plants.  This amount will be depreciated over the expected remaining useful life of the plants.

Some of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ power plants contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide collateral to secure its obligations under the agreements.  The Entergy subsidiary is required to provide collateral based upon the difference between the current market and contracted power prices in the regions where Entergy Wholesale Commodities sells power.  The primary form of collateral to satisfy these requirements is an Entergy Corporation guaranty.  Cash and letters of credit are also acceptable forms of collateral.  At December 31, 2012, based on power prices at that time, Entergy had liquidity exposure of $203 million under the guarantees in place supporting Entergy Wholesale Commodities transactions, $20 million of guarantees that support letters of credit, and $7 million of posted cash collateral to the ISOs.  As of December 31, 2012, the liquidity exposure associated with Entergy Wholesale Commodities assurance requirements, including return of previously posted collateral from counterparties, would increase by $106 million for a $1 per MMBtu increase in gas prices in both the short-and long-term markets.  In the event of a decrease in Entergy Corporation’s credit rating to below investment grade, based on power prices as of December 31, 2012, Entergy would have been required to provide approximately $48 million of additional cash or letters of credit under some of the agreements.

As of December 31, 2012, substantially all of the counterparties or their guarantors for 100% of the planned energy output under contract for Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants through 2016 have public investment grade credit ratings.

Nuclear Matters

After the nuclear incident in Japan resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the NRC established a task force to conduct a review of processes and regulations relating to nuclear facilities in the United States.  The task force issued a near-term (90-day) report in July 2011 that made initial recommendations, which were subsequently refined and prioritized after input from stakeholders.  The task force then issued a second report in September 2011.  Based upon the task force’s recommendations, the NRC issued three orders effective on March 12, 2012.  The three orders require U.S. nuclear operators, including Entergy, to undertake plant modifications or perform additional analyses that will, among other things, result in increased operating and capital costs associated with operating Entergy’s nuclear plants.  The NRC, with input from the industry, is in the process of determining the specific actions required by the orders and an estimate of the increased costs cannot be made at this time.

With the issuance of the three orders, the NRC also provided members of the public an opportunity to request a hearing.  Two established anti-nuclear groups, Pilgrim Watch and Beyond Nuclear, filed hearing requests, focused on Pilgrim, regarding two of the three orders.  These requests sought to have the NRC impose expanded remedial requirements to address the issues raised by the NRC’s orders.  Beyond Nuclear subsequently withdrew its hearing request and the NRC’s ASLB denied Pilgrim Watch’s hearing request.  Pilgrim Watch appealed the Board’s decision to the NRC, which affirmed the Board’s decision in January 2013.

On June 8, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the NRC’s 2010 update to its Waste Confidence Decision, which had found generically that a permanent geologic repository to store spent nuclear fuel would be available when necessary and that spent nuclear fuel could be stored at nuclear reactor sites in the interim without significant environmental effects, and remanded the case for further proceedings. The court concluded that the NRC had not satisfied the requirements of the
 
 
38

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) when it considered environmental effects in reaching these conclusions. The Waste Confidence Decision has been relied upon by NRC license renewal applicants to address some of the issues that NEPA requires the NRC to address before it issues a renewed license. Certain nuclear opponents filed requests with the NRC asking it to address the issues raised by the court’s decision in the license renewal proceedings for a number of nuclear plants including Grand Gulf and Indian Point 2 and 3. On August 7, 2012 the NRC issued an order stating that it will not issue final licenses dependent upon the Waste Confidence Decision until the D.C. Circuit’s remand is addressed, but also stating that licensing reviews and proceedings should continue to move forward. On September 6, 2012 the NRC directed its staff to develop a revised Waste Confidence Decision within 24 months.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in these assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

Entergy subsidiaries own nuclear generation facilities in both the Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities business units.  Regulations require Entergy subsidiaries to decommission the nuclear power plants after each facility is taken out of service, and money is collected and deposited in trust funds during the facilities’ operating lives in order to provide for this obligation.  Entergy conducts periodic decommissioning cost studies to estimate the costs that will be incurred to decommission the facilities.  The following key assumptions have a significant effect on these estimates.

·  
Cost Escalation Factors - Entergy’s current decommissioning cost studies include an assumption that decommissioning costs will escalate over present cost levels by factors ranging from approximately 2.0% to 3.25%.  A 50 basis point change in this assumption could change the estimated present value of the decommissioning liabilities by approximately 10% to 18%.  To the extent that a high probability of license renewal is assumed, a change in the estimated inflation or cost escalation rate has a larger effect on the undiscounted cash flows because the rate of inflation is factored into the calculation for a longer period of time.
·  
Timing - In projecting decommissioning costs, two assumptions must be made to estimate the timing of plant decommissioning.  First, the date of the plant’s retirement must be estimated.  A high probability that the plant’s license will be renewed and the plant will operate for some time beyond the original license term has currently been assumed for purposes of calculating the decommissioning liability for a number of Entergy’s nuclear units.  Second, an assumption must be made whether decommissioning will begin immediately upon plant retirement, or whether the plant will be held in SAFSTOR status for later decommissioning, as permitted by applicable regulations.  SAFSTOR is decommissioning a facility by placing it in a safe, stable condition that is maintained until it is subsequently decontaminated and dismantled to levels that permit license termination, normally within 60 years from permanent cessation of operations.  While the effect of these assumptions cannot be determined with precision, a change of assumption of either the probability of license renewal, continued operation,  or use of a SAFSTOR period can possibly change the present value of these obligations.  Future revisions to appropriately reflect changes needed to the estimate of decommissioning costs will immediately affect net income for non-rate-regulated portions of Entergy’s business, and then only to the extent that the estimate of any reduction in the liability exceeds the amount of the undepreciated asset retirement cost at the date of the revision.  Any increases in the liability recorded due to such changes are capitalized as asset retirement costs and depreciated over the asset’s remaining economic life.

 
39

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


·  
Spent Fuel Disposal - Federal law requires the DOE to provide for the permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel, and legislation has been passed by Congress to develop a repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. However, hearings on the repository’s NRC license have been suspended indefinitely. The DOE has not yet begun accepting spent nuclear fuel and is in non-compliance with federal law.  The DOE continues to delay meeting its obligation and Entergy is continuing to pursue damages claims against the DOE for its failure to provide timely spent fuel storage.  Until a federal site is available, however, nuclear plant operators must provide for interim spent fuel storage on the nuclear plant site, which can require the construction and maintenance of dry cask storage sites or other facilities.  The costs of developing and maintaining these facilities during the decommissioning period can have a significant effect (as much as an average of 20% to 30% of total estimated decommissioning costs).  Entergy’s decommissioning studies may include cost estimates for spent fuel storage.  However, these estimates could change in the future based on the timing of the opening of an appropriate facility designated by the federal government to receive spent nuclear fuel.
·  
Technology and Regulation - Over the past several years, more practical experience with the actual decommissioning of facilities has been gained and that experience has been incorporated into Entergy’s current decommissioning cost estimates.  However, given the long duration of decommissioning projects, additional experience, including technological advancements in decommissioning, could occur and affect current cost estimates.  If regulations regarding nuclear decommissioning were to change, this could have a potentially significant effect on cost estimates.  The effect of these potential changes is not presently determinable.
·  
Interest Rates - The estimated decommissioning costs that form the basis for the decommissioning liability recorded on the balance sheet are discounted to present values using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate. When the decommissioning cost estimate is significantly changed requiring a revision to the decommissioning liability and the change results in an increase in cash flows, that increase is discounted using a current credit-adjusted risk-free rate.  Under accounting rules, if the revision in estimate results in a decrease in estimated cash flows, that decrease is discounted using the previous credit-adjusted risk-free rate.  Therefore, to the extent that one of the factors noted above changes resulting in a significant increase in estimated cash flows, current interest rates will affect the calculation of the present value of the additional decommissioning liability.

In the second quarter 2012, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Waterford 3 as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a $48.9 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement costs asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

 In the second quarter 2012, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a reduction of $60.6 million in the estimated decommissioning cost liability for a plant as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a credit to decommissioning expense of $49 million, reflecting the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of the undepreciated asset retirement costs asset.

In the first quarter 2011, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a $38.9 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related regulatory asset.

           In the fourth quarter 2011, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a reduction of $34.1 million in its decommissioning cost liability for a plant as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study obtained to comply with a state regulatory requirement.  The revised cost study resulted in a change in the undiscounted cash flows and a credit to decommissioning expense of $34.1 million, reflecting the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of undepreciated assets.


 
40

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Trust Fund Investments

Entergy has significant investments in long-lived assets in all of its segments, and Entergy evaluates these assets against the market economics and under the accounting rules for impairment whenever there are indications that impairments may exist.  This evaluation involves a significant degree of estimation and uncertainty.  In the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Entergy’s investments in merchant nuclear generation assets are subject to impairment if adverse market conditions arise, if a unit plans to cease, or ceases, operation sooner than expected, or for certain units if their operating licenses are not renewed.  Entergy’s investments in merchant non-nuclear generation assets are subject to impairment if adverse market conditions arise or if a unit plans to cease, or ceases, operation sooner than expected.

In order to determine if Entergy should recognize an impairment of a long-lived asset that is to be held and used, accounting standards require that the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the asset be compared to the asset’s carrying value.  The carrying value of the asset includes any capitalized asset retirement cost associated with the recording of an additional decommissioning liability, therefore changes in assumptions that affect the decommissioning liability can increase or decrease the carrying value of the asset subject to impairment.  If the expected undiscounted future cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is recorded; if such cash flows are less than the carrying value, Entergy is required to record an impairment charge to write the asset down to its fair value.  If an asset is held for sale, an impairment is required to be recognized if the fair value (less costs to sell) of the asset is less than its carrying value.

These estimates are based on a number of key assumptions, including:

·  
Future power and fuel prices - Electricity and gas prices have been very volatile in recent years, and this volatility is expected to continue.  This volatility necessarily increases the imprecision inherent in the long-term forecasts of commodity prices that are a key determinant of estimated future cash flows.
·  
Market value of generation assets - Valuing assets held for sale requires estimating the current market value of generation assets.  While market transactions provide evidence for this valuation, the market for such assets is volatile and the value of individual assets is impacted by factors unique to those assets.
·  
Future operating costs - Entergy assumes relatively minor annual increases in operating costs.  Technological or regulatory changes that have a significant impact on operations could cause a significant change in these assumptions.
·  
Timing -   Entergy currently assumes, for a number of its nuclear units, that the plant’s license will be renewed.  A change in that assumption could have a significant effect on the expected future cash flows and result in a significant effect on operations.

For additional discussion regarding the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant, see “ Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ” in Note 1 to the financial statements.


 
41

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy evaluates unrealized losses at the end of each period to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary-impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  Entergy did not have any material other than temporary impairments relating to credit losses on debt securities in 2012, 2011, or 2010.  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other than temporary impairment continues to be based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, unrealized losses that are not considered temporarily impaired are recorded in earnings for Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities did not record material charges to other income in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.  Additional impairments could be recorded in 2013 to the extent that then current market conditions change the evaluation of recoverability of unrealized losses.  

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified, defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate for the Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities segments.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

·  
Discount rates used in determining future benefit obligations;
·  
Projected health care cost trend rates;
·  
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets;
·  
Rate of increase in future compensation levels;
·  
Retirement rates; and
·  
Mortality rates.

Entergy reviews the first four assumptions listed above on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary.  The falling interest rate environment and volatility in the financial equity markets have impacted Entergy’s funding and reported costs for these benefits.  In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

           The retirement and mortality rate assumptions are reviewed every three to five years as part of an actuarial study that compares these assumptions to the actual experience of the pension and other postretirement plans.  The 2011 actuarial study reviewed plan experience from 2007 through 2010.  As a result of the 2011 actuarial study, changes were made to reflect the expectation that participants have longer life expectancies and different retirement patterns than previously assumed.  These changes are reflected in the December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 financial disclosures.
 
 
42

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy’s projected stream of benefit payments.  Based on recent market trends, the discount rates used to calculate its 2012 qualified pension benefit obligation and 2013 qualified pension cost ranged from 4.31% to 4.50%  for its specific pension plans (4.36% combined rate for all pension plans).   The discount rates used to calculate its 2011 qualified pension benefit obligation and 2012 qualified pension cost ranged from 5.1% to 5.2% for its specific pension plans (5.1% combined rate for all pension plans).  The discount rate used to calculate its other 2012 postretirement benefit obligation and 2013 postretirement benefit cost was 4.36%.  The discount rate used to calculate its 2011 other postretirement benefit obligation and 2012 postretirement benefit cost was 5.1%.

Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates.  Based on this review, Entergy’s assumed health care cost trend rate assumption used in measuring the December 31, 2012 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and 2013 postretirement cost was 7.50% for pre-65 retirees and 7.25% for post-65 retirees for 2013, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.75% in 2022 and beyond for both pre-65 and post-65 retirees.  Entergy’s health care cost trend rate assumption used in measuring the December 31, 2011 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and 2012 postretirement cost was 7.75% for pre-65 retirees and 7.5% for post-65 retirees for 2012, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.75% in 2022 and beyond for both pre-65 and post-65 retirees.

The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate 2012 and 2011 benefit obligations was 4.23%.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and investment managers.

Since 2003, Entergy has targeted an asset allocation for its qualified pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities and 35% fixed-income securities.  Entergy completed and adopted an optimization study in 2011 for the pension assets which recommended that the target asset allocation adjust dynamically over time, based on the funded status of the plan, from its current to its ultimate allocation of 45% equity, 55% fixed income.  The ultimate asset allocation is expected to be attained when the plan is 105% funded.

The current target allocations for Entergy’s non-taxable postretirement benefit assets are 65% equity securities and 35% fixed-income securities and, for its taxable other postretirement benefit assets, 65% equity securities and 35% fixed-income securities.  This takes into account asset allocation adjustments that were made during 2012.

Entergy’s expected long term rate of return on qualified pension assets used to calculate 2012, 2011 and 2010 qualified pension costs was 8.5% and will be 8.5% for 2013.  Entergy’s expected long term rate of return on non-taxable other postretirement assets used to calculate other postretirement costs was 8.5% for 2012 and 2011, 7.75% for 2010 and will be 8.5% for 2013.  For Entergy’s taxable postretirement assets, the expected long term rate of return was 6.5% for 2012, 5.5% for 2011 and 2010, and will be 6.5% in 2013.


 
43

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified pension projected benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension
Cost
 
Impact on Qualified
Projected
Benefit Obligation
   
Increase/(Decrease)
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$20,142
 
$229,473
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$9,337
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$8,512
 
$48,036

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
   
Increase/(Decrease)
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$8,061
 
$72,947
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$11,422
 
$64,967

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  Refer to Note 11 to the financial statements for a further discussion of Entergy’s funded status.

In accordance with pension accounting standards, Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs.  Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into expense only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets.  If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Costs and Funding

In 2012, Entergy’s total qualified pension cost was $264 million.  Entergy anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $332 million.  Pension funding was approximately $170.5 million for 2012.  Entergy’s contributions to the pension trust are currently estimated to be approximately $163.3 million in 2013, although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.
 
 
44

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Minimum required funding calculations as determined under Pension Protection Act guidance are performed annually as of January 1 of each year and are based on measurements of the assets and funding liabilities as measured at that date.  Any excess of the funding liability over the calculated fair market value of assets results in a funding shortfall which, under the Pension Protection Act, must be funded over a seven-year rolling period.  The Pension Protection Act also imposes certain plan limitations if the funded percentage, which is based on a calculated fair market values of assets divided by funding liabilities, does not meet certain thresholds. For funding purposes, asset gains and losses are smoothed in to the calculated fair market value of assets and the funding liability is based upon a weighted average 24-month corporate bond rate published by the U.S. Treasury; therefore, periodic changes in asset returns and interest rates can affect funding shortfalls and future cash contributions.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) became federal law on July 6, 2012.  Under the law, the segment rates used to calculate funding liabilities must be within a corridor of the 25-year average of prior segment rates.  The interest rate corridor applies to the determination of minimum funding requirements and benefit restrictions.  The pension funding stabilization provisions will provide for a near-term reduction in minimum funding requirements for single employer defined benefit plans in response to the current, historically low interest rates.  The law does not reduce contribution requirements over the long term, and it is likely that Entergy’s contributions to the pension trust will increase after 2013.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy in 2012 were $138.4 million, including $31.2 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to be $146.8 million.  This includes a projected $34 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy contributed $82.2 million to its postretirement plans in 2012.  Entergy’s current estimate of contributions to its other postretirement plans is approximately $82.5 million in 2013.

Federal Healthcare Legislation

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) became federal law on March 23, 2010, and, on March 30, 2010, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 became federal law and amended certain provisions of the PPACA.  These new federal laws change the law governing employer-sponsored group health plans, like Entergy's plans, and include, among other things, the following significant provisions.

·  
A 40% excise tax on per capita medical benefit costs that exceed certain thresholds;
·  
Change in coverage limits for dependents; and
·  
Elimination of lifetime caps.

The effect of PPACA has been reflected based on Entergy’s understanding of current guidance on the rules and regulations. However, there are still many technical issues that have not been finalized.  Entergy will continue to monitor these developments to determine the possible impact on Entergy as a result of PPACA.  Entergy is participating in the programs currently provided for under PPACA, such as the early retiree reinsurance program, which has provided for some limited reimbursements of certain claims for early retirees aged 55 to 64 who are not yet eligible for Medicare.

One provision of the new law that is effective in 2013 eliminates the federal income tax deduction for prescription drug expenses of Medicare beneficiaries for which the plan sponsor also receives the retiree drug subsidy under Part D.  Entergy receives subsidy payments under the Medicare Part D plan and therefore in the first quarter 2010 recorded a reduction to the deferred tax asset related to the unfunded other postretirement benefit obligation.  The offset was recorded in 2010 as a $16 million charge to income tax expense or, for the Utility, including each Registrant Subsidiary, as a regulatory asset.


 
45

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis


Other Contingencies

As a company with multi-state utility operations, Entergy is subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations and other factors and conditions in the areas in which it operates, which potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, and other risks.  Entergy periodically evaluates its exposure for such risks and records a reserve for those matters which are considered probable and estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Environmental

Entergy must comply with environmental laws and regulations applicable to air emissions, water discharges, solid and hazardous waste, toxic substances, protected species, and other environmental matters.  Under these various laws and regulations, Entergy could incur substantial costs to comply or address any impacts to the environment.  Entergy conducts studies to determine the extent of any required remediation and has recorded reserves based upon its evaluation of the likelihood of loss and expected dollar amount for each issue.  Additional sites or issues could be identified which require environmental remediation or corrective action for which Entergy could be liable.  The amounts of environmental reserves recorded can be significantly affected by the following external events or conditions.

·  
Changes to existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.
·  
The identification of additional impacts, sites, issues, or the filing of other complaints in which Entergy may be asserted to be a potentially responsible party.
·  
The resolution or progression of existing matters through the court system or resolution by the EPA or relevant state or local authority.

Litigation

Entergy is regularly named as a defendant in a number of lawsuits involving employment, customers, and injuries and damages issues, among other matters.  Entergy periodically reviews the cases in which it has been named as defendant and assesses the likelihood of loss in each case as probable, reasonably estimable, or remote and records reserves for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss and can be estimated.  Given the environment in which Entergy operates, and the unpredictable nature of many of the cases in which Entergy is named as a defendant, the ultimate outcome of the litigation to which Entergy is exposed has the potential to materially affect the results of operations of Entergy or Registrant Subsidiaries.

Uncertain Tax Positions

Entergy’s operations, including acquisitions and divestitures, require Entergy to evaluate risks such as the potential tax effects of a transaction, or warranties made in connection with such a transaction.  Entergy believes that it has adequately assessed and provided for these types of risks, where applicable.  Any provisions recorded for these types of issues, however, could be significantly affected by events such as claims made by third parties under warranties, additional transactions contemplated by Entergy, or completion of reviews of the tax treatment of certain transactions or issues by taxing authorities.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects that have not yet resulted in final pronouncements.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.


ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

Management of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries has prepared and is responsible for the financial statements and related financial information included in this document.  To meet this responsibility, management establishes and maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  This system includes communication through written policies and procedures, an employee Code of Entegrity, and an organizational structure that provides for appropriate division of responsibility and training of personnel.  This system is also tested by a comprehensive internal audit program.

Entergy management assesses the design and effectiveness of Entergy’s internal control over financial reporting on an annual basis.  In making this assessment, management uses the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework.  Management acknowledges, however, that all internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries’ independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of Entergy’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which is included herein on pages 416 through 423.

In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of independent Directors, meets with the independent auditors, internal auditors, management, and internal accountants periodically to discuss internal controls, and auditing and financial reporting matters.  The Audit Committee appoints the independent auditors annually, seeks shareholder ratification of the appointment, and reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort.  The Audit Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor without management present, providing free access to the Audit Committee.

Based on management’s assessment of internal controls using the COSO criteria, management believes that Entergy and each of the Registrant Subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.  Management further believes that this assessment, combined with the policies and procedures noted above, provides reasonable assurance that Entergy’s and each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ financial statements are fairly and accurately presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
LEO P. DENAULT
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
ANDREW S. MARSH
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
HUGH T. MCDONALD
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
 
PHILLIP R. MAY, JR.
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. and Entergy Louisiana, LLC
 
 
HALEY R. FISACKERLY
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
 
 
CHARLES L. RICE, JR.
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
 
 
SALLIE T. RAINER
Chair of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Texas, Inc.
 
 
JEFFREY S. FORBES
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.
 
 
ALYSON M. MOUNT
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (and acting principal financial officer) of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., and Entergy Texas, Inc.
 
 
WANDA C. CURRY
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.
 


 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands, Except Percentages and Per Share Amounts)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 10,302,079     $ 11,229,073     $ 11,487,577     $ 10,745,650     $ 13,093,756  
Income from continuing operations
  $ 868,363     $ 1,367,372     $ 1,270,305     $ 1,251,050     $ 1,240,535  
Earnings per share from continuing operations:
                                 
  Basic
  $ 4.77     $ 7.59     $ 6.72     $ 6.39     $ 6.39  
  Diluted
  $ 4.76     $ 7.55     $ 6.66     $ 6.30     $ 6.20  
Dividends declared per share
  $ 3.32     $ 3.32     $ 3.24     $ 3.00     $ 3.00  
Return on common equity
    9.33 %     15.43 %     14.61 %     14.85 %     15.42 %
Book value per share, year-end
  $ 51.72     $ 50.81     $ 47.53     $ 45.54     $ 42.07  
Total assets
  $ 43,202,502     $ 40,701,699     $ 38,685,276     $ 37,561,953     $ 36,616,818  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 12,141,370     $ 10,268,645     $ 11,575,973     $ 11,277,314     $ 11,734,411  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt), noncurrent capital lease obligations, and subsidiary preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented as equity on the balance sheet.
 
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Utility Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 3,022     $ 3,369     $ 3,375     $ 2,999     $ 3,610  
  Commercial
    2,174       2,333       2,317       2,184       2,735  
  Industrial
    2,034       2,307       2,207       1,997       2,933  
  Governmental
    198       205       212       204       248  
     Total retail
    7,428       8,214       8,111       7,384       9,526  
  Sales for resale
    179       216       389       206       325  
  Other
    264       244       241       290       222  
     Total
  $ 7,871     $ 8,674     $ 8,741     $ 7,880     $ 10,073  
Utility Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                 
  Residential
    34,664       36,684       37,465       33,626       33,047  
  Commercial
    28,724       28,720       28,831       27,476       27,340  
  Industrial
    41,181       40,810       38,751       35,638       37,843  
  Governmental
    2,435       2,474       2,463       2,408       2,379  
     Total retail
    107,004       108,688       107,510       99,148       100,609  
  Sales for resale
    3,200       4,111       4,372       4,862       5,401  
     Total
    110,204       112,799       111,882       104,010       106,010  
                                         
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
                                       
  Operating Revenues
  $ 2,326     $ 2,414     $ 2,566     $ 2,711     $ 2,794  
  Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh)
    46,178       43,497       42,934       43,743       44,875  
                                         
                                         
                                     



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
New Orleans, Louisiana


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of cash flows, and consolidated statements of changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013



 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
      (In Thousands, Except Share Data)  
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 7,870,649     $ 8,673,517     $ 8,740,637  
Natural gas
    130,836       165,819       197,658  
Competitive businesses
    2,300,594       2,389,737       2,549,282  
TOTAL
    10,302,079       11,229,073       11,487,577  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operating and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    2,036,835       2,492,714       2,518,582  
   Purchased power
    1,255,800       1,564,967       1,659,416  
   Nuclear refueling outage expenses
    245,600       255,618       256,123  
   Asset impairment
    355,524       -       -  
   Other operation and maintenance
    3,045,392       2,867,758       2,969,402  
Decommissioning
    184,760       190,595       211,736  
Taxes other than income taxes
    557,298       536,026       534,299  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,144,585       1,102,202       1,069,894  
Other regulatory charges - net
    175,104       205,959       44,921  
TOTAL
    9,000,898       9,215,839       9,264,373  
                         
Gain on sale of business
    -       -       44,173  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    1,301,181       2,013,234       2,267,377  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    92,759       84,305       59,381  
Interest and investment income
    127,776       128,994       184,077  
Miscellaneous - net
    (53,214 )     (59,271 )     (48,124 )
TOTAL
    167,321       154,028       195,334  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    606,596       551,521       610,146  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (37,312 )     (37,894 )     (34,979 )
TOTAL
    569,284       513,627       575,167  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    899,218       1,653,635       1,887,544  
                         
Income taxes
    30,855       286,263       617,239  
                         
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME
    868,363       1,367,372       1,270,305  
                         
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries
    21,690       20,933       20,063  
                         
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENTERGY CORPORATION
  $ 846,673     $ 1,346,439     $ 1,250,242  
                         
                         
Earnings per average common share:
                       
    Basic
  $ 4.77     $ 7.59     $ 6.72  
    Diluted
  $ 4.76     $ 7.55     $ 6.66  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 3.32     $ 3.32     $ 3.24  
                         
Basic average number of common shares outstanding
    177,324,813       177,430,208       186,010,452  
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding
    177,737,565       178,370,695       187,814,235  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Net Income
  $ 868,363     $ 1,367,372     $ 1,270,305  
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
   Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss)
                       
     (net of tax expense (benefit) of ($55,750), $34,411, and ($7,088)
    (97,591 )     71,239       (11,685 )
   Pension and other postretirement liabilities
                       
     (net of tax benefit of $61,223, $131,198, and $14,387)
    (91,157 )     (223,090 )     (8,527 )
   Net unrealized investment gains
                       
     (net of tax expense of $61,104, $19,368, and $51,130)
    63,609       21,254       57,523  
   Foreign currency translation
                       
     (net of tax expense (benefit) of $275, $192, and ($182))
    508       357       (338 )
         Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (124,631 )     (130,240 )     36,973  
                         
Comprehensive Income
    743,732       1,237,132       1,307,278  
                         
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries
    21,690       20,933       20,063  
                         
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation
  $ 722,042     $ 1,216,199     $ 1,287,215  
                         
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Consolidated net income
  $ 868,363     $ 1,367,372     $ 1,270,305  
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flow
                       
 provided by operating activities:
                       
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization
    1,771,649       1,745,455       1,705,331  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    (26,479 )     (280,029 )     718,987  
  Asset impairment
    355,524       -       -  
  Gain on sale of business
    -       -       (44,173 )
  Changes in working capital:
                       
     Receivables
    (14,202 )     28,091       (99,640 )
     Fuel inventory
    (11,604 )     5,393       (10,665 )
     Accounts payable
    (6,779 )     (131,970 )     216,635  
     Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued
    55,484       580,042       (116,988 )
     Interest accrued
    1,152       (34,172 )     17,651  
     Deferred fuel costs
    (99,987 )     (55,686 )     8,909  
     Other working capital accounts
    (151,989 )     41,875       (160,326 )
  Changes in provisions for estimated losses
    (24,808 )     (11,086 )     265,284  
  Changes in other regulatory assets
    (398,428 )     (673,244 )     339,408  
  Changes in pensions and other postretirement liabilities
    644,099       962,461       (80,844 )
  Other
    (21,710 )     (415,685 )     (103,793 )
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    2,940,285       3,128,817       3,926,081  
                         
  INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction/capital expenditures
    (2,674,650 )     (2,040,027 )     (1,974,286 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    96,131       86,252       59,381  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (557,960 )     (641,493 )     (407,711 )
Payment for purchase of plant
    (456,356 )     (646,137 )     -  
Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses
    -       6,531       228,171  
Insurance proceeds received for property damages
    -       -       7,894  
Changes in securitization account
    4,265       (7,260 )     (29,945 )
NYPA value sharing payment
    (72,000 )     (72,000 )     (72,000 )
Payments to storm reserve escrow account
    (8,957 )     (6,425 )     (296,614 )
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account
    27,884       -       9,925  
Decrease (increase) in other investments
    15,175       (11,623 )     24,956  
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs
    109,105       -       -  
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales
    2,074,055       1,360,346       2,606,383  
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds
    (2,196,489 )     (1,475,017 )     (2,730,377 )
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (3,639,797 )     (3,446,853 )     (2,574,223 )
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                 
Proceeds from the issuance of:
                 
  Long-term debt
    3,478,361       2,990,881       3,870,694  
  Mandatorily redeemable preferred membership units of subsidiary
    51,000       -       -  
  Treasury stock
    62,886       46,185       51,163  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (3,130,233 )     (2,437,372 )     (4,178,127 )
Repurchase of common stock
    -       (234,632 )     (878,576 )
Redemption of subsidiary common and preferred stock
    -       (30,308 )     -  
Changes in credit borrowings and commercial paper - net
    687,675       (6,501 )     (8,512 )
Dividends paid:
                       
  Common stock
    (589,209 )     (589,605 )     (603,854 )
  Preferred stock
    (22,329 )     (20,933 )     (20,063 )
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    538,151       (282,285 )     (1,767,275 )
                         
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (508 )     287       338  
                         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (161,869 )     (600,034 )     (415,079 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    694,438       1,294,472       1,709,551  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 532,569     $ 694,438     $ 1,294,472  
                         
                         
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
  Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
    Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 546,125     $ 532,271     $ 534,004  
    Income taxes
  $ 49,214     $ (2,042 )   $ 32,144  
                         
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 112,992     $ 81,468  
  Temporary cash investments
    419,577       612,970  
     Total cash and cash equivalents
    532,569       694,438  
Securitization recovery trust account
    46,040       50,304  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    568,871       568,558  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (31,956 )     (31,159 )
  Other
    161,408       166,186  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    303,392       298,283  
     Total accounts receivable
    1,001,715       1,001,868  
Deferred fuel costs
    150,363       209,776  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    306,902       9,856  
Fuel inventory - at average cost
    213,831       202,132  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    928,530       894,756  
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs
    243,374       231,031  
System agreement cost equalization
    16,880       36,800  
Prepayments and other
    242,922       291,742  
TOTAL
    3,683,126       3,622,703  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Investment in affiliates - at equity
    46,738       44,876  
Decommissioning trust funds
    4,190,108       3,788,031  
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    256,039       260,436  
Other
    436,234       416,423  
TOTAL
    4,929,119       4,509,766  
                 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
               
Electric
    41,944,567       39,385,524  
Property under capital lease
    935,199       809,449  
Natural gas
    353,492       343,550  
Construction work in progress
    1,365,699       1,779,723  
Nuclear fuel
    1,598,430       1,546,167  
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    46,197,387       43,864,413  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    18,898,842       18,255,128  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET
    27,298,545       25,609,285  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    742,030       799,006  
  Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of
               
     $914,751 as of December 31, 2012 and $1,009,103 as of
               
     December 31, 2011)
    5,025,912       4,636,871  
  Deferred fuel costs
    172,202       172,202  
Goodwill
    377,172       377,172  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    37,748       19,003  
Other
    936,648       955,691  
TOTAL
    7,291,712       6,959,945  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 43,202,502     $ 40,701,699  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               
 

 
 
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 718,516     $ 2,192,733  
Notes payable and commercial paper
    796,002       108,331  
Accounts payable
    1,217,180       1,069,096  
Customer deposits
    359,078       351,741  
Taxes accrued
    333,719       278,235  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    13,109       99,929  
Interest accrued
    184,664       183,512  
Deferred fuel costs
    96,439       255,839  
Obligations under capital leases
    3,880       3,631  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    95,900       44,031  
System agreement cost equalization
    25,848       80,090  
Other
    261,986       283,531  
TOTAL
    4,106,321       4,950,699  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    8,311,756       8,096,452  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    273,696       284,747  
Obligations under capital leases
    34,541       38,421  
Other regulatory liabilities
    898,614       728,193  
Decommissioning and asset retirement cost liabilities
    3,513,634       3,296,570  
Accumulated provisions
    362,226       385,512  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    3,725,886       3,133,657  
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $973,480 as of
               
   December 31, 2012 and $1,070,556 as of December 31, 2011)
    11,920,318       10,043,713  
Other
    577,910       501,954  
TOTAL
    29,618,581       26,509,219  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Subsidiaries' preferred stock without sinking fund
    186,511       186,511  
                 
EQUITY
               
Common Shareholders' Equity:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares;
               
  issued 254,752,788 shares in 2012 and in 2011
    2,548       2,548  
Paid-in capital
    5,357,852       5,360,682  
Retained earnings
    9,704,591       9,446,960  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (293,083 )     (168,452 )
Less - treasury stock, at cost (76,945,239 shares in 2012 and
               
  78,396,988 shares in 2011)
    5,574,819       5,680,468  
Total common shareholders' equity
    9,197,089       8,961,270  
Subsidiaries' preferred stock without sinking fund
    94,000       94,000  
TOTAL
    9,291,089       9,055,270  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 43,202,502     $ 40,701,699  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                                           
         
Common Shareholders’ Equity
       
   
Subsidiaries’
Preferred
Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 94,000     $ 2,548     $ (4,727,167 )   $ 5,370,042     $ 8,043,122     $ (75,185 )   $ 8,707,360  
                                                         
                                                         
Consolidated net income (a)
    20,063       -       -       -       1,250,242       -       1,270,305  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       36,973       36,973  
Common stock repurchases
    -       -       (878,576 )     -       -       -       (878,576 )
Common stock issuances related to stock plans
    -       -       80,932       (2,568 )     -       -       78,364  
Common stock dividends declared
    -       -       -       -       (603,963 )     -       (603,963 )
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a)
    (20,063 )     -       -       -       -       -       (20,063 )
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 94,000     $ 2,548     $ (5,524,811 )   $ 5,367,474     $ 8,689,401     $ (38,212 )   $ 8,590,400  
                                                         
                                                         
Consolidated net income (a)
    20,933       -       -       -       1,346,439       -       1,367,372  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (130,240 )     (130,240 )
Common stock repurchases
    -       -       (234,632 )     -       -       -       (234,632 )
Common stock issuances related to stock plans
    -       -       78,975       (6,792 )     -       -       72,183  
Common stock dividends declared
    -       -       -       -       (588,880 )     -       (588,880 )
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a)
    (20,933 )     -       -       -       -       -       (20,933 )
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 94,000     $ 2,548     $ (5,680,468 )   $ 5,360,682     $ 9,446,960     $ (168,452 )   $ 9,055,270  
                                                         
                                                         
Consolidated net income (a)
    21,690       -       -       -       846,673       -       868,363  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (124,631 )     (124,631 )
Common stock issuances related to stock plans
    -       -     $ 105,649       (2,830 )     -       -       102,819  
Common stock dividends declared
    -       -       -       -       (589,042 )     -       (589,042 )
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a)
    (21,690 )     -       -       -       -       -       (21,690 )
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 94,000     $ 2,548     $ (5,574,819 )   $ 5,357,852     $ 9,704,591     $ (293,083 )   $ 9,291,089  
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                                                       
                                                         
(a) Consolidated net income and preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries for 2012, 2011, and 2010 include $15.0 million, $13.3 million, and $13.3 million, respectively, of preferred dividends on subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented as equity.
 
                                                         

 


ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  Certain previously-reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to current classifications, with no effect on net income or common shareholders’ (or members’) equity.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, except for Algiers, where Entergy Louisiana is the electric power supplier.  The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

 
57

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing.System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.   For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, is shown below:

 
 
2012
 
 
Entergy
   
 
Utility
   
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities
   
Parent &
Other
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Production
                       
Nuclear
  $ 9,588     $ 6,624     $ 2,964     $ -  
Other
    2,878       2,493       385       -  
Transmission
    3,654       3,619       35       -  
Distribution
    6,561       6,561       -       -  
Other
    1,654       1,416       235       3  
Construction work in progress
    1,366       973       392       1  
Nuclear fuel
    1,598       907       691       -  
Property, plant, and equipment - net
  $ 27,299     $ 22,593     $ 4,702     $ 4  


 
58

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
 
2011
 
 
Entergy
   
 
Utility
   
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities
   
Parent &
Other
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Production
                       
Nuclear
  $ 8,635     $ 5,441     $ 3,194     $ -  
Other
    2,431       2,032       399       -  
Transmission
    3,344       3,309       35       -  
Distribution
    6,157       6,157       -       -  
Other
    1,716       1,463       250       3  
Construction work in progress
    1,780       1,420       359       1  
Nuclear fuel
    1,546       802       744       -  
Property, plant, and equipment - net
  $ 25,609     $ 20,624     $ 4,981     $ 4  

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.5% in 2012, 2.6% in 2011, and 2.6% in 2010.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.4% in 2012, 2.5% in 2011, and 2.5% 2010, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 3.5% in 2012, 3.9% in 2011, and 3.7% in 2010.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $230.4 million and $214.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $267 million and $171 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, is shown below:

 
 
2012
 
Entergy
Arkansas
   
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Mississippi
   
Entergy
New Orleans
   
Entergy
Texas
   
System
Energy
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Production
                                         
Nuclear
  $ 1,073     $ 1,428     $ 2,180     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,943  
Other
    621       286       680       545       (11 )     371       -  
Transmission
    1,034       573       734       581       27       642       28  
Distribution
    1,747       939       1,454       1,065       331       1,025       -  
Other
    115       187       289       201       182       106       17  
Construction work in progress
    206       125       405       63       11       90       40  
Nuclear fuel
    304       147       204       -       -       -       253  
Property, plant, and equipment - net
  $ 5,100     $ 3,685     $ 5,946     $ 2,455     $ 540     $ 2,234     $ 2,281  



 
59

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
 
2011
 
Entergy
Arkansas
   
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Mississippi
   
Entergy
New Orleans
   
Entergy
Texas
   
System
Energy
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Production
                                         
Nuclear
  $ 1,034     $ 1,458     $ 1,561     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,388  
Other
    398       286       679       350       (7 )     325       -  
Transmission
    942       500       706       510       22       624       5  
Distribution
    1,700       856       1,304       1,009       298       990       -  
Other
    173       192       278       206       186       110       18  
Construction work in progress
    120       122       559       105       14       91       358  
Nuclear fuel
    273       206       165       -       -       -       158  
Property, plant, and equipment - net
  $ 4,640     $ 3,620     $ 5,252     $ 2,180     $ 513     $ 2,140     $ 1,927  

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
                             
2012
 
2.5%
 
1.8%
 
2.4%
 
2.6%
 
3.0%
 
2.4%
 
2.8%
2011
 
2.6%
 
1.8%
 
2.5%
 
2.6%
 
3.0%
 
2.2%
 
2.8%
2010
 
2.9%
 
1.8%
 
2.4%
 
2.6%
 
3.1%
 
2.3%
 
2.9%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $142 million and $136 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $2.8 million and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $10 million and $9.8 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $56.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $9.7 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $110.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $4.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $8.6 million for Entergy Texas, and $13.5 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2011, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $14.1 million for Entergy Arkansas, $13.7 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $27 million for Entergy Louisiana, $4.3 million for Entergy Mississippi, $3.6 million for Entergy New Orleans, $4.3 million for Entergy Texas, and $32.9 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties.  The investments and expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2012, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

 
60

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
 
Generating Stations
 
 
 
Fuel-Type
 
Total
Megawatt
Capability (1)
 
 
 
Ownership
 
 
 
Investment
 
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
                 
(In Millions)
Utility business:
                     
Entergy Arkansas -
                     
Independence
Unit 1
 
Coal
 
836
 
31.50%
 
$128
 
$86
 
Common
Facilities
 
 
Coal
     
 
15.75%
 
 
$33
 
 
$22
White Bluff
Units 1 and 2
 
Coal
 
1,659
 
57.00%
 
$498
 
$319
Ouachita (2)
Common
Facilities
 
 
Gas
     
 
66.67%
 
 
$169
 
 
$142
Entergy Gulf States
Louisiana -
                     
Roy S. Nelson
Unit 6
 
Coal
 
540
 
40.25%
 
$250
 
$170
Roy S. Nelson
Unit 6 Common
Facilities
 
 
Coal
     
 
15.92%
 
 
$9
 
 
$3
Big Cajun 2
Unit 3
 
Coal
 
588
 
24.15%
 
$142
 
$99
Ouachita (2)
Common
Facilities
 
 
Gas
     
 
33.33%
 
 
$87
 
 
$73
Entergy Louisiana -
                     
  Acadia
Common
Facilities
 
 
Gas
     
 
50.00%
 
 
$8
 
 
$-
Entergy Mississippi -
                     
Independence
Units 1 and 2 and
Common
Facilities
 
 
 
Coal
 
 
 
1,678
 
 
 
25.00%
 
 
 
$250
 
 
 
$140
Entergy Texas -
                     
Roy S. Nelson
Unit 6
 
Coal
 
540
 
29.75%
 
$180
 
$113
Roy S. Nelson
Unit 6 Common
Facilities
 
 
Coal
     
 
11.77%
 
 
$6
 
 
$2
Big Cajun 2
Unit 3
 
Coal
 
588
 
17.85%
 
$107
 
$68
System Energy -
                     
Grand Gulf
Unit 1
 
Nuclear
 
1,430(4)
 
90.00%(3)
 
$4,557
 
$2,569
                       
Entergy Wholesale
Commodities:
                     
Independence
Unit 2
 
Coal
 
842
 
14.37%
 
$69
 
$43
Independence
Common  
Facilities
 
 
Coal
     
 
7.18%
 
 
$16
 
 
$9
Roy S. Nelson
Unit 6
 
Coal
 
540
 
10.9%
 
$104
 
$54
Roy S. Nelson
Unit 6 Common
Facilities
 
 
Coal
     
 
4.31%
 
 
$2
 
 
$1
                       

(1)
“Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.
(2)
Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.
(3)
Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.
(4)
Includes estimate, pending further testing, of the rerate for recovered performance (approximately 55 MW) and uprate (approximately 178 MW) completed in 2012.

 
61

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized based upon the average useful life of the related property, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of income:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
 
         
$/share
         
$/share
         
$/share
 
Net income attributable to Entergy Corporation
  $ 846.7           $ 1,346.4           $ 1,250.2        
                                           
Basic earnings per average common share
    177.3     $ 4.77       177.4     $ 7.59       186.0     $ 6.72  
Average dilutive effect of:
                                               
Stock options
    0.3       (0.01 )     1.0       (0.04 )     1.8       (0.06 )
Other equity plans
    0.1       -       -       -       -       -  
Diluted earnings per average common shares
    177.7     $ 4.76       178.4     $ 7.55       187.8     $ 6.66  

The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded 7,164,319 options outstanding at December 31, 2012, 5,712,604 options outstanding at December 31, 2011, and 5,380,262 options outstanding at December 31, 2010 that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.  Those options were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of those options exceeded the average market price for the year.


 
62

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted liability awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over three years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, where specific recovery is not provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between ratepayers and shareholders.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.


 
63

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities in other regulatory liabilities/assets.  For the portion of River Bend that is not rate-regulated, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) in other deferred credits.  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of earnings or losses of the investee based on the change during the period in the estimated liquidation value of the investment, assuming that the investee’s assets were to be liquidated at book value.  In accordance with this method, earnings are allocated to owners or members based on what each partner would receive from its capital account if, hypothetically, liquidation were to occur at the balance sheet date and amounts distributed were based on recorded book values.  Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase, normal sales criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings.
 
 
64

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using bid prices and market quotes.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not accrue to the benefit or detriment of stockholders.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have applications pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their license expiration dates while their renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  If the NRC does not renew the operating license for any of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and impairing its value as an asset.

In March 2011 the NRC renewed Vermont Yankee’s operating license for an additional 20 years.  The renewed operating license expires in March 2032.  In May 2011 the Vermont Department of Public Service and the New England Coalition petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit seeking judicial review of the NRC’s issuance of the renewed operating license, alleging that the license had been issued without a valid and effective water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.  Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee and Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. intervened in the proceeding.   In June 2012 the Court of Appeals denied the appeal on the ground that the petitioners had failed to exhaust their administrative remedies before the NRC.  The time for seeking further judicial review of the NRC’s issuance of Vermont Yankee’s renewed operating license has expired.

Vermont Yankee also is operating under a Certificate of Public Good from the State of Vermont that was scheduled to expire in March 2012, but has an application pending before the Vermont Public Service Board (VPSB) for a new Certificate of Public Good for operation until March 2032.  In April 2011, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee and Entergy Nuclear Operations, the owner and operator respectively of Vermont Yankee, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont.  The suit challenged certain conditions imposed by Vermont upon Vermont Yankee’s continued operation and storage of spent nuclear fuel, including the requirement to obtain not only a new Certificate of Public Good, but also approval by Vermont’s General Assembly.  In January 2012 the court entered judgment in Entergy’s favor and specifically:
 
 
65

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


·  
Declared that Vermont’s laws requiring Vermont Yankee to cease operation in March 2012 and prohibiting the storage of spent nuclear fuel from operation after that date, absent approval by the General Assembly, were based on radiological safety concerns and are preempted by the Atomic Energy Act;
·  
Permanently enjoined Vermont from enforcing these preempted requirements of the state’s laws; and
·  
Permanently enjoined Vermont under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution from conditioning the issuance of a new Certificate of Public Good upon the existence of a below wholesale market power sale agreement with Vermont utilities or Vermont Yankee’s selling power to Vermont utilities at rates below those available to wholesale customers in other states.

In February 2012 the Vermont defendants appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Vermont Yankee cross-appealed on two grounds: (1) the Federal Power Act alternatively preempts conditioning the issuance of a new Certificate of Public Good upon the existence of a below wholesale market power sale agreement with Vermont utilities or Vermont Yankee’s selling power to Vermont utilities at rates below those available to wholesale customers in other states (an issue the District Court found unnecessary to decide in light of its ruling under the Commerce Clause); and (2) a request to make permanent the injunction pending appeal that the District Court entered on March 19, 2012 which prohibits Vermont from enforcing a statutory provision to compel Vermont Yankee to shut down because the cumulative total amount of spent fuel stored at the site exceeds the amount derived from the operation of the facility up to, but not beyond, March 21, 2012 (a provision the enforcement of which the January 2012 decision had not enjoined).  The appeal and cross-appeal remain pending.

In January 2012, Entergy filed a motion requesting that the VPSB grant, based on the existing record in its proceeding, Vermont Yankee’s pending application for a new Certificate of Public Good.  Entergy subsequently filed another motion asking the VPSB to declare that title 3, section 814(b) of the Vermont statutes (3 V.S.A. § 814(b)) authorized Vermont Yankee to operate while the Certificate of Public Good proceeding was pending because Entergy had timely filed a petition for a new Certificate of Public Good that had not yet been decided.  In March 2012 the VPSB issued orders denying Entergy’s motion with respect to 3 V.S.A. § 814(b) but stating that the order did not require Vermont Yankee to cease operations, denying Entergy’s motion to issue a new Certificate of Public Good based on the existing record, determining to open a new docket and to create a new record to decide Vermont Yankee’s request for a new Certificate of Public Good (without prejudice to any rights that Entergy might have under 3 V.S.A. § 814(b)), and directing Entergy to file an amended Certificate of Public Good petition that identified the specific approvals it was seeking in light of the district court’s decision.  In April 2012, Entergy filed its amended Certificate of Public Good petition and in June 2012 filed its initial testimony in support of that petition.  The VPSB’s current schedule provides for hearings and briefs to be filed through August 2013, but no date for a decision by the VPSB.

In May 2012, Entergy filed a motion asking the VPSB to amend the 2002 and 2006 VPSB orders respectively approving Entergy’s acquisition of Vermont Yankee and Vermont Yankee’s construction of a spent nuclear fuel storage facility.  These orders contained conditions respectively precluding the operation of Vermont Yankee after March 21, 2012 absent issuance of a new or renewed certificate of public good and limiting the amount of spent nuclear fuel stored at the site, in each case without explicitly addressing whether those conditions were subject to 3 V.S.A. § 814(b).  In its March 2012 order the VPSB had found 3 V.S.A. § 814(b) did not apply to the conditions in those orders even though it did apply to the certificates of public good issued by the orders.  In November 2012 the VPSB denied Entergy’s motion to amend the 2002 and 2006 VPSB orders.  In December 2012 the Conservation Law Foundation filed a complaint in the Vermont Supreme Court, based on the VPSB’s November order, which sought an order shutting down Vermont Yankee while its Certificate of Public Good application is pending.  Entergy moved to dismiss that complaint on the basis, among other grounds, that 3 V.S.A. § 814(b) allows Vermont Yankee to operate while its Certificate of Public Good application is being decided.  The Vermont Supreme Court heard oral argument on the motion in January 2013.  Also in January 2013, the VPSB issued an order closing the old Certificate of Public Good docket (the one superseded by Entergy’s April 2012 amended petition) in which the VPSB’s March 2012 and November 2012 orders had been issued, making an appeal from those orders ripe.  Entergy immediately filed a notice appealing those VPSB orders to the Vermont Supreme Court.  Entergy expects to file its appeal brief in March 2013.
 
 
66

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



In September 2012, Entergy filed a petition asking the VPSB to issue a Certificate of Public Good allowing construction at Vermont Yankee for a diesel generator to provide power in the event of a station blackout.  Vermont Yankee currently can obtain such power from the Vernon Dam.  Due to changes instituted by ISO-New England, Vermont Yankee will no longer be able to rely upon the Vernon Dam in the event of a station blackout after August 31, 2013 and therefore plans to install a new diesel generator as a replacement power source.  The VPSB requested and received comments on Entergy’s September 2012 petition and its relationship to Entergy’s other petition for a Certificate of Public Good.  In December 2012 the VPSB issued an order opening an investigation into Vermont Yankee’s Certificate of Public Good diesel generator application.  In February 2013 the VPSB issued a notice allowing comments to be filed by March 15, 2013, but not otherwise establishing a schedule for completing that investigation.

Impairment

Because of the uncertainty regarding the continued operation of Vermont Yankee, Entergy has tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets each quarter since the first quarter 2010.  The determination of recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets.  Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and expenses over the remaining life of the plant.  Prior to the first quarter 2012, the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the Vermont Yankee plant and related assets.  The decline, however, in the overall energy market and the projected forward prices of power as of March 31, 2012, which are significant inputs in the determination of net cash flows, resulted in the probability-weighted undiscounted future cash flows being less than the asset group’s carrying value.  Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets at March 31, 2012 was $162.0 million, while the carrying value was $517.5 million.  Therefore, the assets were written down to their fair value and an impairment charge of $355.5 million ($223.5 million after-tax) was recognized.  The impairment charge is recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statement of income for 2012, and is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The estimate of fair value was based on the price that Entergy would expect to receive in a hypothetical sale of the Vermont Yankee plant and related assets to a market participant on March 31, 2012.  In order to determine this price, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available.  Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis), and estimated weighted average costs of capital were also used in the estimation of fair value.  In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plant and related assets.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the Vermont Yankee plant and related assets as of March 31, 2012:

 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
Weighted
Average
     
Weighted average cost of capital
7.5%-8.0%
7.8%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
6.1%-7.8%
7.2%
 
 
67

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the Vermont Yankee plant and related assets, in consultation with external advisors.  Accounting Policy obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair value of the asset group.
 
River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, both organized as limited liability companies, have outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provide for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and their preferred securities are therefore classified for all periods presented as a component of members’ equity.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Asset Management (whose preferred holders also had protective rights until the securities were repurchased in December 2011), are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.
 
 
 
68

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects that have not yet resulted in final pronouncements.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.
 

NOTE 2.  RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Regulatory Assets

Other Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent probable future revenues associated with costs that are expected to be recovered from customers through the regulatory ratemaking process affecting the Utility business.  In addition to the regulatory assets that are specifically disclosed on the face of the balance sheets, the tables below provide detail of “Other regulatory assets” that are included on Entergy’s and the Registrant Subsidiaries’ balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

Entergy

   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 422.6     $ 395.9  
Deferred capacity (Note 2 – Retail Rate Proceedings – Filings with the LPSC )
    6.8       -  
Grand Gulf fuel - non-current and power management rider - recovered through rate
riders when rates are redetermined periodically (Note 2 – Fuel and purchased power cost
recovery )
      35.1         12.4  
New nuclear generation development costs (Note 2)
    56.8       56.8  
Gas hedging costs - recovered through fuel rates
    8.3       30.3  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans , Other Postretirement Benefits , and Non-Qualified Pension Plans ) (b)
    2,866.3       2,542.0  
Postretirement benefits - recovered through 2012 (Note 11 – Other Postretirement
Benefits ) (b)
    -       2.4  
Provision for storm damages, including hurricane costs - recovered through
securitization, insurance proceeds, and retail rates (Note 2 – Hurricane Isaac and Storm Cost Recovery Filings with Retail Regulators )
      970.8         996.4  
Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 9) (b)
    155.7       81.2  
River Bend AFUDC - recovered through August 2025 (Note 1 – River Bend AFUDC )
    22.4       24.3  
Spindletop gas storage facility - recovered through December 2032 (a)
    29.4       31.0  
Transition to competition costs - recovered over a 15-year period through February 2021
    82.1       89.2  
Little Gypsy costs – recovered through securitization
(Note 5 – Entergy Louisiana Securitization Bonds - Little Gypsy )
    177.6       198.4  
Incremental ice storm costs - recovered through 2032
    10.0       10.5  
Michoud plant maintenance – recovered over a 7-year period through September 2018
    11.0       12.9  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    95.9       108.8  
Other
    75.1       44.4  
Total
  $ 5,025.9     $ 4,636.9  



 
69

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy Arkansas
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 210.2     $ 187.7  
Incremental ice storm costs - recovered through 2032
    10.0       10.5  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans , Other Postretirement Benefits , and Non-Qualified Pension Plans ) (b)
    831.2       768.3  
Grand Gulf fuel - non-current - recovered through rate riders when rates are redetermined periodically (Note 2 – Fuel and purchased power cost recovery )
    17.3       4.6  
Postretirement benefits - recovered through 2012 (Note 11 – Other Postretirement
Benefits ) (b)
    -       2.4  
Provision for storm damages - recovered either through securitization or retail rates
(Note 2 -   Storm Cost Recovery Filings with Retail Regulators )
    115.2       114.7  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    31.5       34.7  
Other
    6.2       4.0  
Entergy Arkansas Total
  $ 1,221.6     $ 1,126.9  

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 6.1     $ 12.8  
Gas hedging costs - recovered through fuel rates
    2.6       8.6  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 –   Qualified Pension Plans   and Non-Qualified
Pension Plans ) (b)
    300.5       231.3  
Provision for storm damages, including hurricane costs - recovered through
retail rates and securitization (Note 2 - Hurricane Isaac and Storm Cost Recovery Filings with Retail Regulators )
      18.9         10.2  
Deferred capacity (Note 2 – Retail Rate Proceedings Filings with the LPSC )
    6.8       -  
River Bend AFUDC - recovered through August 2025 (Note 1 – River Bend AFUDC )
    22.4       24.3  
Spindletop gas storage facility - recovered through December 2032 (a)
    29.4       31.0  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    9.9       11.6  
Other
    13.1       4.1  
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana Total
  $ 409.7     $ 333.9  

Entergy Louisiana
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 136.9     $ 125.8  
Gas hedging costs - recovered through fuel rates
    3.4       12.4  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans and Non-Qualified
Pension Plans ) (b)
    475.6       427.9  
Little Gypsy costs – recovered through securitization
(Note 5 – Entergy Louisiana Securitization Bonds - Little Gypsy )
    177.6       198.4  
Provision for storm damages, including hurricane costs - recovered through retail rates and securitization (Note 2 - Hurricane Isaac and Storm Cost Recovery Filings with
  Retail Regulators )
      74.5         9.7  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    17.6       20.0  
Other
    28.0       20.3  
Entergy Louisiana Total
  $ 913.6     $ 814.5  


 
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Entergy Mississippi
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 5.6     $ 5.3  
Gas hedging costs - recovered through fuel rates
    2.2       7.8  
Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 9) (b)
    57.4       48.5  
Grand Gulf fuel - non-current and power management rider - recovered through rate
riders when rates are redetermined periodically (Note 2 – Fuel and purchased power cost recovery )
      17.8         7.8  
New nuclear generation development costs ( Note 2 )
    56.8       56.8  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans , Other Postretirement Benefits , and Non-Qualified Pension Plans ) (b)
    234.6       221.1  
Provision for storm damages - recovered through retail rates
    9.2       30.7  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    9.6       10.7  
Other
    8.3       4.7  
Entergy Mississippi Total
  $ 401.5     $ 393.4  

Entergy New Orleans
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 3.6     $ 3.4  
Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 9) (b)
    29.9       16.3  
Gas hedging costs - recovered through fuel rates
    -       1.5  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans , Other Postretirement Benefits , and Non-Qualified Pension Plans ) (b)
    134.6       127.6  
Provision for storm damages, including hurricane costs - recovered through insurance
proceeds and retail rates (Note 2 - Hurricane Isaac and Storm Cost Recovery Filings with Retail Regulators )
    15.1       8.6  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    2.3       2.6  
Michoud plant maintenance – recovered over a 7-year period through September 2018
    11.0       12.9  
Other
    5.5       5.9  
Entergy New Orleans Total
  $ 202.0     $ 178.8  


Entergy Texas
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 1.2     $ 1.3  
Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 9) (b)
    11.5       4.5  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans , Other Postretirement Benefits , and Non-Qualified Pension Plans ) (b)
    258.8       244.9  
Provision for storm damages, including hurricane costs - recovered through
securitization, insurance proceeds, and retail rates (Note 2 - Storm Cost Recovery
Filings with Retail Regulators )
      737.9         822.5  
Transition to competition costs - recovered over a 15-year period through February 2021
    82.1       89.2  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    9.4       10.8  
Other
    13.6       4.9  
Entergy Texas Total
  $ 1,114.5     $ 1,178.1  


 
71

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Notes to Financial Statements


System Energy
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 9) (b)
  $ 58.9     $ 59.6  
Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 9) (b)
    56.8       11.8  
Pension & postretirement costs (Note 11 – Qualified Pension Plans and Other
Postretirement Benefits ) (b)
    198.2       197.6  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt - recovered over term of debt
    15.6       18.2  
Other
    0.6       0.6  
System Energy Total
  $ 330.1     $ 287.8  

(a)
The jurisdictional split order assigned the regulatory asset to Entergy Texas.  The regulatory asset, however, is being recovered and amortized at Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  As a result, a billing occurs monthly over the same term as the recovery and receipts will be submitted to Entergy Texas.  Entergy Texas has recorded a receivable from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has recorded a corresponding payable.
(b)
Does not earn a return on investment, but is offset by related liabilities.

Hurricane Isaac

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac caused extensive damage to portions of Entergy's service area in Louisiana, and to a lesser extent in Mississippi and Arkansas.  The storm resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage primarily to distribution infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  Total restoration costs for the repair or replacement of Entergy's electric facilities in areas with damage from Hurricane Isaac are currently estimated to be approximately $370 million, including approximate amounts of $7 million at Entergy Arkansas, $70 million at Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $220 million at Entergy Louisiana, $22 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $48 million at Entergy New Orleans.

The Utility operating companies are considering all reasonable avenues to recover storm-related costs from Hurricane Isaac, including, but not limited to, accessing funded storm reserves; securitization or other alternative financing; and traditional retail recovery on an interim and permanent basis.  Each Utility operating company is responsible for its restoration cost obligations and for recovering or financing its storm-related costs.  In November 2012, Entergy New Orleans drew $10 million from its funded storm reserves.  In January 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana drew $65 million and $187 million, respectively, from their funded storm reserves.  Storm cost recovery or financing may be subject to review by applicable regulatory authorities.

Entergy recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $120 million and construction work in progress of approximately $250 million.  Entergy recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.

Correction of Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

In the first quarter 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana determined that its regulatory asset for   income taxes was overstated because of a difference between the regulatory treatment of the income taxes associated with certain items (primarily pension expense) and the financial accounting treatment of those taxes.  Beginning with Louisiana retail rate filings using the 1994 test year, retail rates were developed using the normalization method of accounting for income taxes.  With respect to these items, however, the financial accounting for income taxes was computed using the flow-through method of accounting.  As a result, over the years Entergy Gulf States Louisiana accumulated a regulatory asset representing the expected future recovery of tax expense for the affected items even though the tax expense was being collected currently in rates from customers and would not be recovered in the future.
 
 
72

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The effect was immaterial to the consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, and cash flows of Entergy for all prior reporting periods and on a cumulative basis.  Therefore, a cumulative adjustment was recorded in the first quarter 2012 to remove the regulatory asset previously recorded.  This adjustment increased 2012 income tax expense by $46.3 million, decreased the regulatory asset for income taxes by $75.3 million, and decreased accumulated deferred income taxes by $29 million.

The effect was also immaterial to the balance sheets, results of operations, and cash flows of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana for all prior reporting periods.  Correcting the cumulative effect of the error in the first quarter 2012 could have been material to the 2012 results of operations of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and, therefore, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is revising its prior period financial statements to correct the errors.  The corrections affect the prior period financial statements of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana as shown in the tables below:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
As
previously
reported
   
As
corrected
   
As
previously
reported
   
As
corrected
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Income Statement
                       
Income taxes
  $ 88,313     $ 89,736     $ 75,878     $ 92,297  
Net income
  $ 203,027     $ 201,604     $ 190,738     $ 174,319  
Earnings applicable to
  common equity
  $ 202,202     $ 200,779     $ 189,911     $ 173,492  
                                 
Statement of Cash Flows
                               
Net income
  $ 203,027     $ 201,604     $ 190,738     $ 174,319  
Deferred income taxes,
 investment tax credits,
 and non-current taxes
 accrued
  $ (6,268 )   $ (4,845 )   $   87,920     $   104,339  
Changes in other
  regulatory assets
  $ (80,027 )   $ (77,713 )   $ 114,528     $ 141,216  
Other operating
  activities
  $ (35,248 )   $ (37,562 )   $ 30,717     $ 4,029  


   
December 31, 2011
 
   
As
previously
reported
   
As
corrected
 
             
Balance Sheet
           
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
  $ 249,058     $ 173,724  
Accumulated deferred income taxes -
  current
  $ 5,427     $ 5,107  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
  and taxes accrued
  $ 1,397,230     $ 1,368,563  
Member’s equity
  $ 1,439,733     $ 1,393,386  

 
73

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Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
   
Member’s Equity
   
Total Equity
 
   
As
previously
reported
   
As
corrected
   
As
previously
reported
   
As
corrected
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Statement of Changes in Equity
           
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 1,473,930     $ 1,445,425     $ 1,441,759     $ 1,413,254  
2010 Net income
  $ 190,738     $ 174,319     $ 190,738     $ 174,319  
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 1,539,517     $ 1,494,593     $ 1,509,213     $ 1,464,289  
2011 Net income
  $ 203,027     $ 201,604     $ 203,027     $ 201,604  
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 1,439,733     $ 1,393,386     $ 1,380,123     $ 1,333,776  

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas are allowed to recover fuel and purchased power costs through fuel mechanisms included in electric and gas rates that are recorded as fuel cost recovery revenues.  The difference between revenues collected and the current fuel and purchased power costs is generally recorded as “Deferred fuel costs” on the Utility operating companies’ financial statements.  The table below shows the amount of deferred fuel costs as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 that Entergy expects to recover (or return to customers) through fuel mechanisms, subject to subsequent regulatory review.

   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Millions)
 
             
Entergy Arkansas
  $ 97.3     $ 209.8  
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (a)
  $ 99.2     $ 2.9  
Entergy Louisiana (a)
  $ 94.6     $ 1.5  
Entergy Mississippi
  $ 26.5     $ (15.8 )
Entergy New Orleans (a)
  $ 1.9     $ (7.5 )
Entergy Texas
  $ (93.3 )   $ (64.7 )

(a)
2012 and 2011 include $100.1 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $68 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $4.1 million for Entergy New Orleans of fuel, purchased power, and capacity costs, which do not currently earn a return on investment and whose recovery periods are indeterminate but are expected to be over a period greater than twelve months.

Entergy Arkansas

Production Cost Allocation Rider

The APSC approved a production cost allocation rider for recovery from customers of the retail portion of the costs allocated to Entergy Arkansas as a result of the System Agreement proceedings, which are discussed in the “ System Agreement Cost Equalization Proceedings ” section below.  These costs cause an increase in Entergy Arkansas’s deferred fuel cost balance because Entergy Arkansas pays the costs over seven months but collects them from customers over twelve months.

Energy Cost Recovery Rider

Entergy Arkansas’s retail rates include an energy cost recovery rider to recover fuel and purchased energy costs in monthly bills.  The rider utilizes prior calendar year energy costs and projected energy sales for the twelve-month period commencing on April 1 of each year to develop an energy cost rate, which is redetermined annually and includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery, including carrying charges, of the energy costs for the prior calendar year.  The energy cost recovery rider tariff also allows an interim rate request depending upon the level of over- or under-recovery of fuel and purchased energy costs.
 
 
74

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Notes to Financial Statements


In October 2005 the APSC initiated an investigation into Entergy Arkansas's interim energy cost recovery rate.  The investigation focused on Entergy Arkansas's 1) gas contracting, portfolio, and hedging practices; 2) wholesale purchases during the period; 3) management of the coal inventory at its coal generation plants; and 4) response to the contractual failure of the railroads to provide coal deliveries.  In March 2006 the APSC extended its investigation to cover the costs included in Entergy Arkansas’s March 2006 annual energy cost rate filing, and a hearing was held in the APSC energy cost recovery investigation in October 2006.

In January 2007 the APSC issued an order in its review of the energy cost rate.  The APSC found that Entergy Arkansas failed to maintain an adequate coal inventory level going into the summer of 2005 and that Entergy Arkansas should be responsible for any incremental energy costs resulting from two outages caused by employee and contractor error.  The coal plant generation curtailments were caused by railroad delivery problems and Entergy Arkansas has since resolved litigation with the railroad regarding the delivery problems.  The APSC staff was directed to perform an analysis with Entergy Arkansas’s assistance to determine the additional fuel and purchased energy costs associated with these findings and file the analysis within 60 days of the order.  After a final determination of the costs is made by the APSC, Entergy Arkansas would be directed to refund that amount with interest to its customers as a credit on the energy cost recovery rider.  Entergy Arkansas requested rehearing of the order.  In March 2007, in order to allow further consideration by the APSC, the APSC granted Entergy Arkansas’s petition for rehearing and for stay of the APSC order.

In October 2008, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion to lift the stay and to rescind the APSC’s January 2007 order in light of the arguments advanced in Entergy Arkansas’s rehearing petition and because the value for Entergy Arkansas’s customers obtained through the resolved railroad litigation is significantly greater than the incremental cost of actions identified by the APSC as imprudent.  In December 2008 the APSC denied the motion to lift the stay pending resolution of Entergy Arkansas’s rehearing request and the unresolved issues in the proceeding.  The APSC ordered the parties to submit their unresolved issues list in the pending proceeding, which the parties did.  In February 2010 the APSC denied Entergy Arkansas’s request for rehearing, and held a hearing in September 2010 to determine the amount of damages, if any, that should be assessed against Entergy Arkansas.  A decision is pending.  Entergy Arkansas expects the amount of damages, if any, to have an immaterial effect on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

The APSC also established a separate docket to consider the resolved railroad litigation, and in February 2010 it established a procedural schedule that concluded with testimony through September 2010.  Testimony has been filed, and the APSC will decide the case based on the record in the proceeding, including the prefiled testimony.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana recover electric fuel and purchased power costs for the billing month based upon the level of such costs incurred two months prior to the billing month. Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s purchased gas adjustments include estimates for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit that arises from an annual reconciliation of fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges.
 
In January 2003 the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate a proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and its affiliates.  The audit included a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana through its fuel adjustment clause for the period 1995 through 2004.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC Staff reached a settlement to resolve the audit that requires Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to refund $18 million to customers, including the
 
 
 
75

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Notes to Financial Statements


realignment to base rates of $2 million of SO 2 costs.  The ALJ held a stipulation hearing and in November 2011 the LPSC issued an order approving the settlement.  The refund was made in the November 2011 billing cycle.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana had previously recorded provisions for the estimated outcome of this proceeding.

In December 2011 the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate another proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and its affiliates.  The audit includes a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana through its fuel adjustment clause for the period 2005 through 2009.  Discovery is in progress, but a procedural schedule has not been established.

In April 2010 the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate an audit of Entergy Louisiana’s fuel adjustment clause filings.  The audit includes a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed through the fuel adjustment clause by Entergy Louisiana for the period from 2005 through 2009.  The LPSC Staff issued its audit report in January 2013.  The LPSC staff recommended that Entergy Louisiana refund approximately $1.9 million, plus interest, to customers and realign the recovery of approximately $1.0 million from Entergy Louisiana’s fuel adjustment clause to base rates.  Two parties have intervened in the proceeding.  A procedural schedule has not yet been established.  Entergy Louisiana has recorded provisions for the estimated outcome of this proceeding.

Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi’s rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider that, effective January 1, 2013, is adjusted annually to reflect accumulated over- or under-recoveries.  Entergy Mississippi’s fuel cost recoveries are subject to annual audits conducted pursuant to the authority of the MPSC.

Mississippi Attorney General Complaint

The Mississippi attorney general filed a complaint in state court in December 2008 against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power alleging, among other things, violations of Mississippi statutes, fraud, and breach of good faith and fair dealing, and requesting an accounting and restitution.  The complaint is wide ranging and relates to tariffs and procedures under which Entergy Mississippi purchases power not generated in Mississippi to meet electricity demand.  Entergy believes the complaint is unfounded.  In December 2008 the defendant Entergy companies removed the attorney general’s suit to U.S. District Court in Jackson, Mississippi.  The Mississippi attorney general moved to remand the matter to state court.  In August 2012 the District Court issued an opinion denying the Attorney General’s motion for remand, finding that the District Court has subject matter jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act.

The defendant Entergy companies answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim for relief based upon the Mississippi Public Utilities Act and the Federal Power Act.  In May 2009 the defendant Entergy companies filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings asserting grounds of federal preemption, the exclusive jurisdiction of the MPSC, and factual errors in the attorney general’s complaint.  In September 2012 the District Court heard oral argument on Entergy’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.  The District Court’s ruling on the motion for judgment on the pleadings is pending.

Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans’s electric rate schedules include a fuel adjustment tariff designed to reflect no more than targeted fuel and purchased power costs, adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges.
 
Entergy New Orleans’s gas rate schedules include a purchased gas adjustment to reflect estimated gas costs for the billing month, adjusted by a surcharge or credit similar to that included in the electric fuel adjustment clause, including carrying charges.
 
 
76

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Entergy Texas

Entergy Texas’s rate schedules include a fixed fuel factor to recover fuel and purchased power costs, including interest, not recovered in base rates.  Semi-annual revisions of the fixed fuel factor are made in March and September based on the market price of natural gas and changes in fuel mix.  The amounts collected under Entergy Texas’s fixed fuel factor and any interim surcharge or refund are subject to fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT.

In October 2009, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $71 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through September 2009.  Pursuant to a stipulation among the various parties, the PUCT issued an order approving a refund of $87.8 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery overcollections through October 2009.  The refund was made for most customers over a three-month period beginning January 2010.

In June 2010, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $66 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through May 2010.  In September 2010 the PUCT issued an order providing for a $77 million refund, including interest, for fuel cost recovery over-collections through June 2010.  The refund was made for most customers over a three-month period beginning with the September 2010 billing cycle.

In December 2010, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund fuel cost recovery over-collections through October 2010.  Pursuant to a stipulation among the parties that was approved by the PUCT in March 2011, Entergy Texas refunded over-collections through November 2010 of approximately $73 million, including interest through the refund period.  The refund was made for most customers over a three-month period that began with the February 2011 billing cycle.

In December 2011, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $43 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through October 2011.  Entergy Texas and the parties to the proceeding reached an agreement that Entergy Texas would refund $67 million, including interest and additional over-recoveries through December 2011, over a three-month period.  Entergy Texas and the parties requested that interim rates consistent with the settlement be approved effective with the March 2012 billing month, and the PUCT approved the application in March 2012.  Entergy Texas completed this refund to customers in May 2012.

In October 2012, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $78 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through September 2012.  Entergy Texas requested that the refund be implemented over a six-month period effective with the January 2013 billing month.  Entergy Texas and the parties to the proceeding reached an agreement that Entergy Texas would refund $84 million, including interest and additional over-recoveries through October 2012, to most customers over a three-month period beginning January 2013.  The PUCT approved the stipulation in January 2013.

In July 2012, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT an application to credit its customers approximately $37.5 million, including interest, resulting from the FERC’s October 2011 order in the System Agreement rough production cost equalization proceeding which is discussed below in “ System Agreement Cost Equalization Proceedings ”.  In September 2012 the parties submitted a stipulation resolving the proceeding.  The stipulation provided that most Entergy Texas customers would be credited over a four-month period beginning October 2012.  The credits were initiated with the October 2012 billing month on an interim basis, and the PUCT subsequently approved the stipulation, also in October 2012.
 
In November 2012, Entergy Texas filed a pleading seeking a PUCT finding that special circumstances exist for limited cost recovery of capacity costs associated with two power purchase agreements until such time that these costs are included in base rates or a purchased capacity recovery rider or other recovery mechanism.
 
 
77

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Notes to Financial Statements


Retail Rate Proceedings

Filings with the APSC (Entergy Arkansas)

Retail Rates

2009 Base Rate Filing

In September 2009, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC for a general change in rates, charges, and tariffs.  In June 2010 the APSC approved a settlement and subsequent compliance tariffs that provide for a $63.7 million rate increase, effective for bills rendered for the first billing cycle of July 2010.  The settlement provides for a 10.2% return on common equity.

2013 Base Rate Filing

On December 31, 2012, in accordance with the requirements of Arkansas law, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC notice of its intent to file an application for a general change or modification in its rates and tariffs no sooner than 60 days and no longer than 90 days from the date of its notice.

Filings with the LPSC

Retail Rates - Electric

(Entergy Gulf States Louisiana)

In October 2009 the LPSC approved a settlement that resolved Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s 2007 test year filing and provided for a formula rate plan for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 test years.  10.65% is the target midpoint return on equity for the formula rate plan, with an earnings bandwidth of +/- 75 basis points (9.90% - 11.40%).  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, effective with the November 2009 billing cycle, reset its rates to achieve a 10.65% return on equity for the 2008 test year.  The rate reset, a $44.3 million increase that includes a $36.9 million cost of service adjustment, plus $7.4 million net for increased capacity costs and a base rate reclassification, was implemented for the November 2009 billing cycle, and the rate reset was subject to refund pending review of the 2008 test year filing that was made in October 2009.  In January 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana implemented an additional $23.9 million rate increase pursuant to a special rate implementation filing made in December 2009, primarily for incremental capacity costs approved by the LPSC.  In May 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC staff submitted a joint report on the 2008 test year filing and requested that the LPSC accept the report, which resulted in a $0.8 million reduction in rates effective in the June 2010 billing cycle and a $0.5 million refund.  At its May 19, 2010 meeting, the LPSC accepted the joint report.

In May 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2009 test year.  The filing reflected a 10.25% return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth, indicating no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing does reflect, however, a revenue requirement increase to provide supplemental funding for the decommissioning trust maintained for the LPSC-regulated 70% share of River Bend, in response to a NRC notification of a projected shortfall of decommissioning funding assurance.  The filing also reflected a rate increase for incremental capacity costs.  In July 2010 the LPSC approved a $7.8 million increase in the revenue requirement for decommissioning, effective September 2010.  In August 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made a revised 2009 test year filing.  The revised filing reflected a 10.12% earned return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth resulting in no cost of service adjustment.  The revised filing also reflected two increases outside of the formula rate plan sharing mechanism: (1) the previously-approved decommissioning revenue requirement, and (2) $25.2 million for capacity costs.  The rates reflected in the revised filing became effective, beginning with the first billing cycle of September 2010.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC staff subsequently submitted a joint report on the 2009 test year filing consistent with these terms and the LPSC approved the joint report in January 2011.
 
 
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In May 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made a special formula rate plan rate implementation filing with the LPSC that implements effective with the May 2011 billing cycle a $5.1 million rate decrease to reflect adjustments in accordance with a previous LPSC order relating to the acquisition of Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center by Entergy Louisiana.  As a result of the closing of the acquisition and termination of the pre-acquisition power purchase agreement with Acadia, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s allocation of capacity related to this unit ended, resulting in a reduction in the additional capacity revenue requirement.

In May 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2010 test year.  The filing reflects an 11.11% earned return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth, indicating no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflects a $22.8 million rate decrease for incremental capacity costs.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC Staff subsequently filed a joint report that also stated that no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan, and the LPSC approved it in October 2011.

In November 2011 the LPSC approved a one-year extension of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s formula rate plan.  In May 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2011 test year.  The filing reflected an 11.94% earned return on common equity, which is above the earnings bandwidth and would indicate a $6.5 million cost of service rate change was necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflected a $22.9 million rate decrease for incremental capacity costs.  Subsequently, in August 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana submitted a revised filing that reflected an earned return on common equity of 11.86% indicating a $5.7 million cost of service rate decrease is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The revised filing also indicates that a reduction of $20.3 million should be reflected in the incremental capacity rider.  The rate reductions were implemented, subject to refund, effective for bills rendered the first billing cycle of September 2012.  The September 2012 rate change reduced Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s revenues by approximately $8.7 million in 2012.  Subsequently, in December 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana submitted a revised evaluation report that reflects expected retail jurisdictional cost of $16.9 million for the first-year capacity charges for the purchase from Entergy Louisiana of one-third of Acadia Unit 2 capacity and energy.  This rate change was implemented effective with the first billing cycle of January 2013.  The 2011 test year filings remain subject to LPSC review.

In connection with its decision to extend the formula rate plan to the 2011 test year, the LPSC required that a base rate case be filed by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and the required filing was made on February 15, 2013.  Recognizing that the final structure of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s transmission business has not been determined, the filing presents two alternative scenarios for the LPSC to establish the appropriate level of rates for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

Under its primary request, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO and that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has occurred (the MISO/ITC Scenario).  Under the MISO/ITC Scenario, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $28 million;
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement;
·  
authorization to implement a transmission cost recovery rider with a forward-looking test year and an annual true-up component; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.
 
 
79

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Under the alternative request contained in its filing, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO, but that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has not occurred (the MISO-Only Scenario).  Under the MISO-Only Scenario, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $24 million;
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would include a mechanism to recover incremental transmission revenue requirement on the basis of a forward-looking test year as compared to the initial base year of 2014 with an annual true-up, that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.
 
(Entergy Louisiana)

In October 2009 the LPSC approved a settlement that resolved Entergy Louisiana’s 2006 and 2007 test year filings and provided for a new formula rate plan for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 test years.  10.25% is the target midpoint return on equity for the formula rate plan, with an earnings bandwidth of +/- 80 basis points (9.45% - 11.05%).

Entergy Louisiana was permitted, effective with the November 2009 billing cycle, to reset its rates to achieve a 10.25% return on equity for the 2008 test year.  The rate reset, a $2.5 million increase that included a $16.3 million cost of service adjustment less a $13.8 million net reduction for decreased capacity costs and a base rate reclassification, was implemented for the November 2009 billing cycle, and the rate reset was subject to refund pending review of the 2008 test year filing that was made in October 2009.  In April 2010, Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC staff submitted a joint report on the 2008 test year filing and requested that the LPSC accept the report, which resulted in a $0.1 million reduction in rates effective in the May 2010 billing cycle and a $0.1 million refund.  In addition, Entergy Louisiana moved the recovery of approximately $12.5 million of capacity costs from fuel adjustment clause recovery to base rate recovery.  At its April 21, 2010 meeting, the LPSC accepted the joint report.

In May 2010, Entergy Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2009 test year.  The filing reflected a 10.82% return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth, indicating no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing does reflect, however, a revenue requirement increase to provide supplemental funding for the decommissioning trust maintained for Waterford 3, in response to a NRC notification of a projected shortfall of decommissioning funding assurance.  The filing also reflected a rate change for incremental capacity costs.  In July 2010 the LPSC approved a $3.5 million increase in the retail revenue requirement for decommissioning, effective September 2010.  In August 2010, Entergy Louisiana made a revised 2009 test year formula rate plan filing.  The revised filing reflected a 10.82% earned return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth resulting in no cost of service adjustment.  The filing also reflected two increases outside of the formula rate plan sharing mechanism: (1) the previously-approved decommissioning revenue requirement, and (2) $2.2 million for capacity costs.  The rates reflected in the revised filing became effective beginning with the first billing cycle of September 2010.  Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC staff subsequently submitted a joint report on the 2009 test year filing consistent with these terms and the LPSC approved the joint report in December 2010.

In May 2011, Entergy Louisiana made a special formula rate plan rate implementation filing with the LPSC that implements effective with the May 2011 billing cycle a $43.1 million net rate increase to reflect adjustments in accordance with a previous LPSC order relating to the acquisition of Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center.  The net rate increase represents the decrease in the additional capacity revenue requirement resulting from the termination of the power purchase agreement with Acadia and the increase in the revenue requirement resulting from the ownership of the Acadia facility.  In August 2011, Entergy Louisiana made a filing to correct the May 2011 filing and decrease the rate by $1.1 million.
 
 
80

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


In May 2011, Entergy Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2010 test year.  The filing reflects an 11.07% earned return on common equity, which is just outside of the allowed earnings bandwidth and results in no cost of service rate change under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflects a very slight ($9 thousand) rate increase for incremental capacity costs.  Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC Staff subsequently filed a joint report that reflects an 11.07% earned return and results in no cost of service rate change under the formula rate plan, and the LPSC approved the joint report in October 2011.

In November 2011 the LPSC approved a one-year extension of Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan.  In May 2012, Entergy Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2011 test year.  The filing reflected a 9.63% earned return on common equity, which is within the earnings bandwidth and results in no cost of service rate change under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflected an $18.1 million rate increase for incremental capacity costs.  In August 2012, Entergy Louisiana submitted a revised filing that reflects an earned return on common equity of 10.38%, which is still within the earnings bandwidth, resulting in no cost of service rate change.  The revised filing also indicates that an increase of $15.9 million should be reflected in the incremental capacity rider.  The rate change was implemented, subject to refund, effective for bills rendered the first billing cycle of September 2012.  The September 2012 rate change contributed approximately $5.3 million to Entergy Louisiana’s revenues in 2012.  Subsequently, in December 2012, Entergy Louisiana submitted a revised evaluation report that reflects two items: 1) a $17 million reduction for the first-year capacity charges for the purchase by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana from Entergy Louisiana of one-third of Acadia Unit 2 capacity and energy, and 2) an $88 million increase for the first-year retail revenue requirement associated with the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project, which was in-service in December 2012.  These rate changes were implemented, subject to refund, effective with the first billing cycle of January 2013.  The 2011 test year filings remain subject to LPSC review.  With completion of the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project, the LPSC will undertake a prudence review in connection with a filing to be made by Entergy Louisiana on or before April 30, 2013 with regard to the following aspects of the replacement project: 1) project management; 2) cost controls; 3) success in achieving stated objectives; 4) the costs of the replacement project; and 5) the outage length and replacement power costs.
 
In connection with its decision to extend the formula rate plan to the 2011 test year, the LPSC required that a base rate case be filed by Entergy Louisiana, and the required filing was made on February 15, 2013.  Recognizing that the final structure of Entergy Louisiana’s transmission business has not been determined, the filing presents two alternative scenarios for the LPSC to establish the appropriate level of rates for Entergy Louisiana.

Under its primary request, Entergy Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO and that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has occurred (the MISO/ITC Scenario).  Under the MISO/ITC Scenario, Entergy Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $169 million (which does not take into account a revenue offset of approximately $1 million resulting from a proposed increase for those customers taking service under the Qualifying Facility Standby Service);
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement;
·  
authorization to implement a transmission cost recovery rider with a forward-looking test year and an annual true-up component; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.
 
 
81

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

Under the alternative request contained in its filing, Entergy Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO, but that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has not occurred (the MISO-Only Scenario).  Under the MISO-Only Scenario, Entergy Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $145 million (which does not take into account a revenue offset of approximately $2 million resulting from a proposed increase for those customers taking service under the Qualifying Facility Standby Service);
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would include a mechanism to recover incremental transmission revenue requirement on the basis of a forward-looking test year as compared to the initial base year of 2014 with an annual true-up, that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.

Retail Rates - Gas   (Entergy Gulf States Louisiana)

In January 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2012.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 11.18%, which results in a $43 thousand rate reduction.  The sixty-day review and comment period for this filing remains open.

Related to the annual gas rate stabilization plan proceedings, the LPSC directed its staff to initiate an evaluation of the 10.5% allowed return on common equity for the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana gas rate stabilization plan.  The LPSC directed that its staff should provide an analysis of the current return on equity and justification for any proposed changes to the return on equity.  A hearing in the proceeding was held in November 2012.  The ALJ issued a proposed recommendation in December 2012, finding that 9.4% is a more reasonable and appropriate rate of return on common equity.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed exceptions to the ALJ’s recommendation and an LPSC decision is pending.

In January 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2011.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 10.48%, which is within the earnings bandwidth of 10.5%, plus or minus fifty basis points.  In April 2012 the LPSC Staff filed its findings, suggesting adjustments that produced an 11.54% earned return on common equity for the test year and a $0.1 million rate reduction.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana accepted the LPSC Staff’s recommendations, and the rate reduction was effective with the first billing cycle of May 2012.

In January 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2010.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 8.84% and a revenue deficiency of $0.3 million.  In March 2011 the LPSC Staff filed its findings, suggesting an adjustment that produced an 11.76% earned return on common equity for the test year and a $0.2 million rate reduction.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana implemented the $0.2 million rate reduction effective with the May 2011 billing cycle.  The LPSC docket is now closed.

In January 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2009.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 10.87%, which is within the earnings bandwidth of 10.5% plus or minus fifty basis points, resulting in no rate change.  In April 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed a revised evaluation report reflecting changes agreed upon with the LPSC Staff.  The revised evaluation report also resulted in no rate change.
 
 
82

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Filings with the MPSC (Entergy Mississippi)

Formula Rate Plan Filings

In September 2009, Entergy Mississippi filed with the MPSC proposed modifications to its formula rate plan rider.  In March 2010 the MPSC issued an order: (1) providing the opportunity for a reset of Entergy Mississippi’s return on common equity to a point within the formula rate plan bandwidth and eliminating the 50/50 sharing that had been in the plan, (2) modifying the performance measurement process, and (3) replacing the revenue change limit of two percent of revenues, which was subject to a $14.5 million revenue adjustment cap, with a limit of four percent of revenues, although any adjustment above two percent requires a hearing before the MPSC.  The MPSC did not approve Entergy Mississippi’s request to use a projected test year for its annual scheduled formula rate plan filing and, therefore, Entergy Mississippi will continue to use a historical test year for its annual evaluation reports under the plan.
 
In March 2010, Entergy Mississippi submitted its 2009 test year filing, its first annual filing under the new formula rate plan rider.  In June 2010 the MPSC approved a joint stipulation between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff that provides for no change in rates, but does provide for the deferral as a regulatory asset of $3.9 million of legal expenses associated with certain litigation involving the Mississippi Attorney General, as well as ongoing legal expenses in that litigation until the litigation is resolved.

In March 2011, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan 2010 test year filing.  The filing shows an earned return on common equity of 10.65% for the test year, which is within the earnings bandwidth and results in no change in rates.  In November 2011 the MPSC approved a joint stipulation between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff that provides for no change in rates.

In March 2012, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan filing for the 2011 test year.  The filing shows an earned return on common equity of 10.92% for the test year, which is within the earnings bandwidth and results in no change in rates.  In February 2013 the MPSC approved a joint stipulation between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff that provides for no change in rates.

Filings with the City Council (Entergy New Orleans)

Formula Rate Plan

In April 2009 the City Council approved a new three-year formula rate plan for Entergy New Orleans, with terms including an 11.1% benchmark electric return on common equity (ROE) with a +/- 40 basis point bandwidth and a 10.75% benchmark gas ROE with a +/- 50 basis point bandwidth.  Earnings outside the bandwidth reset to the midpoint benchmark ROE, with rates changing on a prospective basis depending on whether Entergy New Orleans was over- or under-earning.  The formula rate plan also included a recovery mechanism for City Council-approved capacity additions, plus provisions for extraordinary cost changes and force majeure events.

In May 2010, Entergy New Orleans filed its electric and gas formula rate plan evaluation reports.  The filings requested a $12.8 million electric base revenue decrease and a $2.4 million gas base revenue increase.  Entergy New Orleans and the City Council’s Advisors reached a settlement that resulted in an $18.0 million electric base revenue decrease and zero gas base revenue change effective with the October 2010 billing cycle.  The City Council approved the settlement in November 2010.

In May 2011, Entergy New Orleans filed its electric and gas formula rate plan evaluation reports for the 2010 test year.  The filings requested a $6.5 million electric rate decrease and a $1.1 million gas rate decrease.  Entergy New Orleans and the City Council’s Advisors reached a settlement that results in an $8.5 million incremental electric rate decrease and a $1.6 million gas rate decrease.  The settlement also provides for the deferral of $13.4 million of Michoud plant maintenance expenses incurred in 2010 and the establishment of a regulatory asset that will be amortized over the period October 2011 through September 2018.  The City Council approved the settlement in September 2011.  The new rates were effective with the first billing cycle of October 2011.

 
 
83

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


In May 2012, Entergy New Orleans filed its electric and gas formula rate plan evaluation reports for the 2011 test year.  Subsequent adjustments agreed upon with the City Council Advisors indicate a $4.9 million electric base revenue increase and a $0.05 million gas base revenue increase as necessary under the formula rate plan.  As part of the original filing, Entergy New Orleans is also requesting to increase annual funding for its storm reserve by approximately $5.7 million for the next five years.  On September 26, 2012, Entergy New Orleans made a filing with the City Council that implemented the $4.9 million electric formula rate plan rate increase and the $0.05 million gas formula rate plan rate increase.  The new rates were effective with the first billing cycle in October 2012.  The new rates have not affected the net amount of Entergy New Orleans’s operating revenues.  In October 2012 the City Council approved a procedural schedule to resolve disputed items that includes a hearing in April 2013.  The rates implemented in October 2012 are subject to retroactive adjustments depending on the outcome of the proceeding.  The City Council has not yet acted on Entergy New Orleans’s request for an increase in storm reserve funding.  Entergy New Orleans’s formula rate plan ended with the 2011 test year and has not yet been extended.  Entergy New Orleans is expected to file a full rate case 12 months prior to the anticipated completion of the Ninemile 6 generating facility.

A 2008 rate case settlement included $3.1 million per year in electric rates to fund the Energy Smart energy efficiency programs.  In September 2009 the City Council approved the energy efficiency programs filed by Entergy New Orleans.  The rate settlement provides an incentive for Entergy New Orleans to meet or exceed energy savings targets set by the City Council and provides a mechanism for Entergy New Orleans to recover lost contribution to fixed costs associated with the energy savings generated from the energy efficiency programs.

Filings with the PUCT and Texas Cities (Entergy Texas)

Retail Rates

2009 Rate Case

In December 2009, Entergy Texas filed a rate case requesting a $198.7 million increase reflecting an 11.5% return on common equity based on an adjusted June 2009 test year.  The rate case also included a $2.8 million revenue requirement to provide supplemental funding for the decommissioning trust maintained for the 70% share of River Bend for which Entergy Texas retail customers are partially responsible, in response to an NRC notification of a projected shortfall of decommissioning funding assurance.  Beginning in May 2010, Entergy Texas implemented a $17.5 million interim rate increase, subject to refund.  Intervenors and PUCT Staff filed testimony recommending adjustments that would result in a maximum rate increase, based on the PUCT Staff’s testimony, of $58 million.

The parties filed a settlement in August 2010 intended to resolve the rate case proceeding.  The settlement provided for a $59 million base rate increase for electricity usage beginning August 15, 2010, with an additional increase of $9 million for bills rendered beginning May 2, 2011.  The settlement stipulated an authorized return on equity of 10.125%.  The settlement stated that Entergy Texas’s fuel costs for the period April 2007 through June 2009 are reconciled, with $3.25 million of disallowed costs, which were included in an interim fuel refund.  The settlement also set River Bend decommissioning costs at $2.0 million annually.  Consistent with the settlement, in the third quarter 2010, Entergy Texas amortized $11 million of rate case costs.  The PUCT approved the settlement in December 2010.

2011 Rate Case

In November 2011, Entergy Texas filed a rate case requesting a $112 million base rate increase reflecting a 10.6% return on common equity based on an adjusted June 2011 test year.  The rate case also proposed a purchased power recovery rider.  On January 12, 2012, the PUCT voted not to address the purchased power recovery rider in the current rate case, but the PUCT voted to set a baseline in the rate case proceeding that would be applicable if a purchased power capacity rider is approved in a separate
 
 
84

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


 
proceeding.  In April 2012 the PUCT Staff filed direct testimony recommending a base rate increase of $66 million and a 9.6% return on common equity.  The PUCT Staff, however, subsequently filed a statement of position in the proceeding indicating that it was still evaluating the position it would ultimately take in the case regarding Entergy Texas’s recovery of purchased power capacity costs and Entergy Texas’s proposal to defer its MISO transition expenses.  In April 2012, Entergy Texas filed rebuttal testimony indicating a revised request for a $105 million base rate increase.  A hearing was held in late-April through early-May 2012.

In September 2012 the PUCT issued an order approving a $28 million rate increase, effective July 2012.  The order includes a finding that “a return on common equity (ROE) of 9.80 percent will allow [Entergy Texas] a reasonable opportunity to earn a reasonable return on invested capital.”  The order also provides for increases in depreciation rates and the annual storm reserve accrual.  The order also reduced Entergy Texas’s proposed purchased power capacity costs, stating that they are not known and measureable; reduced Entergy Texas’s regulatory assets associated with Hurricane Rita; excluded from rate recovery capitalized financially-based incentive compensation; included $1.6 million of MISO transition expense in base rates, and reduced Entergy’s Texas’s fuel reconciliation recovery by $4.0 million because it disagreed with the line-loss factor used in the calculation.  After considering the progress of the proceeding in light of the PUCT order, Entergy Texas recorded in the third quarter 2012 an approximate $24 million charge to recognize that assets associated with Hurricane Rita, financially-based incentive compensation, and fuel recovery are no longer probable of recovery.  Entergy Texas continues to believe that it is entitled to recover these prudently incurred costs, however, and it filed a motion for rehearing regarding these and several other issues in the PUCT’s order on October 4, 2012.  Several other parties have also filed motions for rehearing of the PUCT’s order.  The PUCT subsequently denied rehearing of substantive issues.  Several parties, including Entergy Texas, have appealed the PUCT’s order to the Travis County District Court.

System Agreement Cost Equalization Proceedings

The Utility operating companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and bulk transmission facilities under the terms of the System Agreement, which is a rate schedule that has been approved by the FERC.  Certain of the Utility operating companies’ retail regulators and other parties are pursuing litigation involving the System Agreement at the FERC.  The proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement and allegations of imprudence by the Utility operating companies in their execution of their obligations under the System Agreement.

In June 2005, the FERC issued a decision in System Agreement litigation that had been commenced by the LPSC, and essentially affirmed its decision in a December 2005 order on rehearing.  The FERC decision concluded, among other things, that:

·  
The System Agreement no longer roughly equalizes total production costs among the Utility operating companies.
·  
In order to reach rough production cost equalization, the FERC imposed a bandwidth remedy by which each company’s total annual production costs will have to be within +/- 11% of Entergy System average total annual production costs.
·  
In calculating the production costs for this purpose under the FERC’s order, output from the Vidalia hydroelectric power plant will not reflect the actual Vidalia price for the year but is priced at that year’s average price paid by Entergy Louisiana for the exchange of electric energy under Service Schedule MSS-3 of the System Agreement, thereby reducing the amount of Vidalia costs reflected in the comparison of the Utility operating companies’ total production costs.
·  
The remedy ordered by FERC in 2005 required no refunds and became effective based on calendar year 2006 production costs and the first reallocation payments were made in 2007.
 
 
85

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The FERC’s decision reallocates total production costs of the Utility operating companies whose relative total production costs expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average production costs are outside an upper or lower bandwidth.  Under the current circumstances, this will be accomplished by payments from Utility operating companies whose production costs are more than 11% below Entergy System average production costs to Utility operating companies whose production costs are more than the Entergy System average production cost, with payments going first to those Utility operating companies whose total production costs are farthest above the Entergy System average.

Assessing the potential effects of the FERC’s decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each Utility operating company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Texas, and Entergy Mississippi are more dependent upon gas-fired generation sources than Entergy Arkansas or Entergy New Orleans.  Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation sources.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas’s total production costs are below the Entergy System average production costs.
 
The LPSC, APSC, MPSC, and the Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers appealed the FERC’s December 2005 decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.  Entergy and the City of New Orleans intervened in the various appeals.  The D.C. Circuit issued its decision in April 2008.  The D.C. Circuit concluded that the FERC’s orders had failed to adequately explain both its conclusion that it was prohibited from ordering refunds for the 20-month period from September 13, 2001 - May 2, 2003 and its determination to implement the bandwidth remedy commencing on January 1, 2006, rather than June 1, 2005.  The D.C. Circuit remanded the case to the FERC for further proceedings on these issues.

In October 2011, the FERC issued an order addressing the D.C. Circuit remand on these two issues.  On the first issue, the FERC concluded that it did have the authority to order refunds, but decided that it would exercise its equitable discretion and not require refunds for the 20-month period from September 13, 2001 - May 2, 2003.  Because the ruling on refunds relied on findings in the interruptible load proceeding, which is discussed in a separate section below, the FERC concluded that the refund ruling will be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the rehearing requests in that proceeding.  On the second issue, the FERC reversed its prior decision and ordered that the prospective bandwidth remedy begin on June 1, 2005 (the date of its initial order in the proceeding) rather than January 1, 2006, as it had previously ordered.  Pursuant to the October 2011 order, Entergy was required to calculate the additional bandwidth payments for the period June - December 2005 utilizing the bandwidth formula tariff prescribed by the FERC that was filed in a December 2006 compliance filing and accepted by the FERC in an April 2007 order.  As is the case with bandwidth remedy payments, these payments and receipts will ultimately be paid by Utility operating company customers to other Utility operating company customers.

In December 2011, Entergy filed with the FERC its compliance filing that provides the payments and receipts among the Utility operating companies pursuant to the FERC’s October 2011 order.  The filing shows the following payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies:

   
Payments or
(Receipts)
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Entergy Arkansas
  $ 156  
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
  $ (75 )
Entergy Louisiana
  $ -  
Entergy Mississippi
  $ (33 )
Entergy New Orleans
  $ (5 )
Entergy Texas
  $ (43 )
 
 
86

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



Entergy Arkansas made its payment in January 2012.  In February 2012, Entergy Arkansas filed for an interim adjustment to its production cost allocation rider requesting that the $156 million payment be collected from customers over the 22-month period from March 2012 through December 2013.  In March 2012 the APSC issued an order stating that the payment can be recovered from retail customers through the production cost allocation rider, subject to refund.  The LPSC and the APSC have requested rehearing of the FERC’s October 2011 order.  The APSC, the LPSC, the PUCT, and other parties intervened in the December 2011 compliance filing proceeding, and the APSC and the LPSC also filed protests.

Calendar Year 2012 Production Costs

The liabilities and assets for the preliminary estimate of the payments and receipts required to implement the FERC’s remedy based on calendar year 2012 production costs were recorded in December 2012, based on certain year-to-date information.  The preliminary estimate was recorded based on the following estimate of the payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies for 2013.
 
   
Payments or
(Receipts)
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Entergy Arkansas
  $ -  
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
  $ -  
Entergy Louisiana
  $ -  
Entergy Mississippi
  $ -  
Entergy New Orleans
  $ (17 )
Entergy Texas
  $ 17  

The actual payments/receipts for 2013, based on calendar year 2012 production costs, will not be calculated until the Utility operating companies’ 2012 FERC Form 1s have been filed.  Once the calculation is completed, it will be filed at the FERC.  The level of any payments and receipts is significantly affected by a number of factors, including, among others, weather, the price of alternative fuels, the operating characteristics of the Entergy System generating fleet, and multiple factors affecting the calculation of the non-fuel related revenue requirement components of the total production costs, such as plant investment.

Rough Production Cost Equalization Rates

Each May since 2007 Entergy has filed with the FERC the rates to implement the FERC’s orders in the System Agreement proceeding.  These filings show the following payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies are necessary to achieve rough production cost equalization as defined by the FERC’s orders:

   
2007
Pmts
(Rcts)
   
2008
Pmts
(Rcts)
   
2009
Pmts
(Rcts)
   
2010
Pmts
(Rcts)
   
2011
Pmts
(Rcts)
   
2012
Pmts
(Rcts)
 
   
(In Millions)
 
                                     
Entergy Arkansas
  $ 252     $ 252     $ 390     $ 41     $ 77     $ 41  
Entergy Gulf States La.
  $ (120 )   $ (124 )   $ (107 )   $ -     $ (12 )   $ -  
Entergy Louisiana
  $ (91 )   $ (36 )   $ (140 )   $ (22 )   $ -     $ (41 )
Entergy Mississippi
  $ (41 )   $ (20 )   $ (24 )   $ (19 )   $ (40 )   $ -  
Entergy New Orleans
  $ -     $ (7 )   $ -     $ -     $ (25 )   $ -  
Entergy Texas
  $ (30 )   $ (65 )   $ (119 )   $ -     $ -     $ -  

The APSC has approved a production cost allocation rider for recovery from customers of the retail portion of the costs allocated to Entergy Arkansas.  Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from the FERC’s decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers, subject to specific circumstances that have caused trapped costs.  See “ Fuel and purchased power cost recovery , Entergy Texas ,” above for discussion of a
 
 
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Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

PUCT decision that resulted in $18.6 million of trapped costs between Entergy’s Texas and Louisiana jurisdictions.  See “ 2007 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2006 Production Costs below for a discussion of a FERC decision that could result in trapped costs at Entergy Arkansas related to its contract with AmerenUE.

Entergy Arkansas, and, for December 2012, Entergy Texas, records accounts payable and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas record accounts receivable to reflect the rough production cost equalization payments and receipts required to implement the FERC’s remedy.  Entergy Arkansas, and, for December 2012, Entergy Texas, records a corresponding regulatory asset for its right to collect the payments from its customers, and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas record corresponding regulatory liabilities for their obligations to pass the receipts on to their customers.  The regulatory asset and liabilities are shown as “System Agreement cost equalization” on the respective balance sheets.

2007 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2006 Production Costs

Several parties intervened in the 2007 rate proceeding at the FERC, including the APSC, the MPSC, the Council, and the LPSC, which have also filed protests.  The PUCT also intervened.  Intervenor testimony was filed in which the intervenors and also the FERC Staff advocated a number of positions on issues that affect the level of production costs the individual Utility operating companies are permitted to reflect in the bandwidth calculation, including the level of depreciation and decommissioning expense for nuclear facilities.  The effect of the various positions would be to reallocate costs among the Utility operating companies.  The Utility operating companies filed rebuttal testimony explaining why the bandwidth payments are properly recoverable under the AmerenUE contract, and explaining why the positions of FERC Staff and intervenors on the other issues should be rejected.  A hearing in this proceeding concluded in July 2008, and the ALJ issued an initial decision in September 2008.  The ALJ’s initial decision concluded, among other things, that: (1) the decisions to not exercise Entergy Arkansas’s option to purchase the Independence plant in 1996 and 1997 were prudent; (2) Entergy Arkansas properly flowed a portion of the bandwidth payments through to AmerenUE in accordance with the wholesale power contract; and (3) the level of nuclear depreciation and decommissioning expense reflected in the bandwidth calculation should be calculated based on NRC-authorized license life, rather than the nuclear depreciation and decommissioning expense authorized by the retail regulators for purposes of retail ratemaking.  Following briefing by the parties, the matter was submitted to the FERC for decision.   On January 11, 2010, the FERC issued its decision both affirming and overturning certain of the ALJ’s rulings, including overturning the decision on nuclear depreciation and decommissioning expense.  The FERC’s conclusion related to the AmerenUE contract does not permit Entergy Arkansas to recover a portion of its bandwidth payment from AmerenUE.  The Utility operating companies requested rehearing of that portion of the decision and requested clarification on certain other portions of the decision.

AmerenUE argued that its wholesale power contract with Entergy Arkansas, pursuant to which Entergy Arkansas sells power to AmerenUE, does not permit Entergy Arkansas to flow through to AmerenUE any portion of Entergy Arkansas’s bandwidth payment.  The AmerenUE contract expired in August 2009.  In April 2008, AmerenUE filed a complaint with the FERC seeking refunds, plus interest, in the event the FERC ultimately determines that bandwidth payments are not properly recovered under the AmerenUE contract.  In response to the FERC’s decision discussed in the previous paragraph, Entergy Arkansas recorded a regulatory provision in the fourth quarter 2009 for a potential refund to AmerenUE.

In May 2012, the FERC issued an order on rehearing in the proceeding.  The order may result in the reallocation of costs among the Utility operating companies, although there are still FERC decisions pending in other System Agreement proceedings that could affect the rough production cost equalization payments and receipts.  The FERC directed Entergy, within 45 days of the issuance of a pending FERC order on rehearing regarding the functionalization of costs in the 2007 rate filing, to file a comprehensive bandwidth recalculation report showing updated payments and receipts in the 2007 rate filing proceeding.  The May 2012 FERC order also denied Entergy’s request for rehearing regarding the AmerenUE contract and ordered Entergy Arkansas to refund to
 
 
 
88

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


AmerenUE the rough production cost equalization payments collected from AmerenUE.  Under the terms of the FERC’s order a refund of $30.6 million, including interest, was made in June 2012.  Entergy and the LPSC appealed certain aspects of the FERC’s decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.  On December 7, 2012, the D.C. Circuit dismissed Entergy’s petition for review as premature because Entergy filed a rehearing request of the May 2012 FERC order and that rehearing request is still pending.  The court also ordered that the LPSC’s appeal be held in abeyance and that the parties file motions to govern further proceedings within 30 days of the FERC’s completion of the ongoing "Entergy bandwidth proceedings."

2008 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2007 Production Costs

Several parties intervened in the 2008 rate proceeding at the FERC, including the APSC, the LPSC, and AmerenUE, which have also filed protests.  Several other parties, including the MPSC and the City Council, have intervened in the proceeding without filing a protest.  In direct testimony filed on January 9, 2009, certain intervenors and also the FERC staff advocated a number of positions on issues that affect the level of production costs the individual Utility operating companies are permitted to reflect in the bandwidth calculation, including the level of depreciation and decommissioning expense for the nuclear and fossil-fueled generating facilities.  The effect of these various positions would be to reallocate costs among the Utility operating companies.  In addition, three issues were raised alleging imprudence by the Utility operating companies, including whether the Utility operating companies had properly reflected generating units’ minimum operating levels for purposes of making unit commitment and dispatch decisions, whether Entergy Arkansas’s sales to third parties from its retained share of the Grand Gulf nuclear facility were reasonable, prudent, and non-discriminatory, and whether Entergy Louisiana’s long-term Evangeline gas purchase contract was prudent and reasonable.

The parties reached a partial settlement agreement of certain of the issues initially raised in this proceeding.  The partial settlement agreement was conditioned on the FERC accepting the agreement without modification or condition, which the FERC did on August 24, 2009.  A hearing on the remaining issues in the proceeding was completed in June 2009, and in September 2009 the ALJ issued an initial decision.  The initial decision affirms Entergy’s position in the filing, except for two issues that may result in a reallocation of costs among the Utility operating companies.  In October 2011 the FERC issued an order on the ALJ’s initial decision.  The FERC’s order resulted in a minor reallocation of payments/receipts among the Utility operating companies on one issue in the 2008 rate filing.  Entergy made a compliance filing in December 2011 showing the updated payment/receipt amounts.  The LPSC filed a protest in response to the compliance filing.  On January 3, 2013, the FERC issued an order accepting Entergy’s compliance filing.  In the January 2013 order the FERC required Entergy to include interest on the recalculated bandwidth payment and receipt amounts for the period from June 1, 2008 until the date of the Entergy intra-system bill that will reflect the bandwidth recalculation amounts for calendar year 2007.  On February 4, 2013, Entergy filed a request for rehearing of the FERC’s ruling requiring interest.

2009 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2008 Production Costs

Several parties intervened in the 2009 rate proceeding at the FERC, including the LPSC and Ameren, which have also filed protests.  In July 2009 the FERC accepted Entergy's proposed rates for filing, effective June 1, 2009, subject to refund, and set the proceeding for hearing and settlement procedures.  Settlement procedures were terminated and a hearing before the ALJ was held in April 2010.  In August 2010 the ALJ issued an initial decision.  The initial decision substantially affirms Entergy's position in the filing, except for one issue that may result in some reallocation of costs among the Utility operating companies.  The LPSC, the FERC trial staff, and Entergy submitted briefs on exceptions in the proceeding.  In May 2012 the FERC issued an order affirming the ALJ’s initial decision, or finding certain issues in that decision moot.  Rehearing and clarification of FERC’s order have been requested.
 
 
89

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


2010 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2009 Production Costs

In May 2010, Entergy filed with the FERC the 2010 rates in accordance with the FERC’s orders in the System Agreement proceeding, and supplemented the filing in September 2010.  Several parties intervened in the proceeding at the FERC, including the LPSC and the City Council, which have also filed protests.  In July 2010 the FERC accepted Entergy’s proposed rates for filing, effective June 1, 2010, subject to refund, and set the proceeding for hearing and settlement procedures.  Settlement procedures have been terminated, and the ALJ scheduled hearings to begin in March 2011.  Subsequently, in January 2011 the ALJ issued an order directing the parties and FERC Staff to show cause why this proceeding should not be stayed pending the issuance of FERC decisions in the prior production cost proceedings currently before the FERC on review.  In March 2011 the ALJ issued an order placing this proceeding in abeyance.
 
2011 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2010 Production Costs

In May 2011, Entergy filed with the FERC the 2011 rates in accordance with the FERC’s orders in the System Agreement proceeding.  Several parties intervened in the proceeding at the FERC, including the LPSC, which filed a protest as well.  In July 2011 the FERC accepted Entergy's proposed rates for filing, effective June 1, 2011, subject to refund, set the proceeding for hearing procedures, and then held those procedures in abeyance pending FERC decisions in the prior production cost proceedings currently before the FERC on review.

2012 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2011 Production Costs

In May 2012, Entergy filed with the FERC the 2012 rates in accordance with the FERC’s orders in the System Agreement proceeding.  Several parties intervened in the proceeding at the FERC, including the LPSC, which filed a protest as well.  In August 2012 the FERC accepted Entergy's proposed rates for filing, effective June 2012, subject to refund, set the proceeding for hearing procedures, and then held those procedures in abeyance pending FERC decisions in prior production cost proceedings currently before the FERC on review.

Interruptible Load Proceeding

In April 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued its opinion in the LPSC’s appeal of the FERC’s March 2004 and April 2005 orders related to the treatment under the System Agreement of the Utility operating companies’ interruptible loads.  In its opinion the D.C. Circuit concluded that the FERC (1) acted arbitrarily and capriciously by allowing the Utility operating companies to phase-in the effects of the elimination of the interruptible load over a 12-month period of time; (2) failed to adequately explain why refunds could not be ordered under Section 206(c) of the Federal Power Act; and (3) exercised appropriately its discretion to defer addressing the cost of sulfur dioxide allowances until a later time.  The D.C. Circuit remanded the matter to the FERC for a more considered determination on the issue of refunds.  The FERC issued its order on remand in September 2007, in which it directed Entergy to make a compliance filing removing all interruptible load from the computation of peak load responsibility commencing April 1, 2004 and to issue any necessary refunds to reflect this change.  In addition, the order directed the Utility operating companies to make refunds for the period May 1995 through July 1996.  In November 2007 the Utility operating companies filed a refund report describing the refunds to be issued pursuant to the FERC's orders.  The LPSC filed a protest to the refund report in December 2007, and the Utility operating companies filed an answer to the protest in January 2008.  The refunds were made in October 2008 by the Utility operating companies that owed refunds to the Utility operating companies that were due a refund under the decision.  The APSC and the Utility operating companies appealed the FERC decisions to the D.C. Circuit.  Because of its refund obligation to its customers as a result of this proceeding and a related LPSC proceeding, Entergy Louisiana recorded provisions during 2008 of approximately $16 million, including interest, for rate refunds.  The refunds were made in the fourth quarter 2009.

Following the filing of petitioners' initial briefs, the FERC filed a motion requesting the D.C. Circuit hold the appeal of the FERC’s decisions ordering refunds in the interruptible load proceeding in abeyance and remand the record to the FERC.  The D.C. Circuit granted the FERC’s unopposed motion in June 2009.  In December 2009 the FERC established a paper hearing to determine whether the FERC had the authority and, if so, whether it would be appropriate to order refunds resulting from changes in the treatment of interruptible load in the allocation of capacity costs by the Utility operating companies.  In August 2010 the FERC issued an order stating that it has the authority and refunds are appropriate.  The APSC, MPSC, and Entergy requested rehearing of the
 
 
90

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


FERC’s decision.  In June 2011 the FERC issued an order granting rehearing in part and denying rehearing in part, in which the FERC determined to invoke its discretion to deny refunds.  The FERC held that in this case where “the Entergy system as a whole collected the proper level of revenue, but, as was later established, incorrectly allocated peak load responsibility among the various Entergy operating companies….the Commission will apply here our usual practice in such cases, invoking our equitable discretion to not order refunds, notwithstanding our authority to do so.”  The LPSC has requested rehearing of the FERC’s June 2011 decision.  On October 6, 2011 the FERC issued an “Order Establishing Paper Hearing” inviting parties that oppose refunds to file briefs within 30 days addressing the LPSC’s argument that FERC precedent supports refunds under the circumstances present in this proceeding.  Parties that favor refunds were then invited to file reply briefs within 21 days of the date that the initial briefs are due.  Briefs were submitted and the matter is pending.
 
In September 2010, the FERC had issued an order setting the refund report filed in the proceeding in November 2007 for hearing and settlement judge procedures.  In May 2011, Entergy filed a settlement agreement that resolved all issues relating to the refund report set for hearing.  In June 2011 the settlement judge certified the settlement as uncontested and the settlement agreement is currently pending before the FERC.  In July 2011, Entergy filed an amended/corrected refund report and a motion to defer action on the settlement agreement until after the FERC rules on the LPSC’s rehearing request regarding the June 2011 decision denying refunds.

Prior to the FERC’s June 2011 order on rehearing, Entergy Arkansas filed an application in November 2010 with the APSC for recovery of the refund that it paid.  The APSC denied Entergy Arkansas’s application, and also denied Entergy Arkansas’s petition for rehearing.  If the FERC were to order Entergy Arkansas to pay refunds on rehearing in the interruptible load proceeding the APSC’s decision would trap FERC-approved costs at Entergy Arkansas with no regulatory-approved mechanism to recover them.  In August 2011, Entergy Arkansas filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas asking for a declaratory judgment that the rejection of Entergy Arkansas’s application by the APSC is preempted by the Federal Power Act.  The APSC filed a motion to dismiss the complaint.  In April 2012 the United States district court dismissed Entergy Arkansas’s complaint without prejudice stating that Entergy Arkansas’s claim is not ripe for adjudication and that Entergy Arkansas did not have standing to bring suit at this time.

Entergy Arkansas Opportunity Sales Proceeding

In June 2009, the LPSC filed a complaint requesting that the FERC determine that certain of Entergy Arkansas’s sales of electric energy to third parties: (a) violated the provisions of the System Agreement that allocate the energy generated by Entergy System resources, (b) imprudently denied the Entergy System and its ultimate consumers the benefits of low-cost Entergy System generating capacity, and (c) violated the provision of the System Agreement that prohibits sales to third parties by individual companies absent an offer of a right-of-first-refusal to other Utility operating companies.   The LPSC’s complaint challenges sales made beginning in 2002 and requests refunds.  On July 20, 2009, the Utility operating companies filed a response to the complaint requesting that the FERC dismiss the complaint on the merits without hearing because the LPSC has failed to meet its burden of showing any violation of the System Agreement and failed to produce any evidence of imprudent action by the Entergy System.  In their response, the Utility operating companies explained that the System Agreement clearly contemplates that the Utility operating companies may make sales to third parties for their own account, subject to the requirement that those sales be included in the load (or load shape) for the applicable Utility operating company.  The response further explains that the FERC already has determined that Entergy Arkansas’s short-term wholesale sales did not trigger the “right-of-first-refusal” provision of the System Agreement.  While the D.C. Circuit recently determined that the “right-of-first-refusal” issue was not properly before the FERC at the time of its earlier decision on the issue, the LPSC has raised no additional claims or facts that would warrant the FERC reaching a different conclusion.
 
 
91

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The LPSC filed direct testimony in the proceeding alleging, among other things, (1) that Entergy violated the System Agreement by permitting Entergy Arkansas to make non-requirements sales to non-affiliated third parties rather than making such energy available to the other Utility operating companies’ customers; and (2) that over the period 2000 - 2009, these non-requirements sales caused harm to the Utility operating companies’ customers and these customers should be compensated for this harm by Entergy.  In subsequent testimony, the LPSC modified its original damages claim in favor of quantifying damages by re-running intra-system bills.  The Utility operating companies believe the LPSC's allegations are without merit.  A hearing in the matter was held in August 2010.

In December 2010, the ALJ issued an initial decision.  The ALJ found that the System Agreement allowed for Entergy Arkansas to make the sales to third parties but concluded that the sales should be accounted for in the same manner as joint account sales.  The ALJ concluded that “shareholders” should make refunds of the damages to the Utility operating companies, along with interest.  Entergy disagreed with several aspects of the ALJ’s initial decision and in January 2011 filed with the FERC exceptions to the decision.
 
The FERC issued a decision in June 2012 and held that, while the System Agreement is ambiguous, it does provide authority for individual Utility operating companies to make opportunity sales for their own account and Entergy Arkansas made and priced these sales in good faith.  The FERC found, however, that the System Agreement does not provide authority for an individual Utility operating company to allocate the energy associated with such opportunity sales as part of its load, but provides a different allocation authority.  The FERC further found that the after-the-fact accounting methodology used to allocate the energy used to supply the sales was inconsistent with the System Agreement.  Quantifying the effect of the FERC’s decision will require re-running intra-system bills for a ten-year period, and the FERC in its decision established further hearing procedures to determine the calculation of the effects.  In July 2012, Entergy and the LPSC filed requests for rehearing of the FERC’s June 2012 decision, which are pending with the FERC.

As required by the procedural schedule established in the calculation proceeding, Entergy filed its direct testimony that included a proposed illustrative re-run, consistent with the directives in FERC’s order, of intra-system bills for 2003, 2004, and 2006, the three years with the highest volume of opportunity sales.  Entergy’s proposed illustrative re-run of intra-system bills shows that the potential cost for Entergy Arkansas would be up to $12 million for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006, and the potential benefit would be significantly less than that for each of the other Utility operating companies.  Entergy’s proposed illustrative rerun of the intra-system bills also shows an offsetting potential benefit to Entergy Arkansas for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006 resulting from the effects of the FERC’s order on System Agreement Service Schedules MSS-1, MSS-2, and MSS-3, and the potential offsetting cost would be significantly less than that for each of the other Utility operating companies.  Entergy provided to the LPSC an illustrative intra-system bill recalculation as specified by the LPSC for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006, and the LPSC then filed answering testimony in December 2012.  In its testimony the LPSC claims that the damages that should be paid by Entergy Arkansas to the Utility operating company’s customers for 2003, 2004, and 2006 are $42 million to Entergy Gulf States, Inc., $7 million to Entergy Louisiana, $23 million to Entergy Mississippi, and $4 million to Entergy New Orleans; and that Entergy Arkansas “shareholders” should pay Entergy Arkansas customers $34 million.  The FERC staff and certain intervenors filed direct and answering testimony in February 2013.  A hearing is scheduled for May 2013, and the ALJ’s initial decision on the calculation of the effects is due by August 28, 2013.

Storm Cost Recovery Filings with Retail Regulators

Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas January 2009 Ice Storm

In January 2009 a severe ice storm caused significant damage to Entergy Arkansas's transmission and distribution lines, equipment, poles, and other facilities.  A law was enacted in April 2009 in Arkansas that authorizes securitization of storm damage
 
 
 
 
92

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


restoration costs.  In June 2010 the APSC issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of approximately $126.3 million in storm cost recovery bonds, which includes carrying costs of $11.5 million and $4.6 million of up-front financing costs.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for a discussion of the August 2010 issuance of the securitization bonds.

Entergy Arkansas December 2012 Winter Storm

In December 2012 a severe winter storm consisting of ice, snow, and high winds caused significant damage to Entergy Arkansas’s distribution lines, equipment, poles, and other facilities.  Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Arkansas’s electrical facilities in areas damaged from the winter storm are estimated to be in the range of $55 million to $65 million.  Entergy Arkansas recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy Arkansas recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $21 million and construction work in progress of approximately $37 million.  Entergy Arkansas recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy Arkansas has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy Arkansas is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.  Entergy Arkansas plans to present a cost recovery proposal to the APSC in a base rate case filing in March 2013.
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana

Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike

In September 2008, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike caused catastrophic damage to Entergy's service territory.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed their Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike storm cost recovery case with the LPSC in May 2009.  In September 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana and the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation (LURC), an instrumentality of the State of Louisiana, filed with the LPSC an application requesting that the LPSC grant financing orders authorizing the financing of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s storm costs, storm reserves, and issuance costs pursuant to Act 55 of the Louisiana Regular Session of 2007 (Act 55 financings).   Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita storm costs were financed primarily by Act 55 financings , as discussed below.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana also filed an application requesting LPSC approval for ancillary issues including the mechanism to flow charges and Act 55 financing savings to customers via a Storm Cost Offset rider.

In December 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana entered into a stipulation agreement with the LPSC Staff that provides for total recoverable costs of approximately $234 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and $394 million for Entergy Louisiana, including carrying costs.  Under this stipulation, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana agrees not to recover $4.4 million and Entergy Louisiana agrees not to recover $7.2 million of their storm restoration spending.  The stipulation also permits replenishing Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's storm reserve in the amount of $90 million and Entergy Louisiana's storm reserve in the amount of $200 million when the Act 55 financings are accomplished.  In March and April 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and other parties to the proceeding filed with the LPSC an uncontested stipulated settlement that includes these terms and also includes Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana's proposals under the Act 55 financings, which includes a commitment to pass on to customers a minimum of $15.5 million and $27.75 million of customer benefits, respectively, through prospective annual rate reductions of $3.1 million and $5.55 million for five years.  A stipulation hearing was held before the ALJ on April 13, 2010.  On April 21, 2010, the LPSC approved the settlement and subsequently issued two financing orders and one ratemaking order intended to facilitate the implementation of the Act 55 financings.  In June 2010 the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved the Act 55 financings.
 
 
93

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


In July 2010, the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA) issued $468.9 million in bonds under Act 55.  From the $462.4 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LCDA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $200 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Louisiana and transferred $262.4 million directly to Entergy Louisiana.  From the bond proceeds received by Entergy Louisiana from the LURC, Entergy Louisiana used $262.4 million to acquire 2,624,297.11 Class B preferred, non-voting, membership interest units of Entergy Holdings Company LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy, that carry a 9% annual distribution rate. Distributions are payable quarterly commencing on September 15, 2010, and the membership interests have a liquidation price of $100 per unit. The preferred membership interests are callable at the option of Entergy Holdings Company LLC after ten years under the terms of the LLC agreement.  The terms of the membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Holdings Company LLC is subject, including the requirement to maintain a net worth of at least $1 billion.

In July 2010, the LCDA issued another $244.1 million in bonds under Act 55.  From the $240.3 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LCDA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $90 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and transferred $150.3 million directly to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  From the bond proceeds received by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana from the LURC, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana used $150.3 million to acquire 1,502,643.04 Class B preferred, non-voting, membership interest units of Entergy Holdings Company LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy, that carry a 9% annual distribution rate.  Distributions are payable quarterly commencing on September 15, 2010, and the membership interests have a liquidation price of $100 per unit.  The preferred membership interests are callable at the option of Entergy Holdings Company LLC after ten years under the terms of the LLC agreement.  The terms of the membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Holdings Company LLC is subject, including the requirement to maintain a net worth of at least $1 billion.

Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Entergy Louisiana do not report the bonds on their balance sheets because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA, and there is no recourse against Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy Louisiana in the event of a bond default.  To service the bonds, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana collect a system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC, and remit the collections to the bond indenture trustee.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana do not report the collections as revenue because they are merely acting as the billing and collection agents for the state.
 
Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita

In August and September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused catastrophic damage to large portions of the Utility’s service territories in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the effect of extensive flooding that resulted from levee breaks in and around the greater New Orleans area.  The storms and flooding resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage to electric distribution, transmission, and generation and gas infrastructure, and the loss of sales and customers due to mandatory evacuations and the destruction of homes and businesses.

In March 2008, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation (LURC), an instrumentality of the State of Louisiana, filed at the LPSC an application requesting that the LPSC grant financing orders authorizing the financing of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana storm costs, storm reserves, and issuance costs pursuant to Act 55 of the Louisiana Legislature (Act 55 financings).  The Act 55 financings are expected to produce additional customer benefits as compared to traditional securitization.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana also filed an application requesting LPSC approval for ancillary issues including the mechanism to flow charges and savings to customers via a Storm Cost Offset rider.  On April 8, 2008, the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (LPFA), which is the issuer of the bonds pursuant to the Act 55 financings, approved requests for the Act 55 financings.  On April 10, 2008, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy
 
 
 
 
94

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Louisiana and the LPSC Staff filed with the LPSC an uncontested stipulated settlement that includes Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana’s proposals under the Act 55 financings, which includes a commitment to pass on to customers a minimum of $10 million and $30 million of customer benefits, respectively, through prospective annual rate reductions of $2 million and $6 million for five years.  On April 16, 2008, the LPSC approved the settlement and issued two financing orders and one ratemaking order intended to facilitate implementation of the Act 55 financings.  In May 2008 the Louisiana State Bond Commission granted final approval of the Act 55 financings.

In July 2008, the LPFA issued $687.7 million in bonds under the aforementioned Act 55.  From the $679 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LPFA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $152 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Louisiana and transferred $527 million directly to Entergy Louisiana.  From the bond proceeds received by Entergy Louisiana from the LURC, Entergy Louisiana invested $545 million, including $17.8 million that was withdrawn from the restricted escrow account as approved by the April 16, 2008 LPSC orders, in exchange for 5,449,861.85 Class A preferred, non-voting, membership interest units of Entergy Holdings Company LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy, that carry a 10% annual distribution rate.  Distributions are payable quarterly commencing on September 15, 2008 and have a liquidation price of $100 per unit.  The preferred membership interests are callable at the option of Entergy Holdings Company LLC after ten years under the terms of the LLC agreement.  The terms of the membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Holdings Company LLC is subject, including the requirement to maintain a net worth of at least $1 billion.

In August 2008, the LPFA issued $278.4 million in bonds under the aforementioned Act 55.  From the $274.7 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LPFA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $87 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and transferred $187.7 million directly to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  From the bond proceeds received by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana from the LURC, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana invested $189.4 million, including $1.7 million that was withdrawn from the restricted escrow account as approved by the April 16, 2008 LPSC orders, in exchange for 1,893,918.39 Class A preferred, non-voting, membership interest units of Entergy Holdings Company LLC that carry a 10% annual distribution rate.  Distributions are payable quarterly commencing on September 15, 2008 and have a liquidation price of $100 per unit.  The preferred membership interests are callable at the option of Entergy Holdings Company LLC after ten years under the terms of the LLC agreement.  The terms of the membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Holdings Company LLC is subject, including the requirement to maintain a net worth of at least $1 billion.  In February 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sold 500,000 of its Class A preferred membership units in Entergy Holdings Company LLC, a wholly-owned Entergy subsidiary, to a third party in exchange for $51 million plus accrued but unpaid distributions on the units.  The 500,000 preferred membership units are mandatorily redeemable in January 2112.

Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Entergy Louisiana do not report the bonds on their balance sheets because the bonds are the obligation of the LPFA, and there is no recourse against Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy Louisiana in the event of a bond default.  To service the bonds, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana collect a system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC, and remit the collections to the bond indenture trustee.  Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Entergy Louisiana do not report the collections as revenue because they are merely acting as the billing and collection agent for the state.

Entergy New Orleans

In December 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Katrina Relief Bill, a hurricane aid package that included Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding (for the states affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma) that allowed state and local leaders to fund individual recovery priorities.  In March 2007 the City Council certified that Entergy New Orleans incurred $205 million in storm-related costs through December 2006 that are eligible for CDBG funding under the state action plan.  Entergy New Orleans received $180.8 million of CDBG funds in 2007 and $19.2 million in 2010.
 
 
95

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


In October 2006, the City Council approved a rate filing settlement agreement that, among other things, authorized a $75 million storm reserve for damage from future storms, which will be created over a ten-year period through a storm reserve rider that began in March 2007.  These storm reserve funds are held in a restricted escrow account until needed in response to a storm.  In November 2012, Entergy New Orleans withdrew $10 million from the storm reserve escrow account to partially offset the costs associated with Hurricane Isaac.

New Nuclear Generation Development Costs

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana have been developing and are preserving a project option for new nuclear generation at River Bend.  In March 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC seeking approval to continue the limited development activities necessary to preserve an option to construct a new unit at River Bend.  The testimony and legal briefs of the LPSC staff generally support the request of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, although other parties filed briefs, without supporting testimony, in opposition to the request.  At an evidentiary hearing in October 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and the LPSC staff presented testimony in support of certification of activities to preserve an option for a new nuclear plant at River Bend.  The ALJ recommended, however, that the LPSC decline the request of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana on the basis that the LPSC’s rule on new nuclear development does not apply to activities to preserve an option to develop and on the further grounds that the companies improperly engaged in advanced preparation activities prior to certification.  There has been no suggestion that the planning activities or costs incurred were imprudent.  At its June 28, 2012 meeting the LPSC voted to uphold the ALJ’s decision and directed that Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana be permitted to seek recovery of these costs in their anticipated, upcoming rate case filings, fully reserving the LPSC’s right to determine the recoverability of such costs in rates.  On September 10, 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed a petition for appeal and judicial review of the LPSC’s order with the Louisiana Nineteenth Judicial District Court.  A schedule for the appeal has not been established.  In their rate cases filed in February 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana request recovery of their new nuclear generation development costs over a ten-year amortization period, with the costs included in rate base.
 
Entergy Mississippi

Pursuant to the Mississippi Baseload Act and the Mississippi Public Utilities Act, Entergy Mississippi has been developing and is preserving a project option for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.  This project is in the early stages, and several issues remain to be addressed over time before significant additional capital would be committed to this project.  In October 2010, Entergy Mississippi filed an application with the MPSC requesting that the MPSC determine that it is in the public interest to preserve the option to construct new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf and that the MPSC approve the deferral of Entergy Mississippi’s costs incurred to date and in the future related to this project, including the accrual of AFUDC or similar carrying charges.  In October 2011, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff filed with the MPSC a joint stipulation that the MPSC approved in November 2011.  The stipulation states that there should be a deferral of the $57 million of costs incurred through September 2011 in connection with planning, evaluation, monitoring, and other and related generation resource development activities for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf.  The costs shall be treated as a regulatory asset until the proceeding is resolved.  The Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi also agree that the MPSC should conduct a hearing to consider the relief requested by Entergy Mississippi in its application, including evidence regarding whether costs incurred in connection with planning, evaluation, monitoring, and other and related generation resource development activities for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf were prudently incurred and are otherwise allowable.  The Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi further agree that such prudently incurred costs shall be recoverable in a manner to be determined by the MPSC.  In the Stipulation, the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi agree that the development of a nuclear unit project
 
 
 
 
96

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


option is consistent with the Mississippi Baseload Act.  The Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi further agree that the deferral of costs incurred in connection with planning, evaluation, monitoring, and other and related generation resource development activities for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf also is consistent with the Mississippi Baseload Act.  Entergy Mississippi will not accrue carrying charges or continue to accrue AFUDC on the costs, pending the outcome of the proceeding.  Further proceedings before the MPSC have not been scheduled.

Texas Power Price Lawsuit

In August 2003, a lawsuit was filed in the district court of Chambers County, Texas by Texas residents on behalf of a purported class of the Texas retail customers of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. who were billed and paid for electric power from January 1, 1994 to the present.  The named defendants include Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, Entergy Power, Entergy Power Marketing Corp., and Entergy Arkansas.  Entergy Gulf States, Inc. was not a named defendant, but was alleged to be a co-conspirator.  The court granted the request of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. to intervene in the lawsuit to protect its interests.

Plaintiffs allege that the defendants implemented a “price gouging accounting scheme” to sell to plaintiffs and similarly situated utility customers higher priced power generated by the defendants while rejecting less expensive power offered from off-system suppliers.  In particular, plaintiffs allege that the defendants manipulated and continue to manipulate the dispatch of generation so that power is purchased from affiliated expensive resources instead of buying cheaper off-system power.

Plaintiffs stated in their pleadings that customers in Texas were charged at least $57 million above prevailing market prices for power.  Plaintiffs seek actual, consequential and exemplary damages, costs and attorneys’ fees, and disgorgement of profits.  The plaintiffs’ experts have tendered a report calculating damages in a large range, from $153 million to $972 million in present value, under various scenarios.  The Entergy defendants have tendered expert reports challenging the assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions of the plaintiffs’ expert reports.

The case is pending in state district court, and in March 2012 the court found that the case met the requirements to be maintained as a class action under Texas law.  On April 30, 2012, the court entered an order certifying the class.  The defendants have appealed the order to the Texas Court of Appeals – First District.  The appeal is pending and proceedings in district court are stayed until the appeal is resolved.

 

 
97

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 
NOTE 3.    INCOME TAXES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Income taxes from continuing operations for 2012, 2011, and 2010 for Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries consist of the following:

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Current:
                 
  Federal
  $ (47,851 )   $ 452,713     $ 145,161  
  Foreign
    143       130       131  
  State
    (41,516 )     152,711       19,313  
    Total
    (89,224 )     605,554       164,605  
Deferred and non-current - net
    131,130       (311,708 )     468,698  
Investment tax credit
                       
   adjustments - net
    (11,051 )     (7,583 )     (16,064 )
Income tax expense from
                       
    continuing operations
  $ 30,855     $ 286,263     $ 617,239  
                         

Income taxes for 2012, 2011, and 2010 for Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries consist of the following:

         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2012
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Current:
                                         
  Federal
  $ 64,069     $ (66,081 )   $ (132,999 )   $ 3,188     $ (9,484 )   $ (114,677 )   $ (50,491 )
  State
    6,712       9,535       (1,269 )     (4,425 )     (1,617 )     4,933       (8,544 )
    Total
    70,781       (56,546 )     (134,268 )     (1,237 )     (11,101 )     (109,744 )     (59,035 )
Deferred and non-current - net
    26,042       112,390       8,463       59,045       18,586       144,471       137,832  
Investment tax credit
                                                       
   adjustments - net
    (2,017 )     (3,228 )     (3,117 )     871       (245 )     (1,609 )     (1,682 )
   Income taxes
  $ 94,806     $ 52,616     $ (128,922 )   $ 58,679     $ 7,240     $ 33,118     $ 77,115  
                                                         

         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2011
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Current:
                                         
  Federal
  $ (12,448 )   $ (30,106 )   $ (136,800 )   $ (9,466 )   $ 14,641     $ (33,045 )   $ 139,529  
  State
    (1,751 )     15,950       34,832       6,069       1,724       3,153       16,825  
    Total
    (14,199 )     (14,156 )     (101,968 )     (3,397 )     16,365       (29,892 )     156,354  
Deferred and non-current - net
    148,978       107,250       (265,046 )     32,380       (201 )     80,993       (84,505 )
Investment tax credit
                                                       
   adjustments - net
    (2,014 )     (3,358 )     (3,197 )     (182 )     (302 )     (1,609 )     3,104  
   Income taxes
  $ 132,765     $ 89,736     $ (370,211 )   $ 28,801     $ 15,862     $ 49,492     $ 74,953  
                                                         
 
 
98

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2010
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Current:
                                         
  Federal
  $ 114,821     $ 196,230     $ 73,174     $ 13,722     $ (114,382 )   $ (10,607 )   $ (4,102 )
  State
    (9,200 )     481       (4,324 )     5,959       1,427       1,060       3,328  
    Total
    105,621       196,711       68,850       19,681       (112,955 )     (9,547 )     (774 )
Deferred and non-current - net
    10,328       (101,007 )     918       31,415       129,880       53,539       60,305  
Investment tax credit
                                                       
   adjustments - net
    (3,005 )     (3,407 )     (3,222 )     (985 )     (324 )     (1,609 )     (3,482 )
   Income taxes
  $ 112,944     $ 92,297     $ 66,546     $ 50,111     $ 16,601     $ 42,383     $ 56,049  
                                                         

Total income taxes for Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes.  The reasons for the differences for the years 2012, 2011, and 2010 are:
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Net income attributable to Entergy Corporation
  $ 846,673     $ 1,346,439     $ 1,250,242  
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries
    21,690       20,933       20,063  
Consolidated net income
    868,363       1,367,372       1,270,305  
Income taxes
    30,855       286,263       617,239  
Income before income taxes
  $ 899,218     $ 1,653,635     $ 1,887,544  
                         
Computed at statutory rate (35%)
  $ 314,726     $ 578,772     $ 660,640  
Increases (reductions) in tax resulting from:
                       
  State income taxes net of federal income tax effect
    40,699       93,940       40,530  
  Regulatory differences - utility plant items
    35,527       39,970       31,473  
  Equity component of AFUDC
    (30,838 )     (30,184 )     (16,542 )
  Amortization of investment tax credits
    (14,000 )     (14,962 )     (15,980 )
  Flow-through / permanent differences
    (14,801 )     (17,848 )     (26,370 )
  Net-of-tax regulatory liability (a)
    (4,356 )     65,357       -  
  Deferred tax reversal on PPA settlement (a)
    -       (421,819 )     -  
  Deferred tax asset on additional depreciation (b)
    (155,300 )     -       -  
  Write-off of reorganization costs
    -       -       (19,974 )
  Tax law change-Medicare Part D
    -       -       13,616  
  Write-off of regulatory asset for income taxes
    42,159       -       -  
  Capital losses
    (20,188 )     -       -  
  Provision for uncertain tax positions (c)
    (159,957 )     2,698       (43,115 )
  Other - net
    (2,816 )     (9,661 )     (7,039 )
    Total income taxes as reported
  $ 30,855     $ 286,263     $ 617,239  
                         
Effective Income Tax Rate
    3.4 %     17.3 %     32.7 %

(a)  See " Income Tax Audits - 2006-2007 IRS Audit " below for discussion of these items.
(b)  See " Income Tax Audits - 2004-2005 IRS Audit " below for discussion of this item.
(c)  See " Income Tax Audits - 2008-2009 IRS Audit " below for discussion of the most significant item in 2012.
 
 
 
99

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Total income taxes for the Registrant Subsidiaries differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before taxes.  The reasons for the differences for the years 2012, 2011, and 2010 are:
 
         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2012
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Net income
  152,365     $ 158,977     $ 281,081     $ 46,768     $ 17,065     $ 41,971     $ 111,866  
Income taxes (benefit)
    94,806       52,616       (128,922 )     58,679       7,240       33,118       77,115  
     Pretax income
  $ 247,171     $ 211,593     $ 152,159     $ 105,447     $ 24,305     $ 75,089     $ 188,981  
                                                         
Computed at statutory rate (35%)
  $ 86,510     $ 74,058     $ 53,256     $ 36,906     $ 8,507     $ 26,281     $ 66,143  
Increases (reductions) in tax
                                                 
      resulting from:
                                                       
   State income taxes net of
                                                       
        federal income tax effect
    11,282       5,087       1,976       3,944       505       3,115       6,652  
   Regulatory differences -
                                                       
        utility plant items
    6,778       8,472       312       2,619       2,289       3,668       11,389  
   Equity component of AFUDC
    (2,495 )     (3,042 )     (12,919 )     (1,383 )     (276 )     (1,587 )     (9,136 )
   Amortization of investment
                                                       
        tax credits
    (1,992 )     (3,204 )     (3,089 )     (264 )     (240 )     (1,596 )     (3,480 )
  Flow-through / permanent
                                                       
        differences
    3,427       (7,646 )     1,397       1,961       (4,385 )     1,585       (357 )
  Net-of-tax regulatory liability (a)
    -       -       (4,356 )     -       -       -       -  
  Non-taxable dividend income
    -       (9,836 )     (27,336 )     -       -       -       -  
Expense (benefit) of Entergy
                                                 
        Corporation expenses
    (19,403 )     (17,703 )     -       14,449       2,758       -       (10,241 )
  Provision for uncertain
                                                       
        tax positions (b)
    11,227       8,745       (143,583 )     870       (2,095 )     1,651       17,966  
  Change in regulatory recovery
    -       (553 )     7,854       -       -       -       -  
  Other - net
    (528 )     (1,762 )     (2,434 )     (423 )     177       1       (1,821 )
      Total income taxes
  $ 94,806     $ 52,616     $ (128,922 )   $ 58,679     $ 7,240     $ 33,118     $ 77,115  
                                                         
Effective Income Tax Rate
    38.4 %     24.9 %     -84.7 %     55.6 %     29.8 %     44.1 %     40.8 %

(a)  See " Income Tax Audits - 2006-2007 IRS Audit " below for discussion of these items.
(b)  See " Income Tax Audits - 2008-2009 IRS Audit " below for discussion of the most significant item in 2012.

 
100

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


           Entergy                                
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2011
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Net income
  $ 164,891     $ 201,604     $ 473,923     $ 108,729     $ 35,976     $ 80,845     $ 64,197  
Income taxes (benefit)
    132,765       89,736       (370,211 )     28,801       15,862       49,492       74,953  
     Pretax income
  $ 297,656     $ 291,340     $ 103,712     $ 137,530     $ 51,838     $ 130,337     $ 139,150  
                                                         
Computed at statutory rate (35%)
  $ 104,180     $ 101,969     $ 36,299     $ 48,136     $ 18,143     $ 45,618     $ 48,703  
Increases (reductions) in tax
                                                 
      resulting from:
                                                       
    State income taxes net of
                                                       
        federal income tax effect
    13,727       9,618       943       3,211       3,350       2,033       4,436  
   Regulatory differences -
                                                       
        utility plant items
    10,079       8,379       1,404       2,038       3,860       4,003       10,207  
  Equity component of AFUDC
    (3,363 )     (3,181 )     (11,315 )     (2,963 )     (215 )     (1,322 )     (7,825 )
   Amortization of investment
                                                       
        tax credits
    (1,992 )     (3,336 )     (3,168 )     (960 )     (295 )     (1,596 )     (3,480 )
  Net-of-tax regulatory liability (a)
    -       -       65,357       -       -       -       -  
Deferred tax reversal on PPA
                                                 
        settlement (a)
    -       -       (421,819 )     -       -       -       -  
Flow-through / permanent
                                                 
        differences
    (1,365 )     587       (1,285 )     304       (4,983 )     88       529  
Non-taxable
                                                       
        dividend income
    -       (11,364 )     (27,336 )     -       -       -       -  
Expense (benefit) of Entergy
                                                 
        Corporation expenses
    -       (5,694 )     -       (21,248 )     (6,235 )     (16 )     16,559  
    Provision for uncertain
                                                       
        tax positions
    12,016       (7,144 )     (4,880 )     (2 )     2,241       717       5,878  
    Other -- net
    (517 )     (98 )     (4,411 )     285       (4 )     (33 )     (54 )
      Total income taxes
  $ 132,765     $ 89,736     $ (370,211 )   $ 28,801     $ 15,862     $ 49,492     $ 74,953  
                                                         
Effective Income Tax Rate
    44.6 %     30.8 %     -357.0 %     20.9 %     30.6 %     38.0 %     53.9 %

(a)  See " Income Tax Audits - 2006-2007 IRS Audit " below for discussion of these items.

 
101

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 
         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2010
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Net income
  $ 172,618     $ 174,319     $ 231,435     $ 85,377     $ 31,114     $ 66,200     $ 82,624  
Income taxes
    112,944       92,297       66,546       50,111       16,601       42,383       56,049  
     Pretax income
  $ 285,562     $ 266,616     $ 297,981     $ 135,488     $ 47,715     $ 108,583     $ 138,673  
                                                         
Computed at statutory rate (35%)
  $ 99,947     $ 93,316     $ 104,293     $ 47,421     $ 16,700     $ 38,004     $ 48,536  
Increases (reductions) in tax
                                                 
      resulting from:
                                                       
    State income taxes net of
                                                       
        federal income tax effect
    13,156       1,142       (10,618 )     1,245       1,387       424       2,206  
   Regulatory differences -
                                                       
        utility plant items
    6,126       (4,004 )     7,374       3,455       3,999       4,089       10,435  
   Equity component of AFUDC
    (144 )     (1,547 )     (8,361 )     (1,643 )     (184 )     (1,525 )     (3,138 )
   Amortization of investment
                                                       
        tax credits
    (2,983 )     (3,309 )     (3,192 )     (972 )     (313 )     (1,596 )     (3,480 )
Flow-through / permanent
                                                 
        differences
    (1,235 )     8,423       (754 )     153       (4,883 )     236       (497 )
Non-taxable
                                                       
        dividend income
    -       (9,189 )     (23,603 )     -       -       -       -  
    Provision for uncertain
                                                       
        tax positions
    (2,100 )     7,200       2,200       700       (300 )     2,800       2,090  
    Other -- net
    177       265       (793 )     (248 )     195       (49 )     (103 )
      Total income taxes
  $ 112,944     $ 92,297     $ 66,546     $ 50,111     $ 16,601     $ 42,383     $ 56,049  
                                                         
Effective Income Tax Rate
    39.6 %     34.6 %     22.3 %     37.0 %     34.8 %     39.0 %     40.4 %
 
 
 
102

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Significant components of accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued for Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
           
    Plant basis differences - net
  $ (8,240,342 )   $ (7,043,758 )
    Regulatory assets
    (898,143 )     (930,370 )
    Nuclear decommissioning trusts
    (848,918 )     (553,558 )
    Combined unitary state taxes
    (233,210 )     (227,427 )
    Power purchase agreements
    -       (17,138 )
    Other
    (485,550 )     (402,097 )
        Total
    (10,706,163 )     (9,174,348 )
                 
Deferred tax assets:
               
    Nuclear decommissioning liabilities
    733,103       612,945  
    Regulatory liabilities
    404,852       197,554  
    Pension and other post-employment benefits
    358,893       315,134  
    Sale and leaseback
    195,074       217,430  
    Accumulated deferred investment tax credit
    110,690       108,338  
    Provision for contingencies
    61,576       28,504  
    Power purchase agreements
    43,717       -  
    Net operating loss carryforwards
    960,235       253,518  
    Capital losses
    13,631       12,995  
    Valuation allowance
    (86,881 )     (85,615 )
    Other
    141,592       160,620  
        Total
    2,936,482       1,821,423  
                 
Noncurrent accrued taxes (including unrecognized
         
     tax benefits)
    (210,534 )     (814,597 )
                 
      Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
  $ (7,980,215 )   $ (8,167,522 )
                 

Entergy’s estimated tax attributes carryovers and their expiration dates as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

Carryover Description
 
Carryover Amount
 
Year(s) of expiration
         
Federal net operating losses
 
$12.6 billion
 
2028-2032
State net operating losses
 
$11.2 billion
 
2013-2032
State capital losses
 
$177 million
 
2013-2015
Miscellaneous federal and state credits
 
$81.9 million
 
2013-2032
 
 
 
103

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


As a result of the accounting for uncertain tax positions, the amount of the deferred tax assets reflected in the financial statements is less than the amount of the tax effect of the federal and state net operating loss carryovers, tax credit carryovers, and other tax attributes reflected on income tax returns.

Because it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state net operating and capital loss carryovers will not be utilized, a valuation allowance of $69.6 million and $13.6 million has been provided on the deferred tax assets relating to these state net operating and capital loss carryovers, respectively.

Significant components of accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2012
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Deferred tax liabilities:
                                         
    Plant basis differences - net
  $ (1,565,988 )   $ (1,268,164 )   $ (1,544,256 )   $ (727,442 )   $ (202,496 )   $ (770,084 )   $ (759,896 )
    Regulatory assets
    (172,915 )     (100,578 )     (249,051 )     (27,077 )     (4,790 )     (220,417 )     (119,209 )
    Nuclear decommissioning trusts
    (67,025 )     (25,472 )     (29,493 )     -       -       -       (27,809 )
    Deferred fuel
    (50,068 )     (1,618 )     (11,815 )     (11,332 )     (976 )     3,932       (445 )
    Other
    (55,000 )     (27,501 )     (92,433 )     (12,641 )     (10,576 )     (23,681 )     (6,592 )
        Total
  $ (1,910,996 )   $ (1,423,333 )   $ (1,927,048 )   $ (778,492 )   $ (218,838 )   $ (1,010,250 )   $ (913,951 )
                                                         
Deferred tax assets:
                                                       
    Nuclear decommissioning liabilities
    (63,189 )     51,593       92,930       -       -       -       (65,564 )
    Regulatory liabilities
    79,805       47,474       173,046       8,515       47,257       3,429       45,327  
    Pension and other post-
                                                       
       employment benefits
    (75,278 )     47,469       34,283       (22,140 )     (10,815 )     (40,389 )     (19,160 )
    Sale and leaseback
    -       -       57,423       -       -       -       137,651  
    Accumulated deferred investment tax credit
    16,062       36,642       27,008       2,776       500       6,210       21,492  
    Provision for contingencies
    4,723       33,074       48,241       9,564       (2,865 )     (35,505 )     -  
    Power purchase agreements
    94       37,771       -       84       21       2,752       -  
    Unbilled/deferred revenues
    27,651       (23,150 )     (7,101 )     9,242       3,352       12,986       -  
    Compensation
    3,587       580       18       (664 )     13       4,547       180  
    Net operating loss carryforwards
    102,034       -       460,367       45,475       -       20,307       86,228  
    Other
    5,565       6,106       5,513       8,758       4,472       6,707       2,000  
        Total
    101,054       237,559       891,728       61,610       41,935       (18,956 )     208,154  
                                                         
Noncurrent accrued taxes (including
                                                       
     unrecognized tax benefits)
    46,930       (239,670 )     218,033       (1,121 )     13,630       55,113       (4,130 )
                                                         
        Accumulated deferred income
                                                       
             taxes and taxes accrued
  $ (1,763,012 )   $ (1,425,444 )   $ (817,287 )   $ (718,003 )   $ (163,273 )   $ (974,093 )   $ (709,927 )
                                                         
 
 
104

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


         
Entergy
                               
   
Entergy
   
Gulf States
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
Entergy
   
System
 
2011
 
Arkansas
   
Louisiana
   
Louisiana
   
Mississippi
   
New Orleans
   
Texas
   
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Deferred tax liabilities:
                                         
    Plant basis differences - net
  $ (1,334,016 )   $ (1,124,284 )   $ (1,077,835 )   $ (608,596 )   $ (148,296 )   $ (735,310 )   $ (505,369 )
    Regulatory assets
    (222,429 )     (103,585 )     (249,459 )     (32,611 )     -       (227,224 )     (120,886 )
    Nuclear decommissioning trusts
    (53,789 )     (21,096 )     (22,441 )     -       -       -       (19,138 )
    Deferred fuel
    (82,452 )     (1,225 )     (4,285 )     718       (331 )     3,932       (8 )
    Other
    (54,277 )     (1,394 )     (26,237 )     (7,263 )     (18,319 )     (14,098 )     (9,333 )
        Total
  $ (1,746,963 )   $ (1,251,584 )   $ (1,380,257 )   $ (647,752 )   $ (166,946 )   $ (972,700 )   $ (654,734 )
                                                         
Deferred tax assets:
                                                       
                                                         
    Nuclear decommissioning liabilities
    (104,862 )     (38,683 )     56,399       -       -       -       (47,360 )
    Regulatory liabilities
    29,473       (39,265 )     111,705       1,497       53,191       35,072       18,301  
    Pension and other post-
                                                       
       employment benefits
    (75,399 )     123,085       19,866       (30,390 )     (11,713 )     (41,964 )     (19,593 )
    Sale and leaseback
    -       -       66,801       -       -       -       150,629  
    Accumulated deferred
                                                       
         investment tax credit
    16,843       31,367       28,197       2,437       592       6,769       22,133  
    Provision for contingencies
    4,167       (1,406 )     3,940       2,465       10,121       2,299       -  
    Power purchase agreements
    94       3,938       (1 )     2,383       22       2,547       -  
    Unbilled/deferred revenues
    15,222       (21,918 )     (7,108 )     8,990       2,707       14,324       -  
    Net operating loss carryforwards
    -       -       39,153       -       -       58,547       -  
    Other
    56,116       27,548       33,675       6,206       1,899       8,753       40,759  
        Total
    (58,346 )     84,666       352,627       (6,412 )     56,819       86,347       164,869  
                                                         
Noncurrent accrued taxes (including
                                                       
     unrecognized tax benefits)
    (27,718 )     (206,752 )     (75,750 )     (6,271 )     (27,859 )     39,799       (165,981 )
                                                         
        Accumulated deferred income
                                                       
             taxes and taxes accrued
  $ (1,833,027 )   $ (1,373,670 )   $ (1,103,380 )   $ (660,435 )   $ (137,986 )   $ (846,554 )   $ (655,846 )
                                                         

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ estimated tax attributes carryovers and their expiration dates as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
                             
Federal net operating
   losses
 
 
$1.3 billion
 
 
$321 million
 
 
$2.3 billion
 
 
$155 million
 
 
$81 million
 
 
$60 million
 
 
$875 million
Year(s) of expiration
 
2029-2031
 
2029-2030
 
2028-2032
 
2029-2032
 
2030-2032
 
2029-2032
 
2029-2032
                             
State net operating losses
 
$48 million
 
$852 million
 
$3.2 billion
 
 
$94 million
 
 
$220 million
Year(s) of expiration
 
2023-2026
 
2024-2025
 
2023-2027
 
N/A
 
2025-2027
 
N/A
 
2029-2030
                             
Misc. federal credits
 
$2 million
 
$1 million
 
$4 million
 
$1 million
 
$1 million
 
 
$2 million
Year(s) of expiration
 
2024-2031
 
2024-2031
 
2026-2031
 
2024-2031
 
2024-2031
 
N/A
 
2024-2031
                             
State credits
 
 
 
 
$10.1 million
 
 
$4.2 million
 
$15.6 million
Year(s) of expiration
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
2013-2016
 
N/A
 
2013-2027
 
2015-2016

As a result of the accounting for uncertain tax positions, the amount of the deferred tax assets reflected in the financial statements is less than the amount of the tax effect of the federal and state net operating loss carryovers and tax credit carryovers.
 
 
105

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Unrecognized tax benefits

Accounting standards establish a “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold that must be met before a tax benefit can be recognized in the financial statements.  If a tax deduction is taken on a tax return, but does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, an increase in income tax liability, above what is payable on the tax return, is required to be recorded.  A reconciliation of Entergy’s beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Gross balance at January 1
  $ 4,387,780     $ 4,949,788     $ 4,050,491  
Additions based on tax positions related to the
current year
    163,612       211,966       480,843  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    1,517,797       332,744       871,682  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    (476,873 )     (259,895 )     (438,460 )
Settlements
    (1,421,913 )     (841,528 )     (10,462 )
Lapse of statute of limitations
    -       (5,295 )     (4,306 )
Gross balance at December 31
    4,170,403       4,387,780       4,949,788  
Offsets to gross unrecognized tax benefits:
                       
Credit and loss carryovers
    (4,022,535 )     (3,212,397 )     (3,771,301 )
Cash paid to taxing authorities
    -       (363,266 )     (373,000 )
Unrecognized tax benefits net of unused tax attributes
and payments (1)
  $ 147,868     $ 812,117     $ 805,487  

(1)
Potential tax liability above what is payable on tax returns

The balances of unrecognized tax benefits include $203 million, $521 million, and $605 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, which, if recognized, would lower the effective income tax rates.  Because of the effect of deferred tax accounting, the remaining balances of unrecognized tax benefits of $3.968 billion, $3.867 billion, and $4.345 billion as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, if disallowed, would not affect the annual effective income tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

Entergy has made deposits with the IRS against its potential liabilities arising from audit adjustments and settlements related to its uncertain tax positions.  Deposits are expected to be made to the IRS as the cash tax benefits of uncertain tax positions are realized.    The total amount of cash deposits shown for 2011 has been fully offset against settled liabilities which arose in 2012.

Entergy accrues interest expense, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  Entergy’s December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 accrued balance for the possible payment of interest is approximately $146.3 million, $99 million, and $45 million, respectively.
 
 
106

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


A reconciliation of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for 2012, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:
 
2012
 
Entergy
Arkansas
   
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
   
Entergy
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Mississippi
   
Entergy
New Orleans
   
Entergy
Texas
   
System
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Gross balance at January 1, 2012
  $ 335,493     $ 390,493     $ 446,187     $ 11,052     $ 56,052     $ 19,225     $ 281,183  
Additions based on tax
                                                       
  positions related to the
                                                       
  current year
    10,409       8,974       67,721       8,401       497       1,656       8,715  
Additions for tax positions
                                                       
  of prior years
    429,232       392,548       331,432       4,057       445       4,834       271,172  
Reductions for tax
                                                       
  positions of prior years
    (39,534 )     (50,518 )     (169,465 )     (5,703 )     (2,506 )     (11,649 )     (20,934 )
Settlements
    (390,931 )     (275,776 )     (139,202 )     (966 )     (2,470 )     (112 )     (279,790 )
Gross balance at December 31, 2012
    344,669       465,721       536,673       16,841       52,018       13,954       260,346  
Offsets to gross unrecognized
                                                       
  tax benefits:
                                                       
      Loss carryovers
    (342,127 )     (160,955 )     (536,673 )     (16,841 )     (35,511 )     (1,593 )     (249,424 )
      Cash paid to taxing authorities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Unrecognized tax benefits net of
                                                       
  unused tax attributes and payments
  $ 2,542     $ 304,766     $ -     $ -     $ 16,507     $ 12,361     $ 10,922  
                                                         

2011
 
Entergy
Arkansas
   
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
   
Entergy
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Mississippi
   
Entergy
New Orleans
   
Entergy
Texas
   
System
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Gross balance at January 1, 2011
  $ 240,239     $ 353,886     $ 505,188     $ 24,163     $ 18,176     $ 14,229     $ 224,518  
Additions based on tax
                                                       
  positions related to the
                                                       
  current year
    11,216       9,398       8,748       457       50,212       1,760       44,419  
Additions for tax positions
                                                       
  of prior years
    44,202       50,944       21,052       21,902       7,343       7,533       14,200  
Reductions for tax
                                                       
  positions of prior years
    (3,255 )     (21,719 )     (27,991 )     (5,022 )     (12,289 )     (3,432 )     (4,942 )
Settlements
    43,091       (2,016 )     (60,810 )     (30,448 )     (7,390 )     (865 )     2,988  
Gross balance at December 31, 2011
    335,493       390,493       446,187       11,052       56,052       19,225       281,183  
Offsets to gross unrecognized
                                                       
  tax benefits:
                                                       
      Loss carryovers
    (146,429 )     (26,394 )     (216,720 )     (5,930 )     (1,211 )     (10,645 )     (10,752 )
      Cash paid to taxing authorities
    (75,977 )     (45,493 )     -       (7,556 )     (1,174 )     (1,376 )     (41,878 )
Unrecognized tax benefits net of
                                                       
  unused tax attributes and payments
  $ 113,087     $ 318,606     $ 229,467     $ (2,434 )   $ 53,667     $ 7,204     $ 228,553  
                                                         

 
107

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 
2010
 
Entergy
Arkansas
   
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
   
Entergy
Louisiana
   
Entergy
Mississippi
   
Entergy
New Orleans
   
Entergy
Texas
   
System
Energy
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Gross balance at January 1, 2010
  $ 293,920     $ 311,311     $ 352,577     $ 17,137     $ (53,295 )   $ 32,299     $ 211,247  
Additions based on tax
                                                       
  positions related to the
                                                       
  current year
    38,205       87,755       183,188       4,679       173       5,169       16,829  
Additions for tax positions
                                                       
  of prior years
    1,838       25,960       34,236       6,857       72,169       5,868       10,402  
Reductions for tax
                                                       
  positions of prior years
    (92,699 )     (71,033 )     (64,868 )     (4,469 )     (863 )     (29,100 )     (13,116 )
Settlements
    (1,025 )     (107 )     55       (41 )     (8 )     (7 )     (844 )
Gross balance at December 31, 2010
    240,239       353,886       505,188       24,163       18,176       14,229       224,518  
Offsets to gross unrecognized
                                                       
  tax benefits:
                                                       
      Loss carryovers
    (123,968 )     (29,257 )     (131,805 )     (6,477 )     (3,751 )     (6,269 )     (10,487 )
      Cash paid to taxing authorities
    (75,977 )     (45,493 )     -       (7,556 )     (1,174 )     (1,376 )     (41,878 )
Unrecognized tax benefits net of
                                                       
  unused tax attributes and payments
  $ 40,294     $ 279,136     $ 373,383     $ 10,130     $ 13,251     $ 6,584     $ 172,153  
                                                         

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ balances of unrecognized tax benefits included amounts which, if recognized, would have reduced income tax expense as follows:

   
December 31,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(In Millions)
 
                   
Entergy Arkansas
  $ 0.6     $ -     $ 0.2  
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
  $ 44.0     $ 107.9     $ 129.6  
Entergy Louisiana
  $ 92.4     $ 281.3     $ 286.7  
Entergy Mississippi
  $ 3.9     $ 3.8     $ 5.3  
Entergy New Orleans
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
Entergy Texas
  $ 8.6     $ 7.3     $ 6.0  
System Energy
  $ 3.5     $ -     $ 12.1  

The Registrant Subsidiaries accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  Penalties have not been accrued.  Accrued balances for the possible payment of interest are as follows:

   
December 31,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(In Millions)
 
                   
Entergy Arkansas
  $ 21.8     $ 11.4     $ -  
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
  $ 33.1     $ 14.4     $ 9.7  
Entergy Louisiana
  $ 0.9     $ 0.8     $ 3.3  
Entergy Mississippi
  $ 2.4     $ 1.7     $ 1.6  
Entergy New Orleans
  $ 0.1     $ 2.4     $ -  
Entergy Texas
  $ 0.7     $ 0.1     $ 0.1  
System Energy
  $ 33.2     $ 18.5     $ 8.2  
 
 
 
108

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Income Tax Litigation

In October 2010 the U.S. Tax Court entered a decision in favor of Entergy for tax years 1997 and 1998.  The issues decided by the Tax Court are as follows:

·  
The ability to credit the U.K. Windfall Tax against U.S. tax as a foreign tax credit.  The U.K. Windfall Tax relates to Entergy’s former investment in London Electricity.
·  
The validity of Entergy’s change in method of tax accounting for street lighting assets and the related increase in depreciation deductions.

The IRS did not appeal street lighting depreciation, and that matter is final.  The IRS filed an appeal of the U.K. Windfall Tax decision, however, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in December 2010.  Oral arguments were heard in November 2011.  In June 2012 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit unanimously affirmed the U.S. Tax Court decision.  As a result of this decision, Entergy reversed its liability for uncertain tax positions associated with this issue.  On September 4, 2012, the U.S. Solicitor General, on behalf of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to review the Fifth Circuit judgment.

Concurrent with the Tax Court’s issuance of a favorable decision regarding the above issues, the Tax Court issued a favorable decision in a separate proceeding, PPL Corp. v. Commissioner , regarding the creditability of the U.K. Windfall Tax.  The IRS appealed the PPL decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.  In December 2011 the Third Circuit reversed the Tax Court’s holding in PPL Corp. v. Commissioner , stating that the U.K. tax was not eligible for the foreign tax credit.  PPL Corp. petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to review the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit decision.  On October 29, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court granted PPL Corp.’s petition for certiorari.    The Solicitor General’s petition for writ of certiorari in Entergy’s case is currently on hold pending the disposition of the PPL case.  Entergy’s case will be determined consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the PPL proceeding.  Oral argument in PPL’s case was heard on February 20, 2013.

The total tax at issue on the U.K. Windfall Tax credit matter is $152 million, and interest on the underpayment of such tax is estimated to be $102 million resulting in total exposure of $254 million.

In February 2008 the IRS issued a Statutory Notice of Deficiency for the year 2000.  The deficiency resulted from a disallowance of foreign tax credits (the same issue discussed above) as well as the disallowance of depreciation deductions on non-utility nuclear plants.  Entergy filed a Tax Court petition in May 2008 challenging the IRS treatment of these issues.  In June 2010 a trial on the depreciation issue was held in Washington, D.C.  In February 2011 a joint stipulation of settled issues was filed under which the IRS conceded its position with respect to the depreciation issue.  The outcome of the foreign tax credit matter for the year 2000 will also be determined consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the PPL proceeding.

Income Tax Audits

Entergy and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal and various state and foreign income tax returns.  Other than the matters discussed in the Income Tax Litigation section above, the IRS’s and substantially all state taxing authorities’ examinations are completed for years before 2005.

2002-2003 IRS Audit

In September 2009, Entergy entered into a partial agreement with the IRS for the years 2002 and 2003.  In the partial agreement, Entergy did not agree to the IRS’s disallowance of foreign tax credits for the U.K. Windfall Tax and the street lighting depreciation issues.  As discussed above, the IRS did not appeal the Tax Court ruling on the street lighting depreciation.  The U.K. Windfall tax credit issue will be governed by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the PPL Corp. proceeding as explained in “ Income Tax Litigation ”, above.
 
 
109

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


2004-2005 IRS Audit

The IRS issued its 2004-2005 Revenue Agent’s Report (RAR) in May 2009.

In June 2009, Entergy filed a formal protest with the IRS Appeals Division indicating disagreement with certain issues contained in the 2004-2005 RAR.  The major issues in dispute are:

·  
Depreciation of street lighting assets (because the IRS did not appeal the Tax Court’s 2010 decision on this issue, it will be fully allowed in the final Appeals Division calculations for this audit).
·  
Inclusion of nuclear decommissioning liabilities in cost of goods sold for the nuclear power plants owned by the Utility resulting from an Application for Change in Accounting Method for tax purposes (the “2004 CAM”).

During the fourth quarter 2012, Entergy settled the position relating to the 2004 CAM.   Under the settlement Entergy conceded its tax position, resulting in an increase in taxable income of approximately $2.97 billion for the tax years 2004 - 2007.  The settlement provides that Entergy Louisiana is entitled to additional tax depreciation of approximately $547 million for years 2006 and beyond.  The deferred tax asset net of interest charges associated with the settlement is $155 million for Entergy.  There was a related increase to Entergy Louisiana’s member’s equity account.

2006-2007 IRS Audit

The IRS issued its 2006-2007 RAR in October 2011.  In connection with the 2006-2007 IRS audit and resulting RAR, Entergy resolved the significant issues discussed below.

In August 2011, Entergy entered into a settlement agreement with the IRS relating to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of various wholesale electric power purchase and sale agreements, including Entergy Louisiana’s contract to purchase electricity from the Vidalia hydroelectric facility.  See Note 8 to the financial statements for further details regarding this contract and a previous LPSC-approved settlement regarding the tax treatment of the contract.

With respect to income tax accounting for wholesale electric power purchase agreements, Entergy recognized income for tax purposes of approximately $1.5 billion, which represents a reversal of previously deducted temporary differences on which deferred taxes had been provided.  Also in connection with this settlement, Entergy recognized a gain for income tax purposes of approximately $1.03 billion on the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2005 with a corresponding step-up in the tax basis of depreciable assets resulting in additional tax depreciation at Entergy Louisiana.  Because Entergy Louisiana is entitled to deduct additional tax depreciation of $1.03 billion in the future, Entergy Louisiana recorded a deferred tax asset for this additional tax basis.  The tax expense associated with the gain is offset by recording the deferred tax asset and by utilization of net operating losses.  With the recording of the deferred tax asset, there was a corresponding increase to Entergy Louisiana’s member’s equity account.  The agreement with the IRS effectively settled the tax treatment of various wholesale electric power purchase and sale agreements, resulting in the reversal in third quarter 2011 of approximately $422 million of deferred tax liabilities and liabilities for uncertain tax positions at Entergy Louisiana, with a corresponding reduction in income tax expense.  Under the terms of an LPSC-approved final settlement, Entergy Louisiana recorded a $199 million regulatory charge and a corresponding net-of-tax regulatory liability.

After consideration of the taxable income recognition and the additional depreciation deductions provided for in the settlement, Entergy’s net operating loss carryover was reduced by approximately $2.5 billion.
 
 
 
110

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


2008-2009 IRS Audit
 
In the third quarter 2008, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana received $679 million and $274.7 million, respectively, from the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation (“LURC”).  These receipts from LURC were from the proceeds of a Louisiana Act 55 financing of the costs incurred to restore service following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further details regarding the financings.

In June 2012, Entergy effectively settled the tax treatment of the receipt of these funds, which resulted in an increase to 2008 taxable income of $129 million and $104 million for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, respectively.  As a result of the settlement, Entergy recorded an income tax benefit of $172 million, including $143 million for Entergy Louisiana and $20 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, resulting from the reversal of liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Under the terms of an LPSC-approved settlement related to the Louisiana Act 55 financings, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana recorded, respectively, a $137 million ($84 million net-of-tax) and a $28 million ($17 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge and a corresponding regulatory liability to reflect their obligations to customers with respect to the settlement.  See Note 8 to the financial statements for further discussion of the LPSC settlement.

In the fourth quarter 2009, Entergy filed Applications for Change in Accounting Method (the “2009 CAM”) for tax purposes with the IRS for certain costs under Section 263A of the Internal Revenue Code.  In the Applications, Entergy proposed to treat the nuclear decommissioning liability associated with the operation of its nuclear power plants as a production cost properly includable in cost of goods sold.  The effect of the 2009 CAM  was a $5.7 billion reduction in 2009 taxable income.  The 2009 CAM was adjusted to $9.3 billion in 2012.

In the fourth quarter 2012 the IRS disallowed the reduction to 2009 taxable income related to the 2009 CAM.  Entergy has disagreed with this disallowance and will file a protest with IRS Appeals at the conclusion of the 2008-09 examination.

Other Tax Matters

Entergy regularly negotiates with the IRS to achieve settlements.  The results of all pending litigations and audit issues could result in significant changes to the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, as discussed above.

In March 2010, Entergy filed an Application for Change in Accounting Method with the IRS.  In the application, Entergy proposed to change the definition of unit of property for its generation assets to determine the appropriate characterization of costs associated with such units as capital or repair under the Internal Revenue Code and related Treasury Regulations.  The effect of this change was an approximate $1.3 billion reduction in 2010 taxable income for Entergy, including reductions of $292 million for Entergy Arkansas, $132 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, $185 million for Entergy Louisiana, $48 million for Entergy Mississippi, $45 million for Entergy Texas, $13 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $180 million for System Energy.

During the second quarter 2011, Entergy filed an Application for Change in Accounting Method with the IRS related to the allocation of overhead costs between production and non-production activities.  The accounting method affects the amount of overhead that will be capitalized or deducted for tax purposes.  The accounting method is expected to be implemented for the 2014 tax year.

 
111

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


NOTE 4.  REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES, LINES OF CREDIT, AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Entergy Corporation has in place a credit facility that has a borrowing capacity of $3.5 billion and expires in March 2017.  Entergy Corporation also has the ability to issue letters of credit against 50% of the total borrowing capacity of the credit facility.  The commitment fee is currently 0.275% of the commitment amount.  Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior unsecured debt ratings of Entergy Corporation.  The weighted average interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 2.04% on the drawn portion of the facility.  Following is a summary of the borrowings outstanding and capacity available under the facility as of December 31, 2012.

 
Capacity
 
 
Borrowings
 
Letters
of Credit
 
Capacity
Available
(In Millions)
             
$3,500
 
$795
 
$8
 
$2,697

Entergy Corporation’s facility requires it to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.  Entergy is in compliance with this covenant.  If Entergy fails to meet this ratio, or if Entergy Corporation or one of the Utility operating companies (except Entergy New Orleans) defaults on other indebtedness or is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the facility maturity date may occur.

In September 2012, Entergy Corporation implemented a commercial paper program with a program limit of up to $500 million.  In November 2012, Entergy Corporation increased the limit for the commercial paper program to $1 billion.  At December 31, 2012, Entergy Corporation had $665 million of commercial paper outstanding.  The weighted-average interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 0.88%.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each had credit facilities available as of December 31, 2012 as follows:

 
 
Company
 
 
Expiration
Date
 
 
Amount of
Facility
 
 
 
Interest Rate (a)
 
Amount Drawn
as of
December 31, 2012
                 
Entergy Arkansas
 
April 2013
 
$20 million (b)
 
1.81%
 
-
Entergy Arkansas
 
March 2017
 
$150 million (c)
 
1.71%
 
-
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
March 2017
 
$150 million (d)
 
1.71%
 
-
Entergy Louisiana
 
March 2017
 
$200 million (e)
 
1.71%
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
May 2013
 
$35 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
May 2013
 
$25 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
May 2013
 
$10 million (f)
 
1.96%
 
-
Entergy New Orleans
 
November 2013
 
$25 million (g)
 
1.69%
 
-
Entergy Texas
 
March 2017
 
$150 million (h)
 
1.96%
 
-

(a)
The interest rate is the rate as of December 31, 2012 that would be applied to outstanding borrowings under the facility.
(b)
The credit facility requires Entergy Arkansas to maintain a debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.  Borrowings under this Entergy Arkansas credit facility may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable.
(c)
The credit facility allows Entergy Arkansas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Arkansas to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
 
 
112

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 
(d)
The credit facility allows Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(e)
The credit facility allows Entergy Louisiana to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Louisiana to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(f)
Borrowings under the Entergy Mississippi credit facilities may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable.  Entergy Mississippi is required to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(g)
The credit facility requires Entergy New Orleans to maintain a debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.
(h)
The credit facility allows Entergy Texas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility.  As of December 31, 2012, no letters of credit were outstanding.  The credit facility requires Entergy Texas to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization.

The facility fees on the credit facilities range from 0.125% to 0.275% of the commitment amount.

The short-term borrowings of the Registrant Subsidiaries are limited to amounts authorized by the FERC.  The current FERC-authorized limits are effective through October 31, 2013.  In addition to borrowings from commercial banks, these companies are authorized under a FERC order to borrow from the Entergy System money pool.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ dependence on external short-term borrowings.  Borrowings from the money pool and external borrowings combined may not exceed the FERC-authorized limits.  The following are the FERC-authorized limits for short-term borrowings and the outstanding short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2012 (aggregating both money pool and external short-term borrowings) for the Registrant Subsidiaries:

 
Authorized
 
Borrowings
 
(In Millions)
       
Entergy Arkansas
$250
 
-
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
$200
 
$7
Entergy Louisiana
$250
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
$175
 
-
Entergy New Orleans
$100
 
-
Entergy Texas
$200
 
-
System Energy
$200
 
-


Variable Interest Entities (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)

See Note 18 to the financial statements for a discussion of the consolidation of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities (VIE).  The nuclear fuel company variable interest entities have credit facilities and also issue commercial paper to finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel as follows as of December 31, 2012:
 
 
113

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
 
 
 
 
Company
 
 
 
 
 
Expiration
Date
 
 
 
 
Amount
of
Facility
 
Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate on
Borrowings
(a)
 
 
Amount
Outstanding
as of
December 31,
2012
 
   
(Dollars in Millions)
 
                   
Entergy Arkansas VIE
 
July 2013
 
$85
 
2.31%
 
$36.7
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana VIE
 
July 2013
 
$85
 
n/a
 
$-
 
Entergy Louisiana VIE
 
July 2013
 
$90
 
2.36%
 
$54.7
 
System Energy VIE
 
July 2013
 
$100
 
2.37%
 
$40.0
 

(a)
Includes letter of credit fees and bank fronting fees on commercial paper issuances by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy.  The nuclear fuel company variable interest entity for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana does not issue commercial paper, but borrows directly on its bank credit facility.
 
Amounts outstanding on the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility are included in long-term debt on its balance sheet and commercial paper outstanding for the other nuclear fuel company variable interest entities is classified as a current liability on the respective balance sheets.  The commitment fees on the credit facilities are 0.20% of the undrawn commitment amount.  Each credit facility requires the respective lessee of nuclear fuel (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, or Entergy Corporation as guarantor for System Energy) to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 70% or less of its total capitalization.

The nuclear fuel company variable interest entities had notes payable that are included in debt on the respective balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 as follows:

Company
 
Description
 
Amount
         
Entergy Arkansas VIE
 
9% Series H due June 2013
 
$30 million
Entergy Arkansas VIE
 
5.69% Series I due July 2014
 
$70 million
Entergy Arkansas VIE
 
3.23% Series J due July 2016
 
$55 million
Entergy Arkansas VIE
 
2.62% Series K due December 2017
 
$60 million
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana VIE
 
5.56% Series N due May 2013
 
$75 million
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana VIE
 
3.25% Series Q due July 2017
 
$75 million
Entergy Louisiana VIE
 
5.69% Series E due July 2014
 
$50 million
Entergy Louisiana VIE
 
3.30% Series F due March 2016
 
$20 million
Entergy Louisiana VIE
 
3.25% Series G due July 2017
 
$25 million
System Energy VIE
 
6.29% Series F due September 2013
 
$70 million
System Energy VIE
 
5.33% Series G due April 2015
 
$60 million
System Energy VIE
 
4.02% Series H due February 2017
 
$50 million

In accordance with regulatory treatment, interest on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities’ credit facilities, commercial paper, and long-term notes payable is reported in fuel expense.

In February 2013 the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity issued $70 million of 3.38% Series R notes due August 2020.  The Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity used the proceeds principally to purchase additional nuclear fuel.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have obtained long-term financing authorizations from the FERC that extend through May 2013, September 2014, January 2015, and November 2013, respectively, for issuances by its nuclear fuel company variable interest entity.
 
 
114

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


NOTE 5.  LONG - TERM DEBT (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Long-term debt for Entergy Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of:

 
 
 
 
Type of Debt and Maturity
 
Weighted
Average Interest
Rate
December 31,
2012
 
 
Interest Rate Ranges at
December 31,
 
 
Outstanding at
December 31,
 
2012
 
 
2011
 
2012
 
 
2011
               
(In Thousands)
                     
Mortgage Bonds
                   
     2012-2017
 
3.24%
 
1.88%-5.40%
 
3.25%-6.20%
 
$1,045,000 
 
$865,000 
     2018-2022
 
5.15%
 
3.30%-7.13%
 
3.75%-7.13%
 
2,635,000 
 
2,435,000 
     2023-2027
 
4.82%
 
3.10%-5.66%
 
4.44%-5.66%
 
1,658,369 
 
1,158,449 
     2028-2037
 
6.18%
 
5.65%-6.40%
 
5.65%-6.40%
 
867,976 
 
868,145 
     2039-2052
 
6.22%
 
4.90%-7.88%
 
5.75%-7.88%
 
1,335,000 
 
905,000 
                     
Governmental Bonds (a)
                   
     2012-2017
 
4.15%
 
2.88%-4.60%
 
2.88%-5.80%
 
86,655 
 
97,495 
     2018-2022
 
5.59%
 
4.60%-5.88%
 
4.60%-5.9%
 
307,030 
 
410,005 
     2023-2030
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.0%-6.20%
 
198,680 
 
248,680 
                     
Securitization Bonds
                   
     2013-2020
 
4.18%
 
2.12%-5.79%
 
2.12%-5.79%
 
357,577 
 
416,899 
     2021-2023
 
3.74%
 
2.04%-5.93%
 
2.04%-5.93%
 
616,159 
 
653,948 
                     
Variable Interest Entities Notes Payable (Note 4)
               
     2012-2017
 
3.85%
 
2.62%-9.00%
 
2.25%-9.00%
 
640,000 
 
519,400 
                     
Entergy Corporation Notes
                   
     due September 2015
 
n/a
 
3.625%
 
3.625%
 
550,000 
 
550,000 
     due January 2017
 
n/a
 
4.7%
 
n/a
 
500,000 
 
     due September 2020
 
n/a
 
5.125%
 
5.125%
 
450,000 
 
450,000 
                     
Note Payable to NYPA
 
(b)
 
(b)
 
(b)
 
109,679 
 
133,363 
5 Year Credit Facility (Note 4)
 
n/a
 
2.04%
 
0.75%
 
795,000 
 
1,920,000 
Long-term DOE Obligation (c)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
181,157 
 
181,031 
Waterford 3 Lease Obligation (d)
 
n/a
 
7.45%
 
7.45%
 
162,949 
 
188,255 
Grand Gulf Lease Obligation (d)
 
n/a
 
5.13%
 
5.13%
 
138,893 
 
178,784 
Bank Credit Facility –
   Entergy Louisiana
 
 
n/a
 
 
n/a
 
 
0.67%
 
 
 
 
50,000 
Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net
         
(10,744)
 
(9,531)
Other
             
14,454 
 
16,523 
Total Long-Term Debt
             
12,638,834 
 
12,236,446 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
         
718,516 
 
2,192,733 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
     
$11,920,318 
 
$10,043,713 
                     
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (e)
         
$12,849,330 
 
$12,176,251 


 
115

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


(a)
Consists of pollution control revenue bonds and environmental revenue bonds.
(b)
These notes do not have a stated interest rate, but have an implicit interest rate of 4.8%.
(c)
Pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, Entergy’s nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries have contracts with the DOE for spent nuclear fuel disposal service.  The contracts include a one-time fee for generation prior to April 7, 1983.  Entergy Arkansas is the only Entergy company that generated electric power with nuclear fuel prior to that date and includes the one-time fee, plus accrued interest, in long-term debt.
(d)
See Note 10 for further discussion of the Waterford 3 and Grand Gulf Lease Obligations.
(e)
The fair value excludes lease obligations of $163 million at Entergy Louisiana and $139 million at System Energy, long-term DOE obligations of $181 million at Entergy Arkansas, and the note payable to NYPA of $110 million at Entergy, and includes debt due within one year.  Fair values are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements and are based on prices derived from inputs such as benchmark yields and reported trades.

The annual long-term debt maturities (excluding lease obligations and long-term DOE obligations) for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2012, for the next five years are as follows:

 
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
   
2013
$659,720
2014
$385,373
2015
$860,566
2016
$295,441
2017
$1,561,801

In November 2000, Entergy’s non-utility nuclear business purchased the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 power plants in a seller-financed transaction.  Entergy issued notes to NYPA with seven annual installments of approximately $108 million commencing one year from the date of the closing, and eight annual installments of $20 million commencing eight years from the date of the closing.  These notes do not have a stated interest rate, but have an implicit interest rate of 4.8%.  In accordance with the purchase agreement with NYPA, the purchase of Indian Point 2 in 2001 resulted in Entergy becoming liable to NYPA for an additional $10 million per year for 10 years, beginning in September 2003.  This liability was recorded upon the purchase of Indian Point 2 in September 2001, and is included in the note payable to NYPA balance above.  In July 2003 a payment of $102 million was made prior to maturity on the note payable to NYPA.  Under a provision in a letter of credit supporting these notes, if certain of the Utility operating companies or System Energy were to default on other indebtedness, Entergy could be required to post collateral to support the letter of credit.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have obtained long-term financing authorizations from the FERC that extend through July 2013.  Entergy Arkansas has obtained long-term financing authorization from the APSC that extends through December 2015.  Entergy New Orleans has obtained long-term financing authorization from the City Council that extends through July 2014.

Capital Funds Agreement

Pursuant to an agreement with certain creditors, Entergy Corporation has agreed to supply System Energy with sufficient capital to:

·  
maintain System Energy’s equity capital at a minimum of 35% of its total capitalization (excluding short-term debt);
·  
permit the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf;
·  
pay in full all System Energy indebtedness for borrowed money when due; and
·  
enable System Energy to make payments on specific System Energy debt, under supplements to the agreement assigning System Energy’s rights in the agreement as security for the specific debt.
 
 
 
116

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



Long-term debt for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of:

 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
5.40% Series due August 2013
$300,000 
 
$300,000 
5.0% Series due July 2018
115,000 
 
115,000 
3.75% Series due February 2021
350,000 
 
350,000 
5.66% Series due February 2025
175,000 
 
175,000 
5.9% Series due June 2033
100,000 
 
100,000 
6.38% Series due November 2034
60,000 
 
60,000 
5.75% Series due November 2040
225,000 
 
225,000 
4.9% Series due December 2052
200,000 
 
Total mortgage bonds
1,525,000 
 
1,325,000 
       
Governmental Bonds (a):
     
4.6% Series due 2017, Jefferson County (d)
54,700 
 
54,700 
5.0% Series due 2021, Independence County (d)
45,000 
 
45,000 
Total governmental bonds
99,700 
 
99,700 
       
Variable Interest Entity Notes Payable (Note 4):
     
9% Series H due June 2013
30,000 
 
30,000 
           5.69% Series I due July 2014
70,000 
 
70,000 
3.23% Series J due July 2016
55,000 
 
55,000 
2.62% Series K due December 2017
60,000 
 
Total variable interest entity notes payable
215,000 
 
155,000 
       
Securitization Bonds:
     
2.30% Series Senior Secured due August 2021
101,575 
 
113,792 
Total securitization bonds
101,575 
 
113,792 
       
Other:
     
Long-term DOE Obligation (b)
181,157 
 
181,031 
Unamortized Premium and Discount – Net
(655)
 
(733)
Other
2,118 
 
2,131 
       
Total Long-Term Debt
2,123,895 
 
1,875,921 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
330,000 
 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$1,793,895 
 
$1,875,921 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$1,876,335 
 
$1,756,361 


 
117

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
6.0% Series due May 2018
$375,000 
 
$375,000 
3.95% Series due October 2020
250,000 
 
250,000 
5.59% Series due October 2024
300,000 
 
300,000 
6.2% Series due July 2033
240,000 
 
240,000 
6.18% Series due March 2035
85,000 
 
85,000 
Total mortgage bonds
1,250,000 
 
1,250,000 
       
Governmental Bonds (a):
     
2.875% Series due 2015, Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (d)
31,955 
 
31,955 
5.8% Series due 2016, West Feliciana Parish
 
10,840 
5.0% Series due 2028, Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (d)
83,680 
 
83,680 
Total governmental bonds
115,635 
 
126,475 
       
Variable Interest Entity Notes Payable (Note 4):
     
5.41% Series O due July 2012
 
60,000 
5.56% Series N due May 2013
75,000 
 
75,000 
3.25% Series Q due July 2017
75,000 
 
Credit Facility due July 2013, weighted avg rate 2.25%
 
29,400 
Total variable interest entity notes payable
150,000 
 
164,400 
       
Other:
     
Unamortized Premium and Discount – Net
(1,810)
 
(2,048)
Other
3,604 
 
3,603 
       
Total Long-Term Debt
1,517,429 
 
1,542,430 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
75,000 
 
60,000 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$1,442,429 
 
$1,482,430 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$1,668,819 
 
$1,642,388 
       


 
118

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
Entergy Louisiana
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
1.875% Series due December 2014
$250,000 
 
$- 
6.50% Series due September 2018
300,000 
 
300,000 
4.8% Series due May 2021
200,000 
 
200,000 
3.3% Series due December 2022
200,000 
 
5.40% Series due November 2024
400,000 
 
400,000 
4.44% Series due January 2026
250,000 
 
250,000 
6.4% Series due October 2034
70,000 
 
70,000 
6.3% Series due September 2035
100,000 
 
100,000 
6.0% Series due March 2040
150,000 
 
150,000 
5.875% Series due June 2041
150,000 
 
150,000 
5.25% Series due July 2052
200,000 
 
Total mortgage bonds
2,270,000 
 
1,620,000 
       
Governmental Bonds (a):
     
5.0% Series due 2030, Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (d)
115,000 
 
115,000 
Total governmental bonds
115,000 
 
115,000 
       
Variable Interest Entity Notes Payable (Note 4):
     
5.69% Series E due July 2014
50,000 
 
50,000 
3.30% Series F due March 2016
20,000 
 
20,000 
3.25% Series G due July 2017
25,000 
 
Total variable interest entity notes payable
95,000 
 
70,000 
       
Securitization Bonds:
     
2.04% Series Senior Secured due June 2021
181,584 
 
207,156 
Total securitization bonds
181,584 
 
207,156 
       
Other:
     
Waterford 3 Lease Obligation 7.45% (Note 10)
162,949 
 
188,255 
Bank Credit Facility, weighted average rate 0.67% (Note 4)
 
50,000 
Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net
(2,230)
 
(1,912)
Other
3,792 
 
3,813 
       
Total Long-Term Debt
2,826,095 
 
2,252,312 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
14,236 
 
75,309 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$2,811,859 
 
$2,177,003 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$2,921,322
 
$2,211,355


 
119

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
Entergy Mississippi
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
5.15% Series due February 2013
$100,000 
 
$100,000 
3.25% Series due June 2016
125,000 
 
125,000 
4.95% Series due June 2018
95,000 
 
95,000 
6.64% Series due July 2019
150,000 
 
150,000 
3.1% Series due July 2023
250,000 
 
6.0% Series due November 2032
75,000 
 
75,000 
6.25% Series due April 2034
100,000 
 
100,000 
6.20% Series due April 2040
80,000 
 
80,000 
6.0% Series due May 2051
150,000 
 
150,000 
Total mortgage bonds
1,125,000 
 
875,000 
       
Governmental Bonds (a):
     
4.60% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.(d)
16,030 
 
16,030 
4.90% Series due 2022, Independence County (d)
30,000 
 
30,000 
Total governmental bonds
46,030 
 
46,030 
       
Other:
     
Unamortized Premium and Discount – Net
(1,511)
 
(591)
       
Total Long-Term Debt
1,169,519 
 
920,439 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
100,000 
 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$1,069,519 
 
$920,439 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$1,230,714  
 
$985,600  

 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
Entergy New Orleans
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
5.25% Series due August 2013
$70,000 
 
$70,000 
5.10% Series due December 2020
25,000 
 
25,000 
5.6% Series due September 2024
33,369 
 
33,449 
5.65% Series due September 2029
37,976 
 
38,145 
5.0% Series due December 2052
30,000 
 
Total mortgage bonds
196,345 
 
166,594 
       
Other:
     
Unamortized Premium and Discount – Net
(45)
 
(57)
       
Total Long-Term Debt
196,300 
 
166,537 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
70,000 
 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$126,300 
 
$166,537 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$200,725 
 
$169,270 


 
120

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
Entergy Texas
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
3.60% Series due June 2015
$200,000 
 
$200,000 
7.125% Series due February 2019
500,000 
 
500,000 
4.1% Series due September 2021
75,000 
 
75,000 
7.875% Series due June 2039
150,000 
 
150,000 
Total mortgage bonds
925,000 
 
925,000 
       
Securitization Bonds:
     
5.51% Series Senior Secured, Series A due October 2013
 
18,494 
2.12% Series Senior Secured due February 2016
93,436 
 
132,005 
5.79% Series Senior Secured, Series A due October 2018
119,341 
 
121,600 
3.65% Series Senior Secured due August 2019
144,800 
 
144,800 
5.93% Series Senior Secured, Series A due June 2022
114,400 
 
114,400 
4.38% Series Senior Secured due November 2023
218,600 
 
218,600 
Total securitization bonds
690,577 
 
749,899 
       
Other:
     
Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net
(2,653)
 
(3,103)
Other
4,889 
 
5,331 
       
Total Long-Term Debt
1,617,813 
 
1,677,127 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$1,617,813 
 
$1,677,127 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$1,885,672 
 
$1,906,081 


 
121

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


 
2012
 
2011
 
(In Thousands)
System Energy
     
Mortgage Bonds:
     
6.2% Series due October 2012
$- 
 
$70,000 
4.1% Series due April 2023
250,000 
 
Total mortgage bonds
250,000 
 
70,000 
       
Governmental Bonds (a):
     
5.875% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.
216,000 
 
216,000 
5.9% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.
 
102,975 
6.2% Series due 2026, Claiborne County
 
50,000 
Total governmental bonds
216,000 
 
368,975 
       
Variable Interest Entity Notes Payable (Note 4):
     
6.29% Series F due September 2013
70,000 
 
70,000 
5.33% Series G due April 2015
60,000 
 
60,000 
4.02% Series H due February 2017
50,000 
 
Total variable interest entity notes payable
180,000 
 
130,000 
       
Other:
     
Grand Gulf Lease Obligation 5.13% (Note 10)
138,893 
 
178,784 
Unamortized Premium and Discount – Net
(1,096)
 
(714)
Other
 
       
Total Long-Term Debt
783,799 
 
747,048 
Less Amount Due Within One Year
111,854 
 
110,163 
Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year
$671,945 
 
$636,885 
       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (c)
$664,670 
 
$582,952 

(a)
Consists of pollution control revenue bonds and environmental revenue bonds.
(b)
Pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, Entergy’s nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries have contracts with the DOE for spent nuclear fuel disposal service.  The contracts include a one-time fee for generation prior to April 7, 1983.  Entergy Arkansas is the only Entergy company that generated electric power with nuclear fuel prior to that date and includes the one-time fee, plus accrued interest, in long-term debt.
(c)
The fair value excludes lease obligations of $163 million at Entergy Louisiana and $139 million at System Energy and long-term DOE obligations of $181 million at Entergy Arkansas, and includes debt due within one year.  Fair values are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements and are based on prices derived from inputs such as benchmark yields and reported trades.
(d)
The bonds are secured by a series of collateral first mortgage bonds.


 
122

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The annual long-term debt maturities (excluding lease obligations and long-term DOE obligations) for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2012, for the next five years are as follows:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
                             
2013
 
$330,000
 
$75,000
 
-
 
$100,000
 
$70,000
 
-
 
$70,000
2014
 
$70,000
 
-
 
$300,000
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
2015
 
-
 
$31,955
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
$200,000
 
$60,000
2016
 
$55,000
 
-
 
$20,000
 
$125,000
 
-
 
$93,436
 
-
2017
 
$114,700
 
$75,000
 
$25,000
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
$50,000

Entergy Arkansas Debt Issuances

In January 2013, Entergy Arkansas arranged for the issuance by (i) Independence County, Arkansas of $45 million of 2.375% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 due January 2021, and (ii) Jefferson County, Arkansas of $54.7 million of 1.55% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 due October 2017, each of which series is secured by a separate series of non-interest bearing first mortgage bonds of Entergy Arkansas.  The proceeds of these issuances were applied to the refunding of outstanding series of pollution control revenue bonds previously issued by the respective issuers.

Entergy Arkansas Securitization Bonds

In June 2010, the APSC issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of bonds to recover Entergy Arkansas’s January 2009 ice storm damage restoration costs, including carrying costs of $11.5 million and $4.6 million of up-front financing costs.  In August 2010, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Arkansas, issued $124.1 million of storm cost recovery bonds.  The bonds have a coupon of 2.30% and an expected maturity date of August 2021.  Although the principal amount is not due until the date given above, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding expects to make principal payments on the bonds over the next five years in the amount of $12.6 million for 2013, $12.8 million for 2014, $13.2 million for 2015, $13.4 million for 2016, and $13.8 million for 2017.  With the proceeds, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding purchased from Entergy Arkansas the storm recovery property, which is the right to recover from customers through a storm recovery charge amounts sufficient to service the securitization bonds.  The storm recovery property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Arkansas balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Arkansas do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, including the storm recovery property, and the creditors of Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Arkansas.  Entergy Arkansas has no payment obligations to Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding except to remit storm recovery charge collections.

Entergy Louisiana Securitization Bonds – Little Gypsy

In August 2011, the LPSC issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of bonds to recover Entergy Louisiana’s investment recovery costs associated with the cancelled Little Gypsy repowering project.  In September 2011, Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding I, L.L.C., a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Louisiana, issued $207.2 million of senior secured investment recovery bonds.  The bonds have an interest rate of 2.04% and an expected maturity date of June 2021.  Although the principal amount is not due until the date given above, Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding expects to make principal payments on the bonds over the next five years in the amounts of $16.6 million for 2013, $21.9 million for 2014, $20.5 million for 2015, $21.6 million for 2016, and $21.7 million for 2017.  With the proceeds, Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding purchased from Entergy Louisiana the investment recovery property, which is the right to recover from customers through an
 
 
 
123

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

investment recovery charge amounts sufficient to service the bonds.  In accordance with the financing order, Entergy Louisiana will apply the proceeds it received from the sale of the investment recovery property as a reimbursement for previously-incurred investment recovery costs.  The investment recovery property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Louisiana balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Louisiana do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding, including the investment recovery property, and the creditors of Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Louisiana.  Entergy Louisiana has no payment obligations to Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding except to remit investment recovery charge collections.

Entergy Texas Securitization Bonds - Hurricane Rita

In April 2007, the PUCT issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of securitization bonds to recover $353 million of Entergy Texas’s Hurricane Rita reconstruction costs and up to $6 million of transaction costs, offset by $32 million of related deferred income tax benefits.  In June 2007, Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding I, LLC, a company that is now wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Texas, issued $329.5 million of senior secured transition bonds (securitization bonds) as follows:

 
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Senior Secured Transition Bonds, Series A:
 
Tranche A-1 (5.51%) due October 2013
$93,500
Tranche A-2 (5.79%) due October 2018
121,600
Tranche A-3 (5.93%) due June 2022
114,400
Total senior secured transition bonds
$329,500

Although the principal amount of each tranche is not due until the dates given above, Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding expects to make principal payments on the bonds over the next five years in the amounts of $21.9 million for 2013, $23.2 million for 2014, $24.6 million for 2015, $26.0 million for 2016, and $27.6 million for 2017.  All of the scheduled principal payments for 2013-2016 are for Tranche A-2, $23.6 million of the scheduled principal payments for 2017 are for Tranche A-2, and $4 million of the scheduled principal payments for 2017 are for Tranche A-3.

With the proceeds, Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding purchased from Entergy Texas the transition property, which is the right to recover from customers through a transition charge amounts sufficient to service the securitization bonds.  The transition property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Texas balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Texas do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding, including the transition property, and the creditors of Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Texas.  Entergy Texas has no payment obligations to Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding except to remit transition charge collections.

Entergy Texas Securitization Bonds - Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Gustav

In September 2009, the PUCT authorized the issuance of securitization bonds to recover $566.4 million of Entergy Texas’s Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Gustav restoration costs, plus carrying costs and transaction costs, offset by insurance proceeds.  In November 2009, Entergy Texas Restoration funding, LLC (Entergy Texas Restoration Funding), a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Texas, issued $545.9 million of senior secured transition bonds (securitization bonds), as follows:

 
124

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Senior Secured Transition Bonds
 
Tranche A-1 (2.12%) due February 2016
$182,500
Tranche A-2 (3.65%) due August 2019
144,800
Tranche A-3 (4.38%) due November 2023
218,600
Total senior secured transition bonds
$545,900

Although the principal amount of each tranche is not due until the dates given above, Entergy Texas Restoration Funding expects to make principal payments on the bonds over the next five years in the amount of $39.4 million for 2013, $40.2 million for 2014, $41.2 million for 2015, $42.6 million for 2016, and $44.1 million for 2017.  All of the scheduled principal payments for 2013-2014 are for Tranche A-1, $13.8 million of the scheduled principal payments for 2015 are for Tranche A-1 and $27.4 million are for Tranche A-2, and all of the scheduled principal payments for 2016-2017 are for Tranche A-2.

With the proceeds, Entergy Texas Restoration Funding purchased from Entergy Texas the transition property, which is the right to recover from customers through a transition charge amounts sufficient to service the securitization bonds.  The transition property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Texas balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Texas do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Texas Restoration Funding, including the transition property, and the creditors of Entergy Texas Restoration Funding do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Texas.  Entergy Texas has no payment obligations to Entergy Texas Restoration Funding except to remit transition charge collections.


NOTE 6.   PREFERRED EQUITY (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans)

The number of shares and units authorized and outstanding and dollar value of preferred stock, preferred membership interests, and non-controlling interest for Entergy Corporation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below.  All series of the Utility preferred stock are redeemable at the option of the related company.

   
Shares/Units
Authorized
 
Shares/Units
Outstanding
       
   
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Entergy Corporation
                 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Utility:
                       
Preferred Stock or Preferred Membership Interests without sinking fund:
                       
Entergy Arkansas, 4.32%-6.45% Series
 
3,413,500 
 
3,413,500 
 
3,413,500 
 
3,413,500 
 
$116,350 
 
$116,350 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana,
     Series A 8.25 %
 
 
100,000 
 
 
100,000 
 
 
100,000 
 
 
100,000 
 
 
10,000 
 
 
10,000 
Entergy Louisiana, 6.95% Series (a)
 
1,000,000 
 
1,000,000 
 
840,000 
 
840,000 
 
84,000 
 
84,000 
Entergy Mississippi, 4.36%-6.25% Series
 
1,403,807 
 
1,403,807 
 
1,403,807 
 
1,403,807 
 
50,381 
 
50,381 
Entergy New Orleans, 4.36%-5.56% Series
 
197,798 
 
197,798 
 
197,798 
 
197,798 
 
19,780 
 
19,780 
Total Utility Preferred Stock or Preferred
Membership Interests without sinking fund
 
 
6,115,105  
 
 
6,115,105 
 
 
5,955,105 
 
 
5,955,105 
 
 
280,511 
 
 
280,511 
                         
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
                       
Preferred Stock without sinking fund:
                       
Entergy Asset Management, 8.95% rate (b)
 
1,000,000  
 
1,000,000 
 
 
 
 
Total Subsidiaries’ Preferred Stock
without sinking fund
 
 
7,115,105  
 
 
7,115,105 
 
 
5,955,105 
 
 
5,955,105 
 
 
$280,511 
 
 
$280,511 
 
 
125

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


(a)
In 2007, Entergy Louisiana Holdings, an Entergy subsidiary, purchased 160,000 of these shares from the holders.
(b)
Upon the sale of Class B preferred shares in December 2009, Entergy Asset Management had issued and outstanding Class A and Class B preferred shares.  On December 20, 2011, Entergy Asset Management purchased all of the outstanding Class B preferred shares from the holder thereof; currently, there are no outstanding Class B preferred shares.  On December 20, 2011, Entergy Asset Management purchased all of the outstanding Class A preferred shares (278,905 shares) that were held by a third party; currently, there are 4,759 shares held by an Entergy affiliate.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana had outstanding 100,000 units of no par value 8.25% Series Preferred Membership Interests that were initially issued by Entergy Gulf States, Inc. as preference stock.  The preference shares were converted into the preferred units as part of the jurisdictional separation.  The distributions are cumulative and payable quarterly beginning March 15, 2008.  The preferred membership interests are redeemable on or after December 15, 2015, at Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s option, at the fixed redemption price of $100 per unit.

The number of shares and units authorized and outstanding and dollar value of preferred stock and membership interests for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below.  All series of the Utility operating companies’ preferred stock and membership interests are redeemable at the respective company’s option at the call prices presented.  Dividends and distributions paid on all of Entergy’s preferred stock and membership interests series are eligible for the dividends received deduction.  The dividends received deduction is limited by Internal Revenue Code section 244 for the following preferred stock series: Entergy Arkansas 4.72%, Entergy Mississippi 4.56%, and Entergy New Orleans 4.75%.

 
Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding
 
 
Dollars
(In Thousands)
 
Call Price per
Share as of
December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
Entergy Arkansas Preferred Stock
                 
Without sinking fund:
                 
Cumulative, $100 par value:
                 
4.32% Series
70,000
 
70,000
 
$7,000
 
$7,000
 
$103.65
4.72% Series
93,500
 
93,500
 
9,350
 
9,350
 
$107.00
4.56% Series
75,000
 
75,000
 
7,500
 
7,500
 
$102.83
4.56% 1965 Series
75,000
 
75,000
 
7,500
 
7,500
 
$102.50
6.08% Series
100,000
 
100,000
 
10,000
 
10,000
 
$102.83
Cumulative, $25 par value:
                 
6.45% Series (a)
3,000,000
 
3,000,000
 
75,000
 
75,000
 
$25
Total without sinking fund
3,413,500
 
3,413,500
 
$116,350
 
$116,350
   

 
Units
Authorized
and Outstanding
 
 
Dollars
(In Thousands)
 
Call Price per
Unit as of
December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Preferred Membership Interests
                 
Without sinking fund:
                 
Cumulative, $100 liquidation value:
                 
8.25% Series (b)
100,000
 
100,000
 
$10,000
 
$10,000
 
$-
Total without sinking fund
100,000
 
100,000
 
$10,000
 
$10,000
   


 
126

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
Units
Authorized
and Outstanding
 
 
Dollars
(In Thousands)
 
Call Price per
Unit as of
December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
Entergy Louisiana Preferred Membership Interests
                 
Without sinking fund:
                 
Cumulative, $100 liquidation value:
                 
6.95% Series (a)
1,000,000
 
1,000,000
 
$100,000
 
$100,000
 
$100
Total without sinking fund
1,000,000
 
1,000,000
 
$100,000
 
$100,000
   

 
Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding
 
 
Dollars
(In Thousands)
 
Call Price per
Share as of
December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
Entergy Mississippi Preferred Stock
                 
Without sinking fund:
                 
Cumulative, $100 par value:
                 
4.36% Series
59,920
 
59,920
 
$5,992
 
$5,992
 
$103.88
4.56% Series
43,887
 
43,887
 
4,389
 
4,389
 
$107.00
4.92% Series
100,000
 
100,000
 
10,000
 
10,000
 
$102.88
Cumulative, $25 par value
                 
6.25% Series (a)
1,200,000
 
1,200,000
 
30,000
 
30,000
 
$25
Total without sinking fund
1,403,807
 
1,403,807
 
$50,381
 
$50,381
   

 
Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding
 
 
Dollars
(In Thousands)
 
Call Price per
Share as of
December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
Entergy New Orleans Preferred Stock
                 
Without sinking fund:
                 
Cumulative, $100 par value:
                 
4.36% Series
60,000
 
60,000
 
$6,000
 
$6,000
 
$104.58
4.75% Series
77,798
 
77,798
 
7,780
 
7,780
 
$105.00
5.56% Series
60,000
 
60,000
 
6,000
 
6,000
 
$102.59
Total without sinking fund
197,798
 
197,798
 
$19,780
 
$19,780
   

(a)
Series is callable at par.
(b)
Series is callable at par on and after December 15, 2015.

 
127

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements




NOTE 7.   COMMON EQUITY (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Common Stock

Common stock and treasury stock shares activity for Entergy for 2012, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
   
 
Common
Shares
Issued
 
 
 
Treasury
Shares
 
 
Common
Shares
Issued
 
 
 
Treasury
Shares
 
 
Common
Shares
Issued
 
 
 
Treasury
Shares
                         
Beginning Balance, January 1
 
254,752,788 
 
78,396,988
 
254,752,788 
 
76,006,920 
 
254,752,788 
 
65,634,580 
Repurchases
 
 
 
 
3,475,000 
 
 
11,490,551 
Issuances:
                       
Employee Stock-Based
  Compensation Plans
 
 
 
 
(1,446,305)
 
 
 
 
(1,079,008)
 
 
 
 
(1,113,411)
Directors’ Plan
 
 
(5,444)
 
 
(5,924)
 
 
(4,800)
Ending Balance, December 31
 
254,752,788
 
76,945,239 
 
 254,752,788 
 
 78,396,988 
 
 254,752,788 
 
 76,006,920 

Entergy Corporation reissues treasury shares to meet the requirements of the Stock Plan for Outside Directors (Directors’ Plan), two Equity Ownership Plans of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, the Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, and certain other stock benefit plans.  The Directors’ Plan awards to non-employee directors a portion of their compensation in the form of a fixed number of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock.

In October 2009 the Board granted authority for a $750 million share repurchase program which was completed in the fourth quarter 2010.  In October 2010 the Board granted authority for an additional $500 million share repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2012, $350 million of authority remains under the $500 million share repurchase program.

Retained Earnings and Dividend Restrictions

Provisions within the articles of incorporation or pertinent indentures and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt and preferred stock of certain of Entergy Corporation’s subsidiaries could restrict the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on their common and preferred equity.  As of December 31, 2012, under provisions in their mortgage indentures, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi had retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million and $68.5 million, respectively.  Entergy Corporation received dividend payments from subsidiaries totaling $439 million in 2012, $595 million in 2011, and $580 million in 2010.


 
128

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Comprehensive Income

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in the equity section of the balance sheets of Entergy, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Entergy Louisiana.  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the balance sheets included the following components:

   
 
Entergy
 
Entergy
Gulf States Louisiana
 
Entergy
Louisiana
   
December 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
December 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
December 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
   
(In Thousands)
                         
Cash flow hedges net
 unrealized gain
 
 
$79,905 
 
 
$177,497 
 
 
$-  
 
 
$-  
 
 
$-  
 
 
$-  
Pension and other
 postretirement liabilities
 
 
(590,712)
 
 
(499,556)
 
 
(65,229)
 
 
(69,610)
 
 
(46,132)
 
 
(39,507)
Net unrealized investment
 gains
 
 
214,547 
 
 
150,939 
 
 
-  
 
 
-  
 
 
-  
 
 
-  
Foreign currency translation
 
3,177 
 
2,668 
 
-  
 
-  
 
-  
 
-  
Total
 
($293,083)
 
($168,452)
 
($65,229)
 
($69,610)
 
($46,132)
 
($39,507)

Other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income for years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are presented in Entergy’s, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s, and Entergy Louisiana’s Statements of Comprehensive Income.


NOTE 8.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries are involved in a number of legal, regulatory, and tax proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, and governmental agencies in the ordinary course of business.  While management is unable to predict the outcome of such proceedings, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material effect on Entergy’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.  Entergy discusses regulatory proceedings in Note 2 to the financial statements and discusses tax proceedings in Note 3 to the financial statements.

Vidalia Purchased Power Agreement

Entergy Louisiana has an agreement extending through the year 2031 to purchase energy generated by a hydroelectric facility known as the Vidalia project.  Entergy Louisiana made payments under the contract of approximately $125.0 million in 2012, $185.6 million in 2011, and $216.5 million in 2010.  If the maximum percentage (94%) of the energy is made available to Entergy Louisiana, current production projections would require estimated payments of approximately $174.9 million in 2013, and a total of $2.37 billion for the years 2014 through 2031.  Entergy Louisiana currently recovers the costs of the purchased energy through its fuel adjustment clause.

In an LPSC-approved settlement related to tax benefits from the tax treatment of the Vidalia contract, Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit rates by $11 million each year for up to ten years, beginning in October 2002.  In addition, in accordance with an LPSC settlement, Entergy Louisiana credited rates in August 2007 by $11.3 million (including interest) as a result of a settlement with the IRS of the 2001 tax treatment of the Vidalia contract.  As discussed in more detail in Note 3 to the financial statements, in August
 
 
 
129

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


2011, Entergy agreed to a settlement with the IRS regarding the mark-to-market income tax treatment of various wholesale electric power purchase and sale agreements, including the Vidalia agreement.  In October 2011 the LPSC approved a final settlement under which Entergy Louisiana agreed to share the remaining benefits of this tax accounting election by crediting customers an additional $20.235 million per year for 15 years beginning January 2012.  Entergy Louisiana recorded a $199 million regulatory charge and a corresponding net-of-tax regulatory liability to reflect this obligation.  The provisions of the settlement also provide that the LPSC shall not recognize or use Entergy Louisiana’s use of the cash benefits from the tax treatment in setting any of Entergy Louisiana’s rates.  Therefore, to the extent Entergy Louisiana’s use of the proceeds would ordinarily have reduced its rate base, no change in rate base shall be reflected for ratemaking purposes.

Nuclear Insurance

Third Party Liability Insurance

The Price-Anderson Act requires that reactor licensees purchase insurance and participate in a secondary insurance pool that provides insurance coverage for the public in the event of a nuclear power plant accident.  The costs of this insurance are borne by the nuclear power industry.  Congress amended and renewed the Price-Anderson Act in 2005 for a term through 2025.  The Price-Anderson Act requires nuclear power plants to show evidence of financial protection in the event of a nuclear accident.  This protection must consist of two layers of coverage:

1.  
The primary level is private insurance underwritten by American Nuclear Insurers (ANI) and provides public liability insurance coverage of $375 million.  If this amount is not sufficient to cover claims arising from an accident, the second level, Secondary Financial Protection, applies.
2.  
Within the Secondary Financial Protection level, each nuclear reactor has a contingent obligation to pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the primary level, regardless of proximity to the incident or fault, up to a maximum of $117.5 million per reactor per incident (Entergy’s maximum total contingent obligation per incident is $1.3 billion).  This consists of a $111.9 million maximum retrospective premium plus a five percent surcharge, which equates to $117.5 million, that may be payable, if needed, at a rate that is currently set at $17.5 million per year per incident per nuclear power reactor.
3.  
In the event that one or more acts of terrorism cause a nuclear power plant accident, which results in third-party damages – off-site property and environmental damage, off-site bodily injury, and on-site third-party bodily injury (i.e. contractors); the primary level provided by ANI combined with the Secondary Financial Protection would provide $12.6 billion in coverage.  The Terrorism Risk Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2007 created a government program that provides for up to $100 billion in coverage in excess of existing coverage for a terrorist event.

Currently, 104 nuclear reactors are participating in the Secondary Financial Protection program.  The product of the maximum retrospective premium assessment to the nuclear power industry and the number of nuclear power reactors provides over $12.2 billion in secondary layer insurance coverage to compensate the public in the event of a nuclear power reactor accident.  The Price-Anderson Act provides that all potential liability for a nuclear accident is limited to the amounts of insurance coverage available under the primary and secondary layers.

Entergy Arkansas has two licensed reactors and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have one licensed reactor (10% of Grand Gulf is owned by a non-affiliated company (SMEPA) that would share on a pro-rata basis in any retrospective premium assessment to System Energy under the Price-Anderson Act).  The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment includes the ownership and operation of six nuclear power reactors and the ownership of the shutdown Indian Point 1 reactor and Big Rock Point facility.
 
 
130

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Property Insurance

Entergy’s nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries are members of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), a mutual insurance company that provides property damage coverage, including decontamination and premature decommissioning expense, to the members’ nuclear generating plants.  Effective April 1, 2012, Entergy was insured against such losses per the following structures:

Utility Plants (ANO 1 and 2, Grand Gulf, River Bend, and Waterford 3)
·  
Primary Layer (per plant) - $500 million per occurrence
·  
Excess Layer (per plant)  - $750 million per occurrence
·  
Blanket Layer (shared among the Utility plants) - $350 million per occurrence
·  
Total limit - $1.6 billion per occurrence
·  
Deductibles:
·  
$2.5 million per occurrence - Turbine/generator damage
·  
$2.5 million per occurrence - Other than turbine/generator damage
·  
$10 million per occurrence plus 10% of amount above $10 million - Damage from a windstorm, flood, earthquake, or volcanic eruption

Note:  ANO 1 and 2 share in the primary and excess layers with common policies because the policies are issued on a per site basis.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities Plants (Indian Point, FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Vermont Yankee, Palisades, and Big Rock Point)
·  
Primary Layer (per plant) - $500 million per occurrence
·  
Excess Layer - $615 million per occurrence
·  
Total limit - $1.115 billion per occurrence
·  
Deductibles:
·  
$2.5 million per occurrence - Turbine/generator damage
·  
$2.5 million per occurrence - Other than turbine/generator damage
·  
$10 million per occurrence plus 10% of amount above $10 million - Damage from a windstorm, flood, earthquake, or volcanic eruption

Note:  The Indian Point Units share in the primary and excess layers with common policies because the policies are issued on a per site basis.  Big Rock Point has its own primary policy with no excess coverage.

In addition, Waterford 3, Grand Gulf, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants are also covered under NEIL’s Accidental Outage Coverage program.  This coverage provides certain fixed indemnities in the event of an unplanned outage that results from a covered NEIL property damage loss, subject to a deductible period.  The following summarizes this coverage effective April 1, 2012:

Waterford 3
·  
$2.95 million weekly indemnity
·  
$413 million maximum indemnity
·  
Deductible:  26 week deductible period

Grand Gulf
·  
$400,000 weekly indemnity (total for four policies)
·  
$56 million maximum indemnity (total for four policies)
·  
Deductible:  26 week deductible period

 
131

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 

Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, and Palisades
·  
$4.5 million weekly indemnity
·  
$490 million maximum indemnity
·  
Deductible: 12 week deductible period

FitzPatrick and Pilgrim
·  
$4.0 million weekly indemnity
·  
$490 million maximum indemnity
·  
Deductible: 12 week deductible period

Vermont Yankee
·  
$3.5 million weekly indemnity
·  
$435 million maximum indemnity
·  
Deductible: 12 week deductible period

Under the property damage and accidental outage insurance programs, all NEIL insured plants could be subject to assessments should losses exceed the accumulated funds available from NEIL.  Effective April 1, 2012, the maximum amounts of such possible assessments per occurrence were as follows:

   
Assessments
   
 (In Millions)
Utility:
   
   Entergy Arkansas
 
$21.9
   Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
$18.9
   Entergy Louisiana
 
$22.0
   Entergy Mississippi
 
$0.07
   Entergy New Orleans
 
$0.07
   Entergy Texas
 
N/A
   System Energy
 
$18.4
     
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
$-

Potential assessments for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants are covered by insurance obtained through NEIL’s reinsurers.

Entergy maintains property insurance for its nuclear units in excess of the NRC’s minimum requirement of $1.06 billion per site for nuclear power plant licensees.  NRC regulations provide that the proceeds of this insurance must be used, first, to render the reactor safe and stable, and second, to complete decontamination operations.  Only after proceeds are dedicated for such use and regulatory approval is secured would any remaining proceeds be made available for the benefit of plant owners or their creditors.

In the event that one or more acts of terrorism causes property damage under one or more or all nuclear insurance policies issued by NEIL (including, but not limited to, those described above) within 12 months from the date the first property damage occurs, the maximum recovery under all such nuclear insurance policies shall be an aggregate of $3.24 billion plus the additional amounts recovered for such losses from reinsurance, indemnity, and any other sources applicable to such losses.  The Terrorism Risk Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2007 created a government program that provides for up to $100 billion in coverage in excess of existing coverage for a terrorist event.


 
132

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Conventional Property Insurance

Entergy’s conventional property insurance program provides coverage of up to $400 million on an Entergy system-wide basis for all operational perils (direct physical loss or damage due to machinery breakdown, electrical failure, fire, lightning, hail, or explosion) on an “each and every loss” basis; up to $400 million in coverage for certain natural perils (direct physical loss or damage due to earthquake, tsunami, and flood) on an annual aggregate basis; up to $125 million for certain other natural perils (direct physical loss or damage due to a named windstorm and associated storm surge) on an annual aggregate basis; and up to $400 million in coverage for all other natural perils not previously stated (direct physical loss or damage due to a tornado, ice storm, or any other natural peril except named windstorm and associated storm surge, earthquake, tsunami, and flood) on an “each and every loss” basis.  The conventional property insurance program provides up to $50 million in coverage for the Entergy New Orleans gas distribution system on an “each and every loss” basis.  This $50 million limit is subject to: the $400 million annual aggregate limit for the natural perils of earthquake, tsunami, and flood; the $125 million annual aggregate limit for the natural perils of named windstorm and associated storm surge; the $400 million per occurrence limit for all other natural perils not previously stated, which includes tornado and ice storm, but excludes named windstorm and associated storm surge, earthquake, tsunami, and flood; and the $400 million per occurrence limit for operational perils.  The coverage is subject to a $40 million self-insured retention per occurrence for the natural perils of named windstorm and associated storm surge, earthquake, flood, and tsunami; and a $20 million self-insured retention per occurrence for operational perils and all other natural perils not previously stated, which includes tornado and ice storm, but excludes named windstorm and associated storm surge, earthquake, tsunami, and flood.

Covered property generally includes power plants, substations over $5 million in value, facilities, inventories, and gas distribution-related properties.  Excluded property generally includes above-ground transmission and distribution lines, poles, and towers.  This coverage is in place for Entergy Corporation, the Registrant Subsidiaries, and certain other Entergy subsidiaries, including the owners of the nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.  Entergy also purchases $300 million in terrorism insurance coverage for its conventional property.  The Terrorism Risk Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2007 created a government program that provides for up to $100 billion in coverage in excess of existing coverage for a terrorist event.

In addition to the conventional property insurance program, Entergy has purchased additional coverage ($20 million per occurrence) for some of its non-regulated, non-generation assets.  This policy serves to buy-down the $20 million deductible and is placed on a scheduled location basis.  The applicable deductibles are $100,000 to $250,000, except for properties that are damaged by flooding and properties whose values are greater than $20 million; these properties have a $500,000 deductible.  Four nuclear locations have a $2.5 million deductible, which coincides with the nuclear property insurance deductible at each respective nuclear site.

Gas System Rebuild Insurance Proceeds (Entergy New Orleans)

Entergy New Orleans received insurance proceeds for future construction expenditures associated with rebuilding its gas system, and the October 2006 City Council resolution approving the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’s rate and storm-cost recovery filings requires Entergy New Orleans to record those proceeds in a designated sub-account of other deferred credits until the proceeds are spent on the rebuild project.  This other deferred credit is shown as “Gas system rebuild insurance proceeds” on Entergy New Orleans’s balance sheet.

Employment and Labor-related Proceedings

The Registrant Subsidiaries and other Entergy subsidiaries are responding to various lawsuits in both state and federal courts and to other labor-related proceedings filed by current and former employees, recognized bargaining representatives, and third parties not selected for open positions or providing services directly or indirectly to one or more of the Registrant Subsidiaries and other Entergy subsidiaries.  Generally, the amount of damages being sought is not specified in these proceedings.  These actions
 
 
133

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


 
include, but are not limited to, allegations of wrongful employment actions; wage disputes and other claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act or its state counterparts; claims of race, gender, age, and disability discrimination; disputes arising under collective bargaining agreements; unfair labor practice proceedings and other administrative proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board or concerning the National Labor Relations Act; claims of retaliation; and claims for or regarding benefits under various Entergy Corporation-sponsored plans. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries are responding to these lawsuits and proceedings and deny liability to the claimants.  Management believes that loss exposure has been and will continue to be handled so that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material, in the aggregate, to the financial position, results of operation, or cash flows of Entergy or the Utility operating companies.

Asbestos Litigation (Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts primarily in Texas and Louisiana, primarily by contractor employees who worked in the 1940-1980s timeframe, against Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas, and to a lesser extent the other Utility operating companies, as premises owners of power plants, for damages caused by alleged exposure to asbestos.  Many other defendants are named in these lawsuits as well.  Currently, there are approximately 400 lawsuits involving approximately 5,000 claimants.  Management believes that adequate provisions have been established to cover any exposure.  Additionally, negotiations continue with insurers to recover reimbursements.  Management believes that loss exposure has been and will continue to be handled so that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material, in the aggregate, to the financial position, results of operation, or cash flows of the Utility operating companies.

Grand Gulf - Related Agreements

Capital Funds Agreement (Entergy Corporation and System Energy)

System Energy has entered into agreements with Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans whereby they are obligated to purchase their respective entitlements of capacity and energy from System Energy’s interest in Grand Gulf, and to make payments that, together with other available funds, are adequate to cover System Energy’s operating expenses.  System Energy would have to secure funds from other sources, including Entergy Corporation’s obligations under the Capital Funds Agreement, to cover any shortfalls from payments received from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans under these agreements.

Unit Power Sales Agreement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

System Energy has agreed to sell all of its share of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans in accordance with specified percentages (Entergy Arkansas-36%, Entergy Louisiana-14%, Entergy Mississippi-33%, and Entergy New Orleans-17%) as ordered by the FERC.  Charges under this agreement are paid in consideration for the purchasing companies’ respective entitlement to receive capacity and energy and are payable irrespective of the quantity of energy delivered.  The agreement will remain in effect until terminated by the parties and the termination is approved by the FERC, most likely upon Grand Gulf’s retirement from service.  Monthly obligations are based on actual capacity and energy costs.  The average monthly payments for 2012 under the agreement are approximately $19.0 million for Entergy Arkansas, $7.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $16.1 million for Entergy Mississippi, and $9.2 million for Entergy New Orleans.

 
 
134

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Availability Agreement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans are individually obligated to make payments or subordinated advances to System Energy in accordance with stated percentages (Entergy Arkansas-17.1%, Entergy Louisiana-26.9%, Entergy Mississippi-31.3%, and Entergy New Orleans-24.7%) in amounts that, when added to amounts received under the Unit Power Sales Agreement or otherwise, are adequate to cover all of System Energy’s operating expenses as defined, including an amount sufficient to amortize the cost of Grand Gulf 2 over 27 years (See Reallocation Agreement terms below) and expenses incurred in connection with a permanent shutdown of Grand Gulf.  System Energy has assigned its rights to payments and advances to certain creditors as security for certain obligations.  Since commercial operation of Grand Gulf began, payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement have exceeded the amounts payable under the Availability Agreement.  Accordingly, no payments under the Availability Agreement have ever been required.  If Entergy Arkansas or Entergy Mississippi fails to make its Unit Power Sales Agreement payments, and System Energy is unable to obtain funds from other sources, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans could become subject to claims or demands by System Energy or its creditors for payments or advances under the Availability Agreement (or the assignments thereof) equal to the difference between their required Unit Power Sales Agreement payments and their required Availability Agreement payments.

Reallocation Agreement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans entered into the Reallocation Agreement relating to the sale of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf and the related costs, in which Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans agreed to assume all of Entergy Arkansas’s responsibilities and obligations with respect to Grand Gulf under the Availability Agreement.  FERC’s decision allocating a portion of Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Arkansas supersedes the Reallocation Agreement as it relates to Grand Gulf.  Responsibility for any Grand Gulf 2 amortization amounts has been individually allocated (Entergy Louisiana-26.23%, Entergy Mississippi-43.97%, and Entergy New Orleans-29.80%) under the terms of the Reallocation Agreement.  However, the Reallocation Agreement does not affect Entergy Arkansas’s obligation to System Energy’s lenders under the assignments referred to in the preceding paragraph.  Entergy Arkansas would be liable for its share of such amounts if Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans were unable to meet their contractual obligations.  No payments of any amortization amounts will be required so long as amounts paid to System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, including other funds available to System Energy, exceed amounts required under the Availability Agreement, which is expected to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Reimbursement Agreement (System Energy)

In December 1988, in two separate but substantially identical transactions, System Energy sold and leased back undivided ownership interests in Grand Gulf for the aggregate sum of $500 million.  During the term of the leases, System Energy is required to maintain letters of credit for the equity investors to secure certain amounts payable to the equity investors under the transactions.

Under the provisions of the reimbursement agreement relating to the letters of credit, System Energy has agreed to a number of covenants regarding the maintenance of certain capitalization and fixed charge coverage ratios.  System Energy agreed, during the term of the reimbursement agreement, to maintain a ratio of debt to total liabilities and equity less than or equal to 70%.  In addition, System Energy must maintain, with respect to each fiscal quarter during the term of the reimbursement agreement, a ratio of adjusted net income to interest expense of at least 1.50 times earnings.  As of December 31, 2012, System Energy was in compliance with these covenants.

 
135

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



NOTE  9.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require the recording of liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of those assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning line item on the balance sheets.
 
These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

   
December 31,
   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
         
Entergy Arkansas
 
($12.2)
 
($16.4)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
($22.0)
 
($30.3)
Entergy Louisiana
 
($9.2)
 
($62.6)
Entergy Mississippi
 
$57.4 
 
$48.5 
Entergy New Orleans
 
$29.9 
 
$16.3 
Entergy Texas
 
$11.5 
 
$4.5 
System Energy
 
$56.8 
 
$11.8 

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2012 by Entergy were as follows:

 
Liabilities as
of December 31,
2011
 
 
 
Accretion
 
Change in
Cash Flow
Estimate
 
 
 
Spending
 
Liabilities as
 of December 31,
2012
         
(In Millions)
       
Utility:
                 
  Entergy Arkansas
$640.2
 
$40.5
 
$-
 
$- 
 
$680.7
  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
$359.8
 
$21.0
 
$-
 
$- 
 
$380.8
  Entergy Louisiana
$345.8
 
$23.4
 
$48.9
 
$- 
 
$418.1
  Entergy Mississippi
$5.7
 
$0.3
 
$-
 
$- 
 
$6.0
  Entergy New Orleans
$2.9
 
$0.2
 
$-
 
($0.9)
 
$2.2
  Entergy Texas
$3.9
 
$0.2
 
$-
 
$- 
 
$4.1
  System Energy
$445.4
 
$33.0
 
$-
 
$- 
 
$478.4
                   
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
$1,492.9
 
$119.4
 
($58.5) 
 
($10.5)
 
$1,543.3



 
136

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2011 by Entergy were as follows:

 
Liabilities as
of December 31,
2010
 
 
 
Accretion
 
Change in
Cash Flow
Estimate
 
 
 
Spending
 
Liabilities as
 of December 31,
2011
         
(In Millions)
       
Utility:
                 
  Entergy Arkansas
$602.2
 
$38.0
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$640.2
  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
$339.9
 
$19.9
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$359.8
  Entergy Louisiana
$321.2
 
$24.6
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$345.8
  Entergy Mississippi
$5.4
 
$0.3
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$5.7
  Entergy New Orleans
$3.4
 
$0.2
 
$- 
 
($0.7)
 
$2.9
  Entergy Texas
$3.6
 
$0.3
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$3.9
  System Energy
$452.8
 
$31.5
 
($38.9) 
 
$- 
 
$445.4
                   
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
$1,420.0
 
$115.6
 
($34.1) 
 
($8.6)
 
$1,492.9

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2012 and 2011 Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

In the second quarter 2012, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Waterford 3 as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a $48.9 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement costs asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the second quarter 2012, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a reduction of $60.6 million in the estimated decommissioning cost liability for a plant as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a credit to decommissioning expense of $49 million, reflecting the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of the undepreciated asset retirement costs asset.

In the first quarter of 2011, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a $38.9 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related regulatory asset. 

In the fourth quarter of 2011, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a reduction of $34.1 million in the decommissioning cost liability for a plant as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study obtained to comply with a state regulatory requirement.  The revised cost study resulted in a change in the undiscounted cash flows and a credit to decommissioning expense of $34.1 million, reflecting the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of undepreciated assets.

For the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants purchased in 2000, NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities.  NYPA and Entergy subsidiaries executed decommissioning agreements, which specify their decommissioning obligations.  NYPA has the rights to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume each of the decommissioning liabilities provided that it assigns the corresponding decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to the Entergy subsidiaries.  If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plants at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts.  Entergy recorded an asset, which is now $546.5 million as of
 
 
137

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


December 31, 2012, representing its estimate of the present value of the difference between the stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies.  The asset is increased by monthly accretion based on the applicable discount rate necessary to ultimately provide for the estimated future value of the decommissioning contract.  The monthly accretion is recorded as interest income.

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

   
Decommissioning
Trust Fair Values
 
Regulatory
Asset (Liability)
   
(In Millions)
         
Utility:
       
  ANO 1 and ANO 2
 
$600.6
 
$204.0 
  River Bend
 
$477.4
 
($1.7)
  Waterford 3
 
$287.4
 
$126.7 
  Grand Gulf
 
$490.6
 
$58.9 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
$2,334.1
 
$- 

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets of Entergy as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

   
Decommissioning
Trust Fair Values
 
Regulatory
Asset
   
(In Millions)
         
Utility:
       
  ANO 1 and ANO 2
 
$541.7
 
$181.5
  River Bend
 
$420.9
 
$5.5
  Waterford 3
 
$254.0
 
$116.1
  Grand Gulf
 
$423.4
 
$59.6
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
 
$2,148.0
 
$-


NOTE 10.   LEASES  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

General

As of December 31, 2012, Entergy had capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases for equipment, buildings, vehicles, and fuel storage facilities (excluding nuclear fuel leases and the Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions) with minimum lease payments as follows:

 
138

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
Year
 
Operating
Leases
 
Capital
Leases
   
(In Thousands)
         
2013
 
$94,422
 
$6,494
2014
 
97,001
 
4,694
2015
 
80,172
 
4,615
2016
 
55,083
 
4,457
2017
 
38,771
 
4,457
Years thereafter
 
139,560
 
34,223
Minimum lease payments
 
505,009
 
58,940
Less:  Amount representing interest
 
-
 
13,357
Present value of net minimum lease payments
 
$505,009
 
$45,583

Total rental expenses for all leases (excluding nuclear fuel leases and the Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions) amounted to $69.9 million in 2012, $75.3 million in 2011, and $80.8 million in 2010.

As of December 31, 2012, the Registrant Subsidiaries had capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases for equipment, buildings, vehicles, and fuel storage facilities (excluding nuclear fuel leases and the sale and leaseback transactions) with minimum lease payments as follows:

Capital Leases

 
Year
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Mississippi
   
(In Thousands)
         
2013
 
$237
 
$3,370
2014
 
237
 
1,570
2015
 
158
 
1,570
2016
 
-
 
1,570
2017
 
-
 
1,570
Years thereafter
 
-
 
785
Minimum lease payments
 
632
 
10,435
Less:  Amount representing interest
 
367
 
2,944
Present value of net minimum lease payments
 
$265
 
$7,491

Operating Leases

 
 
Year
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
                         
2013
 
$27,967
 
$12,211
 
$10,776
 
$6,907
 
$2,068
 
$6,537
2014
 
26,703
 
19,311
 
9,820
 
6,515
 
1,898
 
5,491
2015
 
27,808
 
10,032
 
8,565
 
5,503
 
1,840
 
3,623
2016
 
13,074
 
9,457
 
4,967
 
3,797
 
1,467
 
2,475
2017
 
7,225
 
8,477
 
3,062
 
2,529
 
1,045
 
1,443
Years thereafter
 
4,132
 
44,264
 
4,097
 
5,570
 
2,192
 
1,866
Minimum lease payments
 
$106,909
 
$103,752
 
$41,287
 
$30,821
 
$10,510
 
$21,435
 
 
139

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Rental Expenses

 
 
Year
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Millions)
                             
2012
 
$12.6
 
$11.9
 
$11.2
 
$5.5
 
$1.5
 
$6.4
 
$1.5
2011
 
$13.4
 
$12.2
 
$12.2
 
$5.2
 
$1.7
 
$8.4
 
$1.6
2010
 
$13.0
 
$12.5
 
$11.7
 
$5.5
 
$1.7
 
$7.4
 
$1.4

In addition to the above rental expense, railcar operating lease payments and oil tank facilities lease payments are recorded in fuel expense in accordance with regulatory treatment.  Railcar operating lease payments were $8.5 million in 2012, $8.3 million in 2011, and $8.4 million in 2010 for Entergy Arkansas and $1.7 million in 2012, $2.0 million in 2011, and $2.3 million in 2010 for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  Oil tank facilities lease payments for Entergy Mississippi were $3.4 million in 2012, $3.4 million in 2011, and $3.4 million in 2010.

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

Waterford 3 Lease Obligations

In 1989, in three separate but substantially identical transactions, Entergy Louisiana sold and leased back undivided interests in Waterford 3 for the aggregate sum of $353.6 million.  The leases expire in July 2017.  At the end of the lease terms, Entergy Louisiana has the option to repurchase the leased interests in Waterford 3 at fair market value or to renew the leases for either fair market value or, under certain conditions, a fixed rate.  In the event that Entergy Louisiana does not renew or purchase the interests, Entergy Louisiana would surrender such interests and their associated entitlement of Waterford 3’s capacity and energy.

Entergy Louisiana issued $208.2 million of non-interest bearing first mortgage bonds as collateral for the equity portion of certain amounts payable under the leases.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, Entergy Louisiana may be obligated to assume the outstanding bonds used to finance the purchase of the interests in the unit and to pay an amount sufficient to withdraw from the lease transaction.  Such events include lease events of default, events of loss, deemed loss events, or certain adverse “Financial Events.”  “Financial Events” include, among other things, failure by Entergy Louisiana, following the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period, to maintain (i) total equity capital (including preferred membership interests) at least equal to 30% of adjusted capitalization, or (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50 computed on a rolling 12 month basis.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy Louisiana was in compliance with these provisions.


 
140

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


As of December 31, 2012, Entergy Louisiana had future minimum lease payments (reflecting an overall implicit rate of 7.45%) in connection with the Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions, which are recorded as long-term debt, as follows:

   
Amount
   
(In Thousands)
     
2013
 
$26,301
2014
 
31,036
2015
 
28,827
2016
 
16,938
2017
 
106,335
Years thereafter
 
-
Total
 
209,437
Less: Amount representing interest
 
46,488
Present value of net minimum lease payments
 
$162,949

Grand Gulf Lease Obligations

In 1988, in two separate but substantially identical transactions, System Energy sold and leased back undivided ownership interests in Grand Gulf for the aggregate sum of $500 million.  The leases expire in July 2015.  At the end of the lease terms, System Energy has the option to repurchase the leased interests in Grand Gulf at fair market value or to renew the leases for either fair market value or, under certain conditions, a fixed rate.  In the event that System Energy does not renew or purchase the interests, System Energy would surrender such interests and their associated entitlement of Grand Gulf’s capacity and energy.

System Energy is required to report the sale-leaseback as a financing transaction in its financial statements.  For financial reporting purposes, System Energy expenses the interest portion of the lease obligation and the plant depreciation.  However, operating revenues include the recovery of the lease payments because the transactions are accounted for as a sale and leaseback for ratemaking purposes.  Consistent with a recommendation contained in a FERC audit report, System Energy initially recorded as a net regulatory asset the difference between the recovery of the lease payments and the amounts expensed for interest and depreciation and continues to record this difference as a regulatory asset or liability on an ongoing basis, resulting in a zero net balance for the regulatory asset at the end of the lease term.  The amount was a net regulatory liability of $27.8 million and $2.0 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, System Energy had future minimum lease payments (reflecting an implicit rate of 5.13%), which are recorded as long-term debt, as follows:

   
Amount
   
(In Thousands)
     
2013
 
$50,546
2014
 
51,637
2015
 
52,253
2016
 
-
2017
 
-
Years thereafter
 
-
Total
 
154,436
Less: Amount representing interest
 
15,543
Present value of net minimum lease payments
 
$138,893

 
 
141

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



NOTE 11.  RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has seven qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees.”  The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in two of these plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees.”  Except for the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, the pension plans are noncontributory and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement.  The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees.

The assets of the seven qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts of the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled in the master trust, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating pension plans.  The fair value of the trust assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.

Further, within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment income and contributions, and decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/(loss) (i.e. interest and dividends, realized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension costs in accordance with contribution guidelines established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

 
142

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2012, 2011, and 2010 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
   
(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
           
Service cost - benefits earned during the
period
  
 
$150,763 
 
 
$121,961 
 
 
$104,956 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
 
260,929 
 
236,992 
 
231,206 
Expected return on assets
 
(317,423)
 
(301,276)
 
(259,608)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
2,733 
 
3,350 
 
4,658 
Recognized net loss
 
167,279 
 
92,977 
 
65,901 
Net periodic pension costs
 
$264,281 
 
$154,004 
 
$147,113 
             
Other changes in plan assets and benefit
obligations recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
           
Arising this period:
           
Net loss
 
$552,303 
 
$1,045,624 
 
$232,279 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
           
Amortization of prior service cost
 
(2,733)
 
(3,350)
 
(4,658)
Amortization of net loss
 
(167,279)
 
(92,977)
 
(65,901)
Total
 
382,291 
 
949,297 
 
161,720 
             
Total recognized as net periodic pension
cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI
(before tax)
 
 
 
$646,572 
 
 
 
$1,103,301 
 
 
 
$308,833 
             
Estimated amortization amounts from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net
periodic cost in the following year
           
Prior service cost
 
$2,268 
 
$2,733 
 
$3,350 
Net loss
 
$219,805 
 
$169,064 
 
$92,977 



 
143

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2012, 2011, and 2010 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:


 
 
2012
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
 Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
                           
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period
 
$22,169 
 
$12,273 
 
$14,675 
 
$6,410 
 
$2,824 
 
$5,684 
 
$5,920 
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation
 
 
55,686 
 
 
25,679 
 
 
35,201 
 
 
16,279 
 
 
7,608 
 
 
16,823 
 
 
12,987 
Expected return on assets
 
(65,763)
 
(34,370)
 
(40,836)
 
(20,945)
 
(8,860)
 
(22,325)
 
(16,436)
Amortization of prior service
cost
 
 
200 
 
 
19 
 
 
208 
 
 
30 
 
 
 
 
15 
 
 
13 
Recognized net loss
 
40,772 
 
16,173 
 
28,197 
 
10,532 
 
6,878 
 
10,179 
 
9,001 
Net pension cost
 
$53,064 
 
$19,774 
 
$37,445 
 
$12,306 
 
$8,457 
 
$10,376 
 
$11,485 
                             
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before
tax)
                           
Arising this period:
                           
Net loss
 
$105,133 
 
$77,207 
 
$76,163 
 
$27,106 
 
$14,282 
 
$28,745 
 
$10,266 
Amounts reclassified from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI
to net periodic pension cost in
the current year:
                           
Amortization of prior service
cost
 
 
(200)
 
 
(19)
 
 
(208)
 
 
(30)
 
 
(7)
 
 
(15)
 
 
(13)
Amortization of net loss
 
(40,772)
 
(16,173)
 
(28,197)
 
(10,532)
 
(6,878)
 
(10,179)
 
(9,001)
Total
 
$64,161 
 
$61,015 
 
$47,758 
 
$16,544 
 
$7,397 
 
$18,551 
 
$1,252 
                             
Total recognized as net
periodic pension cost,
regulatory asset, and/or AOCI
(before tax)
 
 
 
 
$117,225 
 
 
 
 
$80,789 
 
 
 
 
$85,203 
 
 
 
 
$28,850 
 
 
 
 
$15,854 
 
 
 
 
$28,927 
 
 
 
 
$12,737 
                             
Estimated amortization
amounts from regulatory
asset and/or AOCI to net
periodic cost in the following
year
                           
Prior service cost
 
$23 
 
$9 
 
$83 
 
$10 
 
$2 
 
$6 
 
$10 
Net loss
 
$50,175 
 
$23,731 
 
$34,906 
 
$13,375 
 
$8,046 
 
$13,494 
 
$9,717 

 
144

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements




 
 
2011
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
                           
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period
 
$18,072 
 
$9,848 
 
$11,543 
 
$5,308 
 
$2,242 
 
$4,788 
 
$4,941 
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation
 
 
51,965 
 
 
23,713 
 
 
32,636 
 
 
15,637 
 
 
7,050 
 
 
15,971 
 
 
11,758 
Expected return on assets
 
(62,434)
 
(33,358)
 
(38,866)
 
(20,152)
 
(8,455)
 
(22,005)
 
(15,138)
Amortization of prior service
cost
 
 
459 
 
 
79 
 
 
280 
 
 
152 
 
 
35 
 
 
65 
 
 
16 
Recognized net loss
 
25,681 
 
9,118 
 
17,990 
 
6,717 
 
4,666 
 
5,579 
 
5,284 
Net pension cost
 
$33,743 
 
$9,400 
 
$23,583 
 
$7,662 
 
$5,538 
 
$4,398 
 
$6,861 
                             
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before
tax)
                           
Arising this period:
                           
Net loss
 
$217,989 
 
$102,329 
 
$137,100 
 
$56,714 
 
$29,297 
 
$64,662 
 
$52,876 
Amounts reclassified from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI
to net periodic pension cost in
the current year:
                           
Amortization of prior service
cost
 
 
(459)
 
 
(79)
 
 
(280)
 
 
(152)
 
 
(35)
 
 
(65)
 
 
(16)
Amortization of net loss
 
(25,681)
 
(9,118)
 
(17,990)
 
(6,717)
 
(4,666)
 
(5,579)
 
(5,284)
Total
 
$191,849 
 
$93,132 
 
$118,830 
 
$49,845 
 
$24,596 
 
$59,018 
 
$47,576 
                             
Total recognized as net
periodic pension cost,
regulatory asset, and/or AOCI
(before tax)
 
 
 
 
$225,592 
 
 
 
 
$102,532 
 
 
 
 
$142,413 
 
 
 
 
$57,507 
 
 
 
 
$30,134 
 
 
 
 
$63,416 
 
 
 
 
$54,437 
                             
Estimated amortization
amounts from regulatory
asset and/or AOCI to net
periodic cost in the following
year
                           
Prior service cost
 
$200 
 
$19 
 
$208 
 
$30 
 
$7 
 
$15 
 
$13 
Net loss
 
$41,309 
 
$16,295 
 
$28,486 
 
$10,667 
 
$6,935 
 
$10,261 
 
$9,135 

 
145

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
 
2010
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
                           
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period
 
$15,775 
 
$8,462 
 
$9,770 
 
$4,651 
 
$2,063 
 
$4,267 
 
$4,132 
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation
 
 
49,277 
 
 
24,377 
 
 
28,541 
 
 
15,230 
 
 
6,040 
 
 
15,869 
 
 
9,009 
Expected return on assets
 
(50,635)
 
(30,752)
 
(32,775)
 
(17,252)
 
(7,236)
 
(20,549)
 
(11,808)
Amortization of prior service
cost
 
 
782 
 
 
302 
 
 
474 
 
 
318 
 
 
177 
 
 
237 
 
 
34 
Recognized net loss
 
16,506 
 
7,622 
 
8,604 
 
4,361 
 
2,544 
 
3,208 
 
523 
Net pension cost
 
$31,705 
 
$10,011 
 
$14,614 
 
$7,308 
 
$3,588 
 
$3,032 
 
$1,890 
                             
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before
tax)
                           
Arising this period:
                           
Net loss
 
$97,117 
 
$4,748 
 
$99,129 
 
$21,801 
 
$22,600 
 
$17,316 
 
$56,756 
Amounts reclassified from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI
to net periodic pension cost in
the current year:
                           
Amortization of prior service
cost
 
 
(782)
 
 
(302)
 
 
(474)
 
 
(318)
 
 
(177)
 
 
(237)
 
 
(34)
Amortization of net loss
 
(16,506)
 
(7,622)
 
(8,604)
 
(4,361)
 
(2,544)
 
(3,208)
 
(523)
Total
 
$79,829 
 
($3,176)
 
$90,051 
 
$17,122 
 
$19,879 
 
$13,871 
 
$56,199 
                             
Total recognized as net
periodic pension cost,
regulatory asset, and/or AOCI
(before tax)
 
 
 
 
$111,534 
 
 
 
 
$6,835 
 
 
 
 
$104,665 
 
 
 
 
$24,430 
 
 
 
 
$23,467 
 
 
 
 
$16,903 
 
 
 
 
$58,089 
                             
Estimated amortization
amounts from regulatory
asset and/or AOCI to net
periodic cost in the following
year
                           
Prior service cost
 
$459 
 
$79 
 
$280 
 
$152 
 
$35 
 
$65 
 
$16 
Net loss
 
$25,681 
 
$9,118 
 
$17,990 
 
$6,717 
 
$4,666 
 
$5,579 
 
$5,284 

 
146

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Qualified Pension   Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

   
December 31,
   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
       
Balance at beginning of year
 
$5,187,635 
 
$4,301,218 
Service cost
 
150,763 
 
121,961 
Interest cost
 
260,929 
 
236,992 
Actuarial loss
 
693,017 
 
703,895 
Employee contributions
 
789 
 
828 
Benefits paid
 
(196,494)
 
(177,259)
Balance at end of year
 
$6,096,639 
 
$5,187,635 
         
Change in Plan Assets
       
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
 
$3,399,916 
 
$3,216,268 
Actual return on plan assets
 
458,137 
 
(40,453)
Employer contributions
 
170,512 
 
400,532 
Employee contributions
 
789 
 
828 
Benefits paid
 
(196,494)
 
(177,259)
Fair value of assets at end of year
 
$3,832,860 
 
$3,399,916 
         
Funded status
 
($2,263,779)
 
($1,787,719)
         
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
       
Non-current liabilities
 
($2,263,779)
 
($1,787,719)
         
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
       
Prior service cost
 
$308 
 
$9,836 
Net loss
 
2,352,234 
 
2,048,743 
   
$2,352,542 
 
$2,058,579 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
       
Prior service cost
 
$9,444 
 
$2,648 
Net loss
 
633,146 
 
551,613 
   
$642,590 
 
$554,261 


 
147

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

 
 
2012
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit
                           
Obligation (PBO)
                           
Balance at beginning of year
 
$1,116,572 
 
$512,432 
 
$704,748 
 
$326,377 
 
$151,966 
 
$337,669 
 
$258,268 
Service cost
 
22,169 
 
12,273 
 
14,675 
 
6,410 
 
2,824 
 
5,684 
 
5,920 
Interest cost
 
55,686 
 
25,679 
 
35,201 
 
16,279 
 
7,608 
 
16,823 
 
12,987 
Actuarial loss
 
134,691 
 
92,275 
 
93,817 
 
36,329 
 
18,000 
 
38,328 
 
13,691 
Benefits paid
 
(54,232)
 
(19,591)
 
(30,696)
 
(15,543)
 
(5,813)
 
(16,328)
 
(8,025)
Balance at end of year
 
$1,274,886
 
$623,068 
 
$817,745 
 
$369,852 
 
$174,585 
 
$382,176 
 
$282,841 
                             
Change in Plan Assets
                           
Fair value of assets at beginning
of year
 
 
$707,275 
 
 
$366,555 
 
 
$432,418 
 
 
$223,981 
 
 
$94,202 
 
 
$237,438 
 
 
$147,091 
Actual return on plan assets
 
95,321 
 
49,438 
 
58,489 
 
30,169 
 
12,578 
 
31,909 
 
19,860 
Employer contributions
 
37,163 
 
13,569 
 
28,816 
 
9,665 
 
5,811 
 
9,091 
 
9,771 
Benefits paid
 
(54,232)
 
(19,591)
 
(30,696)
 
(15,543)
 
(5,813)
 
(16,328)
 
(8,025)
Fair value of assets at end of
year
 
 
$785,527 
 
 
$409,971 
 
 
$489,027 
 
 
$248,272 
 
 
$106,778 
 
 
$262,110 
 
 
$168,697 
                             
Funded status
 
($489,359)
 
($213,097)
 
($328,718)
 
($121,580)
 
($67,807)
 
($120,066)
 
($114,144)
                             
Amounts recognized in the
 balance sheet (funded status)
                           
Non-current liabilities
 
($489,359)
 
($213,097)
 
($328,718)
 
($121,580)
 
($67,807)
 
($120,066)
 
($114,144)
                             
Amounts recognized as
 regulatory asset
                           
Prior service cost
 
$23 
 
$8 
 
$83 
 
$10 
 
$2 
 
$7 
 
$6 
Net loss
 
683,790 
 
283,847 
 
456,800 
 
185,903 
 
103,072 
 
189,589 
 
166,276 
   
$683,813 
 
$283,855 
 
$456,883 
 
$185,913 
 
$103,074 
 
$189,596 
 
$166,282 
                             
Amounts recognized as AOCI
 (before tax)
                           
Prior service cost
 
$- 
 
$1 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
Net loss
 
 
42,414 
 
 
 
 
 
   
$- 
 
$42,415 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 


 
148

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements




 
 
2011
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit
                           
Obligation (PBO)
                           
Balance at beginning of year
 
$950,595 
 
$431,870 
 
$596,730 
 
$286,179 
 
$128,477 
 
$292,551 
 
$213,098 
Service cost
 
18,072 
 
9,848 
 
11,543 
 
5,308 
 
2,242 
 
4,788 
 
4,941 
Interest cost
 
51,965 
 
23,713 
 
32,636 
 
15,637 
 
7,050 
 
15,971 
 
11,758 
Actuarial loss
 
146,514 
 
65,000 
 
93,175 
 
33,865 
 
19,695 
 
40,122 
 
35,775 
Benefits paid
 
(50,574)
 
(17,999)
 
(29,336)
 
(14,612)
 
(5,498)
 
(15,763)
 
(7,304)
Balance at end of year
 
$1,116,572 
 
$512,432 
 
$704,748 
 
$326,377 
 
$151,966 
 
$337,669 
 
$258,268 
                             
Change in Plan Assets
                           
Fair value of assets at beginning
of year
 
 
$646,491 
 
 
$361,207 
 
 
$406,216 
 
 
$212,122 
 
 
$88,688 
 
 
$237,502 
 
 
$128,007 
Actual return on plan assets
 
(9,042)
 
(3,971)
 
(5,059)
 
(2,698)
 
(1,148)
 
(2,536)
 
(1,963)
Employer contributions
 
120,400 
 
27,318 
 
60,597 
 
29,169 
 
12,160 
 
18,235 
 
28,351 
Benefits paid
 
(50,574)
 
(17,999)
 
(29,336)
 
(14,612)
 
(5,498)
 
(15,763)
 
(7,304)
Fair value of assets at end of
year
 
 
$707,275 
 
 
$366,555 
 
 
$432,418 
 
 
$223,981 
 
 
$94,202 
 
 
$237,438 
 
 
$147,091 
                             
Funded status
 
($409,297)
 
($145,877)
 
($272,330)
 
($102,396)
 
($57,764)
 
(($100,231)
 
($111,177)
                             
Amounts recognized in the
 balance sheet (funded status)
                           
Non-current liabilities
 
($409,297)
 
($145,877)
 
($272,330)
 
($102,396)
 
($57,764)
 
($100,231)
 
($111,177)
                             
Amounts recognized as
 regulatory asset
                           
Prior service cost
 
$223 
 
$23 
 
$291 
 
$39 
 
$10 
 
$22 
 
$19 
Net loss
 
619,430 
 
214,833 
 
408,835 
 
169,329 
 
95,667 
 
171,023 
 
165,011 
   
$619,653 
 
$214,856 
 
$409,126 
 
$169,368 
 
$95,677 
 
$171,045 
 
$165,030 
                             
Amounts recognized as AOCI
 (before tax)
                           
Prior service cost
 
$- 
 
$6 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
Net loss
 
 
50,393 
 
 
 
 
 
   
$- 
 
$50,399 
 
$-
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 


 
149

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently provides health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees.  Substantially all employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  At January 1, 1993, the actuarially determined accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) earned by retirees and active employees was estimated to be approximately $241.4 million for Entergy (other than the former Entergy Gulf States) and $128 million for the former Entergy Gulf States (now split into Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas).  Such obligations are being amortized over a 20-year period that began in 1993 and ended in 2012.  For the most part, the Registrant Subsidiaries recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs from customers and are required to contribute the other postretirement benefits collected in rates to an external trust.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  Entergy Arkansas began recovery in 1998, pursuant to an APSC order.  This order also allowed Entergy Arkansas to amortize a regulatory asset (representing the difference between other postretirement benefit costs and cash expenditures for other postretirement benefits incurred from 1993 through 1997) over a 15-year period that began in January 1998 and ended in December 2012.

The LPSC ordered Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted.

Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in bank-administered master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.


 
150

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2012, 2011, and 2010 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
   
(In Thousands)
Other post retirement costs:
           
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
 
$68,883 
 
$59,340 
 
$52,313 
Interest cost on APBO
 
82,561 
 
74,522 
 
76,078 
Expected return on assets
 
(34,503)
 
(29,477)
 
(26,213)
Amortization of transition obligation
 
3,177 
 
3,183 
 
3,728 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
(18,163)
 
(14,070)
 
(12,060)
Recognized net loss
 
36,448 
 
21,192 
 
17,270 
Net other postretirement benefit cost
 
$138,403 
 
$114,690 
 
$111,116 
             
Other changes in plan assets and benefit
 obligations recognized as a regulatory asset
 and /or AOCI (before tax)
           
Arising this period:
           
Prior service credit for period
 
$- 
 
($29,507)
 
($50,548)
Net loss
 
92,584 
 
236,594 
 
82,189 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and
/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the
current year:
           
Amortization of transition obligation
 
(3,177)
 
(3,183)
 
(3,728)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
18,163 
 
14,070 
 
12,060 
Amortization of net loss
 
(36,448)
 
(21,192)
 
(17,270)
Total
 
$71,122 
 
$196,782 
 
$22,703 
Total recognized as net periodic benefit cost,
 regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
 
 
$209,525 
 
 
$311,472 
 
 
$133,819 
             
Estimated amortization amounts from
 regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic
 benefit cost  in the following year
           
Transition obligation
 
$- 
 
$3,177 
 
$3,183 
Prior service credit
 
($13,336)
 
($18,163)
 
($14,070)
Net loss
 
$45,217 
 
$43,127 
 
$21,192 


 
151

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Total 2012, 2011, and 2010 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, included the following components:

 
 
2012
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
                             
Other post retirement costs:
                           
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period
 
 
$9,089 
 
 
$7,521 
 
 
$7,796 
 
 
$3,093 
 
 
$1,689 
 
 
$3,651 
 
 
$3,293 
Interest cost on APBO
 
14,452 
 
9,590 
 
9,781 
 
4,716 
 
3,422 
 
6,650 
 
3,028 
Expected return on assets
 
(14,029)
 
-  
 
-  
 
(4,521)
 
(3,711)
 
(8,415)
 
(2,601)
Amortization of transition
obligation
 
 
820 
 
 
238 
 
 
382 
 
 
351 
 
 
1,189 
 
 
187 
 
 
Amortization of prior service
cost/(credit)
 
 
(530)
 
 
(824)
 
 
(247)
 
 
(139)
 
 
38 
 
 
(428)
 
 
(63)
Recognized net loss
 
8,305 
 
4,737 
 
4,359 
 
2,920 
 
1,559 
 
4,320 
 
1,970 
Net other postretirement benefit
cost
 
 
$18,107 
 
 
$21,262 
 
 
$22,071 
 
 
$6,420 
 
 
$4,186 
 
 
$5,965 
 
 
$5,635 
                             
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
                           
Arising this period:
                           
Net loss
 
$9,066 
 
$5,818 
 
$16,215 
 
$271 
 
$2,260 
 
$191 
 
$2,043 
Amounts reclassified from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI
to net periodic pension cost in
the current year:
                           
Amortization of transition
obligation
 
 
(820)
 
 
(238)
 
 
(382)
 
 
(351)
 
 
(1,189)
 
 
(187)
 
 
(8)
Amortization of prior service
cost/(credit)
 
 
530 
 
 
824 
 
 
247 
 
 
139 
 
 
(38)
 
 
428 
 
 
63 
Amortization of net loss
 
(8,305)
 
(4,737)
 
(4,359)
 
(2,920)
 
(1,559)
 
(4,320)
 
(1,970)
Total
 
$471 
 
$1,667 
 
$11,721 
 
($2,861)
 
($526)
 
($3,888)
 
$128 
Total recognized as net
periodic other postretirement
cost, regulatory asset, and/or
AOCI (before tax)
 
 
 
 
$18,578 
 
 
 
 
$22,929 
 
 
 
 
$33,792 
 
 
 
 
$3,559 
 
 
 
 
$3,660 
 
 
 
 
$2,077 
 
 
 
 
$5,763 
                             
Estimated amortization
amounts from regulatory asset
and/or AOCI to net periodic
cost  in the following year
                           
Prior service cost/(credit)
 
($530)
 
($824)
 
($247)
 
($139)
 
$38 
 
($428)
 
($62)
Net loss
 
$8,163 
 
$4,693 
 
$5,149 
 
$2,650 
 
$1,587 
 
$3,905 
 
$1,915 
 
 
152

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements




 
 
2011
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
                             
Other post retirement costs:
                           
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period
 
 
$8,053 
 
 
$6,158 
 
 
$6,540 
 
 
$2,632 
 
 
$1,448 
 
 
$3,074 
 
 
$2,642 
Interest cost on APBO
 
13,742 
 
8,298 
 
8,767 
 
4,370 
 
3,225 
 
5,945 
 
2,666 
Expected return on assets
 
(11,528)
 
 
 
(3,906)
 
(3,200)
 
(7,496)
 
(2,115)
Amortization of transition
obligation
 
 
821 
 
 
239 
 
 
383 
 
 
352 
 
 
1,190 
 
 
187 
 
 
Amortization of prior service
cost/(credit)
 
 
(530)
 
 
(824)
 
 
(247)
 
 
(139)
 
 
38 
 
 
(428)
 
 
(589)
Recognized net loss
 
6,436 
 
2,896 
 
2,793 
 
2,160 
 
968 
 
2,803 
 
1,477 
Net other postretirement benefit
cost
 
 
$16,994 
 
 
$16,767 
 
 
$18,236 
 
 
$5,469 
 
 
$3,669 
 
 
$4,085 
 
 
$4,090 
                             
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
                           
Arising this period:
                           
Net loss
 
$32,241 
 
$28,721 
 
$24,837 
 
$12,598 
 
$8,946 
 
$23,125 
 
$8,499 
Amounts reclassified from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI
to net periodic pension cost in
the current year:
                           
Amortization of transition
obligation
 
 
(821)
 
 
(239)
 
 
(383)
 
 
(352)
 
 
(1,190)
 
 
(187)
 
 
(9)
Amortization of prior service
cost/(credit)
 
 
530 
 
 
824 
 
 
247 
 
 
139 
 
 
(38)
 
 
428 
 
 
589 
Amortization of net loss
 
(6,436)
 
(2,896)
 
(2,793)
 
(2,160)
 
(968)
 
(2,803)
 
(1,477)
Total
 
$25,514 
 
$26,410 
 
$21,908 
 
$10,225 
 
$6,750 
 
$20,563 
 
$7,602 
Total recognized as net
periodic other postretirement
cost, regulatory asset, and/or
AOCI (before tax)
 
 
 
 
$42,508 
 
 
 
 
$43,177 
 
 
 
 
$40,144 
 
 
 
 
$15,694 
 
 
 
 
$10,419 
 
 
 
 
$24,648 
 
 
 
 
$11,692 
                             
Estimated amortization
amounts from regulatory asset
and/or AOCI to net periodic
cost  in the following year
                           
Transition obligation
 
$820 
 
$238 
 
$382 
 
$351 
 
$1,189 
 
$187 
 
$8 
Prior service cost/(credit)
 
($530)
 
($824)
 
($247)
 
($139)
 
$38 
 
($428)
 
($63)
Net loss
 
$8,365 
 
$4,778 
 
$4,398 
 
$2,926 
 
$1,562 
 
$4,329 
 
$1,994 


 
153

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
 
2010
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
                             
Other post retirement costs:
                           
Service cost - benefits earned
during the period
 
 
$7,372 
 
 
$5,481 
 
 
$5,483 
 
 
$2,200 
 
 
$1,389 
 
 
$2,789 
 
 
$2,251 
Interest cost on APBO
 
14,515 
 
8,574 
 
9,075 
 
4,370 
 
3,598 
 
6,326 
 
2,562 
Expected return on assets
 
(9,780)
 
 
 
(3,551)
 
(2,899)
 
(6,872)
 
(1,870)
Amortization of transition
obligation
 
 
821 
 
 
238 
 
 
382 
 
 
351 
 
 
1,661 
 
 
265 
 
 
Amortization of prior service
cost/(credit)
 
 
(786)
 
 
(306)
 
 
467 
 
 
(246)
 
 
361 
 
 
76 
 
 
(763)
Recognized net loss
 
6,758 
 
2,653 
 
2,440 
 
1,903 
 
1,095 
 
3,008 
 
1,301 
Net other postretirement benefit
cost
 
 
$18,900 
 
 
$16,640 
 
 
$17,847 
 
 
$5,027 
 
 
$5,205 
 
 
$5,592 
 
 
$3,489 
                             
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized as a regulatory
asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
                           
Arising this period:
                           
Prior service credit for period
 
($5,023)
 
($3,109)
 
($3,204)
 
($1,529)
 
($1,587)
 
($2,871)
 
($519)
Net (gain)/loss
 
4,032 
 
6,583 
 
7,734 
 
5,765 
 
(478)
 
922 
 
4,067 
Amounts reclassified from
regulatory asset and/or AOCI
to net periodic pension cost in
the current year:
                           
Amortization of transition
obligation
 
 
(821)
 
 
(238)
 
 
(382)
 
 
(351)
 
 
(1,661)
 
 
(265)
 
 
(8)
Amortization of prior service
cost/(credit)
 
 
786 
 
 
306 
 
 
(467)
 
 
246 
 
 
(361)
 
 
(76)
 
 
763 
Amortization of net loss
 
(6,758)
 
(2,653)
 
(2,440)
 
(1,903)
 
(1,095)
 
(3,008)
 
(1,301)
Total
 
($7,784)
 
$889 
 
$1,241 
 
$2,228 
 
($5,182)
 
($5,298)
 
$3,002 
Total recognized as net
periodic other postretirement
cost, regulatory asset, and/or
AOCI (before tax)
 
 
 
 
$11,116 
 
 
 
 
$17,529 
 
 
 
 
$19,088 
 
 
 
 
$7,255 
 
 
 
 
$23 
 
 
 
 
$294 
 
 
 
 
$6,491 
                             
Estimated amortization
amounts from regulatory asset
and/or AOCI to net periodic
cost  in the following year
                           
Transition obligation
 
$821 
 
$239 
 
$383 
 
$352 
 
$1,190 
 
$187 
 
$9 
Prior service cost/(credit)
 
($530)
 
($824)
 
($247)
 
($139)
 
$38 
 
($428)
 
($589)
Net loss
 
$6,436 
 
$2,896 
 
$2,793 
 
$2,160 
 
$968 
 
$2,803 
 
$1,477 


 
154

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

   
December 31,
   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
       
Balance at beginning of year
 
$1,652,369 
 
$1,386,370 
Service cost
 
68,883 
 
59,340 
Interest cost
 
82,561 
 
74,522 
Plan amendments
 
-  
 
(29,507)
Plan participant contributions
 
18,102 
 
14,650 
Actuarial loss
 
102,833 
 
216,549 
Benefits paid
 
(83,825)
 
(77,454)
Medicare Part D subsidy received
 
5,999 
 
4,551 
Early Retiree Reinsurance Program proceeds
 
 
3,348 
Balance at end of year
 
$1,846,922 
 
$1,652,369 
         
Change in Plan Assets
       
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
 
$427,172 
 
$404,430 
Actual return on plan assets
 
44,752 
 
9,432 
Employer contributions
 
82,247 
 
76,114 
Plan participant contributions
 
18,102 
 
14,650 
Early Retiree Reinsurance Program proceeds
 
-
 
-  
Benefits paid
 
(83,825)
 
(77,454)
Fair value of assets at end of year
 
$488,448 
 
$427,172 
         
Funded status
 
($1,358,474)
 
($1,225,197)
         
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
       
Current liabilities
 
($33,813)
 
($32,832)
Non-current liabilities
 
(1,324,661)
 
(1,192,365)
Total funded status
 
($1,358,474)
 
($1,225,197)
         
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
       
Transition obligation
 
$- 
 
$2,557 
Prior service credit
 
(5,307)
 
(6,628)
Net loss
 
367,519 
 
353,905 
   
$362,212 
 
$349,834 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
       
Transition obligation
 
$- 
 
$620 
Prior service credit
 
(49,335)
 
(66,176)
Net loss
 
355,900 
 
313,379 
   
$306,565 
 
$247,823 

 
155

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

 
 
2012
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
                           
Balance at beginning of year
 
$290,613 
 
$191,877 
 
$196,352 
 
$94,570 
 
$69,316 
 
$133,602 
 
$60,526 
Service cost
 
9,089 
 
7,521 
 
7,796 
 
3,093 
 
1,689 
 
3,651 
 
3,293 
Interest cost
 
14,452 
 
9,590 
 
9,781 
 
4,716 
 
3,422 
 
6,650 
 
3,028 
Plan participant contributions
 
4,440 
 
1,945 
 
2,725 
 
1,269 
 
742 
 
1,526 
 
820 
Actuarial (gain)/loss
 
13,256 
 
5,818 
 
16,215 
 
1,625 
 
3,240 
 
2,645 
 
2,861 
Benefits paid
 
(17,873)
 
(9,543)
 
(13,760)
 
(5,199)
 
(4,605)
 
(6,604)
 
(2,764)
Medicare Part D subsidy received
 
1,331 
 
779 
 
908 
 
434 
 
396 
 
644 
 
170 
Balance at end of year
 
$315,308 
 
$207,987 
 
$220,017 
 
$100,508 
 
$74,200 
 
$142,114 
 
$67,934 
                             
Change in Plan Assets
                           
Fair value of assets at beginning
of year
 
$164,846 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$54,452 
 
$53,418 
 
$105,181 
 
$32,012 
Actual return on plan assets
 
18,219 
 
 
 
5,874 
 
4,691 
 
10,869 
 
3,419 
Employer contributions
 
24,386 
 
7,598 
 
11,035 
 
6,555 
 
4,405 
 
4,852 
 
5,987 
Plan participant contributions
 
4,440 
 
1,945 
 
2,725 
 
1,269 
 
742 
 
1,526 
 
820 
Benefits paid
 
(17,873)
 
(9,543)
 
(13,760)
 
(5,199)
 
(4,605)
 
(6,604)
 
(2,764)
Fair value of assets at end of year
 
$194,018 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$62,951 
 
$58,651 
 
$115,824 
 
$39,474 
                             
Funded status
 
($121,290)
 
($207,987)
 
($220,017)
 
($37,557)
 
($15,549)
 
($26,290)
 
($28,460)
                             
Amounts recognized in the
balance sheet
                           
Current liabilities
 
$- 
 
($7,546)
 
($9,152)
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
Non-current liabilities
 
(121,290)
 
(200,441)
 
(210,865)
 
(37,557)
 
(15,549)
 
(26,290)
 
(28,460)
Total funded status
 
($121,290)
 
($207,987)
 
($220,017)
 
($37,557)
 
($15,549)
 
($26,290)
 
($28,460)
                             
Amounts recognized in
regulatory asset
                           
Prior service cost/(credit)
 
($2,146)
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
($566)
 
$114 
 
($1,709)
 
($246)
Net loss
 
129,484 
 
 
 
41,855 
 
26,502 
 
61,077 
 
29,773 
   
$127,338 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$41,289 
 
$26,616 
 
$59,368 
 
$29,527 
                             
Amounts recognized in AOCI
(before tax)
                           
Prior service credit
 
$- 
 
($2,687)
 
($1,095)
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
Net loss
 
 
77,113 
 
83,795 
 
 
 
 
   
$- 
 
$74,426 
 
$82,700 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 

 
156

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements





 
 
2011
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
                           
Balance at beginning of year
 
$256,859 
 
$154,466 
 
$163,720 
 
$81,464 
 
$60,735 
 
$111,106 
 
$49,501 
Service cost
 
8,053 
 
6,158 
 
6,540 
 
2,632 
 
1,448 
 
3,074 
 
2,642 
Interest cost
 
13,742 
 
8,298 
 
8,767 
 
4,370 
 
3,225 
 
5,945 
 
2,666 
Plan participant contributions
 
3,680 
 
1,525 
 
2,218 
 
994 
 
615 
 
1,222 
 
687 
Actuarial (gain)/loss
 
23,394 
 
28,721 
 
24,837 
 
9,695 
 
7,974 
 
17,994 
 
7,144 
Benefits paid
 
(16,850)
 
(8,359)
 
(10,883)
 
(4,986)
 
(5,074)
 
(6,326)
 
(2,513)
Medicare Part D subsidy received
 
1,025 
 
585 
 
683 
 
336 
 
358 
 
489 
 
116 
Early Retiree Reinsurance Program
  Proceeds
 
710 
 
483 
 
470 
 
65 
 
35 
 
98 
 
283 
Balance at end of year
 
$290,613 
 
$191,877 
 
$196,352 
 
$94,570 
 
$69,316 
 
$133,602 
 
$60,526 
                             
Change in Plan Assets
                           
Fair value of assets at beginning
of year
 
$148,622 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$52,064 
 
$52,005 
 
$103,214 
 
$29,347 
Actual return on plan assets
 
2,681 
 
 
 
1,003 
 
2,228 
 
2,365 
 
760 
Employer contributions
 
26,713 
 
6,834 
 
8,665 
 
5,377 
 
3,644 
 
4,706 
 
3,731 
Plan participant contributions
 
3,680 
 
1,525 
 
2,218 
 
994 
 
615 
 
1,222 
 
687 
Benefits paid
 
(16,850)
 
(8,359)
 
(10,883)
 
(4,986)
 
(5,074)
 
(6,326)
 
(2,513)
Fair value of assets at end of year
 
$164,846 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$54,452 
 
$53,418 
 
$105,181 
 
$32,012 
                             
Funded status
 
($125,767)
 
($191,877)
 
($196,352)
 
($40,118)
 
($15,898)
 
($28,421)
 
($28,514)
                             
Amounts recognized in the
balance sheet
                           
Current liabilities
 
$- 
 
($7,651)
 
($9,143)
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
Non-current liabilities
 
(125,767)
 
(184,226)
 
(187,209)
 
(40,118)
 
(15,898)
 
(28,421)
 
(28,514)
Total funded status
 
($125,767)
 
($191,877)
 
($196,352)
 
($40,118)
 
($15,898)
 
($28,421)
 
($28,514)
                             
Amounts recognized in
regulatory asset
                           
Transition obligation
 
$820 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$351 
 
$1,189 
 
$187 
 
$8 
Prior service cost/(credit)
 
(2,676)
 
 
 
(705)
 
152 
 
(2,137)
 
(309)
Net loss
 
128,723 
 
 
 
44,504 
 
25,801 
 
65,206 
 
29,700 
   
$126,867 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$44,150 
 
$27,142 
 
$63,256 
 
$29,399 
                             
Amounts recognized in AOCI
(before tax)
                           
Transition obligation
 
$- 
 
$238 
 
$382 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
Prior service credit
 
 
(3,511)
 
(1,342)
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
76,032 
 
71,939 
 
 
 
 
   
$- 
 
$72,759 
 
$70,979 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
 
157

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $26.5 million in 2012, $24 million in 2011, and $27.2 million in 2010.  In 2012, 2011, and 2010 Entergy recognized $6.3 million, $4.6 million, and $9.3 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $199.3 million and $164.4 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $180.6 million and $146.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $137.2 million and $153.2 million, respectively; and its current liability was $62.1 million and $11.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized transition asset, prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($81.2 million at December 31, 2012 and $58.9 million at December 31, 2011) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($32.5 million at December 31, 2012 and $27.2 million at December 31, 2011).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for the non-qualified plans for 2012, 2011, and 2010, was as follows:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
2012
 
$464
 
$158
 
$12
 
$183
 
$79
 
$648
2011
 
$498
 
$167
 
$14
 
$190
 
$65
 
$763
2010
 
$501
 
$162
 
$102
 
$206
 
$26
 
$683

Included in the 2012 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $38 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  Included in the 2011 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $41 thousand for Entergy Arkansas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  Included in the 2010 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $86 thousand for Entergy Arkansas, $80 thousand for Entergy Louisiana, and $5 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
2012
 
$4,323
 
$2,909
 
$116
 
$1,841
 
$457
 
$9,732
2011
 
$4,153
 
$2,781
 
$118
 
$1,682
 
$376
 
$10,103


 
158

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



The accumulated benefit obligation for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
2012
 
$3,856
 
$2,899
 
$116
 
$1,590
 
$427
 
$9,127
2011
 
$3,755
 
$2,768
 
$118
 
$1,460
 
$345
 
$10,030

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 
 
2012
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
                         
Current liabilities
 
($209)
 
($257)
 
($17)
 
($118)
 
($25)
 
($853)
Non-current liabilities
 
(4,114)
 
(2,652)
 
(99)
 
(1,723)
 
(432)
 
(8,879)
Total Funded Status
 
($4,323)
 
($2,909)
 
($116)
 
($1,841)
 
($457)
 
($9,732)
                         
Regulatory Asset
 
$2,359 
 
$679 
 
($29)
 
$800 
 
$88 
 
($465)
Accumulated other
comprehensive income
(before taxes)
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$102 
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$- 


 
 
2011
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
                         
Current liabilities
 
($272)
 
($260)
 
($18)
 
($114)
 
($25)
 
($1,029)
Non-current liabilities
 
(3,881)
 
(2,521)
 
(100)
 
(1,568)
 
(351)
 
(9,074)
Total Funded Status
 
($4,153)
 
($2,781)
 
($118)
 
($1,682)
 
($376)
 
($10,103)
                         
Regulatory Asset
 
$2,385 
 
$445 
 
($36)
 
$703 
 
$78 
 
($292)
Accumulated other
comprehensive income
(before taxes)
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$104 
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$- 
 
 
 
$- 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of
 
 
159

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana recover other postretirement benefit costs on a pay as you go basis and record the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also requires that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long- term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes, and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period. Target asset allocations adjust dynamically based on the funded status of the pension plans.  The following targets and ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.  The target asset allocation range below for pension shows the ranges within which the allocation may adjust based on funded status, with the expectation that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension funded status increases.  The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects changes made in 2012 as recommended in the latest optimization study

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension
Asset Allocation
 
Target
Range
Actual
2012
Actual
2011
           
Domestic Equity Securities
 
45%
34% to 53%
44%
44%
International Equity Securities
 
20%
16% to 24%
20%
18%
Fixed Income Securities
 
35%
31% to 41%
35%
37%
Other
 
0%
0% to 10%
1%
1%

Postretirement
Asset Allocation
 
Non-Taxable
 
 
Taxable
 
Target
Range
2012
2011
 
Target
Range
2012
2011
Domestic Equity Securities
39%
34% to 44%
38%
39%
 
39%
34% to 44%
39%
35%
International Equity Securities
26%
21% to 31%
28%
15%
 
26%
21% to 31%
27%
0%
Fixed Income Securities
35%
30% to 40%
34%
46%
 
35%
30% to 40%
34%
64%
Other
0%
0% to 5%
0%
0%
 
0%
0% to 5%
0%
1%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and investment managers.
 
 
160

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


 
The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on current assets and expected return available for reinvestment.  The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2012 all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long- term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

·  
Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

·  
Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:
 
 
161

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

 
 
-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

·  
Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Pension Trust

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
               
Corporate stocks:
               
Preferred
 
$861
(b)
$5,906
(a)
$-
 
$6,767
Common
 
787,132
(b)
-
 
-
 
787,132
Common collective trusts
 
-
 
1,620,315
(c)
-
 
1,620,315
Fixed income securities:
               
U.S. Government securities
 
161,593
(b)
150,068
(a)
-
 
311,661
Corporate debt instruments:
 
-
 
429,813
(a)
-
 
429,813 
Registered investment
companies
 
 
50,029
 
(d)
 
483,509
 
(e)
 
-
 
 
533,538
Other
 
-
 
111,001
(f)
-
 
111,001
Other:
               
Insurance company general
account (unallocated
contracts)
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
36,252
 
 
(g)
 
 
-
 
 
 
36,252
Total investments
 
$999,615
 
$2,836,864
 
$-
 
$3,836,479
                 
Cash
             
571 
Other pending transactions
             
4,594 
Less: Other postretirement
assets included in total
investments
             
 
 
(8,784)
Total fair value of qualified
pension assets
             
 
$3,832,860 


 
162

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
               
Corporate stocks:
               
Preferred
 
$3,738
(b)
$8,014
(a)
$-
 
$11,752 
Common
 
1,010,491
(b)
-
 
-
 
1,010,491 
Common collective trusts
 
-
 
1,074,178
(c)
-
 
1,074,178 
Fixed income securities:
               
U.S. Government securities
 
142,509
(b)
157,737
(a)
-
 
300,246 
Corporate debt instruments:
 
-
 
380,558
(a)
-
 
380,558 
Registered investment
companies
 
 
53,323
 
(d)
 
444,275
 
(e)
 
-
 
 
497,598 
Other
 
-
 
101,674
(f)
-
 
101,674 
Other:
               
Insurance company general
account (unallocated
contracts)
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
34,696
 
 
(g)
 
 
-
 
 
 
34,696 
Total investments
 
$1,210,061
 
$2,201,132
 
$-
 
$3,411,193 
                 
Cash
             
75 
Other pending transactions
             
(9,238)
Less: Other postretirement
assets included in total
investments
             
 
 
(2,114)
Total fair value of qualified
pension assets
             
 
$3,399,916 

Other Postretirement Trusts

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
               
Common collective trust
 
$-
 
$314,478
(c)
$-
 
$314,478 
Fixed income securities:
               
U.S. Government securities
 
36,392
(b)
43,398
(a)
-
 
79,790 
Corporate debt instruments
 
-
 
42,163
(a)
-
 
42,163 
Registered investment
companies
 
 
3,229
 
(d)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
3,229 
Other
 
-
 
39,846
(f)
-
 
39,846 
Total investments
 
$39,621
 
$439,885
 
$-
 
$479,506 
                 
Other pending transactions
             
158 
Plus:  Other postretirement
assets included in the
investments of the qualified
pension trust
             
 
 
 
8,784 
Total fair value of other
postretirement assets
             
 
$488,448 


 
163

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
               
Common collective trust
 
$-
 
$208,812
(c)
$-
 
$208,812 
Fixed income securities:
               
U.S. Government securities
 
42,577
(b)
57,151
(a)
-
 
99,728 
Corporate debt instruments
 
-
 
42,807
(a)
-
 
42,807 
Registered investment
companies
 
 
4,659
 
(d)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
4,659 
Other
 
-
 
69,287
(f)
-
 
69,287 
Total investments
 
$47,236
 
$378,057
 
$-
 
$425,293 
                 
Other pending transactions
             
(235)
Plus:  Other postretirement
assets included in the
investments of the qualified
pension trust
             
 
 
 
2,114 
Total fair value of other
postretirement assets
             
 
$427,172 

(a)
Certain preferred stocks and fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)
Common stocks, treasury notes and bonds, and certain preferred stocks and fixed income debt securities are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)
The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of the common collective trusts estimate fair value.
(d)
The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.
(e)
The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.
(f)
The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)
The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $5.4 billion and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


 
164

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

   
December 31,
   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Thousands)
         
Entergy Arkansas
 
$1,161,448
 
$1,013,605
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
$559,190
 
$459,037
Entergy Louisiana
 
$735,376
 
$632,759
Entergy Mississippi
 
$336,099
 
$296,259
Entergy New Orleans
 
$157,233
 
$136,390
Entergy Texas
 
$350,351
 
$308,628
System Energy
 
$251,378
 
$227,617

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2012, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

   
Estimated Future Benefits Payments
   
   
 
 
Qualified
Pension
 
 
 
Non-Qualified
Pension
 
Other
Postretirement
(before
Medicare Subsidy)
 
 
Estimated Future
Medicare Subsidy
Receipts
   
(In Thousands)
Year(s)
               
2013
 
$195,907
 
$62,087
 
$74,981
 
$7,875
2014
 
$209,807
 
$12,440
 
$79,073
 
$8,641
2015
 
$224,922
 
$13,412
 
$83,788
 
$9,476
2016
 
$242,186
 
$10,174
 
$88,458
 
$10,358
2017
 
$261,448
 
$12,248
 
$94,340
 
$11,314
2018 - 2022
 
$1,648,774
 
$67,055
 
$566,249
 
$72,926

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries will be as follows:

Estimated Future
Qualified Pension
Benefits
Payments
 
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Year(s)
                           
2013
 
$53,108
 
$19,664
 
$31,021
 
$15,356
 
$5,906
 
$16,341
 
$8,067
2014
 
$54,438
 
$20,964
 
$32,216
 
$16,248
 
$6,221
 
$17,067
 
$8,571
2015
 
$56,495
 
$22,611
 
$33,392
 
$17,148
 
$6,660
 
$17,906
 
$9,083
2016
 
$58,770
 
$24,361
 
$34,867
 
$18,170
 
$7,125
 
$18,777
 
$9,772
2017
 
$61,203
 
$26,293
 
$36,648
 
$19,171
 
$7,691
 
$19,778
 
$10,393
2018 - 2022
 
$357,927
 
$166,599
 
$216,903
 
$110,145
 
$48,039
 
$114,345
 
$70,026


 
165

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



Estimated Future
Non-Qualified
Pension
Benefits
Payments
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
 
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
Year(s)
                       
2013
 
$208
 
$257
 
$18
 
$118
 
$25
 
$853
2014
 
$357
 
$267
 
$16
 
$114
 
$24
 
$789
2015
 
$335
 
$247
 
$15
 
$110
 
$24
 
$756
2016
 
$289
 
$239
 
$13
 
$103
 
$23
 
$891
2017
 
$288
 
$284
 
$12
 
$100
 
$23
 
$766
2018 - 2022
 
$1,846
 
$1,004
 
$41
 
$601
 
$196
 
$3,304

Estimated Future
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Payments (before
Medicare Part D
Subsidy)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
 
 
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Year(s)
                           
2013
 
$16,034
 
$8,381
 
$10,174
 
$4,624
 
$4,859
 
$6,942
 
$2,423
2014
 
$16,442
 
$8,867
 
$10,588
 
$4,901
 
$4,937
 
$7,218
 
$2,563
2015
 
$17,094
 
$9,499
 
$10,980
 
$5,194
 
$5,025
 
$7,536
 
$2,755
2016
 
$17,650
 
$10,087
 
$11,440
 
$5,482
 
$5,097
 
$7,894
 
$2,894
2017
 
$18,334
 
$10,745
 
$11,978
 
$5,811
 
$5,196
 
$8,331
 
$3,136
2018 - 2022
 
$101,723
 
$64,193
 
$69,660
 
$33,712
 
$26,592
 
$47,415
 
$19,435

Estimated
Future
Medicare Part D
Subsidy
 
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
Year(s)
                           
2013
 
$1,889
 
$835
 
$1,022
 
$584
 
$478
 
$722
 
$265
2014
 
$2,027
 
$910
 
$1,101
 
$639
 
$497
 
$770
 
$297
2015
 
$2,180
 
$992
 
$1,186
 
$691
 
$515
 
$821
 
$331
2016
 
$2,335
 
$1,079
 
$1,274
 
$747
 
$533
 
$874
 
$368
2017
 
$2,500
 
$1,172
 
$1,370
 
$805
 
$551
 
$928
 
$408
2018 - 2022
 
$15,201
 
$7,446
 
$8,492
 
$4,912
 
$2,991
 
$5,463
 
$2,797

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $163.3 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $82.5 million to other postretirement plans in 2013.  The expected 2013 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below.  The required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.

 
166

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Notes to Financial Statements


The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans in 2013:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
                             
Pension Contributions
 
$34,945
 
$11,198
 
$20,731
 
$7,969
 
$3,959
 
$6,666
 
$7,621
Other Postretirement Contributions
 
$26,675
 
$8,381
 
$10,173
 
$5,469
 
$3,669
 
$5,153
 
$4,090

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:

 
2012
 
2011
       
Weighted-average discount rate:
     
Qualified pension
4.31% - 4.50%
 
5.10% - 5.20%
Other postretirement
4.36%
 
5.10%
Non-qualified pension
3.37%
 
4.40%
Weighted-average rate of increase
  in future compensation levels
 
4.23%
 
 
4.23%

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2012,  2011, and 2010 were as follows:

 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
           
Weighted-average discount rate:
         
Qualified pension
5.10% - 5.20%
 
5.60% - 5.70%
 
6.10% - 6.30%
Other postretirement
5.10%
 
5.50%
 
6.10%
Non-qualified pension
4.40%
 
4.90%
 
5.40%
Weighted-average rate of increase
  in future compensation levels
 
4.23%
 
 
4.23%
 
 
4.23%
Expected long-term rate of
  return on plan assets:
         
Pension assets
8.50%
 
8.50%
 
8.50%
Other postretirement non-taxable  assets
8.50%
 
7.75%
 
7.75%
Other postretirement taxable  assets
6.50%
 
5.50%
 
5.50%

Entergy’s other postretirement benefit transition obligations were amortized over 20 years ending in 2012.

The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring Entergy’s December 31, 2012 APBO was 7.50% for pre-65 retirees and 7.25% for post-65 retirees for 2013, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.75% in 2022 and beyond for both pre-65 and post-65 retirees. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring Entergy’s 2012 Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost was 7.75% for pre-65 retirees and 7.50% for post-65 retirees for 2012, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.75% in 2022 and beyond for pre-65 retirees and 4.75% in 2022 and beyond for post-65 retirees.  A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2012 would have the following effects:
 
 
167

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



 
   
1 Percentage Point Increase
 
1 Percentage Point Decrease
 
 
 
2012
 
 
 
Impact on the
APBO
 
Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost
 
 
 
Impact on the
APBO
 
Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost
   
Increase /(Decrease)
(In Thousands)
                 
Entergy Corporation and its
  subsidiaries
 
 
$274,059
 
 
$28,455
 
 
($220,654)
 
 
($22,210)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2012 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries:

   
1 Percentage Point Increase
 
1 Percentage Point Decrease
2012
 
 
 
Impact on the
APBO
 
Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost
 
 
 
Impact on the
APBO
 
Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost
   
Increase/(Decrease)
(In Thousands)
                 
Entergy Arkansas
 
$41,816
 
$3,994
 
($33,880)
 
($3,138)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
$31,702
 
$3,287
 
($25,554)
 
($2,568)
Entergy Louisiana
 
$30,780
 
$3,237
 
($24,858)
 
($2,528)
Entergy Mississippi
 
$13,728
 
$1,346
 
($11,139)
 
($1,057)
Entergy New Orleans
 
$8,410
 
$779
 
($6,924)
 
($619)
Entergy Texas
 
$19,647
 
$1,799
 
($16,034)
 
($1,421)
System Energy
 
$11,304
 
$1,279
 
($9,027)
 
($994)

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 became law.  The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit cost under Medicare (Part D), which started in 2006, as well as a federal subsidy to employers who provide a retiree prescription drug benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

The actuarially estimated effect of future Medicare subsidies reduced the December 31, 2012 and 2011 Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation by $316.6 million and $274 million, respectively, and reduced the 2012, 2011, and 2010 other postretirement benefit cost by $31.2 million, $33.0 million, and $26.6 million, respectively.  In 2012, Entergy received $6 million in Medicare subsidies for prescription drug claims.


 
168

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Notes to Financial Statements


The actuarially estimated effect of future Medicare subsidies and the actual subsidies received for the Registrant Subsidiaries was as follows:

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
Increase/(Decrease) In Thousands
 
 
Impact on 12/31/2012 APBO
 
($62,877)
 
($32,055)
 
 ($36,015)
 
($19,507)
 
($10,902)
 
($21,164)
 
($13,586)
Impact on 12/31/2011 APBO
 
($55,684)
 
($27,834)
 
 ($31,693)
 
($17,687)
 
($10,500)
 
($19,346)
 
($11,036)
                             
Impact on 2012 other
postretirement benefit cost
 
 
($5,791)
 
 
($3,660)
 
 
($3,643)
 
 
($1,799)
 
 
($995)
 
 
($1,321)
 
 
($1.400)
Impact on 2011 other
postretirement benefit cost
 
 
($6,309)
 
 
($3,923)
 
 
($3,889)
 
 
($2,016)
 
 
($1,170)
 
 
($1,528)
 
 
($1,403)
Impact on 2010 other
postretirement benefit cost
 
 
($5,254)
 
 
($3,401)
 
 
($3,143)
 
 
($1,649)
 
 
($1,070)
 
 
($1,109)
 
 
($1,068)
                             
Medicare subsidies received
in 2012
 
 
$1,331 
 
 
$779 
 
 
$908 
 
 
$434 
 
 
$396 
 
 
$644 
 
 
$170 

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and its subsidiaries. The employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions for all non-bargaining and certain bargaining employees to the System Savings Plan in an amount equal to 70% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The 70% match is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and its subsidiaries.  Effective June 3, 2010, employees participating in the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries II (Savings Plan II) were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan II merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $43.7 million in 2012, $42.6 million in 2011, and $41.8 million in 2010.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2012, 2011, and 2010 contributions to defined contribution plans were as follows:

 
 
Year
 
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
   
(In Thousands)
                         
2012
 
$3,223
 
$1,842
 
$2,327
 
$1,875
 
$740
 
$1,601
2011
 
$3,183
 
$1,804
 
$2,260
 
$1,894
 
$725
 
$1,613
2010
 
$3,177
 
$1,792
 
$2,289
 
$1,886
 
$683
 
$1,626


 
 
169

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


NOTE 12.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Entergy Corporation)

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  The Equity Ownership Plan, as restated in February 2003 (2003 Plan), had 743,129 authorized shares remaining for long-term incentive and restricted unit awards as of December 31, 2012.  Effective January 1, 2007, Entergy’s shareholders approved the 2007 Equity Ownership and Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (2007 Plan).  The maximum aggregate number of common shares that can be issued from the 2007 Plan for stock-based awards is 7,000,000 with no more than 2,000,000 available for non-option grants.  The 2007 Plan, which only applies to awards made on or after January 1, 2007, will expire after 10 years.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 1,075,702 authorized shares remaining for stock-based awards, all of which are available for non-option grants.  Effective May 6, 2011, Entergy’s shareholders approved the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (2011 Plan).  The maximum number of common shares that can be issued from the 2011 Plan for stock-based awards is 5,500,000 with no more than 2,000,000 available for incentive stock option grants.  The 2011 Plan, which only applies to awards made on or after May 6, 2011, will expire after 10 years.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 4,263,138 authorized shares remaining for stock-based awards, including 1,447,600 for incentive stock option grants.

Stock Options

Stock options are granted at exercise prices that equal the closing market price of Entergy Corporation common stock on the date of grant.  Generally, stock options granted will become exercisable in equal amounts on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.  Unless they are forfeited previously under the terms of the grant, options expire ten years after the date of the grant if they are not exercised.

The following table includes financial information for stock options for each of the years presented:

 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In Millions)
           
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
$7.7
 
$10.4
 
$15.0
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
$3.0
 
$4.0
 
$5.8
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory
$1.5
 
$2.0
 
$2.9

Entergy determines the fair value of the stock option grants by considering factors such as lack of marketability, stock retention requirements, and regulatory restrictions on exercisability in accordance with accounting standards.  The stock option weighted-average assumptions used in determining the fair values are as follows:

 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
           
Stock price volatility
25.11%
 
24.25%
 
25.73%
Expected term in years
6.55
 
6.64
 
5.46
Risk-free interest rate
1.22%
 
2.70%
 
2.57%
Dividend yield
4.50%
 
4.20%
 
3.74%
Dividend payment per share
$3.32
 
$3.32
 
$3.24

Stock price volatility is calculated based upon the daily public stock price volatility of Entergy Corporation common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the award.  The expected term of the options is based upon historical option exercises and the weighted average life of options when exercised and the estimated weighted average life of all vested but unexercised options.  In 2008, Entergy implemented stock ownership guidelines for its senior executive officers.  These guidelines require an executive officer
 
 
 
170

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

to own shares of Entergy Corporation common stock equal to a specified multiple of his or her salary.  Until an executive officer achieves this ownership position the executive officer is required to retain 75% of the after-tax net profit upon exercise of the option to be held in Entergy Corporation common stock.  The reduction in fair value of the stock options due to this restriction is based upon an estimate of the call option value of the reinvested gain discounted to present value over the applicable reinvestment period. 

A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 and changes during the year are presented below:

   
 
 
Number
of Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
 
Weighted-
Average
Contractual Life
                 
Options outstanding as of January 1, 2012
 
10,459,418 
 
$75.46
       
                 
Options granted
 
552,400 
 
$71.30
       
Options exercised
 
(1,407,159)
 
$44.46
       
Options forfeited/expired
 
(46,313)
 
$76.83
       
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012
 
9,558,346 
 
$79.77
 
$-
 
4.6 years
                 
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2012
 
8,442,157 
 
$80.61
 
$-
 
5.1 years
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of
options granted during 2012
 
 
$9.42 
           

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year was $11.48 for 2011 and $13.18 for 2010.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $39.8 million during 2012, $29.6 million during 2011, and $36.6 million during 2010.  The intrinsic value, which has no effect on net income, of the stock options exercised is calculated by the difference in Entergy Corporation’s common stock price on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the stock options granted.  Because Entergy’s year-end stock price is less than the weighted average exercise price, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2012 was zero.  The intrinsic value of “in the money” stock options is $7.8 million as of December 31, 2012.  Entergy recognizes compensation cost over the vesting period of the options based on their grant-date fair value.  The total fair value of options that vested was approximately $11 million during 2012, $16 million during 2011, and $21 million during 2010.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2012:

   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
 
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
 
 
As of
12/31/2012
 
Weighted-Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Life-Yrs.
 
 
Weighted-
Avg. Exercise
Price
 
Number
Exercisable
as of
12/31/2012
 
 
Weighted-
Avg. Exercise
Price
                     
$37 - $50.99
 
177,046
 
0.1
 
$44.45
 
177,046
 
$44.45
$51 - $64.99
 
858,997
 
1.2
 
$58.60
 
858,997
 
$58.60
$65 - $78.99
 
5,419,319
 
5.3
 
$72.91
 
4,303,130
 
$72.77
$79 - $91.99
 
1,622,984
 
4.1
 
$91.82
 
1,622,984
 
$91.82
$92 - $108.20
 
1,480,000
 
5.1
 
$108.20
 
1,480,000
 
$108.20
$37 - $108.20
 
9,558,346
 
4.6
 
$79.77
 
8,442,157
 
$80.61
 
 
 
171

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Stock-based compensation cost related to non-vested stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 not yet recognized is approximately $5.2 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

In January 2012 the Board approved and Entergy granted 339,700 restricted stock awards under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long-term Cash Incentive Plan.  The restricted stock awards were made effective as of January 26, 2012 and were valued at $71.30 per share, which was the closing price of Entergy Corporation’s common stock on that date.  One-third of the restricted stock awards will vest upon each anniversary of the grant date and are expensed ratably over the three year vesting period.  Shares of restricted stock have the same dividend and voting rights as other common stock and are considered issued and outstanding shares of Entergy upon vesting.

The following table includes financial information for restricted stock for each of the years presented:

 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In Millions)
           
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
$11.4
 
$3.9
 
$-
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
$4.4
 
$1.5
 
$-
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory
$2.0
 
$0.7
 
$-

Long-Term Performance Unit Program

Entergy grants long-term incentive awards earned under its stock benefit plans in the form of performance units, which are equal to the cash value of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock at the end of the performance period, which is the last trading day of the year.  Performance units will pay out to the extent that the performance conditions are satisfied.  In addition to the potential for equivalent share appreciation or depreciation, performance units will earn the cash equivalent of the dividends paid during the three-year performance period applicable to each plan.  The costs of incentive awards are charged to income over the three-year period.  Beginning with the 2012-2014 performance period, upon vesting, the performance units granted under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program will be settled in shares of Entergy common stock rather than cash.  In January 2012 the Board approved and Entergy granted 176,742 performance units under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan.  The performance units were made effective as of January 27, 2012, and were valued at $67.11 per share. Entergy considers factors, primarily market conditions, in determining the value of the performance units. Shares of the performance units have the same dividend and voting rights as other common stock, are considered issued and outstanding shares of Entergy upon vesting, and are expensed ratably over the three-year vesting period.

The following table includes financial information for the long-term performance units for each of the years presented:

 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In Millions)
           
Fair value of long-term performance units as of December 31,
$4.3 
 
$7.3
 
$10.1 
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
($5.0)
 
$0.7
 
($0.9)
Tax benefit (expense) recognized in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
($1.9)
 
$0.3
 
($0.4)
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory
($0.9)
 
$0.1
 
$0.1 

There was no payout in 2012 for the performance units granted in 2009 applicable to the 2009 – 2011 performance period.


 
172

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Restricted Unit Awards

Entergy grants restricted unit awards earned under its stock benefit plans in the form of stock units that are subject to time-based restrictions.  The restricted units are equal to the cash value of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock at the time of vesting.  The costs of restricted unit awards are charged to income over the restricted period, which varies from grant to grant.  The average vesting period for restricted unit awards granted is 36 months.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 78,820 unvested restricted units that are expected to vest over an average period of 17 months.

The following table includes financial information for restricted unit awards for each of the years presented:

 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In Millions)
           
Fair value of restricted awards as of December 31,
$3.0
 
$6.6
 
$8.3
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
$1.3
 
$3.7
 
$3.9
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s Consolidated Net Income
$0.5
 
$1.4
 
$1.5
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory
$0.2
 
$0.7
 
$0.9

Entergy paid $5.3 million in 2012 for awards under the Restricted Units Awards Plan.


NOTE 13. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi,  Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Entergy’s reportable segments as of December 31, 2012 are Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  Utility includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and natural gas utility service in portions of Louisiana.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities includes the ownership and operation of six nuclear power plants located in the northern United States and the sale of the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities also includes the ownership of interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.  “All Other” includes the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and other business activity, including the earnings on the proceeds of sales of previously-owned businesses.

In the fourth quarter 2012, Entergy moved two subsidiaries from All Other to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment to improve the alignment of certain intercompany items and income tax activity.  The 2011 and 2010 information in the tables below has been restated to reflect the change.

 
173

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Notes to Financial Statements



Entergy’s segment financial information is as follows:

 
 
2012
 
 
 
Utility
 
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities*
 
 
 
All Other
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
(In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues
 
$8,005,091
 
$2,326,309
 
$4,048 
 
($33,369)
 
$10,302,079 
Deprec., amort. & decomm.
 
$1,076,845
 
$248,143
 
$4,357 
 
$- 
 
$1,329,345 
Interest and investment income
 
$150,292
 
$105,062
 
$30,656 
 
($158,234)
 
$127,776 
Interest expense
 
$476,485
 
$17,900
 
$126,913 
 
($52,014)
 
$569,284 
Income taxes
 
$49,340
 
$61,329
 
($79,814)
 
$- 
 
$30,855 
Consolidated net income (loss)
 
$960,322
 
$40,427
 
($26,167)
 
($106,219)
 
$868,363 
Total assets
 
$35,438,130
 
$9,623,345
 
($509,985)
 
($1,348,988)
 
$43,202,502 
Investment in affiliates - at equity
 
$199
 
$46,539
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$46,738 
Cash paid for long-lived asset
additions
 
 
$3,182,695
 
 
$577,652
 
 
$619 
 
 
$- 
 
 
$3,760,966 

 
 
2011
 
 
 
Utility
 
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities*
 
 
 
All Other
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
(In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues
 
$8,841,828
 
$2,413,773
 
$4,157 
 
($30,685)
 
$11,229,073 
Deprec., amort. & decomm.
 
$1,027,597
 
$260,643
 
$4,557 
 
$- 
 
$1,292,797 
Interest and investment income
 
$158,737
 
$99,762
 
$16,368 
 
($145,873)
 
$128,994 
Interest expense
 
$455,739
 
$33,067
 
$60,113 
 
($35,292)
 
$513,627 
Income taxes
 
$27,311
 
$176,286
 
$82,666 
 
$- 
 
$286,263 
Consolidated net income (loss)
 
$1,123,866
 
$491,846
 
($137,760)
 
($110,580)
 
$1,367,372 
Total assets
 
$32,734,549
 
$9,796,529
 
$228,691 
 
($2,058,070)
 
$40,701,699 
Investment in affiliates - at equity
 
$199
 
$44,677
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$44,876 
Cash paid for long-lived asset
additions
 
 
$2,351,913
 
 
$1,048,146
 
 
($402)
 
 
$- 
 
 
$3,399,657 

 
 
2010
 
 
 
Utility
 
Entergy
Wholesale
Commodities*
 
 
 
All Other
 
 
 
Eliminations
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
(In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues
 
$8,941,332
 
$2,566,156
 
$7,442 
 
($27,353)
 
$11,487,577 
Deprec., amort. & decomm.
 
$1,006,385
 
$270,663
 
$4,582 
 
$- 
 
$1,281,630 
Interest and investment income
 
$182,493
 
$140,729
 
$73,808 
 
($212,953)
 
$184,077 
Interest expense
 
$493,241
 
$102,728
 
$98,594 
 
($119,396)
 
$575,167 
Income taxes
 
$454,227
 
$247,775
 
($84,763)
 
$- 
 
$617,239 
Consolidated net income
 
$829,719
 
$450,104
 
$84,039 
 
($93,557)
 
$1,270,305 
Total assets
 
$31,080,240
 
$10,102,817
 
($714,968)
 
($1,782,813)
 
$38,685,276 
Investment in affiliates - at equity
 
$199
 
$40,498
 
$- 
 
$- 
 
$40,697 
Cash paid for long-lived asset
additions
 
 
$1,766,609
 
 
$687,313
 
 
$75 
 
 
$- 
 
 
$2,453,997 
 
 
174

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Businesses marked with * are sometimes referred to as the “competitive businesses.”  Eliminations are primarily intersegment activity.  Almost all of Entergy’s goodwill is related to the Utility segment.
 
On April 5, 2010, Entergy announced that, effective immediately, it planned to unwind the business infrastructure associated with its proposed plan to spin-off its non-utility nuclear business.  As a result of the plan to unwind the business infrastructure, Entergy recorded expenses in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.  Other operating and maintenance expense in 2010 includes the write-off of $64 million of capital costs, primarily for software that will not be utilized.  Interest charges in 2010 include the write-off of $39 million of debt financing costs, primarily incurred for the $1.2 billion credit facility related to the planned spin-off of Entergy’s non-utility nuclear business that will not be used.  Approximately $16 million of other costs were incurred in 2010 in connection with unwinding the planned non-utility nuclear spin-off transaction.

Geographic Areas

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the amount of revenue Entergy derived from outside of the United States was insignificant.  As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, Entergy had no long-lived assets located outside of the United States.

Registrant Subsidiaries

Each of the Registrant Subsidiaries has one reportable segment, which is an integrated utility business, except for System Energy, which is an electricity generation business.  Each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ operations is managed on an integrated basis by that company because of the substantial effect of cost-based rates and regulatory oversight on the business process, cost structures, and operating results.


NOTE 14.  EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS (Entergy Corporation)

As of December 31, 2012, Entergy owns investments in the following companies that it accounts for under the equity method of accounting:

Investment
 
Ownership
 
Description
         
RS Cogen LLC
 
50% member interest
 
Co-generation project that produces power and steam on an industrial and merchant basis in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area.
         
Top Deer
 
50% member interest
 
Wind-powered electric generation joint venture.

Following is a reconciliation of Entergy’s investments in equity affiliates:

   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
   
(In Thousands)
             
Beginning of year
 
$44,876 
 
$40,697 
 
$39,580 
Income (loss) from the investments
 
1,162 
 
(88)
 
(2,469)
Dispositions and other adjustments
 
700 
 
4,267 
 
3,586 
End of year
 
$46,738 
 
$44,876 
 
$40,697 

 
 
175

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Notes to Financial Statements


Transactions with equity method investees

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana purchased approximately $2.8 million, $41.1 million, and $50.8 million of electricity generated from Entergy’s share of RS Cogen in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  Entergy’s operating transactions with its other equity method investees were not significant in 2012, 2011, or 2010.


NOTE 15.  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi)

Acquisitions

Hot Spring Energy Facility

In November 2012, Entergy Arkansas purchased the Hot Spring Energy Facility, a 620 MW combined-cycle natural gas turbine unit located in Malvern, Arkansas, from KGen Hot Spring LLC for approximately $253 million.  The FERC and the APSC approved the transaction.

Hinds Energy Facility

In November 2012, Entergy Mississippi purchased the Hinds Energy Facility, a 450 MW combined-cycle natural gas turbine unit located in Jackson, Mississippi, from KGen Hinds LLC for approximately $206 million.  The FERC and the MPSC approved the transaction.

Acadia

In April 2011, Entergy Louisiana purchased Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center, a 580 MW generating unit located near Eunice, Louisiana, from an independent power producer.  The Acadia Energy Center, which entered commercial service in 2002, consists of two combined-cycle gas-fired generating units, each nominally rated at 580 MW.  Entergy Louisiana purchased 100 percent of Acadia Unit 2 and a 50 percent ownership interest in the facility’s common assets for approximately $300 million.  In a separate transaction, Cleco Power acquired Acadia Unit 1 and the other 50 percent interest in the facility’s common assets.  Cleco Power will serve as operator for the entire facility.  The FERC and the LPSC approved the transaction.

Rhode Island State Energy Center

In December 2011 a subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment purchased the Rhode Island State Energy Center, a 583 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating plant located in Johnston, Rhode Island, from a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, for approximately $346 million.  The Rhode Island State Energy Center began commercial operation in 2002.

Palisades Purchased Power Agreement

Entergy’s purchase of the Palisades plant in 2007 included a unit-contingent, 15-year purchased power agreement (PPA) with Consumers Energy for 100% of the plant’s output, excluding any future uprates.  Prices under the PPA range from $43.50/MWh in 2007 to $61.50/MWh in 2022, and the average price under the PPA is $51/MWh.  For the PPA, which was at below-market prices at the time of the acquisition, Entergy will amortize a liability to revenue over the life of the agreement.  The amount that will be amortized each period is based upon the difference between the present value calculated at the date of acquisition of each year’s difference between revenue under the agreement and revenue based on estimated market prices.  Amounts amortized to revenue were $17 million in 2012, $43 million in 2011, and $46 million in 2010.  The amounts to be amortized to revenue for the next five years will be $18 million in 2013, $16 million for 2014, $15 million for 2015, $13 million for 2016, and $12 million for 2017.
 
 
176

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


NYPA Value Sharing Agreements

Entergy’s purchase of the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 plants from NYPA included value sharing agreements with NYPA.  In October 2007, Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA amended and restated the value sharing agreements to clarify and amend certain provisions of the original terms.  Under the amended value sharing agreements, Entergy subsidiaries will make annual payments to NYPA based on the generation output of the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants from January 2007 through December 2014.  Entergy subsidiaries will pay NYPA $6.59 per MWh for power sold from Indian Point 3, up to an annual cap of $48 million, and $3.91 per MWh for power sold from FitzPatrick, up to an annual cap of $24 million.  The annual payment for each year’s output is due by January 15 of the following year.  Entergy will record the liability for payments to NYPA as power is generated and sold by Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick.  An amount equal to the liability will be recorded to the plant asset account as contingent purchase price consideration for the plants.  In 2012, 2011, and 2010, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded approximately $72 million as plant for generation during each of those years.  This amount will be depreciated over the expected remaining useful life of the plants.

Dispositions

Harrison County

In the fourth quarter 2010, an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary sold its ownership interest in the Harrison County Power Project 550 MW combined-cycle plant to two Texas electric cooperatives that owned a minority share of the Marshall, Texas unit.  Entergy sold its 61 percent share of the plant for $219 million and realized a gain of $44.2 million ($27.2 million net-of-tax) on the sale.


NOTE 16.  RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi,  Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Market and Commodity Risks

In the normal course of business, Entergy is exposed to a number of market and commodity risks.  Market risk is the potential loss that Entergy may incur as a result of changes in the market or fair value of a particular instrument or commodity.  All financial and commodity-related instruments, including derivatives, are subject to market risk.  Entergy is subject to a number of commodity and market risks, including:

Type of Risk
 
Affected Businesses
     
Power price risk
 
Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Fuel price risk
 
Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Equity price and interest rate risk - investments
 
Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Entergy manages a portion of these risks using derivative instruments, some of which are classified as cash flow hedges due to their financial settlement provisions while others are classified as normal purchase/normal sale transactions due to their physical settlement provisions.  Normal purchase/normal sale risk management tools include power purchase and sales agreements, fuel purchase agreements, capacity contracts, and tolling agreements.  Financially-settled cash flow hedges can include natural gas and electricity swaps and options, and interest rate swaps.  Entergy will occasionally enter into financially settled swap and option contracts to manage market risk under certain hedging transactions which may or may not be designated as hedging instruments. Entergy enters into derivatives only to manage natural risks inherent in its physical or financial assets or liabilities.
 
 
177

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Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy manages fuel price volatility for its Louisiana jurisdictions (Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Mississippi primarily through the purchase of short-term natural gas swaps.  These swaps are marked-to-market with offsetting regulatory assets or liabilities.  The notional volumes of these swaps are based on a portion of projected annual exposure to gas for electric generation and projected winter purchases for gas distribution at Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

Entergy’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, term, composition, and diversification of positions held, as well as market volatility and liquidity.  For instruments such as options, the time period during which the option may be exercised and the relationship between the current market price of the underlying instrument and the option’s contractual strike or exercise price also affects the level of market risk.  A significant factor influencing the overall level of market risk to which Entergy is exposed is its use of hedging techniques to mitigate such risk.  Entergy manages market risk by actively monitoring compliance with stated risk management policies as well as monitoring the effectiveness of its hedging policies and strategies.  Entergy’s risk management policies limit the amount of total net exposure and rolling net exposure during the stated periods.  These policies, including related risk limits, are regularly assessed to ensure their appropriateness given Entergy’s objectives.

Derivatives

The fair values of Entergy’s derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

Instrument
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value (a)
 
Offset (a)
 
Business
                 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
               
                 
Assets:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Prepayments and other (current portion)
 
$123 million
 
($-)
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion)
 
$46 million
 
($10) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
                 
Liabilities:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion)
 
$18 million
 
($11) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
               
                 
Assets:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Prepayments and other (current portion)
 
$22 million
 
($-)
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion)
 
$24 million
 
($14) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
                 
Liabilities:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion)
 
$19 million
 
($13) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Natural gas swaps
 
Other current liabilities
 
$8 million
 
($-)
 
Utility


 
178

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Notes to Financial Statements


The fair values of Entergy’s derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

Instrument
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value (a)
 
Offset (a)
 
Business
                 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
               
                 
Assets:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Prepayments and other (current portion)
 
$197 million
 
($25) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion)
 
$112 million
 
($1) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
                 
Liabilities:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion)
 
$1 million
 
($1) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
               
                 
Assets:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Prepayments and other (current portion)
 
$37 million
 
($8) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
                 
Liabilities:
               
Electricity swaps and options
 
Other current liabilities (current portion)
 
$33 million
 
($33) million
 
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Natural gas swaps
 
Other current liabilities
 
$30 million
 
($-)
 
Utility

(a)
The balances of derivative assets and liabilities in these tables are presented gross.  Certain investments, including those not designated as hedging instruments, are subject to master netting agreements and are presented on the Entergy Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for Derivatives and Hedging.

The effect of Entergy’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are as follows:

 
 
Instrument
 
Amount of gain
recognized in other
comprehensive income
 
 
 
Income Statement location
 
Amount of gain
 reclassified from
AOCI into income
             
2012
           
Electricity swaps and options
 
$111 million
 
Competitive businesses operating revenues
 
$268 million
             
2011
           
Electricity swaps and options
 
$296 million
 
Competitive businesses operating revenues
 
$168 million
             
2010
           
Electricity swaps and options
 
$206 million
 
Competitive businesses operating revenues
 
$220 million
 
 
179

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

Electricity over-the-counter instruments that financially settle against day-ahead power pool prices are used to manage price exposure for Entergy Wholesale Commodities generation.  Based on market prices as of December 31, 2012, cash flow hedges relating to power sales totaled $151 million of net unrealized gains.  Approximately $123 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to operating revenues in the next twelve months.  The actual amount reclassified from AOCI, however, could vary due to future changes in market prices.  Gains totaling approximately $268 million, $168 million, and $220 million were realized on the maturity of cash flow hedges, before taxes of $94 million, $59 million, and $77 million, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  Unrealized gains or losses recorded in other comprehensive income result from hedging power output at the Entergy Wholesale Commodities power plants.  The related gains or losses from hedging power are included in operating revenues when realized.  The maximum length of time over which Entergy is currently hedging the variability in future cash flows with derivatives for forecasted power transactions at December 31, 2012 is approximately two years.  Planned generation currently under contract from Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants is 85% for 2013, of which approximately 51% is sold under financial derivatives and the remainder under normal purchase/normal sale contracts.  The change in fair value of Entergy’s cash flow hedges due to ineffectiveness was ($14) million, ($6) million, and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is recorded in competitive businesses operating revenues.

Certain of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy Wholesale Commodities power plants contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide collateral to secure its obligations when the current market prices exceed the contracted power prices.  The primary form of collateral to satisfy these requirements is an Entergy Corporation guarantee.  As of December 31, 2012, hedge contracts with two counterparties were in a liability position (approximately $2 million total), but were significantly below the amount of the guarantee provided under the contract and no cash collateral was required. As of December 31, 2011, there were no hedge contracts with counterparties in a liability position. If the Entergy Corporation credit rating falls below investment grade, the effect of the corporate guarantee is ignored and Entergy would have to post collateral equal to the estimated outstanding liability under the contract at the applicable date.   Entergy may effectively liquidate a cash flow hedge instrument by entering into a contract offsetting the original hedge, and then de-designating the original hedge in this situation.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income prior to de-designation continue to be deferred in other comprehensive income until they are included in income as the original hedged transaction occurs. From the point of de-designation, the gains or losses on the original hedge and the offsetting contract are recorded as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and offset as they flow through to earnings.

Natural gas over-the-counter swaps that financially settle against NYMEX futures are used to manage fuel price volatility for the Utility’s Louisiana and Mississippi customers.  All benefits or costs of the program are recorded in fuel costs.  The total volume of natural gas swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2012 is 39,380,000 MMBtu for Entergy, 12,670,000 MMBtu for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, 16,300,000 MMBtu for Entergy Louisiana, and 10,410,000 MMBtu for Entergy Mississippi.  Credit support for these natural gas swaps is covered by master agreements that do not require collateralization based on mark-to-market value, but do carry adequate assurance language that may lead to collateralization requests.


 
180

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The effect of Entergy’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:


 
Instrument
 
Amount of gain
recognized in AOCI
 
Income Statement
location
 
Amount of gain (loss)
recorded in income
             
2012
           
Natural gas swaps
 
-
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($42) million
Electricity swaps and options de-designated as hedged items
 
$1 million
 
Competitive businesses operating revenues
 
$1 million
             
2011
           
Natural gas swaps
 
 -
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($62) million
Electricity swaps and options de-designated as hedged items
 
$1 million
 
Competitive businesses operating revenues
 
$11 million
             
2010
           
Natural gas swaps
 
 -
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($95) million
Electricity swaps and options de-designated as hedged items
 
$15 million
 
Competitive businesses operating revenues
 
$-

Due to regulatory treatment, the natural gas swaps are marked to market through fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability.  The gains or losses recorded as fuel expenses when the swaps are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms.

The fair values of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

Instrument
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Registrant
             
             
2012
           
Liabilities:
           
Natural gas swaps
 
Gas hedge contracts
 
$2.6 million
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Gas hedge contracts
 
$3.4 million
 
Entergy Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Other current liabilities
 
$2.2 million
 
Entergy Mississippi
             
2011
           
Liabilities:
           
Natural gas swaps
 
Gas hedge contracts
 
$8.6 million
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Gas hedge contracts
 
$12.4 million
 
Entergy Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Other current liabilities
 
$7.8 million
 
Entergy Mississippi
Natural gas swaps
 
Other current liabilities
 
$1.5 million
 
Entergy New Orleans


 
181

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



The effects of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are as follows:

 
 
Instrument
 
 
 
Statement of Income Location
 
Amount of loss
recorded
in income
 
 
 
Registrant
             
2012
           
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($12.9) million
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($16.2) million
 
Entergy Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($11.2) million
 
Entergy Mississippi
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($1.5) million
 
Entergy New Orleans
2011
           
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($17.9) million
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($25.6) million
 
Entergy Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($15.0) million
 
Entergy Mississippi
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($3.2) million
 
Entergy New Orleans
2010
           
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($25.0) million
 
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($40.5) million
 
Entergy Louisiana
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($27.5) million
 
Entergy Mississippi
Natural gas swaps
 
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale
 
($1.7) million
 
Entergy New Orleans

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments other than those instruments held by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are reflected in future rates and therefore do not accrue to the benefit or detriment of shareholders.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Accounting standards define fair value as an exit price, or the price that would be received to sell an asset or the amount that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable market participants at the date of measurement.  Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries use assumptions or market input data that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at fair value.  The inputs can be readily observable, corroborated by market data, or generally unobservable.  Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries endeavor to use the best available information to determine fair value.
 
 
182

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy establishes the highest priority for unadjusted market quotes in an active market for the identical asset or liability and the lowest priority for unobservable inputs.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

·  
Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  Level 1 primarily consists of individually owned common stocks, cash equivalents (temporary cash investments, securitization recovery trust account, and escrow accounts), debt instruments, and gas hedge contracts. See Note 1 to the financial statements for a discussion of cash and cash equivalents.

·  
Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by independent third parties that use inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden by Entergy if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-  
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-  
quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-  
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-  
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 2 consists primarily of individually-owned debt instruments or shares in common trusts.  Common trust funds are stated at estimated fair value based on the fair market value of the underlying investments.

·  
Level 3 - Level 3 inputs are pricing inputs that are generally less observable or unobservable from objective sources.  These inputs are used with internally developed methodologies to produce management’s best estimate of fair value for the asset or liability.  Level 3 consists primarily of derivative power contracts used as cash flow hedges of power sales at merchant power plants.

The values for power contract assets or liabilities are based on both observable inputs including public market prices and interest rates, and unobservable inputs such as implied volatilities, unit contingent discounts, expected basis differences, and credit adjusted counterparty interest rates.  They are classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities.  The valuations of these assets and liabilities are performed by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities Risk Control group and sent to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities Back Office and Entergy Nuclear Finance groups for evaluation.  The primary functions of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities Risk Control Group include: gathering, validating and reporting market data, providing market and credit risk analyses and valuations in support of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ commercial transactions, developing and administering protocols for the management of market and credit risks, implementing and maintaining controls around changes to market data in the energy trading and risk management system, reviewing creditworthiness of counterparties, supporting contract negotiations with new counterparties, administering credit support for contracts, and managing the daily margining process.  The primary functions of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities Back Office are managing the energy trading and risk management system, forecasting revenues, forward positions and analysis, performing contract administration, market and counterparty settlements and revenue reporting and analysis along with maintaining related controls for Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  Both Entergy Wholesale Commodities Risk Control and Entergy Wholesale Commodities Back Office report to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities VP, Finance & Risk Group.  Entergy Nuclear Finance is primarily responsible for the financial planning of Entergy’s utility and non-utility nuclear businesses and has a significant role in accounting for the activities and transactions of the associated companies.  The VP, Chief Financial Officer – Nuclear Operations within Entergy Nuclear Finance reports to the Chief Accounting Officer.

 
 
 
183

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The amounts reflected as the fair value of electricity swaps are based on the estimated amount that the contracts are in-the-money at the balance sheet date (treated as an asset) or out-of-the-money at the balance sheet date (treated as a liability) and would equal the estimated amount receivable or payable by Entergy if the contracts were settled at that date.  These derivative contracts include cash flow hedges that swap fixed for floating cash flows for sales of the output from the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business.  The fair values are based on the mark-to-market comparison between the fixed contract prices and the floating prices determined each period from quoted forward power market prices.  The differences between the fixed price in the swap contract and these market-related prices multiplied by the volume specified in the contract and discounted at the counterparties’ credit adjusted risk free rate are recorded as derivative contract assets or liabilities.  For contracts that have unit contingent terms, a further discount is applied based on the historical relationship between contract and market prices for similar contract terms.

The amounts reflected as the fair values of electricity options are valued based on a Black Scholes model, and are calculated at the end of each month for accounting purposes.  Inputs to the valuation  include end of day forward market prices for the period when the transactions will settle, implied volatilities based on market volatilities provided by a third party data aggregator, and US Treasury rates for a risk-free return rate.  As described further below, prices and implied volatilities are reviewed and can be adjusted if it is determined that there is a better representation of fair value.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy had in-the-money derivative contracts with a fair value of $180 million with counterparties or their guarantor who are all currently investment grade.  $2 million of the derivative contracts as of December 31, 2012 are out-of-the-money contracts supported by corporate guarantees, which would require additional cash or letters of credit in the event of a decrease in Entergy Corporation’s credit rating to below investment grade.

On a daily basis, Entergy Wholesale Commodities calculates the mark-to-market for all derivative transactions.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities Risk Control Group also validates forward market prices by comparing them to settlement prices of actual market transactions.  Significant differences are analyzed and potentially adjusted based on actual transaction clearing prices, or a methodology that considers natural gas prices and market heat rates.  Implied volatilities used to value options are also validated using actual counterparty quotes for Entergy Wholesale Commodities transactions.  Moreover, on at least a monthly basis the Office of Corporate Risk Oversight confirms the mark-to-market calculations and prepares price scenarios and credit downgrade scenario analysis.  The scenario analysis is communicated to senior management within Entergy and within Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  Finally, for all proposed derivative transactions an analysis is completed to assess the risk of adding the proposed derivative to Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ portfolio.  In particular, the credit, liquidity, and financial metrics impacts are calculated for this analysis.  This analysis is communicated to senior management within Entergy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.


 
184

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, Entergy’s assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$420
 
$-
 
$-
 
$420
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
358
 
2,101
 
-
 
2,459
Debt securities
 
769
 
962
 
-
 
1,731
Power contracts
 
-
 
-
 
191
 
191
Securitization recovery trust account
 
46
 
-
 
-
 
46
Escrow accounts
 
386
 
-
 
-
 
386
   
$1,979
 
$3,063
 
$191
 
$5,233
                 
Liabilities:
               
Power contracts
 
$-
 
$-
 
$13
 
$13
Gas hedge contracts
 
8
 
-
 
-
 
8
   
$8
 
$-
 
$13
 
$21


2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$613
 
$-
 
$-
 
$613
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
397
 
1,732
 
-
 
2,129
Debt securities
 
639
 
1,020
 
-
 
1,659
Power contracts
 
-
 
-
 
312
 
312
Securitization recovery trust account
 
50
 
-
 
-
 
50
Escrow accounts
 
335
 
-
 
-
 
335
   
$2,034
 
$2,752
 
$312
 
$5,098
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$30
 
$-
 
$-
 
$30

(a)
The decommissioning trust funds hold equity and fixed income securities. Equity securities are invested to approximate the returns of major market indices.  Fixed income securities are held in various governmental and corporate securities.  See Note 17 for additional information on the investment portfolios.


 
185

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010:

   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
   
(In Millions)
             
Balance as of January 1,
 
$312 
 
$197 
 
$200 
             
Unrealized gains from price changes
 
139 
 
274 
 
220 
Unrealized gains (losses) on originations
 
 
15 
 
(4)
Realized gains (losses) included in earnings
 
(14)
 
(6)
 
Realized gains on settlements
 
(268)
 
(168)
 
(220)
             
Balance as of December 31,
 
$178 
 
$312 
 
$197 

The following table sets forth a description of the types of transactions classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, and the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs to each which cause that classification, as of December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
Transaction Type
 
 
Fair Value
as of
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Range
from
Average
%
 
 
 
 
Effect on
Fair Value
                 
Electricity swaps
 
$104 million
 
Unit contingent discount
 
+/-3%
 
$5 million
Electricity options
 
$74 million
 
Implied volatility
 
+/-21%
 
$37 million
 

The following table sets forth an analysis of each of the types of unobservable inputs impacting the fair value of items classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, and the sensitivity to changes to those inputs:

Significant
Unobservable
Input
 
 
 
Transaction Type
 
 
 
Position
 
 
 
Change to Input
 
 
Effect on
Fair Value
                 
Unit contingent discount
 
Electricity swaps
 
Sell
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Decrease (Increase)
Implied volatility
 
Electricity options
 
Sell
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
Implied volatility
 
Electricity options
 
Buy
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Registrant Subsidiaries’ assets that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect its placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.



 
186

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy Arkansas

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$24.9
 
$-
 
$-
 
$24.9
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
9.5
 
374.5
 
-
 
384.0
Debt securities
 
94.3
 
122.3
 
-
 
216.6
Securitization recovery trust account
 
4.4
 
-
 
-
 
4.4
Escrow accounts
 
38.0
 
-
 
-
 
38.0
   
$171.1
 
$496.8
 
$-
 
$667.9

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$17.9
 
$-
 
$-
 
$17.9
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
6.3
 
323.1
 
-
 
329.4
Debt securities
 
82.8
 
129.5
 
-
 
212.3
Securitization recovery trust account
 
3.9
 
-
 
-
 
3.9
   
$110.9
 
$452.6
 
$-
 
$563.5

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$0.6
 
$-
 
$-
 
$0.6
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
5.5
 
283.0
 
-
 
288.5
Debt securities
 
49.5
 
139.4
 
-
 
188.9
Escrow accounts
 
87.0
 
-
 
-
 
87.0
   
$142.6
 
$422.4
 
$-
 
$565.0
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$2.6
 
$-
 
$-
 
$2.6

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$24.6
 
$-
 
$-
 
$24.6
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
5.1
 
233.6
 
-
 
238.7
Debt securities
 
39.5
 
142.7
 
-
 
182.2
Escrow accounts
 
90.2
 
-
 
-
 
90.2
   
$159.4
 
$376.3
 
$-
 
$535.7
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$8.6
 
$-
 
$-
 
$8.6

 
187

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements




Entergy Louisiana

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$29.3
 
$-
 
$-
 
$29.3
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
2.0
 
173.5
 
-
 
175.5
Debt securities
 
52.6
 
59.3
 
-
 
111.9
Securitization recovery trust account
 
4.4
 
-
 
-
 
4.4
Escrow accounts
 
187.0
 
-
 
-
 
187.0
   
$275.3
 
$232.8
 
$-
 
$508.1
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$3.4
 
$-
 
$-
 
$3.4

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
$2.9
 
$146.3
 
$-
 
$149.2
Debt securities
 
51.6
 
53.2
 
-
 
104.8
Securitization recovery trust account
 
5.2
 
-
 
-
 
5.2
Escrow accounts
 
201.2
 
-
 
-
 
201.2
   
$260.9
 
$199.5
 
$-
 
$460.4
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$12.4
 
$-
 
$-
 
$12.4


Entergy Mississippi

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$52.4
 
$-
 
$-
 
$52.4
Escrow accounts
 
61.8
 
-
 
-
 
61.8
   
$114.2
 
$-
 
$-
 
$114.2
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$2.2
 
$-
 
$-
 
$2.2

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Escrow accounts
 
$31.8
 
$-
 
$-
 
$31.8
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$7.8
 
$-
 
$-
 
$7.8


 
188

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy New Orleans

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$9.1
 
$-
 
$-
 
$9.1
Escrow accounts
 
10.6
 
-
 
-
 
10.6
   
$19.7
 
$-
 
$-
 
$19.7

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$9.3
 
$-
 
$-
 
$9.3
Escrow accounts
 
12.0
 
-
 
-
 
12.0
   
$21.3
 
$-
 
$-
 
$21.3
                 
Liabilities:
               
Gas hedge contracts
 
$1.5
 
$-
 
$-
 
$1.5

Entergy Texas

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets :
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$59.7
 
$-
 
$-
 
$59.7
Securitization recovery trust account
 
37.3
 
-
 
-
 
37.3
   
$97.0
 
$-
 
$-
 
$97.0

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets :
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$65.1
 
$-
 
$-
 
$65.1
Securitization recovery trust account
 
41.2
 
-
 
-
 
41.2
   
$106.3
 
$-
 
$-
 
$106.3

System Energy

2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$83.5
 
$-
 
$-
 
$83.5
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
1.6
 
282.0
 
-
 
283.6
Debt securities
 
141.1
 
65.9
 
-
 
207.0
   
$226.2
 
$347.9
 
$-
 
$574.1

2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
(In Millions)
Assets:
               
Temporary cash investments
 
$154.2
 
$-
 
$-
 
$154.2
Decommissioning trust funds (a):
               
Equity securities
 
2.7
 
234.5
 
-
 
237.2
Debt securities
 
123.2
 
63.0
 
-
 
186.2
   
$280.1
 
$297.5
 
$-
 
$577.6
 
 
189

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



(a)
The decommissioning trust funds hold equity and fixed income securities. Equity securities are invested to approximate the returns of major market indices.  Fixed income securities are held in various governmental and corporate securities.  See Note 17 for additional information on the investment portfolios.


NOTE 17.    DECOMMISSIONING TRUST FUNDS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)

Entergy holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The NRC requires Entergy subsidiaries to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning ANO 1, ANO 2, River Bend, Waterford 3, Grand Gulf, Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades (NYPA currently retains the decommissioning trusts and liabilities for Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick).  The funds are invested primarily in equity securities, fixed-rate fixed-income securities, and cash and cash equivalents.

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities in other regulatory liabilities/assets.  For the nonregulated portion of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) in other deferred credits.  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  Generally, Entergy records realized gains and losses on its debt and equity securities using the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of its securities.

The securities held as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

   
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
             
2012
           
Equity Securities
 
$2,459
 
$662
 
$1
Debt Securities
 
1,731
 
116
 
5
  Total
 
$4,190
 
$778
 
$6

             
2011
           
Equity Securities
 
$2,129
 
$423
 
$14
Debt Securities
 
1,659
 
115
 
5
  Total
 
$3,788
 
$538
 
$19

Deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income for the decommissioning trusts which do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment as described above. Unrealized gains/(losses) above are reported before deferred taxes of $211 million and $149 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $1,637 million as of December 31, 2012 and $1,530 million as of December 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2012, the debt securities
 
 
190

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.78%, an average duration of approximately 5.43 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.50 years.  The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate or somewhat exceed the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  A relatively small percentage of the securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index or the Russell 3000 Index.

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2012:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$37
 
$1
 
$175
 
$1
More than 12 months
 
20
 
-
 
48
 
4
  Total
 
$57
 
$1
 
$223
 
$5

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2011:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$130
 
$9
 
$123
 
$3
More than 12 months
 
43
 
5
 
60
 
2
  Total
 
$173
 
$14
 
$183
 
$5

The unrealized losses in excess of twelve months on equity securities above relate to Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy.

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
less than 1 year
 
$53
 
$69
1 year - 5 years
 
681
 
566
5 years - 10 years
 
562
 
583
10 years - 15 years
 
164
 
187
15 years - 20 years
 
61
 
42
20 years+
 
210
 
212
  Total
 
$1,731
 
$1,659
 
 
191

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $2,074 million, $1,360 million, and $2,606 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, gross gains of $39 million, $29 million, and $69 million, respectively, and gross losses of $7 million, $11 million, and $9 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income into earnings.

Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

   
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
2012
           
Equity Securities
 
$384.0
 
$116.1
 
$-
Debt Securities
 
216.6
 
14.5
 
0.2
Total
 
$600.6
 
$130.6
 
$0.2
             
2011
           
Equity Securities
 
$329.4
 
$70.9
 
$0.4
Debt Securities
 
212.3
 
15.2
 
0.4
Total
 
$541.7
 
$86.1
 
$0.8

The amortized cost of debt securities was $202.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and $197.5 million as of December 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2012, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.24%, an average duration of approximately 5.28 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.15 years.  The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  A relatively small percentage of the securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2012:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$0.2
 
$-
 
$24.4
 
$0.2
More than 12 months
 
-
 
-
 
1.0
 
-
Total
 
$0.2
 
$-
 
$25.4
 
$0.2


 
192

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2011:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$13.7
 
$0.4
 
$14.3
 
$0.4
More than 12 months
 
-
 
-
 
1.0
 
-
Total
 
$13.7
 
$0.4
 
$15.3
 
$0.4

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
         
less than 1 year
 
$8.8
 
$7.8
1 year - 5 years
 
98.6
 
86.5
5 years - 10 years
 
93.1
 
109.1
10 years - 15 years
 
5.1
 
2.7
20 years+
 
11.0
 
6.2
Total
 
$216.6
 
$212.3

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $144.3 million, $125.4 million, and $367.3 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, gross gains of $3.4 million, $3.9 million, and $29.2 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $0.8 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

   
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
2012
           
Equity Securities
 
$288.5
 
$69.8
 
$-
Debt Securities
 
188.9
 
15.8
 
0.1
Total
 
$477.4
 
$85.6
 
$0.1
             
2011
           
Equity Securities
 
$238.7
 
$40.9
 
$0.8
Debt Securities
 
182.2
 
15.2
 
0.3
Total
 
$420.9
 
$56.1
 
$1.1
             
 
 
193

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



The amortized cost of debt securities was $174.1 million as of December 31, 2012 and $166.9 million as of December 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2012, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 4.74%, an average duration of approximately 5.58 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.70 years.  The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  A relatively small percentage of the securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2012:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$1.2
 
$-
 
$9.1
 
$0.1
More than 12 months
 
1.0
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Total
 
$2.2
 
$-
 
$9.1
 
$0.1

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2011:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$14.0
 
$0.5
 
$9.3
 
$0.2
More than 12 months
 
2.7
 
0.3
 
1.1
 
0.1
  Total
 
$16.7
 
$0.8
 
$10.4
 
$0.3

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
         
less than 1 year
 
$8.0
 
$7.1
1 year - 5 years
 
43.5
 
40.8
5 years - 10 years
 
63.5
 
53.5
10 years - 15 years
 
55.8
 
62.9
15 years - 20 years
 
8.5
 
3.2
20 years+
 
9.6
 
14.7
  Total
 
$188.9
 
$182.2

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $131.0 million, $76.8 million, and $100.8 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, gross gains of $6.7 million, $2.8 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.04 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.
 
 
194

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

   
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
2012
           
Equity Securities
 
$175.5
 
$48.9
 
$0.1
Debt Securities
 
111.9
 
9.4
 
0.1
Total
 
$287.4
 
$58.3
 
$0.2
             
2011
           
Equity Securities
 
$149.2
 
$29.7
 
$1.6
Debt Securities
 
104.8
 
8.8
 
0.2
Total
 
$254.0
 
$38.5
 
$1.8

The amortized cost of debt securities was $102.6 million as of December 31, 2012 and $91.9 million as of December 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2012, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.64%, an average duration of approximately 5.38 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.39 years.  The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  A relatively small percentage of the securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2012:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$0.7
 
$-
 
$3.4
 
$-
More than 12 months
 
5.6
 
0.1
 
0.5
 
0.1
  Total
 
$6.3
 
$0.1
 
$3.9
 
$0.1


 
195

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2011:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$11.6
 
$0.3
 
$5.5
 
$0.2
More than 12 months
 
10.0
 
1.3
 
0.2
 
-
  Total
 
$21.6
 
$1.6
 
$5.7
 
$0.2

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
         
less than 1 year
 
$1.9
 
$3.9
1 year - 5 years
 
42.3
 
39.8
5 years - 10 years
 
24.9
 
22.2
10 years - 15 years
 
18.8
 
18.9
15 years - 20 years
 
1.7
 
2.2
20 years+
 
22.3
 
17.8
  Total
 
$111.9
 
$104.8

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $27.6 million, $19.9 million, and $44.5 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, gross gains of $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.04 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

System Energy

System Energy holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

   
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
2012
           
Equity Securities
 
$283.6
 
$63.6
 
$0.2
Debt Securities
 
207.0
 
9.3
 
0.1
Total
 
$490.6
 
$72.9
 
$0.3
             
2011
           
Equity Securities
 
$237.2
 
$35.4
 
$5.4
Debt Securities
 
186.2
 
9.5
 
0.1
Total
 
$423.4
 
$44.9
 
$5.5
 
 
196

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

The amortized cost of debt securities was $197.8 million as of December 31, 2012 and $175.1 million as of December 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2012, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.60%, an average duration of approximately 4.52 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.13 years.  The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  A relatively small percentage of the securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2012:

   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$1.4
 
$-
 
$15.5
 
$0.1
More than 12 months
 
13.0
 
0.2
 
-
 
-
  Total
 
$14.4
 
$0.2
 
$15.5
 
$0.1

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2011:


   
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
(In Millions)
                 
Less than 12 months
 
$41.3
 
$1.8
 
$10.5
 
$0.1
More than 12 months
 
30.0
 
3.6
 
-
 
-
  Total
 
$71.3
 
$5.4
 
$10.5
 
$0.1

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
         
less than 1 year
 
$1.3
 
$10.2
1 year - 5 years
 
128.7
 
94.6
5 years - 10 years
 
53.9
 
57.9
10 years - 15 years
 
2.3
 
2.6
15 years - 20 years
 
1.4
 
2.9
20 years+
 
19.4
 
18.0
  Total
 
$207.0
 
$186.2


 
197

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $349.4 million, $203.4 million, and $322.8 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, gross gains of $3.6 million, $2.7 million, and $4.4 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $1.2 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains and losses

Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy evaluate unrealized losses at the end of each period to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  Entergy did not have any material other-than-temporary impairments relating to credit losses on debt securities for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment continues to be based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  Entergy did not record material charges to other income in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.


NOTE 18.  VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Under applicable authoritative accounting guidance, a variable interest entity (VIE) is an entity that conducts a business or holds property that possesses any of the following characteristics: an insufficient amount of equity at risk to finance its activities, equity owners who do not have the power to direct the significant activities of the entity (or have voting rights that are disproportionate to their ownership interest), or where equity holders do not receive expected losses or returns.  An entity may have an interest in a VIE through ownership or other contractual rights or obligations, and is required to consolidate a VIE if it is the VIE’s primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, and has the obligation to absorb losses or has the right to residual returns that would potentially be significant to the entity.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy consolidate the respective companies from which they lease nuclear fuel, usually in a sale and leaseback transaction.  This is because Entergy directs the nuclear fuel companies with respect to nuclear fuel purchases, assists the nuclear fuel companies in obtaining financing, and, if financing cannot be arranged, the lessee (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, or System Energy) is responsible to repurchase nuclear fuel to allow the nuclear fuel company (the VIE) to meet its obligations.  During the term of the arrangements, none of the Entergy operating companies have been required to provide financial support apart from their scheduled lease payments.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for details of the nuclear fuel companies’ credit facility and commercial paper borrowings and long-term debt that are reported by Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy.  These amounts also represent Entergy’s and the respective Registrant Subsidiary’s maximum exposure to losses associated with their respective interests in the nuclear fuel companies.


 
198

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding I, LLC, and Entergy Texas Restoration Funding, LLC, companies wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Texas, are variable interest entities and Entergy Texas is the primary beneficiary.  In June 2007, Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding issued senior secured transition bonds (securitization bonds) to finance Entergy Texas’s Hurricane Rita reconstruction costs.  In November 2009, Entergy Texas Restoration Funding issued senior secured transition bonds (securitization bonds) to finance Entergy Texas’s Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Gustav restoration costs.  With the proceeds, the variable interest entities purchased from Entergy Texas the transition property, which is the right to recover from customers through a transition charge amounts sufficient to service the securitization bonds.  The transition property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Texas balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Texas do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of the variable interest entities, including the transition property, and the creditors of the variable interest entities do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Texas.  Entergy Texas has no payment obligations to the variable interest entities except to remit transition charge collections.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional details regarding the securitization bonds.

Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Arkansas, is a variable interest entity and Entergy Arkansas is the primary beneficiary.  In August 2010, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding issued storm cost recovery bonds to finance Entergy Arkansas’s January 2009 ice storm damage restoration costs.  With the proceeds, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding purchased from Entergy Arkansas the storm recovery property, which is the right to recover from customers through a storm recovery charge amounts sufficient to service the securitization bonds.  The storm recovery property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Arkansas balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Arkansas do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, including the storm recovery property, and the creditors of Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Arkansas.  Entergy Arkansas has no payment obligations to Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding except to remit storm recovery charge collections.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional details regarding the storm cost recovery bonds.

Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding I, L.L.C., a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Louisiana, is a variable interest entity and Entergy Louisiana is the primary beneficiary.  In September 2011, Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding issued investment recovery bonds to recover Entergy Louisiana’s investment recovery costs associated with the cancelled Little Gypsy repowering project.  With the proceeds, Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding purchased from Entergy Louisiana the investment recovery property, which is the right to recover from customers through an investment recovery charge amounts sufficient to service the bonds.  The investment recovery property is reflected as a regulatory asset on the consolidated Entergy Louisiana balance sheet.  The creditors of Entergy Louisiana do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding, including the investment recovery property, and the creditors of Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of Entergy Louisiana.  Entergy Louisiana has no payment obligations to Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding except to remit investment recovery charge collections.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional details regarding the investment recovery bonds.

Entergy Louisiana and System Energy are also considered to each hold a variable interest in the lessors from which they lease undivided interests in the Waterford 3 and Grand Gulf nuclear plants, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana and System Energy are the lessees under these arrangements, which are described in more detail in Note 10 to the financial statements.  Entergy Louisiana made payments on its lease, including interest, of $39.1 million in 2012, $50.4 million in 2011, and $35.1 million in 2010.  System Energy made payments on its lease, including interest, of $50 million in 2012, $49.4 million in 2011, and $48.6 million in 2010.  The lessors are banks acting in the capacity of owner trustee for the benefit of equity investors in the transactions pursuant to trust agreements entered solely for the purpose of facilitating the lease transactions.  It is possible that Entergy Louisiana and System Energy may be considered as the primary beneficiary of the lessors, but Entergy is unable to apply the authoritative accounting guidance with respect to these VIEs because the lessors are not required to, and could not, provide the necessary financial information to consolidate the lessors.  Because Entergy accounts for these leasing arrangements as capital financings, however, Entergy believes that consolidating the lessors would not materially affect the financial statements.  In the unlikely event of default under a lease, remedies available to the lessor include payment by the lessee of the fair value of the undivided interest in the plant, payment of the present value of the basic rent payments, or payment of a predetermined casualty value.  Entergy believes, however, that the obligations recorded on the balance sheets materially represent each company’s potential exposure to loss.
 
 
199

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements

Entergy has also reviewed various lease arrangements, power purchase agreements, and other agreements in which it holds a variable interest.  In these cases, Entergy has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the related VIE because it does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, or it does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to residual returns that would potentially be significant to the entity, or both.
 
 
NOTE 19.   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Each Registrant Subsidiary purchases electricity from or sells electricity to the other Registrant Subsidiaries, or both, under rate schedules filed with FERC.  The Registrant Subsidiaries receive management, technical, advisory, operating, and administrative services from Entergy Services; receive management, technical, and operating services from Entergy Operations; and until the first quarter 2011 purchased fuel from System Fuels.  These transactions are on an “at cost” basis.  In addition, Entergy Power sells electricity to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans.  RS Cogen sells electricity to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, all of System Energy’s operating revenues consist of billings to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans.

As described in Note 4 to the financial statements, the Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s money pool and earn interest income from the money pool.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans also received interest income from System Fuels until the first quarter 2011, when System Fuels repaid each company’s investment in System Fuels.  As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana receive preferred membership distributions from Entergy Holdings Company.

The tables below contain the various affiliate transactions of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and other Entergy affiliates.

Intercompany Revenues

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Millions)
                             
2012
 
$324.0
 
$380.6
 
$138.2
 
$36.1
 
$43.9
 
$313.2
 
$622.1
2011
 
$293.8
 
$574.5
 
$139.0
 
$125.1
 
$96.9
 
$264.1
 
$563.4
2010
 
$307.1
 
$462.9
 
$228.0
 
$59.4
 
$56.0
 
$372.8
 
$558.6


 
200

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Intercompany Operating Expenses

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Millions)
                             
   
(1)
 
(2)
 
(3)
     
(4)
       
2012
 
$580.7
 
$532.3
 
$597.4
 
$352.7
 
$247.2
 
$386.1
 
$147.4
2011
 
$752.7
 
$563.1
 
$574.0
 
$337.2
 
$226.6
 
$486.6
 
$131.5
2010
 
$545.6
 
$602.7
 
$483.0
 
$372.9
 
$235.8
 
$519.0
 
$122.7

(1)
Includes $1.4 million in 2012, $1.2 million in 2011, and $0.1 million in 2010 for power purchased from Entergy Power.
(2)
Includes power purchased from RS Cogen of $2.8 million in 2012, $41.1 million in 2011, and $50.8 million in 2010.
(3)
Includes power purchased from Entergy Power of $14.3 million in 2012, $14.5 million in 2011, and $12.0 million in 2010.
(4)
Includes power purchased from Entergy Power of $14.1 million in 2012, $14.2 million in 2011, and $11.8 million in 2010.

Intercompany Interest and Investment Income

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Millions)
                             
2012
 
$0.0
 
$28.2
 
$78.2
 
$0.0
 
$0.0
 
$0.1
 
$0.0
2011
 
$0.1
 
$32.5
 
$78.1
 
$0.1
 
$0.1
 
$0.0
 
$0.6
2010
 
$0.6
 
$26.5
 
$67.6
 
$0.3
 
$0.2
 
$0.1
 
$0.7



 
201

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



NOTE 20.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Operating results for the four quarters of 2012 and 2011 for Entergy Corporation and subsidiaries were:

 
 
 
 
Operating
Revenues
 
 
 
Operating
Income
(Loss)
 
 
 
Consolidated
Net Income
(Loss)
 
Net Income
(Loss)
Attributable to
Entergy
Corporation
 
(In Thousands)
2012:
     
First Quarter
$2,383,659
 
($56,857)
 
($146,740)
 
($151,683)
Second Quarter
$2,518,600
 
$342,984 
 
$370,583 
 
$365,001 
Third Quarter
$2,963,560
 
$690,852 
 
$342,670 
 
$337,088 
Fourth Quarter
$2,436,260
 
$324,202 
 
$301,850 
 
$296,267 
       
2011:
     
First Quarter
$2,541,208
 
$510,891 
 
$253,678 
 
$248,663 
Second Quarter
$2,803,279
 
$558,738 
 
$320,598 
 
$315,583 
Third Quarter
$3,395,553
 
$600,909 
 
$633,069 
 
$628,054 
Fourth Quarter
$2,489,033
 
$342,696 
 
$160,027 
 
$154,139 

Earnings per Average Common Share

 
2012
 
2011
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
               
First Quarter
($0.86)
 
($0.86)
 
$1.39
 
$1.38
Second Quarter
$2.06 
 
$2.06 
 
$1.77
 
$1.76
Third Quarter
$1.90 
 
$1.89 
 
$3.55
 
$3.53
Fourth Quarter
$1.67 
 
$1.67 
 
$0.88
 
$0.88

As discussed in more detail in Note 1 to the financial statements, results of operations for 2012 include a $355.5 million ($223.5 million after-tax) impairment charge to write down the carrying values of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values.

The business of the Utility operating companies is subject to seasonal fluctuations with the peak periods occurring during the third quarter.  Operating results for the Registrant Subsidiaries for the four quarters of 2012 and 2011 were:


 
202

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements


Operating Revenues

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
2012:
                           
First Quarter
 
$475,178
 
$399,622
 
$482,358
 
$261,760
 
$129,156
 
$326,924
 
$126,034
Second Quarter
 
$502,022
 
$401,356
 
$561,787
 
$277,204
 
$129,244
 
$358,067
 
$113,699
Third Quarter
 
$656,201
 
$434,451
 
$614,044
 
$321,771
 
$161,565
 
$489,078
 
$188,680
Fourth Quarter
 
$493,603
 
$419,465
 
$491,254
 
$259,631
 
$149,775
 
$407,427
 
$193,705
2011:
                           
First Quarter
 
$443,498
 
$495,898
 
$515,434 
 
$288,983
 
$158,256 
 
$348,884
 
$128,395
Second Quarter
 
$516,833
 
$522,562
 
$651,847 
 
$302,194
 
$150,498 
 
$444,423
 
$129,120
Third Quarter
 
$658,356
 
$596,948
 
$786,814 
 
$365,569
 
$182,032 
 
$556,955
 
$152,431
Fourth Quarter
 
$465,623
 
$519,001
 
$554,820 
 
$309,724
 
$139,399 
 
$406,937
 
$153,465

Operating Income (Loss)

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
2012:
                           
First Quarter
 
$39,816
 
$55,226
 
$36,142 
 
$28,338
 
$3,250 
 
$25,063
 
$35,456
Second Quarter
 
$87,899
 
$56,037
 
($41,253)
 
$42,225
 
$10,009 
 
$48,983
 
$38,245
Third Quarter
 
$152,836
 
$85,561
 
$121,725 
 
$59,331
 
$19,565 
 
$61,234
 
$58,934
Fourth Quarter
 
$26,833
 
$52,138
 
$32,397 
 
$30,621
 
$3,066 
 
$34,533
 
$58,776
2011:
                           
First Quarter
 
$60,905
 
$83,069
 
$47,561 
 
$37,286
 
$16,933 
 
$45,593
 
$36,387
Second Quarter
 
$99,072
 
$89,860
 
$96,648 
 
$50,280
 
$15,710 
 
$57,682
 
$33,996
Third Quarter
 
$164,822
 
$100,276
 
($61,706)
 
$60,935
 
$36,603 
 
$86,810
 
$38,520
Fourth Quarter
 
$33,555
 
$57,506
 
$3,606 
 
$32,888
 
($6,118)
 
$24,935
 
$41,699

Net Income (Loss)

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
   
(In Thousands)
2012:
                           
First Quarter
 
$13,874
 
$28,358
 
$33,295
 
$8,682 
 
$40 
 
$1,745
 
$26,536
Second Quarter
 
$45,755
 
$50,389
 
$130,714
 
$15,914 
 
$7,186 
 
$16,204
 
$35,368
Third Quarter
 
$82,551
 
$50,210
 
$80,208
 
$27,080 
 
$10,555 
 
$19,234
 
$30,616
Fourth Quarter
 
$10,185
 
$30,020
 
$36,864
 
($4,908)
 
($716)
 
$4,788
 
$19,346
2011:
                           
First Quarter
 
$25,608
 
$46,619
 
$40,298
 
$17,314 
 
$8,927 
 
$15,726
 
$19,336
Second Quarter
 
$50,298
 
$50,405
 
$75,103
 
$23,829 
 
$8,207 
 
$23,097
 
$21,986
Third Quarter
 
$80,945
 
$53,170
 
$337,722
 
$33,169 
 
$18,943 
 
$40,875
 
$14,263
Fourth Quarter
 
$8,040
 
$51,410
 
$20,800
 
$34,417 
 
($101)
 
$1,147
 
$8,612


 
203

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Financial Statements



Earnings (Loss) Applicable to Common Equity

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
   
(In Thousands)
2012:
                   
First Quarter
 
$12,156
 
$28,152
 
$31,557
 
$7,975 
 
($201)
Second Quarter
 
$44,037
 
$50,183
 
$128,976
 
$15,207 
 
$6,945 
Third Quarter
 
$80,833
 
$50,004
 
$78,470
 
$26,373 
 
$10,314 
Fourth Quarter
 
$8,466
 
$29,813
 
$35,128
 
($5,615)
 
($958)
2011:
                   
First Quarter
 
$23,890
 
$46,413
 
$38,560
 
$16,607 
 
$8,686 
Second Quarter
 
$48,580
 
$50,199
 
$73,365
 
$23,122 
 
$7,966 
Third Quarter
 
$79,227
 
$52,964
 
$335,984
 
$32,462 
 
$18,702 
Fourth Quarter
 
$6,321
 
$51,203
 
$19,064
 
$33,710 
 
($343)


 
 
 

 
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ENTERGY’S BUSINESS

Entergy is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail electric distribution operations.  Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 MW of aggregate electric generating capacity, including over 10,000 MW of nuclear-fueled capacity. Entergy’s Utility business delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.  Entergy generated annual revenues of $10.3 billion in 2012 and had approximately 15,000 employees as of December 31, 2012.

Entergy operates primarily through two business segments: Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.

·  
The Utility business segment includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operates a small natural gas distribution business.  As discussed in more detail in “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis in December 2011, Entergy entered into an agreement to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly-formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp.
·  
The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment includes the ownership and operation of six nuclear power plants located in the northern United States and the sale of the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.  This business also provides services to other nuclear power plant owners.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities also owns interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.

See Note 13 to the financial statements for financial information regarding Entergy’s business segments.

Strategy

Entergy aspires to achieve industry-leading total shareholder returns in an environmentally responsible fashion by leveraging the scale and expertise inherent in its core nuclear and utility operations.  Entergy’s current scope includes electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as natural gas distribution.  Entergy focuses on operational excellence with an emphasis on safety, reliability, customer service, sustainability, cost efficiency, and risk management.  Entergy also focuses on portfolio management to make periodic buy, build, hold, or sell decisions based upon its analytically-derived points of view, which are updated as market conditions evolve.

Utility

The Utility business segment includes six wholly-owned retail electric utility subsidiaries: Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas.  These companies generate, transmit, distribute and sell electric power to retail and wholesale customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans also provide natural gas utility services to customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and New Orleans, Louisiana, respectively.  Also included in the Utility is System Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation that owns or leases 90 percent of Grand Gulf.  System Energy sells its power and capacity from Grand Gulf at wholesale to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans.  The six retail utility subsidiaries are each regulated by the FERC and by state utility commissions, or, in the case of Entergy New Orleans, the City Council.  System Energy is regulated by the FERC because all of its transactions are at wholesale.  The overall generation portfolio of the Utility, which relies heavily on natural gas and nuclear generation, is consistent with Entergy’s strong support for the environment.


 
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Customers

As of December 31, 2012, the Utility operating companies provided retail electric and gas service to customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as follows:

     
Electric Customers
 
Gas Customers
 
Area Served
 
(In Thousands)
 
(%)
 
(In Thousands)
 
(%)
                   
Entergy Arkansas
Portions of Arkansas
 
696
 
25%
       
Entergy Gulf States
  Louisiana
 
Portions of Louisiana
 
 
387
 
 
14%
 
 
92
 
 
47%
Entergy Louisiana
Portions of Louisiana
 
673
 
24%
       
Entergy Mississippi
Portions of Mississippi
 
440
 
16%
       
Entergy New Orleans
City of New Orleans*
 
165
 
6%
 
102
 
53%
Entergy Texas
Portions of Texas
 
417
 
15%
       
     Total customers
   
2,778
 
100%
 
194
 
100%

*
Excludes the Algiers area of the city, where Entergy Louisiana provides electric service.

Electric Energy Sales

The electric energy sales of the Utility operating companies are subject to seasonal fluctuations, with the peak sales period normally occurring during the third quarter of each year.  On July 30, 2012, Entergy reached a 2012 peak demand of 21,866 MWh, compared to the 2011 peak of 22,387 MWh recorded on August 3, 2011.  Selected electric energy sales data is shown in the table below:

Selected 2012 Electric Energy Sales Data

   
 
Entergy
Arkansas
 
Entergy
Gulf States
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Louisiana
 
 
Entergy
Mississippi
 
 
Entergy
New Orleans
 
 
Entergy
Texas
 
 
System
Energy
 
 
Entergy
(a)
   
(In GWh)
Sales to retail
 customers
 
 
21,087
 
 
19,581
 
 
31,710
 
 
13,273
 
 
5,009
 
 
16,344
 
 
-
 
 
107,004
Sales for resale:
                               
Affiliates
 
7,926
 
7,727
 
2,156
 
232
 
978
 
5,702
 
6,606
 
-
Others
 
1,093
 
941
 
65
 
265
 
8
 
827
 
-
 
3,200
Total
 
30,106
 
28,249
 
33,931
 
13,770
 
5,995
 
22,873
 
6,606
 
110,204
                                 
Average use per
residential customer
(kWh)
 
 
 
13,460
 
 
 
15,603
 
 
 
14,903
 
 
 
15,055
 
 
 
12,081
 
 
 
15,353
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
14,565

(a)
Includes the effect of intercompany eliminations.



 
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The following table illustrates the Utility operating companies’ 2012 combined electric sales volume as a percentage of total electric sales volume, and 2012 combined electric revenues as a percentage of total 2012 electric revenue, each by customer class.

Customer Class
 
% of Sales Volume
 
% of Revenue
         
Residential
 
31.4
 
38.4
Commercial
 
26.1
 
27.6
Industrial (a)
 
37.4
 
25.9
Governmental
 
2.2
 
2.5
Wholesale/Other
 
2.9
 
5.6

(a)
Major industrial customers are in the chemical, petroleum refining, and pulp and paper industries.

See “Selected Financial Data” for each of the Utility operating companies for the detail of their sales by customer class for 2008-2012.

Selected 2012 Natural Gas Sales Data

Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana provide both electric power and natural gas to retail customers.  Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sold 8,924,256 and 6,104,341 Mcf, respectively, of natural gas to retail customers in 2012.  In 2012, 97% of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s operating revenue was derived from the electric utility business, and only 3% from the natural gas distribution business.  For Entergy New Orleans, 86% of operating revenue was derived from the electric utility business and 14% from the natural gas distribution business in 2012.  Following is data concerning Entergy New Orleans’s 2012 retail operating revenue sources.

 
Customer Class
 
Electric Operating
Revenue
 
Natural Gas
Revenue
         
Residential
 
40%
 
50%
Commercial
 
38%
 
27%
Industrial
 
7%
 
7%
Governmental/Municipal
 
15%
 
16%

Retail Rate Regulation

General (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

Each Utility operating company regularly participates in retail rate proceedings.  The status of material retail rate proceedings is described in Note 2 to the financial statements.  Certain aspects of the Utility operating companies’ retail rate mechanisms are discussed below.

Entergy Arkansas

Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Recovery

Entergy Arkansas’s rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider to recover fuel and purchased energy costs in monthly bills.  The rider utilizes prior calendar year energy costs and projected energy sales for the twelve-month period commencing on April 1 of each year to develop an energy cost rate, which is redetermined annually and includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery, including carrying charges, of the energy cost for the prior calendar year.  The energy cost recovery rider tariff also allows an interim rate request depending upon the level of over- or under-recovery of fuel and purchased energy costs.  In December 2007 the APSC issued an order stating that Entergy Arkansas’s energy cost recovery rider will remain in effect, and any future termination of the rider would be subject to eighteen months advance notice by the APSC, which would occur following notice and hearing.
 
 
 
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Storm Cost Recovery

See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of proceedings regarding recovery of Entergy Arkansas’s storm restoration costs.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s electric rates include a fuel adjustment clause designed to recover the cost of fuel and purchased power costs.  The fuel adjustment clause contains a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense and related carrying charges arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges.

To help stabilize electricity costs, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana received approval from the LPSC to hedge its exposure to natural gas price volatility through the use of financial instruments.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana hedges approximately one-third of the projected exposure to natural gas price changes for the gas used to serve its native electric load for all months of the year.  The hedge quantity is reviewed on an annual basis.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s gas rates include a purchased gas adjustment clause based on estimated gas costs for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit that arises from an annual reconciliation of fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges.

To help stabilize retail gas costs, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana received approval from the LPSC to hedge its exposure to natural gas price volatility for its gas purchased for resale through the use of financial instruments.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana hedges approximately one-half of the projected natural gas volumes used to serve its natural gas customers for November through March.  The hedge quantity is reviewed on an annual basis.

Storm Cost Recovery

See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s filings to recover storm-related costs.

Entergy Louisiana

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Louisiana’s rate schedules include a fuel adjustment clause designed to recover the cost of fuel and purchased power costs.  The fuel adjustment clause contains a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense and related carrying charges arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges.

In the Delaney vs. Entergy Louisiana proceeding, the LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana, beginning with the May 2000 fuel adjustment clause filing, to re-price costs flowed through its fuel adjustment clause related to the Evangeline gas contract so that the price included for fuel adjustment clause recovery shall thereafter be at the rate of the Henry Hub first of the month cash market price (as reported by the publication Inside FERC ) plus $0.24 per mmBtu for the month for which the fuel adjustment clause is calculated, irrespective of the actual cost for the Evangeline contract quantity reflected in that month’s fuel adjustment clause.  The Evangeline gas contract expired on January 1, 2013.

To help stabilize electricity costs, Entergy Louisiana received approval from the LPSC in 2001 to hedge its exposure to natural gas price volatility through the use of financial instruments.  Entergy Louisiana hedges approximately one-third of the projected exposure to natural gas price changes for the gas used to serve its native electric load for all months of the year.  The hedge quantity is reviewed on an annual basis.

 

 
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Storm Cost Recovery

See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s filings to recover storm-related costs.

Entergy Mississippi

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Mississippi’s rate schedules include energy cost recovery riders to recover fuel and purchased energy costs.  The rider previously utilized projected energy costs filed quarterly by Entergy Mississippi to develop an energy cost rate.  Beginning January 2013, Entergy Mississippi will make those filings annually.  The energy cost rate for each calendar year will be redetermined annually and will include a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery of the energy costs as of the 12-month period ended September 30.  Entergy Mississippi’s fuel cost recoveries are subject to annual audits conducted pursuant to the authority of the MPSC.

Power Management Rider

The MPSC approved the purchase of the Attala power plant in November 2005.  In December 2005 the MPSC issued an order approving the investment cost recovery through Entergy Mississippi’s power management rider.  Entergy Mississippi is allowed to recover the annual ownership costs of the Attala plant through the power management rider until it files a general rate case.  The MPSC approved the purchase of the Hinds power plant in February 2012.  In August and October 2012, the MPSC issued orders approving the investment cost recovery through Entergy Mississippi’s power management rider.  The orders have the effect of allowing Entergy Mississippi to recover the annual ownership costs of the Hinds plant until it files a general rate case.  Entergy Mississippi acquired the Hinds plant on November 30, 2012.  Recovery of the Hinds plant costs through the power management rider commenced with January 2013 bills.

To help stabilize electricity costs, Entergy Mississippi received approval from the MPSC to hedge its exposure to natural gas price volatility through the use of financial instruments.  Entergy Mississippi hedges approximately one-half of the projected exposure to natural gas price changes for the gas used to serve its native electric load for all months of the year.  The hedge quantity is reviewed on an annual basis.

Storm Cost Recovery

Entergy Mississippi maintains a storm damage reserve pursuant to orders of the MPSC and consistent with regulatory accounting requirements.  Entergy Mississippi's storm damage provision is funded through its storm damage rider schedule.  In August 2011, Entergy Mississippi filed with the MPSC a notice of its intent to revise the storm damage rider schedule to recover over a 36-month period approximately $30 million and to increase the level of monthly accruals to the storm damage provision from $750,000 per month to $1.75 million per month, and to increase the level of the storm reserve cap during which funds will accrue from $15 million to $25 million.  The cap is the level of the storm damage provision balance at which monthly accruals would temporarily cease.  In two orders issued in July 2012, the MPSC temporarily increased Entergy Mississippi’s storm damage provision monthly accrual from $0.75 million to $2.0 million for bills rendered during the billing months of August 2012 through December 2012, and approved recovery of $14.9 million in prudently incurred storm costs to be amortized over five months, beginning with August 2012 bills.  Beginning with January 2013 bills, the monthly accrual to the storm damage provision reverted back to $750,000.  The MPSC has also ordered that Entergy Mississippi will annually submit its storm costs for audit.


 
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Entergy New Orleans

Fuel Recovery

Entergy New Orleans’s electric rate schedules include a fuel adjustment tariff designed to reflect no more than targeted fuel and purchased power costs, adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges.

Entergy New Orleans’s gas rate schedules include a purchased gas adjustment to reflect estimated gas costs for the billing month, adjusted by a surcharge or credit similar to that included in the electric fuel adjustment clause, including carrying charges.  In October 2005 the City Council approved modification of the current gas cost collection mechanism effective November 2005 in order to address concerns regarding its fluctuations, particularly during the winter heating season.  The modifications are intended to minimize fluctuations in gas rates during the winter months.

Storm Cost Recovery

See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of Entergy New Orleans’s efforts to recover storm-related costs.

Entergy Texas

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Texas’s rate schedules include a fixed fuel factor to recover fuel and purchased power costs, including interest, that are not included in base rates.  Semi-annual revisions of the fixed fuel factor are made in March and September based on the market price of natural gas and changes in fuel mix.  The amounts collected under Entergy Texas’s fixed fuel factor and any interim surcharge or refund are subject to fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT.  The PUCT fuel cost reviews are discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Storm Cost Recovery

See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of proceedings regarding recovery of Entergy Texas’s storm restoration costs.

Electric Industry Restructuring

In June 2009, a law was enacted in Texas that requires Entergy Texas to cease all activities relating to Entergy Texas’s transition to competition.  The law allows Entergy Texas to remain a part of the SERC Region, although it does not prevent Entergy Texas from joining another power region.  The law provides that proceedings to certify a power region that Entergy Texas belongs to as a qualified power region can be initiated by the PUCT, or on motion by another party, when the conditions supporting such a proceeding exist.  Under the new law, the PUCT may not approve a transition to competition plan for Entergy Texas until the expiration of four years from the PUCT’s certification of Entergy Texas’s power region.  In response to the new law, Entergy Texas in June 2009 gave notice to the PUCT of the withdrawal of its previously filed transition to competition plan, and requested that its transition to competition proceeding be dismissed.  In July 2009 the ALJ dismissed the proceeding.

The new law also contains provisions that allow Entergy Texas take advantage of a cost recovery mechanism that permits annual filings for the recovery of reasonable and necessary expenditures for transmission infrastructure improvement and changes in wholesale transmission charges.  This mechanism was previously available to other non-ERCOT Texas utility companies, but not to Entergy Texas.



 
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I n September 2011, the PUCT adopted a proposed rule implementing a Distribution Cost Recovery Factor to recover capital and capital-related costs related to distribution infrastructure.  The Distribution Cost Recovery Factor permits utilities once per year to implement an increase or decrease in rates above or below amounts reflected in base rates to reflect depreciation expense, federal income tax and other taxes, and return on investment.  The Distribution Cost Recovery Factor rider may be changed a maximum of four times between base rate cases, and expires in January 2017, unless otherwise extended by the Texas Legislature.

The new law further amends already existing law that had required Entergy Texas to propose for PUCT approval a tariff to allow eligible customers the ability to contract for competitive generation.  The amending language in the new law provides, among other things, that:  1) the tariff shall not be implemented in a manner that harms the sustainability or competitiveness of manufacturers who choose not to participate in the tariff; 2) Entergy Texas shall “purchase competitive generation service, selected by the customer, and provide the generation at retail to the customer”; and 3)  Entergy Texas shall provide and price transmission service and ancillary services under that tariff at a rate that is unbundled from its cost of service.    The new law directs that the PUCT may not issue an order on the tariff that is contrary to an applicable decision, rule, or policy statement of a federal regulatory agency having jurisdiction.

Entergy Texas and the other parties to the PUCT proceeding to determine the design of the competitive generation tariff were involved in negotiations throughout 2011 and 2012 with the objective of resolving as many disputed issues as possible regarding the tariff.  After a hearing in April 2012 to address certain issues unresolved among the parties, the PUCT rejected Entergy Texas’s contention that unrecovered costs included the embedded generation costs that Entergy Texas failed to recover when a customer migrated to competitive generation service.  The PUCT further determined that unrecovered costs consist only of those costs necessary to implement and administer the competitive generation program and do not include lost revenues or embedded generation costs.  The PUCT also ruled that the amount of customer load that may be included in the competitive generation service program is limited to 115 MW.  The remaining negotiations resulted in the narrowing of some additional issues but also resulted in filing testimony asking the PUCT to resolve certain remaining issues related to the design of the tariff.

Franchises

Entergy Arkansas holds exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 307 incorporated cities and towns in Arkansas.  These franchises are unlimited in duration and continue unless the municipalities purchase the utility property.  In Arkansas franchises are considered to be contracts and, therefore, are terminable pursuant to the terms of the franchise agreement and applicable statutes.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana holds non-exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 56 incorporated municipalities and the unincorporated areas of approximately 18 parishes, and to provide gas service in the City of Baton Rouge and the unincorporated areas of two parishes.  Most of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s franchises have a term of 60 years.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s current electric franchises expire during 2015-2046.

Entergy Louisiana holds non-exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 116 incorporated Louisiana municipalities.  Most of these franchises have 25-year terms.  Entergy Louisiana also supplies electric service in approximately 45 Louisiana parishes in which it holds non-exclusive franchises.  Entergy Louisiana’s electric franchises expire during 2015-2036.

Entergy Mississippi has received from the MPSC certificates of public convenience and necessity to provide electric service to areas within 45 counties, including a number of municipalities, in western Mississippi.  Under Mississippi statutory law, such certificates are exclusive.  Entergy Mississippi may continue to serve in such municipalities upon payment of a statutory franchise fee, regardless of whether an original municipal franchise is still in existence.

 
 
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Entergy New Orleans provides electric and gas service in the City of New Orleans pursuant to indeterminate permits set forth in city ordinances (except electric service in Algiers, which is provided by Entergy Louisiana).  These ordinances contain a continuing option for the City of New Orleans to purchase Entergy New Orleans’s electric and gas utility properties.

Entergy Texas holds a certificate of convenience and necessity from the PUCT to provide electric service to areas within approximately 27 counties in eastern Texas, and holds non-exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 68 incorporated municipalities.  Entergy Texas was typically granted 50-year franchises, but recently has been receiving 25-year franchises.  Entergy Texas’s electric franchises expire during 2013-2058.

The business of System Energy is limited to wholesale power sales.  It has no distribution franchises.

Property and Other Generation Resources

Generating Stations

The total capability of the generating stations owned and leased by the Utility operating companies and System Energy as of December 31, 2012, is indicated below:

   
Owned and Leased Capability MW(1)
Company
 
Total
 
Gas/Oil
 
Nuclear
 
Coal
 
Hydro
                     
Entergy Arkansas
 
5,274
 
2,163
 
1,828
 
1,209
 
74
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
3,275
 
1,941
 
975
 
359
 
-
Entergy Louisiana
 
5,413
 
4,254
 
1,159
 
-
 
-
Entergy Mississippi
 
3,502
 
3,082
 
-
 
420
 
-
Entergy New Orleans
 
705
 
705
 
-
 
-
 
-
Entergy Texas
 
2,535
 
2,269
 
-
 
266
 
-
System Energy
 
1,287
 
-
 
1,287 (2)
 
-
 
-
  Total
 
21,991
 
14,414
 
5,249
 
2,254
 
74

(1)
“Owned and Leased Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.
(2)
Includes estimate, pending further testing, of the rerate for recovered performance (approximately 55 MW) and uprate (approximately 178 MW) completed in 2012.

The Entergy System's load and capacity projections are reviewed periodically to assess the need and timing for additional generating capacity and interconnections.  These reviews consider existing and projected demand, the availability and price of power, the location of new load, and the economy.  Summer peak load in the Entergy System service territory has averaged 21,296 MW from 2002-2012.  In the 2002 time period the Entergy System's long-term capacity resources, allowing for an adequate reserve margin, were approximately 3,000 MW less than the total capacity required for peak period demands.  In this time period the Entergy System met its capacity shortages almost entirely through short-term power purchases in the wholesale spot market.  In the fall of 2002 the Entergy System began a program to add new resources to its existing generation portfolio and began a process of issuing requests for proposals (RFP) to procure supply-side resources from sources other than the spot market to meet the unique regional needs of the Utility operating companies.  The Entergy System has adopted a long-term resource strategy that calls for the bulk of capacity needs to be met through long-term resources, whether owned or contracted.  Entergy refers to this strategy as the "Portfolio Transformation Strategy".  Over the past eleven years, Portfolio Transformation has resulted in the addition of about 5,992 MW of new long-term resources.  This figure does not include transactions currently pending as a result of the 2012 Renewable RFP, Preliminary IRP Sustainability Projects, or the uprate of Grand Gulf.  The uprate at Grand Gulf has been approved and reflected in the Winter Rating of 1,463 MW as of December 31, 2012, but a Summer Rating has yet to be approved for Summer 2013.  When the 2012 Renewable RFP transactions are included in the Entergy System portfolio of long-term resources and adjusting for unit deactivations of older generation, the Entergy System is approximately 370 MW short of its projected 2013 peak load plus reserve
 
 
 
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margin.  This remaining need is expected to be met through the Grand Gulf Uprate, not reflected in the Summer 2012 rating, and limited-term resources.  The Entergy System will continue to access the spot power market to economically purchase energy in order to minimize customer cost; however, the Utility operating companies plan to join the MISO RTO beginning December 19, 2013 and upon integration expect to have access to the MISO Day 2 market.  In addition, Entergy considers in its planning processes the notices from Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi regarding their future withdrawal from the System Agreement.  Furthermore, as with other transmission systems, there are certain times during which congestion occurs on the Utility operating companies' transmission system that limits the ability of the Utility operating companies as well as other parties to fully utilize the generating resources that have been granted transmission service.

RFP Procurements

The RFPs issued by the Entergy System since the fall of 2002 have sought resources needed to meet near-term summer reliability requirements as well as longer-term requirements through a broad range of wholesale power products, including limited-term (1 to 3 years) and long-term contractual products and asset acquisitions.  Detailed evaluation processes have been developed to analyze submitted proposals, and, with the exception of the January 2008 RFP, the 2008 Western Region RFP, the 2010 Renewable RFP, and the 2011 Entergy Arkansas RFP, each RFP has been overseen by an independent monitor.  The following table illustrates the results of the RFP process for resources acquired since the Fall 2002 RFP.  The contracts below were primarily with non-affiliated suppliers, with the exception of contracts with EWO Marketing for the sale of 185 MW to 206 MW from the RS Cogen plant, contracts with Entergy Power for the sale of approximately 100 MW from the Independence plant, and an MSS-4 agreement between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi for the purchase of approximately 60 MW of Grand Gulf capacity and energy (with deliveries starting January 1, 2013).

 
 
RFP
 
Short-
term 3 rd
party
 
 
Limited-term
affiliate
 
Limited-
term 3 rd
party
 
 
Long-term
affiliate
 
 
Long-term
3rd party
 
 
 
Total
                         
Fall 2002
 
-
 
185-206 MW (a)
 
231 MW
 
101-121 MW (b)
 
718 MW (d)
 
1,235-1,276 MW
January 2003 supplemental
 
222 MW
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
222 MW
Spring 2003
 
-
 
-
 
381 MW
 
(c)
 
-
 
381 MW
Fall 2003
 
-
 
-
 
390 MW
 
-
 
-
 
390 MW
Fall 2004
 
-
 
-
 
1,250 MW
 
-
 
-
 
1,250 MW
2006 Long-Term
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
538 MW (e)
 
789 MW (f)
 
1,327 MW
Fall 2006
 
-
 
-
 
780 MW
 
-
 
-
 
780 MW
January 2008 (g)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
2008 Western Region
 
-
 
-
 
300 MW
 
-
 
-
 
300 MW
Summer 2008 (h)
 
-
 
-
 
200 MW
 
-
 
-
 
200 MW
January 2009 Western Region
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
150-300 MW
 
150-300 MW
July 2009 Baseload
 
-
 
336 MW (i)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
336 MW
Summer 2009 Long-Term (j)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
551 MW
 
1,555 MW
 
2,106 MW
2010 Renewable RFP (k)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
28-37 MW (l)
 
28-37 MW
2011 Entergy Arkansas RFP
 
-
 
-
 
495 MW
 
-
 
-
 
495 MW
2012 Baseload RFP (m)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
60 MW
 
-
 
60 MW

(a)
Includes a conditional option to increase the capacity up to the upper bound of the range.
(b)
The contracted capacity increased from 101 MW to 121 MW in 2010.
(c)
This table does not reflect (i) the River Bend 30% life-of-unit purchased power agreements totaling approximately 300 MW between Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana (200 MW), and between Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans (100 MW) related to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's unregulated portion of the River Bend nuclear station, which portion was formerly owned by Cajun or (ii) the Entergy Arkansas wholesale base load capacity life-of-unit purchased power agreements executed in 2003 totaling approximately 220 MW between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Louisiana (110 MW) and between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy New Orleans (110 MW) related to the sale of a portion of Entergy Arkansas’s coal and nuclear base load resources (which were not included in retail rates); or (iii) 12-month agreements originally executed in 2005 and which are renewed annually between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas, and between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, relating to the sale of a portion of Entergy Arkansas’s coal and nuclear base load resources (which were not included in retail rates) to those companies.  These resources were identified outside of the formal RFP process but were submitted as formal proposals in response to the Spring 2003 RFP, which confirmed the economic merits of these resources.
 
 
 
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(d)
Entergy Louisiana's June 2005 purchase of the 718 MW, gas-fired Perryville plant, of which a total of 75% of the output is sold to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas.
(e)
In 2011, the LPSC approved Entergy Louisiana’s cancellation of the Little Gypsy Unit 3 re-powering project selected from the 2006 Long-Term RFP.
(f)
Entergy Arkansas’s September 2008 purchase of the 789 MW, combined-cycle, gas-fired Ouachita Generating Facility, of which one-third of the output was sold to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana prior to the purchase of one-third of the facility by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana in November 2009.
(g)
At the direction of the LPSC, but with full reservation of all legal rights, Entergy Services issued the January 2008 RFP for Supply-Side Resources seeking fixed price unit contingent products.  Although the LPSC request was directed to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Services issued the RFP on behalf of all of the Utility operating companies.  No proposals were selected from this RFP.
(h)
In October 2008, in response to the U.S. financial crisis, Entergy Services on behalf of the Utility operating companies terminated all long-term procurement efforts, including the long-term portion of the Summer 2008 RFP.
(i)
Represents the self-supply alternative considered in the RFP, consisting of a cost-based purchase by Entergy Texas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi of wholesale baseload capacity from Entergy Arkansas.
(j)
Includes the Ninemile self-build option, acquisitions from KGen of its Hinds and Hot Spring facilities, and a long-term PPA with Calpine Carville.
(k)
Two additional transactions resulting from the 2010 Renewable RFP are still pending and are not reflected in the table.
(l)
Includes a 28 MW purchase of baseload capacity and energy from a new electric generation waste heat recovery facility (Rain) located in Sulphur, Louisiana, with the potential for the purchase of nine additional megawatts from the facility subject to availability.  As of December 31, 2012, the Rain facility had not yet achieved commercial operation.
(m)
Only includes the agreement resulting from the RFP for Entergy Mississippi to purchase capacity and energy from Entergy Arkansas from Grand Gulf (60 MW).
 
Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans currently purchase, pursuant to ten-year purchased power agreements that expire in 2013, 121 MW of capacity and energy from Entergy Power sourced from Independence Steam Electric Station Unit 2 (ISES 2).  The transaction, which originated from the Fall 2002 RFP, included an option for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans to acquire an ownership interest in the unit for a total price of $80 million, subject to various adjustments.  In March 2008, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans provided notice of their intent to exercise the option.  Based upon changes in the long-term economics of the resource relative to current options, in August 2011, Entergy Louisiana made a filing with the LPSC seeking relief from a prior LPSC directive to exercise the option to purchase an ownership interest in the Independence unit. On May 10, 2012, the LPSC issued an order rescinding the LPSC’s previous directive to Entergy Louisiana to exercise its option to purchase an ownership interest in ISES 2.  Because the City Council had not issued a comparable directive, Entergy New Orleans was not required to seek comparable relief from the City Council; however, Entergy New Orleans has indicated to the Council Advisors that it did not intend to proceed with acquiring an ownership interest in ISES 2 at the termination of the purchased power agreement.

In June 2011, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application seeking certification that the public necessity and convenience would be served by Entergy Louisiana’s construction of a nominally-sized 550 MW combined-cycle gas turbine generating facility (Ninemile 6) at its existing Ninemile Point electric generating station that was selected in the Summer 2009 Long-Term RFP.  For additional discussion of the Ninemile 6 project see “ Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital” in Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.

 
 
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In December 2010, on behalf of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Services issued the 2010 RFP for Long-Term Renewable Energy Resources seeking up to 233 MW of renewable generation resources to meet the requirements of an LPSC general order issued in December 2010.  In September 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana executed a 20-year contract for 28 MW, with the potential to purchase an additional nine megawatts when available, from Rain being constructed at the Rain pet coke calcining facility in Sulphur, Louisiana.  The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in early 2013.  LPSC certification of the contract was received on December 12, 2012.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy Services was in negotiations to reach definitive agreement(s) associated with two other proposals selected in the RFP.

 In June 2011, on behalf of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Services issued the 2011 RFP for Transition Plan Resources.  The RFP sought up to 750 MW of flexible generation resources through one or more purchased power agreements to address Entergy Arkansas’s requirements for its 2014-2016 time frame.  Entergy Arkansas concluded its review and evaluation of the proposals submitted in response to the RFP in November 2011 and selected two proposals totaling approximately 795 MW for negotiation of definitive agreements.  In October 2012,  Entergy Arkansas and Union Power Partners, L.P. executed a 3 ½ year agreement for 495 MW from the Union Power Station located in El Dorado, Arkansas, subject to regulatory approval.  The agreement is under review by the APSC and cost recovery for this purchased power agreement will be determined as part of Entergy Arkansas’s general rate case that will be filed in March 2013. 

In December 2011, on behalf of Entergy Texas, Entergy Services issued the 2011 Western Region RFP for Long-Term Supply Side Resources.  This RFP sought approximately 300 MW of baseload or flexible capacity, energy, and other electric products to meet the long-term reliability needs of the Western Region beginning in 2017 and included a self-build option at Entergy Texas’s Lewis Creek site.  On November 2, 2012, Entergy Services announced that one proposal had been selected for award and the negotiation of a definitive agreement, and a secondary proposal had been placed on the secondary selection list.

In August 2012, Entergy Services issued a request for proposals for long-term, stable price, baseload resources on behalf of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and Entergy Mississippi.  The RFP sought between 50 and 150 MW of baseload capacity through a PPA commencing in 2013 for a minimum of 10 years up to life of unit.  As part of the RFP process, Entergy Services market-tested a self-supply alternative, which was a cost-based purchase of 60 MW from Entergy Arkansas’s share of Grand Gulf.  Based on the RFP evaluation results, in November 2012, Entergy elected to proceed with the self-supply alternative and elected not to move forward with any other proposal.  The capacity and associated energy was subsequently allocated to Entergy Mississippi, and MPSC and FERC approval was received for the transaction in December 2012.  Entergy Mississippi also transacted for an additional 30 MW purchase, which did not come through the RFP process, of capacity and energy from Entergy Arkansas’s share of Grand Gulf.  Deliveries under both agreements, totaling 90 MW, began on January 1, 2013, and cost recovery for the 90 MW was approved by the MPSC in January 2013.

Other Procurements From Third Parties

The above table does not include resource acquisitions made outside of the RFP process, including Entergy Mississippi's January 2006 acquisition of the 480 MW, combined-cycle, gas-fired Attala power plant; Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's March 2008 acquisition of the 322 MW, simple-cycle, gas-fired Calcasieu Generating Facility; and Entergy Louisiana’s April 2011 acquisition of the 580 MW, combined-cycle, gas-fired Acadia Energy Center Unit 2.  The above table also does not reflect various limited- and long-term contracts that have been entered into in recent years by the Utility operating companies as a result of bilateral negotiations.


 
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Interconnections

The Entergy System's generating units are interconnected by a transmission system operating at various voltages up to 500 kV.  These generating units consist primarily of steam-electric production facilities and are centrally dispatched and operated.  Entergy's Utility operating companies are interconnected with many neighboring utilities.  In addition, the Utility operating companies are members of the SERC Reliability Corporation.  The primary purpose of SERC is to ensure the reliability and adequacy of the electric bulk power supply in the southeast region of the United States.  SERC is a member of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

Gas Property

As of December 31, 2012, Entergy New Orleans distributed and transported natural gas for distribution within Algiers and New Orleans, Louisiana, through approximately 2,500 miles of gas pipeline.  As of December 31, 2012, the gas properties of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, which are located in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were not material to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's financial position.

Title

The Entergy System's generating stations are generally located on properties owned in fee simple.  Most of the substations and transmission and distribution lines are constructed on private property or public rights-of-way pursuant to easements, servitudes, or appropriate franchises.  Some substation properties are owned in fee simple.  The Utility operating companies generally have the right of eminent domain, whereby they may perfect title to, or secure easements or servitudes on, private property for their utility operations.

Substantially all of the physical properties and assets owned by Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy are subject to the liens of mortgages securing bonds issued by those companies.  The Lewis Creek generating station is owned by GSG&T, Inc., a subsidiary of Entergy Texas, and is not subject to its mortgage lien.  Lewis Creek is leased to and operated by Entergy Texas.

Fuel Supply

The sources of generation and average fuel cost per kWh for the Utility operating companies and System Energy for the years 2010-2012 were:

   
 
Natural Gas
 
 
Nuclear
 
 
Coal
 
Purchased
Power
 
 
Year
 
%
of
Gen
 
Cents
Per
kWh
 
%
of
Gen
 
Cents
Per
kWh
 
%
of
Gen
 
Cents
Per
kWh
 
%
of
Gen
 
Cents
Per
kWh
                                 
2012
 
27
 
3.15
 
33
 
.85
 
11
 
2.60
 
29
 
3.58
2011
 
25
 
4.85
 
34
 
.81
 
13
 
2.31
 
28
 
4.59
2010
 
22
 
5.39
 
36
 
.78
 
13
 
2.00
 
29
 
5.28


 
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Actual 2012 and projected 2013 sources of generation for the Utility operating companies and System Energy, including certain power purchases from affiliates under life of unit power purchase agreements, including the Unit Power Sales Agreement, are:

   
 
Natural Gas
 
 
Nuclear
 
 
Coal
 
Purchased
Power
   
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
                                 
Entergy Arkansas (a)
 
6%
 
9%
 
56%
 
56%
 
23%
 
21%
 
15%
 
13%
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
32%
 
36%
 
29%
 
15%
 
8%
 
10%
 
31%
 
39%
Entergy Louisiana
 
33%
 
26%
 
32%
 
44%
 
2%
 
1%
 
33%
 
29%
Entergy Mississippi
 
43%
 
44%
 
17%
 
25%
 
19%
 
18%
 
21%
 
13%
Entergy New Orleans
 
38%
 
30%
 
40%
 
54%
 
9%
 
6%
 
13%
 
10%
Entergy Texas
 
31%
 
20%
 
12%
 
15%
 
7%
 
10%
 
50%
 
55%
System Energy (b)
 
-
 
-
 
100%
 
100%
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Utility (a)
 
27%
 
25%
 
33%
 
35%
 
11%
 
11%
 
29%
 
29%

(a)
Hydroelectric power provided less than 1% of Entergy Arkansas’s generation in 2012 and is expected to provide less than 1% of its generation in 2013.
(b)
Capacity and energy from System Energy’s interest in Grand Gulf is allocated as follows under the Unit Power Sales Agreement: Entergy Arkansas - 36%; Entergy Louisiana - 14%; Entergy Mississippi - 33%; and Entergy New Orleans - 17%.  Pursuant to purchased power agreements, Entergy Arkansas is selling a portion of its owned capacity and energy from Grand Gulf to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans.

Some of the Utility’s gas-fired plants are capable of also using fuel oil, if necessary.  Although based on current economics the Utility does not expect fuel oil use in 2013, it is possible that various operational events including weather or pipeline maintenance may require the use of fuel oil.

Natural Gas

The Utility operating companies have long-term firm and short-term interruptible gas contracts for both supply and transportation.  Long-term firm contracts for power plants comprise less than 25% of the Utility operating companies' total requirements.  Short-term contracts and spot-market purchases satisfy additional gas requirements.  Entergy Texas owns a gas storage facility that provides reliable and flexible natural gas service to certain generating stations.

Entergy Louisiana entered into a long-term natural gas supply contract beginning January 1, 2013, in which Entergy Louisiana purchases natural gas in annual amounts equal to approximately one-third of its projected annual fuel requirements for certain generating units.

Many factors, including wellhead deliverability, storage and pipeline capacity, and demand requirements of end users, influence the availability and price of natural gas supplies for power plants.  Demand is tied to weather conditions as well as to the prices and availability of other energy sources.  Pursuant to federal and state regulations, gas supplies to power plants may be interrupted during periods of shortage.  To the extent natural gas supplies are disrupted or natural gas prices significantly increase, the Utility operating companies will use alternate fuels, such as oil, or rely to a larger extent on coal, nuclear generation, and purchased power.

Coal

Entergy Arkansas has committed to four one- to three-year contracts that will supply approximately 90% of the total coal supply needs in 2013.  These contracts are staggered in term so that not all contracts have to be renewed the same year.  The remaining 10% of total coal requirements will be satisfied by contracts with a term of less than one year.  Based on continued improved Powder River Basin (PRB) coal deliveries by rail and the high cost of alternate sources and modes of transportation, no alternative coal consumption is expected at Entergy Arkansas during 2013.  Entergy Arkansas has an existing railroad transportation contract that is expected to provide all of Entergy Arkansas’s coal transportation requirements for 2013.
 
 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has executed three one- to three-year contracts that will supply approximately 90% of Nelson Unit 6 coal needs in 2013.  Additional PRB coal will be purchased through contracts with a term of less than one year to provide the remaining supply needs.  For the same reasons as for Entergy Arkansas’s plants, no alternative coal consumption is expected at Nelson Unit 6 during 2013.  Coal will be transported to Nelson via an existing transportation agreement that is expected to provide all of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s rail transportation requirements for 2013.

For the year 2012, coal transportation delivery to Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana operated coal-fired units met coal demand at the plants and it is expected that delivery times experienced in 2012 will continue through 2013.  Both Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana control a sufficient number of railcars to satisfy the rail transportation requirement.

The operator of Big Cajun 2 - Unit 3, Louisiana Generating, LLC, has advised Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas that it has adequate rail car and barge capacity to meet the volumes of PRB coal requested for 2013.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Texas’s coal nomination requests to Big Cajun 2 - Unit 3 are made on an annual basis.

Nuclear Fuel

The nuclear fuel cycle consists of the following:

·  
mining and milling of uranium ore to produce a concentrate;
·  
conversion of the concentrate to uranium hexafluoride gas;
·  
enrichment of the uranium hexafluoride gas;
·  
fabrication of nuclear fuel assemblies for use in fueling nuclear reactors; and
·  
disposal of spent fuel.

The Registrant Subsidiaries that own nuclear plants (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy), are responsible through a shared regulated uranium pool for contracts to acquire nuclear material to be used in fueling Entergy's Utility nuclear units.  These companies own the materials and services in this shared regulated uranium pool on a pro rata fractional basis determined by the nuclear generation capability of each company.  Any liabilities for obligations of the pooled contracts are on a several but not joint basis.  The shared regulated uranium pool maintains inventories of nuclear materials during the various stages of processing.  The Registrant Subsidiaries purchase enriched uranium hexafluoride for their nuclear plant reload requirements at the average inventory cost from the shared regulated uranium pool.  Entergy Operations Inc. contracts separately for the fabrication of nuclear fuel as agent on behalf of each of the Registrant Subsidiaries that owns a nuclear plant.  All contracts for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel are between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the owner of a nuclear power plant.

Based upon currently planned fuel cycles, the nuclear units in both the Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities segments have a diversified portfolio of contracts and inventory that provides substantially adequate nuclear fuel materials and conversion and enrichment services at what Entergy believes are reasonably predictable or fixed prices through most of 2013.  Entergy’s ability to purchase nuclear fuel at reasonably predictable prices, however, depends upon the performance reliability of uranium miners.  There are a number of possible alternate suppliers that may be accessed to mitigate any supplier performance failure, including potentially drawing upon Entergy’s inventory intended for later generation periods depending upon its risk management strategy at that time, although the pricing of any alternate uranium supply from the market will be dependent upon the market for uranium supply at that time.  In addition, some nuclear fuel contracts are on a non-fixed price basis subject to prevailing prices at the time of delivery.



 
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The effects of market price changes may be reduced and deferred by risk management strategies, such as negotiation of floor and ceiling amounts for long-term contracts, buying for inventory or entering into forward physical contracts at fixed prices when Entergy believes it is appropriate and useful.  Entergy buys uranium from a diversified mix of sellers located in a diversified mix of countries, and from time to time purchases from nearly all qualified reliable major market participants worldwide that sell into the U.S.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have made arrangements to lease nuclear fuel and related equipment and services.  The lessors, which are consolidated in the financial statements of Entergy and the applicable Registrant Subsidiary, finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel through credit agreements and the issuance of notes.  These arrangements are subject to periodic renewal.

Natural Gas Purchased for Resale

Entergy New Orleans has several suppliers of natural gas.  Its system is interconnected with three interstate and three intrastate pipelines.  Entergy New Orleans has a "no-notice" service gas purchase contract with Atmos Energy which guarantees Entergy New Orleans gas delivery at specific delivery points and at any volume within the minimum and maximum set forth in the contract amounts.  The Atmos Energy gas supply is transported to Entergy New Orleans pursuant to a transportation service agreement with Gulf South Pipeline Co.  This service is subject to FERC-approved rates.  Entergy New Orleans also makes interruptible spot market purchases.  In recent years, natural gas deliveries to Entergy New Orleans have been subject primarily to weather-related curtailments.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana purchases natural gas for resale under a firm contract from Enbridge Marketing (U.S.) Inc.  The gas is delivered through a combination of intrastate and interstate pipelines.

As a result of the implementation of FERC-mandated interstate pipeline restructuring in 1993, curtailments of interstate gas supply could occur if Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s or Entergy New Orleans's suppliers failed to perform their obligations to deliver gas under their supply agreements.  Gulf South Pipeline Co. could curtail transportation capacity only in the event of pipeline system constraints.

Federal Regulation of the Utility

State or local regulatory authorities, as described above, regulate the retail rates of the Utility operating companies.  The FERC regulates wholesale rates (including intrasystem sales pursuant to the System Agreement) and interstate transmission of electricity, as well as rates for System Energy’s sales of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.

System Agreement (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

The Utility operating companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and bulk transmission facilities under the terms of the System Agreement, which is a rate schedule that has been approved by the FERC.  Under the terms of the System Agreement, generating capacity and other power resources are jointly operated by the Utility operating companies.  The System Agreement provides, among other things, that parties having generating reserves greater than their allocated share of reserves (long companies) shall receive payments from those parties having generating reserves that are less than their allocated share of reserves (short companies).  Such payments are at amounts sufficient to cover certain of the long companies’ costs for intermediate and peaking oil/gas-fired generation, including operating expenses, fixed charges on debt, dividend requirements on preferred equity, and a fair rate of return on common equity investment.  Under the System Agreement, the rates used to compensate long companies are based on costs associated with the long companies’ steam electric generating units fueled by oil or gas and having an annual average heat rate above 10,000 Btu/kWh.  In addition, for all energy exchanged among the Utility operating companies under the System Agreement, the companies purchasing exchange energy are required to pay the cost of fuel consumed in generating such energy plus a charge to cover other associated costs.
 
 
 
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Citing its concerns that the benefits of its continued participation in the current form of the System Agreement have been seriously eroded, in December 2005, Entergy Arkansas submitted its notice that it will terminate its participation in the current System Agreement effective ninety-six (96) months from the date of the notice or such earlier date as authorized by the FERC.  In November 2007, pursuant to the provisions of the System Agreement, Entergy Mississippi provided its written notice to terminate its participation in the System Agreement effective ninety-six (96) months from the date of the notice or such earlier date as authorized by the FERC.  In light of the notices of Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi to terminate participation in the current System Agreement, in January 2008 the LPSC unanimously voted to direct the LPSC Staff to begin evaluating the potential for a new agreement.  Likewise, the New Orleans City Council opened a docket to gather information on progress towards a successor agreement.

In November 2009 the FERC accepted the notices of cancellation and determined that Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi are permitted to withdraw from the System Agreement following the 96-month notice period without payment of a fee or the requirement to otherwise compensate the remaining Utility operating companies as a result of withdrawal.  In February 2011 the FERC denied the LPSC’s and the City Council’s rehearing requests.  The LPSC and City Council appealed the FERC’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.  The D.C. Circuit denied the appeal and in September 2012 the LPSC filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc with the D.C. Circuit.  In October 2012 the D.C. Circuit denied the LPSC’s request for rehearing and rehearing en banc.  In January 2013 the LPSC filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.

See “ System Agreement ” in Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for discussion of the proceedings at the FERC involving the System Agreement and other related proceedings.

Transmission

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.

System Energy and Related Agreements

System Energy recovers costs related to its interest in Grand Gulf through rates charged to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans for capacity and energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement (described below).  In December 1995, System Energy commenced a rate proceeding at the FERC.  In July 2001 the rate proceeding became final, with the FERC approving a prospective 10.94% return on equity.  The FERC’s decision also affected other aspects of System Energy’s charges to the Utility operating companies that it supplies with power.  In 1998 the FERC approved requests by Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi to accelerate a portion of their Grand Gulf purchased power obligations.  Entergy Arkansas’s and Entergy Mississippi’s acceleration of Grand Gulf purchased power obligations ceased effective July 2001 and July 2003, respectively, as approved by the FERC.

Unit Power Sales Agreement

The Unit Power Sales Agreement allocates capacity, energy, and the related costs from System Energy’s ownership and leasehold interests in Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas (36%), Entergy Louisiana (14%), Entergy Mississippi (33%), and Entergy New Orleans (17%).  Each of these companies is obligated to make payments to System Energy for its entitlement of capacity and energy on a full cost-of-service basis regardless of the quantity of energy delivered.  Payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are System Energy’s only source of operating revenue.  The financial condition of System Energy depends upon the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf and the receipt of such payments.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans generally recover payments made under the Unit Power Sales Agreement through rates charged to their customers.
 
 
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In the case of Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Louisiana, payments are also recovered through sales of electricity from their respective retained shares of Grand Gulf.  Under a settlement agreement entered into with the APSC in 1985 and amended in 1988, Entergy Arkansas retains 22% of its 36% share of Grand Gulf-related costs and recovers the remaining 78% of its share in rates.  In the event that Entergy Arkansas is not able to sell its retained share to third parties, it may sell such energy to its retail customers at a price equal to its avoided cost, which is currently less than Entergy Arkansas’s cost from its retained share.  Entergy Arkansas has life-of-resources purchased power agreements with Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans that sell a portion of the output of Entergy Arkansas’s retained share of Grand Gulf to those companies.  In a series of LPSC orders, court decisions, and agreements from late 1985 to mid-1988, Entergy Louisiana was granted rate relief with respect to costs associated with Entergy Louisiana’s share of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf, subject to certain terms and conditions.  Entergy Louisiana retains and does not recover from retail ratepayers 18% of its 14% share of the costs of Grand Gulf capacity and energy and recovers the remaining 82% of its share in rates.  Entergy Louisiana is allowed to recover through the fuel adjustment clause at 4.6 cents per kWh for the energy related to its retained portion of these costs.  Alternatively, Entergy Louisiana may sell such energy to non-affiliated parties at prices above the fuel adjustment clause recovery amount, subject to the LPSC’s approval.

Availability Agreement

The Availability Agreement among System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans was entered into in 1974 in connection with the financing by System Energy of Grand Gulf. The Availability Agreement provides that System Energy make available to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans all capacity and energy available from System Energy’s share of Grand Gulf.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans also agreed severally to pay System Energy monthly for the right to receive capacity and energy from Grand Gulf in amounts that (when added to any amounts received by System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement) would at least equal System Energy’s total operating expenses for Grand Gulf (including depreciation at a specified rate and expenses incurred in a permanent shutdown of Grand Gulf) and interest charges. The September 1989 write-off of System Energy’s investment in Grand Gulf 2, amounting to approximately $900 million, is being amortized for Availability Agreement purposes over 27 years.

The allocation percentages under the Availability Agreement are fixed as follows: Entergy Arkansas - 17.1%; Entergy Louisiana - 26.9%; Entergy Mississippi - 31.3%; and Entergy New Orleans - 24.7%. The allocation percentages under the Availability Agreement would remain in effect and would govern payments made under such agreement in the event of a shortfall of funds available to System Energy from other sources, including payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement.

System Energy has assigned its rights to payments and advances from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans under the Availability Agreement as security for its first mortgage bonds and reimbursement obligations to certain banks providing letters of credit in connection with the equity funding of the sale and leaseback transactions described in Note 10 to the financial statements under “ Sale and Leaseback Transactions - Grand Gulf Lease Obligations.”  In these assignments, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans further agreed that, in the event they were prohibited by governmental action from making payments under the Availability Agreement (for example, if the FERC reduced or disallowed such payments as constituting excessive rates), they would then make subordinated advances to System Energy in the same amounts and at the same times as the prohibited payments. System Energy would not be allowed to repay these subordinated advances so long as it remained in default under the related indebtedness or in other similar circumstances.



 
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Each of the assignment agreements relating to the Availability Agreement provides that Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans will make payments directly to System Energy. However, if there is an event of default, those payments must be made directly to the holders of indebtedness that are the beneficiaries of such assignment agreements. The payments must be made pro rata according to the amount of the respective obligations secured.

The obligations of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans to make payments under the Availability Agreement are subject to the receipt and continued effectiveness of all necessary regulatory approvals.  Sales of capacity and energy under the Availability Agreement would require that the Availability Agreement be submitted to the FERC for approval with respect to the terms of such sale. No such filing with the FERC has been made because sales of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf are being made pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.  If, for any reason, sales of capacity and energy are made in the future pursuant to the Availability Agreement, the jurisdictional portions of the Availability Agreement would be submitted to the FERC for approval.

Since commercial operation of Grand Gulf began, payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to System Energy have exceeded the amounts payable under the Availability Agreement. Therefore, no payments under the Availability Agreement have ever been required.  If Entergy Arkansas or Entergy Mississippi fails to make its Unit Power Sales Agreement payments, and System Energy is unable to obtain funds from other sources, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans could become subject to claims or demands by System Energy or its creditors for payments or advances under the Availability Agreement (or the assignments thereof) equal to the difference between their required Unit Power Sales Agreement payments and their required Availability Agreement payments because their Availability Agreement obligations exceed their Unit Power Sales Agreement obligations.

The Availability Agreement may be terminated, amended, or modified by mutual agreement of the parties thereto, without further consent of any assignees or other creditors.

Capital Funds Agreement

System Energy and Entergy Corporation have entered into the Capital Funds Agreement, whereby Entergy Corporation has agreed to supply System Energy with sufficient capital to (i) maintain System Energy’s equity capital at an amount equal to a minimum of 35% of its total capitalization (excluding short-term debt) and (ii) permit the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf and pay in full all indebtedness for borrowed money of System Energy when due.

Entergy Corporation has entered into various supplements to the Capital Funds Agreement. System Energy has assigned its rights under such supplements as security for its first mortgage bonds and for reimbursement obligations to certain banks providing letters of credit in connection with the equity funding of the sale and leaseback transactions described in Note 10 to the financial statements under “ Sale and Leaseback Transactions - Grand Gulf Lease Obligations.”  Each such supplement provides that permitted indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by System Energy in connection with the financing of Grand Gulf may be secured by System Energy’s rights under the Capital Funds Agreement on a pro rata basis (except for the Specific Payments, as defined below). In addition, in the supplements to the Capital Funds Agreement relating to the specific indebtedness being secured, Entergy Corporation has agreed to make cash capital contributions directly to System Energy sufficient to enable System Energy to make payments when due on such indebtedness (Specific Payments). However, if there is an event of default, Entergy Corporation must make those payments directly to the holders of indebtedness benefiting from the supplemental agreements. The payments (other than the Specific Payments) must be made pro rata according to the amount of the respective obligations benefiting from the supplemental agreements.

The Capital Funds Agreement may be terminated, amended, or modified by mutual agreement of the parties thereto, upon obtaining the consent, if required, of those holders of System Energy’s indebtedness then outstanding who have received the assignments of the Capital Funds Agreement.


 
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Service Companies

Entergy Services, a corporation wholly-owned by Entergy Corporation, provides management, administrative, accounting, legal, engineering, and other services primarily to the Utility operating companies. Entergy Operations is also wholly-owned by Entergy Corporation and provides nuclear management, operations and maintenance services under contract for ANO, River Bend, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf, subject to the owner oversight of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, respectively.  Entergy Services and Entergy Operations provide their services to the Utility operating companies and System Energy on an “at cost” basis, pursuant to cost allocation methodologies for these service agreements that were approved by the FERC.

Jurisdictional Separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. into Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas

Effective December 31, 2007, Entergy Gulf States, Inc. completed a jurisdictional separation into two vertically integrated utility companies, one operating under the sole retail jurisdiction of the PUCT, Entergy Texas, and the other operating under the sole retail jurisdiction of the LPSC, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  Entergy Texas now owns all Entergy Gulf States, Inc. distribution and transmission assets located in Texas, the gas-fired generating plants located in Texas, undivided 42.5% ownership shares of Entergy Gulf States, Inc.’s 70% ownership interest in Nelson 6 and 42% ownership interest in Big Cajun 2, Unit 3, which are coal-fired generating plants located in Louisiana, and other assets and contract rights to the extent related to utility operations in Texas.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana now owns all of the remaining assets that were owned by Entergy Gulf States, Inc.  On a book value basis, approximately 58.1% of the Entergy Gulf States, Inc. assets were allocated to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and approximately 41.9% were allocated to Entergy Texas.

Entergy Texas purchases from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana pursuant to a life-of-unit purchased power agreement (PPA) a 42.5% share of capacity and energy from the 70% of River Bend subject to retail regulation.  Entergy Texas was allocated a share of River Bend’s nuclear and environmental liabilities that is identical to the share of the plant’s output purchased by Entergy Texas under the PPA.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana purchases a 57.5% share of capacity and energy from the gas-fired generating plants owned by Entergy Texas, and Entergy Texas purchases a 42.5% share of capacity and energy from the gas-fired generating plants owned by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  The PPAs associated with the gas-fired generating plants will terminate when the unit(s) is/are removed from Entergy System dispatch.  The dispatch and operation of the generating plants did not change as a result of the jurisdictional separation.  The LPSC staff has asserted that the PPAs would terminate if Entergy Texas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana join MISO.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed testimony opposing that position.  The LPSC has stayed consideration of this issue until December 31, 2013.

Earnings Ratios of Registrant Subsidiaries

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends or distributions pursuant to Item 503 of SEC Regulation S-K are as follows:

   
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Years Ended December 31,
   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
                     
Entergy Arkansas
 
3.79
 
4.31
 
3.91
 
2.39
 
2.33
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
3.48
 
4.36
 
3.58
 
2.99
 
2.44
Entergy Louisiana
 
2.08
 
1.86
 
3.41
 
3.52
 
3.14
Entergy Mississippi
 
2.79
 
3.55
 
3.35
 
3.31
 
2.92
Entergy New Orleans
 
3.02
 
5.37
 
4.43
 
3.61
 
3.71
Entergy Texas
 
1.76
 
2.34
 
2.10
 
1.92
 
2.04
System Energy
 
5.12
 
3.85
 
3.64
 
3.73
 
3.29


 
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Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed
Charges and Preferred Dividends or Distributions
Years Ended December 31,
   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
                     
Entergy Arkansas
 
3.36
 
3.83
 
3.60
 
2.09
 
1.95
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
3.43
 
4.30
 
3.54
 
2.95
 
2.42
Entergy Louisiana
 
1.93
 
1.70
 
3.19
 
3.27
 
2.87
Entergy Mississippi
 
2.59
 
3.27
 
3.16
 
3.06
 
2.67
Entergy New Orleans
 
2.67
 
4.74
 
4.08
 
3.33
 
3.45

The Registrant Subsidiaries accrue interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and do not include it in fixed charges.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

During 2010 Entergy integrated its non-utility nuclear and its non-nuclear wholesale assets businesses into a new organization called Entergy Wholesale Commodities.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities includes the ownership and operation of six nuclear power plants, five of which are located in the Northeast United States, with the sixth located in Michigan, and is primarily focused on selling electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ revenues are primarily derived from sales of energy and generation capacity from these plants.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities also provides operations and management services, including decommissioning services, to nuclear power plants owned by other utilities in the United States.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities also includes the ownership of, or participation in joint ventures that own, non-nuclear power plants and the sale to wholesale customers of the electric power produced by these plants.

Property

Nuclear Generating Stations

Entergy Wholesale Commodities includes the ownership of the following nuclear power plants:

 
 
Power Plant
 
 
 
Market
 
In
Service
Year
 
 
 
Acquired
 
 
 
Location
 
 
Capacity-
Reactor Type
 
License
Expiration
Date
                         
                         
Pilgrim
 
IS0-NE
 
1972
 
July 1999
 
Plymouth, MA
 
688 MW - Boiling Water
 
2032
FitzPatrick
 
NYISO
 
1975
 
Nov. 2000
 
Oswego, NY
 
838 MW - Boiling Water
 
2034
Indian Point 3
 
NYISO
 
1976
 
Nov. 2000
 
Buchanan, NY
 
1,041 MW - Pressurized Water
 
2015
Indian Point 2
 
NYISO
 
1974
 
Sept. 2001
 
Buchanan, NY
 
1,028 MW - Pressurized Water
 
2013
Vermont Yankee
 
IS0-NE
 
1972
 
July 2002
 
Vernon, VT
 
605 MW - Boiling Water
 
2032
Palisades
 
MISO
 
1971
 
Apr. 2007
 
Covert, MI
 
811 MW - Pressurized Water
 
2031

Entergy Wholesale Commodities also includes the ownership of two non-operating nuclear facilities, Big Rock Point in Michigan and Indian Point 1 in New York that were acquired when Entergy purchased the Palisades and Indian Point 2 nuclear plants, respectively.  These facilities are in various stages of the decommissioning process.

In March 2011 and May 2012 the NRC renewed the operating licenses of Vermont Yankee and Pilgrim, respectively, for an additional 20 years, as a result of which each license now expires in 2032.  For additional discussion regarding the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant, see “ Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ” in Note 1 to the financial statements.  In the Vermont Yankee license renewal case, the Vermont Department of Public Service and the New England Coalition appealed the NRC’s renewal of Vermont Yankee’s license to the D.C. Circuit.  In June 2012 the D.C. Circuit denied that appeal.  The time for seeking further judicial review of the NRC’s issuance of Vermont Yankee’s renewed operating license has expired.  In the Pilgrim license renewal
 
 
 
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case, three contentions remained pending before the ASLB at the time the license was issued.  Two of those contentions were subsequently denied by the ASLB and not appealed within the applicable time.  A third remaining contention (alleging failure of the Pilgrim Environmental Impact Statement to address adequately an endangered species) was denied by the ASLB and then appealed to the NRC, which denied the appeal on December 6, 2012.  No appeal of the NRC’s decision was filed within the time allowed for such appeals.  The NRC has indicated that should the appeal of a contention result in voiding of the renewed license, Pilgrim could operate under the “timely renewal” doctrine in reliance on the prior, and now superseded, license until proceedings concerning the renewed license are final.  Massachusetts appealed the NRC’s renewal of Pilgrim’s license to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  Entergy intervened in that appeal.  Briefing was completed and oral argument was held December 5, 2012.  On February 25, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied Massachusetts’s appeal.

The NRC operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 expire in September 2013 and December 2015, respectively, and NRC license renewal applications are in process for these plants.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their license expiration dates while their renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  In April 2007, Entergy submitted the application to the NRC to renew the operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and 3 for an additional 20 years.  The ASLB has admitted 21 contentions raised by the State of New York or other parties, which were combined into 16 discrete issues.  Three of the issues have been resolved, and 13 issues remain subject to ASLB resolution.  In July 2011 the ASLB granted the State of New York’s motion for summary disposition of an admitted contention challenging the adequacy of a section of Indian Point’s environmental analysis as incorporated in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) (discussed below).  That section provided cost estimates for Severe Accident Mitigation Alternatives (SAMAs), which are hardware and procedural changes that could be implemented to mitigate estimated impacts of off-site radiological releases in case of a hypothesized severe accident.  In addition to finding that the SAMA cost analysis was insufficient, the ASLB directed the NRC staff to explain why cost-beneficial SAMAs should not be required to be implemented.  Entergy appealed the ASLB’s decision to the NRC and the NRC staff supported Entergy’s appeal, while the State of New York opposed it.  In December 2011 the NRC denied Entergy’s appeal as premature, stating that the appeal could be renewed at the conclusion of the ASLB proceedings.

Pursuant to ASLB scheduling orders in the Indian Point 2 and 3 license renewal proceeding, hearings on the nine contentions remaining in “Track 1” were held over 12 days in October, November, and December 2012.  Testimony on the four contentions currently in “Track 2” has not been completed.  Track 2 hearings have not been scheduled.

The NRC staff is also continuing to perform its technical and environmental reviews of the Indian Point 2 and 3 license renewal application.  The NRC staff issued a Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER) in August 2009, a supplement to the FSER in August 2011, a FSEIS in December 2010 and a supplement to the FSEIS in June 2012.  The NRC staff issued a draft supplemental FSEIS in June 2012 and has stated its intent to issue, following an opportunity for comment, another supplement to the FSEIS by April 30, 2013.  In addition, the NRC staff has stated its intent to issue a further supplement to the FSER by July 31, 2013.  These reports are expected to affect testimony yet to be filed on Track 2 contentions.

The hearing process is an integral component of the NRC’s regulatory framework, and evidentiary hearings on license renewal applications are not uncommon.  Entergy is participating fully in the hearing process as permitted by the NRC’s hearing rules.  As noted in Entergy’s responses to the various intervenor filings, Entergy believes the contentions proposed by the intervenors are unsupported and without merit.  Entergy will continue to work with the NRC staff as it completes its technical and environmental reviews of the Indian Point 2 and 3 license renewal applications.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has taken the position that Indian Point must obtain a new state-issued Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification as part of the license renewal process.  For additional discussion of the Indian Point Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification see “ Environmental Regulation - Clean Water Act ,” below.  In addition, the consistency of Indian Point’s operations with New York State’s coastal management policies must be resolved to the extent required by the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).  On July 24, 2012, Entergy filed a supplement to the Indian Point license renewal application currently pending before the NRC.  The supplement states that, based on applicable federal law and in light of prior reviews by the State of New York, the NRC may issue the requested renewed operating licenses for Indian Point without the need for an additional consistency review by the State of New York under the CZMA.  On July 30, 2012,
 
 
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Entergy filed a motion for declaratory order with the ASLB seeking confirmation of its position that no further CZMA consistency determination is required before the NRC may issue renewed licenses.  Responses to Entergy’s motion for declaratory order are due March 22, 2013.  In addition, Entergy filed with the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) on November 7, 2012 a petition for declaratory order that Indian Point is grandfathered under either of two criteria prescribed by the New York Coastal Management Program (NYCMP), which sets forth the state coastal policies applied in a CZMA consistency review.   The NYSDOS denied the motion by order dated January 9, 2013.  An appeal may be taken to state court within four months.  Finally, on December 17, 2012, Entergy filed with NYSDOS a consistency determination explaining why Indian Point satisfies all applicable NYCMP policies.   Entergy included in the consistency determination a “reservation of rights” clarifying that Entergy does not concede NYSDOS’s right to conduct a new CZMA review for Indian Point.  On January 16, 2013, NYSDOS notified Entergy that it deemed the consistency determination incomplete because it does not include the further supplement to the FSEIS that, as indicated above, is targeted for issuance by April 30, 2013.  The six-month federal deadline for state decision on a consistency determination does not begin to run until the submission is complete.

Non-nuclear Generating Stations

Entergy Wholesale Commodities includes the ownership, or interests in joint ventures that own, the following non-nuclear power plants:

 
Plant
 
 
Location
 
 
Ownership
 
Net Owned
Capacity(1)
 
 
Type
                 
Rhode Island State Energy Center; 583 MW
 
Johnston, RI
 
100%
 
583 MW
 
Gas
Ritchie Unit 2;   544 MW
 
Helena, AR
 
100%
 
544 MW
 
Gas/Oil
Independence Unit 2;   842 MW
 
Newark, AR
 
14%
 
121 MW(2)
 
Coal
Top of Iowa;   80 MW (3)
 
Worth County, IA
 
50%
 
40 MW
 
Wind
White Deer;   80 MW (3)
 
Amarillo, TX
 
50%
 
40 MW
 
Wind
RS Cogen;   425 MW (3)
 
Lake Charles, LA
 
50%
 
213 MW
 
Gas/Steam
Nelson 6;   550 MW
 
Westlake, LA
 
11%
 
60 MW(2)
 
Coal

(1)
“Net Owned Capacity” refers to the nameplate rating on the generating unit.
(2)
The owned MW capacity is the portion of the plant capacity owned by Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  For a complete listing of Entergy’s jointly-owned generating stations, refer to “ Jointly-Owned Generating Stations ” in Note 1 to the financial statements.
(3)
Indirectly owned through interests in unconsolidated joint ventures.

In the fourth quarter 2010, Entergy sold its 61 percent share of the Harrison County 550 MW combined cycle gas-fired power plant.

Independent System Operators

The Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee and Rhode Island plants fall under the authority of the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England and the FitzPatrick and Indian Point plants fall under the authority of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).  The Palisades plant falls under the authority of the MISO.  The primary purpose of ISO New England, NYISO, and MISO is to direct the operations of the major generation and transmission facilities in their respective regions; ensure grid reliability; administer and monitor wholesale electricity markets; and plan for their respective region’s energy needs.


 
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Energy and Capacity Sales

As a wholesale generator, Entergy Wholesale Commodities core business is selling energy, measured in MWh, to its customers.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities enters into forward contracts with its customers and sells energy in the day ahead or spot markets.  In addition to selling the energy produced by its plants, Entergy Wholesale Commodities sells unforced capacity, which allows load-serving entities to meet specified reserve and related requirements placed on them by the ISOs in their respective areas.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ forward fixed price power contracts consist of contracts to sell energy only, contracts to sell capacity only, and bundled contracts in which it sells both capacity and energy.  While the terminology and payment mechanics vary in these contracts, each of these types of contracts requires Entergy Wholesale Commodities to deliver MWh of energy, make capacity available, or both.  See “ Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments ” in Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for additional information regarding these contracts.

In addition to the contracts discussed in “ Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments ,” Entergy’s purchase of the Vermont Yankee plant included a value sharing agreement providing for payments to the seller in the event that the plant operates beyond March 2012 pursuant to a renewed NRC operating license.  Under the value sharing agreement, to the extent that the average annual price of the energy sales from the plant exceeds the specified strike price, initially $61/MWh and then adjusted annually based on three indices, Vermont Yankee will pay 50% of the amount exceeding the strike prices to the seller.  These payments, if required, will be recorded as adjustments to the purchase price of the plants.  The value sharing would begin in 2012 and extend into 2022.

As part of the purchase of the Palisades plant, Entergy executed a 15-year PPA with the seller, Consumers Energy, for 100% of the plant’s output, excluding any future uprates.  Under the purchased power agreement, Consumers Energy will receive the value of any new environmental credits for the first ten years of the agreement.  Palisades and Consumers Energy will share on a 50/50 basis the value of any new environmental credits for years 11 through 15 of the agreement.  The environmental credits are defined as benefits from a change in law that causes capability of the plant as of the purchase date to become a tradable attribute (e.g., emission credit, renewable energy credit, environmental credit, “green” credit, etc.) or otherwise to have a market value.

Customers

Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ customers for the sale of both energy and capacity from its nuclear plants include retail power providers, utilities, electric power co-operatives, power trading organizations and other power generation companies.  These customers include Consolidated Edison, NYPA, and Consumers Energy, companies from which Entergy purchased plants, and ISO New England, NYISO, and MISO.  Substantially all of the counterparties or their guarantors for the planned energy output under contract for Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants have public investment grade credit ratings or are load-serving entities without public credit ratings.

Competition

The ISO New England and NYISO markets are highly competitive.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities has numerous competitors in New England and New York, including generation companies affiliated with regulated utilities, other independent power producers, municipal and co-operative generators, owners of co-generation plants and wholesale power marketers.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities is an independent power producer, which means it generates power for sale to third parties at day ahead or spot market prices to the extent that the power is not sold under a fixed price contract.  Municipal and co-operative generators also generate power but use most of it to deliver power to their municipal or co-operative power customers.  Owners of co-generation plants produce power primarily for their own consumption.  Wholesale power marketers do not own generation; rather they buy power from generators or other market participants and resell it to retail providers or other market participants.  Competition in the New England and New York power markets is affected by, among other factors, the amount of generation and transmission capacity in these markets.  MISO does not have a formal, centralized forward capacity market, but load serving entities do transact capacity through bilateral contracts.  Palisades’s current output is contracted to Consumers Energy through 2022 and, therefore, Entergy Wholesale Commodities does not expect to be materially affected by competition in the MISO market in the near term.
 
 
 
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Seasonality

Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ revenues and operating income are subject to fluctuations during the year due to seasonal factors, weather conditions, and contract pricing.  Refueling outages are generally scheduled for the spring and the fall, and cause volumetric decreases during those seasons.  When outdoor and cooling water temperatures are lower, generally during colder months, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear power plants operate more efficiently, and consequently, generate more electricity.  Many of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ contracts provide for shaped pricing over the course of the year.  As a result of these factors, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ revenues are typically higher in the first and third quarters than in the second and fourth quarters.

Fuel Supply

Nuclear Fuel

See “ Fuel Supply , Nuclear Fuel ” in the Utility portion of Part I, Item 1 for a discussion of the nuclear fuel cycle and markets.  Entergy Nuclear Fuels Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, is responsible for contracts to acquire nuclear materials, except for fuel fabrication, for Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear power plants, while Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. acts as the agent for the purchase of nuclear fuel assembly fabrication services.  All contracts for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel are between the DOE and each of the nuclear power plants.

Other Business Activities

Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC (ENPM) was formed in 2005 to centralize the power marketing function for Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants.  Upon its formation, ENPM entered into long-term power purchase agreements with the Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiaries that own nuclear power plants (generating subsidiaries).  As part of a series of agreements, ENPM agreed to assume and/or otherwise service the existing power purchase agreements that were in effect between the generating subsidiaries and their customers.  ENPM functions include origination of new energy and capacity transactions, generation scheduling, contract management (including billing and settlements), and market and credit risk mitigation.

Entergy Nuclear, Inc. pursues service agreements with other nuclear power plant owners who seek the advantages of Entergy’s scale and expertise but do not necessarily want to sell their assets.  Services provided by either Entergy Nuclear, Inc. or other Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiaries include engineering, operations and maintenance, fuel procurement, management and supervision, technical support and training, administrative support, and other managerial or technical services required to operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear electric power facilities.  Entergy Nuclear, Inc. provided decommissioning services for the Maine Yankee nuclear power plant and continues to pursue opportunities for Entergy Wholesale Commodities with other nuclear plant owners through operating agreements.

Entergy Nuclear, Inc. also offers operating license renewal and life extension services to nuclear power plant owners.  TLG Services, a subsidiary of Entergy Nuclear Inc., offers decommissioning, engineering, and related services to nuclear power plant owners.  In April 2009, Entergy announced that it will team with energy firm ENERCON to offer nuclear development services ranging from plant relicensing to full-service, new plant deployment.  ENERCON has experience in engineering, environmental, technical and management services.

In September 2003, Entergy agreed to provide plant operation support services for the 800 MW Cooper Nuclear Station located near Brownville, Nebraska.  The original contract was to expire in 2014 corresponding to the original operating license life of the plant.  In 2006 an Entergy subsidiary signed an agreement to provide license renewal services for the Cooper Nuclear Station.  The Cooper Nuclear Station received its license renewal from the NRC on November 29, 2010.  Entergy continues to provide implementation services for the renewed license.  In 2010 an Entergy subsidiary signed an agreement to extend the management support services to Cooper Nuclear Station by 15 years, through January 2029.


 
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Regulation of Entergy’s Business

Federal Power Act

The Federal Power Act provides the FERC the authority to regulate:

·  
the transmission and wholesale sale of electric energy in interstate commerce;
·  
sales or acquisition of certain assets;
·  
securities issuances;
·  
the licensing of certain hydroelectric projects;
·  
certain other activities, including accounting policies and practices of electric and gas utilities; and
·  
changes in control of FERC jurisdictional entities or rate schedules.

The Federal Power Act gives the FERC jurisdiction over the rates charged by System Energy for Grand Gulf capacity and energy provided to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans and over some of the rates charged by Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  The FERC also regulates the provisions of the System Agreement, including the rates, and the provision of transmission service to wholesale market participants.

Entergy Arkansas holds a FERC license that expires in 2053 for two hydroelectric projects totaling 70 MW of capacity.

State Regulation

Utility

Entergy Arkansas is subject to regulation by the APSC, which includes the authority to:

·  
oversee utility service;
·  
set retail rates;
·  
determine reasonable and adequate service;
·  
control leasing;
·  
control the acquisition or sale of any public utility plant or property constituting an operating unit or system;
·  
set rates of depreciation;
·  
issue certificates of convenience and necessity and certificates of environmental compatibility and public need; and
·  
regulate the issuance and sale of certain securities.

Additionally, Entergy Arkansas serves a limited number of retail customers in Tennessee and as a result, may be required to submit certain matters approved by the APSC for consideration by the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. Additionally, Entergy Arkansas maintains limited facilities in Missouri but does not provide retail electric service to customers in Missouri. Although Entergy Arkansas obtained a certificate with respect to its Missouri facilities, Entergy Arkansas is not subject to the retail rate or regulatory scheme in Missouri.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s electric and gas business and Entergy Louisiana are subject to regulation by the LPSC as to:

·  
utility service;
·  
retail rates and charges;
·  
certification of generating facilities;
·  
certification of power or capacity purchase contracts;
·  
audit of the fuel adjustment charge, environmental adjustment charge, and avoided cost payment to Qualifying Facilities;
·  
integrated resource planning;
 
 
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·  
utility mergers and acquisitions and other changes of control; and
·  
depreciation and other matters.

Entergy Louisiana is also subject to the jurisdiction of the City Council with respect to such matters within Algiers in Orleans Parish, although the precise scope of that jurisdiction differs from that of the LPSC.

Entergy Mississippi is subject to regulation by the MPSC as to the following:

·  
utility service;
·  
service areas;
·  
facilities;
·  
certification of generating facilities and certain transmission projects;
·  
retail rates;
·  
fuel cost recovery;
·  
depreciation rates; and
·  
mergers and changes of control.

Entergy Mississippi is also subject to regulation by the APSC as to the certificate of environmental compatibility and public need for the Independence Station, which is located in Arkansas.

Entergy New Orleans is subject to regulation by the City Council as to the following:

·  
utility service;
·  
retail rates and charges;
·  
standards of service;
·  
depreciation,
·  
issuance and sale of certain securities; and
·  
other matters.

To the extent authorized by governing legislation, Entergy Texas is subject to the original jurisdiction of the municipal authorities of a number of incorporated cities in Texas with appellate jurisdiction over such matters residing in the PUCT.  Entergy Texas is also subject to regulation by the PUCT as to:

·  
retail rates and service in unincorporated areas of its service territory, and in municipalities that have ceded jurisdiction to the PUCT;
·  
customer service standards;
·  
certification of certain transmission projects; and
·  
extensions of service into new areas.

Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and Energy Reorganization Act of 1974

Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, the operation of nuclear plants is heavily regulated by the NRC, which has broad power to impose licensing and safety-related requirements.  The NRC has broad authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, as owners of all or portions of ANO, River Bend, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf, respectively, and Entergy Operations, as the licensee and operator of these units, are subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC.  Entergy subsidiaries in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment are subject to the NRC’s jurisdiction as the owners and operator of Pilgrim, Indian Point Energy Center, FitzPatrick, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades.  Substantial capital expenditures at Entergy’s nuclear plants because of revised safety requirements of the NRC could be required in the future.
 
 
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Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982

Spent Nuclear Fuel

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the DOE is required, for a specified fee, to construct storage facilities for, and to dispose of, all spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste generated by domestic nuclear power reactors.  Entergy’s nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries provide for the estimated future disposal costs of spent nuclear fuel in accordance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.  The affected Entergy companies entered into contracts with the DOE, whereby the DOE is to furnish disposal services at a cost of one mill per net kWh generated and sold after April 7, 1983, plus a one-time fee for generation prior to that date.  Entergy Arkansas is the only one of the Utility operating companies that generated electric power with nuclear fuel prior to that date and has a recorded liability as of December 31, 2012 of $181.2 million for the one-time fee.  Entergy accepted assignment of the Pilgrim, FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, Palisades, and Big Rock Point spent fuel disposal contracts with the DOE held by their previous owners.  The previous owners have paid or retained liability for the fees for all generation prior to the purchase dates of those plants.  The fees payable to the DOE may be adjusted in the future to assure full recovery.  Entergy considers all costs incurred for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel, except accrued interest, to be proper components of nuclear fuel expense.  Provisions to recover such costs have been or will be made in applications to regulatory authorities for the Utility plants.  Entergy’s total spent fuel fees to date, including the one-time fee liability of Entergy Arkansas, have surpassed $1.5 billion (exclusive of amounts relating to Entergy plants that were paid or are owed by prior owners of those plants).

The permanent spent fuel repository in the U.S. has been legislated to be Yucca Mountain, Nevada.  The DOE is required by law to proceed with the licensing (the DOE filed the license application in June 2008) and, after the license is granted by the NRC, proceed with the repository construction and commencement of receipt of spent fuel.  Because the DOE has not begun accepting spent fuel, it is in non-compliance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and has breached its spent fuel disposal contracts.  The DOE continues to delay meeting its obligation.  Moreover, the Obama administration has taken specific steps to discontinue the Yucca Mountain project and study a new spent fuel strategy.  Such actions included a motion to the NRC to withdraw the license application with prejudice and the establishment of a commission to develop recommendations for alternative spent fuel storage solutions.  DOE and NRC actions to shut down the Yucca Mountain process are subject to current litigation, and the government has taken no effective action to date related to the recommendations of the appointed spent fuel study commission.  Accordingly, large uncertainty remains regarding the time frame under which the DOE will begin to accept spent fuel from Entergy's facilities for storage or disposal.  As a result, continuing future expenditures will be required to increase spent fuel storage capacity at Entergy's nuclear sites.

As a result of the DOE's failure to begin disposal of spent nuclear fuel in 1998 pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and the spent fuel disposal contracts, Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries have incurred and will continue to incur damages.  In November 2003 these subsidiaries, except for the owner of Palisades, began litigation to recover the damages caused by the DOE's delay in performance.  In October 2007 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims awarded $48.7 million jointly to System Fuels and Entergy Arkansas in damages related to the DOE's breach of its obligations.  In a revised decision issued in March 2010, the court awarded $9.7 million jointly to System Fuels, System Energy, and SMEPA.  Also in March 2010, in two separate decisions, the court awarded $106.1 million to Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, and $4.2 million to Entergy Nuclear Generation Company (the owner of Pilgrim).  In September 2010 the court awarded $46.6 million to Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee.  All of these decisions were appealed by the DOE to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit).  In September 2011 the Federal Circuit affirmed most of the Entergy Nuclear Generation Company award, but remanded to the trial court for recalculation of certain damages.  In January 2012 the Federal Circuit affirmed the System Fuels and Entergy Arkansas award in large part, and reversed the trial court’s denial of certain damages sought, but remanded to the trial court for recalculation of certain damages.  Also in January
 
 
 
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2012, the Federal Circuit affirmed the System Fuels, System Energy and SMEPA award, and reversed the trial court’s denial of certain damages, raising the final award to $10.2 million, and in April 2012 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a final judgment and Entergy received payment of that amount from the U.S. Treasury in June 2012.  In April 2012 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims entered a final judgment in the amount of approximately $4 million in the Pilgrim case.  In October 2012 the DOE again appealed that decision to the Federal Circuit.  In April 2012 the Federal Circuit issued a decision in the appeal in the Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2 case. In that decision, the Federal Circuit reversed certain damages awarded to Entergy, but also reversed the trial court's denial of certain overhead costs. The revisions to the award reduced the net amount from approximately $106 million to approximately $103 million, and Entergy received payment of that amount from the U.S. Treasury in August 2012.  In June 2012 the Federal Circuit issued a decision in the appeal of the Vermont Yankee case.  In that decision, the Federal Circuit reversed certain damages awarded to Entergy, but again reversed the trial court’s denial of certain overhead costs.  The revisions to the award reduced the net amount from approximately $47 million to approximately $41 million.  On December 31, 2012, time for any appeals of the Vermont Yankee judgment expired without any appeals being filed, and that judgment became final.  In September 2012, Entergy Nuclear Palisades, LLC filed suit against the DOE for damages from the DOE's breach of the spent fuel disposal contract accruing at Palisades and Big Rock Point since the date of acquisition of those sites from Consumers Energy Company in 2007.  Management cannot predict the timing or amount of any potential recoveries on other claims filed by Entergy subsidiaries, and cannot predict the timing of any eventual receipt from the DOE of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims damage awards.

Pending DOE acceptance and disposal of spent nuclear fuel, the owners of nuclear plants are providing their own spent fuel storage.  Storage capability additions using dry casks began operations at Palisades in 1993, at ANO in 1996, at FitzPatrick in 2002, at River Bend in 2005, at Grand Gulf in 2006, at Indian Point and Vermont Yankee in 2008, and at Waterford 3 in 2011.  These facilities will be expanded as needed.  Current on-site spent fuel storage capacity at Pilgrim is estimated to be sufficient until approximately 2014, by which time dry cask storage facilities are planned to be placed into service at that unit.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Texas, and System Energy are entitled to recover from customers through electric rates the estimated decommissioning costs for ANO, the portion of River Bend subject to retail rate regulation, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf, respectively.  The collections are deposited in trust funds that can only be used for future decommissioning costs.  Entergy periodically reviews and updates the estimated decommissioning costs to reflect inflation and changes in regulatory requirements and technology, and then makes applications to the regulatory authorities to reflect, in rates, the changes in projected decommissioning costs.

Following a review in 2009, Entergy concluded that there was a funding shortfall for Vermont Yankee of approximately $40 million, which it satisfied with a $40 million guarantee from Entergy Corporation that is still in place.  On July 28, 2010, the LPSC approved increased decommissioning collections for Waterford 3 and the Louisiana regulated share of River Bend and on December 13, 2010, the PUCT approved increased decommissioning collections for the Texas share of River Bend, to address previously identified funding shortfalls.  Entergy currently believes its decommissioning funding will be sufficient for its nuclear plants subject to retail rate regulation, although decommissioning cost inflation and trust fund performance will ultimately determine the adequacy of the funding amounts.

For the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants purchased in 2000, NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities.  NYPA and Entergy subsidiaries executed decommissioning agreements, which specify their decommissioning obligations.  NYPA has the rights to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume each of the decommissioning liabilities provided that it assigns the corresponding decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to the Entergy subsidiaries.  If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the responsible Entergy subsidiary will perform the decommissioning of the plants at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts.

Additional information with respect to Entergy’s decommissioning costs and decommissioning trust funds is found in Note 9 and Note 17 to the financial statements.


 
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Price-Anderson Act

The Price-Anderson Act requires that reactor licensees purchase insurance and participate in a secondary insurance pool that provides insurance coverage for the public in the event of a nuclear power plant accident.  The costs of this insurance are borne by the nuclear power industry.  Congress amended and renewed the Price-Anderson Act in 2005 for a term through 2025.  The Price-Anderson Act limits contingent liability for a single nuclear incident to approximately $117.5 million per reactor (with 104 nuclear industry reactors currently participating).  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities have protection with respect to this liability through a combination of private insurance and an industry assessment program, as well as insurance for property damage, costs of replacement power, and other risks relating to nuclear generating units.  The Price-Anderson Act and insurance applicable to the nuclear programs of Entergy are discussed in more detail in Note 8 to the financial statements.

Environmental Regulation

Entergy’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy’s businesses are in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance requirements and costs cannot be precisely estimated.  Except to the extent discussed below, at this time compliance with federal, state, and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise protecting the environment, is incorporated into the routine cost structure of Entergy’s businesses and is not expected to have a material effect on their competitive position, results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

Clean Air Act and Subsequent Amendments

The Clean Air Act and its amendments establish several programs that currently or in the future may affect Entergy’s fossil-fueled generation facilities and, to a much lesser extent, certain operations at nuclear and other  facilities.  Individual states also operate similar independent state programs or delegated federal programs that may include requirements more stringent than federal regulatory requirements.  These programs include:

·  
New source review and preconstruction permits for new sources of criteria air pollutants and significant modifications to existing facilities;
·  
Acid rain program for control of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and nitrogen oxides (NO x );
·  
Nonattainment area programs for control of criteria air pollutants, which could include fee assessments for air pollutant emission sources under Section 185 of the Clean Air Act if attainment is not reached in a timely manner;
·  
Hazardous air pollutant emissions reduction programs;
·  
Interstate Air Transport;
·  
Operating permits program for administration and enforcement of these and other Clean Air Act programs; and
·  
Regional Haze and Best Available Retrofit Technology programs.

New Source Review (NSR)

Preconstruction permits are required for new facilities and for existing facilities that undergo a modification that results in a significant net emissions increase and is not classified as routine repair, maintenance, or replacement.  Units that undergo a non-routine modification must obtain a permit modification and may be required to install additional air pollution control technologies. Entergy has an established process for identifying modifications requiring additional permitting approval and has followed the
 
 
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regulations and associated guidance provided by the states and the federal government with regard to the determination of routine repair, maintenance, and replacement.  In recent years, however, the EPA has begun an enforcement initiative, aimed primarily at coal plants, to identify modifications that it does not consider routine for which the unit did not obtain a modified permit.  Various courts and the EPA have been inconsistent in their judgments regarding modifications that are considered routine.

In February 2011, Entergy received a request from the EPA for several categories of information concerning capital and maintenance projects at the White Bluff and Independence facilities, both located in Arkansas, in order to determine compliance with the Clean Air Act.  In August 2011, Entergy’s Nelson facility, located in Louisiana, received a similar request for information from the EPA.  Entergy responded to both requests.  Neither EPA request for information alleged that the facilities are in violation of law.

Acid Rain Program

The Clean Air Act provides SO 2 allowances to most of the affected Entergy generating units for emissions based upon past emission levels and operating characteristics.  Each allowance is an entitlement to emit one ton of SO 2 per year.  Plant owners are required to possess allowances for SO 2 emissions from affected generating units.  Virtually all Entergy fossil-fueled generating units are subject to SO 2 allowance requirements.  Entergy could be required to purchase additional allowances when it generates power using fuel oil.  Fuel oil usage is determined by economic dispatch and influenced by the price of natural gas, incremental emission allowance costs, and the availability and cost of purchased power.

Ozone Nonattainment

Entergy Texas operates one fossil-fueled generating unit (Lewis Creek) in a geographic area that is not in attainment of the currently-enforced national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone.  The nonattainment area that affects Entergy Texas is the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area.  Areas in nonattainment are classified as "marginal," "moderate," "serious," or "severe."  When an area fails to meet the ambient air standard, the EPA requires state regulatory authorities to prepare state implementation plans meant to cause progress toward bringing the area into attainment with applicable standards.

The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area was originally classified as "moderate" nonattainment under the 8-hour ozone standard with an attainment date of June 15, 2010.  On June 15, 2007, the Texas governor petitioned the EPA to reclassify Houston-Galveston-Brazoria from "moderate" to "severe" and the EPA granted the request on October 1, 2008.  The area's new attainment date for the 8-hour ozone standard is as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than June 15, 2019.

In March 2008, the EPA revised the NAAQS for ozone, creating the potential for additional counties and parishes in which Entergy operates to be placed in nonattainment status.  On April 30, 2012, the EPA released its final non-attainment designations for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.  In Entergy’s utility service area, the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Memphis, Tennessee/Mississippi/Arkansas areas were designated as in “marginal” nonattainment.

For these marginal areas attainment must be demonstrated no later than December 31, 2015 (with EPA evaluating whether the area attained the standard based on monitored ozone data from 2013-2015).  In the final designation rule, EPA states that it anticipates the marginal areas will be able to attain by that date based upon reductions attendant with other rules and programs such as the interstate transport rules.  Entergy facilities in these areas may be subject to installation of NO x controls, but the degree of control will remain unknown until the states are further along in implementing in the marginal areas.   Entergy will continue to monitor and engage in the state’s implementation process in Entergy states.

Potential SO 2   Nonattainment

The EPA issued a final rule in June 2010 adopting an SO 2 1-hour national ambient air quality standard of 75 parts per billion.  The EPA designations for counties in attainment and nonattainment were originally due in June 2012, but the EPA has indicated certain of these designations will occur by June 2013.  States must then submit implementation plans designed to return the areas to attainment to the EPA for approval.  Additional capital projects or operational changes may be required for Entergy facilities in these areas.
 
 
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Hazardous Air Pollutants

The EPA released the final Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) rule in December 2011 and the rule became effective in April 2012.  Entergy currently is developing compliance plans to meet requirements of the rule, which could result in significant capital expenditures for Entergy’s coal-fired units.  Compliance with MATS is required by the Clean Air Act within three years, or by 2015, although certain extensions of this deadline are available from state permit authorities and the EPA.

Cross-State Air Pollution

In March 2005, the EPA finalized the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), which was intended to reduce SO 2 and NO x emissions from electric generation plants in order to improve air quality in twenty-nine eastern states.  The rule required a combination of investment of capital to install pollution control equipment and increased operating costs through the purchase of emission allowances.  Entergy began implementation in 2007, including installation of controls at several facilities and the development of an emission allowance procurement strategy.

Based on several court challenges, the CAIR was vacated and remanded to the EPA by the D.C. Circuit in 2008.  The court allowed the CAIR to become effective in January 2009, while the EPA revised the rule.  On July 7, 2011, the EPA released its final Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR, which previously was referred to as the Transport Rule).  The rule was directed at limiting the interstate transport of emissions of NO x and SO 2 as precursors to ozone and fine particulate matter.  The final rule provided a significantly lower number of allowances to Entergy’s Utility states than did the draft rule.  Entergy’s capital investment and annual allowance purchase costs under the CSAPR would depend on the economic assessment of NO x and SO 2 allowance markets, the cost of control technologies, generation unit utilization, and the availability and cost of purchased power.

Entergy filed a petition for review with the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and a petition with the EPA for reconsideration of the rule and stay of its effectiveness.  Several other parties filed similar petitions.  On December 30, 2011, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed CSAPR and instructed the EPA to continue administering CAIR, pending further judicial review.  In August 2012 the court issued a decision vacating CSAPR and leaving CAIR in place pending the promulgation of a lawful replacement for both rules.  In January 2013 the court denied petitions for reconsideration filed by the EPA and certain states and intervenors.  Entergy is complying with CAIR as it continues to be implemented until further instruction from the court or the EPA.

Regional Haze

In June 2005, the EPA issued its final Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR) regulations that could potentially result in a requirement to install SO 2 and NO x pollution control technology as Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BART) on certain of Entergy’s coal and oil generation units.  The rule leaves certain CAVR determinations to the states.  The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) prepared a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for Arkansas facilities to implement its obligations under the CAVR.  The ADEQ determined that Entergy Arkansas’s White Bluff power plant affects a Class I Area’s visibility and will be subject to the EPA’s presumptive BART limits, which likely would require the installation of scrubbers and low NO x burners.  Under then-current state regulations, the scrubbers would have had to be operational by October 2013.  Entergy Arkansas filed a petition in December 2009 with the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission requesting a variance from this deadline because the EPA had expressed concerns about Arkansas’s Regional Haze SIP and questioned the appropriateness of issuing an air permit prior to that approval.  Entergy Arkansas’s petition requested that, consistent with federal law, the compliance deadline be changed to as expeditiously as practicable, but in no event later than five years after EPA approval of the Arkansas Regional Haze SIP.  The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission approved the variance in March 2010.  In October 2011 the EPA released a proposed rule addressing the Arkansas Regional Haze SIP.  In the proposal the EPA disapproved a large portion of the Arkansas Regional Haze SIP, including the emission limits for NO x and SO 2 at White Bluff.  The final rule was published, mostly unchanged, on
 
 
 
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March 12, 2012 and became final on April 11, 2012.  The EPA did not issue a Federal Implementation Plan for regional haze requirements because Arkansas has indicated it wishes to revise and resubmit its SIP.  There will be a two-year timeframe in which the EPA must either approve a revised SIP issued by Arkansas or issue a Federal Implementation Plan.  These decisions will impact the timing and level of control installation at White Bluff.

Fine Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard

On December 14, 2012, the EPA released regulations that lowered the NAAQS for fine particle pollution or PM2.5.  Currently, the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria counties area in Texas and Pulaski County in Arkansas are expected to be in non-attainment of the new NAAQS.  The EPA projections are that these areas will be in attainment by 2020 due to emission reductions from other EPA and state regulations.

The EPA anticipates making initial attainment/nonattainment designations by December 2014, with those designations likely becoming effective in early 2015.  Following nonattainment designation, states with areas designated nonattainment will be required to develop state implementation plans that outline control requirements that enable the affected counties and parishes to reach attainment status.  States would have until 2020 (five years after designations are effective) to meet the revised annual PM2.5 standard.  A state may request a possible extension to 2025 depending on the severity of an area’s fine particle pollution problems and the availability of pollution controls.  Entergy will continue to monitor and engage in the state’s implementation process in Entergy states.

Potential Legislative, Regulatory, and Judicial Developments

In addition to the specific instances described above, there are a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives that are under consideration at the federal, state, and local level.  Because of the nature of Entergy’s business, the imposition of any of these initiatives could affect Entergy’s operations.  Entergy continues to monitor these initiatives and activities in order to analyze their potential operational and cost implications.  These initiatives include:

·  
designation by the EPA and state environmental agencies of areas that are not in attainment with national ambient air quality standards;
·  
introduction of bills in Congress and development of regulations by the EPA proposing further limits on NO x , SO 2 , mercury, and carbon dioxide and other air emissions.  New legislation or regulations applicable to stationary sources could take the form of market-based cap-and-trade programs, direct requirements for the installation of air emission controls onto air emission sources, or other or combined regulatory programs.  Entergy cannot estimate the effect of any future legislation at this time due to the uncertainty of the regulatory format;
·  
efforts in Congress or at the EPA to establish a mandatory federal carbon dioxide emission control structure;
·  
passage and implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative by several states in the northeastern United States and similar actions in other regions of the United States;
·  
efforts on the state and federal level to codify renewable portfolio standards, a clean energy standard, or a similar mechanism requiring utilities to produce or purchase a certain percentage of their power from defined renewable energy sources or energy sources with lower emissions;
·  
efforts to develop more stringent state water quality standards, effluent limitations for Entergy’s industry sector, stormwater runoff control regulations, and cooling water intake structure requirements;
·  
efforts to restrict the previously-approved continued use of oil-filled equipment containing certain levels of PCBs; and
·  
efforts by certain external groups to encourage reporting and disclosure of carbon dioxide emissions and risk.  Entergy has prepared responses for the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) annual questionnaire for the past several years and has given permission for those responses to be posted to CDP’s website.

Entergy continues to support national legislation that would increase planning certainty for electric utilities while addressing carbon dioxide emissions in a responsible and flexible manner.  By virtue of its proportionally large investment in low-emitting gas-fired and nuclear generation technologies, Entergy has a low overall carbon dioxide emission “intensity,” or rate of carbon dioxide emitted per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated.  In anticipation of the potential imposition of carbon dioxide emission limits on the electric industry in the future, Entergy initiated actions designed to reduce its exposure to potential new governmental requirements related to carbon dioxide emissions.  These voluntary actions included establishment of a formal program to stabilize power
 
 
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plant carbon dioxide emissions at 2000 levels through 2005, and Entergy succeeded in actually reducing emissions below 2000 levels. Total carbon dioxide emissions representing Entergy’s ownership share of power plants in the United States were approximately 53.2 million tons in 2000 and 35.6 million tons in 2005.  In 2006, Entergy changed its method of calculating emissions and now includes emissions from controllable power purchases as well as its ownership share of generation.  Entergy established a second formal voluntary program to stabilize power plant carbon dioxide emissions and emissions from controllable power purchases at 20% below 2000 levels through 2010.  Entergy has extended this commitment through 2020.  Total carbon dioxide emissions representing Entergy’s ownership share of power plants and controllable power purchases in the United States were approximately 46.3 million tons in 2011 and approximately 45.0 million tons in 2012.

Greenhouse Gas Reporting

In September 2009, the EPA finalized a rule to require reporting of several greenhouse gases.  This rule will require Entergy to report annually greenhouse gas emissions from operating power plants and natural gas distribution operations.  Entergy developed compliance plans, collected the necessary data, and has reported as required beginning in 2011.

New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The EPA announced a schedule for establishing new source performance standards (NSPS) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants and refineries.  Under the schedule, the EPA would have issued proposed regulations for power plants by July 26, 2011   and final regulations no later than May 26, 2012.  On April 13, 2012, the EPA published the proposed NSPS for GHGs for new sources in the Federal Register.  The proposed rule only applies to new units and would limit CO2 emissions for any fossil-fired power plant greater than 25 MW to 1,000 pounds of CO2 per MWh of electricity produced.  Concerns have been expressed regarding the proposed rule’s potential applicability to existing facilities that undergo modification.  The rule would not apply to certain units such as simple cycle natural gas units and biomass units.  Entergy commented on the proposed rule and will continue to monitor and participate in the rulemaking process.

The EPA also agreed with environmental litigants to promulgate a performance standard for GHG emissions applicable to existing power plants and refineries.  Although the EPA has not announced a current deadline for this activity, the development of a proposed rule may occur in 2013.  Entergy will continue to monitor and participate in the rulemaking process.

Nelson Unit 6 (Entergy Gulf States Louisiana)

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has self-reported to the LDEQ an annual carbon monoxide (CO) emission limit deviation at the Nelson Unit 6 coal-fired facility for the years 2006-2010 and the failure to report these deviations in semi-annual reporting and in annual Title V compliance certifications.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is not required to monitor carbon monoxide emissions from Nelson Unit 6 using a continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS).  Stack tests performed in 2010 appear to indicate CO emissions in excess of the maximum hourly limit for three – 1 hour test runs; however, comparison of the 2010 stack tests with the most recent previous tests, from 2006, appear to indicate that the permit limits were calculated incorrectly in the Title V Permit application and should have been higher using the 2006 stack test as the basis.   The 2010 test emission levels did not cause a violation of NAAQS.  Additionally, the 2010 stack testing, which was performed in compliance with an EPA data request connected to the agency’s development of a new air emissions rule, was not taken during a period of normal and representative operations for Nelson 6.   While it is likely that a penalty will be imposed for these permit limit exceedances and non-reporting, the particular facts surrounding this exceedance make it difficult to estimate the size of the penalty.  Consideration likely will be given, however, for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s self-reporting of the issue and cooperation in resolving the issue.


 
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Clean Water Act

The 1972 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (known as the Clean Water Act) provide the statutory basis for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and the basic structure for regulating the discharge of pollutants from point sources to waters of the United States.  The Clean Water Act requires virtually all discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States to be permitted.  Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act regulates cooling water intake structures, section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires a water quality certification from the state in support of certain federal actions and approvals, and section 404 regulates the dredge and fill of waters of the United States, including jurisdictional wetlands.

NPDES Permits and Section 401 Water Quality Certifications

NPDES permits are subject to renewal every five years.  Consequently, Entergy is currently in various stages of the data evaluation and discharge permitting process for its power plants.  Additionally, the State of New York has taken the position that a new state-issued water quality certification is required as part of the NRC license renewal process.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ Indian Point nuclear facility in New York is seeking a new Section 401 certification prior to license renewal under full reservation of rights.

Indian Point

Entergy is involved in an administrative permitting process with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for renewal of the Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 discharge permits.  In November 2003 the NYSDEC issued a draft permit indicating that closed cycle cooling would be considered the “best technology available” for minimizing alleged adverse environmental effects attributable to the intake of cooling water at Indian Point, subject to a feasibility determination and alternatives analysis for that technology, if Entergy applied for and received NRC license renewal for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3.  Upon becoming effective, the draft permit also would have required payment of approximately $24 million annually, and an annual 42 unit-day outage period, until closed cycle cooling is implemented.  Entergy is participating in the administrative process to request that the draft permit be modified prior to final issuance, and opposes any requirement to install cooling towers at Indian Point.

An August 2008 ruling by the NYSDEC’s Assistant Commissioner has restructured the permitting and administrative process, including the application of a new economic test designed to implement the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals standard in that court’s review of the EPA’s cooling water intake structure rules, which is discussed in the 316(b) Cooling Water Intake Structures section below.  The NYSDEC has directed Entergy to develop detailed feasibility information regarding the construction and operation of cooling towers, and alternatives to closed cycle cooling, prior to the issuance of a new draft permit by the NYSDEC staff and commencement of the adjudicatory proceeding.  The reports include a visual impact and aesthetics report filed in June 2009, a plume and emissions report filed in September 2009, a technical feasibility report and alternatives analysis filed in February 2010, and an economic report to establish whether the technology, if feasible, satisfies the economic test that is part of the New York standard.  Entergy requested that the NYSDEC Assistant Commissioner reconsider the New York standard in light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision reversing the Second Circuit’s alternative economic test adopted in the August 2008 ruling.  In November 2012 the NYSDEC Assistant Commissioner's delegate issued a decision overturning the alternative economic test adopted in the August 2008 ruling and reestablishing the "wholly disproportionate" test derived from previous New York precedent. The wholly disproportionate test considers whether the costs of a technology are wholly disproportionate to the environmental benefits gained from the technology.

In February 2010, Entergy provided to the NYSDEC an updated estimate of the capital cost to retrofit Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 with cooling towers.  Construction costs for retrofitting with cooling towers are estimated to be at least $1.19 billion, in addition to lost generation of approximately 14.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) during the forced outage of both units that is estimated to take at least 42 weeks.  Entergy also proposed an alternative to the cooling towers, the use of cylindrical wedgewire screens, the construction costs of which are now expected to be approximately $250 million to $300 million.  Because a cooling tower retrofitting of this size and complexity has never been undertaken at an operating nuclear facility, significant uncertainties exist in the capital
 
 
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cost estimates and, therefore, the actual capital costs could be materially higher than estimated.  Moreover, construction outage-related costs to Entergy have not been calculated because of the significant variability in power pricing at any given time, but they are expected to be significant and may exceed the capital costs.  The capital cost estimate for the wedgewire screen construction is also subject to uncertainty.  Hearings on certain issues began in 2011 in consolidation with certain issues in the water quality certification matter that is discussed further below.  The NYSDEC is expected to consider the information submitted and issue another draft permit with a new best technology available determination, which could still be cooling towers.  A new comment period and further contested proceedings likely would follow.

Entergy submitted its application for a water quality certification to the NYSDEC in April 2009, with a reservation of rights regarding the applicability of Section 401 in this case.  After Entergy submitted certain additional information in response to NYSDEC requests for additional information, in February 2010 the NYSDEC staff determined that Entergy’s water quality certification application was complete.  In April 2010 the NYSDEC staff issued a proposed notice of denial of Entergy’s water quality certification application (the Notice).  NYSDEC staff’s Notice triggered an administrative adjudicatory hearing before NYSDEC ALJs on the proposed Notice.  The NYSDEC staff decision does not restrict Indian Point operations, but the issuance of a certification is potentially required prior to NRC issuance of renewed unit licenses.

In June 2011, Entergy filed notice with the NRC that the NYSDEC, the agency that would issue or deny a water quality certification for the Indian Point license renewal process, has taken longer than one year to take final action on Entergy’s application for a water quality certification and, therefore, has waived its opportunity to require a certification under the provisions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.  The NYSDEC has notified the NRC that it disagrees with Entergy’s position and does not believe that it has waived the right to require a certification.  The NYSDEC ALJs overseeing the agency’s certification adjudicatory process stated in a ruling issued in July 2011 that while the waiver issue is pending before the NRC, the NYSDEC hearing process will continue on selected issues.  The judge held a Legislative Hearing (agency public comment session) and an Issues Conference (pre-trial conference) in July 2010 and set certain issues for trial in October 2011, which is continuing into 2013.  After the full hearing on the merits, the ALJs will issue a recommended decision to the Commissioner who will then issue the final agency decision.  A party to the proceeding can appeal the decision of the Commissioner to state court.

Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

On October 9, 2012, EcoLaw, a coalition of several environmental groups, served Entergy Nuclear Generating Company and Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. with a notice of intent (NOI) to sue under the Clean Water Act for alleged violations at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.  The NOI alleges 33,253 discharge permit violations since 1994 (including alleged violations prior to Entergy’s ownership; Entergy purchased the plant in 1999) and seeks $25,000 per violation for a total of $831,325,000.  The Clean Water Act states that an alleged violator must be given 60 days notice prior to a citizen’s suit being filed.  Early review of the NOI indicates that many of the alleged violations were discharges in compliance with the current EPA facility discharge permit, which the putative plaintiff alleges was improperly issued or modified.  An additional NOI was served by EcoLaw to the same Entergy parties and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection alleging violations of state water quality standards and requesting revocation of the state-issued Section 401 Water Quality Certification associated with the plant’s water discharge permit (21-day NOI requirement under state law).  On November 2, 2012 and December 7, 2012, Entergy filed responses to the state and federal notices of intent to sue.  To date, Pilgrim has not received notice that EcoLaw has initiated any lawsuits against Pilgrim.

316(b) Cooling Water Intake Structures

The EPA finalized regulations in July 2004 governing the intake of water at large existing power plants employing cooling water intake structures.  The rule sought to reduce perceived impacts on aquatic resources by requiring covered facilities to implement technology or other measures to meet EPA-targeted reductions in water use and corresponding perceived aquatic impacts.  Entergy, other industry members and industry groups, environmental groups, and a coalition of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states challenged various aspects of the rule.  In January 2007 the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the rule to the EPA for reconsideration.  The court instructed the EPA to reconsider several aspects of the rule that were beneficial to businesses
 
 
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affected by the rule after finding that these provisions of the rule were contrary to the language of the Clean Water Act or were not sufficiently explained in the rule.  In April 2008 the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the Second Circuit decision on the question of whether the EPA may take into consideration a cost-benefit analysis in developing these regulations, a consideration of potential benefit to businesses affected by the rule that the Second Circuit disallowed.  In March 2009 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the petitioners that cost-benefit analysis may be taken into consideration.  The EPA reissued the proposed rule in April 2011, with finalization anticipated by July 27, 2012; however, the EPA extended the deadline to June 27, 2013.  Entergy filed comments with the EPA on the proposed rule.

At the request of the EPA Region 1 (Boston), Entergy submitted extensive data to the agency in July 2008 concerning cooling water intake impacts at the Pilgrim nuclear power plant.  The engineering study, included as part of the July 2008 submittal, concluded that cooling towers are not feasible due to restrictions in the plant's condenser design and capacity.  Other technologies, such as variable speed pumps and the relocation of the cooling water intake, were also analyzed as part of that submittal.  The EPA has not yet responded to the July 2008 submittal.

Entergy will continue to review the revised proposed rule and monitor the activities of the EPA and the states toward the implementation of section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act.  Until analysis of this revised proposed rule is complete, deadlines for determining compliance with Section 316(b) and for any required capital or operational expenditures are unknown at this time.  As a result, management cannot predict the amounts Entergy will ultimately be required to spend to comply with Section 316(b) and any related state regulations, although such amounts could be significant.

Coastal Zone Management Act

The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires federally-permitted activities within a coastal zone to be consistent with the state’s federally-approved coastal zone management program.  Accordingly, Entergy must ensure, to the extent applicable, that the requirements of the CZMA, which is administered in New York primarily by the NYSDOS, are satisfied before the NRC may issue renewed licenses for Indian Point 2 and 3.  Indian Point filed its consistency determination application with the NYSDOS, subject to a reservation of rights, in December 2012.  On January 16, 2013, NYSDOS determined that additional information was needed, namely the supplement to the NRC’s FSEIS which is expected in April 2013.  When the application is deemed complete, the NYSDOS has six months from the date of the application to issue or deny the consistency certification.  For additional discussion of the CZMA proceedings regarding New York see “Part 1, Item 1, Entergy Wholesale Commodities Property - Nuclear Generating Stations .”

Groundwater at Certain Nuclear Sites

The NRC requires nuclear power plants to regularly monitor and report the presence of radioactive material in the environment.  Entergy joined other nuclear utilities and the Nuclear Energy Institute in 2006 to develop a voluntary groundwater monitoring and protection program.  This initiative began after detection of very low levels of radioactive material, primarily tritium, in groundwater at several plants in the United States.  Tritium is a radioactive form of hydrogen that occurs naturally and is also a byproduct of nuclear plant operations.  In addition to tritium, other radionuclides have been found in site groundwater at nuclear plants.

As part of the groundwater monitoring and protection program, Entergy has: (1) performed reviews of plant groundwater characteristics (hydrology) and historical records of past events on site that may have potentially impacted groundwater; (2) implemented fleet procedures on how to handle events that could impact groundwater; and (3) installed groundwater monitoring wells and began periodic sampling.  The program also includes protocols for notifying local officials if contamination is found.  To date, radionuclides such as tritium have been detected at FitzPatrick, Indian Point, Palisades, Pilgrim, Grand Gulf, Vermont Yankee, and River Bend.  Each of these sites has installed groundwater monitoring wells and implemented a program for testing groundwater at the sites for the presence of tritium.  Based on current information, the concentrations and locations of tritium detected at these plants pose no threat to public health or safety, but each site continues to evaluate the results from its groundwater monitoring program.
 
 
 
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Indian Point Units 1 and 2 Hazardous Waste Remediation

As part of the effort to terminate the current Indian Point 2 mixed waste storage permit, Entergy was required to perform groundwater and soil sampling for metals, PCBs and other non-radiological contaminants on plant property, regardless of whether these contaminants stem from onsite activities or were related to the waste stored on-site pursuant to the permit.  Entergy believes this permit is no longer necessary for the facility due to an exemption for mixed wastes (hazardous waste that is also radioactive) promulgated as part of the EPA’s hazardous waste regulations.  This exemption allows mixed waste to be regulated through the NRC license instead of through a separate EPA or state hazardous waste permit.  In February 2008, Entergy submitted its report on this sampling effort to the NYSDEC.  The report indicated the presence of various metals in soils and groundwater at levels above the NYSDEC cleanup objectives.  It does not appear that these metals are connected to operation of the nuclear facility.  At the request of the NYSDEC, Entergy submitted a plan in August 2008 for a study that identified the sources of the metals.  The NYSDEC approved the work plan with some conditions related to the need to study whether the soil impact observed may have originated from plant construction materials.  In November 2012, Entergy received a letter from NYSDEC indicating that, based on the additional sampling results, no corrective action is required at this time.

Prior to Entergy’s purchase of Indian Point Unit 1, the previous owner completed the cleanup and desludging of the Unit 1 water storage pool, generating mixed waste.  The waste currently is stored in the Unit 1 containment building in accordance with NRC regulations controlling low level radioactive waste.  The waste is also regulated by the NYSDEC.  The NYSDEC requires a quarterly survey of the availability of any commercial facility capable of treating, processing, and disposing of this waste in a commercially reasonable manner.  Entergy continues to review this matter and to conduct its quarterly searches for a commercially reasonable vendor that is acceptable both to the NRC and the NYSDEC.  The cost of this disposal cannot be estimated at this time due to the many variables existing in the type and manner of disposal.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA), authorizes the EPA to mandate clean-up by, or to collect reimbursement of clean-up costs from, owners or operators of sites at which hazardous substances may be or have been released.  Certain private parties also may use CERCLA to recover response costs.  Parties that transported hazardous substances to these sites or arranged for the disposal of the substances are also deemed liable by CERCLA.  CERCLA has been interpreted to impose strict, joint and several liability on responsible parties.  Many states have adopted programs similar to CERCLA.  Entergy subsidiaries in the Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities businesses have sent waste materials to various disposal sites over the years, and releases have occurred at Entergy facilities.  In addition, environmental laws now regulate certain of Entergy’s operating procedures and maintenance practices that historically were not subject to regulation.  Some disposal sites used by Entergy subsidiaries have been the subject of governmental action under CERCLA or similar state programs, resulting in site clean-up activities.  Entergy subsidiaries have participated to various degrees in accordance with their respective potential liabilities in such site clean-ups and have developed experience with clean-up costs.  The affected Entergy subsidiaries have established provisions for the liabilities for such environmental clean-up and restoration activities.  Details of CERCLA and similar state program liabilities that are not de minimis are discussed in the “Other Environmental Matters” section below.

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contains two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially used in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation.
 
 
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The proposed regulations would create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, new financial assurance requirements, and product disposal considerations.  According to EPA estimates, the annualized cost of on-site disposal under the two proposals would be $3.6 million to $9 million for the White Bluff and Independence facilities and $1.7 million to $3.3 million for the Nelson Unit 6 facility.  If Entergy utilized off-site disposal, which it would not plan to do, the EPA’s total cost estimates for disposal of CCRs under Subtitle C regulation ranges from $250 to $350 million per year.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse.  Entergy commented on the proposed rule and will continue to monitor and participate in the rulemaking process.

Other Environmental Matters

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas

Several class action and other suits have been filed in state and federal courts seeking relief from Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and others for damages caused by the disposal of hazardous waste and for asbestos-related disease allegedly resulting from exposure on Entergy Gulf States, Inc.’s premises (see “ Litigation ” below).

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is currently involved in the second phase of the remedial investigation of the Lake Charles Service Center site, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  A manufactured gas plant (MGP) is believed to have operated at this site from approximately 1916 to 1931.  Coal tar, a by-product of the distillation process employed at MGPs, was apparently routed to a portion of the property for disposal.  The same area has also been used as a landfill.  In 1999, Entergy Gulf States, Inc. signed a second administrative consent order with the EPA to perform removal action at the site.  In 2002 approximately 7,400 tons of contaminated soil and debris were excavated and disposed of from an area within the service center.  In 2003 a cap was constructed over the remedial area to prevent the migration of contamination to the surface.  In August 2005 an administrative order was issued by the EPA requiring that a 10-year groundwater study be conducted at this site.  The groundwater monitoring study commenced in January 2006 and is continuing.  In 2010 the EPA conducted a Five Year Review (FYR) of the 10-year groundwater monitoring program at Lake Charles.  Negotiations are on-going regarding whether additional actions will be necessary at the site.  If additional actions are necessary, site expenditures will increase commensurate with the additional chosen site remedies. Entergy does not have sufficient information at this time to estimate additional site costs, if any. Entergy also has made a payment to the EPA of $275,000 for past agency oversight costs. Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas each believe that its remaining responsibility for this site will not materially exceed the existing clean-up provisions of $0.4 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and $0.4 million for Entergy Texas.

In 1994, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. initiated an environmental groundwater assessment associated with the submittal of a permit application for a construction project at the Louisiana Station Generating Plant (Louisiana Station).  In 1995 the ongoing assessment confirmed subsurface soil and groundwater impact to three primary areas on the plant site.  Subsequently from 1997 to 1999 soil was removed under guidance and permission of the LDEQ.  In 2000, Entergy pursued the final regulatory required remediation of the site’s groundwater and submitted a long-term monitoring plan approved by LDEQ in 2002.  Implementation of the monitoring plan in 2002 identified the presence of hydrocarbon contributed by a third party.  Responsibility has been defined and a cost sharing has been implemented with a responsible third party identified in the previous characterization phase.  The final groundwater clean-up and monitoring phase at Louisiana Station is expected to continue for an undefined period of time until groundwater characterization and compliance monitoring meet LDEQ Risk Evaluation and Corrective Action Program groundwater standards for a consistent period of time.  Current annual environmental management cost is now under $50 thousand per year and includes partial reimbursement by the third party.


 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans

Several class action and other suits have been filed in state and federal courts seeking relief from Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans and others for damages caused by the disposal of hazardous waste and for asbestos-related disease allegedly resulting from exposure on Entergy Louisiana’s and Entergy New Orleans’s premises (see “ Litigation ” below).

During 1993, the LDEQ issued new rules for solid waste regulation, including regulation of wastewater impoundments.  Entergy Louisiana has determined that some of its power plant wastewater impoundments were affected by these regulations and may require remediation, repair, or closure.  Completion of this work is dependent on pending LDEQ approval of submitted solid waste permit applications.  As a result, a total recorded liability in the amount of $1.9 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans existed at December 31, 2012 for ongoing wastewater remediation and repairs and closures.  Management believes this reserve to be adequate based on current estimates.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) notified Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas that the TCEQ believes those entities are PRPs concerning contamination existing at the San Angelo Electric Service Company (SESCO) facility in San Angelo, Texas.  The facility operated as a transformer repair and scrapping facility from the 1930s until 2003.  Both soil and groundwater contamination exists at the site.  Entergy subsidiaries sent transformers to this facility.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Texas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Arkansas responded to an information request from the TCEQ and continue to cooperate in this investigation.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Texas, and Entergy Louisiana joined a group of PRPs responding to site conditions in cooperation with the State of Texas, creating cost allocation models based on review of SESCO documents and employee interviews, and investigating contribution actions against other PRPs.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Texas have agreed to contribute to the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater at the site in a measure proportionate to those companies’ involvement at the site, while Entergy Arkansas and Entergy New Orleans likely will pay de minimis amounts.  Current estimates, although preliminary and variable depending on the level of third-party cost contributions, indicate that Entergy’s total share of remediation costs likely will be in the range of $1.5 million to $2 million.  The TCEQ approved an agreed administrative order in September 2006 that allows the implementation of a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study at the SESCO site; with the ultimate disposition being a remedial action to remove contaminants of concern.  This study was approved in September 2012.

Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas

The EPA notified Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Texas, and Entergy New Orleans that the EPA believes those entities are PRPs concerning contamination of an area known as “Devil’s Swamp Lake” near the Port of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The area allegedly was contaminated by the operations of Rollins Environmental (LA), Inc, which operated a disposal facility to which many companies contributed waste.  Documents provided by the EPA indicate that Entergy Louisiana may also be a PRP.  Entergy continues to monitor this developing situation.

Entergy

In November 2010 a transformer at the Indian Point facility failed, resulting in a fire and the release of non-PCB oil to the ground surface.  The fire was extinguished by the facility’s fire deluge system along with the site’s fire brigade.  No injuries occurred due to the transformer failure or Entergy’s response.  Non-PCB oil and deluge water were released into the facility’s discharge canal and the environment surrounding the transformer and discharge canal, including the Hudson River, as a result of the failure, fire,
 
 
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and fire suppression.  As a result of this discharge of non-PCB oil, Entergy in March 2012 agreed to a settlement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under which Entergy paid a civil penalty of $625,000, will pay another $600,000 to environmental benefit programs in the region, and a possible additional payment of $275,000 that is suspended contingent upon Entergy’s compliance with the other terms of the settlement.  Entergy also paid $67,000 in natural resource damages and oversight costs.

Litigation

Entergy uses legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against it, but certain states in which Entergy operates have proven to be unusually litigious environments.  Judges and juries in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases.  The litigation environment in these states poses a significant business risk to Entergy.

Ratepayer and Fuel Cost Recovery Lawsuits   (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

Texas Power Price Lawsuit

In August 2003, a lawsuit was filed in the district court of Chambers County, Texas by Texas residents on behalf of a purported class of the Texas retail customers of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. who were billed and paid for electric power from January 1, 1994 to the present.  The named defendants include Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, Entergy Power, Entergy Power Marketing Corp., and Entergy Arkansas.  Entergy Gulf States, Inc. was not a named defendant, but was alleged to be a co-conspirator.  The court granted the request of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. to intervene in the lawsuit to protect its interests.

Plaintiffs allege that the defendants implemented a “price gouging accounting scheme” to sell to plaintiffs and similarly situated utility customers higher priced power generated by the defendants while rejecting less expensive power offered from off-system suppliers.  In particular, plaintiffs allege that the defendants manipulated and continue to manipulate the dispatch of generation so that power is purchased from affiliated expensive resources instead of buying cheaper off-system power.

Plaintiffs stated in their pleadings that customers in Texas were charged at least $57 million above prevailing market prices for power.  Plaintiffs seek actual, consequential and exemplary damages, costs and attorneys’ fees, and disgorgement of profits.  The plaintiffs’ experts have tendered a report calculating damages in a large range, from $153 million to $972 million in present value, under various scenarios.  The Entergy defendants have tendered expert reports challenging the assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions of the plaintiffs’ expert reports.

The case is pending in state district court, and in March 2012 the court found that the case met the requirements to be maintained as a class action under Texas law.  On April 30, 2012, the court entered an order certifying the class.  The defendants have appealed the order to the Texas Court of Appeals – First District.  The appeal is pending and proceedings in district court are stayed until the appeal is resolved.

Mississippi Attorney General Complaint

The Mississippi attorney general filed a complaint in state court in December 2008 against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power alleging, among other things, violations of Mississippi statutes, fraud, and breach of good faith and fair dealing, and requesting an accounting and restitution.  The complaint is wide ranging and relates to tariffs and procedures under which Entergy Mississippi purchases power not generated in Mississippi to meet electricity demand.  Entergy believes the complaint is unfounded.  In December 2008 the defendant Entergy companies removed the attorney general’s suit to U.S. District Court in Jackson, Mississippi.  The Mississippi attorney general moved to remand the matter to state court.  In August 2012 the District Court issued an opinion denying the Attorney General’s motion for remand, finding that the District Court has subject matter jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act.

 
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The defendant Entergy companies answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim for relief based upon the Mississippi Public Utilities Act and the Federal Power Act.  In May 2009 the defendant Entergy companies filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings asserting grounds of federal preemption, the exclusive jurisdiction of the MPSC, and factual errors in the attorney general’s complaint.  In September 2012 the District Court heard oral argument on Entergy’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.  The District Court’s ruling on the motion for judgment on the pleadings is pending.
 
Fiber Optic Cable Litigation (Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana)

Several property owners have filed a class action suit against Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Services, Entergy Technology Holding Company, and Entergy Technology Company in state court in St. James Parish, Louisiana purportedly on behalf of all property owners in Louisiana who have conveyed easements to the defendants.  The lawsuit alleges that Entergy installed fiber optic cable across the plaintiffs’ property without obtaining appropriate easements.  The plaintiffs seek damages equal to the fair market value of the surplus fiber optic cable capacity, including a share of the profits made through use of the fiber optic cables, and punitive damages.  Entergy removed the case to federal court in New Orleans; however, the district court remanded the case back to state court.  In February 2004 the state court entered an order certifying this matter as a class action.  Entergy’s appeals of this ruling were denied.  The parties entered into a term sheet establishing basic terms for a settlement which was approved by the court in March 2012.  No appeal was taken from the court’s ruling approving the settlement and all claims have been submitted. The total exposure of the Entergy companies in this matter is $4.5 million.  All funding of this exposure is from Entergy Technology Holding Company, Entergy Technology Company and Entergy Corporation.  Entergy Services, Inc. and the Utility operating companies will not contribute to the settlement. 

Asbestos Litigation   (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts primarily in Texas and Louisiana, primarily by contractor employees who worked in the 1940-1980s timeframe, against Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas, and to a lesser extent the other Utility operating companies, as premises owners of power plants, for damages caused by alleged exposure to asbestos.  Many other defendants are named in these lawsuits as well.  Currently, there are approximately 400 lawsuits involving approximately 5,000 claimants.  Management believes that adequate provisions have been established to cover any exposure.  Additionally, negotiations continue with insurers to recover reimbursements.  Management believes that loss exposure has been and will continue to be handled so that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material, in the aggregate, to the financial position or results of operation of the Utility operating companies.

Employment and Labor-related Proceedings (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The Registrant Subsidiaries and other Entergy subsidiaries are responding to various lawsuits in both state and federal courts and to other labor-related proceedings filed by current and former employees, recognized bargaining representatives, and third parties not selected for open positions or providing services directly or indirectly to one or more of the Registrant Subsidiaries and other Entergy subsidiaries.  Generally, the amount of damages being sought is not specified in these proceedings.  These actions include, but are not limited to, allegations of wrongful employment actions; wage disputes and other claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act or its state counterparts; claims of race, gender, age, and disability discrimination; disputes arising under collective bargaining agreements; unfair labor practice proceedings and other administrative proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board or concerning the National Labor Relations Act; claims of retaliation; and claims for or regarding benefits under various Entergy Corporation-sponsored plans. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries are responding to these lawsuits and proceedings and deny liability to the claimants.


 
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Employees

Employees are an integral part of Entergy’s commitment to serving customers.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy subsidiaries employed 14,625 people.

Utility:
   
  Entergy Arkansas
 
1,372
  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
798
  Entergy Louisiana
 
947
  Entergy Mississippi
 
749
  Entergy New Orleans
 
341
  Entergy Texas
 
651
  System Energy
 
-
  Entergy Operations
 
2,920
  Entergy Services
 
3,043
Entergy Nuclear Operations
 
3,688
Other subsidiaries
 
116
       Total Entergy
 
14,625

Approximately 5,200 employees are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the United Government Security Officers of America, and the International Union, Security, Police, Fire Professionals of America.

Availability of SEC filings and other information on Entergy’s website

Entergy electronically files reports with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxies, and amendments to such reports.  The public may read and copy any materials that Entergy files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC also maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

Entergy uses its website, http://www.entergy.com, as a routine channel for distribution of important information, including news releases, analyst presentations and financial information.  Filings made with the SEC are posted and available without charge on Entergy's website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.  These filings include our annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q (including related filings in XBRL format) and current reports on Form 8-K; our proxy statements; and any amendments to those reports or statements.  All such postings and filings are available on Entergy's Investor Relations website free of charge.  Entergy is providing the address to its Internet site solely for the information of investors and does not intend the address to be an active link.  The contents of the website are not incorporated into this report.

 

 
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RISK FACTORS

Investors should review carefully the following risk factors and the other information in this Form 10-K.  The risks that Entergy faces are not limited to those in this section.  There may be additional risks and uncertainties (either currently unknown or not currently believed to be material) that could adversely affect Entergy’s financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.  See “ FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION .”

Utility Regulatory Risks

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The terms and conditions of service, including electric and gas rates, of the Utility operating companies and System Energy are determined through regulatory approval proceedings that are lengthy and subject to appeal that could result in delays in effecting rate changes and uncertainty as to ultimate results.

The rates that the Utility operating companies and System Energy charge reflect their capital expenditures, operations and maintenance charges, allowed rates of return, financing costs, and related costs of service.  These rates significantly influence the financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity of Entergy and each of the Utility operating companies and System Energy.  These rates are determined in regulatory proceedings and are subject to periodic regulatory review and adjustment.

In addition, regulators can initiate proceedings to investigate the prudence of costs in the Utility operating companies’ base rates and examine, among other things, the reasonableness or prudence of the companies’ operation and maintenance practices, level of expenditures (including storm costs and costs associated with capital projects), allowed rates of return and rate base, proposed resource acquisitions, and previously incurred capital expenditures.  The regulators can disallow costs found not to have been prudently incurred or found not to have been incurred in compliance with applicable tariffs, creating some risk to the ultimate recovery of those costs.  Regulatory proceedings relating to rates and other matters typically involve multiple parties seeking to limit or reduce rates.  The proceedings generally have long timelines, are primarily based on historical costs, and may or may not be limited by statute, which could cause the Utility operating companies and System Energy to experience regulatory lag in recovering such costs through rates.  Decisions are typically subject to appeal, potentially leading to additional uncertainty associated with rate case proceedings.  Entergy Mississippi currently obtains recovery under a formula rate plan.  In the event that this formula rate plan is ever terminated, Entergy Mississippi would at that time operate exclusively in the more traditional rate case environment.

In January 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s current formula rate plans expired, and each company filed full rate cases in February 2013.  As part of the rate cases that Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed, each company requested that the LPSC approve new formula rate plans.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana cannot predict the outcome of this request.  In addition, Entergy New Orleans’ formula rate plan ended with the 2011 test year and has not yet been extended.  Entergy New Orleans is expected to file a full rate case 12 months prior to the anticipated completion of the Ninemile 6 generating facility, which is currently expected in the first quarter of 2015.

The Utility operating companies and System Energy, and the energy industry as a whole, have experienced a period of rising costs and investments, which could result in more frequent rate cases and requests for, and the continuation of, cost recovery mechanisms.  For information regarding rate case proceedings and formula rate plans applicable to certain of the Utility operating companies, see Note 2 to the financial statements.


 
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The Utility operating companies recover fuel and purchased power costs through rate mechanisms that are subject to risks of delay or disallowance in regulatory proceedings.

The Utility operating companies recover their fuel and purchased power costs from their customers through rate mechanisms subject to periodic regulatory review and adjustment.  Because regulatory review can result in the disallowance of incurred costs found not to have been prudently incurred with the possibility of refunds to ratepayers, there exists some risk to the ultimate recovery of those costs.  Regulators can initiate proceedings to investigate the continued usage or the adequacy and operation of the fuel and purchased power recovery clauses of the Utility operating companies.

The Utility operating companies’ cash flows can be negatively affected by the time delays between when gas, power, or other commodities are purchased and the ultimate recovery from customers of the costs in rates.  On occasion, when the level of incurred costs for fuel and purchased power rises very dramatically, some of the Utility operating companies may agree to defer recovery of a portion of that period’s fuel and purchased power costs for recovery at a later date, which could increase the near-term working capital and borrowing requirements of those companies.  For a description of fuel and purchased power recovery mechanisms and information regarding the regulatory proceedings for fuel and purchased power recovery, see Note 2 to the financial statements.

As a result of a challenge by the LPSC, the manner in which the Utility operating companies have traditionally shared the costs associated with coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating resources has been changed by the FERC, which could require adjustment of retail and wholesale rates in the jurisdictions where the Utility operating companies provide service and has introduced additional uncertainty in the ratemaking process.

The Utility operating companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating resources and bulk transmission facilities under the terms of the System Agreement, which is a rate schedule that has been approved by the FERC.  In 2005 the FERC issued a decision requiring changes to the cost allocation methodology used in that rate schedule.

In 2007 through 2012, payments were made by Entergy Arkansas to certain of the Utility operating companies in compliance with the 2005 FERC decision on the cost allocation methodology.  There have been challenges to the level and timing of payments made by Entergy Arkansas under the FERC’s decision and the prudence of the Utility operating companies’ production costs.  The ability to recover in rates any changes to the cost allocation resulting from the challenges, and timing of such recovery, could be uncertain and could be the subject of additional regulatory and other proceedings.  For information regarding these and other proceedings associated with the System Agreement, as well as additional information regarding the System Agreement itself, see Note 2 to financial statements, System Agreement Cost Equalization Proceedings .   The outcome and timing of this FERC proceeding and resulting recovery and impact on rates cannot be predicted at this time.

There is uncertainty as to the timing or form of any successor arrangement to the System Agreement and the effect of such arrangement (or absence thereof) on Entergy and the Utility operating companies.

Based upon the effect of the FERC decision described in the preceding risk factor, in December 2005, Entergy Arkansas provided notice to terminate its participation in the System Agreement.  In November 2007, Entergy Mississippi provided its notice to terminate its participation in the System Agreement.  Each notice of termination is effective ninety-six (96) months from the date of notice (December 2013 for Entergy Arkansas and November 2015 for Entergy Mississippi) or such earlier date as authorized by the FERC.  The FERC accepted the notices in November 2009, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has denied appeals of FERC’s decision filed by the LPSC and City Council.   In January 2013 the LPSC and City Council filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Utility operating companies have concluded that joining the MISO RTO is in the best interest of all stakeholders and have filed applications with their retail regulators seeking to join the MISO RTO by December 2013.  To that end, the Utility operating companies have received orders from their respective retail regulators granting their respective requests to join MISO, subject to certain conditions .  The Utility operating companies have also filed with FERC amendments to the System Agreement under
 
 
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Section 205 of the Federal Power Act.  The amendments allocate certain charges and credits from MISO settlement statements to the Utility operating companies that participate in the System Agreement and address Entergy Arkansas’s withdrawal from the System Agreement.  Certain FERC filings related to the rates, terms, and conditions of integrating the Utility operating companies into MISO are planned for early-mid 2013.  Entergy cannot predict when or whether the Utility operating companies will satisfy the conditions of the retail regulatory orders or obtain FERC approvals related to the rates, terms, and conditions under which the Utility operating companies will join MISO or when the Utility operating companies’ generation and transmission systems can be fully integrated into the MISO RTO.  Moreover, if the operating companies are not successful in joining MISO, alternative or additional arrangements will need to be implemented to allow Entergy Arkansas, and eventually Entergy Mississippi, to operate independent of the System Agreement after these companies terminate their participation in the System Agreement, and the effect such arrangements (or the absence thereof) will have on Entergy or the Utility operating companies is uncertain.

For further information regarding the FERC and APSC proceedings relating to the System Agreement and Entergy’s proposal to join MISO, see the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation – Federal Regulation System Agreement ” and “ – Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ” sections of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries.

The arrangement for the operation of the Utility operating companies’ transmission system faces regulatory and operating challenges and uncertainty in connection with the Utility operating companies’ proposal to move to the MISO RTO.

In 2000 the FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of an independent RTO.  In November 2006 the Utility operating companies installed the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a regional transmission organization, as their Independent Coordinator of Transmission (ICT) with responsibility for certain transmission tariff functions, including granting or denying transmission service, administering OASIS, evaluating all transmission requests, and serving as the reliability coordinator.  The initial term of the ICT was for four years and in November 2010 the FERC approved an extension of the ICT arrangement for two years, or until November 2012.  In its order issued in March 2009 pertaining to a requested modification regarding the weekly procurement process (WPP) through the ICT arrangement, the FERC imposed conditions related to the ICT arrangement and indicated it wanted an evaluation of the success of the ICT arrangement and transmission access on the Entergy transmission system.  In compliance with the FERC’s March 2009 order, the Utility operating companies filed with the FERC a process for evaluating the modification or replacement of the current ICT arrangement.  An Entergy Regional State Committee (E-RSC), comprised of one representative from each of the Utility operating companies’ retail regulators has been formed and, in concert with the FERC,  retained an independent entity to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of comparing the ICT arrangement to a proposal under which Entergy would join the SPP RTO.  The scope of the study was later expanded to consider Entergy joining the MISO RTO as another alternative.  On April 25, 2011, Entergy announced that each of the Utility operating companies propose joining the MISO RTO.  In May 2011 the Utility operating companies submitted to each of their respective retail regulators the cost-benefit analysis comparing the option of continuing with the ICT arrangement to joining the SPP RTO or the MISO RTO.  The Utility operating companies have received orders from their respective retail regulators granting their respective requests to join MISO, subject to certain conditions.  The target implementation date for joining the MISO RTO is December 2013.  For further information regarding the FERC and proceedings related to the ICT and MISO, see “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation - Federal Regulation - Independent Coordinator of Transmission ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries.

There is uncertainty as to whether the conditions of the retail regulators’ orders granting the Utility operating companies’ requests to transfer control of their transmission assets to MISO will be satisfied in a timely manner and, if the conditions are satisfied, the nature and effect of any operational challenges the Utility operating companies might face in connection with integration into the MISO RTO.  For the period of time prior to integration of all of the Utility operating companies into the MISO RTO or in
 
 
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the event all necessary approvals to participate in the MISO RTO are not obtained in a timely manner, the Utility operating companies have received the necessary regulatory approvals to change provider of ICT services from SPP to MISO.  MISO began providing ICT services to the Utility operating companies on December 1, 2012 and is under contract to continue to provide those services until December 31, 2014, in the event that some or all of the Utility operating companies are not integrated into MISO by December 2013.  To the extent some or all of the Utility operating companies are not integrated into MISO by December 2014, an extension of the current ICT arrangement or the establishment of a similar arrangement with another qualified entity may be required.  The outcome of any effort to negotiate an extension of the current arrangement or to make alternative arrangements cannot be predicted at this time.

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

A delay or failure in recovering amounts for storm restoration costs incurred as a result of severe weather could have material effects on Entergy and those Utility operating companies affected by severe weather.

Entergy’s and its Utility operating companies’ results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition can be materially affected by the destructive effects of severe weather.  Severe weather can also result in significant outages for the customers of the Utility operating companies and, therefore, reduced revenues for the Utility operating companies during the period of the outages.  A delay or failure in recovering amounts for storm restoration costs incurred or revenues lost as a result of severe weather could have a material effect on Entergy and those Utility operating companies affected by severe weather.

Nuclear Operating and Regulatory Risks

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States   Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)

Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities must consistently operate their nuclear power plants at high capacity factors in order to be successful, and lower capacity factors could materially affect Entergy’s and their results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Nuclear capacity factors significantly affect the results of operations of certain Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  Nuclear plant operations involve substantial fixed operating costs.  Consequently, to be successful, a plant owner must consistently operate its nuclear power plants at high capacity factors.  For the Utility operating companies that own nuclear plants, lower capacity factors can increase production costs by requiring the affected companies to generate additional energy, sometimes at higher costs, from their fossil facilities or purchase additional energy in the spot or forward markets in order to satisfy their supply needs.  For the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants, lower capacity factors directly affect revenues and cash flow from operations.  Although most of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear forward sales are on a unit-contingent basis, which depends on the availability of the asset, some of the unit-contingent contracts guarantee a specified minimum capacity factor.  In the event these plants were operating below the guaranteed capacity factors, Entergy would be subject to price risk for the undelivered power.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear forward sales contracts can also be on a firm LD basis, which subjects Entergy to increasing price risk, a portion of which may be capped through the use of risk management products, if capacity factors decrease.


 
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Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear plant owners periodically shut down their nuclear power plants to replenish fuel.  Plant maintenance and upgrades are often scheduled during such refueling outages.  If refueling outages last longer than anticipated or if unplanned outages arise, Entergy’s and their results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity could be materially affected.

Outages at nuclear power plants to replenish fuel require the plant to be “turned off.”  Refueling outages generally are planned to occur once every 18 to 24 months and average approximately 30 days in duration.  Plant maintenance and upgrades are often scheduled during such planned outages.  When refueling outages last longer than anticipated or a plant experiences unplanned outages, capacity factors decrease and maintenance costs may increase.  Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear plants may face lower margins due to higher costs and lower energy sales for unit-contingent power supply contracts or potentially higher energy replacement costs for unit-contingent contracts with capacity guarantees that are not met due to extended or unplanned outages.

Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities face risks related to the purchase of uranium fuel (and its conversion, enrichment, and fabrication), and the risk of being unable to effectively manage these risks by purchasing from a diversified mix of sellers located in a diversified mix of countries could materially affect Entergy’s and their results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Based upon currently planned fuel cycles, Entergy’s nuclear units have a diversified portfolio of contracts and inventory that provides substantially adequate nuclear fuel materials and conversion and enrichment services at what Entergy believes are reasonably predictable prices through most of 2013.  Entergy’s ability to purchase nuclear fuel at reasonably predictable prices, however, depends upon the performance reliability of uranium miners.  While there are a number of possible alternate suppliers that may be accessed to mitigate any supplier performance failure, the pricing of any such alternate uranium supply from the market will be dependent upon the market for uranium supply at that time. Entergy also may draw upon its own inventory intended for later generation periods, depending upon its risk management strategy at that time.  Entergy buys uranium from a diversified mix of sellers located in a diversified mix of countries, and from time to time purchases from nearly all qualified reliable major market participants worldwide that sell into the U.S. Market prices for nuclear fuel have been extremely volatile from time to time in the past.  Although Entergy’s nuclear fuel contract portfolio provides a degree of hedging against market risks for several years, costs for nuclear fuel in the future cannot be predicted with certainty due to normal inherent market uncertainties, and price increases could materially affect the liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations of certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.

Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business face the risk that the NRC will change or modify its regulations or suspend or revoke their licenses, which could materially affect Entergy's and their results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Under the Atomic Energy Act and Energy Reorganization Act, the NRC regulates the operation of nuclear power plants.  The NRC may modify, suspend, or revoke licenses, shut down a nuclear facility and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, related regulations, or the terms of the licenses for nuclear facilities.  A change in the Atomic Energy Act, other applicable statutes, or the applicable regulations or licenses may require a substantial increase in capital expenditures or may result in increased operating or decommissioning costs and could materially affect the results of operations, liquidity, or financial condition of Entergy (through Entergy Wholesale Commodities), its Utility operating companies, or System Energy.  Events at nuclear plants owned by others, as well as those owned by one of these companies, may cause the NRC to initiate such actions.  As a result, if an incident were to occur at any nuclear generating unit, whether an Entergy nuclear generating unit or not, it could materially affect the financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity of Entergy, certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, or Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  For example, the earthquake of March 11, 2011 that affected the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plants in Japan resulted in the NRC issuing three orders effective on March 12, 2012 requiring U.S. nuclear operators, including Entergy, to undertake plant modifications or perform additional analyses that will, among other things, result in increased operating costs associated with operating Entergy’s nuclear plants, some of which could be material.
 
 
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Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities are exposed to risks and costs related to operating and maintaining their nuclear power plants, and their failure to maintain operational efficiency at their nuclear power plants could materially affect Entergy’s and  their results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

The nuclear generating units owned by certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy,   and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business began commercial operations in the 1970s-1980s.  Older equipment may require more capital expenditures to keep each of these nuclear power plants operating efficiently.  This equipment is also likely to require periodic upgrading and improvement.  Any unexpected failure, including failure associated with breakdowns, forced outages, or any unanticipated capital expenditures, could result in reduced profitability.  Operations at any of the nuclear generating units owned and operated by Entergy’s subsidiaries could degrade to the point where the affected unit needs to be shut down or operated at less than full capacity.  If this were to happen, identifying and correcting the causes may require significant time and expense.  A decision may be made to close a unit rather than incur the expense of restarting it or returning the unit to full capacity.  For Entergy Wholesale Commodities, this could result in lost revenue and increased fuel and purchased power expense to meet supply commitments and penalties for failure to perform under their contracts with customers.  Moreover, Entergy is becoming more dependent on fewer suppliers for key parts of Entergy’s nuclear power plants that may need to be replaced or refurbished.  This dependence on a reduced number of suppliers could result in delays in obtaining qualified replacement parts and, therefore, greater expense for Entergy.

The costs associated with the storage of the spent nuclear fuel of certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the owners of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants, as well as the costs of and their ability to fully decommission their nuclear power plants, could be significantly affected by the timing of the opening of a spent nuclear fuel storage facility, as well as interim storage and transportation requirements.

Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy and the owners of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants incur costs on a periodic basis for the on-site storage of spent nuclear fuel.  The approval of a license for a national repository for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, such as the one proposed for Yucca Mountain, Nevada, or any interim storage facility, and the timing of such facility opening, will significantly affect the costs associated with storage of spent nuclear fuel.  For example, while the DOE is required by law to proceed with the licensing of Yucca Mountain and, after the license is granted by the NRC, to construct the repository and commence the receipt of spent fuel, the Obama administration has expressed its intention and taken specific steps to discontinue the Yucca Mountain project and study a new spent fuel strategy.  These actions may prolong the time before spent fuel is removed from Entergy’s plant sites.  Because the DOE has not accomplished its objectives, it is in non-compliance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and has breached its spent fuel disposal contracts, and Entergy has sued the DOE for such breach.  Furthermore, Entergy is uncertain as to when the DOE plans to commence acceptance of spent fuel from its facilities for storage or disposal.  As a result, continuing future expenditures will be required to increase spent fuel storage capacity at the companies’ nuclear sites.  The costs of on-site storage are also affected by regulatory requirements for such storage.  In addition, the availability of a repository or other off-site storage facility for spent nuclear fuel may affect the ability to fully decommission the nuclear units and the costs relating to decommissioning.  For further information regarding spent fuel storage, see the “ Critical Accounting Estimates Nuclear Decommissioning Costs Spent Fuel Disposal ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy.

Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plant owners may be required to pay substantial retrospective premiums imposed under the Price-Anderson Act in the event of a nuclear incident, and losses not covered by insurance could have a material effect on Entergy’s and their results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Accidents and other unforeseen problems at nuclear power plants have occurred both in the United States and elsewhere.  The Price-Anderson Act limits each reactor owner’s public liability (off-site) for a single nuclear incident to the payment of retrospective premiums into a secondary insurance pool of up to approximately $117.5 million per reactor.  With 104 reactors currently participating, this translates to a total public liability cap of approximately $12.2 billion per incident.  The limit is subject to
 
 
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change to account for the effects of inflation, a change in the primary limit of insurance coverage, and changes in the number of licensed reactors.  As required by the Price-Anderson Act, the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities carry the maximum available amount of primary nuclear off-site liability insurance with American Nuclear Insurers (currently $375 million for each operating site).  Claims for any nuclear incident exceeding that amount are covered under the retrospective premiums paid into the secondary insurance pool.  As a result, in the event of a nuclear incident that causes damages (off-site) in excess of the $375 million in primary insurance coverage, each owner of a nuclear plant reactor, including Entergy’s Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners, regardless of fault or proximity to the incident, will be required to pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the $375 million primary level, up to a maximum of $117.5 million per reactor per incident (Entergy’s maximum total contingent obligation per incident is $1.3 billion).  The retrospective premium payment is currently limited to $17.5 million per year per incident per reactor until the aggregate public liability for each licensee is paid up to the $117.5 million cap.

NEIL is a utility industry mutual insurance company, owned by its members.  All member plants could be subject to assessments (retrospective premium of up to 10 times current annual premium for all policies) should the surplus (reserve) be significantly depleted due to   insured losses.  As of April 1, 2012, the maximum assessment amounts total $81.4 million for the Utility plants and $93.4 million for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants.  Retrospective Premium Insurance available through NEIL’s reinsurance treaty can cover the potential assessments.  The Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants currently maintain the Retrospective Premium Insurance to cover this potential assessment.

As an owner of nuclear power plants, Entergy participates in industry self-insurance programs and could be liable to fund claims should a plant owned by a different company experience a major event.  Any resulting liability from a nuclear accident may exceed the applicable primary insurance coverage and require contribution of additional funds through the industry-wide program that could significantly affect the results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity of Entergy, certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, or the Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiaries.

Market performance and other changes may decrease the value of assets in the decommissioning trusts, which then could require significant additional funding.

Owners of nuclear generating plants have an obligation to decommission those plants.  Certain of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and owners of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants maintain decommissioning trust funds for this purpose.  Certain of the Utility operating companies collect funds from their customers, which are deposited into the trusts covering the units operated for or on behalf of those companies.  Those rate collections are based upon operating license lives as well as estimated trust fund earnings and decommissioning costs.  In connection with the acquisition of certain nuclear plants, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners also acquired decommissioning trust funds that are funded in accordance with NRC regulations.  Assets in these trust funds are subject to market fluctuations, will yield uncertain returns that may fall below projected return rates, and may result in losses resulting from the recognition of impairments of the value of certain securities held in these trust funds.  As part of the Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades/Big Rock Point purchases, the former owners transferred decommissioning trust funds, along with the liability to decommission the plants, to the respective Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant owners.  In addition, the former owner of Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick retained the decommissioning trusts and related liability to decommission these plants, but has the right to require the respective Entergy
 
 
 
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Wholesale Commodities nuclear plant owners to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the funds in the corresponding decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to such owners.  Alternatively, the former owner may contract with Entergy Nuclear, Inc. for the decommissioning work at a price equal to the transferred funds mentioned above.  As part of the Indian Point 1 and 2 purchase, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant owner also funded an additional $25 million to a supplemental decommissioning trust fund.  As part of the Palisades transaction, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business assumed responsibility for spent fuel at the decommissioned Big Rock Point nuclear plant, which is located near Charlevoix, Michigan.  Once the spent fuel is removed from the site, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business will dismantle the spent fuel storage facility and complete site decommissioning.  The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business expects to fund this activity from operating revenue, and Entergy is providing $5 million in credit support to provide financial assurance to the NRC for this obligation.

In 2008, Entergy experienced declines in the market value of assets held in the trust funds for meeting its decommissioning funding assurance obligations for its plants.  This decline adversely affected Entergy’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the NRC’s requirements for providing financial assurance for decommissioning funding for some of its plants, which deficiencies have now been corrected.  An early plant shutdown, poor investment results or higher than anticipated decommissioning costs could cause trust fund assets to be insufficient to meet the decommissioning obligations, with the result that the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plant owners may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.  For further information regarding nuclear decommissioning costs, see the “ Critical Accounting Estimates – Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy and Note 9 to the financial statements.

Changes in NRC regulations or other binding regulatory requirements may cause increased funding requirements for nuclear plant decommissioning trusts.

NRC regulations require certain minimum financial assurance requirements for meeting obligations to decommission nuclear power plants.  Those financial assurance requirements may change from time to time, and certain changes may result in a material increase in the financial assurance required for decommissioning the Utility operating companies’, System Energy’s and owners of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear power plants.  Such changes could result in the need for additional contributions to decommissioning trusts, or the posting of parent guarantees, letters of credit, or other surety mechanisms.  For further information regarding nuclear decommissioning costs, see the “ Critical Accounting Estimates – Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy and Note 9 to the financial statements.

New or existing safety concerns regarding operating nuclear power plants and nuclear fuel could lead to restrictions upon the operation of Entergy’s nuclear power plants.

New and existing concerns are being expressed in public forums about the safety of nuclear generating units and nuclear fuel, in particular in the northeastern United States, which is where five of the six units in the current fleet of Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants are located.  These concerns have led to, and are expected to continue to lead to, various proposals to Federal regulators and governing bodies in some localities where Entergy’s subsidiaries own nuclear generating units for legislative and regulatory changes that could lead to the shutdown of nuclear units, denial of license renewal applications, municipalization of nuclear units, restrictions on nuclear units as a result of unavailability of sites for spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal, or other adverse effects on owning and operating nuclear generating units.  Entergy vigorously responds to these concerns and proposals.  If any of the existing proposals, or any proposals that may arise in the future with respect to legislative and regulatory changes, become effective, they could have a material effect on Entergy’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.


 
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(Entergy Corporation)

A failure to obtain renewed licenses or other approvals required for the continued operation of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants could have a material effect on Entergy’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity and could lead to an increase in depreciation rates or an acceleration of the timing for the funding of decommissioning obligations.

The license renewal and related processes for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants have been and may continue to be the subject of significant public debate and regulatory and legislative review and scrutiny at the federal and, in certain cases, state level.  The operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 expire in September 2013 and December 2015, respectively.  Because these plants filed timely license renewal applications, the NRC’s rules provide that these plants may continue to operate under their existing operating licenses until their renewal applications have been finally determined.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of these licenses.  Renewal of the Indian Point licenses is the subject of ongoing proceedings before the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) of the NRC.

In relation to Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has taken the position that these plant owners must obtain a new state-issued Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification as part of the license renewal process.  For the Indian Point plants, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners also must ensure that requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act, which is administered in New York State primarily by the New York Department of State, are satisfied (to the extent required) prior to getting the renewed licenses.  For further information regarding these environmental regulations see “ Entergy Wholesale Commodities – Property Nuclear Generating Stations ” in Part I, Item 1.

The NRC operating license for Vermont Yankee was to expire in March 2012.  In March 2011 the NRC renewed Vermont Yankee’s operating license for an additional 20 years, as a result of which the license now expires in 2032.  Vermont Yankee also is operating under a Certificate of Public Good from the State of Vermont that expired in March 2012, but has an application pending before the Vermont Public Service Board for a new Certificate of Public Good for operation until March 2032, and continues to operate the plant pursuant to federal court order, the absence of any order to cease operation, and its position that Vermont’s law extends a license’s expiration date when a timely and sufficient renewal application has been filed.  For additional discussion regarding the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant, see “ Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ” in Note 1 to the financial statements.

If the NRC finally denies the applications for the renewal of operating licenses for one or more of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants, or a state in which any such nuclear power plant is located is able to prevent the continued operation of such plant, Entergy’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity could be materially affected by loss of revenue and cash flow associated with the plant or plants, potential impairments of the carrying value of the plants, increased depreciation rates, and an accelerated need for decommissioning funds, which could require additional funding. In addition, Entergy may incur increased operating costs depending on any conditions that may be imposed in connection with license renewal.  For further discussion regarding the license renewal processes for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear power plants, see the Entergy Wholesale Commodities Property Nuclear Generating Stations section   in Part I, Item 1.

The decommissioning trust fund assets for the nuclear power plants owned by Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear plant owners may not be adequate to meet decommissioning obligations if one or more of their nuclear power plants is retired earlier than the anticipated shutdown date or if current regulatory requirements change, which then could require additional funding.

Under NRC regulations, Entergy’s nuclear subsidiaries are permitted to project the NRC-required decommissioning amount based on an NRC formula or a site-specific estimate, and the amount in each of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant’s decommissioning trusts combined with other decommissioning financial assurances in place.  The projections are made based on the operating license expiration date and the mid-point of the subsequent decommissioning process for each of these nuclear
 
 
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power plants.  As a result, if the projected amount of our decommissioning trusts exceeds the NRC-required decommissioning amount, then its decommissioning obligations are considered to be funded in accordance with NRC regulations.  In the event the projected costs do not sufficiently reflect the actual costs the applicable Entergy subsidiaries would be required to incur to decommission these nuclear power plants, and funding is otherwise inadequate, or if the formula or site-specific estimate is changed to require increased funding, additional resources would be required.  Furthermore, depending upon the level of funding available in the trust funds, the NRC may not permit the trust funds to be used to pay for related costs such as the management of spent nuclear fuel that are not included in the formula.  The NRC may also require a plan for the provision of separate funding for spent fuel management costs.  In addition to NRC requirements, there are other decommissioning-related obligations for certain of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants, which management believes it will be able to satisfy.

With respect to the decommissioning trusts for Indian Point 2 and Palisades, the total amount in each of those trusts as of December 31, 2012 would not have been sufficient to initiate and complete the immediate near-term radiological decommissioning of the respective unit as of the license termination date of each respective plant, but rather the funds would have been sufficient to place the unit in a condition of safe storage status pending future completion of decommissioning.  For example, if an Entergy subsidiary decides to shut down and immediately begin decommissioning one of those nuclear power plants on its license expiration date, its trust funds for the plant as of December 31, 2012 would have been insufficient and the applicable Entergy subsidiary would have been required to rely on other capital resources to fund the remainder of the radiological decommissioning obligations unless the completion of decommissioning could be deferred during some number of years of safe storage status (as is permitted by NRC regulations).  If any Entergy subsidiary decides to shut down one of its nuclear power plants earlier than the scheduled shutdown date and conduct a prompt decommissioning, the applicable Entergy subsidiary may be unable to rely upon only the decommissioning trust to fund the entire decommissioning obligations, which would require it to obtain funding from other sources.

Further, federal or state regulatory changes, including mandated increases in decommissioning funding or changes in the methods or standards for decommissioning operations, may also increase the funding requirements of, or accelerate the timing for funding of, the obligations related to the decommissioning of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear power plants.  As a result, under any of these circumstances, Entergy’s results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially affected.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear power plants are exposed to price risk.

Entergy and its subsidiaries are not guaranteed any rate of return on their capital investments in non-utility businesses.  In particular, the sale of capacity and energy from the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants, unless otherwise contracted, is subject to the fluctuation of market power prices. In order to reduce future price risk to desired levels, Entergy Wholesale Commodities utilizes contracts that are unit-contingent and Firm LD and various products such as forward sales, options, and collars.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power generation plants had sold forward 85%, 73%, 39%, 25% and 26% of its generation portfolio’s planned energy output for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively.

Market conditions such as product cost, market liquidity, and other portfolio considerations influence the product and contractual mix.  The obligations under unit-contingent agreements depend on a generating asset that is operating; if the generation asset is not operating, the seller generally is not liable for damages.  For some unit-contingent obligations, however, there is also a guarantee of availability that provides for the payment to the power purchaser of contract damages, if incurred, in the event the unit owner fails to deliver power as a result of the failure of the specified generation unit to generate power at or above a specified availability threshold.  Firm LD sales transactions may be exposed to substantial operational price risk, a portion of which may be capped through the use of risk management products, to the extent that the plants do not run as expected and market prices exceed contract prices.


 
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Market prices may fluctuate substantially, sometimes over relatively short periods of time, and at other times experience sustained increases or decreases.  Demand for electricity and its fuel stock can fluctuate dramatically, creating periods of substantial under- or over-supply.  During periods of over-supply, prices might be depressed.  Also, from time to time there may be political pressure, or pressure from regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over wholesale and retail energy commodity and transportation rates, to impose price limitations, credit requirements, bidding rules and other mechanisms to address volatility and other issues in these markets.

The price that different counterparties offer for various products including forward sales is influenced both by market conditions as well as the contract terms such as damage provisions, credit support requirements, and the number of available counterparties interested in contracting for the desired forward period.  Depending on differences between market factors at the time of contracting versus current conditions, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ contract portfolio may have average contract prices above or below current market prices, including at the expiration of the contracts, which may significantly affect Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.  The recent economic downturn and negative trends in the energy commodity markets have resulted in lower natural gas prices, and current prevailing market prices for electricity in the New York and New England power regions are therefore generally below the prices of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ existing contracts in those regions.  To the extent these market conditions persist, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ realized price per MWh can be expected to continue to decline.  See the “ Results of Operations , Realized Revenue per MWh for Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Plants ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries.  With operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 expiring in 2013 and 2015, respectively, and as a consequence of any delays in obtaining extension of the operating licenses and any other approvals required for continued operation of the plants, Entergy Wholesale Commodities may enter into fewer unit-contingent forward sales contracts for output from such plants for periods beyond the license expiration.

Among the factors that could affect market prices for electricity and fuel, all of which are beyond Entergy’s control to a significant degree, are:

·  
prevailing market prices for natural gas, uranium (and its conversion, enrichment, and fabrication), coal, oil, and other fuels used in electric generation plants, including associated transportation costs, and supplies of such commodities;
·  
seasonality;
·  
availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources and the requirements of a renewable portfolio standard;
·  
changes in production and storage levels of natural gas, lignite, coal and crude oil, and refined products;
·  
liquidity in the general wholesale electricity market, including the number of creditworthy counterparties available and interested in entering into forward sales agreements for Entergy’s full hedging term;
·  
the actions of external parties, such as the FERC and local independent system operators and other state or Federal energy regulatory bodies, that may impose price limitations and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility in the energy markets;
·  
electricity transmission, competing generation or fuel transportation constraints, inoperability, or inefficiencies;
·  
the general demand for electricity, which may be significantly affected by national and regional economic conditions;
·  
weather conditions affecting demand for electricity or availability of hydroelectric power or fuel supplies;
·  
the rate of growth in demand for electricity as a result of population changes, regional economic conditions, and the implementation of conservation programs;
·  
regulatory policies of state agencies that affect the willingness of Entergy Wholesale Commodities customers to enter into long-term contracts generally, and contracts for energy in particular;
·  
increases in supplies due to actions of current Entergy Wholesale Commodities competitors or new market entrants, including the development of new generation facilities, expansion of existing generation facilities, the disaggregation of vertically integrated utilities, and improvements in transmission that allow additional supply to reach Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear markets;
 
 
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·  
union and labor relations;
·  
changes in Federal and state energy and environmental laws and regulations and other initiatives, including but not limited to, the price impacts of proposed emission controls such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI);
·  
changes in law resulting from federal or state energy legislation or legislation subjecting energy derivatives used in hedging and risk management transactions to governmental regulation; and
·  
natural disasters, terrorist actions, wars, embargoes, and other catastrophic events.

The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business is subject to substantial governmental regulation and may be adversely affected by legislative, regulatory or market design changes, as well as liability under, or any future inability to comply with, existing or future regulations or requirements.

The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business is subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulation.  Compliance with the requirements under these various regulatory regimes may cause the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business to incur significant additional costs, and failure to comply with such requirements could result in the shutdown of the non-complying facility, the imposition of liens, fines and/or civil or criminal liability.

Public utilities under the Federal Power Act are required to obtain FERC acceptance of their rate schedules for wholesale sales of electricity.  Each of the owners of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants, as well as Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC, is a “public utility” under the Federal Power Act by virtue of making wholesale sales of electric energy.  The FERC has granted these generating and power marketing companies the authority to sell electricity at market-based rates.  The FERC’s orders that grant the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ generating and power marketing companies market-based rate authority reserve the right to revoke or revise that authority if the FERC subsequently determines that the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business can exercise market power in transmission or generation, create barriers to entry, or engage in abusive affiliate transactions.  In addition, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ market-based sales are subject to certain market behavior rules, and if any of its generating and power marketing companies were deemed to have violated one of those rules, they would be subject to potential disgorgement of profits associated with the violation and/or suspension or revocation of their market-based rate authority and potential penalties of up to $1 million per day per violation.  If the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ generating or power marketing companies were to lose their market-based rate authority, such companies would be required to obtain the FERC’s acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are imposed on utilities with cost-based rate schedules.  This could have an adverse effect on the rates the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business charges for power from its facilities.

The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business is also affected by legislative and regulatory changes, as well as changes to market design, market rules, tariffs, cost allocations, and bidding rules imposed by the existing Independent System Operators.  The Independent System Operators that oversee most of the wholesale power markets impose, and in the future may continue to impose, mitigation, including price limitations, offer caps and other mechanisms, to address some of the volatility and the potential exercise of market power in these markets.  These types of price limitations and other regulatory mechanisms may have an adverse effect on the profitability of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business’ generation facilities that sell energy and capacity into the wholesale power markets.  For further information regarding federal, state and local laws and regulation applicable to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, see the Regulation of Entergy’s Business section in Part I, Item 1.

The regulatory environment applicable to the electric power industry has undergone substantial changes over the past several years as a result of restructuring initiatives at both the state and federal levels.  These changes are ongoing and Entergy cannot predict the future design of the wholesale power markets or the ultimate effect that the changing regulatory environment will have on the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business.  In addition, in some of these markets, interested parties have proposed
 
 
 
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material market design changes, including the elimination of a single clearing price mechanism and have raised claims that the competitive marketplace is not working because energy prices in wholesale markets exceed the marginal cost of operating nuclear power plants, as well as proposals to re-regulate the markets, impose a generation tax, or require divestitures by generating companies to reduce their market share.  Other proposals to re-regulate may be made and legislative or other attention to the electric power market restructuring process may delay or reverse the deregulation process, which could require material changes to business planning models.  If competitive restructuring of the electric power markets is reversed, modified, discontinued, or delayed, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business’ results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity could be materially affected.

The power plants owned by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are subject to impairment charges in certain circumstances, which could have a material effect on Entergy’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Entergy reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy over the remaining life of the assets.  In particular, the assets of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are subject to impairment if adverse market conditions arise and continue (such as expected long-term declines in market prices for electricity), if adverse regulatory events occur (including with respect to environmental regulation), if a unit ceases operation or if a unit’s operating license is not renewed.  Moreover, the failure of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business to achieve forecasted operating results and cash flows, an unfavorable change in forecasted operating results or cash flows, or a decline in observable industry market multiples could all result in potential impairment charges for the affected assets.

As discussed in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities - Property” section in Part I, Item 1, the operating licenses for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 expire in 2013 and 2015, respectively, and are currently the subject of license renewal processes at the NRC and the state in which the plants operate, and the Vermont Yankee plant is the subject of certain state and federal proceedings and federal litigation relating to continued operation of that plant.  As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy recognized an impairment charge for the Vermont Yankee plant in 2012.  In addition, if Entergy concludes that any of these nuclear power plants is unlikely to operate significantly beyond its current license expiration date, which conclusion would be based on a variety of factors, such a conclusion could result in an impairment of part or all of the carrying value of the plant.  Any impairment charge taken by Entergy with respect to its long-lived assets, including the power plants owned by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, would likely be material in the quarter that the charge is taken and could otherwise have a material effect on Entergy’s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

General Business

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

Entergy and the Utility operating companies depend on access to the capital markets and, at times, may face potential liquidity constraints, which could make it more difficult to handle future contingencies such as natural disasters or substantial increases in gas and fuel prices.  Disruptions in the capital and credit markets may adversely affect Entergy’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to meet liquidity needs, access capital and operate and grow their businesses, and the cost of capital.

Entergy’s business is capital intensive and dependent upon its ability to access capital at reasonable rates and other terms.  At times there are also spikes in the price for natural gas and other commodities that increase the liquidity requirements of the Utility operating companies and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.  In addition, Entergy’s and the Utility operating companies’ liquidity needs could significantly increase in the event of a hurricane or other weather-related or unforeseen disaster similar to that experienced in Entergy’s service territory with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in 2005, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike in 2008, and Hurricane Isaac in 2012.  The occurrence of one or more contingencies, including a delay in regulatory recovery of fuel or
 
 
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purchased power costs or storm restoration costs, higher than expected pension contributions, an acceleration of payments or decreased credit lines, less cash flow from operations than expected, or other unknown events, such as future storms, could cause the financing needs of Entergy and its subsidiaries to increase.  In addition, accessing the debt capital markets more frequently in these situations may result in an increase in leverage.  Material leverage increases could negatively affect the credit ratings of Entergy and the Utility operating companies, which in turn could negatively affect access to the capital markets.

The global capital and credit markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption in the fourth quarter of 2008 and much of 2009.  The inability to raise capital on favorable terms, particularly during times of uncertainty in the capital markets, could negatively affect Entergy and its subsidiaries’ ability to maintain and to expand their businesses.  Events beyond Entergy’s control, such as the volatility and disruption in global capital and credit markets in 2008 and 2009, may create uncertainty that could increase its cost of capital or impair its ability to access the capital markets, including the ability to draw on its bank credit facilities.  Entergy and its subsidiaries are unable to predict the degree of success they will have in renewing or replacing their credit facilities as they come up for renewal.  Moreover, the size, terms, and covenants of any new credit facilities may not be comparable to, and may be more restrictive than, existing facilities.  If Entergy and its subsidiaries are unable to access the credit and capital markets on terms that are reasonable, they may have to delay raising capital, issue shorter-term securities and/or bear an unfavorable cost of capital, which, in turn, could impact their ability to grow their businesses, decrease earnings, significantly reduce financial flexibility and/or limit Entergy Corporation’s ability to sustain its current common stock dividend level.

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

A downgrade in Entergy Corporation s or its subsidiaries credit ratings could negatively affect Entergy Corporation s and its subsidiaries ability to access capital and/or could require Entergy Corporation or its subsidiaries to post collateral, accelerate certain payments, or repay certain indebtedness.

There are a number of factors that rating agencies evaluate to arrive at credit ratings for each of Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries, including each Registrant’s regulatory framework, ability to recover costs and earn returns, diversification and financial strength and liquidity.  If one or more rating agencies downgrade Entergy Corporation’s, any of the Utility operating companies’, or System Energy’s ratings, particularly below investment grade, borrowing costs would increase, the potential pool of investors and funding sources would likely decrease, and cash or letter of credit collateral demands may be triggered by the terms of a number of commodity contracts, leases, and other agreements.

Most of Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ large customers, suppliers, and counterparties require sufficient creditworthiness to enter into transactions.  If Entergy Corporation’s or its subsidiaries’ ratings decline, particularly below investment grade, or if certain counterparties believe Entergy Corporation or the Utility operating companies are losing creditworthiness and demand adequate assurance under fuel, gas, and purchased power contracts, the counterparties may require posting of collateral in cash or letters of credit, prepayment for fuel, gas or purchased power or accelerated payment, or counterparties may decline business with Entergy Corporation or its subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2012, based on power prices at that time, Entergy had liquidity exposure for Entergy Wholesale Commodities business transactions of $203 million under guarantees, $20 million of guarantees that support letters of credit, and $7 million of posted cash collateral to the ISOs.  As of December 31, 2012, the liquidity exposure associated with Entergy Wholesale Commodities assurance requirements could increase by $106 million for a $1 per MMBtu increase in gas prices in both the short- and long-term markets.  In the event of a decrease in Entergy Corporation’s credit rating to below investment grade, based on power prices as of December 31, 2012, Entergy would have been required to provide approximately $48 million of additional cash or letters of credit under some of the agreements.


 
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The construction of, and capital improvements to, power generation facilities involve substantial risks.  Should construction or capital improvement efforts be unsuccessful, the financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity of Entergy and the Utility operating companies could be materially affected.

Entergy’s and the Utility operating companies’ ability to complete construction of power generation facilities in a timely manner and within budget is contingent upon many variables and subject to substantial risks.  These variables include, but are not limited to, project management expertise and escalating costs for materials, labor, and environmental compliance.  Delays in obtaining permits, shortages in materials and qualified labor, suppliers and contractors not performing as required under their contracts, changes in the scope and timing of projects, poor quality initial cost estimates from contractors, the inability to raise capital on favorable terms, changes in commodity prices affecting revenue, fuel costs, or materials costs,  downward changes in the economy, changes in law or regulation, including environmental compliance requirements, and other events beyond the control of the Utility operating companies or the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business may occur that may materially affect the schedule, cost, and performance of these projects.  If these projects are significantly delayed or become subject to cost overruns or cancellation, Entergy and the Utility operating companies could incur additional costs and termination payments, or face increased risk of potential write-off of the investment in the project.  For further information regarding capital expenditure plans and other uses of capital in connection with the potential construction of additional generation supply sources within the Utility operating companies’ service territory, and as to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, see the “ Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy and each of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

The Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business may incur substantial costs to fulfill their obligations related to environmental and other matters.

The businesses in which the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business operate are subject to extensive environmental regulation by local, state, and Federal authorities.  These laws and regulations affect the manner in which the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business conduct their operations and make capital expenditures.  These laws and regulations also affect how the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business manage air emissions, discharges to water, solid and hazardous waste storage and disposal, cooling and service water intake, the protection of threatened and endangered species, hazardous materials transportation, and similar matters.  Federal, state, and local authorities continually revise these laws and regulations, and the laws and regulations are subject to judicial interpretation and to the permitting and enforcement discretion vested in the implementing agencies.  Developing and implementing plans for facility compliance with these requirements can lead to capital, personnel, and operation and maintenance expenditures.  Violations of these requirements can subject the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business to enforcement actions, capital expenditures to bring existing facilities into compliance, additional operating costs or operating restrictions to achieve compliance, remediation and clean-up costs, civil penalties, and exposure to third parties’ claims for alleged health or property damages or for violations of applicable permits or standards.  In addition, the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are subject to liability under these laws for the costs of remediation of environmental contamination of property now or formerly owned or operated by the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business and of property contaminated by hazardous substances they generate.  The Utility operating companies are currently involved in proceedings relating to sites where hazardous substances have been released and may be subject to additional proceedings in the future.  The Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business have incurred and expect to incur significant costs related to environmental compliance.

Emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides, mercury, particulates, greenhouse gases, and other regulated air emissions from generating plants are potentially subject to increased regulation, controls and mitigation expenses.  In addition, existing air regulations and programs promulgated by the EPA often are challenged legally, sometimes resulting in large-scale changes to anticipated regulatory regimes and the resulting need to shift course, both operationally and economically, depending on the nature of the changes.  Risks relating to global climate change, initiatives to compel greenhouse gas emission reductions, and water availability issues are discussed below.
 

 
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Entergy and its subsidiaries may not be able to obtain or maintain all required environmental regulatory approvals.  If there is a delay in obtaining any required environmental regulatory approvals, or if Entergy and its subsidiaries fail to obtain, maintain, or comply with any such approval, the operation of its facilities could be stopped or become subject to additional costs.  For further information regarding environmental regulation and environmental matters, see the “ Regulation of Entergy s Business – Environmental Regulation ” section of Part I, Item 1.

The Utility operating companies, System Energy, and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business may incur substantial costs related to reliability standards.

Entergy’s business is subject to extensive and mandatory reliability standards.  Such standards, which are established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC), and other regional enforcement entities, are approved by the FERC and frequently are reviewed, amended, and supplemented.  Failure to comply with such standards could result in the imposition of fines or civil penalties, and potential exposure to third party claims for alleged violations of such standards.  The standards, as well as the laws and regulations that govern them, are subject to judicial interpretation and to the enforcement discretion vested in the implementing agencies.  In addition to exposure to civil penalties and fines, the Utility operating companies have incurred and expect to incur significant costs related to compliance with new and existing reliability standards, including costs associated with the Utility operating companies’ transmission system and generation assets.  The changes to the reliability standards applicable to the electric power industry are ongoing, and Entergy cannot predict the ultimate effect that the reliability standards will have on its Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities business.

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

The effects of weather and economic conditions, and the related impact on electricity and gas usage, may materially affect the Utility operating companies results of operations.

Temperatures above normal levels in the summer tend to increase summer cooling electricity demand and revenues, and temperatures below moderate levels in the winter tend to increase winter heating electricity and gas demand and revenues.  As a corollary, moderate temperatures tend to decrease usage of energy and resulting revenues.  Seasonal pricing differentials, coupled with higher consumption levels, typically cause the Utility operating companies to report higher revenues in the third quarter of the fiscal year than in the other quarters.  Extreme weather conditions or storms,  however, may stress the Utility operating companies’ generation facilities and transmission and distribution systems, resulting in increased maintenance and capital costs (and potential increased financing needs), limits on their ability to meet peak customer demand, increased regulatory oversight, and lower customer satisfaction.  These extreme conditions could have a material effect on the Utility operating companies’ financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

Industrial sales volume was depressed in the latter part of 2008 and through most of 2009, in part because the overall economy declined, with lower usage across the industrial sector affecting both the large customer industrial segment as well as small and mid-sized industrial customers.  In addition, a number of Entergy’s larger industrial customers have the ability to develop cogeneration facilities that would enable them to greatly eliminate or reduce their purchases of electricity from Entergy.  It  is possible that continued or recurrent poor economic conditions or the departure of one or more large customers to cogeneration could result in slower or declining sales growth and increased bad debt expense, which could materially affect Entergy’s and the Utility operating companies’ results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.


 
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The effects of climate change and environmental and regulatory obligations intended to compel greenhouse gas emission reductions or to place a price on greenhouse gas emissions could materially affect the financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity of Entergy and the Utility operating companies.

In an effort to address climate change concerns, Federal, state, and local authorities are calling for additional laws and regulations aimed at known or suspected causes of climate change.  For example, in response to the United States Supreme Court’s 2007 decision holding that the EPA has authority to regulate emissions of CO 2 and other “greenhouse gases” under the Clean Air Act, the EPA, various environmental interest groups, and other organizations are focusing considerable attention on CO 2 emissions from power generation facilities and their potential role in climate change.  In 2010, EPA promulgated its first regulations controlling greenhouse gas emissions from certain vehicles and from new and significantly modified stationary sources of emissions, including electric generating units.  In 2012, EPA proposed a CO 2 emission standard for new sources; this standard is expected to be finalized in 2013. Additionally, EPA is expected to develop a proposed CO 2 emission standard for existing power generation facilities perhaps as early as 2013.  As examples of state action, in the Northeast, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) establishes a cap on CO 2 emissions from electric power plants and requires generators to purchase emission permits to cover their CO 2 emissions, and a similar program has been developed in California.  Developing and implementing plans for compliance with greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements can lead to additional capital, personnel, and operation and maintenance expenditures and could significantly affect the economic position of existing facilities and proposed projects; moreover, long-term planning to meet environmental requirements can be negatively impacted and costs may increase to the extent laws and regulations change prior to full implementation.  Violations of such requirements may subject Entergy Wholesale Commodities and the Utility operating companies to enforcement actions, capital expenditures to bring existing facilities into compliance, additional operating costs or operating restrictions to achieve compliance, civil penalties, and exposure to third parties’ claims for alleged health or property damages or for violations of applicable permits or standards.  To the extent Entergy believes any of these costs are recoverable in rates, however, additional material rate increases for customers could be resisted by Entergy’s regulators and, in extreme cases, Entergy’s regulators might deny or defer timely recovery of these costs.  Future changes in environmental regulation governing the emission of CO 2 and other greenhouse gases could make some of Entergy’s electric generating units uneconomical to maintain or operate, and could increase the difficulty that Entergy and its subsidiaries have with obtaining or maintaining required environmental regulatory approvals, which could also materially affect the financial condition, results of operations and liquidity of Entergy and its subsidiaries.  In addition, multiple lawsuits currently are pending or are reasonably expected against emitters of greenhouse gases alleging that these companies are liable for personal injuries and property damage caused by climate change.  These lawsuits seek injunctive relief, monetary compensation, and punitive damages.

In addition to the regulatory and financial risks associated with climate change discussed above, physical risks from climate change include an increase in sea level, wind and storm surge damages, wetland and barrier island erosion, risks of flooding and changes in weather conditions, such as changes in precipitation, average temperatures, and potential increased impacts of extreme weather conditions or storms.  Entergy subsidiaries own assets in, and serve, communities that are at risk from sea level rise, changes in weather conditions, storms, and loss of the protection offered by coastal wetlands.  A significant portion of the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure is located in these areas and susceptible to storm damage that could be aggravated by wetland and barrier island erosion, which could give rise to fuel supply interruptions and price spikes. Entergy and its subsidiaries also face the risk that climate change could impact the availability and quality of water supply necessary for operations.

These and other physical changes could result in changes in customer demand, increased costs associated with repairing and maintaining generation facilities and transmission and distribution systems resulting in increased maintenance and capital costs (and potential increased financing needs), limits on the Entergy System’s ability to meet peak customer demand, increased regulatory oversight, and lower customer satisfaction.  Also, to the extent that climate change adversely impacts the economic health of a region or results in energy conservation or demand side management programs, it may adversely impact customer demand and revenues.  Such physical or operational risks could have a material effect on Entergy’s, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’, and the Utility operating companies’ financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.
 
 
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Continued and future availability and quality of water for cooling, process, and sanitary uses could materially affect the financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity of the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ business.

Water is a vital natural resource that also is critical to the Utility operating companies, System Energy, and Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ business operations.  Entergy’s facilities use water for cooling, boiler make-up, sanitary uses, potable supply, and many other uses.  Two of Entergy’s Utility operating companies own and/or operate hydroelectric facilities.  Accordingly, water availability and quality are critical to Entergy’s business operations.  Impacts to water availability or quality could negatively impact both operations and revenues.

Entergy secures water through various mechanisms (ground water wells, surface waters intakes, municipal supply, etc.) and operates under the provisions and conditions set forth by the provider and/or regulatory authorities.  Entergy also obtains and operates in substantial compliance with water discharge permits issued under various provisions of the Clean Water Act.  Regulations and authorizations for both water intake and use and for waste discharge can become more stringent in times of water shortages, low flows in rivers, low lake levels, low groundwater aquifer volumes, and similar conditions.  The increased use of water by industry, agriculture, and the population at large, population growth, and the potential impacts of climate change on water resources may cause water use restrictions that affect Entergy and its subsidiaries.

Entergy and its subsidiaries may not be adequately hedged against changes in commodity prices, which could materially affect Entergy’s and its subsidiaries’ results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

To manage near-term financial exposure related to commodity price fluctuations, Entergy and its subsidiaries, including the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, may enter into contracts to hedge portions of their purchase and sale commitments, fuel requirements, and inventories of natural gas, uranium (and its conversion), coal, refined products, and other commodities, within established risk management guidelines.  As part of this strategy, Entergy and its subsidiaries may utilize fixed- and variable-price forward physical purchase and sales contracts, futures, financial swaps, and option contracts traded in the over-the-counter markets or on exchanges.  However, Entergy and its subsidiaries normally cover only a portion of the exposure of their assets and positions to market price volatility, and the coverage will vary over time.  In addition, Entergy also elects to leave certain volumes during certain years unhedged.  To the extent Entergy and its subsidiaries have unhedged positions, fluctuating commodity prices can materially affect Entergy’s and its subsidiaries’ results of operations and financial position.

Although Entergy and its subsidiaries devote a considerable effort to these risk management strategies, they cannot eliminate all the risks associated with these activities.  As a result of these and other factors, Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot predict with precision the impact that risk management decisions may have on their business, results of operations, or financial position.

Entergy has guaranteed or indemnified the performance of a portion of the obligations relating to hedging and risk management activities.  Reductions in Entergy’s or its subsidiaries’ credit quality or changes in the market prices of energy commodities could increase the cash or letter of credit collateral required to be posted in connection with hedging and risk management activities, which could materially affect Entergy’s or its subsidiaries’ liquidity and financial position.

The Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are exposed to the risk that counterparties may not meet their obligations, which may materially affect the Utility operating companies and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.

The hedging and risk management practices of the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are exposed to the risk that counterparties that owe Entergy and its subsidiaries money, energy, or other commodities will not perform their obligations.  Currently, some hedging agreements contain provisions that require the counterparties to provide credit support to secure all or part of their obligations to Entergy or its subsidiaries.  If the counterparties to these arrangements fail to
 
 
 
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perform, Entergy or its subsidiaries may enforce and recover the proceeds from the credit support provided and acquire alternative hedging arrangements or draw on the credit support provided by the counterparties, which credit support may not always be adequate to cover the related obligations.  In such event, Entergy and its subsidiaries might incur losses in addition to amounts, if any, already paid to the counterparties.  In addition, the credit commitments of Entergy’s lenders under its bank facilities may not be honored for a variety of reasons, including unexpected periods of financial distress affecting such lenders, which could materially affect the adequacy of its liquidity sources.

The Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 and rules and regulations promulgated under the act may adversely affect the ability of the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business to utilize certain commodity derivatives for hedging and mitigating commercial risk.

The Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010, which was enacted on July 21, 2010 as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated under the act impose governmental regulation on the over-the-counter derivative market, including the commodity swaps used by the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business to hedge and mitigate commercial risk.  Under the act, certain swaps are subject to mandatory clearing and exchange trading requirements.  Swap dealers and major market participants in the swap market are subject to capital, margin, registration, reporting, recordkeeping, and business conduct requirements with respect to their swap activities.  Position limits may also apply to certain swaps activities.  Non-swap dealers and non-major market participants, which Entergy expects to qualify as, are subject to reporting, recordkeeping, and business conduct requirements (i.e. anti-manipulation, anti-disruptive trading practices, and whistleblower provisions) with respect to their swap activities.   Position limit rules promulgated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission were vacated by the US District Court for the District of Columbia.  In response, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has announced it will appeal the court’s decision.  If the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s appeal is successful, position limits may apply to certain of Entergy’s swaps activities.  The act required the applicable regulators, which in the case of commodity swaps will be the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to engage in substantial rulemaking in order to implement the provisions of the act and such rulemaking has been largely completed.  Both the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business currently utilize commodity swaps to hedge and mitigate commodity price risk.  It is not known whether the act and regulations promulgated under the act will have an adverse effect upon the market for the commodity swaps used by the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business.  However, to the extent that the act and regulations promulgated under the act have the effect of increasing the price of such commodity swaps or limiting or reducing the availability of such commodity swaps, whether through the imposition of additional capital, margin, or compliance costs upon market participants, the imposition of position limits, or otherwise, the financial performance of the Utility operating companies and/or the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business may be adversely affected.  To the extent that the Utility operating companies and the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business may be required to post margin in connection with existing or future commodity swaps in addition to any margin currently posted by such entities, such entities may need to secure additional sources of capital to meet such liquidity needs or cease utilizing such commodity swaps.

Market performance and other changes may decrease the value of benefit plan assets, which then could require additional funding.

The performance of the capital markets affects the values of the assets held in trust under Entergy’s pension and postretirement benefit plans.  A decline in the market value of the assets may increase the funding requirements relating to Entergy’s benefit plan liabilities.  Volatility in the capital markets has affected the market value of these assets, which may affect Entergy’s planned levels of contributions in the future.  Additionally, changes in interest rates affect the liabilities under Entergy’s pension and postretirement benefit plans; as interest rates decrease, the liabilities increase, potentially requiring additional funding.  The funding requirements of the obligations related to the pension benefit plans can also increase as a result of changes in, among other factors, retirement rates, life expectancy assumptions, or Federal regulations.  For further information regarding Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans, refer to the “ Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits ” section of Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for Entergy and each of its Registrant Subsidiaries and Note 11 to the financial statements.
 
 
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Entergy Corporation, Utility operating companies, and System Energy



The litigation environment in the states in which certain Entergy subsidiaries operate poses a significant risk to those businesses.

Entergy and its subsidiaries are involved in the ordinary course of business in a number of lawsuits involving employment, commercial, asbestos, hazardous material and ratepayer matters, and injuries and damages issues, among other matters.  The states in which the Utility operating companies operate, in particular Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, have proven to be unusually litigious environments.  Judges and juries in these states have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases.  Entergy and its subsidiaries use legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against them, but the litigation environment in these states poses a significant business risk.

Terrorist attacks, including cyber attacks, and failures or breaches of Entergy’s and its subsidiaries’ technology systems may adversely affect Entergy’s results of operations.

As power generators and distributors, Entergy and its subsidiaries face heightened risk of an act or threat of terrorism,   including physical and cyber attacks, either as a direct act against one of Entergy’s generation facilities, an act against the transmission and distribution infrastructure used to transport power that affects its ability to operate, or an act against the information technology systems and network infrastructure of Entergy and its subsidiaries.

Entergy and its subsidiaries operate in a highly regulated industry that requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure.  Despite the implementation of security measures by Entergy and its subsidiaries, all technology systems are vulnerable to disability, failures, or unauthorized access due to such activities. If Entergy’s or its subsidiaries’ technology systems were to fail or be breached and be unable to recover in a timely way, Entergy or its subsidiaries may be unable to fulfill critical business functions, and sensitive confidential and other data could be compromised.
 

If any such attacks, failures or breaches were to occur, Entergy’s and the Utility operating companies’ business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially affected.  The risk of such attacks, failures, or breaches also may cause Entergy and the Utility operating companies to incur increased capital and operating costs to implement increased security for its nuclear power plants and other facilities, such as additional physical facility security and additional security personnel, and for systems to protect its information technology and network infrastructure systems.

Changes in taxation as well as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could negatively impact Entergy’s, the Utility operating companies’, and System Energy’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Entergy and its subsidiaries make judgments regarding the potential tax effects of various transactions and results of operations to estimate their obligations to taxing authorities.  These tax obligations include income, franchise, real estate, sales and use, and employment-related taxes.  These judgments include reserves for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that have been taken.  Entergy and its subsidiaries also estimate their ability to utilize tax benefits, including those in the form of carryforwards for which the benefits have already been reflected in the financial statements.  Changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, adverse tax audit results or adverse tax rulings on positions taken by Entergy and its subsidiaries could negatively affect Entergy’s, the Utility operating companies’, and System Energy’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.  For further information regarding Entergy’s accounting for tax obligations, refer to Note 3 to the financial statements.


 
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Entergy and the Utility operating companies may be unable to satisfy the conditions or obtain the approvals to complete the transaction with ITC or such approvals may contain material restrictions or conditions.
 
See “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” in Entergy Corporation’s Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of the agreements that Entergy entered in December 2011 to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly-formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp.  The consummation of the ITC transaction is subject to numerous conditions, including (i) consummation of certain transactions and financings contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement (such as the separation of the Transmission Business conducted by the Utility operating companies, (ii) obtaining the required ITC shareholder approvals, and (iii) the receipt of certain regulatory approvals from governmental agencies necessary to consummate the ITC transaction, and that no such regulatory approvals impose a burdensome condition on ITC or Entergy as described in the Merger Agreement.  Entergy can make no assurances that the ITC transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all.  Governmental agencies may not approve the ITC transaction or may impose conditions to the approval of the ITC transaction or require changes to the terms of the ITC transaction.  Any such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying completion of the ITC transaction, imposing costs on or limiting the revenues of Entergy or the Utility operating companies, or otherwise reducing the anticipated benefits of the ITC transaction.  Any condition or change could result in a burdensome condition on the Transmission Business, the Utility operating companies, or ITC under the Merger Agreement and might cause Entergy or ITC to abandon the ITC transaction.  In addition, Entergy must pay its costs related to the ITC transaction including, legal, accounting, advisory, financing and filing fees, and printing costs, whether the ITC transaction is completed or not.  Any failure to consummate the ITC transaction as currently contemplated, or at all, could have a material effect on the business and results of operations of Entergy and the Utility operating companies and the trading price of Entergy Corporation’s common stock could be adversely affected.

(Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans)

The effect of higher purchased gas cost charges to customers may adversely affect Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy New Orleans’s results of operations and liquidity.

Gas rates charged to retail gas customers are comprised primarily of purchased gas cost charges, which provide no return or profit to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy New Orleans, and distribution charges, which provide a return or profit to the utility.  Distribution charges are affected by the amount of gas sold to customers.  Purchased gas cost charges, which comprise most of a customer’s bill and may be adjusted monthly, represent gas commodity costs that Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy New Orleans recovers from its customers.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s or Entergy New Orleans’s cash flows can be affected by differences between the time period when gas is purchased and the time when ultimate recovery from customers occurs.  When purchased gas cost charges increase substantially reflecting higher gas procurement costs incurred by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy New Orleans, customer usage may decrease, especially in weaker economic times, resulting in lower distribution charges for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana or Entergy New Orleans which could adversely affect results of operations.

(System Energy)

System Energy owns and operates a single nuclear generating facility, and it is dependent on affiliated companies for all of its revenues.

System Energy’s operating revenues are derived from the allocation of the capacity, energy, and related costs associated with its 90% ownership/leasehold interest in Grand Gulf.  Charges under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are paid by the Utility operating companies as consideration for their respective entitlements to receive capacity and energy.  The useful economic life of Grand Gulf is finite and is limited by the terms of its operating license, which is currently due to expire on November 1, 2024.  System Energy filed in October 2011 an application with the NRC for an extension of Grand Gulf’s operating license to 2045.  System Energy’s financial condition depends both on the receipt of payments from the Utility operating companies under the Unit Power Sales Agreement and on the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf.
 
 
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Entergy Corporation, Utility operating companies, and System Energy


For information regarding the Unit Power Sales Agreement, the sale and leaseback transactions and certain other agreements relating to the Entergy System companies’ support of System Energy (including the Capital Funds Agreement), see the “ Grand Gulf-Related Agreements ” section of Note 8 to the financial statements and the “ Sale and Leaseback Transactions ” section of Note 10 to the financial statements, and the “ Utility - System Energy and Related Agreements ” section of Part I, Item 1.

(Entergy Corporation)

Entergy Corporation s holding company structure could limit its ability to pay dividends.

Entergy Corporation is a holding company with no material assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries.  Accordingly, all of its operations are conducted by its subsidiaries.  Entergy Corporation’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock depends on the payment to it of dividends or distributions by its subsidiaries.  The payments of dividends or distributions to Entergy Corporation by its subsidiaries in turn depend on their results of operations and cash flows and other items affecting retained earnings, and on any applicable legal, regulatory, or contractual limitations on subsidiaries’ ability to pay such dividends or distributions.  Provisions in the organizational documents, indentures for debt issuances, and other agreements of certain of Entergy Corporation’s subsidiaries restrict the payment of cash dividends to Entergy Corporation.  For further information regarding dividend or distribution restrictions to Entergy Corporation, see the “ Retained Earnings and Dividend Restrictions ” section of Note 7 to the financial statements.

If completed, the transaction with ITC may not achieve its anticipated results.

Entergy entered into the ITC transaction with the expectation that it would result in various benefits, including the receipt by Entergy’s shareholders of shares of ITC common stock as a result of the transaction.  If the ITC transaction is consummated, it is possible that the full strategic, financial, operational, and regulatory benefits to Entergy and its shareholders that Entergy expected would result from the ITC transaction may not be achieved or that such benefits may be delayed or not occur due to unforeseen changes in market, economic or regulatory conditions or other events.  As a result, the aggregate market price of the common stock of Entergy Corporation and the shares of ITC common stock that shareholders of Entergy Corporation would receive in the ITC transaction could be less than the market price of Entergy Corporation’s common stock if the ITC transaction had not occurred.




ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Entergy’s plan to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., including the planned retirement of debt and preferred securities.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income decreased $12.5 million primarily due to higher other operation and maintenance expenses and higher taxes other than income taxes, partially offset by a lower effective income tax rate.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net income decreased $7.7 million primarily due to a higher effective income tax rate, lower other income, and higher other operation and maintenance expenses, partially offset by higher net revenue, lower depreciation and amortization expenses, and lower interest expense.

Net Revenue

2012 Compared to 2011

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory credits.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 1,252.3  
Retail electric price
    23.4  
Net wholesale revenue
    5.7  
Transmission revenue
    (9.6 )
Volume/weather
    (19.0 )
Other
    0.2  
2012 net revenue
  $ 1,253.0  

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in the energy efficiency rider, as approved by the APSC, effective July 2012. The energy efficiency rider revenues are offset by costs included in other operation and maintenance expenses and have no effect on net income.

The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to higher wholesale billings to affiliate companies due to higher expenses and lower wholesale energy costs.

 
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Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



The transmission revenue variance is primarily due to a revision to transmission investment equalization billings under the System Agreement among the Utility operating companies (for the approximate period of 1996 – 2011) recorded in the fourth quarter 2011.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effects of milder weather, as compared to the prior period, primarily on residential sales.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $39.2 million in rider revenues related to higher System Agreement production cost equalization payments and an increase of $16.1 million in rider revenues due to an increase in the energy efficiency rider effective July 2012.  The increase was partially offset by the June 2012 refund to AmerenUE of $30.6 million, including interest, of rough production cost equalization payments collected from AmerenUE.  Entergy Arkansas had previously recorded a regulatory provision for the potential refund to AmerenUE.  The result of the refund is a decrease in gross revenues with an offsetting increase in other regulatory credits.  See “ 2007 Rate Filing Based on Calendar Year 2006 Production Costs ” in Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the FERC order in the System Agreement production cost equalization proceedings.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to an increase in the recovery from customers of deferred fuel costs, partially offset by a decrease in the average market price of purchased power.

Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to the June 2012 refund to AmerenUE, as discussed above.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits).  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 1,216.7  
Retail electric price
    31.0  
ANO decommissioning trust
    26.4  
Transmission revenue
    13.1  
Capacity acquisition recovery
    (10.3 )
Net wholesale revenue
    (11.9 )
Volume/weather
    (15.9 )
Other
    3.2  
2011 net revenue
  $ 1,252.3  

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a base rate increase effective July 2010.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for more discussion of the rate case settlement.

The ANO decommissioning trust variance is primarily related to the deferral of investment gains from the ANO 1 and 2 decommissioning trust in 2010 in accordance with regulatory treatment.  The gains resulted in an increase in 2010 in interest and investment income and a corresponding increase in regulatory charges with no effect on net income.

The transmission revenue variance is primarily due to a revision to transmission investment equalization billings under the System Agreement among the Utility operating companies (for the approximate period of 1996 – 2011) recorded in the fourth quarter 2011.
 
 
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Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

The capacity acquisition recovery variance is primarily due to the cessation of the capacity acquisition rider to recover expenses incurred because those costs are recovered in base rates effective July 2010.

The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to lower margins on co-owner contracts and lower wholesale billings to affiliate companies due to lower expenses.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of less favorable weather on residential and commercial sales, partially offset by more favorable weather-adjusted usage in the residential sector.

Other Income Statement Variances

2012 Compared to 2011

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $14.8 million in compensation and benefits costs resulting from a decrease in the discount rate and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.  See Critical Accounting Estimates   below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of benefits costs;
·  
an increase of $13.9 million in energy efficiency costs.  These costs are recovered through the energy efficiency rider and have no effect on net income;
·  
$13.3 million of costs incurred in 2012 related to the planned spin-off and merger of the Utility’s transmission business; and
·  
an increase of $10.3 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to higher contract costs.

The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $8.0 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to higher plant outage costs in 2011 due to a greater scope of work.

Nuclear refueling outage expenses increased primarily due to higher costs associated with the most recent outage as compared to the previous outages.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments and an increase in local franchise taxes resulting from higher residential and commercial electric revenues compared to 2011.  Franchise taxes have no effect on net income as these taxes are recovered through the franchise tax rider.

2011 Compared to 2010

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $6.1 million in fossil-fueled generation costs due to higher fossil plant outage costs due to a greater scope of work in 2011;
·  
an increase of $3.9 million in transmission and distribution maintenance work in 2011;
·  
$3.5 million in contract costs due to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO; and
·  
an increase of $3 million in nuclear expenses primarily due to higher labor and contract costs caused by several factors.

The increase was offset by a $7.5 million decrease in compensation and benefits costs primarily resulting from an increase in the accrual for incentive-based compensation in 2010 and a decrease in stock option expense.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in depreciation rates as a result of the rate case settlement agreement approved by the APSC in June 2010.
 
 
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Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

Other income decreased primarily due to the investment gains on the ANO 1 and 2 decommissioning trust in 2010, as discussed above in net revenue, and the carrying charges on storm restoration costs recorded in 2010 related to the January 2009 ice storm.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the 2009 ice storm costs and Note 5 to the financial statements for a discussion of the August 2010 issuance of securitization bonds to finance these costs.

Interest expense decreased primarily due to the refinancing of debt at lower interest rates.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2012, 2011, and 2010 were 38.4%. 44.6%, and 39.6%, respectively.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 22,599     $ 106,102     $ 86,233  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    509,117       564,124       512,260  
Investing activities
    (723,248 )     (503,524 )     (413,180 )
Financing activities
    226,065       (144,103 )     (79,211 )
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    11,934       (83,503 )     19,869  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 34,533     $ 22,599     $ 106,102  

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $55.0 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to the $156 million System Agreement bandwidth remedy payment made in January 2012 as a result of the payment required to implement the FERC’s remedy for the period June – December 2005, a decrease of $69.5 million in income tax refunds, and the $30.6 million refund, including interest, to AmerenUE, as discussed above.  These decreases were partially offset by a decrease of $83.2 million in pension contributions and the increased recovery of fuel and purchased power costs, including partial recovery of the System Agreement bandwidth remedy payment made in January 2012.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below and Note 11 to the financial statements for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $51.9 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to income tax refunds of $90 million in 2011 compared to income tax payments of $66.4 million in 2010.  In 2011, Entergy Arkansas received tax cash refunds in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement.  The refunds result from a decrease in 2010 taxable income from what was previously estimated because of the recognition of additional repair expenses for tax purposes associated with a tax accounting change filed in 2010 and from the reversal of temporary differences for which Entergy Arkansas previously made cash tax payments. Pension contributions decreased $16.6 million.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.  The increase was offset by under-recovery of fuel costs and $19 million in storm restoration spending resulting from the April 2011 storms which caused damage to Entergy Arkansas’s transmission and distribution lines, equipment poles, and other facilities.


 
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Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $219.7 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to the purchase of Hot Spring Energy Facility for approximately $253 million in November 2012 and money pool activity.  The increase was partially offset by fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle.  See Note 15 to the financial statements for a discussion of the purchase of Hot Spring Energy Facility.

Decreases in Entergy Arkansas’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Arkansas’s receivable from the money pool decreased by $9.3 million in 2012 compared to decreasing by $24.1 million in 2011.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $90.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $66.3 million in nuclear fuel purchases primarily due to the purchase of nuclear fuel inventory from System Fuels because the Utility companies will now purchase nuclear fuel throughout the nuclear fuel procurement cycle, rather than purchasing it from System Fuels at the time of refueling; and
·  
$51 million in storm restoration spending resulting from the April 2011 storms which caused damage to Entergy Arkansas’s transmission and distribution lines, equipment poles, and other facilities; and
·  
$30 million in transmission substation reliability work in 2011.

The increase was partially offset by money pool activity.

Increases in Entergy Arkansas’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Arkansas’s receivable from the money pool increased by $12.6 million in 2010.

Financing Activities

Financing activities provided cash of $226.1 million in 2012 compared to using cash of $144.1 million in 2011 primarily due to:

·  
the issuance of $200 million of 4.9% Series first mortgage bonds in December 2012 and $60 million 2.62% Series K note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in December 2012 compared to the issuance of $55 million 3.23% Series J note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in June 2011;
·  
a decrease of $107.8 million in common stock dividends paid in 2012;
·  
the repayment, at maturity, of a $35 million 5.60% Series G note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in September 2011; and
·  
an increase in borrowings on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility.

Net cash used in financing activities increased $64.9 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
the issuance of $575 million of first mortgage bonds by Entergy Arkansas and $124.1 million of storm cost recovery bonds by Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Arkansas, in 2010 compared to the issuance of the $55 million Series J note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in 2011; and
·  
a decrease in borrowings on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility.

The increase was offset by:

·  
the retirement of $450 million of first mortgage bonds and $139.5 million of pollution control revenue bonds in 2010 compared to the retirement of the $35 million Series G note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in 2011; and
·  
a decrease of $55.6 million in common stock dividends paid in 2011.
 
See Note 5 to the financial statements for details of long-term debt.

 
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Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

Capital Structure

Entergy Arkansas’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
56.0% 
 
55.0% 
Effect of excluding the securitization bonds
 
(1.2%)
 
(1.5%)
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
54.8% 
 
53.5% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(0.4%)
 
(0.3%)
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
54.4% 
 
53.2% 

(1)
Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Arkansas.

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt, preferred stock without sinking fund, and common equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy Arkansas uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Arkansas’s financial condition.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Arkansas requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·   
debt and preferred stock maturities or retirements;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
·  
dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Arkansas’s planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments), and other purchase obligations.

   
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
after 2017
 
Total
 
   
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
                 
  Generation
 
$102
 
$344
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$446
 
  Transmission
 
93
 
303
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
396
 
  Distribution
 
146
 
281
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
427
 
  Other
 
43
 
88
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
131
 
  Total
 
$384
 
$1,016
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$1,400
 
Long-term debt (2)
 
$416
 
$216
 
$310
 
$2,529
 
$3,471
 
Capital lease payments
 
$0.2
 
$0.4
 
$-
 
$-
 
$0.6
 
Operating leases
 
$28
 
$55
 
$20
 
$4
 
$107
 
Purchase obligations (3)
 
$684
 
$1,175
 
$549
 
$1,858
 
$4,266
 

(1)
Includes approximately $252 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.  The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs, and do not include material costs for capital projects that might result from the NRC post-Fukushima requirements that remain under development.
(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For Entergy Arkansas, almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, which is discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements.
 
 
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Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



In addition, Entergy Arkansas currently expects to contribute approximately $34.9 million to its pension plans and approximately $26.7 million to other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Also in addition to the contractual obligations, Entergy Arkansas has $2.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits and interest net of unused tax attributes for which the timing of payments beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of effective settlement of tax positions.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Arkansas reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth.  Entergy’s Utility supply plan initiative will continue to seek to transform its generation portfolio with new or repowered generation resources.  Opportunities resulting from the supply plan initiative, including new projects or the exploration of alternative financing sources, could result in increases or decreases in the capital expenditure estimates given above.  The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, the ability to access capital, and the outcome of Entergy Arkansas’s exit from the System Agreement (which is discussed in “ System Agreement ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis).  Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Arkansas pays dividends to Entergy Corporation from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly.  Entergy Arkansas’s long-term debt indenture restricts the amount of retained earnings available for the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred stock.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy Arkansas had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Arkansas’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand;
·  
debt or preferred stock issuances; and
·   
bank financing under new or existing facilities.

Entergy Arkansas may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Arkansas require prior regulatory approval.  Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in Entergy Arkansas’s corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements.  Entergy Arkansas has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Entergy Arkansas’s receivables from the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years.

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
$8,035
 
$17,362
 
$41,463
 
$28,859

See Note 4 to the financial statements for a description of the money pool.
 
 
275

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Arkansas has credit facilities in the amount of $20 million and $150 million scheduled to expire in April 2013 and March 2017, respectively.  No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facilities as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the credit facilities.

The Entergy Arkansas nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $85 million scheduled to expire in July 2013.  As of December 31, 2012, $36.7 million was outstanding on the credit facility.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility.

Entergy Arkansas has obtained short-term borrowing authorization from the FERC under which it may borrow through October 2013, up to the aggregate amount, at any one time outstanding, of $250 million.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Arkansas’s short-term borrowing limits.  Entergy Arkansas has also obtained an order from the APSC authorizing long-term securities issuances through December 2015.  Entergy Arkansas has also obtained long-term financing authorization from the FERC that extends through May 2013 for issuances by its nuclear fuel company variable interest entity.

In January 2013, Entergy Arkansas arranged for the issuance by (i) Independence County, Arkansas of $45 million of 2.375% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 due January 2021, and (ii) Jefferson County, Arkansas of $54.7 million of 1.55% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 due October 2017, each of which series is secured by a separate series of non-interest bearing first mortgage bonds of Entergy Arkansas.  The proceeds of these issuances were applied to the refunding of outstanding series of pollution control revenue bonds previously issued by the respective issuers.

State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

Retail Rates

2009 Base Rate Filing

In September 2009, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC for a general change in rates, charges, and tariffs.  In June 2010 the APSC approved a settlement and subsequent compliance tariffs that provide for a $63.7 million rate increase, effective for bills rendered for the first billing cycle of July 2010.  The settlement provides for a 10.2% return on common equity.

2013 Base Rate Filing

On December 31, 2012, in accordance with the requirements of Arkansas law, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC notice of its intent to file an application for a general change or modification in its rates and tariffs no sooner than 60 days and no longer than 90 days from the date of its notice.

Production Cost Allocation Rider

The APSC approved a production cost allocation rider for recovery from customers of the retail portion of the costs allocated to Entergy Arkansas as a result of the System Agreement proceedings.  These costs cause an increase in Entergy Arkansas’s deferred fuel cost balance because Entergy Arkansas pays the costs over seven months but collects them from customers over twelve months.

See Note 2 to the financial statements and Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries “ MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - System Agreement ” for discussions of the System Agreement proceedings.
 
 
276

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Energy Cost Recovery Rider

Entergy Arkansas’s retail rates include an energy cost recovery rider to recover fuel and purchased energy costs in monthly bills.  The rider utilizes prior calendar year energy costs and projected energy sales for the twelve-month period commencing on April 1 of each year to develop an energy cost rate, which is redetermined annually and includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery, including carrying charges, of the energy cost for the prior calendar year.  The energy cost recovery rider tariff also allows an interim rate request depending upon the level of over- or under-recovery of fuel and purchased energy costs.

In October 2005, the APSC initiated an investigation into Entergy Arkansas's interim energy cost recovery rate.  The investigation focused on Entergy Arkansas's 1) gas contracting, portfolio, and hedging practices; 2) wholesale purchases during the period; 3) management of the coal inventory at its coal generation plants; and 4) response to the contractual failure of the railroads to provide coal deliveries.  In March 2006 the APSC extended its investigation to cover the costs included in Entergy Arkansas's March 2006 annual energy cost rate filing, and a hearing was held in the APSC energy cost recovery investigation in October 2006.

In January 2007, the APSC issued an order in its review of the energy cost rate.  The APSC found that Entergy Arkansas failed to maintain an adequate coal inventory level going into the summer of 2005 and that Entergy Arkansas should be responsible for any incremental energy costs resulting from two outages caused by employee and contractor error.  The coal plant generation curtailments were caused by railroad delivery problems and Entergy Arkansas has since resolved litigation with the railroad regarding the delivery problems.  The APSC staff was directed to perform an analysis with Entergy Arkansas’s assistance to determine the additional fuel and purchased energy costs associated with these findings and file the analysis within 60 days of the order.  After a final determination of the costs is made by the APSC, Entergy Arkansas would be directed to refund that amount with interest to its customers as a credit on the energy cost recovery rider.  Entergy Arkansas requested rehearing of the order.  In March 2007, in order to allow further consideration by the APSC, the APSC granted Entergy Arkansas’s petition for rehearing and for stay of the APSC order.

In October 2008, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion to lift the stay and to rescind the APSC's January 2007 order in light of the arguments advanced in Entergy Arkansas’s rehearing petition and because the value for Entergy Arkansas’s customers obtained through the resolved railroad litigation is significantly greater than the incremental cost of actions identified by the APSC as imprudent.  In December 2008 the APSC denied the motion to lift the stay pending resolution of Entergy Arkansas’s rehearing request and the unresolved issues in the proceeding.  The APSC ordered the parties to submit their unresolved issues list in the pending proceeding, which the parties did.  In February 2010 the APSC denied Entergy Arkansas’s request for rehearing, and held a hearing in September 2010 to determine the amount of damages, if any, that should be assessed against Entergy Arkansas.  A decision is pending.  Entergy Arkansas expects the amount of damages, if any, to have an immaterial effect on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

The APSC also established a separate docket to consider the resolved railroad litigation, and in February 2010 it established a procedural schedule that concluded with testimony through September 2010.  Testimony has been filed and the APSC will decide the case based on the record in the proceeding, including the prefiled testimony.

Storm Cost Recovery

Entergy Arkansas January 2009 Ice Storm

In January 2009, a severe ice storm caused significant damage to Entergy Arkansas’s transmission and distribution lines, equipment, poles, and other facilities.  A law was enacted in April 2009 in Arkansas that authorizes securitization of storm damage restoration costs.  In June 2010 the APSC issued a financing order authorizing the issuance of storm cost recovery bonds, including carrying costs of $11.5 million and $4.6 million of up-front financing costs.  In August 2010, Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy Arkansas, issued $124.1 million of storm cost recovery bonds.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the issuance of the storm cost recovery bonds.
 
 
277

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Arkansas December 2012 Winter Storm

In December 2012, a severe winter storm consisting of ice, snow, and high winds caused significant damage to Entergy Arkansas’s distribution lines, equipment, poles, and other facilities. Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Arkansas’s electrical facilities in areas damaged from the winter storm are estimated to be in the range of $55 million to $65 million.  Entergy Arkansas recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy Arkansas recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $21 million and construction work in progress of approximately $37 million.  Entergy Arkansas recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy Arkansas has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy Arkansas is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery. Entergy Arkansas plans to present a cost recovery proposal to the APSC in a base rate case filing in March 2013.

Opportunity Sales Proceeding

In June 2009, the LPSC filed a complaint requesting that the FERC determine that certain of Entergy Arkansas’s sales of electric energy to third parties: (a) violated the provisions of the System Agreement that allocate the energy generated by Entergy System resources, (b) imprudently denied the Entergy System and its ultimate consumers the benefits of low-cost Entergy System generating capacity, and (c) violated the provision of the System Agreement that prohibits sales to third parties by individual companies absent an offer of a right-of-first-refusal to other Utility operating companies.   The LPSC’s complaint challenges sales made beginning in 2002 and requests refunds.  On July 20, 2009, the Utility operating companies filed a response to the complaint requesting that the FERC dismiss the complaint on the merits without hearing because the LPSC has failed to meet its burden of showing any violation of the System Agreement and failed to produce any evidence of imprudent action by the Entergy System.  In their response the Utility operating companies explained that the System Agreement clearly contemplates that the Utility operating companies may make sales to third parties for their own account, subject to the requirement that those sales be included in the load (or load shape) for the applicable Utility operating company.  The response further explains that the FERC already has determined that Entergy Arkansas’s short-term wholesale sales did not trigger the “right-of-first-refusal” provision of the System Agreement.  While the D.C. Circuit recently determined that the “right-of-first-refusal” issue was not properly before the FERC at the time of its earlier decision on the issue, the LPSC has raised no additional claims or facts that would warrant the FERC reaching a different conclusion.

The LPSC filed direct testimony in the proceeding alleging, among other things, (1) that Entergy violated the System Agreement by permitting Entergy Arkansas to make non-requirements sales to non-affiliated third parties rather than making such energy available to the other Utility operating companies’ customers; and (2) that over the period 2000 - 2009, these non-requirements sales caused harm to the Utility operating companies’ customers and these customers should be compensated for this harm by Entergy.  In subsequent testimony the LPSC modified its original damages claim in favor of quantifying damages by re-running intra-system bills.  The Utility operating companies believe the LPSC's allegations are without merit.  A hearing in the matter was held in August 2010.

In December 2010, the ALJ issued an initial decision.  The ALJ found that the System Agreement allowed for Entergy Arkansas to make the sales to third parties but concluded that the sales should be accounted for in the same manner as joint account sales.  The ALJ concluded that “shareholders” should make refunds of the damages to the Utility operating companies, along with interest.  Entergy disagreed with several aspects of the ALJ’s initial decision and in January 2011 filed with the FERC exceptions to the decision.



 
278

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


The FERC issued a decision in June 2012 and held that, while the System Agreement is ambiguous, it does provide authority for individual Utility operating companies to make opportunity sales for their own account and Entergy Arkansas made and priced these sales in good faith.  The FERC found, however, that the System Agreement does not provide authority for an individual Utility operating company to allocate the energy associated with such opportunity sales as part of its load, but provides a different allocation authority.  The FERC further found that the after-the-fact accounting methodology used to allocate the energy used to supply the sales was inconsistent with the System Agreement.  Quantifying the effect of the FERC’s decision will require re-running intra-system bills for a ten-year period, and the FERC in its decision established further hearing procedures to determine the calculation of the effects.  In July 2012, Entergy and the LPSC filed requests for rehearing of the FERC’s June 2012 decision, which are pending with the FERC.

As required by the procedural schedule established in the calculation proceeding, Entergy filed its direct testimony that included a proposed illustrative re-run, consistent with the directives in FERC’s order, of intra-system bills for 2003, 2004, and 2006, the three years with the highest volume of opportunity sales.  Entergy’s proposed illustrative re-run of intra-system bills shows that the potential cost for Entergy Arkansas would be up to $12 million for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006, and the potential benefit would be significantly less than that for each of the other Utility operating companies.  Entergy’s proposed illustrative rerun of the intra-system bills also shows an offsetting potential benefit to Entergy Arkansas for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006 resulting from the effects of the FERC’s order on System Agreement Service Schedules MSS-1, MSS-2, and MSS-3, and the potential offsetting cost would be significantly less than that for each of the other Utility operating companies.  Entergy provided to the LPSC an illustrative intra-system bill recalculation as specified by the LPSC for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006, and the LPSC then filed answering testimony in December 2012.  In its testimony the LPSC claims that the damages that should be paid by Entergy Arkansas to the Utility operating company’s customers for 2003, 2004, and 2006 are $42 million to Entergy Gulf States, Inc., $7 million to Entergy Louisiana, $23 million to Entergy Mississippi, and $4 million to Entergy New Orleans; and that Entergy Arkansas “shareholders” should pay Entergy Arkansas customers $34 million.  The FERC staff and certain intervenors filed direct and answering testimony in February 2013.  A hearing is scheduled for May 2013, and the ALJ’s initial decision on the calculation of the effects is due by August 28, 2013.

Federal Regulation

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ”, “ System Agreement ”, “ Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ”, “ Notice to SERC Reliability Corporation Regarding Reliability Standards and FERC Investigation ”, and “ U.S. Department of Justice Investigation ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation – Federal Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of these topics.

Nuclear Matters

Entergy Arkansas owns and operates, through an affiliate, the ANO 1 and ANO 2 nuclear power plants.  Entergy Arkansas is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating nuclear plants.  These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, regulatory requirement changes, including changes resulting from events at other plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts.  In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of either ANO 1 or ANO 2, Entergy Arkansas may be required to file with the APSC a rate mechanism to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

The nuclear industry continues to address susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of certain materials associated with components within the reactor coolant system.  The issue is applicable to ANO and is managed in accordance with industry standard practices and guidelines and includes in-service examinations, replacement and mitigation strategy.  Several major modifications to the ANO units have been implemented to mitigate the susceptibility of large bore dissimilar metal welds.  In addition, a replacement reactor vessel head has been fabricated for ANO 2 and is onsite.  Routine inspections of the existing ANO 2 reactor vessel head have identified no significant material degradation issues for that component.  These inspections will continue at planned refueling outages.  Timing for installation of the new reactor vessel head will be based on the results of future inspection efforts.
 
 
279

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

After the nuclear incident in Japan resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the NRC established a task force to conduct a review of processes and regulations relating to nuclear facilities in the United States.  The task force issued a near-term (90-day) report in July 2011 that made initial recommendations, which were subsequently refined and prioritized after input from stakeholders.  The task force then issued a second report in September 2011.  Based upon the task force’s recommendations, the NRC issued three orders effective on March 12, 2012.  The three orders require U.S. nuclear operators, including Entergy, to undertake plant modifications or perform additional analyses that will, among other things, result in increased operating and capital costs associated with operating Entergy’s nuclear plants.  The NRC, with input from the industry, is in the process of determining the specific actions required by the orders and an estimate of the increased costs cannot be made at this time.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Arkansas’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy Arkansas is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Arkansas’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy Arkansas’s financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

See “ Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for discussion of the estimates inherent in accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy Arkansas records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified, defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing
 
 
 
280

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified projected benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Qualified
Projected
Benefit Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$3,461
 
$44,172
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$1,934
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$1,369
 
$7,694

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$1,118
 
$11,528
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$1,690
 
$9,971

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for Entergy Arkansas in 2012 was $53.1 million.  Entergy Arkansas anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be approximately $63 million.  Entergy Arkansas’s contributions to the pension trust were $37.2 million in 2012 and are currently estimated to be approximately $34.9 million in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Arkansas in 2012 were $18.1 million, including $5.8 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Arkansas expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $14.1 million, including $6.2 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Arkansas contributed $24.4 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute approximately $26.7 million in 2013.

Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(page left blank intentionally)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Little Rock, Arkansas


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of cash flows, and consolidated statements of changes in common equity (pages 284 through 288 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013


 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 2,127,004     $ 2,084,310     $ 2,082,447  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    480,464       186,036       378,699  
   Purchased power
    431,932       659,464       485,447  
   Nuclear refueling outage expenses
    47,103       42,557       41,800  
   Other operation and maintenance
    545,782       511,592       495,443  
Decommissioning
    40,484       38,064       35,790  
Taxes other than income taxes
    89,527       82,847       85,564  
Depreciation and amortization
    222,734       218,902       232,085  
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net
    (38,406 )     (13,506 )     1,603  
TOTAL
    1,819,620       1,725,956       1,756,431  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    307,384       358,354       326,016  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    9,070       7,660       4,118  
Interest and investment income
    15,169       16,533       46,363  
Miscellaneous - net
    (4,049 )     (4,172 )     (1,743 )
TOTAL
    20,190       20,021       48,738  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    82,860       83,545       91,598  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (2,457 )     (2,826 )     (2,406 )
TOTAL
    80,403       80,719       89,192  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    247,171       297,656       285,562  
                         
Income taxes
    94,806       132,765       112,944  
                         
NET INCOME
    152,365       164,891       172,618  
                         
Preferred dividend requirements
    6,873       6,873       6,873  
                         
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO
                       
COMMON STOCK
  $ 145,492     $ 158,018     $ 165,745  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       


 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 152,365     $ 164,891     $ 172,618  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
         
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization
    357,913       339,819       347,587  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    (67,482 )     94,410       100,071  
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
    Receivables
    (30,786 )     (11,021 )     34,214  
    Fuel inventory
    (68 )     (11,190 )     (22,639 )
    Accounts payable
    (179,009 )     160,983       (14,777 )
    Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued
    178,688       122,974       (63,188 )
    Interest accrued
    (1,463 )     2,861       426  
    Deferred fuel costs
    112,471       (148,274 )     61,300  
    Other working capital accounts
    55,735       (3,855 )     31,550  
    Provisions for estimated losses
    182       (2,330 )     (5,247 )
    Other regulatory assets
    (88,119 )     (215,841 )     (87,087 )
    Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    75,725       123,156       (32,496 )
    Other assets and liabilities
    (57,035 )     (52,459 )     (10,072 )
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    509,117       564,124       512,260  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (361,858 )     (382,776 )     (291,267 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    12,441       9,607       4,118  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (215,968 )     (148,657 )     (82,371 )
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel
    96,700       -       -  
Proceeds from sale of equipment
    -       -       2,489  
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales
    144,275       125,408       367,266  
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds
    (154,608 )     (140,724 )     (400,832 )
Payment for purchase of plant
    (253,043 )     -       -  
Change in money pool receivable - net
    9,327       24,101       (12,604 )
Changes in other investments - net
    -       -       2,415  
Investment in affiliates
    -       10,994       -  
Remittances to transition charge account
    (15,613 )     (15,650 )     (2,412 )
Payments from transition charge account
    15,099       14,173       -  
Other
    -       -       18  
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (723,248 )     (503,524 )     (413,180 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    252,347       54,743       684,851  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (12,230 )     (45,310 )     (589,500 )
Changes in credit borrowings - net
    2,821       (28,863 )     5,711  
Dividends paid:
                       
  Common stock
    (10,000 )     (117,800 )     (173,400 )
  Preferred stock
    (6,873 )     (6,873 )     (6,873 )
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    226,065       (144,103 )     (79,211 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    11,934       (83,503 )     19,869  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    22,599       106,102       86,233  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 34,533     $ 22,599     $ 106,102  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                 
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 79,271     $ 75,650     $ 85,639  
  Income taxes
  $ (20,480 )   $ (89,994 )   $ 66,403  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       
                         


 

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 9,597     $ 4,712  
  Temporary cash investments
    24,936       17,887  
    Total cash and cash equivalents
    34,533       22,599  
Securitization recovery trust account
    4,403       3,890  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    98,036       90,940  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (28,343 )     (26,155 )
  Associated companies
    67,277       58,030  
  Other
    71,956       66,838  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    72,902       70,715  
    Total accounts receivable
    281,828       260,368  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    72,196       -  
Deferred fuel costs
    97,305       209,776  
Fuel inventory - at average cost
    48,975       48,889  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    148,682       143,343  
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs
    38,410       49,047  
System agreement cost equalization
    -       36,800  
Prepayments and other
    10,586       8,562  
TOTAL
    736,918       783,274  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Decommissioning trust funds
    600,578       541,657  
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    1,671       1,677  
Other
    41,182       3,182  
TOTAL
    643,431       546,516  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    8,693,659       8,079,732  
Property under capital lease
    1,154       1,234  
Construction work in progress
    205,982       120,211  
Nuclear fuel
    303,825       272,593  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    9,204,620       8,473,770  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    4,104,882       3,833,596  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    5,099,738       4,640,174  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    80,751       87,357  
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of
         
$93,238 as of December 31, 2012 and $105,762 as of
         
       December 31, 2011)
    1,221,636       1,126,911  
Other
    36,971       27,980  
TOTAL
    1,339,358       1,242,248  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 7,819,445     $ 7,212,212  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 330,000     $ -  
Short-term borrowings
    36,735       33,914  
Accounts payable:
               
  Associated companies
    39,288       228,163  
  Other
    200,964       138,054  
Customer deposits
    85,198       81,074  
Taxes accrued
    214,969       36,281  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    5,927       124,267  
Interest accrued
    28,418       29,881  
Other
    45,208       23,305  
TOTAL
    986,707       694,939  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    1,829,281       1,708,760  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    40,947       42,939  
Other regulatory liabilities
    143,901       133,960  
Decommissioning
    680,712       640,228  
Accumulated provisions
    5,822       5,640  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    614,805       539,016  
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $101,547 as of
         
    December 31, 2012 and $113,761 as of December 31, 2011)
    1,793,895       1,875,921  
Other
    27,409       10,335  
TOTAL
    5,136,772       4,956,799  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Preferred stock without sinking fund
    116,350       116,350  
                 
COMMON EQUITY
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 325,000,000
         
shares; issued and outstanding 46,980,196 shares in 2012
         
  and 2011
    470       470  
Paid-in capital
    588,444       588,444  
Retained earnings
    990,702       855,210  
TOTAL
    1,579,616       1,444,124  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 7,819,445     $ 7,212,212  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                         
   
Common Equity
       
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
       
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 470     $ 588,444     $ 822,647     $ 1,411,561  
Net income
    -       -       172,618       172,618  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (173,400 )     (173,400 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (6,873 )     (6,873 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 470     $ 588,444     $ 814,992     $ 1,403,906  
Net income
    -       -       164,891       164,891  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (117,800 )     (117,800 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (6,873 )     (6,873 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 470     $ 588,444     $ 855,210     $ 1,444,124  
Net income
    -       -       152,365       152,365  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (10,000 )     (10,000 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (6,873 )     (6,873 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 470     $ 588,444     $ 990,702     $ 1,579,616  
                                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                               


 

 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 2,127,004     $ 2,084,310     $ 2,082,447     $ 2,211,263     $ 2,328,349  
Net Income
  $ 152,365     $ 164,891     $ 172,618     $ 66,875     $ 47,152  
Total assets
  $ 7,819,445     $ 7,212,212     $ 6,751,368     $ 6,492,802     $ 6,568,213  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 1,910,245     $ 1,992,271     $ 1,946,494     $ 1,736,520     $ 1,800,735  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt), noncurrent capital lease obligations, and preferred stock without sinking fund.
 
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 766     $ 756     $ 773     $ 769     $ 756  
  Commercial
    472       450       441       475       463  
  Industrial
    439       421       415       433       461  
  Governmental
    20       20       20       21       21  
     Total retail
    1,697       1,647       1,649       1,698       1,701  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    320       279       302       350       416  
     Non-associated companies
    49       96       78       102       156  
  Other
    61       62       53       61       55  
     Total
  $ 2,127     $ 2,084     $ 2,082     $ 2,211     $ 2,328  
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                 
  Residential
    7,859       8,229       8,501       7,464       7,678  
  Commercial
    6,046       6,051       6,144       5,817       5,875  
  Industrial
    6,925       7,029       7,082       6,376       7,211  
  Governmental
    257       275       277       269       274  
     Total retail
    21,087       21,584       22,004       19,926       21,038  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    7,926       6,893       7,853       9,980       7,890  
     Non-associated companies
    1,093       1,304       850       1,631       2,159  
     Total
    30,106       29,781       30,707       31,537       31,087  
                                         
                                         
 


ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of this matter, including the planned retirement of debt and preferred securities.

Hurricane Isaac

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac caused extensive damage to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s service area.  The storm resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage primarily to distribution infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Isaac are currently estimated to be approximately $70 million.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is considering all reasonable avenues to recover storm-related costs from Hurricane Isaac, including, but not limited to, accessing funded storm reserves; securitization or other alternative financing; and traditional retail recovery on an interim and permanent basis.  In January 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana drew $65 million from its funded storm reserves.  Storm cost recovery or financing may be subject to review by applicable regulatory authorities.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $17 million and construction work in progress of approximately $53 million.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income decreased $42.6 million primarily due to lower net revenue and higher other operation and maintenance expenses. These items were partially offset by the $19.8 million income tax savings resulting from an IRS settlement in June 2012 related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financing, which also resulted in a $27.7 million ($17 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge that reduced net revenue because the savings will be shared with customers. See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and savings obligation.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net income increased $27.3 million primarily due to lower interest expense, a lower effective income tax rate, and lower other operation and maintenance expenses, offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses.

 
290

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Net Revenue

2012 Compared to 2011

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits).  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

   
Amount
 
  
 
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 933.4  
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation
    (26.7 )
Retail electric price
    (12.0 )
Volume/weather
    (7.9 )
Net wholesale revenue
    (7.8 )
Transmission revenue
    (7.2 )
Other
    (5.9 )
2012 net revenue
  $ 865.9  

The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation results from a regulatory charge recorded in 2012 because Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is sharing the savings from an IRS settlement related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financing with customers.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the tax settlement and savings obligation.

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to increased affiliate purchased power capacity costs recovered through base rates set in the annual formula rate plan mechanism. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional discussion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s formula rate plan.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of milder weather, as compared to the prior period, on residential and commercial sales and the effects of the power outages caused by Hurricane Isaac.

The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to decreased sales volume to municipal and co-op customers and lower prices.

The transmission revenue variance is primarily due to a revision to transmission investment equalization billings under the System Agreement among the Utility operating companies (for the approximate period of 1996 – 2011) recorded in the fourth quarter 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the revision.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges (credits)

Gross operating revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease of $203.8 million in gross wholesale revenues primarily due to a decrease in sales to affiliated customers, a decrease of $168.4 million in fuel cost recovery revenues primarily due to lower fuel rates, and a decrease of $59.3 million in rider revenues primarily due to higher System Agreement credits in 2012. See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional discussion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s fuel and purchased power recovery mechanism.

Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased primarily due to:

·  
a decrease in the average market prices of purchased power and natural gas; and
·  
a decrease in deferred fuel expense due to the timing of receipt of System Agreement payments and credits to customers and lower fuel cost recovery revenues in 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the System Agreement proceedings.
 
 
291

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

Other regulatory charges increased primarily due to a settlement with the IRS related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financing because the savings will be shared with customers.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlement and savings obligation.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory credits.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

   
Amount
 
  
 
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 933.6  
Retail electric price
    (20.1 )
Volume/weather
    (5.2 )
Transmission revenue
    12.4  
Fuel recovery
    14.8  
Other
    (2.1 )
2011 net revenue
  $ 933.4  

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in credits passed on to customers as a result of the Act 55 storm cost financing.  See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the Act 55 storm cost financing.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales, including during the unbilled sales period. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of 62 GWh, or 0.3%, in billed electricity usage, primarily due to increased consumption by an industrial customer as a result of the customer’s cogeneration outage and the addition of a new production unit by the industrial customer.

The transmission revenue variance is primarily due to a revision to transmission investment equalization billings under the System Agreement among the Utility operating companies (for the approximate period of 1996 – 2011) recorded in the fourth quarter 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the revision.

The fuel recovery variance resulted primarily from an adjustment to deferred fuel costs in 2010.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of fuel recovery.

Fuel and purchased power expenses

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase in deferred fuel expense due to the timing of receipt of System Agreement payments and credits to customers;
·  
an increase in natural gas fuel expense primarily due to increased generation; and
·  
an increase in deferred fuel expense due to fuel and purchased power expense decreases in excess of lower fuel cost recovery revenues.

The increase was offset by a decrease in the average market price of purchased power and decreased net area demand.


 
292

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Other Income Statement Variances

2012 Compared to 2011

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $10.4 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to higher labor costs, including higher contract labor;
·  
an increase of $9.3 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to decreasing discount rates and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of benefits costs;
·  
$4.7 million of costs incurred in 2012 related to the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business; and
·  
an increase of $3.7 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses resulting primarily from increased plant outages and an increased scope of work as compared to the prior year.

The increase was partially offset by:

·  
$5.8 million of transmission investment equalization expenses recorded in the fourth quarter 2011 as a result of a billing adjustment related to prior transmissions costs (for the approximate period of 1996 – 2011) allocable to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana under the System Agreement;
·  
the deferral, as approved by the LPSC and the FERC, of costs related to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO, which reduced expenses by $4.2 million; and
·  
several individually insignificant items.

2011 Compared to 2010

Nuclear refueling outage expenses decreased primarily due to the amortization of lower expenses associated with the planned maintenance and refueling outage at River Bend in the first quarter 2011.

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:

·  
a decrease of $6 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to fewer outages and a reduced scope of work compared to 2010; and
·  
a decrease of $4.2 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily resulting from an increase in the accrual for incentive-based compensation in 2010 and a decrease in stock option expense.

The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2.9 million in costs due to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO, as well as several individually insignificant items.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to a revision in the second quarter 2010 related to depreciation on storm cost-related assets and an increase in plant in service.  Recovery of the storm cost-related assets will now be through the Act 55 financing of storm costs as approved by the LPSC in June 2010.  See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the Act 55 storm cost financing.

Interest expense decreased primarily due to:

·  
redemptions of first mortgage bonds of $68 million in June 2010 and $304 million in November 2010, partially offset by the issuance of first mortgage bonds of $250 million in October 2010.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for a discussion of long-term debt; and
·  
interest expense accrued in 2010 related to the expected result of the LPSC Staff audit of the fuel adjustment clause for the period 1995 through 2004.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of fuel recovery.

 
 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates were 24.9%, 30.8%, and 34.6% for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective income tax rates.

Correction of Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the financial statement effects of a correction to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s regulatory asset for income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 24,845     $ 155,173     $ 144,460  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    346,208       482,115       726,130  
Investing activities
    (201,440 )     (267,262 )     (541,583 )
Financing activities
    (133,927 )     (345,181 )     (173,834 )
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    10,841       (130,328 )     10,713  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 35,686     $ 24,845     $ 155,173  

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $135.9 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to income tax payments in 2012 of $89.2 million in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement compared to income tax refunds of $56.3 million in 2011.  In 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana no longer had a net operating loss carryover from prior years to reduce current taxable income.  Also contributing to the decrease in cash flow was Hurricane Isaac storm restoration spending in 2012.  In 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana received tax cash refunds in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement.  The refunds resulted from the reversal of temporary differences for which Entergy Gulf States Louisiana previously made cash tax payments.

The decrease was partially offset by:

·  
an increase in the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs due to System Agreement bandwidth remedy payments of $75 million received in January 2012 as a result of receipts required to implement the FERC’s remedy in an October 2011 order for the period June – December 2005.  In the fourth quarter 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana customers were credited $69.6 million. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the System Agreement proceedings; and
·  
a decrease of $13.7 million in pension contributions.  See “C ritical Accounting Estimates   below and Note 11 to the financial statements for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits.



 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $244 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
proceeds of $240.3 million received from the LURC as a result of the Act 55 storm cost financings in 2010. See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the Act 55 storm cost financing; and
·  
higher nuclear refueling outage spending at River Bend.  River Bend had a refueling outage in 2011 and did not have one in 2010.

The decrease was partially offset by an increase in income tax refunds of $39.5 million in 2011 compared to 2010.  In 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana received tax cash refunds in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement.  The refunds resulted from the reversal of temporary differences for which Entergy Gulf States Louisiana previously made cash tax payments.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $65.8 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to:

·  
fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle;
·  
$51 million in proceeds from the sale of a portion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s investment in Entergy Holdings Company’s Class A preferred membership interests to a third party in 2012; and
·  
a decrease in nuclear construction expenditures as a result of the River Bend refueling outage in 2011. River Bend had a refueling outage in 2011 and did not have one in 2012.

The decrease was partially offset by:

·  
higher distribution construction expenditures due to Hurricane Isaac and increased reliability work performed in 2012;
·  
money pool activity;
·  
an increase in fossil-fueled generation construction expenditures due to an increased scope of work in 2012; and
·  
an increase in transmission construction expenditures due to increased transmission plant upgrades in 2012.

Decreases in Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool decreased by $23.6 million in 2012 compared to decreasing by $39.4 million in 2011.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility operating companies’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $274.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
the investment in 2010 of $150.3 million in affiliate securities and the investment of $90.1 million in the storm reserve escrow account as a result of the Act 55 storm cost financings.  See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the Act 55 storm cost financing; and
·  
money pool activity.

The decrease was partially offset by an increase in nuclear fuel purchases because River Bend had a refueling outage in 2011 and did not have one in 2010.
 
Decreases in Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool decreased by $39.4 million in 2011 compared to increasing by $12.9 million in 2010.

 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $211.3 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to a decrease of $187.8 million in common equity distributions and the issuance of $75 million 3.25% Series Q notes by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in July 2012, partially offset by:

·  
the repayment, at maturity, of $60 million 5.41% Series O notes by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in July 2012;
·  
the redemption of $10.84 million of pollution control revenue bonds in 2012 compared to the redemption of $47.34 million of pollution control revenue bonds in 2011; and
·  
payments of $29.4 million on credit borrowings in 2012 compared to an increase of $5.2 million in credit borrowings in 2011 against the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility.

Net cash used in financing activities increased $171.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to an increase of $177.7 million in common equity distributions.

Capital Structure

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
52.3% 
 
53.6% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(0.6%)
 
(0.4%)
Net debt to net capital
 
51.7% 
 
53.2% 

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt and member’s equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s financial condition.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·   
debt and preferred equity maturities or retirements;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
·  
distribution and interest payments.


 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Following are the amounts of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments), and other purchase obligations.

 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
after 2017
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
             
  Generation
$79
 
$154
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$233
  Transmission
83
 
99
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
182
  Distribution
76
 
138
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
214
  Other
20
 
44
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
64
  Total
$258
 
$435
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$693
Long-term debt (2)
$153
 
$191
 
$237
 
$1,851
 
$2,432
Operating leases
$12
 
$30
 
$18
 
$44
 
$104
Purchase obligations (3)
$169
 
$289
 
$187
 
$197
 
$842

(1)
Includes approximately $146 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.  The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs, and do not include material costs for capital projects that might result from the NRC post-Fukushima requirements that remain under development.
(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, it primarily includes unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations.

In addition to the contractual obligations given above, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana expects to contribute $11.2 million to its pension plans and $8.4 million to other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Also, in addition to the contractual obligations, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has $304.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits and interest net of unused tax attributes for which the timing of payments beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of effective settlement of tax positions.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth.  Entergy’s Utility supply plan initiative will continue to seek to transform its generation portfolio with new or repowered generation resources.  Opportunities resulting from the supply plan initiative, including new projects or the exploration of alternative financing sources, could result in increases or decreases in the capital expenditure estimates given above.  The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans,   and the ability to access capital.

Management provides more information on long-term debt maturities in Note 5 to the financial statements.

As an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana pays distributions from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s long-term debt indenture contains restrictions on the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred membership interests.

 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



New Nuclear Development

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana have been developing and are preserving a project option for new nuclear generation at River Bend.  In the first quarter 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana each paid for and recognized on its books $24.9 million in costs associated with the development of new nuclear generation at the River Bend site; these costs previously had been recorded on the books of Entergy New Nuclear Utility Development, LLC, a System Energy subsidiary.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana will share costs going forward on a 50/50 basis, which reflects each company’s current participation level in the project.

In March 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC seeking approval to continue the limited development activities necessary to preserve an option to construct a new unit at River Bend.  The testimony and legal briefs of the LPSC staff generally support the request of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, although other parties filed briefs, without supporting testimony, in opposition to the request.  At an evidentiary hearing in October 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and the LPSC staff presented testimony in support of certification of activities to preserve an option for a new nuclear plant at River Bend.  The ALJ recommended, however, that the LPSC decline the request of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana on the basis that the LPSC’s rule on new nuclear development does not apply to activities to preserve an option to develop and on the further grounds that the companies improperly engaged in advanced preparation activities prior to certification.  There has been no suggestion that the planning activities or costs incurred were imprudent.  At its June 28, 2012 meeting the LPSC voted to uphold the ALJ’s decision and directed that Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana be permitted to seek recovery of these costs in their anticipated, upcoming rate case filings, fully reserving the LPSC’s right to determine the recoverability of such costs in rates.  On September 10, 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed a petition for appeal and judicial review of the LPSC’s order with the Louisiana Nineteenth Judicial District Court.  A schedule for the appeal has not been established.  In their rate cases filed in February 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana request recovery of their new nuclear generation development costs over a ten-year amortization period, with the costs included in rate base.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand;
·  
debt or preferred membership interest issuances; and
·   
bank financing under new or existing facilities.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt and preferred equity/membership interests prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred equity/membership interest issuances by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana require prior regulatory approval.  Preferred equity/membership interest and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in its bond indentures and other agreements.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years.

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
($7,074)
 
$23,596
 
$63,003
 
$50,131

See Note 4 to the financial statements for a description of the money pool.
 
 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in March 2017.  No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the credit facilities.

The Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $85 million scheduled to expire in July 2013.  No borrowings were outstanding on the variable interest entity credit facility as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the variable interest entity credit facilities.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana obtained short-term borrowing authorization from the FERC under which it may borrow through October 2013, up to the aggregate amount, at any one time outstanding, of $200 million.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s short-term borrowing limits.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has also obtained an order from the FERC authorizing long-term securities issuances through July 2013.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana has also obtained long-term financing authorization from the FERC that extends through September 2014 for issuances by its nuclear fuel company variable interest entity.

In February 2013 the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity issued $70 million of 3.38% Series R notes due August 2020.  The Entergy Gulf States Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity used the proceeds principally to purchase additional nuclear fuel.

Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike

In September 2008, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike caused catastrophic damage to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s service territory.  The storms resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage to distribution, transmission, and generation infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  In October 2008, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana drew all of its $85 million funded storm reserve.  On October 15, 2008, the LPSC approved Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s request to defer and accrue carrying costs on unrecovered storm expenditures during the period the company seeks regulatory recovery.  The approval was without prejudice to the ultimate resolution of the total amount of prudently incurred storm cost or final carrying cost rate.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed their Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike storm cost recovery case with the LPSC in May 2009.  In September 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana and the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation (LURC), an instrumentality of the State of Louisiana, filed with the LPSC an application requesting that the LPSC grant financing orders authorizing the financing of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s storm costs, storm reserves, and issuance costs pursuant to Act 55 of the Louisiana Regular Session of 2007 (Act 55 financings).   Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita storm costs were financed primarily by Act 55 financings , as discussed below.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana also filed an application requesting LPSC approval for ancillary issues including the mechanism to flow charges and Act 55 financing savings to customers via a Storm Cost Offset rider.

In December 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana entered into a stipulation agreement with the LPSC Staff that provides for total recoverable costs of approximately $234 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and $394 million for Entergy Louisiana, including carrying costs.  Under this stipulation, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana agrees not to recover $4.4 million and Entergy Louisiana agrees not to recover $7.2 million of their storm restoration spending.  The stipulation also permits replenishing Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's storm reserve in the amount of $90 million and Entergy Louisiana's storm reserve in the amount of $200 million when the Act 55 financings are accomplished.  In March and April 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and other parties to the proceeding filed with the LPSC an uncontested stipulated settlement that includes these terms and also includes Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana's proposals under the Act 55 financings, which
 
 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


includes a commitment to pass on to customers a minimum of $15.5 million and $27.75 million of customer benefits, respectively, through prospective annual rate reductions of $3.1 million and $5.55 million for five years.  A stipulation hearing was held before the ALJ on April 13, 2010.  On April 21, 2010, the LPSC approved the settlement and subsequently issued two financing orders and one ratemaking order intended to facilitate the implementation of the Act 55 financings.  In June 2010 the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved the Act 55 financings.

In July 2010, the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA) issued $244.1 million in bonds under Act 55.  From the $240.3 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LCDA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $90 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and transferred $150.3 million directly to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.  From the bond proceeds received by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana from the LURC, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana used $150.3 million to acquire 1,502,643.04 Class B preferred, non-voting, membership interest units of Entergy Holdings Company LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy, that carry a 9% annual distribution rate.  Distributions are payable quarterly commencing on September 15, 2010, and the membership interests have a liquidation price of $100 per unit.  The preferred membership interests are callable at the option of Entergy Holdings Company LLC after ten years under the terms of the LLC agreement.  The terms of the membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Holdings Company LLC is subject, including the requirement to maintain a net worth of at least $1 billion. In the first quarter 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sold to a third party for $51 million a portion of its investment in Entergy Holdings Company’s Class A preferred membership interests.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana does not report the bonds on its balance sheet because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA, and there is no recourse against Entergy Gulf States Louisiana in the event of a bond default.  To service the bonds, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana collects a system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC, and remits the collections to the bond indenture trustee.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana does not report the collections as revenue because it is merely acting as the billing and collection agent for the state.

Entergy Louisiana’s Ninemile Point Unit 6 Self-Build Project

In June 2011, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application seeking certification that the public necessity and convenience would be served by Entergy Louisiana’s construction of a combined-cycle gas turbine generating facility (Ninemile 6) at its existing Ninemile Point electric generating station.  Ninemile 6 will be a nominally-sized 550 MW unit that is estimated to cost approximately $721 million to construct, excluding interconnection and transmission upgrades.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana joined in the application, seeking certification of its purchase under a life-of-unit power purchase agreement of up to 35% of the capacity and energy generated by Ninemile 6.  The Ninemile 6 capacity and energy is proposed to be allocated 55% to Entergy Louisiana, 25% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and 20% to Entergy New Orleans.  In February 2012 the City Council passed a resolution authorizing Entergy New Orleans to purchase 20% of the Ninemile 6 energy and capacity.  In March 2012 the LPSC unanimously voted to grant the certifications requested by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana.  Following approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana issued full notice to proceed to the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.  All major permits and approvals required to begin construction have been obtained and construction is in progress.

Under the terms approved by the LPSC, costs may be recovered through Entergy Louisiana’s and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s formula rate plans, if one is in effect when the project is placed in service; alternatively, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana must file rate cases approximately 12 months prior to the expected in-service date.

State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

The rates that Entergy Gulf States Louisiana charges for its services significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings.  A governmental agency, the LPSC is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.


 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Retail Rates – Electric

In October 2009, the LPSC approved a settlement that resolved Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s 2007 test year filing and provided for a formula rate plan for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 test years.  10.65% is the target midpoint return on equity for the formula rate plan, with an earnings bandwidth of +/- 75 basis points (9.90% - 11.40%).  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, effective with the November 2009 billing cycle, reset its rates to achieve a 10.65% return on equity for the 2008 test year.  The rate reset, a $44.3 million increase that includes a $36.9 million cost of service adjustment, plus $7.4 million net for increased capacity costs and a base rate reclassification, was implemented for the November 2009 billing cycle, and the rate reset was subject to refund pending review of the 2008 test year filing that was made in October 2009.  In January 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana implemented an additional $23.9 million rate increase pursuant to a special rate implementation filing made in December 2009, primarily for incremental capacity costs approved by the LPSC.  In May 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC staff submitted a joint report on the 2008 test year filing and requested that the LPSC accept the report, which resulted in a $0.8 million reduction in rates effective in the June 2010 billing cycle and a $0.5 million refund.  At its May 19, 2010 meeting, the LPSC accepted the joint report.

In May 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2009 test year.  The filing reflected a 10.25% return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth, indicating no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing does reflect, however, a revenue requirement increase to provide supplemental funding for the decommissioning trust maintained for the LPSC-regulated 70% share of River Bend, in response to a NRC notification of a projected shortfall of decommissioning funding assurance.  The filing also reflected a rate increase for incremental capacity costs.  In July 2010 the LPSC approved a $7.8 million increase in the revenue requirement for decommissioning, effective September 2010.  In August 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made a revised 2009 test year filing.  The revised filing reflected a 10.12% earned return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth resulting in no cost of service adjustment.  The revised filing also reflected two increases outside of the formula rate plan sharing mechanism: (1) the previously approved decommissioning revenue requirement, and (2) $25.2 million for capacity costs.  The rates reflected in the revised filing became effective, beginning with the first billing cycle of September 2010.   Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC staff subsequently submitted a joint report on the 2009 test year filing consistent with these terms and the LPSC approved the joint report in January 2011.

In May 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made a special formula rate plan rate implementation filing with the LPSC that implemented effective with the May 2011 billing cycle a $5.1 million rate decrease to reflect adjustments in accordance with a previous LPSC order relating to the acquisition of Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center by Entergy Louisiana.  As a result of the closing of the acquisition and termination of the pre-acquisition power purchase agreement with Acadia, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s allocation of capacity related to this unit ended, resulting in a reduction in the additional capacity revenue requirement.

In May 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2010 test year.  The filing reflected an 11.11% earned return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth, indicating no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflected a $22.8 million rate decrease for incremental capacity costs.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC Staff subsequently filed a joint report that also stated that no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan, and the LPSC approved it in October 2011.

In November 2011, the LPSC approved a one-year extension of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s formula rate plan.  In May 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2011 test year.  The filing reflected an 11.94% earned return on common equity, which is above the earnings bandwidth and would indicate a $6.5 million cost of service rate decrease was necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflected a $22.9 million rate decrease for incremental capacity costs.  Subsequently, in August 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana submitted a revised filing that reflected an earned return on common equity of 11.86% indicating a $5.7 million cost of service rate decrease is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The
 
 
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Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

 
revised filing also indicates that a reduction of $20.3 million should be reflected in the incremental capacity rider.  The rate reductions were implemented, subject to refund, effective for bills rendered the first billing cycle of September 2012.  The September 2012 rate change reduced Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s revenues by approximately $8.7 million in 2012.  Subsequently, in December 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana submitted a revised evaluation report that reflects expected retail jurisdictional cost of $16.9 million for the first-year capacity charges for the purchase from Entergy Louisiana of one-third of Acadia Unit 2 capacity and energy.  This rate change was implemented effective with the first billing cycle of January 2013.  The 2011 test year filings remain subject to LPSC review.

In connection with its decision to extend the formula rate plan to the 2011 test year, the LPSC required that a base rate case be filed by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and the required filing was made on February 15, 2013.  Recognizing that the final structure of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s transmission business has not been determined, the filing presents two alternative scenarios for the LPSC to establish the appropriate level of rates for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

Under its primary request, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO and that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has occurred (the MISO/ITC Scenario).  Under the MISO/ITC Scenario, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $28 million;
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement;
·  
authorization to implement a transmission cost recovery rider with a forward-looking test year and an annual true-up component; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.
 
Under the alternative request contained in its filing, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO, but that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has not occurred (the MISO-Only Scenario).  Under the MISO-Only Scenario, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $24 million;
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would include a mechanism to recover incremental transmission revenue requirement on the basis of a forward-looking test year as compared to the initial base year of 2014 with an annual true-up, that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.

Retail Rates – Gas

In January 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2012.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 11.18 %, which results in a $43 thousand rate reduction.  The sixty-day review and comment period for this filing remains open.

Related to the annual gas rate stabilization plan proceedings, the LPSC directed its staff to initiate an evaluation of the 10.5% allowed return on common equity for the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana gas rate stabilization plan.  The LPSC directed that its staff should provide an analysis of the current return on equity and justification for any proposed changes to the return on equity.  A hearing in the proceeding was held in November 2012.  The ALJ issued a proposed recommendation in December 2012, finding that 9.4% is a more reasonable and appropriate rate of return on common equity.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed exceptions to the ALJ’s recommendation and an LPSC decision is pending.
 
 
302

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


In January 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2011.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 10.48%, which is within the earnings bandwidth of 10.5%, plus or minus fifty basis points.  In April 2012 the LPSC Staff filed its findings, suggesting adjustments that produced an 11.54% earned return on common equity for the test year and a $0.1 million rate reduction.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana accepted the LPSC Staff’s recommendations, and the rate reduction was effective with the first billing cycle of May 2012.

In January 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2010.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 8.84% and a revenue deficiency of $0.3 million.  In March 2011 the LPSC Staff filed its findings, suggesting an adjustment that produced an 11.76% earned return on common equity for the test year and a $0.2 million rate reduction.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana implemented the $0.2 million rate reduction effective with the May 2011 billing cycle.  The LPSC docket is now closed.

In January 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2009.  The filing showed an earned return on common equity of 10.87%, which is within the earnings bandwidth of 10.5% plus or minus fifty basis points, resulting in no rate change.  In April 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana filed a revised evaluation report reflecting changes agreed upon with the LPSC Staff.  The revised evaluation report also resulted in no rate change.

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

In January 2003, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate a proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and its affiliates.  The audit included a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana through its fuel adjustment clause for the period 1995 through 2004.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the LPSC Staff reached a settlement to resolve the audit that requires Entergy Gulf States Louisiana to refund $18 million to customers, including the realignment to base rates of $2 million of SO2 costs.  The ALJ held a stipulation hearing and in November 2011 the LPSC issued an order approving the settlement.  The refund was made in the November 2011 billing cycle.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana had previously recorded provisions for the estimated outcome of this proceeding.

In December 2011, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate another proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and its affiliates.  The audit includes a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana through its fuel adjustment clause for the period 2005 through 2009.  Discovery is in progress, but a procedural schedule has not been established.

Industrial and Commercial Customers

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s large industrial and commercial customers continually explore ways to reduce their energy costs.  In particular, cogeneration is an option available to a portion of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s industrial customer base.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana responds by working with industrial and commercial customers and negotiating electric service contracts to provide competitive rates that match specific customer needs and load profiles.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana actively participates in economic development, customer retention, and reclamation activities to increase industrial and commercial demand, from both new and existing customers.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana does not currently expect additional significant losses to cogeneration because of the current economics of the electricity markets and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s marketing efforts in retaining industrial customers.
 
 
303

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Federal Regulation

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ”, “ System Agreement ”, “ Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ”, “ Notice to SERC Reliability Corporation Regarding Reliability Standards and FERC Investigation ”, and “ U.S. Department of Justice Investigation ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of these topics.

Nuclear Matters

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana owns and, through an affiliate, operates the River Bend nuclear power plant.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating a nuclear plant.  These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, regulatory requirement changes, including changes resulting from events at other plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts.  In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

After the nuclear incident in Japan resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the NRC established a task force to conduct a review of processes and regulations relating to nuclear facilities in the United States.  The task force issued a near-term (90-day) report in July 2011 that made initial recommendations, which were subsequently refined and prioritized after input from stakeholders.  The task force then issued a second report in September 2011.  Based upon the task force’s recommendations, the NRC issued three orders effective on March 12, 2012.  The three orders require U.S. nuclear operators, including Entergy, to undertake plant modifications or perform additional analyses that will, among other things, result in increased operating and capital costs associated with operating Entergy’s nuclear plants.  The NRC, with input from the industry, is in the process of determining the specific actions required by the orders and an estimate of the increased costs cannot be made at this time.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy Gulf States Louisiana is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy’s financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

See “ Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries’ Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for discussion of the estimates inherent in accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs.
 
 
304

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified projected benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Qualified
 Projected
Benefit Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$1,808
 
$23,290
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$1,011
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
   $708
 
$4,256

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
   $876
 
$8,042
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$1,322
 
$7,509

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana in 2012 was $19.8 million.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $29.8 million.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana contributed $13.6 million to its pension plans in 2012 and estimates 2013 pension contributions to be approximately $11.2 million; although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.
 
 
305

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana in 2012 were $21.3 million, including $3.7 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $­­20.8 million, including $3.9 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana contributed $7.6 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute approximately $8.4 million in 2013.

Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(page left blank intentionally)
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Members of
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related income statements, statements of comprehensive income, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in equity (pages 309 through 314 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013

 
 


 
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 1,606,165     $ 2,069,548     $ 2,015,710  
Natural gas
    48,729       64,861       81,311  
TOTAL
    1,654,894       2,134,409       2,097,021  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    194,878       437,301       312,960  
   Purchased power
    562,247       780,711       851,694  
   Nuclear refueling outage expenses
    17,565       18,227       24,046  
   Other operation and maintenance
    361,415       351,070       361,329  
Decommissioning
    15,024       14,189       13,400  
Taxes other than income taxes
    76,295       75,858       77,519  
Depreciation and amortization
    146,673       143,387       132,714  
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net
    31,835       (17,045 )     (1,248 )
TOTAL
    1,405,932       1,803,698       1,772,414  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    248,962       330,711       324,607  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    8,694       9,094       5,513  
Interest and investment income
    42,773       40,945       42,293  
Miscellaneous - net
    (8,928 )     (8,799 )     (8,016 )
TOTAL
    42,539       41,240       39,790  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    83,251       84,356       101,318  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (3,343 )     (3,745 )     (3,537 )
TOTAL
    79,908       80,611       97,781  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    211,593       291,340       266,616  
                         
Income taxes
    52,616       89,736       92,297  
                         
NET INCOME
    158,977       201,604       174,319  
                         
Preferred distribution requirements and other
    825       825       827  
                         
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO
                       
COMMON EQUITY
  $ 158,152     $ 200,779     $ 173,492  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       
                         
 

 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                   
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Net Income
  $ 158,977     $ 201,604     $ 174,319  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
   Pension and other postretirement liabilities
                       
     (net of tax expense (benefit) of $8,732, ($16,556), and ($340))
    4,381       (29,306 )     1,867  
         Other comprehensive income (loss)
    4,381       (29,306 )     1,867  
Comprehensive Income
  $ 163,358     $ 172,298     $ 176,186  
                         
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       


 

 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 158,977     $ 201,604     $ 174,319  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
                 
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization
    214,929       207,753       194,265  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    92,523       (4,845 )     104,339  
  Changes in working capital:
                       
    Receivables
    87,089       (82,221 )     (30,732 )
    Fuel inventory
    (3,718 )     2,578       3,471  
    Accounts payable
    (1,725 )     (58,981 )     80,874  
    Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued
    (86,346 )     148,313       (8,176 )
    Interest accrued
    (647 )     (1,177 )     537  
    Deferred fuel costs
    (96,230 )     74,877       (20,050 )
    Other working capital accounts
    (5,548 )     (4,600 )     13,068  
Changes in provisions for estimated losses
    (2,222 )     1,353       83,011  
Changes in other regulatory assets
    (73,082 )     (77,713 )     141,216  
Changes in pension and other postretirement liabilities
    83,440       112,736       (14,041 )
Other
    (21,232 )     (37,562 )     4,029  
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    346,208       482,115       726,130  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (284,458 )     (219,307 )     (237,251 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    8,694       9,094       5,513  
Insurance proceeds
    -       -       2,243  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (51,610 )     (87,901 )     (47,785 )
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel
    67,632       9,647       -  
Investment in affiliates
    -       -       (150,264 )
Payment to storm reserve escrow account
    (99 )     (124 )     (90,073 )
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account
    3,364       -       -  
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales
    131,042       76,844       100,825  
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds
    (150,601 )     (94,922 )     (115,055 )
Change in money pool receivable - net
    23,596       39,407       (12,872 )
Proceeds from the sale of investment
    51,000       -       -  
Other
    -       -       3,136  
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (201,440 )     (267,262 )     (541,583 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    74,251       -       306,234  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (70,840 )     (47,340 )     (344,841 )
Change in money pool payable - net
    7,074       -       -  
Changes in credit borrowings - net
    (29,400 )     5,200       (10,100 )
Dividends/distributions paid:
                       
  Common equity
    (114,200 )     (301,950 )     (124,300 )
  Preferred membership interests
    (825 )     (825 )     (827 )
Other
    13       (266 )     -  
Net cash flow used in financing activities
    (133,927 )     (345,181 )     (173,834 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    10,841       (130,328 )     10,713  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    24,845       155,173       144,460  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 35,686     $ 24,845     $ 155,173  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 80,848     $ 82,413     $ 97,803  
  Income taxes
  $ 89,191     $ (56,289 )   $ (16,803 )
                         
Noncash financing activities:
                       
  Repayment by Entergy Texas of assumed long-term debt
  $ -     $ -     $ 167,742  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       


 

 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 35,085     $ 217  
  Temporary cash investments
    601       24,628  
        Total cash and cash equivalents
    35,686       24,845  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    53,480       61,648  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (711 )     (843 )
  Associated companies
    71,697       171,431  
  Other
    18,736       22,082  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    51,586       51,155  
    Total accounts receivable
    194,788       305,473  
Fuel inventory - at average cost
    26,967       23,249  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    121,289       114,075  
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs
    5,953       21,066  
Prepayments and other
    7,911       5,180  
TOTAL
    392,594       493,888  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Investment in affiliate preferred membership interests
    289,664       339,664  
Decommissioning trust funds
    477,391       420,917  
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    165,410       164,712  
Storm reserve escrow account
    86,984       90,249  
Other
    13,404       12,701  
TOTAL
    1,032,853       1,028,243  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    7,279,953       7,068,657  
Natural gas
    135,723       129,950  
Construction work in progress
    125,448       122,051  
Nuclear fuel
    146,768       206,031  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    7,687,892       7,526,689  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    4,003,385       3,906,353  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    3,684,507       3,620,336  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    171,051       173,724  
  Other regulatory assets
    409,653       333,898  
  Deferred fuel costs
    100,124       100,124  
Other
    12,337       13,506  
TOTAL
    693,165       621,252  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 5,803,119     $ 5,763,719  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 
 
ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 75,000     $ 60,000  
Accounts payable:
               
  Associated companies
    89,377       73,305  
  Other
    97,509       101,009  
Customer deposits
    48,265       49,734  
Taxes accrued
    21,021       107,367  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    22,249       5,107  
Interest accrued
    25,437       26,084  
Deferred fuel costs
    948       97,178  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    7,803       7,911  
Gas hedge contracts
    2,620       8,572  
Other
    11,999       15,294  
TOTAL
    402,228       551,561  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    1,403,195       1,368,563  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    78,312       81,520  
Other regulatory liabilities
    103,444       75,721  
Decommissioning and asset retirement cost liabilities
    380,822       359,792  
Accumulated provisions
    97,230       99,033  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    416,220       332,672  
Long-term debt
    1,442,429       1,482,430  
Long-term payables - associated companies
    29,510       31,254  
Other
    66,725       47,397  
TOTAL
    4,017,887       3,878,382  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
EQUITY
               
Preferred membership interests without sinking fund
    10,000       10,000  
Member's equity
    1,438,233       1,393,386  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (65,229 )     (69,610 )
TOTAL
    1,383,004       1,333,776  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 5,803,119     $ 5,763,719  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 

 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                         
         
Common Equity
       
   
Preferred
Membership
Interests
   
Member's Equity
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 10,000     $ 1,445,425     $ (42,171 )   $ 1,413,254  
Net income
    -       174,319       -       174,319  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       1,867       1,867  
Dividends/distributions declared on common equity
    -       (124,300 )     -       (124,300 )
Dividends/distributions declared on preferred membership interests
    -       (827 )     -       (827 )
Other
    -       (24 )     -       (24 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 10,000     $ 1,494,593     $ (40,304 )   $ 1,464,289  
Net income
    -       201,604       -       201,604  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       (29,306 )     (29,306 )
Dividends/distributions declared on common equity
    -       (301,950 )     -       (301,950 )
Dividends/distributions declared on preferred membership interests
    -       (825 )     -       (825 )
Other
    -       (36 )     -       (36 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 10,000     $ 1,393,386     $ (69,610 )   $ 1,333,776  
Net income
    -       158,977       -       158,977  
Member contribution
    -       1,000       -       1,000  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       4,381       4,381  
Dividends/distributions declared on common equity
    -       (114,200 )     -       (114,200 )
Dividends/distributions declared on preferred membership interests
    -       (825 )     -       (825 )
Other
    -       (105 )     -       (105 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 10,000     $ 1,438,233     $ (65,229 )   $ 1,383,004  
                                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                               
 
 
 

 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 1,654,894     $ 2,134,409     $ 2,097,021     $ 1,844,386     $ 2,733,365  
Net Income
  $ 158,977     $ 201,604     $ 174,319     $ 153,281     $ 131,888  
Total assets
  $ 5,803,119     $ 5,763,719     $ 5,690,376     $ 5,522,751     $ 6,010,721  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 1,442,429     $ 1,482,430     $ 1,584,332     $ 1,740,592     $ 1,944,180  
                                         
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 389     $ 479     $ 498     $ 393     $ 554  
  Commercial
    349       416       426       354       520  
  Industrial
    392       490       489       383       672  
  Governmental
    18       22       21       18       25  
     Total retail
    1,148       1,407       1,434       1,148       1,771  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    377       562       463       475       643  
     Non-associated companies
    34       52       79       105       181  
  Other
    47       49       40       49       38  
     Total
  $ 1,606     $ 2,070     $ 2,016     $ 1,777     $ 2,633  
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                 
  Residential
    5,176       5,383       5,538       5,090       4,888  
  Commercial
    5,287       5,239       5,274       5,058       4,973  
  Industrial
    8,890       9,041       8,801       7,601       8,416  
  Governmental
    228       222       210       213       215  
     Total retail
    19,581       19,885       19,823       17,962       18,492  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    7,727       8,595       8,516       7,084       6,490  
     Non-associated companies
    941       1,013       1,705       2,546       2,524  
     Total
    28,249       29,493       30,044       27,592       27,506  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
 
                                         
 
 
 
 


ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Entergy’s plan to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., including the planned retirement of debt and preferred securities.

Hurricane Isaac

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac caused extensive damage to Entergy Louisiana’s service area.  The storm resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage primarily to distribution infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Isaac are currently estimated to be approximately $220 million.  Entergy Louisiana is considering all reasonable avenues to recover storm-related costs from Hurricane Isaac, including, but not limited to, accessing funded storm reserves; securitization or other alternative financing; and traditional retail recovery on an interim and permanent basis.  In January 2013, Entergy Louisiana drew all of its $187 million funded storm reserves.  Storm cost recovery or financing may be subject to review by applicable regulatory authorities.

Entergy Louisiana recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy Louisiana recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $76 million and construction work in progress of approximately $144 million.  Entergy Louisiana recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy Louisiana has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy Louisiana is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income decreased $192.8 million primarily due to a prior year settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts, which resulted in a $422 million reduction in income tax expense in the third quarter 2011.  The net income effect was partially offset by a $199 million regulatory charge, which reduced net revenue in 2011 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the benefit with customers.  Partially offsetting the decrease in net income was an IRS tax settlement, in second quarter 2012, related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financing, which resulted in a $142.7 million income tax savings, partially offset by a $137.1 million ($84.3 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge, which reduced net revenue in 2012 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the savings with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlements and savings obligation.

 
316

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



2011 Compared to 2010

Net income increased $242.5 million primarily due to a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts, which resulted in a $422 million income tax benefit.  The net income effect was partially offset by a $199 million regulatory charge, which reduced net revenue, because a portion of the benefit will be shared with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.

Net Revenue

2012 Compared to 2011

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 886.2  
Mark-to-market tax settlement sharing
    199.5  
Retail electric price
    6.7  
Volume/weather
    (21.4 )
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation
    (134.1 )
Other
    (3.6 )
2012 net revenue
  $ 933.3  

The mark-to-market tax settlement sharing variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in the third quarter 2011 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the benefits of a settlement with the IRS related to mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a special formula rate plan increase effective May 2011 in accordance with a previous LPSC order relating to the acquisition of Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for discussion of the formula rate plan increase.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of milder weather as compared to the previous year on residential and commercial sales and the effects of the power outages caused by Hurricane Isaac, partially offset by increased usage in the industrial sector as a result of increased consumption by a large industrial customer in the chemical industry as a result of plant expansion.

The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation sharing variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in the second quarter 2012 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the savings from an IRS settlement related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financings with customers.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlement and savings obligation.


 
317

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges

Gross operating revenues decreased primarily due to:

·  
a decrease of $330.3 million in fuel cost recovery revenues primarily due to lower fuel rates.  Entergy Louisiana’s fuel and purchased power recovery mechanism is discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements;
·  
a decrease of $42 million in rider revenues primarily due to higher System Agreement credits in 2012; and
·  
the decrease related to volume/weather, as discussed above.

Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in the average market prices of natural gas and purchased power and a decrease in the recovery from customers of deferred fuel costs.

Other regulatory charges decreased primarily due to a regulatory charge recorded in the third quarter 2011 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the benefits of a settlement with the IRS related to mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts with customers, partially offset by a regulatory charge recorded in the second quarter 2012 because Entergy Louisiana is sharing the savings from an IRS settlement related to the uncertain tax position regarding the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Louisiana Act 55 financing with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlements and savings obligation.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits).  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 1,043.7  
Mark-to-market tax settlement sharing
    (195.9 )
Volume/weather
    11.6  
Retail electric price
    32.5  
Other
    (5.7 )
2011 net revenue
  $ 886.2  

The mark-to-market tax settlement sharing variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in the third quarter 2011 because a portion of the benefits of a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts will be shared with customers, slightly offset by the amortization of a portion of that charge beginning in October 2011.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase of 1,095 GWh, or 4%, in billed electricity usage.  Usage in the industrial sector increased primarily as a result of increased consumption by a large customer in the chemical industry as the result of a plant expansion.  The increase was partially offset by the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales.

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a formula rate plan increase effective May 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for discussion of the formula rate plan increase.

Other regulatory charges (credits)

Other regulatory charges increased primarily due to a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts because a portion of the settlement will be shared with customers.  See Notes 3 and 8 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.

 
318

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Other Income Statement Variances

2012 Compared to 2011

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:

·  
$17.1 million of transmission investment equalization expenses recorded in the fourth quarter 2011 as a result of a billing adjustment related to prior transmission costs (for the approximate period of 1996-2011) allocable to Entergy Louisiana under the System Agreement;
·  
a decrease of $7.3 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses due to an overall lower scope of outages compared to prior year;
·  
the deferral, as approved by the LPSC and the FERC, of costs related to the transition and implementation of joining the MISO RTO, which reduced expenses by $5.2 million; and
·  
a decrease of $2.7 million as a result of lower write-offs of uncollectible accounts in 2012.

The decrease was partially offset by:

·  
an increase of $11.2 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to decreasing discount rates and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of benefits costs; and
·  
$6.7 million of costs incurred in 2012 related to the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service, including the acquisition of the Acadia Unit 2 in April 2011.

Interest expense increased primarily due to:

·  
cessation in 2011 of interest on transmission credits per a FERC order relating to an interconnection and operating agreement between a power producer and Entergy Louisiana;
·  
the issuance of $200 million of 4.8% Series first mortgage bonds in March 2011;
·  
the issuance by Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Entergy Louisiana, of $207.2 million of senior secured investment recovery bonds with a coupon rate of 2.04% in September 2011;
·  
the issuance of $250 million of 1.875% Series first mortgage bonds in January 2012; and
·  
the issuance of $200 million of 5.25% Series first mortgage bonds in July 2012.

2011 Compared to 2010

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to an increase of $17.1 million in transmission investment equalization expenses as a result of a billing adjustment recorded in the fourth quarter 2011 related to prior transmission costs (for the approximate period of 1996-2011) allocable to Entergy Louisiana under the System Agreement and an increase of $17.5 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses due to an overall higher scope of outages compared to prior year and the addition of Acadia Unit 2 in April 2011.

Other income increased primarily due to an increase of $10.8 million in distributions earned on preferred membership interests purchased from Entergy Holdings Company with the proceeds received from the Act 55 storm cost financing and an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to more construction work in progress in 2011.  See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the Act 55 storm cost financing.

 
319

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2012, 2011, and 2010 were (84.7%), (357.0%), and 22.3%, respectively.  The effective income tax rate of (84.7%) for 2012 was primarily due to the settlement of the tax treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita storm costs and the reversal of the provision for the uncertain tax positions related to that item.  The decline in the rate for 2011 is primarily due to the reversal in the third quarter 2011 for uncertain tax positions resulting from a settlement with the IRS related to the mark-to-market income tax treatment of power purchase contracts.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rates and for a discussion of the IRS settlement and audits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 878     $ 123,254     $ 151,849  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    447,698       479,342       932,334  
Investing activities
    (850,866 )     (811,203 )     (861,329 )
Financing activities
    432,376       209,485       (99,600 )
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    29,208       (122,376 )     (28,595 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 30,086     $ 878     $ 123,254  

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $31.6 million in 2012 primarily due to decreased recovery of fuel costs due to a lower fuel rate for the period, Hurricane Isaac storm restoration spending in 2012, and an increase of $22.9 million in interest paid resulting from the increase in interest expense, as discussed above.  The decrease was partially offset by a decrease of $31.8 million in pension contributions and the purchase in 2011 of $28.1 million of fuel oil from System Fuels because System Fuels will no longer procure fuel oil for the Utility companies.  See “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” below and Note 11 to the financial statements for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits.

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $453 million in 2011 primarily due to proceeds of $462 million received in 2010 from the LURC as a result of the Act 55 storm cost financings.  The decrease was partially offset by income tax refunds of $39.6 million in 2011 compared to income tax payments of $28.3 million in 2010.  See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the storm cost financings.  In 2011, Entergy Louisiana received tax cash refunds in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement.  The refunds primarily result from a decrease in 2010 taxable income from what was previously estimated because of the recognition of additional repair expenses for tax purposes associated with a tax accounting change filed in 2010.

 
320

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $39.7 million in 2012 primarily due to:

·  
an increase in fossil construction expenditures due to spending on the Ninemile Unit 6 self-build project;
·  
an increase in nuclear construction expenditures due to the Waterford 3 steam generator replacement project in 2012.  The increase is partially offset by various nuclear projects in 2011;
·  
higher distribution construction expenditures due to Hurricane Isaac; and
·  
money pool activity.

The increase was partially offset by:

·  
the purchase of the Acadia Unit 2 for approximately $300 million in April 2011;
·  
a decrease in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle;
·  
a decrease in transmission construction expenditures due to increased work performed in 2011; and
·  
receipts of $13.7 million in 2012 from the storm reserve escrow account.

Increases in Entergy Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool increased by $9.4 million in 2012 compared to decreasing by $49.9 million in 2011.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $50.1 million in 2011 primarily due to:

·  
the investment in 2010 of $262.4 million in affiliate securities and the investment of $200 million in the storm reserve escrow account as a result of the Act 55 storm cost financings.  See “ Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike ” below and Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the Act 55 storm cost financing; and
·  
money pool activity.

The increase was partially offset by:

·  
the purchase of the Acadia Power Plant for approximately $300 million in April 2011; and
·  
an increase in nuclear fuel activity because of the timing of refueling outages and the purchase of nuclear fuel inventory from System Fuels because the Utility companies will now purchase nuclear fuel throughout the nuclear fuel procurement cycle, rather than purchasing it from System Fuels at the time of refueling.

Decreases in Entergy Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool decreased by $49.9 million in 2011 compared to decreasing by $2.9 million in 2010.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $222.9 million in 2012 primarily due to:

·  
net cash issuances of $650 million of first mortgage bonds in 2012 compared to net cash issuances of $200 million of first mortgage bonds in 2011;
·  
a decrease of $342.6 million in common equity dividends in 2012;

 
321

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



·  
the issuance by Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Entergy Louisiana, of $207.2 million of senior secured investment recovery bonds with a coupon rate of 2.04% in September 2011;
·  
the issuance of the $25 million 3.25% Series G note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in August 2012;
·  
the issuance of the $20 million 3.30% Series F note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in March 2011;
·  
a principal payment of $25.6 million in 2012 for the Senior Secured Investment Recovery bonds;
·  
an increase in borrowings of $10.3 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2012 compared to an increase in borrowings of $21.3 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2011;
·  
a principal payment of $25.3 million in 2012 for the Waterford 3 sale-leaseback obligation compared to a principal payment of $35.5 million in 2011;
·  
borrowing of $50 million on Entergy Louisiana’s credit facility in 2011 and the payment on the credit borrowing of $50 million in 2012; and
·  
money pool activity.
 
Decrease in Entergy Louisiana's payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana’s payable to the money pool decreased by $118.4 million in 2012 compared to increasing by $118.4 million in 2011.

Entergy Louisiana’s financing activities provided cash of $209.5 million in 2011 compared to using cash of $99.6 million in 2010 primarily due to:

·  
the issuance by Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Entergy Louisiana, of $207.2 million of senior secured investment recovery bonds with a coupon of 2.04% in September 2011;
·  
net cash issuances of $200 million of first mortgage bonds in 2011 compared to net cash redemptions of $120 million of first mortgage bonds in 2010;
·  
an increase in borrowings on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility;
·  
borrowings of $50 million on its credit facility in 2011;
·  
the retirement of the $30 million Series D note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in January 2010;
·  
the issuance of the $20 million Series F note by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in March 2011;
·  
money pool activity;
·  
common equity dividends of $358.2 million paid in 2011;
·  
the issuance in October 2010 of $115 million of 5% Revenue Bonds Series 2010; and
·  
a principal payment of $35.5 million in 2011 for the Waterford 3 sale-leaseback obligation compared to a principal payment of $17.3 million in 2010.

Increases in Entergy Louisiana’s payable to the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana’s payable to the money pool increased by $118.4 million in 2011.

See Note 5 to the financial statements for details of long-term debt.

Capital Structure

Entergy Louisiana’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
48.4% 
 
47.2% 
Effect of excluding securitization bonds
 
(1.6%)
 
(2.3%)
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
46.8% 
 
44.9% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(0.3%)
 
-% 
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
46.5% 
 
44.9% 

(1)  
Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Louisiana.
 
 
 
322

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt and members’ equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy Louisiana uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Louisiana’s financial condition.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Louisiana requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·  
debt and preferred equity maturities or retirements;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
·  
distribution and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Louisiana’s planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments), and other purchase obligations.

 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
After 2017
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
             
  Generation
$530
 
$306
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$836
  Transmission
117
 
201
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
318
  Distribution
130
 
233
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
363
  Other
19
 
79
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
98
  Total
$796
 
$819
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$1,615
Long-term debt (2)
$152
 
$603
 
$404
 
$3,689
 
$4,848
Operating leases
$11
 
$18
 
$8
 
$4
 
$41
Purchase obligations (3)
$600
 
$1,150
 
$975
 
$5,981
 
$8,706

(1)
Includes approximately $207 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.  The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs, and do not include material costs for capital projects that might result from the NRC post-Fukushima requirements that remain under development.
(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For Entergy Louisiana, almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Vidalia purchased power agreement and the Unit Power Sales Agreement, both of which are discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements.
 
In addition to the contractual obligations given above, Entergy Louisiana currently expects to contribute approximately $20.7 million to its pension plans and approximately $10.2 million to other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Louisiana reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth, including the Ninemile 6 self-build project and final spending from the Waterford 3 steam generator replacement project, both of which are discussed below.  Entergy’s Utility supply plan initiative will continue to seek to transform its generation portfolio with new or repowered generation resources.  Opportunities resulting from the supply plan initiative, including new projects or the exploration of alternative financing sources, could result in increases or decreases in the capital expenditure estimates given above.  The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
 
 
323

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Management provides more information on long-term debt maturities in Note 5 to the financial statements.

As an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Louisiana pays distributions from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly.  Entergy Louisiana’s long-term debt indenture contains restrictions on the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred membership interests.

Waterford 3 Steam Generator Replacement Project

Entergy Louisiana planned to replace the Waterford 3 steam generators, along with the reactor vessel closure head and control element drive mechanisms, in the spring 2011.  Replacement of these components is common to pressurized water reactors throughout the nuclear industry.  In December 2010, Entergy Louisiana advised the LPSC that the replacement generators would not be completed and delivered by the manufacturer in time to install them during the spring 2011 refueling outage.  During the final steps in the manufacturing process, the manufacturer discovered separation of stainless steel cladding from the carbon steel base metal in the channel head of both replacement steam generators (RSGs), in areas beneath and adjacent to the divider plate.  As a result of this damage, the manufacturer was unable to meet the contractual delivery deadlines, and the RSGs were not installed in the spring 2011.  Waterford 3 resumed operations with the original steam generators upon completion of the spring 2011 refueling outage, which included inspection and maintenance of the original steam generators.

Entergy Louisiana worked with the RSG manufacturer to fully develop, evaluate, and implement repair options, and the RSGs were delivered in time for Waterford 3’s fall 2012 refueling outage, which began in October 2012.  During the fall 2012 refueling outage Entergy Louisiana replaced the RSGs, reactor vessel head, and control element drive mechanisms.  Those components, which together comprised the replacement project, were placed in-service in December 2012.

In June 2008, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC for approval of the replacement project, including full cost recovery.  Following discovery and the filing of testimony by the LPSC staff and an intervenor, the parties entered into a stipulated settlement of the proceeding.  The LPSC unanimously approved the settlement in November 2008.  The settlement resolved the following issues: 1) the accelerated degradation of the steam generators is not the result of any imprudence on the part of Entergy Louisiana; 2) the decision to undertake the replacement project at the then-estimated cost is in the public interest, is prudent, and would serve the public convenience and necessity; 3) the scope of the replacement project is in the public interest; 4) undertaking the replacement project at the target installation date during the 2011 refueling outage is in the public interest; and 5) the jurisdictional costs determined to be prudent in a future prudence review are eligible for cost recovery, either in an extension or renewal of the formula rate plan or in a full base rate case including necessary pro forma adjustments.

In November 2011, the LPSC approved a one-year extension of Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan and provided a mechanism to begin recovering the costs of the replacement project in the first billing cycle after it is placed in service.  On December 21, 2012, Entergy Louisiana provided notice of the first year revenue requirement associated with the replacement project that would be placed into rates in the January 2013 billing cycle.  The estimated revenue requirement included the LPSC-jurisdictional share of the replacement project costs, less (i) a credit for earnings above a 10.25% return on common equity (based on the 2011 test year) for the period following the in-service date, and (ii) a credit for operation and maintenance savings expected from the RSGs.  These rates are anticipated to remain in effect until Entergy Louisiana’s rate case filed in February 2013 is resolved.  See “ State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” below for additional discussion of the formula rate plan and rate case filings.  With completion of the replacement project, the LPSC will undertake a prudence review in connection with a filing to be made by Entergy Louisiana on or before April 30, 2013 with regard to the following aspects of the replacement project: 1) project management; 2) cost controls; 3) success in achieving stated objectives; 4) the costs of the replacement project; and 5) the outage length and replacement power costs.

See “ State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” below for a discussion of the renewal of Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan for the 2011 test year and its provisions addressing the Waterford 3 steam generator replacement project.
 
 
324

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Ninemile Point Unit 6 Self-Build Project

In June 2011, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application seeking certification that the public necessity and convenience would be served by Entergy Louisiana’s construction of a combined-cycle gas turbine generating facility (Ninemile 6) at its existing Ninemile Point electric generating station.  Ninemile 6 will be a nominally-sized 550 MW unit that is estimated to cost approximately $721 million to construct, excluding interconnection and transmission upgrades.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana joined in the application, seeking certification of its purchase under a life-of-unit power purchase agreement of up to 35% of the capacity and energy generated by Ninemile 6.  The Ninemile 6 capacity and energy is proposed to be allocated 55% to Entergy Louisiana, 25% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and 20% to Entergy New Orleans.  In February 2012 the City Council passed a resolution authorizing Entergy New Orleans to purchase 20% of the Ninemile 6 energy and capacity.  In March 2012 the LPSC unanimously voted to grant the certifications requested by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana.  Following approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana issued full notice to proceed to the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.  All major permits and approvals required to begin construction have been obtained and construction is in progress.

Under the terms approved by the LPSC, costs may be recovered through Entergy Louisiana’s and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s formula rate plans, if one is in effect when the project is placed in service; alternatively, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana must file rate cases approximately 12 months prior to the expected in-service date.

New Nuclear Development

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana have been developing and are preserving a project option for new nuclear generation at River Bend.  In the first quarter 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana each paid for and recognized on its books $24.9 million in costs associated with the development of new nuclear generation at the River Bend site; these costs previously had been recorded on the books of Entergy New Nuclear Utility Development, LLC, a System Energy subsidiary.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana will share costs going forward on a 50/50 basis, which reflects each company’s current participation level in the project.

In March 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC seeking approval to continue the limited development activities necessary to preserve an option to construct a new unit at River Bend.  The testimony and legal briefs of the LPSC staff generally support the request of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana, although other parties filed briefs, without supporting testimony, in opposition to the request.  At an evidentiary hearing in October 2011, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and the LPSC staff presented testimony in support of certification of activities to preserve an option for a new nuclear plant at River Bend.  The ALJ recommended, however, that the LPSC decline the request of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana on the basis that the LPSC’s rule on new nuclear development does not apply to activities to preserve an option to develop and on the further grounds that the companies improperly engaged in advanced preparation activities prior to certification.  There has been no suggestion that the planning activities or costs incurred were imprudent.  At its June 28, 2012 meeting the LPSC voted to uphold the ALJ’s decision and directed that Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana be permitted to seek recovery of these costs in their anticipated, upcoming rate case filings, fully reserving the LPSC’s right to determine the recoverability of such costs in rates.  On September 10, 2012, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed a petition for appeal and judicial review of the LPSC’s order with the Louisiana Nineteenth Judicial District Court.  A schedule for the appeal has not been established.  In their rate cases filed in February 2013, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana request recovery of their new nuclear generation development costs over a ten-year amortization period, with the costs included in rate base.
 
 
325

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Sources of Capital

Entergy Louisiana’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand;
·  
debt or preferred membership interest issuances; and
·  
bank financing under new and existing facilities.

Entergy Louisiana may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt and preferred membership interests prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and distribution rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred membership interest issuances by Entergy Louisiana require prior regulatory approval.  Preferred membership interest and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in its bond indentures and other agreements.  Entergy Louisiana has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Entergy Louisiana’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years.

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
$9,433
 
($118,415)
 
$49,887
 
$52,807

See Note 4 to the financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Entergy Louisiana has a credit facility in the amount of $200 million scheduled to expire in March 2017.  No borrowings were outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the credit facilities.

The Entergy Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $90 million scheduled to expire in July 2013.  As of December 31, 2012, $54.7 million was outstanding on the credit facility.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility.

Entergy Louisiana obtained short-term borrowing authorization from the FERC under which it may borrow through October 2013, up the aggregate amount, at any one time outstanding, of $250 million.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s short-term borrowing limits.  Entergy Louisiana has also obtained an order from the FERC authorizing long-term securities issuances through July 2013.  Entergy Louisiana has also obtained long-term financing authorization from the FERC that extends through January 2015 for issuances by its nuclear fuel company variable interest entity.
 
Little Gypsy Repowering Project

In April 2007, Entergy Louisiana announced that it intended to pursue the solid fuel repowering of a 538 MW unit at its Little Gypsy plant.  In March 2009 the LPSC voted in favor of a motion directing Entergy Louisiana to temporarily suspend the repowering project and, based upon an analysis of the project’s economic viability, to make a recommendation regarding whether to proceed with the project.  This action was based upon a number of factors including the recent decline in natural gas prices, as well as environmental concerns, the unknown costs of carbon legislation and changes in the capital/financial markets.  In April 2009, Entergy Louisiana complied with the LPSC’s directive and recommended that the project be suspended for an extended period of time of three years or more.  In May 2009 the LPSC issued an order declaring that Entergy Louisiana’s decision to place the Little Gypsy project into a longer-term suspension of three years or more is in the public interest and prudent.
 
 
326

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



In October 2009, Entergy Louisiana made a filing with the LPSC seeking permission to cancel the Little Gypsy repowering project and seeking project cost recovery over a five-year period.  In June 2010 and August 2010, the LPSC Staff and Intervenors filed testimony.  The LPSC Staff (1) agreed that it was prudent to move the project from long-term suspension to cancellation and that the timing of the decision to suspend on a longer-term basis was not imprudent; (2) indicated that, except for $0.8 million in compensation-related costs, the costs incurred should be deemed prudent; (3) recommended recovery from customers over ten years but stated that the LPSC may want to consider 15 years; (4) allowed for recovery of carrying costs and earning a return on project costs, but at a reduced rate approximating the cost of debt, while also acknowledging that the LPSC may consider ordering no return; and (5) indicated that Entergy Louisiana should be directed to securitize project costs, if legally feasible and in the public interest.  In the third quarter 2010, in accordance with accounting standards, Entergy Louisiana determined that it was probable that the Little Gypsy repowering project would be abandoned and accordingly reclassified $199.8 million of project costs from construction work in progress to a regulatory asset.  A hearing on the issues, except for cost allocation among customer classes, was held before the ALJ in November 2010.  In January 2011 all parties participated in a mediation on the disputed issues, resulting in a settlement of all disputed issues, including cost recovery and cost allocation.  The settlement provides for Entergy Louisiana to recover $200 million as of March 31, 2011, and carrying costs on that amount on specified terms thereafter.  The settlement also provides for Entergy Louisiana to recover the approved project costs by securitization.  In April 2011, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC to authorize the securitization of the investment recovery costs associated with the project and to issue a financing order by which Entergy Louisiana could accomplish such securitization.  In August 2011 the LPSC issued an order approving the settlement and also issued a financing order for the securitization.  See Note 5 to the financial statements for a discussion of the September 2011 issuance of the securitization bonds.

Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike

In September 2008, Hurricane Gustav (and, to a much lesser extent, Hurricane Ike) caused catastrophic damage to Entergy Louisiana’s service territory.  The storms resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage to distribution, transmission, and generation infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  On October 9, 2008, Entergy Louisiana drew all of its $134 million funded storm reserve.  On October 15, 2008, the LPSC approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to defer and accrue carrying costs on unrecovered storm expenditures during the period the company seeks regulatory recovery.  The approval was without prejudice to the ultimate resolution of the total amount of prudently incurred storm costs or final carrying costs rate.

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana filed their Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike storm cost recovery case with the LPSC in May 2009.  In September 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana and the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation (LURC), an instrumentality of the State of Louisiana, filed with the LPSC an application requesting that the LPSC grant financing orders authorizing the financing of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s storm costs, storm reserves, and issuance costs pursuant to Act 55 of the Louisiana Regular Session of 2007 (Act 55 financings).  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita storm costs were financed primarily by Act 55 financings, as discussed below.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana also filed an application requesting LPSC approval for ancillary issues including the mechanism to flow charges and Act 55 financing savings to customers via a Storm Cost Offset rider.
 
In December 2009, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana entered into a stipulation agreement with the LPSC Staff that provides for total recoverable costs of approximately $234 million for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and $394 million for Entergy Louisiana, including carrying costs.  Under this stipulation, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana agrees not to recover $4.4 million and Entergy Louisiana agrees not to recover $7.2 million of their storm restoration spending.  The stipulation also permits replenishing Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's storm reserve in the amount of $90 million and Entergy Louisiana's storm reserve in the amount of $200 million when the Act 55 financings are accomplished.  In March and April 2010, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and other parties to the proceeding filed with the LPSC an uncontested stipulated settlement that includes these terms and also includes Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana's proposals under the Act 55 financings, which includes a commitment to pass on to customers a minimum of $15.5 million and $27.75 million of customer benefits, respectively, through prospective annual rate reductions of $3.1 million and $5.55 million for five years.  A stipulation hearing was held before the ALJ on April 13, 2010.  On April 21, 2010, the LPSC approved the settlement and subsequently issued two financing orders and one ratemaking order intended to facilitate the implementation of the Act 55 financings.  In June 2010 the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved the Act 55 financings.
 
 
327

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


In July 2010 the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA) issued $468.9 million in bonds under Act 55.  From the $462.4 million of bond proceeds loaned by the LCDA to the LURC, the LURC deposited $200 million in a restricted escrow account as a storm damage reserve for Entergy Louisiana and transferred $262.4 million directly to Entergy Louisiana.  From the bond proceeds received by Entergy Louisiana from the LURC, Entergy Louisiana used $262.4 million to acquire 2,624,297.11 Class B preferred, non-voting, membership interest units of Entergy Holdings Company LLC, a company wholly-owned and consolidated by Entergy, that carry a 9% annual distribution rate.  Distributions are payable quarterly commencing on September 15, 2010, and the membership interests have a liquidation price of $100 per unit.  The preferred membership interests are callable at the option of Entergy Holdings Company LLC after ten years under the terms of the LLC agreement.  The terms of the membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Holdings Company LLC is subject, including the requirement to maintain a net worth of at least $1 billion.

Entergy Louisiana does not report the bonds on its balance sheet because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA and there is no recourse against Entergy or Entergy Louisiana in the event of a bond default.  To service the bonds, Entergy Louisiana collects a system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC, and remits the collections to the bond indenture trustee.  Entergy Louisiana does not report the collections as revenue because it is merely acting as the billing and collection agent for the state.

State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

The rates that Entergy Louisiana charges for its services significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.  Entergy Louisiana is regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings.  A governmental agency, the LPSC, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

In May 2005 the LPSC approved a rate filing settlement that included the adoption of a three-year formula rate plan, the terms of which included an ROE mid-point of 10.25% for the initial three-year term of the plan and permit Entergy Louisiana to recover incremental capacity costs outside of a traditional base rate proceeding.  Under the formula rate plan, over- and under-earnings outside an allowed regulatory range of 9.45% to 11.05% will be allocated 60% to customers and 40% to Entergy Louisiana.  The initial formula rate plan filing was made in May 2006.  As discussed below the formula rate plan has been extended, with return on common equity provisions consistent with previously approved provisions, to cover the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 test years.

In October 2009 the LPSC approved a settlement that resolved Entergy Louisiana’s 2006 and 2007 test year filings provided for a new formula rate plan for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 test years.  10.25% is the target midpoint return on equity for the new formula rate plan, with an earnings bandwidth of +/- 80 basis points (9.45% - 11.05%).  Entergy Louisiana was permitted, effective with the November 2009 billing cycle, to reset its rates to achieve a 10.25% return on equity for the 2008 test year.  The rate reset, a $2.5 million increase that included a $16.3 million cost of service adjustment less a $13.8 million net reduction for decreased capacity costs and a base rate reclassification, was implemented for the November 2009 billing cycle, and the rate reset was subject to refund pending review of the 2008 test year filing that was made in October 2009.  In April 2010, Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC staff submitted a joint report on the 2008 test year filing and requested that the LPSC accept the report, which resulted in a $0.1 million reduction in rates effective in the May 2010 billing cycle and a $0.1 million refund.  In addition, Entergy Louisiana moved the recovery of approximately $12.5 million of capacity costs from fuel adjustment clause recovery to base rate recovery.  At its April 21, 2010 meeting, the LPSC accepted the joint report.

In May 2010, Entergy Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2009 test year.  The filing reflected a 10.82% return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth, indicating no cost of service rate change is necessary under the formula rate plan.  The filing does reflect, however, a revenue requirement increase to provide supplemental funding for the decommissioning trust maintained for Waterford 3, in response to a NRC notification of a projected shortfall of decommissioning funding assurance.  The filing also reflected a rate change for incremental capacity costs.  In July 2010 the LPSC approved a $3.5 million increase in the retail revenue requirement for decommissioning, effective September 2010.  In August 2010,
 
 
 
 
328

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Louisiana made a revised 2009 test year formula rate plan filing.  The revised filing reflected a 10.82% earned return on common equity, which is within the allowed earnings bandwidth resulting in no cost of service adjustment.  The filing also reflected two increases outside of the formula rate plan sharing mechanism: (1) the previously approved decommissioning revenue requirement, and (2) $2.2 million for capacity costs.  The rates reflected in the revised filing became effective beginning with the first billing cycle of September 2010.  Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC staff subsequently submitted a joint report on the 2009 test year filing consistent with these terms and the LPSC approved the joint report in December 2010.

In May 2011, Entergy Louisiana made a special formula rate plan rate implementation filing with the LPSC that implements effective with the May 2011 billing cycle a $43.1 million net rate increase to reflect adjustments in accordance with a previous LPSC order relating to the acquisition of Unit 2 of the Acadia Energy Center.  The net rate increase represents the decrease in the additional capacity revenue requirement resulting from the termination of the power purchase agreement with Acadia and the increase in the revenue requirement resulting from the ownership of the Acadia facility.  In August 2011, Entergy Louisiana made a filing to correct the May 2011 filing and decrease the rate by $1.1 million.

In May 2011, Entergy Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2010 test year.  The filing reflects an 11.07% earned return on common equity, which is just outside of the allowed earnings bandwidth and results in no cost of service rate change under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflects a very slight ($9 thousand) rate increase for incremental capacity costs.  Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC Staff subsequently filed a joint report that reflects an 11.07% earned return and results in no cost of service rate change under the formula rate plan, and the LPSC approved the joint report in October 2011.

In November 2011 the LPSC approved a one-year extension of Entergy Louisiana’s current formula rate plan.  In May 2012, Entergy Louisiana made its formula rate plan filing with the LPSC for the 2011 test year.  The filing reflected a 9.63% earned return on common equity, which is within the earnings bandwidth and results in no cost of service rate change under the formula rate plan.  The filing also reflected an $18.1 million rate increase for incremental capacity costs.  In August 2012, Entergy Louisiana submitted a revised filing that reflects an earned return on common equity of 10.38%, which is still within the earnings bandwidth, resulting in no cost of service rate change.  The revised filing also indicates that an increase of $15.9 million should be reflected in the incremental capacity rider.  The rate change was implemented, subject to refund, effective for bills rendered the first billing cycle of September 2012.  The September 2012 rate change contributed approximately $5.3 million to Entergy Louisiana’s revenues in 2012. Subsequently, in December 2012, Entergy Louisiana submitted a revised evaluation report that reflects two items: 1) a $17 million reduction for the first-year capacity charges for the purchase by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana from Entergy Louisiana of one-third of Acadia Unit 2 capacity and energy, and 2) an $88 million increase for the first-year retail revenue requirement associated with the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project, which was in-service in December 2012.  These rate changes were implemented, subject to refund, effective with the first billing cycle of January 2013.  The 2011 test year filings remain subject to LPSC review.

In connection with its decision to extend the formula rate plan to the 2011 test year, the LPSC required that a base rate case be filed by Entergy Louisiana, and the required filing was made on February 15, 2013.  Recognizing that the final structure of Entergy Louisiana’s transmission business has not been determined, the filing presents two alternative scenarios for the LPSC to establish the appropriate level of rates for Entergy Louisiana.
 

 
329

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Under its primary request, Entergy Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO and that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has occurred (the MISO/ITC Scenario).  Under the MISO/ITC Scenario, Entergy Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $169 million (which does not take into account a revenue offset of approximately $1 million resulting from a proposed increase for those customers taking service under the Qualifying Facility Standby Service);
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement;
·  
authorization to implement a transmission cost recovery rider with a forward-looking test year and an annual true-up component; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.

Under the alternative request contained in its filing, Entergy Louisiana assumes that it has completed integration into MISO, but that the spin-off and merger of its transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings has not occurred (the MISO-Only Scenario).  Under the MISO-Only Scenario, Entergy Louisiana requests:

·  
authorization to increase the revenue it collects from customers by approximately $145 million (which does not take into account a revenue offset of approximately $2 million resulting from a proposed increase for those customers taking service under the Qualifying Facility Standby Service);
·  
an authorized return on common equity of 10.4%;
·  
authorization to increase depreciation rates embedded in the proposed revenue requirement; and,
·  
authorization to implement a three-year formula rate plan with a midpoint return on common equity of 10.4%, plus or minus 75 basis points (the deadband), that would provide a means for the annual re-setting of rates (commencing with calendar year 2013 as its first test year), that would include a mechanism to recover incremental transmission revenue requirement on the basis of a forward-looking test year as compared to the initial base year of 2014 with an annual true-up, that would retain the primary aspects of the prior formula rate plan, including a 60% to customers/40% to Entergy Louisiana sharing mechanism for earnings outside the deadband, and a capacity rider mechanism that would permit recovery of incremental capacity additions approved by the LPSC.
 
In April 2010, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate an audit of Entergy Louisiana's fuel adjustment clause filings.  The audit includes a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed through the fuel adjustment clause by Entergy Louisiana for the period from 2005 through 2009.  The LPSC Staff issued its audit report in January 2013.  The LPSC staff recommended that Entergy Louisiana refund approximately $1.9 million, plus interest, to customers and realign the recovery of approximately $1.0 million from Entergy Louisiana's fuel adjustment clause to base rates.  Two parties have intervened in the proceeding.  A procedural schedule has not yet been established.  Entergy Louisiana has recorded provisions for the estimated outcome of this proceeding.

Industrial and Commercial Customers

Entergy Louisiana’s large industrial and commercial customers continually explore ways to reduce their energy costs.  In particular, cogeneration is an option available to a portion of Entergy Louisiana’s industrial customer base.  Entergy Louisiana responds by working with industrial and commercial customers and negotiating electric service contracts to provide competitive rates that match specific customer needs and load profiles.  Entergy Louisiana actively participates in economic development, customer retention, and reclamation activities to increase industrial and commercial demand, from both new and existing customers.  Entergy Louisiana does not currently expect additional significant losses to cogeneration because of the current economics of the electricity markets and Entergy Louisiana’s marketing efforts in retaining industrial customers.
 
 
330

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Federal Regulation

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ”, “ System Agreement ”, “ Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ”, “ Notice to SERC Reliability Corporation Regarding Reliability Standards and FERC Investigation ”, and “ U.S. Department of Justice Investigation ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation – Federal Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of these topics.

Nuclear Matters

Entergy Louisiana owns and, through an affiliate, operates the Waterford 3 nuclear power plant.  Entergy Louisiana is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating a nuclear plant.  These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, regulatory requirement changes, including changes resulting from events at other plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts.  In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of Waterford 3, Entergy Louisiana may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

The nuclear industry continues to address susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of certain materials associated with components within the reactor coolant system.  The issue is applicable to Waterford 3 and is managed in accordance with standard industry practices and guidelines.  As discussed above in more detail, Entergy Louisiana replaced the Waterford 3 steam generators, along with the reactor vessel closure head and control element drive mechanisms, and placed them in-service in December 2012.

After the nuclear incident in Japan resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the NRC established a task force to conduct a review of processes and regulations relating to nuclear facilities in the United States.  The task force issued a near-term (90-day) report in July 2011 that made initial recommendations, which were subsequently refined and prioritized after input from stakeholders.  The task force then issued a second report in September 2011.  Based upon the task force’s recommendations, the NRC issued three orders effective on March 12, 2012.  The three orders require U.S. nuclear operators, including Entergy, to undertake plant modifications or perform additional analyses that will, among other things, result in increased operating and capital costs associated with operating Entergy’s nuclear plants.  The NRC, with input from the industry, is in the process of determining the specific actions required by the orders and an estimate of the increased costs cannot be made at this time.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Louisiana’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy Louisiana is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Louisiana’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy Louisiana’s financial position or results of operations.
 
 
331

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

See “ Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for discussion of the estimates inherent in accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs.

In the second quarter 2012, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Waterford 3 as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a $48.9 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement obligation asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy Louisiana records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.
 
Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified projected benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Projected
Qualified Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$2,368
 
$29,843
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$1,201
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$968
 
$5,869
 
 
332

Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$ 897
 
$8,198
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$1,304
 
$7,321

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for Entergy Louisiana in 2012 was $37.4 million.  Entergy Louisiana anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $45.1 million.  Entergy Louisiana contributed $28.8 million to its pension plans in 2012 and anticipates funding approximately $20.7 million in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Louisiana in 2012 were $22.1 million, including $3.6 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Louisiana expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $23 million, including $4 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Louisiana contributed $11 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute approximately $10.2 million in 2013.

Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Members of
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Baton Rouge, Louisiana


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of cash flows, and consolidated statements of changes in equity (pages 335 through 340 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013

 

 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 2,149,443     $ 2,508,915     $ 2,538,766  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    360,964       596,808       667,744  
   Purchased power
    728,170       843,099       847,464  
   Nuclear refueling outage expenses
    24,344       27,903       24,955  
   Other operation and maintenance
    449,172       470,783       432,341  
Decommissioning
    23,406       24,658       22,960  
Taxes other than income taxes
    69,186       69,769       68,687  
Depreciation and amortization
    218,140       206,986       198,133  
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net
    127,050       182,800       (20,192 )
TOTAL
    2,000,432       2,422,806       2,242,092  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    149,011       86,109       296,674  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    39,610       33,033       26,875  
Interest and investment income
    84,478       87,487       80,007  
Miscellaneous - net
    (2,584 )     (3,520 )     (4,043 )
TOTAL
    121,504       117,000       102,839  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    136,967       116,803       119,484  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (18,611 )     (17,406 )     (17,952 )
TOTAL
    118,356       99,397       101,532  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    152,159       103,712       297,981  
                         
Income taxes
    (128,922 )     (370,211 )     66,546  
                         
NET INCOME
    281,081       473,923       231,435  
                         
Preferred distribution requirements and other
    6,950       6,950       6,950  
                         
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO
                       
COMMON EQUITY
  $ 274,131     $ 466,973     $ 224,485  
                         
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       
                         


 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Net Income
  $ 281,081     $ 473,923     $ 231,435  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
   Pension and other postretirement liabilities
                       
     (net of tax expense (benefit) of $5,095, ($7,363), and ($1,818))
    (6,625 )     (14,545 )     577  
         Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (6,625 )     (14,545 )     577  
Comprehensive Income
    274,456     $ 459,378     $ 232,012  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       
                         


 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 281,081     $ 473,923     $ 231,435  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
                 
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization
    293,774       288,459       285,330  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    (59,069 )     (327,046 )     28,896  
  Changes in working capital:
                       
    Receivables
    43,850       (50,014 )     (6,245 )
    Fuel inventory
    336       (23,916 )     -  
    Accounts payable
    40,085       21,489       86,103  
    Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued
    (39,275 )     56,348       (25,993 )
    Interest accrued
    729       4,646       (2,991 )
    Deferred fuel costs
    (93,103 )     7,308       57,594  
    Other working capital accounts
    (79,771 )     34,824       (51,771 )
Changes in provisions for estimated losses
    (16,586 )     (10,496 )     203,255  
Changes in other regulatory assets
    (116,249 )     (95,909 )     150,952  
Changes in other regulatory liabilities
    81,259       206,643       43,188  
Changes in pension and other postretirement liabilities
    80,027       114,489       49,378  
Other
    30,610       (221,406 )     (116,797 )
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    447,698       479,342       932,334  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (787,075 )     (433,876 )     (428,373 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    39,610       33,033       26,875  
Insurance proceeds
    -       -       188  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (159,501 )     (155,932 )     (617 )
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear fuel
    62,248       11,570       -  
Payment for purchase of plant
    -       (299,589 )     -  
Investment in affiliates
    -       -       (262,430 )
Payments to storm reserve escrow account
    -       -       (200,166 )
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account
    13,669       -       -  
Remittances to transition charge account
    (30,042 )     (5,200 )     -  
Payments from transition charge account
    30,860       -       -  
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales
    27,577       19,909       44,500  
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds
    (39,374 )     (30,728 )     (53,579 )
Change in money pool receivable - net
    (9,433 )     49,887       2,920  
Changes in other investments - net
    -       -       9,353  
Other
    595       (277 )     -  
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (850,866 )     (811,203 )     (861,329 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    663,975       1,170,441       498,801  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (50,899 )     (785,547 )     (567,326 )
Change in money pool payable - net
    (118,415 )     118,415       -  
Changes in credit borrowings - net
    (39,735 )     71,326       (24,125 )
Dividends/distributions paid:
                       
  Common equity
    (15,600 )     (358,200 )     -  
  Preferred membership interests
    (6,950 )     (6,950 )     (6,950 )
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    432,376       209,485       (99,600 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    29,208       (122,376 )     (28,595 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    878       123,254       151,849  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 30,086     $ 878     $ 123,254  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 130,934     $ 108,072     $ 118,676  
  Income taxes
  $ (41,423 )   $ (39,555 )   $ 28,266  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       


 

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 814     $ 878  
  Temporary cash investments
    29,272       -  
    Total cash and cash equivalents
    30,086       878  
Securitization recovery trust account
    4,382       5,200  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    86,072       102,379  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (867 )     (1,147 )
  Associated companies
    42,938       60,661  
  Other
    9,354       10,945  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    79,354       78,430  
    Total accounts receivable
    216,851       251,268  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    113,319       -  
Deferred fuel costs
    26,568       -  
Fuel inventory
    23,583       23,919  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    152,170       140,561  
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs
    44,457       24,197  
Prepaid taxes
    7,937       -  
Prepayments and other
    12,129       13,171  
TOTAL
    631,482       459,194  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Investment in affiliate preferred membership interests
    807,423       807,424  
Decommissioning trust funds
    287,418       253,968  
Storm reserve escrow account
    186,985       201,249  
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    578       760  
TOTAL
    1,282,404       1,263,401  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    8,603,319       7,859,136  
Property under capital lease
    324,440       274,334  
Construction work in progress
    404,714       559,437  
Nuclear fuel
    204,019       165,380  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    9,536,492       8,858,287  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    3,590,146       3,606,706  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    5,946,346       5,251,581  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    193,114       175,952  
  Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of
               
  $172,838 as of December 31, 2012 and
               
  $198,445 as of December 31, 2011)
    913,562       814,472  
  Deferred fuel costs
    67,998       67,998  
Other
    39,178       31,269  
TOTAL
    1,213,852       1,089,691  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 9,074,084     $ 8,063,867  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 14,236     $ 75,309  
Short-term borrowings
    54,657       44,392  
Accounts payable:
               
  Associated companies
    103,454       218,001  
  Other
    266,904       130,295  
Customer deposits
    88,805       86,099  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    -       4,690  
Taxes accrued
    -       31,338  
Interest accrued
    37,264       36,535  
Deferred fuel costs
    -       66,535  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    9,170       9,161  
System agreement cost equalization
    -       36,800  
Gas hedge contracts
    3,442       12,397  
Other
    13,382       19,278  
TOTAL
    591,314       770,830  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    930,606       1,098,690  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    70,193       73,283  
Other regulatory liabilities
    376,801       295,542  
Decommissioning
    418,122       345,834  
Accumulated provisions
    196,474       213,060  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    539,703       459,685  
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of
               
  $181,553 as of December 31, 2012 and
               
  $207,123 as of December 31, 2011)
    2,811,859       2,177,003  
Other
    68,516       65,011  
TOTAL
    5,412,274       4,728,108  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
EQUITY
               
Preferred membership interests without sinking fund
    100,000       100,000  
Member's equity
    3,016,628       2,504,436  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (46,132 )     (39,507 )
TOTAL
    3,070,496       2,564,929  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 9,074,084     $ 8,063,867  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               
                 


 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                         
         
Common Equity
       
   
Preferred Membership Interests
   
Member's Equity
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
             
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 100,000     $ 1,837,348     $ (25,539 )   $ 1,911,809  
Net income
    -       231,435       -       231,435  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       577       577  
Dividends/distributions declared on preferred membership interests
    -       (6,950 )     -       (6,950 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 100,000     $ 2,061,833     $ (24,962 )   $ 2,136,871  
Net income
    -       473,923       -       473,923  
Additional contribution from parent
    -       333,830       -       333,830  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       (14,545 )     (14,545 )
Dividends/distributions declared on common equity
    -       (358,200 )     -       (358,200 )
Dividends/distributions declared on preferred membership interests
    -       (6,950 )     -       (6,950 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 100,000     $ 2,504,436     $ (39,507 )   $ 2,564,929  
Net income
    -       281,081       -       281,081  
Additional contribution from parent
    -       253,661       -       253,661  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       (6,625 )     (6,625 )
Dividends/distributions declared on common equity
    -       (15,600 )     -       (15,600 )
Dividends/distributions declared on preferred membership interests
    -       (6,950 )     -       (6,950 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 100,000     $ 3,016,628     $ (46,132 )   $ 3,070,496  
                                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                               
                                 
 

 

 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 2,149,443     $ 2,508,915     $ 2,538,766     $ 2,183,586     $ 3,051,294  
Net Income
  $ 281,081     $ 473,923     $ 231,435     $ 232,845     $ 157,543  
Total assets
  $ 9,074,084     $ 8,063,867     $ 7,488,423     $ 6,861,903     $ 6,685,168  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 2,811,859     $ 2,177,003     $ 1,771,566     $ 1,622,709     $ 1,423,316  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
 
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 687     $ 830     $ 840     $ 669     $ 967  
  Commercial
    482       549       543       456       660  
  Industrial
    731       867       817       664       1,062  
  Governmental
    38       42       42       36       51  
     Total retail
  $ 1,938     $ 2,288     $ 2,242     $ 1,825       2,740  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    137       137       220       252       249  
     Non-associated companies
    2       8       5       5       12  
  Other
    72       76       72       102       50  
     Total
  $ 2,149     $ 2,509     $ 2,539     $ 2,184     $ 3,051  
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                       
  Residential
    8,703       9,303       9,533       8,684       8,487  
  Commercial
    6,112       6,155       6,164       5,867       5,784  
  Industrial
    16,416       15,813       14,473       13,386       13,162  
  Governmental
    479       473       479       459       459  
Total retail
    31,710       31,744       30,649       28,396       27,892  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    2,156       2,145       2,860       1,513       2,028  
     Non-associated companies
    65       185       101       109       205  
Total
    33,931       34,074       33,610       30,018       30,125  
                                         
                                         

 


ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Entergy’s plan to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., including the planned retirement of debt and preferred securities.

Hurricane Isaac

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac caused extensive damage to Entergy Mississippi’s service area.  The storm resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage primarily to distribution infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Mississippi’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Isaac are currently estimated to be approximately $22 million.  Entergy Mississippi recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy Mississippi recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $7 million and construction work in progress of approximately $15 million.  Entergy Mississippi recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable.  Because Entergy Mississippi has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy Mississippi is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income decreased $62.0 million primarily due to a higher effective income tax rate and higher other operation and maintenance expenses.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net income increased $23.4 million primarily due to a lower effective income tax rate.

Net Revenue

2012 Compared to 2011

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits).  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 554.9  
Retail electric price
    28.3  
Volume/weather
    (4.4 )
Other
    (0.8 )
2012 net revenue
  $ 578.0  
 
 
342

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in the storm cost recovery rider, as approved by the MPSC for a five-month period effective August 2012. The recovery of storm costs is offset in other operation and maintenance expenses.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to a decrease of 301 GWh, or 2%, in billed electricity usage, including the effect of milder weather compared to last year on residential and commercial sales.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges (credits)

Gross operating revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease of $84.1 million in gross wholesale revenues due to a decrease in sales to affiliated customers and a decrease of $89.5 million in fuel cost recovery revenues primarily attributable to lower fuel rates.  The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $20.7 million in storm cost recovery rider revenue, as discussed above.  Entergy Mississippi’s fuel recovery mechanism and storm cost recovery rider are discussed further in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in average market prices of natural gas and purchased power and a decrease in deferred fuel expense due to the timing of receipt of System Agreement payments and credits to customers.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the System Agreement proceedings.

Other regulatory charges decreased primarily due to decreased recovery of costs associated with the power management rider. There is no material effect on net income because the power management recovery rider is an exact recovery rider and any differences in revenues and expenses are deferred for future recovery.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 555.3  
Volume/weather
    (4.5 )
Transmission equalization
    4.5  
Other
    (0.4 )
2011 net revenue
  $ 554.9  
 
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to a decrease of 97 GWh in weather-adjusted usage in the residential and commercial sectors and a decrease in sales volume in the unbilled sales period.

The transmission equalization variance is primarily due to the addition in 2011 of transmission investments that are subject to equalization.

Gross operating revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $57.5 million in gross wholesale revenues due to an increase in sales to affiliated customers, partially offset by a decrease of $26.9 million in power management rider revenue.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to an increase in deferred fuel expense as a result of higher fuel revenues due to higher fuel rates, partially offset by a decrease in the average market prices of natural gas and purchased power.
 
 
343

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Other Income Statement Variances

2012 Compared to 2011

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $21.1 million resulting from a temporary increase in the storm damage reserve authorized by the MPSC effective August 2012;
·  
$7.6 million of costs incurred in 2012 related to the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business; and
·  
an increase of $4.8 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily resulting from decreasing discount rates and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of benefits costs.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in ad valorem taxes due to a higher 2012 assessment as compared to 2011.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service.

Other income decreased primarily due to a decrease in allowance for equity funds used during construction due to less construction work in progress in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Interest expense increased primarily due to a revision in 2011 caused by FERC’s acceptance of a change in the treatment of funds received from independent power producers for transmission interconnection projects.

2011 Compared to 2010

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:

·  
a $5.4 million decrease in compensation and benefits costs primarily resulting from an increase in the accrual for incentive-based compensation in 2010 and a decrease in stock option expense; and
·  
the sale of $4.9 million of surplus oil inventory.

The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $3.9 million in legal expenses due to the deferral in 2010 of certain litigation expenses in accordance with regulatory treatment.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in ad valorem taxes due to a higher 2011 assessment as compared to 2010, partially offset by higher capitalized property taxes as compared with prior year.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service.

Interest expense decreased primarily due to a revision in 2011 caused by FERC’s acceptance of a change in the treatment of funds received from independent power producers for transmission interconnection projects.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2012, 2011, and 2010 were 55.6%, 20.9%, and 37.0%, respectively.  The increase in the rate for 2012 and the decline in the rate for 2011 is primarily due to intercompany settle ups for federal income taxes for the effects of various tax positions settled with the IRS for years prior to 2008 which include an allocation of the tax benefit of Entergy Corporation’s expenses to the subsidiaries generating taxable income for the respective years.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rates.
 
 
344

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 16     $ 1,216     $ 91,451  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    202,406       99,596       120,107  
Investing activities
    (391,127 )     (151,830 )     (174,096 )
Financing activities
    241,675       51,034       (36,246 )
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    52,954       (1,200 )     (90,235 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 52,970     $ 16     $ 1,216  

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $102.8 million in 2012 primarily due to:

·  
the purchase in 2011 of $42.6 million of fuel oil from System Fuels because System Fuels will no longer procure fuel oil for the Utility companies;
·  
income tax payments of $22.1 million in 2011; and
·  
a decrease of $19.5 million in pension contributions.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below and Note 11 to the financial statements for further discussion of pension funding.

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $20.5 million in 2011 primarily due to the purchase of $42.6 million of fuel oil inventory in 2011 from System Fuels because System Fuels will no longer procure fuel oil for the Utility companies.  The decrease was partially offset by an increase in the recovery of fuel costs.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $239.3 million in 2012 primarily due to the payment for the purchase of Hinds Energy Facility in November 2012 of approximately $203 million, including adjustments to the purchase price, and money pool activity.  See Note 15 to the financial statements for a discussion of the purchase of Hinds Energy Facility.
 
Increases in Entergy Mississippi’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Mississippi’s receivable from the money pool increased $16.9 million in 2012.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy’s subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $22.3 million in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in construction expenditures because of a $49 million payment in 2010 to a System Energy subsidiary for costs associated with the development of new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf and the repayment by System Fuels of Entergy Mississippi’s $5.5 million investment in System Fuels.  The decrease was offset by money pool activity.

Decreases in Entergy Mississippi’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Mississippi’s receivable from the money pool decreased $31.4 million in 2010.
 
 
345

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $190.6 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to:

·  
redemptions of $80 million of 4.65% Series first mortgage bonds and $100 million of 5.92% Series first mortgage bonds in second quarter 2011;
·  
the issuance of $250 million of 3.1% Series first mortgage bonds in December 2012 compared to the issuance of $150 million of 6.0% Series first mortgage bonds in April 2011 and the issuance of $125 million of $3.25% Series first mortgage bonds in May 2011; and
·  
money pool activity.

Decreases in Entergy Mississippi’s payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Mississippi’s payable to the money pool decreased by $2.0 million in 2012 compared to decreasing by $31.3 million in 2011.

Entergy Mississippi’s financing activities provided $51.0 million of cash in 2011 compared to using $36.2 million of cash in 2010 primarily due to:

·  
the issuance of $275 million of first mortgage bonds in 2011 compared to the issuance of $80 million of first mortgage bonds in 2010; and
·  
a decrease of $40.1 million in common stock dividends.

The net cash provided was partially offset by the redemption of $180 million of first mortgage bonds in 2011 compared to the redemption of $100 million of first mortgage bonds in 2010 and money pool activity.

Decreases in Entergy Mississippi’s payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Mississippi’s payable to the money pool decreased by $31.3 million in 2011 compared to increasing by $33.3 million in 2010.

See Note 5 to the financial statements for details on long-term debt.

Capital Structure

Entergy Mississippi’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
55.9% 
 
51.2%
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(1.2%)
 
-%
Net debt to net capital
 
54.7% 
 
51.2%

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of capital lease obligations and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt and equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy Mississippi uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Mississippi’s financial condition.
 
 
346

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Uses of Capital

Entergy Mississippi requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·  
debt and preferred stock maturities or retirements;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
·  
dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Mississippi’s planned construction and other capital investments, and existing debt obligations and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments).

 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
After 2017
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
             
  Generation
$20
 
$50
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$70
  Transmission
50
 
151
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
201
  Distribution
87
 
165
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
252
  Other
11
 
39
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
50
  Total
$168
 
$405
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$573
Long-term debt (2)
$154
 
$107
 
$225
 
$1,594
 
$2,080
Capital lease payments
$3
 
$3
 
$3
 
$1
 
$10
Operating leases
$7
 
$12
 
$6
 
$6
 
$31
Purchase obligations (3)
$243
 
$472
 
$455
 
$1,856
 
$3,026

(1)
Includes approximately $131 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems, and to support normal customer growth.  The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs.
(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For Entergy Mississippi, almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, which is discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements.
 
In addition to the contractual obligations given above, Entergy Mississippi currently expects to contribute approximately $8 million to its pension plans and approximately $5.5 million to other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.
 
The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Mississippi reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth.  Entergy’s Utility supply plan initiative will continue to seek to transform its generation portfolio with new or repowered generation resources.  Opportunities resulting from the supply plan initiative, including new projects or the exploration of alternative financing sources, could result in increases or decreases in the capital expenditure estimates given above.  The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.  Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Mississippi dividends its earnings to Entergy Corporation at a percentage determined monthly.  Entergy Mississippi’s long-term debt indenture restricts the amount of retained earnings available for the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred stock.  As of December 31, 2012, Entergy Mississippi had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $68.5 million.
 
 
347

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


New Nuclear Generation Development Costs

Pursuant to the Mississippi Baseload Act and the Mississippi Public Utilities Act, Entergy Mississippi has been developing and is preserving a project option for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.  This project is in the early stages, and several issues remain to be addressed over time before significant additional capital would be committed to this project.  In October 2010, Entergy Mississippi filed an application with the MPSC requesting that the MPSC determine that it is in the public interest to preserve the option to construct new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf and that the MPSC approve the deferral of Entergy Mississippi’s costs incurred to date and in the future related to this project, including the accrual of AFUDC or similar carrying charges.  In October 2011, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff filed with the MPSC a joint stipulation that the MPSC approved in November 2011.  The stipulation states that there should be a deferral of the $57 million of costs incurred through September 2011 in connection with planning, evaluation, monitoring, and other and related generation resource development activities for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf.  The costs shall be treated as a regulatory asset until the proceeding is resolved.  The Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi also agree that the MPSC should conduct a hearing to consider the relief requested by Entergy Mississippi in its application, including evidence regarding whether costs incurred in connection with planning, evaluation, monitoring, and other and related generation resource development activities for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf were prudently incurred and are otherwise allowable.  The Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi further agree that such prudently incurred costs shall be recoverable in a manner to be determined by the MPSC.  In the Stipulation, the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi agree that the development of a nuclear unit project option is consistent with the Mississippi Baseload Act.  The Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi further agree that the deferral of costs incurred in connection with planning, evaluation, monitoring, and other and related generation resource development activities for new nuclear generation at Grand Gulf also is consistent with the Mississippi Baseload Act.  Entergy Mississippi will not accrue carrying charges or continue to accrue AFUDC on the costs, pending the outcome of the proceeding.  Further proceedings before the MPSC have not been scheduled.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Mississippi’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand;
·  
debt or preferred stock issuances; and
·  
bank financing under new or existing facilities.
 
Entergy Mississippi may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Mississippi require prior regulatory approval.  Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in its corporate charter, bond indenture, and other agreements.  Entergy Mississippi has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

In May 2012, Entergy Mississippi renewed its three separate credit facilities through May 2013 in the aggregate amount of $70 million.  No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facilities as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the credit facilities.

Entergy Mississippi’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years.

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
$16,878
 
($1,999)
 
($33,255)
 
$31,435
 
 
348

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Mississippi has obtained short-term borrowing authorization from the FERC under which it may borrow through October 2013, up to the aggregate amount, at any one time outstanding, of $175 million.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s short-term borrowing limits.  Entergy Mississippi has also obtained an order from the FERC authorizing long-term securities issuances through July 2013.

State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

The rates that Entergy Mississippi charges for electricity significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.  Entergy Mississippi is regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings.  A governmental agency, the MPSC, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

Formula Rate Plan

In September 2009, Entergy Mississippi filed with the MPSC proposed modifications to its formula rate plan rider.  In March 2010 the MPSC issued an order: (1) providing the opportunity for a reset of Entergy Mississippi's return on common equity to a point within the formula rate plan bandwidth and eliminating the 50/50 sharing that had been in the plan, (2) modifying the performance measurement process, and (3) replacing the revenue change limit of two percent of revenues, which was subject to a $14.5 million revenue adjustment cap, with a limit of four percent of revenues, although any adjustment above two percent requires a hearing before the MPSC.  The MPSC did not approve Entergy Mississippi's request to use a projected test year for its annual scheduled formula rate plan filing and, therefore, Entergy Mississippi will continue to use a historical test year for its annual evaluation reports under the plan.

In March 2010, Entergy Mississippi submitted its 2009 test year filing, its first annual filing under the new formula rate plan rider.  In June 2010 the MPSC approved a joint stipulation between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff that provides for no change in rates, but does provide for the deferral as a regulatory asset of $3.9 million of legal expenses associated with certain litigation involving the Mississippi Attorney General, as well as ongoing legal expenses in that litigation until the litigation is resolved.

In March 2011, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan 2010 test year filing.  The filing shows an earned return on common equity of 10.65% for the test year, which is within the earnings bandwidth and results in no change in rates.  In November 2011 the MPSC approved a joint stipulation between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff that provides for no change in rates.

In March 2012, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan filing for the 2011 test year.  The filing shows an earned return on common equity of 10.92% for the test year, which is within the earnings bandwidth and results in no change in rates.  In February 2013 the MPSC approved a joint stipulation between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff that provides for no change in rates.

In August 2012 the MPSC opened inquiries to review whether the current formulaic methodology used to calculate the return on common equity in both Entergy Mississippi’s formula rate plan and Mississippi Power Company’s annual formula rate plan are still appropriate or can be improved to better serve the public interest. The intent of this inquiry and review is for informational purposes only; the evaluation of any recommendations for changes to the existing methodology would take place in a general rate case or in the existing formula rate plan docket.

Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Recovery

Entergy Mississippi’s rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider that, effective January 1, 2013, is adjusted annually to reflect accumulated over- or under-recoveries.  Entergy Mississippi’s fuel cost recoveries are subject to annual audits conducted pursuant to the authority of the MPSC.
 
 
349

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Mississippi Attorney General Complaint

The Mississippi attorney general filed a complaint in state court in December 2008 against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power alleging, among other things, violations of Mississippi statutes, fraud, and breach of good faith and fair dealing, and requesting an accounting and restitution.  The complaint is wide ranging and relates to tariffs and procedures under which Entergy Mississippi purchases power not generated in Mississippi to meet electricity demand.  Entergy believes the complaint is unfounded.  In December 2008 the defendant Entergy companies removed the attorney general’s suit to U.S. District Court in Jackson, Mississippi.  The Mississippi attorney general moved to remand the matter to state court.  In August 2012 the District Court issued an opinion denying the Attorney General’s motion for remand, finding that the District Court has subject matter jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act.

The defendant Entergy companies answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim for relief based upon the Mississippi Public Utilities Act and the Federal Power Act.  In May 2009 the defendant Entergy companies filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings asserting grounds of federal preemption, the exclusive jurisdiction of the MPSC, and factual errors in the attorney general’s complaint.  In September 2012 the District Court heard oral argument on Entergy’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.  The District Court’s ruling on the motion for judgment on the pleadings is pending.

Storm Damage Accrual and Storm Cost Recovery

In two orders issued in July 2012 the MPSC temporarily increased Entergy Mississippi’s storm damage reserve monthly accrual from $0.75 million to $2.0 million for bills rendered during the billing months of August 2012 through December 2012, and approved recovery of $14.9 million in prudently incurred storm costs to be amortized over five months, beginning with August 2012 bills.

Federal Regulation

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ”, “ System Agreement ”, “ Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ”, “ Notice to SERC Reliability Corporation Regarding Reliability Standards and FERC Investigation ”, and “ U.S. Department of Justice Investigation ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation – Federal Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of these topics.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Mississippi’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy Mississippi is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Mississippi’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and there is the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material impact on the presentation of Entergy Mississippi’s financial position or results of operations.
 
 
350

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy Mississippi records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified projected qualified benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Projected
Qualified Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$966
 
$12,441
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$616
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$389
 
$2,222

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$367
 
$3,678
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$561
 
$3,269

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.
 
 
351

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for Entergy Mississippi in 2012 was $12.3 million.  Entergy Mississippi anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $15.4 million.  Entergy Mississippi contributed $9.7 million to its qualified pension plans in 2012 and anticipates that it will contribute approximately $8 million in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Mississippi in 2012 were $6.4 million, including $1.8 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Mississippi expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $4.8 million, including $1.9 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Mississippi contributed $6.6 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute $5.5 million in 2013.

Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Jackson, Mississippi


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in common equity (pages 354 through 358 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013

 

 
 
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 1,120,366     $ 1,266,470     $ 1,232,922  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    227,133       363,025       277,806  
   Purchased power
    320,923       339,061       383,769  
   Other operation and maintenance
    244,722       210,657       217,354  
Taxes other than income taxes
    75,006       69,759       66,841  
Depreciation and amortization
    97,768       93,119       89,875  
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net
    (5,701 )     9,460       16,001  
TOTAL
    959,851       1,085,081       1,051,646  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    160,515       181,389       181,276  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    3,955       7,755       6,655  
Interest and investment income
    170       249       416  
Miscellaneous - net
    (3,951 )     (3,904 )     (804 )
TOTAL
    174       4,100       6,267  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    57,345       52,273       55,774  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (2,103 )     (4,314 )     (3,719 )
TOTAL
    55,242       47,959       52,055  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    105,447       137,530       135,488  
                         
Income taxes
    58,679       28,801       50,111  
                         
NET INCOME
    46,768       108,729       85,377  
                         
Preferred dividend requirements and other
    2,828       2,828       2,828  
                         
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO
                       
COMMON STOCK
  $ 43,940     $ 105,901     $ 82,549  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 46,768     $ 108,729     $ 85,377  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
         
  Depreciation and amortization
    97,768       93,119       89,875  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    58,221       (3,443 )     48,744  
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
    Receivables
    42,222       5,488       (42,790 )
    Fuel inventory
    (6,202 )     (35,621 )     (1,003 )
    Accounts payable
    (3,796 )     (7,059 )     1,906  
    Taxes accrued
    6,791       13,535       (12,817 )
    Interest accrued
    (3,324 )     456       1,915  
    Deferred fuel costs
    (42,331 )     18,998       (76,064 )
    Other working capital accounts
    (6,859 )     (27,480 )     46,101  
    Provisions for estimated losses
    (2,469 )     (1,177 )     (1,937 )
    Other regulatory assets
    (6,501 )     (83,399 )     (5,780 )
    Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    16,782       39,183       (6,525 )
    Other assets and liabilities
    5,336       (21,733 )     (6,895 )
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    202,406       99,596       120,107  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (175,544 )     (165,998 )     (223,787 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    3,955       7,755       6,655  
Proceeds from sale of assets
    -       868       3,951  
Payment for purchase of plant
    (202,668 )     -       -  
Change in money pool receivable - net
    (16,878 )     -       31,435  
Changes in other investments - net
    8       18       7,615  
Investments in affiliates
    -       5,527       -  
Other
    -       -       35  
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (391,127 )     (151,830 )     (174,096 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    246,502       268,418       76,727  
Retirement of long-term debt
    -       (180,000 )     (100,000 )
Change in money pool payable - net
    (1,999 )     (31,256 )     33,255  
Dividends paid:
                       
  Common stock
    -       (3,300 )     (43,400 )
  Preferred stock
    (2,828 )     (2,828 )     (2,828 )
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    241,675       51,034       (36,246 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    52,954       (1,200 )     (90,235 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    16       1,216       91,451  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 52,970     $ 16     $ 1,216  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                 
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 58,043     $ 49,192     $ 51,250  
  Income taxes
  $ (696 )   $ 22,094     $ 16,401  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       


 

 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 585     $ 7  
  Temporary cash investments
    52,385       9  
    Total cash and cash equivalents
    52,970       16  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    49,836       51,026  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (910 )     (756 )
  Associated companies
    25,504       51,329  
  Other
    11,072       13,924  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    43,045       38,368  
    Total accounts receivable
    128,547       153,891  
Deferred fuel costs
    26,490       -  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    44,027       11,694  
Fuel inventory - at average cost
    48,778       42,499  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    40,331       35,716  
Prepayments and other
    5,329       4,666  
TOTAL
    346,472       248,482  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    4,698       4,725  
Escrow accounts
    61,836       31,844  
TOTAL
    66,534       36,569  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    3,708,743       3,274,031  
Property under capital lease
    8,112       10,721  
Construction work in progress
    62,876       105,083  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    3,779,731       3,389,835  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    1,324,627       1,210,092  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    2,455,104       2,179,743  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    63,614       65,196  
  Other regulatory assets
    401,471       393,387  
Other
    20,832       20,017  
TOTAL
    485,917       478,600  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,354,027     $ 2,943,394  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 100,000     $ -  
Accounts payable:
               
  Associated companies
    42,398       46,311  
  Other
    44,856       41,489  
Customer deposits
    71,182       68,610  
Taxes accrued
    52,327       45,536  
Interest accrued
    18,226       21,550  
Deferred fuel costs
    -       15,841  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    218       -  
Other
    21,490       17,474  
TOTAL
    350,697       256,811  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    761,812       672,129  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    7,257       6,372  
Obligations under capital lease
    5,329       8,112  
Other regulatory liabilities
    1,235       -  
Asset retirement cost liabilities
    6,039       5,697  
Accumulated provisions
    35,820       38,289  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    160,866       144,088  
Long-term debt
    1,069,519       920,439  
Other
    25,426       5,370  
TOTAL
    2,073,303       1,800,496  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Preferred stock without sinking fund
    50,381       50,381  
                 
COMMON EQUITY
               
Common stock, no par value, authorized 12,000,000
               
 shares; issued and outstanding 8,666,357 shares in 2012 and 2011
    199,326       199,326  
Capital stock expense and other
    (690 )     (690 )
Retained earnings
    681,010       637,070  
TOTAL
    879,646       835,706  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 3,354,027     $ 2,943,394  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               


 

 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                         
   
Common Equity
       
   
Common Stock
   
Capital Stock Expense and Other
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 199,326     $ (690 )   $ 495,320     $ 693,956  
Net income
    -       -       85,377       85,377  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (43,400 )     (43,400 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (2,828 )     (2,828 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 199,326     $ (690 )   $ 534,469     $ 733,105  
Net income
    -       -       108,729       108,729  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (3,300 )     (3,300 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (2,828 )     (2,828 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 199,326     $ (690 )   $ 637,070     $ 835,706  
Net income
    -       -       46,768       46,768  
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (2,828 )     (2,828 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 199,326     $ (690 )   $ 681,010     $ 879,646  
                                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                               
 

 

 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 1,120,366     $ 1,266,470     $ 1,232,922     $ 1,180,107     $ 1,464,699  
Net Income
  $ 46,768     $ 108,729     $ 85,377     $ 79,367     $ 61,264  
Total assets
  $ 3,354,027     $ 2,943,394     $ 2,772,778     $ 2,689,933     $ 2,533,746  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 1,125,229     $ 978,932     $ 806,506     $ 900,634     $ 752,129  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt), noncurrent capital lease obligations, and preferred stock without sinking fund.
 
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 454     $ 490     $ 509     $ 467     $ 556  
  Commercial
    381       401       406       395       482  
  Industrial
    140       146       145       147       199  
  Governmental
    37       37       38       37       44  
     Total retail
    1,012       1,074       1,098       1,046       1,281  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    23       104       55       52       96  
     Non-associated companies
    24       27       33       28       36  
  Other
    61       61       47       54       52  
     Total
  $ 1,120     $ 1,266     $ 1,233     $ 1,180     $ 1,465  
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                 
  Residential
    5,550       5,848       6,077       5,358       5,354  
  Commercial
    4,915       4,985       5,000       4,756       4,841  
  Industrial
    2,400       2,326       2,250       2,178       2,565  
  Governmental
    408       415       416       405       411  
     Total retail
    13,273       13,574       13,743       12,697       13,171  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    232       431       268       198       534  
     Non-associated companies
    265       332       402       330       401  
     Total
    13,770       14,337       14,413       13,225       14,106  
                                         
                                         
 
 


ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Entergy’s plan to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., including the planned retirement of debt and preferred securities.

Hurricane Isaac

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac caused extensive damage to Entergy New Orleans’s service area.  The storm resulted in widespread power outages, significant damage primarily to distribution infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the power outages.  Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy New Orleans’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Isaac are currently estimated to be approximately $48 million.  Entergy New Orleans is considering all reasonable avenues to recover storm-related costs from Hurricane Isaac, including, but not limited to, accessing funded storm reserves; securitization or other alternative financing; and traditional retail recovery on an interim and permanent basis.  In November 2012, Entergy New Orleans drew $10 million from its funded storm reserves.  Storm cost recovery or financing may be subject to review by applicable regulatory authorities.

Entergy New Orleans recorded accruals for the estimated costs incurred that were necessary to return customers to service.  Entergy New Orleans recorded corresponding regulatory assets of approximately $18 million and construction work in progress of approximately $30 million.  Entergy New Orleans recorded the regulatory assets in accordance with its accounting policies and based on the historic treatment of such costs in its service area because management believes that recovery through some form of regulatory mechanism is probable. Because Entergy New Orleans has not gone through the regulatory process regarding these storm costs, however, there is an element of risk, and Entergy New Orleans is unable to predict with certainty the degree of success it may have in its recovery initiatives, the amount of restoration costs that it may ultimately recover, or the timing of such recovery.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income decreased $18.9 million primarily due to higher other operation and maintenance expenses and lower net revenue.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net income increased $4.9 million primarily due to lower other operation and maintenance expenses, lower taxes other than income taxes, a lower effective income tax rate, and lower interest expense, partially offset by lower net revenue.

 
360

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



Net Revenue

2012 Compared to 2011

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 247.0  
Retail electric price
    (6.2 )
Volume/weather
    (4.8 )
Other
    1.9  
2012 net revenue
  $ 237.9  

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a formula rate plan decrease effective October 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the formula rate plan filing.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to effect of milder weather, as compared to the prior period, on residential and commercial sales and the effects of the power outages caused by Hurricane Isaac.

Gross operating revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses

Gross operating revenues decreased primarily due to:

·  
a decrease of $53.3 million in gross wholesale revenue primarily due to decreased sales to affiliate customers; and
·  
a decrease of $18.9 million in gross gas revenues primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery revenues as a result of lower fuel rates and the effect of milder weather.  Entergy New Orleans’s fuel and purchased power recovery mechanism is discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in demand for gas-fired generation and a decrease in the average market price of natural gas, partially offset by an increase in the average market price of purchased power.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits).  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 272.9  
Retail electric price
    (16.9 )
Net gas revenue
    (9.1 )
Gas cost recovery asset
    (3.0 )
Volume/weather
    5.4  
Other
    (2.3 )
2011 net revenue
  $ 247.0  
 
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to formula rate plan decreases effective October 2010 and October 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the formula rate plan filing.
 
 
361

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


The net gas revenue variance is primarily due to milder weather in 2011 compared to 2010.

The gas cost recovery asset variance is primarily due to the recognition in 2010 of a $3 million gas operations regulatory asset associated with the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’s electric and gas formula rate plan case and the amortization of that asset.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the formula rate plan settlement.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase in electricity usage in the residential and commercial sectors due in part to a 4% increase in the average number of residential customers and a 3% increase in the average number of commercial customers, partially offset by the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales.

Gross operating revenues

Gross operating revenues decreased primarily due to:

·  
a decrease of $16.2 million in electric fuel cost recovery revenues due to lower fuel rates;
·  
a decrease of $15.4 million in gross gas revenues primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery revenues as a  result of lower fuel rates and the effect of milder weather; and
·  
formula rate plan decreases effective October 2010 and October 2011, as discussed above.

The decrease was partially offset by an increase in gross wholesale revenue due to increased sales to affiliated customers and more favorable volume/weather, as discussed above.

Other Income Statement Variances

2012 Compared to 2011

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to the deferral in 2011 of $13.4 million of 2010 Michoud plant maintenance costs pursuant to the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’s 2010 test year formula rate plan filing approved by the City Council in September 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for more discussion of the 2010 test year formula rate plan filing and settlement.

2011 Compared to 2010

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to the deferral in 2011 of $13.4 million of 2010 Michoud plant maintenance costs pursuant to the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’s 2010 test year formula rate plan filing approved by the City Council in September 2011 and a decrease of $8.0 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses due to higher plant outage costs in 2010 due to a greater scope of work at the Michoud plant.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for more discussion of the 2010 test year formula rate plan filing.

Taxes other than income taxes decreased primarily due to a decrease in local franchise taxes resulting from lower electric and gas retail revenues as compared with the same period in 2010.

Interest expense decreased primarily due to the repayment in May 2010 of the notes payable issued to affiliates as part of Entergy New Orleans’s plan of reorganization and the repayment, at maturity, of $30 million of 4.98% Series first mortgage bonds in July 2010.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2012, 2011, and 2010 were 29.8%, 30.6%, and 34.8%, respectively.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective income tax rates.
 
 
362

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Hurricane Katrina

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage to Entergy New Orleans’s service territory. Entergy pursued a broad range of initiatives to recover storm restoration and business continuity costs, including obtaining assistance through federal legislation for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

In December 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Katrina Relief Bill, a hurricane aid package that included CDBG funding that allowed state and local leaders to fund individual recovery priorities.  In March 2007 the City Council certified that Entergy New Orleans incurred $205 million in storm-related costs through December 2006 that are eligible for CDBG funding under the state action plan, and certified Entergy New Orleans’s estimated costs of $465 million for its gas system rebuild (which is discussed below).  Entergy New Orleans received $180.8 million of CDBG funds in 2007 and $19.2 million in 2010.

Gas System Rebuild

In addition to the Hurricane Katrina storm restoration costs that Entergy New Orleans incurred, Entergy New Orleans expects that over a longer term rebuilding of the gas system in New Orleans will be necessary due to the massive salt water intrusion into the system caused by the flooding in New Orleans.  The salt water intrusion is expected to shorten the life of the gas system, making it necessary to rebuild portions of that system over time, earlier than otherwise would be expected, with the project extending many years into the future.  Entergy New Orleans received insurance proceeds for a portion of the estimated future construction expenditures associated with rebuilding its gas system, and the October 2006 City Council resolution approving the settlement of Entergy New Orleans’s rate and storm-cost recovery filings requires Entergy New Orleans to record those proceeds in a designated sub-account of other deferred credits until the proceeds are spent on the rebuild project.  This other deferred credit is shown as “Gas system rebuild insurance proceeds” on Entergy New Orleans’s balance sheet.

Bankruptcy Proceedings

As a result of the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the effect of extensive flooding that resulted from levee breaks in and around the New Orleans area, on September 23, 2005, Entergy New Orleans filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy court seeking reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  On May 7, 2007, the bankruptcy judge entered an order confirming Entergy New Orleans’s plan of reorganization.  With the receipt of CDBG funds, and the agreement on insurance recovery with one of its excess insurers, Entergy New Orleans waived the conditions precedent in its plan of reorganization, and the plan became effective on May 8, 2007.  Included in the terms in the plan of reorganization Entergy New Orleans issued notes to affiliates.  Entergy New Orleans repaid, at maturity in May 2010, these notes that represented affiliate prepetition accounts payable (approximately $74 million, including interest), including its indebtedness to the Entergy System money pool.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 9,834     $ 54,986     $ 191,191  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    52,089       44,927       48,965  
Investing activities
    (78,040 )     (46,019 )     (31,561 )
Financing activities
    25,508       (44,060 )     (153,609 )
  Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (443 )     (45,152 )     (136,205 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,391     $ 9,834     $ 54,986  
 
 
363

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $7.2 million in 2012 primarily due to income tax refunds of $13 million in 2012 compared to income tax payments of $39.4 million in 2011 and a decrease of $6.3 million in pension contributions offset by Hurricane Isaac storm restoration spending in 2012, the timing of collections of customer receivables and the decreased recovery of fuel costs.  The income tax refunds of $13 million in 2012 resulted primarily from a decrease of previously estimated 2011 taxable income due to the recognition of additional bonus depreciation.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below and Note 11 to the financial statements for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Net cash provided by operating activities was relatively flat in 2011 as the receipt of $19.2 million of Community Development Block Grant funds in 2010 related to Hurricane Katrina costs was offset by a decrease of $28.8 million in income tax payments in 2011.  The decrease in income tax payments is in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement.  The decrease results from lower 2010 taxable income from what was estimated due to revised bonus depreciation deduction and  additional repair expenses for tax purposes associated with the tax accounting method change filed in 2010.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $32.0 million in 2012 primarily due to:

·  
higher distribution construction expenditures due to Hurricane Isaac;
·  
money pool activity; and
·   
the repayment by System Fuels of Entergy New Orleans’s $3.3 million investment in System Fuels in 2011.

The increase was partially offset by net receipts from the storm escrow account of $1.4 million in 2012 compared to net payments to the storm escrow account of $6.0 million in 2011.

Decreases in Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool decreased $6.2 million in 2012 compared to decreasing $12.7 million in 2011.  The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy’s subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $14.5 million in 2011 primarily due to money pool activity and a withdrawal in 2010 from the storm escrow account related to Hurricane Gustav costs.  The increase was partially offset by a decrease in construction expenditures due to decreased spending on the gas system rebuild project and System Fuels repayment of Entergy New Orleans’s $3.3 million investment in System Fuels.
 
Decreases in Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool decreased $12.7 million in 2011 compared to decreasing $44.3 million in 2010.

Financing Activities

Entergy New Orleans’s financing activities provided $25.5 million in 2012 compared to using $44.1 million in 2011 primarily due to a decrease of $40.3 million in common stock dividends paid and the issuance of $30 million of 5.0% Series first mortgage bonds in November 2012.

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $109.5 million in 2011 primarily due to the repayment in 2010 of $74.3 million of affiliate notes payable that were issued to affiliates as part of Entergy New Orleans’s plan of reorganization, the repayment, at maturity, of $30 million of 4.98% Series first mortgage bonds in July 2010, and the repayment of $25 million of 6.75% Series first mortgage bonds in December 2010, offset by the issuance of $25 million of 5.10% Series first mortgage bonds in November 2010.

See Note 5 to the financial statements for details on long-term debt.
 
 
364

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Capital Structure

Entergy New Orleans’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
47.7% 
 
45.3% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(1.2%)
 
(1.5%)
Net debt to net capital
 
46.5% 
 
43.8% 

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt and equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy New Orleans uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy New Orleans’s financial condition.

Uses of Capital

Entergy New Orleans requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs;
·  
debt and preferred stock maturities or retirements; and
·  
dividend payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy New Orleans’s planned construction and other capital investments and existing debt and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments).

 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
After 2017
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
             
  Generation
$19
 
$55
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$74
  Transmission
19
 
17
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
36
  Distribution
32
 
57
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
89
  Other
24
 
48
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
72
  Total
$94
 
$177
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$271
Long-term debt (2)
$79
 
$14
 
$14
 
$220
 
$327
Operating leases
$2
 
$4
 
$3
 
$2
 
$11
Purchase obligations (3)
$177
 
$335
 
$332
 
$1,593
 
$2,437

(1)
Includes approximately $47 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.  Also includes spending for the long-term gas rebuild project.  The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs.
(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For Entergy New Orleans, almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, which is discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements.

 
365

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


In addition to the contractual obligations given above, Entergy New Orleans currently expects to contribute approximately $4 million to its pension plan and approximately $3.7 million to its other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Also in addition to the contractual obligations, Entergy New Orleans has $16.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits and interest net of unused tax attributes and payments for which the timing of payments beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of effective settlement of tax positions.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy New Orleans reflects capital required to support existing business.  The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, changes in project plans,   and the ability to access capital.  Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statements.

As an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, Entergy New Orleans pays dividends from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly.  Entergy New Orleans’s long-term debt indenture contains restrictions on the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred stock.

Sources of Capital

Entergy New Orleans’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand; and
·  
debt and preferred stock issuances.
 
Entergy New Orleans may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

Entergy New Orleans’s receivables from the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years.

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
$2,923
 
$9,074
 
$21,820
 
$66,149

See Note 4 to the financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Entergy New Orleans has a credit facility in the amount of $25 million scheduled to expire in November 2013.  No borrowings were outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the credit facility.

Entergy New Orleans has obtained short-term borrowing authorization from the FERC under which it may borrow through October 2013, up to the aggregate amount, at any one time outstanding, of $100 million.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy New Orleans’s short-term borrowing limits.  The long-term securities issuances of Entergy New Orleans are limited to amounts authorized by the City Council, and the current authorization extends through July 2014.
 
 
366

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Entergy Louisiana’s Ninemile Point Unit 6 Self-Build Project

In June 2011, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application seeking certification that the public necessity and convenience would be served by Entergy Louisiana’s construction of a combined-cycle gas turbine generating facility (Ninemile 6) at its existing Ninemile Point electric generating station.  Ninemile 6 will be a nominally-sized 550 MW unit that is estimated to cost approximately $721 million to construct, excluding interconnection and transmission upgrades.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana joined in the application, seeking certification of its purchase under a life-of-unit power purchase agreement of up to 35% of the capacity and energy generated by Ninemile 6.  The Ninemile 6 capacity and energy is proposed to be allocated 55% to Entergy Louisiana, 25% to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and 20% to Entergy New Orleans.  In February 2012 the City Council passed a resolution authorizing Entergy New Orleans to purchase 20% of the Ninemile 6 energy and capacity.  Entergy New Orleans is expected to file a full rate case 12 months prior to the expected in-service date.  In March 2012 the LPSC unanimously voted to grant the certifications requested by Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana.  Following approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana issued full notice to proceed to the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.  All major permits and approvals required to begin construction have been obtained and construction is in progress.

State and Local Rate Regulation

The rates that Entergy New Orleans charges for electricity and natural gas significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.  Entergy New Orleans is regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings.  A governmental agency, the City Council, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

Rate Cases, Formula Rate Plans and Storm-related Riders

In April 2009, the City Council approved a new three-year formula rate plan for Entergy New Orleans, with terms including an 11.1% benchmark electric return on common equity (ROE) with a +/- 40 basis point bandwidth and a 10.75% benchmark gas ROE with a +/- 50 basis point bandwidth.  Earnings outside the bandwidth reset to the midpoint benchmark ROE, with rates changing on a prospective basis depending on whether Entergy New Orleans was over- or under-earning.  The formula rate plan also included a recovery mechanism for City Council-approved capacity additions, plus provisions for extraordinary cost changes and force majeure events.
 
In May 2010, Entergy New Orleans filed its electric and gas formula rate plan evaluation reports.  The filings requested a $12.8 million electric base revenue decrease and a $2.4 million gas base revenue increase.  Entergy New Orleans and the City Council's Advisors reached a settlement that resulted in an $18.0 million electric base revenue decrease and zero gas base revenue change effective with the October 2010 billing cycle.  The City Council approved the settlement in November 2010.

In May 2011, Entergy New Orleans filed its electric and gas formula rate plan evaluation reports for the 2010 test year.  The filings requested a $6.5 million electric rate decrease and a $1.1 million gas rate decrease.  Entergy New Orleans and the City Council’s Advisors reached a settlement that results in an $8.5 million incremental electric rate decrease and a $1.6 million gas rate decrease.  The settlement also provides for the deferral of $13.4 million of Michoud plant maintenance expenses incurred in 2010 and the establishment of a regulatory asset that will be amortized over the period October 2011 through September 2018.  The City Council approved the settlement in September 2011.  The new rates were effective with the first billing cycle of October 2011.

In May 2012, Entergy New Orleans filed its electric and gas formula rate plan evaluation reports for the 2011 test year.  Subsequent adjustments agreed upon with the City Council Advisors indicate a $4.9 million electric base revenue increase and a $0.05 million gas base revenue increase as necessary under the formula rate plan.  As part of the original filing, Entergy New Orleans is also requesting to increase annual funding for its storm reserve by approximately $5.7 million for the next five years.  On September 26, 2012, Entergy New Orleans made a filing with the City Council that implemented the $4.9 million electric formula rate plan rate increase and the $0.05 million gas formula rate plan rate increase.  The new rates were effective with the first billing cycle in October
 
 
367

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


2012.  The new rates have not affected the net amount of Entergy New Orleans’s operating revenues.  In October 2012 the City Council approved a procedural schedule to resolve disputed items that includes a hearing in April 2013.  The rates implemented in October 2012 are subject to retroactive adjustments depending on the outcome of the proceeding.  The City Council has not yet acted on Entergy New Orleans’s request for an increase in storm reserve funding.  Entergy New Orleans’s formula rate plan ended with the 2011 test year and has not yet been extended.  Entergy New Orleans is expected to file a full rate case 12 months prior to the anticipated completion of the Ninemile 6 generating facility.

A 2008 rate case settlement included $3.1 million per year in electric rates to fund the Energy Smart energy efficiency programs.  In September 2009 the City Council approved the energy efficiency programs filed by Entergy New Orleans.  The rate settlement provides an incentive for Entergy New Orleans to meet or exceed energy savings targets set by the City Council and provides a mechanism for Entergy New Orleans to recover lost contribution to fixed costs associated with the energy savings generated from the energy efficiency programs.

In October 2006, the City Council approved a rate filing settlement agreement that, among other things, authorized a $75 million storm reserve for damage from future storms, which will be created over a ten-year period through a storm reserve rider that began in March 2007.  These storm reserve funds are held in a restricted escrow account until needed in response to a storm.  In November 2012, Entergy New Orleans withdrew $10 million from the storm reserve escrow account to partially offset the costs associated with Hurricane Isaac.

Federal Regulation

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ”, “ System Agreement ”, “ Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ”, “ Notice to SERC Reliability Corporation Regarding Reliability Standards and FERC Investigation ”, and “ U.S. Department of Justice Investigation ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation – Federal Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of these topics.
 

Environmental Risks

Entergy New Orleans’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy New Orleans is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and there is the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material impact on the presentation of Entergy New Orleans’s financial position or results of operations.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy New Orleans records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.
 
 
 
368

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified projected benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Projected
Qualified Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$485
 
$6,298
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$261
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$194
 
$1,175

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$190
 
$2,303
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$341
 
$2,019

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for Entergy New Orleans in 2012 was $8.5 million.  Entergy New Orleans anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $9.7 million.  Entergy New Orleans contributed $5.8 million in qualified pension contributions in 2012 and anticipates approximately a $4 million pension contribution in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy New Orleans in 2012 were $4.2 million, including $1 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy New Orleans expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $­­2.3 million, including $1 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy New Orleans contributed $4.4 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute approximately $3.7 million in 2013.
 
 
369

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in common equity (pages 372 through 376 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013

 

 
 
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 487,633     $ 529,228     $ 543,102  
Natural gas
    82,107       100,957       116,347  
TOTAL
    569,740       630,185       659,449  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    107,616       173,668       169,644  
   Purchased power
    222,193       207,604       218,025  
   Other operation and maintenance
    122,143       106,817       130,917  
Taxes other than income taxes
    43,189       42,032       44,749  
Depreciation and amortization
    36,726       35,026       35,354  
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net
    1,983       1,910       (1,072 )
TOTAL
    533,850       567,057       597,617  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    35,890       63,128       61,832  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    791       622       667  
Interest and investment income
    47       154       544  
Miscellaneous - net
    (1,453 )     (1,234 )     (2,478 )
TOTAL
    (615 )     (458 )     (1,267 )
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    11,344       11,114       13,170  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (374 )     (282 )     (320 )
TOTAL
    10,970       10,832       12,850  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    24,305       51,838       47,715  
                         
Income taxes
    7,240       15,862       16,601  
                         
NET INCOME
    17,065       35,976       31,114  
                         
Preferred dividend requirements and other
    965       965       965  
                         
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO
                       
COMMON STOCK
  $ 16,100     $ 35,011     $ 30,149  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 17,065     $ 35,976     $ 31,114  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
                 
  Depreciation and amortization
    36,726       35,026       35,354  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    15,016       (35,276 )     (47,611 )
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
    Receivables
    (29,046 )     24,275       (6,289 )
    Fuel inventory
    2,029       (1,160 )     (113 )
    Accounts payable
    4,828       (3,502 )     3,307  
    Prepaid taxes
    (1,377 )     -       -  
    Interest accrued
    180       12       (1,121 )
    Deferred fuel costs
    (9,464 )     4,694       10,923  
    Other working capital accounts
    14,239       (7,764 )     4,174  
    Provisions for estimated losses
    (812 )     4,637       (4,785 )
    Other regulatory assets
    (23,188 )     (42,667 )     (10,073 )
    Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    9,773       25,202       5,042  
    Other assets and liabilities
    16,120       5,474       29,043  
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    52,089       44,927       48,965  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (86,373 )     (56,600 )     (80,218 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    791       622       667  
Insurance proceeds
    -       -       115  
Investments in affiliates
    -       3,256       -  
Change in money pool receivable - net
    6,151       12,746       44,329  
Payments to storm reserve escrow account
    (8,609 )     (6,043 )     -  
Receipts from storm resrve escrow account
    10,000       -       3,546  
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (78,040 )     (46,019 )     (31,561 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    28,422       -       24,349  
Retirement of long-term debt
    -       -       (129,993 )
Dividends paid:
                       
  Common stock
    (1,700 )     (42,000 )     (47,000 )
  Preferred stock
    (965 )     (965 )     (965 )
Other
    (249 )     (1,095 )     -  
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    25,508       (44,060 )     (153,609 )
                         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (443 )     (45,152 )     (136,205 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    9,834       54,986       191,191  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 9,391     $ 9,834     $ 54,986  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 10,183     $ 10,109     $ 13,550  
  Income taxes
  $ (12,952 )   $ 39,403     $ 68,160  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
           
  Cash
  $ 319     $ 486  
  Temporary cash investments
    9,072       9,348  
        Total cash and cash equivalents
    9,391       9,834  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    33,142       29,038  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (446 )     (465 )
  Associated companies
    29,326       12,167  
  Other
    3,115       2,603  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    18,124       17,023  
    Total accounts receivable
    83,261       60,366  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    9,517       6,419  
Fuel inventory - at average cost
    1,777       3,806  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    10,889       9,392  
Prepaid taxes
    1,377       -  
Prepayments and other
    3,201       2,679  
TOTAL
    119,413       92,496  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Non-utility property at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    1,016       1,016  
Storm reserve escrow account
    10,605       11,996  
TOTAL
    11,621       13,012  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    860,358       812,329  
Natural gas
    217,769       213,160  
Construction work in progress
    11,135       13,610  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    1,089,262       1,039,099  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    549,587       525,621  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    539,675       513,478  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Deferred fuel costs
    4,080       4,080  
  Other regulatory assets
    202,003       178,815  
Other
    4,997       4,154  
TOTAL
    211,080       187,049  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 881,789     $ 806,035  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               



ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 70,000     $ -  
Accounts payable:
               
  Associated companies
    28,778       27,042  
  Other
    31,209       28,098  
Customer deposits
    21,974       21,878  
Interest accrued
    3,020       2,840  
Deferred fuel costs
    2,157       11,621  
System agreement cost equalization
    16,880       -  
Other
    3,479       4,197  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    177,497       95,676  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    172,790       144,405  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    1,300       1,539  
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net
    24,291       33,258  
Other regulatory liabilities
    11,060       5,726  
Asset retirement cost liabilities
    2,193       2,893  
Accumulated provisions
    15,031       15,843  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    83,790       74,017  
Long-term debt
    126,300       166,537  
Gas system rebuild insurance proceeds
    44,207       55,707  
Other
    7,985       9,489  
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
    488,947       509,414  
                 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Preferred stock without sinking fund
    19,780       19,780  
                 
COMMON EQUITY
               
Common stock, $4 par value, authorized 10,000,000
               
  shares; issued and outstanding 8,435,900 shares in 2012
               
  and 2011
    33,744       33,744  
Paid-in capital
    36,294       36,294  
Retained earnings
    125,527       111,127  
TOTAL
    195,565       181,165  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 881,789     $ 806,035  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               



 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                         
   
Common Equity
       
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 33,744     $ 36,294     $ 134,967     $ 205,005  
Net income
    -       -       31,114       31,114  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (47,000 )     (47,000 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (965 )     (965 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 33,744     $ 36,294     $ 118,116     $ 188,154  
Net income
    -       -       35,976       35,976  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (42,000 )     (42,000 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (965 )     (965 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 33,744     $ 36,294     $ 111,127     $ 181,165  
Net income
    -       -       17,065       17,065  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (1,700 )     (1,700 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       (965 )     (965 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 33,744     $ 36,294     $ 125,527     $ 195,565  
                                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                               
 

 

 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 569,740     $ 630,185     $ 659,449     $ 640,422     $ 814,383  
Net Income
  $ 17,065     $ 35,976     $ 31,114     $ 30,479     $ 34,337  
Total assets
  $ 881,789     $ 806,035     $ 850,076     $ 995,818     $ 998,460  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 146,080     $ 186,317     $ 186,995     $ 187,803     $ 292,753  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and preferred stock without sinking fund.
 
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 174     $ 176     $ 196     $ 168     $ 172  
  Commercial
    164       154       174       166       194  
  Industrial
    31       30       36       37       48  
  Governmental
    63       59       70       70       79  
     Total retail
    432       419       476       441       493  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    44       95       56       87       161  
     Non-associated companies
    -       1       1       1       2  
  Other
    12       14       10       7       17  
     Total
  $ 488     $ 529     $ 543     $ 536     $ 673  
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                 
  Residential
    1,772       1,888       1,858       1,577       1,394  
  Commercial
    1,968       1,939       1,899       1,813       1,774  
  Industrial
    484       498       503       526       541  
  Governmental
    785       795       809       805       774  
     Total retail
    5,009       5,120       5,069       4,721       4,483  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    978       1,167       906       1,528       1,336  
     Non-associated companies
    8       19       13       15       25  
     Total
    5,995       6,306       5,988       6,264       5,844  
                                         
                                         
 
 
 


ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business

See the “ Plan to Spin Off the Utility’s Transmission Business ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Entergy’s plan to spin off its transmission business and merge it with a newly formed subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., including the planned retirement of debt.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income decreased $38.9 million primarily due to lower net revenue, higher other operation and maintenance expenses, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, and lower other income, partially offset by lower taxes other than income taxes.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net income increased $14.6 million primarily due to higher net revenue, partially offset by higher taxes other than income taxes, higher other operation and maintenance expenses, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses.

Net Revenue

2012 Compared to 2011

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2012 to 2011.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2011 net revenue
  $ 577.8  
Volume/weather
    (22.7 )
Purchased power capacity
    (20.1 )
Fuel recovery
    (6.5 )
Retail electric price
    15.1  
Reserve equalization
    20.2  
Other
    (12.8 )
2012 net revenue
  $ 551.0  

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to a decrease of 519 GWh, or 3.1%, in billed electricity usage, including the effect of milder weather compared to last year on residential and commercial sales.

The purchased power capacity variance is primarily due to additional capacity purchases as well as price increases for ongoing purchased power capacity.

 
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Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis



The fuel recovery variance is primarily the result of a $6 million adjustment to deferred fuel costs in accordance with a rate order from the PUCT issued in September 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the PUCT rate order.

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to rate actions, including an annual base rate increase of $9 million beginning May 2011 as a result of the settlement of the December 2009 rate case and an annual base rate increase of $28 million, effective July 2012, as a result of the PUCT’s order in the December 2011 rate case.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rate cases.

The reserve equalization variance is primarily due to decreased reserve equalization expense as a result of changes in the Entergy System generation mix compared to the same period in 2011.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges

Gross operating revenues decreased primarily due to:

·  
a decrease of $156.2 million in fuel cost recovery revenues primarily attributable to lower fuel rates and lower usage, offset by lower interim fuel refunds in 2012 versus 2011.  Entergy Texas’s fuel and purchased power recovery mechanism is discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.  The interim fuel refunds and the PUCT approvals are discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements; and
·  
less favorable volume/weather, as discussed above.

The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $12.2 million in gross wholesale revenues as a result of an increase in sales to affiliated customers, offset by a decrease in sales volume to municipal and co-op customers.

Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased primarily due to decreases in the average market prices of natural gas and purchased power, partially offset by an increase in deferred fuel expense.  The increase in deferred fuel expense is due to an adjustment to deferred fuel costs in accordance with a rate order from the PUCT issued in September 2012 and as a result of lower interim fuel refunds in 2012 versus 2011, offset by lower fuel revenues, as discussed above.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the PUCT rate order.

Other regulatory charges increased primarily due to the distribution in the first quarter 2011 of $17.4 million to customers of the 2007 rough production cost equalization remedy receipts.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rough production cost equalization proceedings.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges.  Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2011 to 2010.

   
Amount
 
   
(In Millions)
 
       
2010 net revenue
  $ 540.2  
Retail electric price
    36.0  
Volume/weather
    21.3  
Purchased power capacity
    (24.6 )
Other
    4.9  
2011 net revenue
  $ 577.8  
 
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to rate actions, including an annual base rate increase of $59 million beginning August 2010, with an additional increase of $9 million beginning May 2011, as a result of the settlement of the December 2009 rate case.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rate case settlement.
 
 
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Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase of 721 GWh, or 4.5%, in billed electricity usage, including the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales compared to last year.  Usage in the industrial sector increased 8.2% primarily in the chemicals and refining industries.

The purchased power capacity variance is primarily due to price increases for ongoing purchased power capacity and additional capacity purchases.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to the base rate increases and the volume/weather effect, as discussed above.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to an increase in demand coupled with an increase in deferred fuel expense as a result of lower fuel refunds in 2011 versus 2010, partially offset by a decrease in the average market price of natural gas.

Other regulatory charges decreased primarily due to the distribution in the first quarter 2011 of $17.4 million to customers of the 2007 rough production cost equalization remedy receipts.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rough production cost equalization proceedings.

Other Income Statement Variances

2012 Compared to 2011

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $7.2 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses due to a greater scope of work and an additional outage in 2012 compared to 2011;
·  
$4.8 million of costs incurred in 2012 related to the planned spin-off and merger of the Utility’s transmission business;
·  
the amortization of $4.3 million of Hurricane Rita storm costs in accordance with a rate order from the PUCT issued in September 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the PUCT rate order;
·  
an increase of $3.5 million in compensation and benefit costs primarily due to decreasing discount rates and changes in certain actuarial assumptions resulting from an experience study.   See Critical Accounting Estimates below for further discussion of benefits costs;
·  
an increase of $2.7 million in loss reserves in 2012; and
·  
an increase of $2.3 million in storm damage reserves in accordance with a rate order from the PUCT issued in September 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the PUCT rate order.

The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $1.8 million in energy efficiency costs.  These costs are recovered through the energy efficiency rider and have no effect on net income.

Taxes other than income taxes decreased primarily due to a reduction in the provision recorded for sales and use taxes.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service and an increase in depreciation rates as a result of the rate order approved by the PUCT in September 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rate order.
 
Other income decreased primarily due to the reversal of $6.7 million of disallowed carrying charges on Hurricane Rita storm restoration costs in accordance with a rate order from the PUCT issued in September 2012.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the PUCT rate order.
 
 
380

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


2011 Compared to 2010

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

·  
an increase of $8.5 million in transmission expenses due to a billing adjustment recorded in the fourth quarter 2011 related to prior transmission investment equalization costs (for the approximate period of 1996 - 2011) allocable to Entergy Texas under the System Agreement;
·  
an increase of $2.4 million in energy efficiency costs.  These costs are recovered through the energy efficiency rider and have no effect on net income; and
·  
several individually insignificant items.

The increase was partially offset by the amortization of $11 million of rate case expenses in 2010 and a decrease of $3.9 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to a decrease in stock option expense.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for further discussion of the rate case settlement.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in local franchise taxes as a result of higher city franchise and gross receipts taxes and an increase in ad valorem taxes due to a higher 2011 assessment as compared to 2010, partially offset by lower street rentals.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates were 44.1%, 38.0%, and 39.0% for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective income tax rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 65,289     $ 35,342     $ 200,703  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    271,081       238,837       43,095  
Investing activities
    (128,904 )     (219,783 )     (121,439 )
Financing activities
    (147,230 )     10,893       (87,017 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,053 )     29,947       (165,361 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 60,236     $ 65,289     $ 35,342  

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $32.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to:

·  
an increase in the recovery of fuel costs due to System Agreement bandwidth remedy payments of $43 million received in January 2012 as a result of receipts required to implement the FERC’s remedy in an October 2011 order for the period June-December 2005.  In the fourth quarter 2012, Entergy Texas customers were credited $28.4 million.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the System Agreement proceedings;
 
 
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Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


 
·  
a decrease of $9.1 million in pension contributions.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits; and
·  
$67.2 million of fuel cost refunds in 2012 compared to $73.4 million of fuel cost refunds in 2011.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for discussion of the fuel cost refunds.

The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $11.3 million in income tax refunds.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $195.7 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·  
$73.4 million of fuel cost refunds in 2011 versus $179.5 million of fuel cost refunds in 2010.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for discussion of the fuel cost refunds; and
·  
income tax refunds of $13.5 million in 2011 compared to income tax payments of $48.7 million in 2010.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $90.9 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to money pool activity, partially offset by higher fossil-fueled generation construction expenditures due to a greater scope of projects in 2012.

Decreases in Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool decreased by $44 million in 2012 compared to increasing by $49.5 million in 2011.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy’s subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $98.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to money pool activity.

Increases in Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool increased by $49.5 million in 2011 compared to decreasing by $55.6 million in 2010.

Financing Activities

Entergy Texas’s financing activities used $147.2 million in 2012 compared to providing $10.9 million in 2011 primarily due to an increase of $81.4 million in common stock dividends paid and the issuance of $75 million of 4.10% Series first mortgage bonds in September 2011.

Entergy Texas’s financing activities provided $10.9 million of cash in 2011 compared to using $87.0 million of cash in 2010 primarily due to:

·  
the retirement of $199 million of debt assumption liabilities and securitization bonds in 2010 compared to the retirement of $57.4 million of securitization bonds in 2011; and
·  
a decrease of $80.6 million in common equity distributions.

The cash provided was partially offset by the issuance of $200 million of 3.60% Series mortgage bonds in May 2010 compared to the issuance of $75 million of 4.10% Series first mortgage bonds in September 2011.


 
382

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Capital Structure

Entergy Texas’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
65.4% 
 
65.1% 
Effect of excluding the securitization bonds
 
(13.3%)
 
(14.3%)
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
52.1% 
 
50.8% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(1.7%)
 
(1.9%)
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (1)
 
50.4% 
 
48.9% 

(1)
Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Texas.

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt and common equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  Entergy Texas uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Texas’s financial condition.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Texas requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·   
debt maturities or retirements;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
·  
dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Texas’s planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments), and other purchase obligations.

 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
After 2017
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
             
  Generation
$76
 
$94
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$170
  Transmission
43
 
177
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
220
  Distribution
75
 
146
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
221
  Other
7
 
17
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
24
  Total
$201
 
$434
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$635
Long-term debt (2)
$88
 
$372
 
$253
 
$1,729
 
$2,442
Operating leases
$6
 
$9
 
$4
 
$2
 
$21
Purchase obligations (3)
$98
 
$126
 
$119
 
$247
 
$590

(1)
Includes approximately $124 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.  The planned amounts do not reflect the expected reduction in capital expenditures that would occur if the planned spin-off and merger of the transmission business with ITC Holdings occurs.
(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For Entergy Texas, it primarily includes unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations.


 
383

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


In addition to the contractual obligations given above, Entergy Texas expects to contribute approximately $6.7 million to its pension plans and approximately $5.2 million to other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Also in addition to the contractual obligations, Entergy Texas has $12.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits and interest net of unused tax attributes and payments for which the timing of payments beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of effective settlement of tax positions.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.

Entergy’s Utility supply plan initiative will continue to seek to transform its generation portfolio with new or repowered generation resources.  Opportunities resulting from the supply plan initiative, including new projects or the exploration of alternative financing sources, could result in increases or decreases in the capital expenditure estimates given above.  The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans,   and the ability to access capital.  Management provides more information on long-term debt in Note 5 to the financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Texas pays dividends to Entergy Corporation from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Texas’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand;
·  
debt or preferred stock issuances; and
·   
bank financing under new or existing facilities.

Entergy Texas may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Texas require prior regulatory approval.  Debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in its bond indentures and other agreements.  Entergy Texas has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Entergy Texas’s receivables from the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years.

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
$19,175
 
$63,191
 
$13,672
 
$69,317

See Note 4 to the financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Entergy Texas has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in March 2017.  No borrowings were outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2012.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the credit facility.

Entergy Texas has obtained short-term borrowing authorization through October 2013 from the FERC under which it may borrow at any one time outstanding, $200 million in the aggregate.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Texas’s short-term borrowing limits.  Entergy Texas has also obtained an order from the FERC authorizing long-term securities issuances through July 2013.
 
 
384

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

The rates that Entergy Texas charges for its services significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.  Entergy Texas is regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings.  The PUCT, a governmental agency, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

Filings with the PUCT

2009 Rate Case

In December 2009, Entergy Texas filed a rate case requesting a $198.7 million increase reflecting an 11.5% return on common equity based on an adjusted June 2009 test year.  The rate case also included a $2.8 million revenue requirement to provide supplemental funding for the decommissioning trust maintained for the 70% share of River Bend for which Entergy Texas retail customers are partially responsible, in response to an NRC notification of a projected shortfall of decommissioning funding assurance.  Beginning in May 2010, Entergy Texas implemented a $17.5 million interim rate increase, subject to refund.  Intervenors and PUCT Staff filed testimony recommending adjustments that would result in a maximum rate increase, based on the PUCT Staff’s testimony, of $58 million.

The parties filed a settlement in August 2010 intended to resolve the rate case proceeding.  The settlement provided for a $59 million base rate increase for electricity usage beginning August 15, 2010, with an additional increase of $9 million for bills rendered beginning May 2, 2011.  The settlement stipulated an authorized return on equity of 10.125%.  The settlement stated that Entergy Texas's fuel costs for the period April 2007 through June 2009 are reconciled, with $3.25 million of disallowed costs, which were included in an interim fuel refund.  The settlement also set River Bend decommissioning costs at $2.0 million annually.  Consistent with the settlement, in the third quarter 2010, Entergy Texas amortized $11 million of rate case costs.  The PUCT approved the settlement in December 2010.

2011 Rate Case

In November 2011, Entergy Texas filed a rate requesting a $112 million base rate increase reflecting a 10.6% return on common equity based on an adjusted June 2011 test year. The rate case also proposed a purchased power recovery rider.  On January 12, 2012, the PUCT voted not to address the purchased power recovery rider in the current rate case, but the PUCT voted to set a baseline in the rate case proceeding that would be applicable if a purchased power capacity rider is approved in a separate proceeding.  In April 2012 the PUCT Staff filed direct testimony recommending a base rate increase of $66 million and a 9.6% return on common equity.  The PUCT Staff, however, subsequently filed a statement of position in the proceeding indicating that it was still evaluating the position it would ultimately take in the case regarding Entergy Texas’s recovery of purchased power capacity costs and Entergy Texas’s proposal to defer its MISO transition expenses.  In April 2012, Entergy Texas filed rebuttal testimony indicating a revised request for a $105 million base rate increase.  A hearing was held in late-April through early-May 2012.

In September 2012, the PUCT issued an order approving a $28 million rate increase, effective July 2012.  The order includes a finding that “a return on common equity (ROE) of 9.80 percent will allow [Entergy Texas] a reasonable opportunity to earn a reasonable return on invested capital.”  The order also provides for increases in depreciation rates and the annual storm reserve accrual.  The order also reduced Entergy Texas’s proposed purchased power capacity costs, stating that they are not known and measureable; reduced Entergy Texas’s regulatory assets associated with Hurricane Rita; excluded from rate recovery capitalized financially-based incentive compensation; included $1.6 million of MISO transition expense in base rates, and reduced Entergy’s
 
 
385

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Texas’s fuel reconciliation recovery by $4.0 million because it disagreed with the line-loss factor used in the calculation.  After considering the progress of the proceeding in light of the PUCT order, Entergy Texas recorded in the third quarter 2012 an approximate $24 million charge to recognize that assets associated with Hurricane Rita, financially-based incentive compensation, and fuel recovery are no longer probable of recovery.  Entergy Texas continues to believe that it is entitled to recover these prudently incurred costs, however, and it filed a motion for rehearing regarding these and several other issues in the PUCT’s order on October 4, 2012.  Several other parties have also filed motions for rehearing of the PUCT’s order.  The PUCT subsequently denied rehearing of substantive issues.  Several parties, including Entergy Texas, have appealed the PUCT’s order to the Travis County District Court.

Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Recovery

Entergy Texas’s rate schedules include a fixed fuel factor to recover fuel and purchased power costs, including carrying charges, not recovered in base rates.  Semi-annual revisions of the fixed fuel factor are made in March and September based on the market price of natural gas and changes in fuel mix.  The amounts collected under Entergy Texas’s fixed fuel factor and any interim surcharge or refund are subject to fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT.

In October 2009, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $71 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through September 2009.  Entergy Texas requested that the proposed refund be made over a six-month period beginning January 2010.  Pursuant to a stipulation among the various parties, the PUCT issued an order approving a refund of $87.8 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery overcollections through October 2009.  The refund was made for most customers over a three-month period beginning January 2010.

In June 2010, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $66 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through May 2010.  In September 2010 the PUCT issued an order providing for a $77 million refund, including interest, for fuel cost recovery over-collections through June 2010.  The refund was made for most customers over a three-month period beginning with the September 2010 billing cycle.

In December 2010, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund fuel cost recovery over-collections through October 2010.  Pursuant to a stipulation among the parties that was approved by the PUCT in March 2011, Entergy Texas refunded over-collections through November 2010 of approximately $73 million, including interest through the refund period.  The refund was made for most customers over a three-month period that began with the February 2011 billing cycle.

In December 2011, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $43 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through October 2011.  Entergy Texas and the parties to the proceeding reached an agreement that Entergy Texas would refund $67 million, including interest and additional over-recoveries through December 2011, over a three-month period.  Entergy Texas and the parties requested that interim rates consistent with the settlement be approved effective with the March 2012 billing month, and the PUCT approved the application in March 2012.  Entergy Texas completed this refund to customers in May 2012.

In October 2012, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to refund approximately $78 million, including interest, of fuel cost recovery over-collections through September 2012.  Entergy Texas requested that the refund be implemented over a six-month period effective with the January 2013 billing month.  Entergy Texas and the parties to the proceeding reached an agreement that Entergy Texas would refund $84 million, including interest and additional over-recoveries through October 2012, over a three-month period to most customers beginning January 2013.  The PUCT approved the stipulation in January 2013.

In July 2012, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT an application to credit its customers approximately $37.5 million, including interest, resulting from the FERC’s October 2011 order in the System Agreement rough production cost equalization proceeding.  See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the FERC’s October 2011 order.  In September 2012 the parties submitted a stipulation resolving the proceeding.  The stipulation provides that most Entergy Texas customers will be credited over a four-month period beginning October 2012.  The credits were initiated with the October 2012 billing month on an interim basis, and the PUCT subsequently approved the stipulation, also in October 2012.

In November 2012, Entergy Texas filed a pleading seeking a PUCT finding that special circumstances exist for limited cost recovery of capacity costs associated with two power purchase agreements until such time that these costs are included in base rates or a purchased capacity recovery rider or other recovery mechanism.
 
 
386

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Federal Regulation

See “ Independent Coordinator of Transmission ”, “ System Agreement ”, “ Entergy’s Proposal to Join MISO ”, “ Notice to SERC Reliability Corporation Regarding Reliability Standards and FERC Investigation ”, and “ U.S. Department of Justice Investigation ” in the “ Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation – Federal Regulation ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of these topics.

Industrial and Commercial Customers

Entergy Texas’s large industrial and commercial customers continually explore ways to reduce their energy costs.  In particular, cogeneration is an option available to a portion of Entergy Texas’s industrial customer base.  Entergy Texas responds by working with industrial and commercial customers and negotiating electric service contracts to provide, under existing rate schedules, competitive rates that match specific customer needs and load profiles.  Entergy Texas actively participates in economic development, customer retention, and reclamation activities to increase industrial and commercial demand, from both new and existing customers.  Entergy Texas does not currently expect additional significant losses to cogeneration because of the current economics of the electricity markets and Entergy Texas’s marketing efforts in retaining industrial customers.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Texas’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that Entergy Texas is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Texas’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy Texas’s financial position or results of operations.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Entergy Texas records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period.  The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month.  Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period and fuel price fluctuations, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing
 
 
387

Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries’ Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension and qualified projected benefit obligation cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Qualified
 Projected
Benefit Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$940
 
$12,621
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$657
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$372
 
$2,083

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$452
 
$5,005
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$775
 
$4,676

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for Entergy Texas in 2012 was $10.4 million.  Entergy Texas anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $14 million.  Entergy Texas contributed $9.1 million to its qualified pension plans in 2012.  Entergy Texas’s contributions to the pension trust are currently estimated to be approximately $6.7 million in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Texas in 2012 were $6 million, including $1.3 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Texas expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $4.1 million, including $1.4 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  Entergy Texas contributed $4.9 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute approximately $5.2 million in 2013.

Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Beaumont, Texas


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of cash flows, and consolidated statements of changes in common equity (pages 390 through 394 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013

 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 1,581,496     $ 1,757,199     $ 1,690,431  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    243,877       352,022       343,083  
   Purchased power
    717,876       775,067       743,438  
   Other operation and maintenance
    233,503       214,191       209,699  
Taxes other than income taxes
    59,348       69,329       63,897  
Depreciation and amortization
    88,307       79,263       76,057  
Other regulatory charges - net
    68,772       52,307       63,683  
TOTAL
    1,411,683       1,542,179       1,499,857  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    169,813       215,020       190,574  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    4,537       3,781       5,661  
Interest and investment income
    (2,220 )     5,528       7,222  
Miscellaneous - net
    (4,264 )     (3,047 )     (3,220 )
TOTAL
    (1,947 )     6,262       9,663  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    96,035       93,554       95,272  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (3,258 )     (2,609 )     (3,618 )
TOTAL
    92,777       90,945       91,654  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    75,089       130,337       108,583  
                         
Income taxes
    33,118       49,492       42,383  
                         
NET INCOME
  $ 41,971     $ 80,845     $ 66,200  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 41,971     $ 80,845     $ 66,200  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
                 
  Depreciation and amortization
    88,307       79,263       76,057  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    123,167       56,219       63,418  
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
    Receivables
    32,912       (39,640 )     (41,820 )
    Fuel inventory
    (1,504 )     (12 )     1,085  
    Accounts payable
    19,980       (11,442 )     23,415  
    Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued
    (93,979 )     11,760       (49,030 )
    Interest accrued
    (929 )     (582 )     3,102  
    Deferred fuel costs
    28,670       (12,766 )     (25,318 )
    Other working capital accounts
    (58,691 )     42,518       (115,753 )
    Provisions for estimated losses
    1,585       (296 )     (3,390 )
    Other regulatory assets
    62,166       (15,611 )     51,637  
    Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    17,330       64,686       (5,998 )
    Other assets and liabilities
    10,096       (16,105 )     (510 )
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    271,081       238,837       43,095  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (181,404 )     (173,462 )     (162,822 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    4,537       3,781       5,661  
Insurance proceeds
    -       -       5,293  
Change in money pool receivable - net
    44,016       (49,519 )     55,645  
Increase in other investments
    -       -       2,318  
Remittances to transition charge account
    (88,367 )     (92,786 )     (89,939 )
Payments from transition charge account
    92,327       92,203       62,405  
Other
    (13 )     -       -  
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (128,904 )     (219,783 )     (121,439 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    -       74,092       198,435  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (59,322 )     (57,419 )     (199,052 )
Dividends paid:
                       
  Common stock
    (87,180 )     (5,780 )     (86,400 )
Other
    (728 )     -       -  
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    (147,230 )     10,893       (87,017 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,053 )     29,947       (165,361 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    65,289       35,342       200,703  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 60,236     $ 65,289     $ 35,342  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 92,632     $ 89,792     $ 87,147  
  Income taxes
  $ (2,207 )   $ (13,538 )   $ 48,713  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 528     $ 150  
   Temporary cash investments
    59,708       65,139  
    Total cash and cash equivalents
    60,236       65,289  
Securitization recovery trust account
    37,255       41,215  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Customer
    53,836       68,290  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (680 )     (1,461 )
  Associated companies
    68,750       129,561  
  Other
    10,450       9,573  
  Accrued unbilled revenues
    38,252       41,573  
    Total accounts receivable
    170,608       247,536  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    34,988       88,436  
Fuel inventory - at average cost
    55,388       53,884  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    32,853       29,810  
System agreement cost equalization
    16,880       -  
Prepaid taxes
    53,668       -  
Prepayments and other
    18,206       15,203  
TOTAL
    480,082       541,373  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Investments in affiliates - at equity
    678       783  
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)
    638       930  
Other
    17,263       17,969  
TOTAL
    18,579       19,682  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    3,475,776       3,338,608  
Construction work in progress
    90,469       90,856  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    3,566,245       3,429,464  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    1,332,349       1,289,166  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    2,233,896       2,140,298  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    131,287       129,924  
  Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property
       of $648,863 as of December 31, 2012 and
       $704,896 as of December 31, 2011)
    1,114,536       1,178,067  
Long-term receivables - associated companies
    29,510       31,254  
Other
    17,891       18,408  
TOTAL
    1,293,224       1,357,653  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 4,025,781     $ 4,059,006  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               



ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Accounts payable:
           
  Associated companies
  $ 88,743     $ 60,583  
  Other
    65,261       69,160  
Customer deposits
    38,859       38,294  
Taxes accrued
    -       40,311  
Interest accrued
    32,166       33,095  
Deferred fuel costs
    93,334       64,664  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    853       1,029  
System agreement cost equalization
    8,968       43,290  
Other
    2,839       4,847  
TOTAL
    331,023       355,273  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    1,009,081       934,990  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    17,743       19,339  
Other regulatory liabilities
    6,150       11,710  
Asset retirement cost liabilities
    4,103       3,870  
Accumulated provisions
    6,609       5,024  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    155,241       137,735  
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of
       $690,380 as of December 31, 2012 and
       $749,673 as of December 31, 2011)
    1,617,813       1,677,127  
Other
    23,872       14,583  
TOTAL
    2,840,612       2,804,378  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
COMMON EQUITY
               
Common stock, no par value, authorized 200,000,000 shares;
               
  issued and outstanding 46,525,000 shares in 2012 and 2011
    49,452       49,452  
Paid-in capital
    481,994       481,994  
Retained earnings
    322,700       367,909  
TOTAL
    854,146       899,355  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 4,025,781     $ 4,059,006  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               



 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                         
   
Common Equity
       
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
             
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 49,452     $ 481,994     $ 313,044     $ 844,490  
Net income
    -       -       66,200       66,200  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (86,400 )     (86,400 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 49,452     $ 481,994     $ 292,844     $ 824,290  
Net income
    -       -       80,845       80,845  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (5,780 )     (5,780 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 49,452     $ 481,994     $ 367,909     $ 899,355  
Net income
    -       -       41,971       41,971  
Common stock dividends
    -       -       (87,180 )     (87,180 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 49,452     $ 481,994     $ 322,700     $ 854,146  
                                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                         
                                 
 

 

 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 1,581,496     $ 1,757,199     $ 1,690,431     $ 1,563,823     $ 2,012,258  
Net Income
  $ 41,971     $ 80,845     $ 66,200     $ 63,841     $ 57,895  
Total assets
  $ 4,025,781     $ 4,059,006     $ 3,783,864     $ 3,920,133     $ 3,984,771  
Long-term obligations (1)
  $ 1,617,813     $ 1,677,127     $ 1,659,230     $ 1,490,283     $ 1,084,368  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt)
                 
                                         
      2012       2011       2010       2009       2008  
   
(Dollars In Millions)
 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                                       
  Residential
  $ 553     $ 638     $ 559     $ 533     $ 606  
  Commercial
    325       369       321       337       417  
  Industrial
    299       352       305       332       489  
  Governmental
    24       26       23       23       27  
     Total retail
    1,201       1,385       1,208       1,225       1,539  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    313       262       373       294       436  
     Non-associated companies
    36       74       76       10       6  
  Other
    31       36       33       35       31  
     Total
  $ 1,581     $ 1,757     $ 1,690     $ 1,564     $ 2,012  
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):
                                 
  Residential
    5,604       6,034       5,958       5,453       5,245  
  Commercial
    4,396       4,433       4,271       4,165       4,092  
  Industrial
    6,066       6,102       5,642       5,570       5,948  
  Governmental
    278       294       271       258       248  
     Total retail
    16,344       16,863       16,142       15,446       15,533  
  Sales for resale:
                                       
     Associated companies
    5,702       4,158       3,758       3,630       3,771  
     Non-associated companies
    827       1,258       1,300       231       87  
     Total
    22,873       22,279       21,200       19,307       19,391  
                                         
                                         
 


SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

System Energy’s principal asset currently consists of an ownership interest and a leasehold interest in Grand Gulf.  The capacity and energy from its 90% interest is sold under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to its only four customers, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans.  System Energy’s operating revenues are derived from the allocation of the capacity, energy, and related costs associated with its 90% interest in Grand Gulf pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.  Payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are System Energy’s only source of operating revenues.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2012 Compared to 2011

Net income increased $47.7 million primarily due to increased operating income, higher other income, and a lower effective income tax rate.  Operating income was higher because of higher rate base compared to 2011 resulting from the Grand Gulf uprate project.  Other income was higher due to AFUDC accrued on the Grand Gulf uprate project.  Grand Gulf’s spring 2012 refueling outage was completed in June 2012, and the majority of uprate-related capital improvements were completed during this outage.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net income decreased $18.4 million primarily due to an increase in the effective income tax rate.  A decrease in operating income was offset by an increase in other income and a decrease in interest expense, which led to a slight increase in income before income taxes.  Operating income was lower because of lower rate base compared to 2010.  Other income was higher and interest expense was lower primarily because of AFUDC accrued on the Grand Gulf uprate project.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2012, 2011, and 2010 were 40.8%, 53.9%, and 40.4%, respectively.  The increase in the rate for 2011 is primarily due to an intercompany settle up for federal income taxes for years prior to 2008 which include an allocation of the tax benefit of Entergy Corporation’s expenses to the subsidiaries generating taxable income for the respective years. The effects of various tax positions settled with the IRS pertaining to the 2006/2007 audit require System Energy to pay back prior benefits of the Entergy Corporation’s expenses it received when the benefits were originally allocated based upon the tax return as filed.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows.

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 185,157     $ 263,772     $ 264,482  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
    412,000       430,681       250,405  
Investing activities
    (502,637 )     (311,397 )     (184,588 )
Financing activities
    (10,898 )     (197,899 )     (66,527 )
  Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (101,535 )     (78,615 )     (710 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 83,622     $ 185,157     $ 263,772  

 
396

System Energy Resources, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $18.7 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to a decrease of $44.1 million in income tax refunds, partially offset by a decrease of $18.6 million in pension contributions.  The income tax refunds of $56.8 million in 2012 resulted primarily from a decrease of previously estimated 2011 taxable income due to the recognition of additional bonus depreciation.  See Critical Accounting Estimates below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $180.3 million in 2011 primarily due to income tax refunds of $100.9 million in 2011 compared to income tax payments of $56 million in 2010.  In 2011, System Energy received cash refunds in accordance with the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement.  The refunds result from a decrease in 2010 taxable income from what was previously estimated because of the recognition of additional repair expenses for tax purposes associated with a tax accounting change filed in 2010 and from the reversal of temporary differences for which System Energy previously made cash tax payments.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $191.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to an increase in construction expenditures resulting from the uprate project at Grand Gulf and an increase of $94.3 million in nuclear fuel activity primarily due to the 2012 Grand Gulf refueling outage.  The increase was partially offset by money pool activity.

Decreases in System Energy’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and System Energy’s receivable from the money pool decreased $93.5 million in 2012 compared to increasing by $22.5 million in 2011.  The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $126.8 million in 2011 primarily due to:

·  
the proceeds from the transfer of $100.3 million in new nuclear development costs in the first quarter 2010.  System Energy invested, through its subsidiary Entergy New Nuclear Development, LLC, in initial development costs for potential new nuclear development at the Grand Gulf and River Bend sites, including licensing and design activities.  In the first quarter 2010, the construction work in progress incurred by Entergy New Nuclear Development, LLC was transferred to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi;
·  
an increase in construction expenditures resulting primarily from spending on the uprate project at Grand Gulf;
·  
the repayment in 2010 of $25.6 million by Entergy New Orleans of a note issued in resolution of its bankruptcy proceedings; and
·  
money pool activity.

The increase was partially offset by a decrease in nuclear fuel purchases due to the timing of refueling outages.

Increases in System Energy’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and System Energy’s receivable from the money pool increased by $22.5 million in 2011 compared to increasing by $7.4 million in 2010.
 
Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $187 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to:

·  
the issuance of $250 million of 4.10% Series first mortgage bonds in September 2012;
·  
the issuance of $50 million of 4.02% Series H notes by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in February 2012;
 
 
 
397

System Energy Resources, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


·  
an increase in borrowings of $40 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2012 compared to the repayment of borrowings of $38.3 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2011;
·  
the redemption of $152.975 million of pollution control revenue bonds in 2012;
·  
the redemption of $70 million of 6.2% Series first mortgage bonds in October 2012; and
·  
the partial redemption of $40 million of 6.2% pollution control revenue bonds in 2011.

Net cash used in financing activities increased $131.4 million in 2011 primarily due to the issuance of $60 million of 5.33% Series G notes by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity in 2010, the repayment of borrowings of $38.3 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2011 compared to an increase in borrowings of $20.3 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2010, and the partial retirement of $40 million of 6.2% pollution control bonds in 2011.  The increase was slightly offset by a $24.2 million decrease in dividends paid on common stock.

See Note 5 to the financial statements for details of long-term debt.

Capital Structure

System Energy’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.

   
December 31,
 2012
 
December 31,
2011
         
Debt to capital
 
48.5% 
 
48.3% 
Effect of subtracting cash
 
(2.8%)
 
(7.1%)
Net debt to net capital
 
45.7% 
 
41.2% 

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Debt consists of notes payable and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion.  Capital consists of debt and common equity.  Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents.  System Energy uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating System Energy’s financial condition.

Uses of Capital

System Energy requires capital resources for:

·  
construction and other capital investments;
·  
debt maturities or retirements;
·  
working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel costs; and
·  
dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of System Energy’s planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations (includes estimated interest payments), and other purchase obligations.

 
2013
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
After 2017
 
Total
 
 
(In Millions)
Planned construction and capital investment (1):
               
  Generation
$21
 
$64
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$85
 
  Other
2
 
2
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
4
 
  Total
$23
 
$66
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
$89
 
Long-term debt (2)
$151
 
$218
 
$98
 
$574
 
$1,041
 
Purchase obligations (3)
$-
 
$23
 
$24
 
$79
 
$126
 

(1)
Includes approximately $17 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment, or systems.   The planned amounts do not include material costs for capital projects that might result from the NRC post-Fukushima requirements that remain under development.
 
 
398

System Energy Resources, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


(2)
Includes estimated interest payments.  Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements.
(3)
Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services.  For System Energy, it includes nuclear fuel purchase obligations.

In addition to the contractual obligations given above, System Energy expects to contribute approximately $7.6 million to its pension plans and approximately $4.1 million to its other postretirement plans in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.  See " Critical Accounting Estimates – Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits " below for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.

Also in addition to the contractual obligations, System Energy has $10.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits and interest net of unused tax attributes and payments for which the timing of payments beyond 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated due to uncertainties in the timing of effective settlement of tax positions.  See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, System Energy dividends its earnings to Entergy Corporation at a percentage determined monthly.  Currently, all of System Energy’s retained earnings are available for distribution.

Sources of Capital

System Energy’s sources to meet its capital requirements include:

·  
internally generated funds;
·  
cash on hand;
·  
debt issuances; and
·  
bank financing under new or existing facilities.

System Energy may refinance, redeem, or otherwise retire debt prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common stock issuances by System Energy require prior regulatory approval.  Debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in its bond indentures and other agreements.  System Energy has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

System Energy has obtained a short-term borrowing authorization from the FERC under which it may borrow, through October 2013, up to the aggregate amount, at any one time outstanding, of $200 million.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion of System Energy’s short-term borrowing limits.  System Energy has also obtained an order from the FERC authorizing long-term securities issuances.  The current long-term authorization extends through July 2013.  System Energy has obtained long-term financing authorization from the FERC that extends through November 2013 for issuances by its nuclear fuel company variable interest entity.
 
System Energy’s receivables from the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years .

2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
(In Thousands)
             
$26,915
 
$120,424
 
$97,948
 
$90,507

See Note 4 to the financial statements for a description of the money pool.

The System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $100 million scheduled to expire in July 2013.  As of December 31, 2012, $40 million was outstanding on the variable interest entity credit facility.  See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the variable interest entity credit facilities.
 
 
399

System Energy Resources, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Nuclear Matters

System Energy owns and operates Grand Gulf.  System Energy is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating a nuclear plant.  These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, regulatory requirement changes, including changes resulting from events at other plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts.  In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of Grand Gulf, System Energy may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.  Grand Gulf’s operating license is currently due to expire in November 2024.  In October 2011, System Energy filed an application with the NRC for an extension of Grand Gulf’s operating license to 2045, which application is pending.

After the nuclear incident in Japan resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the NRC established a task force to conduct a review of processes and regulations relating to nuclear facilities in the United States.  The task force issued a near-term (90-day) report in July 2011 that made initial recommendations, which were subsequently refined and prioritized after input from stakeholders.  The task force then issued a second report in September 2011.  Based upon the task force’s recommendations, the NRC issued three orders effective on March 12, 2012.  The three orders require U.S. nuclear operators, including Entergy, to undertake plant modifications or perform additional analyses that will, among other things, result in increased operating and capital costs associated with operating Entergy’s nuclear plants.  The NRC, with input from the industry, is in the process of determining the specific actions required by the orders and an estimate of the increased costs cannot be made at this time.

Environmental Risks

System Energy’s facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.  Management believes that System Energy is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations.  Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of System Energy’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and there is the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material impact on the presentation of System Energy’s financial position or results of operations.
 
Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

See “ Nuclear Decommissioning Costs ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for discussion of the estimates inherent in accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs.

In the first quarter 2011, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study.  The revised estimate resulted in a $38.9 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related regulatory asset. 
 
 
400

System Energy Resources, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees.  Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age and meet certain eligibility requirements while still working for Entergy.  Entergy’s reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms.  See the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.  Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy’s estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of qualified pension cost and qualified projected benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Qualified Pension Cost
 
Impact on Projected
Qualified Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$939
 
$10,978
Rate of return on plan assets
 
(0.25%)
 
$483
 
$-
Rate of increase in compensation
 
0.25%
 
$375
 
$2,149

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands).

 
 
Actuarial Assumption
 
 
Change in
Assumption
 
 
Impact on 2012
Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation
       
Increase/(Decrease)
   
             
Discount rate
 
(0.25%)
 
$360
 
$2,859
Health care cost trend
 
0.25%
 
$490
 
$2,665

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Costs and Funding

Total qualified pension cost for System Energy in 2012 was $11.5 million.  System Energy anticipates 2013 qualified pension cost to be $11.9 million.  System Energy contributed $9.8 million to its qualified pension plans in 2012 and expects to contribute approximately $7.6 million in 2013 although the required pension contributions will not be known with more certainty until the January 1, 2013 valuations are completed by April 1, 2013.
 
Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for System Energy in 2012 were $5.6 million, including $1.4 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  System Energy expects 2013 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $5.1 million, including $1.6 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.  System Energy contributed $6 million to its other postretirement plans in 2012 and expects to contribute $4.1 million in 2013.
 
 
401

System Energy Resources, Inc.
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis


Federal Healthcare Legislation

See the “ Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Federal Healthcare Legislation ” in the “ Critical Accounting Estimates ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of Federal Healthcare Legislation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “ New Accounting Pronouncements ” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
System Energy Resources, Inc.
Jackson, Mississippi


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in common equity (pages 404 through 408 and applicable items in pages 57 through 204) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of System Energy Resources, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013


 
 
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
                 
Electric
  $ 622,118     $ 563,411     $ 558,584  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Operation and Maintenance:
                       
   Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and
                       
     gas purchased for resale
    62,918       76,353       69,962  
   Nuclear refueling outage expenses
    21,824       16,314       17,398  
   Other operation and maintenance
    149,346       136,495       124,690  
Decommissioning
    33,019       31,460       31,374  
Taxes other than income taxes
    19,468       21,425       23,412  
Depreciation and amortization
    154,561       142,543       138,641  
Other regulatory credits - net
    (10,429 )     (11,781 )     (12,040 )
TOTAL
    430,707       412,809       393,437  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    191,411       150,602       165,147  
                         
OTHER INCOME
                       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    26,102       22,359       9,892  
Interest and investment income
    10,134       8,294       12,639  
Miscellaneous - net
    (617 )     (699 )     (518 )
TOTAL
    35,619       29,954       22,013  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
    45,214       48,117       51,912  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (7,165 )     (6,711 )     (3,425 )
TOTAL
    38,049       41,406       48,487  
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    188,981       139,150       138,673  
                         
Income taxes
    77,115       74,953       56,049  
                         
NET INCOME
  $ 111,866     $ 64,197     $ 82,624  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 111,866     $ 64,197     $ 82,624  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:
                 
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization
    235,881       229,715       219,552  
  Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued
    43,651       14,923       (1,536 )
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
    Receivables
    (12,557 )     (5,512 )     (728 )
    Accounts payable
    (10,511 )     17,275       (14,351 )
    Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued
    89,022       160,494       1,327  
    Interest accrued
    (2,157 )     (38,305 )     3,503  
    Other working capital accounts
    (22,917 )     11,260       (15,287 )
    Provisions for estimated losses
    -       -       (2,009 )
    Other regulatory assets
    (44,004 )     10,874       (4,948 )
    Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    2,898       34,474       29,797  
    Other assets and liabilities
    20,828       (68,714 )     (47,539 )
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    412,000       430,681       250,405  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Construction expenditures
    (450,236 )     (234,753 )     (156,766 )
Proceeds from the transfer of development costs
    -       -       100,280  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    26,102       22,359       9,892  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (194,314 )     (59,755 )     (129,504 )
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel
    52,708       12,420       -  
Changes in other investments
    -       -       25,560  
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales
    349,427       203,444       322,789  
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds
    (379,833 )     (232,636 )     (349,398 )
Change in money pool receivable - net
    93,509       (22,476 )     (7,441 )
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (502,637 )     (311,397 )     (184,588 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
    297,908       -       55,385  
Retirement of long-term debt
    (262,867 )     (78,161 )     (41,715 )
Changes in credit borrowings - net
    39,986       (38,264 )     20,003  
Dividends paid:
                       
  Common stock
    (79,700 )     (76,000 )     (100,200 )
Other
    (6,225 )     (5,474 )     -  
Net cash flow used in financing activities
    (10,898 )     (197,899 )     (66,527 )
                         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (101,535 )     (78,615 )     (710 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    185,157       263,772       264,482  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 83,622     $ 185,157     $ 263,772  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
                       
  Interest - net of amount capitalized
  $ 34,012     $ 40,719     $ 35,540  
  Income taxes
  $ (56,808 )   $ (100,889 )   $ 55,963  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       



 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Cash
  $ 100     $ 30,961  
  Temporary cash investments
    83,522       154,196  
        Total cash and cash equivalents
    83,622       185,157  
Accounts receivable:
               
  Associated companies
    93,381       172,943  
  Other
    5,904       7,294  
    Total accounts receivable
    99,285       180,237  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    74,331       -  
Materials and supplies - at average cost
    82,443       86,333  
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs
    35,155       9,479  
Prepayments and other
    2,080       1,111  
TOTAL
    376,916       462,317  
                 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
               
Decommissioning trust funds
    490,572       423,409  
TOTAL
    490,572       423,409  
                 
UTILITY PLANT
               
Electric
    3,987,672       3,438,424  
Property under capital lease
    569,355       491,023  
Construction work in progress
    40,392       357,826  
Nuclear fuel
    252,682       157,967  
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT
    4,850,101       4,445,240  
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization
    2,568,862       2,518,190  
UTILITY PLANT - NET
    2,281,239       1,927,050  
                 
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS
               
Regulatory assets:
               
  Regulatory asset for income taxes - net
    126,503       124,777  
  Other regulatory assets
    330,074       287,796  
Other
    18,212       20,016  
TOTAL
    474,789       432,589  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,623,516     $ 3,245,365  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               



SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
             
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Currently maturing long-term debt
  $ 111,854     $ 110,163  
Short-term borrowings
    39,986       -  
Accounts payable:
               
  Associated companies
    5,564       8,032  
  Other
    44,433       63,331  
Taxes accrued
    181,477       92,455  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    1,789       3,428  
Interest accrued
    15,619       17,776  
Other
    2,429       2,591  
TOTAL
    403,151       297,776  
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued
    782,469       652,418  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    56,188       57,865  
Other regulatory liabilities
    256,024       214,745  
Decommissioning
    478,371       445,352  
Pension and other postretirement liabilities
    142,617       139,719  
Long-term debt
    671,945       636,885  
Other
    22       42  
TOTAL
    2,387,636       2,147,026  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
COMMON EQUITY
               
Common stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares;
               
  issued and outstanding 789,350 shares in 2012 and 2011
    789,350       789,350  
Retained earnings
    43,379       11,213  
TOTAL
    832,729       800,563  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 3,623,516     $ 3,245,365  
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               



 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
                   
   
Common Equity
       
   
Common Stock
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                   
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 789,350     $ 40,592     $ 829,942  
Net income
    -       82,624       82,624  
Common stock dividends
    -       (100,200 )     (100,200 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 789,350     $ 23,016     $ 812,366  
Net income
    -       64,197       64,197  
Common stock dividends
    -       (76,000 )     (76,000 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 789,350     $ 11,213     $ 800,563  
Net income
    -       111,866       111,866  
Common stock dividends
    -       (79,700 )     (79,700 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 789,350     $ 43,379     $ 832,729  
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       
                         
                         
 


 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
 
                               
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 622,118     $ 563,411     $ 558,584     $ 554,007     $ 528,998  
Net Income
  $ 111,866     $ 64,197     $ 82,624     $ 48,908     $ 91,067  
Total assets
  $ 3,623,516     $ 3,245,365     $ 3,224,070     $ 3,135,651     $ 2,945,390  
Long-term obligations (1)
  671,945     $ 636,885     $ 796,728     $ 728,253     $ 832,697  
Electric energy sales (GWh)
    6,602       9,293       8,692       9,898       8,475  
                                         
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
 
                                         
                                         
 


Item 2.    Properties

Information regarding the registrant’s properties is included in Part I. Item 1. - Business under the sections titled “ Utility - Property and Other Generation Resources ” and “ Entergy Wholesale Commodities - Property ” in this report.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

Details of the registrant’s material environmental regulation and proceedings and other regulatory proceedings and litigation that are pending or those terminated in the fourth quarter of 2012 are discussed in Part I. Item 1. - Business under the sections titled “ Retail Rate Regulation ”, “ Environmental Regulation ”, and  “ Litigation ” and " Impairment of Long-Lived Assets " in Note 1 to the financial statements in this report.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.


Executive Officers

Name
Age
Position
 
Period
         
Leo P. Denault (a)(b)
53
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2013-Present
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2004-2013
   
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and System Energy
 
2004-2013
   
Director of Entergy Texas
 
2007-2013
   
Director of Entergy New Orleans
 
2011-2013
         
J. Wayne Leonard (a)(b)
62
Chairman of the Board of Entergy Corporation
 
2006-2013
   
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Entergy Corporation
 
1999-2013
         
William M. Mohl(a)(b)
53
President, Entergy Wholesale Commodity Business of Entergy Corporation
 
2013-Present
   
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2010-2013
   
Director of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2010-2013
   
Vice President, System Planning of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2007-2010
         
Richard J. Smith (a)(b)
61
President, Entergy Wholesale Commodity Business of Entergy Corporation
 
2010-2013
   
President and Chief Operating Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2007-2010
         
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. (a)
54
Group President Utility Operations of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy Texas
 
2012-Present
   
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Texas
 
2012-Present
 
 
 
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and System Energy
 
2007-2012
         
Andrew S. Marsh (a)(b)
40
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2013-Present
   
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Texas and System Energy
 
2013-Present
   
Vice President, System Planning of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2010-2013
   
Vice President, Planning and Financial Communications of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2007-2010
         
Mark T. Savoff (a)
56
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2010-Present
   
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi
 
2004-Present
   
Director of Entergy Texas
 
2007-Present
   
Director of Entergy New Orleans
 
2011-Present
   
Executive Vice President, Operations of Entergy Corporation
 
2004-2010
         
Roderick K. West (a)
44
Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2010-Present
   
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans
 
2007-2010
   
Director of Entergy New Orleans
 
2005-2011
         
E. Renae Conley (a)
55
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration of Entergy Corporation
 
2011-Present
   
Executive Vice President of Entergy Corporation
 
2010-2011
   
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2000-2010
   
Director of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2000-2010
         
Jeffrey S. Forbes(a)(c)
56
Executive Vice President, Nuclear Operations/Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2013-Present
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2013-Present
   
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of System Energy
 
2013-Present
   
Senior Vice President, Nuclear Operations of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2011-2013
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Entergy Operations, Inc.
 
2003-2011
         
John T. Herron (a)(c)
59
Nuclear Advisor
 
2013-Present
   
President and Chief Executive Officer Nuclear Operations/ Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy Corporation
 
2009-2013
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Texas
 
2010-2013
 
 
   
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of System Energy
 
2009-2013
   
Senior Vice President, Nuclear Operations
 
2007-2009
         
Marcus V. Brown (a)
51
Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and System Energy
 
2012-Present
   
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2009-2012
   
Associate General Counsel of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2007-2009
         
Alyson M. Mount (a)
42
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and System Energy
 
2012-Present
   
Vice President Corporate Controller of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2010-2012
   
Director, Corporate Reporting and Accounting Policy of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2002-2010
         

(a)
In addition, this officer is an executive officer and/or director of various other wholly owned subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation and its operating companies.
(b)
Mr. Leonard and Mr. Smith retired from the positions indicated effective January 31, 2013.  Messrs. Denault, Marsh and Mohl assumed their new roles on February 1, 2013.
(c)
Mr. Herron resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer Nuclear Operations/Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy Corporation effective January 2, 2013.  He has advised Entergy that he intends to retire from his current position effective March 31, 2013.

Each officer of Entergy Corporation is elected yearly by the Board of Directors.

PART II

Item 5.   Market for Registrants’ Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Entergy Corporation

The shares of Entergy Corporation’s common stock are listed on the New York Stock and Chicago Stock Exchanges under the ticker symbol ETR.

The high and low prices of Entergy Corporation’s common stock for each quarterly period in 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 
2012
 
2011
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
(In Dollars)
               
First
73.66
 
66.23
 
74.50
 
64.72
Second
68.20
 
62.97
 
70.40
 
65.15
Third
74.50
 
67.07
 
69.14
 
57.60
Fourth
72.98
 
61.55
 
74.00
 
62.66

Consecutive quarterly cash dividends on common stock were paid to stockholders of Entergy Corporation in 2012 and 2011.  Quarterly dividends of $0.83 per share were paid in 2012 and 2011.

As of January 31, 2013, there were 32,959 stockholders of record of Entergy Corporation.
 
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (1)

Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of a
Publicly
Announced Plan
 
Maximum $
Amount
of Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under a Plan (2)
                 
10/01/2012-10/31/2012
 
-
 
$-
 
-
 
$350,052,918
11/01/2012-11/30/2012
 
-
 
$-
 
-
 
$350,052,918
12/01/2012-12/31/2012
 
-
 
$-
 
-
 
$350,052,918
Total
 
-
 
$-
 
-
   

In accordance with Entergy’s stock-based compensation plans, Entergy periodically grants stock options to key employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy’s common stock.  According to the plans, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market.  Entergy’s management has been authorized by the Board to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans.  In October 2010 the Board granted authority for an additional $500 million share repurchase program.  The amount of share repurchases under these programs may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending or new investment opportunities.  In addition, in the first quarter 2012, Entergy withheld 20,110 shares of its common stock at $70.62 per share to pay taxes due upon vesting of restricted stock granted as part of its long-term incentive program.

(1)
See Note 12 to the financial statements for additional discussion of the stock-based compensation plans.
(2)
Maximum amount of shares that may yet be repurchased does not include an estimate of the amount of shares that may be purchased to fund the exercise of grants under the stock-based compensation plans.

Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy

There is no market for the common stock of Entergy Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiaries.  Cash dividends on common stock paid by the Registrant Subsidiaries during 2012 and 2011, were as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
   
(In Millions)
         
Entergy Arkansas
 
$10.0
 
$117.8
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
 
$114.2
 
$302.0
Entergy Louisiana
 
$15.6
 
$358.2
Entergy Mississippi
 
$-
 
$3.3
Entergy New Orleans
 
$1.7
 
$42.0
Entergy Texas
 
$87.2
 
$5.8
System Energy
 
$79.7
 
$76.0

Information with respect to restrictions that limit the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to pay dividends is presented in Note 7 to the financial statements.



Item 6.     Selected Financial Data

Refer to “SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C., ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC, ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC., ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC., ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, and SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.” which follow each company’s financial statements in this report, for information with respect to selected financial data and certain operating statistics.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Refer to “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY GULF STATES, LOUISIANA, L.L.C., ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC, ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC., ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC., ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, and SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.”

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Refer to “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments .”

Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Refer to “TABLE OF CONTENTS - Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc.”

Item 9.  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure

No event that would be described in response to this item has occurred with respect to Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, or System Energy.

Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2012, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy (individually “Registrant” and collectively the “Registrants”) management, including their respective Principal Executive Officers (PEO) and Principal Financial Officers (PFO).  The evaluations assessed the effectiveness of the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on the evaluations, each PEO and PFO has concluded that, as to the Registrant or Registrants for which they serve as PEO or PFO, the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by each Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and that the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are also effective in reasonably assuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s or Registrants’ management, including their respective PEOs and PFOs, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.



Internal Control over Financial Reporting

(Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The managements of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy (individually “Registrant” and collectively the “Registrants”) are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Registrants.  Each Registrant’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of each Registrant’s financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Each Registrant’s management assessed the effectiveness of each Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.  In making this assessment, each management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework.

Based on each management’s assessment and the criteria set forth by COSO, each Registrant’s management believes that each Registrant maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.

The Registrants’ registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on each Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Under the supervision and with the participation of each Registrant’s management, including its respective PEO and PFO, each Registrant evaluated changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 and found no change that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.



Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control —Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control —Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Corporation and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Little Rock, Arkansas

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Members of
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Members of
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Jackson, Mississippi

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Beaumont, Texas

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
System Energy Resources, Inc.
Jackson, Mississippi

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013


 

PART III

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)

Information required by this item concerning directors of Entergy Corporation is set forth under the heading “Item 1 – Election of Directors” contained in the Proxy Statement of Entergy Corporation, to be filed in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 3, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

All officers and directors listed below held the specified positions with their respective companies as of the date of filing this report, unless otherwise noted.


Name
Age
Position
 
Period
         
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
         
Directors
       
         
Hugh T. McDonald
54
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas
 
2000-Present
   
Director of Entergy Arkansas
 
2000-Present
         
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
         
Officers
       
         
Marcus V. Brown
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
E. Renae Conley
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Jeffrey S. Forbes
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
John T. Herron
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
J. Wayne Leonard
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Hugh T. McDonald
 
See information under the Entergy Arkansas Directors Section above.
   
Alyson M. Mount
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Roderick K. West
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.
         
Directors
       
         
Phillip R. May, Jr.
50
Director of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2013-Present
   
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
 
2013-Present
   
Vice President, Regulatory Services of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2002-2013
         
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
William M. Mohl
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
         
 
 
 
 
Officers
       
         
Marcus V. Brown
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
E. Renae Conley
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Jeffrey S. Forbes
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
John T. Herron
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
J. Wayne Leonard
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Phillip R. May, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana Directors Section above.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
William M. Mohl
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Alyson M. Mount
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Roderick K. West
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC
         
Directors
       
         
Phillip R. May, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana Directors Section above.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
William M. Mohl
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
         
Officers
       
         
Marcus V. Brown
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
E. Renae Conley
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Jeffrey S. Forbes
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
John T. Herron
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
J. Wayne Leonard
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Phillip R. May, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Gulf States Louisiana Directors Section above.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
William M. Mohl
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Alyson M. Mount
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Roderick K. West
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
         
Directors
       
         
Haley R. Fisackerly
47
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi
 
2008-Present
   
Director of Entergy Mississippi
 
2008-Present
   
Vice President, Nuclear Government Affairs of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2007-2008
         
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
 
 
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

Officers
       
         
Marcus V. Brown
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
E. Renae Conley
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
See information under the Entergy Mississippi Directors Section above.
   
J. Wayne Leonard
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Alyson M. Mount
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Roderick K. West
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
         
Directors
       
         
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
48
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans
 
2010-Present
   
Director of Entergy New Orleans
 
2010-Present
   
Director, Utility Strategy of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2009-2010
   
Law Partner in the firm of Barrasso, Usdin, Kupperman, Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C.
 
2005-2009
         
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

Officers
       
         
Marcus V. Brown
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
E. Renae Conley
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
J. Wayne Leonard
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Alyson M. Mount
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy New Orleans Directors Section above.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Roderick K. West
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   

ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
         
Directors
       
         
Sallie T. Rainer
51
Director of Entergy Texas
 
2012-Present
   
President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Texas
 
2012-Present
   
Vice President, Federal Policy of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2011-2012
   
Director, Regulatory Affairs and Energy Settlements of Entergy Services, Inc.
 
2006-2011
         
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   



Officers
       
         
Marcus V. Brown
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
E. Renae Conley
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Leo P. Denault
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
J. Wayne Leonard
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Andrew S. Marsh
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Alyson M. Mount
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Sallie T. Rainer
 
See information under the Entergy Texas Directors Section above.
   
Mark T. Savoff
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   
Roderick K. West
 
See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.
   


Each director and officer of the applicable Entergy company is elected yearly to serve by the unanimous consent of the sole stockholder with the exception of the directors and officers of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. and Entergy Louisiana, LLC, who are elected yearly to serve by the unanimous consent of the sole common membership owners, EGS Holdings, Inc. and Entergy Louisiana Holdings, respectively.  Entergy Corporation’s directors are elected annually at the annual meeting of shareholders.  Entergy Corporation’s officers are elected at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters

Each of the Audit, Corporate Governance, and Personnel Committees of Entergy Corporation’s Board of Directors operates under a written charter.  In addition, the full Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines.  Each charter and the guidelines are available through Entergy’s website (www.entergy.com) or upon written request.

Audit Committee of the Entergy Corporation Board

The following directors are members of the Audit Committee of Entergy Corporation’s Board of Directors:

Steven V. Wilkinson (Chairman)
Maureen S. Bateman
Stuart L. Levenick
Blanche L. Lincoln

All Audit Committee members are independent.  For purposes of independence of members of the Audit Committee, an independent director also may not accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from Entergy or be affiliated with Entergy as defined in SEC rules.  All Audit Committee members possess the level of financial literacy and accounting or related financial management expertise required by the NYSE rules.  Steven V. Wilkinson qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in the SEC rules.



Code of Ethics

The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors.  The code is available through Entergy’s website (www.entergy.com) or upon written request.  The Board has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees that includes Special Provision Relating to Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers.  The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees is to be read in conjunction with Entergy’s omnibus code of integrity under which Entergy operates called the Code of Entegrity as well as system policies.  All employees are required to abide by the Codes.  Non-bargaining employees are required to acknowledge annually that they understand and abide by the Code of Entegrity.  The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees and the Code of Entegrity are available through Entergy’s website (www.entergy.com) or upon written request.

Source of Nominations to the Board of Directors; Nominating Procedure

The Corporate Governance Committee has adopted a policy on consideration of potential director nominees.  The Committee will consider nominees from a variety of sources, including nominees suggested by shareholders, executive officers, fellow board members, or a third party firm retained for that purpose.  It applies the same procedures to all nominees regardless of the source of the nomination.

Any party wishing to make a nomination should provide a written resume of the proposed candidate, detailing relevant experience and qualifications, as well as a list of references.  The Committee will review the resume and may contact references.  It will decide based on the resume and references whether to proceed to a more detailed investigation. If the Committee determines that a more detailed investigation of the candidate is warranted, it will invite the candidate for a personal interview, conduct a background check on the candidate, and assess the ability of the candidate to provide any special skills or characteristics identified by the Committee or the Board.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Information called for by this item concerning the directors and officers of Entergy Corporation is set forth in the Proxy Statement of Entergy Corporation to be filed in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 3, 2013, under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, which information is incorporated herein by reference.




ENTERGY CORPORATION

Information concerning the directors and officers of Entergy Corporation is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Executive Compensation Tables," "Nominees for the Board of Directors," and "Non-Employee Director Compensation," all of which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, ENTERGY LOUISIANA, ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, AND ENTERGY TEXAS

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In this section, Entergy Corporation discusses and analyzes the compensation earned by the following Named Executive Officers in 2012:

Name
Title as of December 31, 2012
J. Wayne Leonard
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Leo P. Denault
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Roderick K. West
Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. 1
Group President, Utility Operations
Joseph F. Domino 1
Chief Integration Officer
Haley R. Fisackerly
President, Entergy Mississippi
Hugh T. McDonald
President, Entergy Arkansas
William M. Mohl
President, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana
Alyson M. Mount
Chief Accounting Officer (principal financial officer), Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas
Sallie T. Rainer
President, Entergy Texas
Charles L. Rice
President, Entergy New Orleans

Mr. Leonard served and Mr. Denault and Mr. West serve as executive officers of Entergy Corporation.  No additional compensation was paid in 2012 to Mr. Leonard, Mr. Denault, or Mr. West for their service as Named Executive Officers of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas (the "Subsidiaries").

Entergy Corporation believes the executive pay programs described in this section and in the accompanying tables have played a material role in the ability to drive strong financial and operational results and to attract and retain a highly experienced and successful management team.

Executive Summary
 
Pay for Performance Philosophy

Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs are based on a philosophy of pay-for- performance that is embodied in the design of the annual and long-term incentive plans.  The annual incentive plan incentivizes and rewards the achievement of operational and financial metrics that are deemed by the Personnel Committee of the Entergy Corporation Board of Directors (the Personnel Committee) to be consistent with the overall goals and strategic direction that the Board has set for Entergy Corporation.  The long-term incentive programs further align the interests of the executives and Entergy Corporation’s stockholders by directly tying the value of the equity awards granted to executives under these programs to the performance of Entergy Corporation’s stock price and total shareholder return in relation to its peers.
 
 

 
1   Mr. Bunting and Mr. Domino are included in the Executive Compensation section of this Form 10-K because Mr. Bunting served as Chief Accounting Officer (principal financial officer) of the Subsidiaries and Mr. Domino served as President, Entergy Texas for a portion of 2012.

Application of Pay-for-Performance Philosophy

2012 Performance and Incentive Compensation

Pay outcomes for the Named Executive Officers during 2012 demonstrated the application of Entergy Corporation’s pay-for-performance philosophy.  Approximately 80% of the annual target compensation of Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (excluding non-qualified supplemental retirement income) is “at risk” compensation, with the substantial majority of this “at risk” compensation consisting of awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan or Annual Incentive Plan and the Long-Term Performance Unit Program.  Awards under the Annual Incentive Plan are tied to Entergy Corporation’s operational and financial performance through the Entergy Achievement Multiplier, which is the performance metric used to determine the funding of awards under the Annual Incentive Plan.  For 2012, the Entergy Achievement Multiplier was determined based in equal part on Entergy Corporation’s success in achieving the earnings per share and operating cash flow goals.  These goals were set at the beginning of the year based on Entergy Corporation’s financial plan and the Board’s overall goals for Entergy Corporation and were consistent with its published earnings guidance.  In January 2013, after taking into account special items related to the Vermont Yankee impairment, the planned ITC Transaction, and Hurricane Isaac, the Personnel Committee determined that Entergy Corporation had exceeded its earnings per share goal, but had fallen short of its operating cash flow goal.

Despite strong operational performance in 2012, total shareholder return continued to fall below the Board’s expectations and the objectives of management.  Under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program, a substantial portion of targeted executive officer pay is tied directly to total shareholder return.  Under this program, performance is measured over a three-year period by assessing Entergy Corporation's total shareholder return in relation to the total shareholder return of the companies included in the Philadelphia Utility Index, with payouts based solely on relative performance.  Performance is measured based on total shareholder return because it encourages the executives to deliver superior shareholder value in relation to Entergy Corporation’s peers and rewards not just stock price appreciation, but also the ability to deliver significant dividends to shareholders.  Entergy Corporation’s total shareholder return for 2012 was in the bottom quartile of the Philadelphia Utility Index for the 2010-2012 performance period, which resulted in a zero payout for the performance units granted in 2010.  For additional information concerning the long-term compensation program, see “Long-Term Compensation - Performance Unit Program.”  These results clearly demonstrate the strong linkage of pay to performance in Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs.

2012 Significant Achievements

In addition to financial and operational results, Entergy Corporation’s Personnel Committee took into account the following significant achievements in its evaluation of 2012 performance.  While certain of these accomplishments did not have a significant effect on 2012’s reported financial results, the Committee believes they have positioned Entergy Corporation well for future success:

·  
Successfully restored 92% of customers within 5 days after Hurricane Isaac  (4 th largest storm) vs. Gustav (8 days), Rita (13 days) and Katrina (16 days);
·  
Restored 94% of customers within 5 days after the December 2012 winter storm in Arkansas;
·  
Successfully implemented an executive succession plan for Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other key executive positions;
·  
Closed acquisitions of KGen Hinds and Hot Spring generating facilities;
 
 
·  
Obtained 20-year license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for Pilgrim Nuclear Station;
·  
Successfully implemented the strategy to keep the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant operating beyond March 2012;
·  
Obtained all regulatory approvals needed for six Entergy utility operating companies to move forward to join MISO;
·  
Implemented a $1 billion commercial paper program, resulting in interest costs savings;
·  
Successfully prepared for, responded to, and supported restoration for Hurricane Sandy; and
·  
Received multiple awards and recognition for community relations, corporate citizenship, climate protection, and customer service.

Executive Compensation Best Practices

The Personnel Committee, with the assistance of its independent executive compensation consultant, engages in an ongoing review and evaluation of Entergy Corporation’s overall approach to its executive compensation programs to ensure that Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs continue to be in line with best practices of other companies in the industry as well as other Fortune 500 companies.  As a result, Entergy Corporation:

·  
Has a recoupment or “clawback” policy.
·  
Requires a “double trigger” to occur before any equity awards can vest upon a change in control.
·  
Has a policy that prohibits hedging transactions in Entergy Corporation’s common stock.
·  
Has a policy that prohibits pledging of Entergy Corporation’s common stock by directors and executive officers.
·  
Caps the maximum payout under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program at 200% of target beginning with the 2011-2013 performance period, with no payout for performance below the third quartile of Entergy Corporation’s peer group.
·  
Settles all awards under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program in shares of Entergy Corporation common stock, beginning with the 2012- 2014 performance period.
·  
Requires executive officers to meet stock ownership guidelines.
·  
Maintains the independence of Entergy Corporation’s independent compensation consultant.
·  
Provides only a limited number of perquisites.

Further, Entergy Corporation does not pay or provide any Named Executive Officer 280G “gross-up” payments in the case of a change in control.  For additional information about the policies discussed above, see “Compensation Program Administration.”

2012 Changes
 
Leadership Transition
 
In September 2012, Entergy Corporation announced the retirement of J. Wayne Leonard as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective February 1, 2013.  At that time, it was announced that Leo P. Denault would succeed Mr. Leonard as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and that Andrew S. Marsh would succeed Mr. Denault as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Marsh was previously Vice President, System Planning.

When Mr. Denault assumed the position as Chief Executive Officer, his annual base salary was increased to $1,085,000 and his annual cash bonus target under Entergy Corporation's Annual Incentive Plan was increased to 120% of base salary.  Mr. Denault continues to participate in Entergy Corporation’s Long Term Performance Unit Program and continues to be eligible to receive awards under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries or “2011 Equity Ownership Plan.”  The Committee determined the compensation level for Mr. Denault using competitive compensation data provided by its independent compensation consultant.  It also considered his current compensation level and positioned the compensation for him below market rates with the intent of transitioning him to competitive levels over time.  Upon his retirement, Mr. Leonard did not receive any additional compensation from Entergy Corporation other than retirement benefits that will be paid in accordance with his retention agreement entered into at the time Mr. Leonard commenced employment with Entergy Corporation.

 
Also effective February 1, 2013, William M. Mohl assumed the position of President, Entergy Wholesale Commodity Business from Richard J. Smith who retired from that position.  Mr. Mohl previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana.  Phillip R. May succeeded Mr. Mohl as President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana on February 1, 2013.
 
Other leadership changes that occurred in 2012 included Alyson M. Mount succeeding Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. as Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Corporation and the Subsidiaries and Sallie T. Rainer becoming President, Entergy Texas on May 31, 2012.  Ms. Rainer replaced Joseph F. Domino who became Entergy Corporation’s Chief Integration Officer for the ITC Transaction.   Ms. Mount assumed the position of Chief Accounting Officer, effective May 31, 2012, when Mr. Bunting became Entergy Corporation’s Group President, Utility Operations.
 
Except where noted, throughout this Compensation Discussion and Analysis and in the compensation tables that follow, the title of each Named Executive Officer referred to is the title in effect on the last day of fiscal year 2012.
 
Annual Incentive Plan Changes

Previously, once the Annual Incentive Plan performance goals established by the Personnel Committee were satisfied, a feature of the Annual Incentive Plan automatically increased the Entergy Achievement Multiplier by 25% for the members of the Office of the Chief Executive.  The Personnel Committee then had the discretion to reduce or eliminate this 25% enhancement to the Entergy Achievement Multiplier for these officers altogether.  This feature of the Annual Incentive Plan was intended to provide the Committee with a mechanism to take into consideration specific achievement factors relating to the overall performance of Entergy Corporation in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code.  In December 2012 the Committee eliminated this automatic increase in the Entergy Achievement Multiplier for members of the Office of the Chief Executive from the Annual Incentive Plan for future awards, reflecting the Personnel Committee’s determination that use of the Entergy Achievement Multiplier, in and of itself and without this automatic enhancement, was more consistent with the goals of the Annual Incentive Plan.

Results of 2012 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

As part of its ongoing review of Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs, the Personnel Committee also considered in 2012, and will consider in the future, the results of the advisory vote of Entergy Corporation’s shareholders on executive compensation.  Given the approximately 98% level of support for Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs at its 2012 Annual Meeting and the input Entergy Corporation received through outreach to its institutional shareholders, the Committee believes that Entergy Corporation’s shareholders are very satisfied with Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation pay practices.  As a result, the Personnel Committee did not make any changes to Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs in response to this advisory vote.  However, the Personnel Committee did make the changes to the executive compensation programs as discussed above in connection with its ongoing review of Entergy Corporation’s executive compensation programs.

Establishing Executive Compensation
Executive Compensation Program Design

The executive compensation programs include three basic elements:  base salary; annual cash incentives delivered through the Annual Incentive Plan; and long-term equity compensation delivered through the Long-Term Performance Unit Program, stock options, and restricted stock grants.  Using these three elements, Entergy Corporation has sought to design the executive compensation programs to ensure that:
 
 
The compensation programs enable us to attract, retain, and motivate executive talent by offering competitive compensation packages.
 

 
 
The greatest part of the Named Executive Officers’ compensation is in the form of "at risk" performance-based compensation, in order to focus the executives on the achievement of superior results and align compensation with shareholder value.

 
A substantial portion of the Named Executive Officers' compensation is delivered in the form of equity awards, which are required to be retained until stock ownership targets are met.

Entergy Corporation believes this philosophy has enabled us to closely align executive compensation with corporate performance and shareholder value, while at the same time attracting and retaining the highest caliber of executive talent.

The Starting Point

To develop a competitive compensation program, the Personnel Committee annually reviews compensation data from two sources:

Survey Data

The Committee uses published and private compensation survey data to develop marketplace compensation levels for the executive officers.  The data, which is compiled by the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, compares the current compensation opportunities provided to each of the executive officers against the compensation opportunities provided to executives holding similar positions at companies with corporate revenues similar to Entergy Corporation’s.  For non-industry specific positions such as a chief financial officer, the Committee reviews general industry data for total cash compensation (base salary and annual incentive).  For management positions that are industry-specific such as Group President, Utility Operations, the Committee reviews data from utility companies for total cash compensation.  However, for long-term incentives, all positions are reviewed relative to utility market data.  The survey data reviewed by the Committee covers hundreds of companies across a broad range of industries and over 60 investor-owned utility companies in the utility sector.  In evaluating compensation levels against the survey data, the Committee considers only the aggregated survey data.  The identities of the companies participating in compensation survey data are not disclosed to, or considered by, the Committee in its decision-making process and, thus, are not considered material by the Committee.

The Committee uses the survey data to develop compensation opportunities that deliver total target compensation at approximately the 50 th percentile of the surveyed companies.  This survey data is used as the primary data for purposes of determining target compensation.  The Committee considers its objectives to have been met if Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and the eight (8) other executive officers of Entergy Corporation who constitute what is referred to as the Office of the Chief Executive each have a target compensation opportunity that falls within the range of 85% – 115% of the 50th percentile of the survey data. Actual compensation received by an individual officer may be above or below the 50 th percentile based on an individual officer’s skills, performance, experience and responsibilities, company performance, and internal pay equity.  In 2012 the target compensation for the Named Executive Officers did not exceed 115% of the 50th percentile of the survey data.

Proxy Analysis

Although the survey data described above is the primary data used in determining compensation, the Committee reviews data derived from proxy statements as an additional point of comparison.  The proxy data is used to compare the compensation levels of the Named Executive Officers with the compensation levels of the corresponding top five highest paid executive officers of the companies included in the Philadelphia Utility Index, as reported in their proxy statements, based on pay rank and without regard to roles and responsibilities.  The Personnel Committee uses this analysis to evaluate the overall reasonableness of Entergy Corporation’s compensation programs.  The following companies were included in the Philadelphia Utility Index at the time the proxy data was compiled:
 


 
·   AES Corporation
·   El Paso International
·   Ameren Corporation
·   Exelon Corporation
·   American Electric Power Co. Inc.
·   FirstEnergy Corporation
·   CenterPoint Energy Inc.
·   NextEra Energy
·   Consolidated Edison Inc.
·   Northeast Utilities
·   Covanta Holding Corporation
·   PGE Corporation
·   Dominion Resources Inc.
·   Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
·   DTE Energy Company
·   Southern Company
·   Duke Energy Corporation
·   Xcel Energy
·   Edison International
 

Factors Used to Determine Compensation

When determining each compensation element for executive officers, the Personnel Committee in the case of Mr. Leonard, Mr. Denault, and Mr. West, and in the case of the other Named Executive Officers, their supervisors, consider some or all of the following factors:

·  
Analysis provided by the Committee's independent compensation consultant of compensation practices at industry peer group companies and the general market for comparable positions in companies Entergy Corporation’s size;
·  
Competitiveness of Entergy's executive compensation programs and Entergy Corporation’s ability to attract and retain top executive talent;
·  
Individual performance of each Named Executive Officer;
·  
The desire to ensure that a substantial portion of total compensation is performance-based;
·  
The relative importance of the short-term performance goals established pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan;
·  
Internal pay equity and the executive pay structure;
·  
The Committee's assessment of other elements of compensation provided to the Named Executive Officer; and
·  
The Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations, for all Named Executive Officers other than himself.

Mr. Leonard, Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, received a higher compensation level compared to the other Named Executive Officers to reflect the following factors:

·  
Market practices that compensate chief executive officers at greater potential compensation levels with more “pay at risk” than other named executive officers; and
·  
The Personnel Committee’s assessment of Mr. Leonard’s strong performance based on the Board’s annual performance evaluation, in which the Board reviews and assesses Mr. Leonard’s performance based on critical factors such as:  leadership, strategic planning, financial results, succession planning, communications with Entergy Corporation’s stakeholders, external relations with the communities and industries in which Entergy Corporation operates and his relationship with the Board.
 
 
Executive Compensation Elements

Short-Term Compensation

Base Salary

Pay data is analyzed and used to determine the base salaries for all of the Named Executive Officers.  Base salary is a component of the Named Executive Officers’ compensation package because the Committee believes it is appropriate that some portion of the compensation that is provided to these officers is stable.  Also, base salary remains the most common form of payment throughout all industries and its use ensures a competitive compensation package for the Named Executive Officers.

The use of “internal pay equity” in setting merit increases assists us in determining whether a change in an executive officer’s role and responsibilities relative to other executive officers requires an adjustment to the officer’s salary. The Committee, however, has not established any predetermined formula against which the base salary of one Named Executive Officer is measured against another officer or employee.

In 2012, all of the Named Executive Officers received merit increases in their base salaries in the range of 2 to 3 percent, except for Mr. Bunting, Ms. Mount, and Ms. Rainer.  The increases in base salary were made in light of current economic conditions and the projected growth in executive salaries in 2012 based on general industry surveys obtained from human resources consulting firms, as well as, an internal pay equity comparison.  Upon assuming the position of Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy and the Subsidiaries, Ms. Mount’s base salary increased 27% to $280,000, Ms. Rainer’s base salary was increased 22% to $275,000 when she became President, Entergy Texas, and Mr. Bunting’s base salary was increased 52% to $560,000 when he became Group President, Utility Operations.  Their salaries were increased to reflect their new roles and responsibilities and was based on the internal pay equity and market information provided by the Personnel Committee’s independent compensation consultant.

The following table sets forth the 2011 and 2012 base salaries for the Named Executive Officers.  Changes in base salaries were effective in April of each of the years shown, except for Mr. Bunting, Ms. Mount, and Ms. Rainer whose salaries were effective on the date of their promotion in 2012.

Named Executive Officer
2011   Base Salary
2012 Base Salary
     
J. Wayne Leonard
$1,323,800
$1,350,276
Leo P. Denault
$   655,200
$   674,856
Roderick K. West
$   572,000
$   589,160
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
$   359,212
$   560,000
Joseph F. Domino
$   324,104
$   330,550
Haley R. Fisackerly
$   283,250
$   288,950
Hugh T. McDonald
$   330,185
$   336,800
William M. Mohl
$   335,550
$   342,250
Alyson M. Mount
$   214,712
$   280,000
Sallie T. Rainer
$   220,629
$   275,000
Charles L. Rice
$   247,200
$   252,100

Annual Incentive Plan

Performance-based incentives are included in the Named Executive Officers’ compensation packages because Entergy Corporation believes performance-based incentives encourage the Named Executive Officers to pursue objectives consistent with the overall goals and strategic direction that the Board has set for Entergy Corporation.  Annual incentive plans are commonly used by companies in a variety of industry sectors to compensate their executive officers for achieving financial and operational goals.
 


Under the Annual Incentive Plan, Entergy Corporation uses a performance metric known as the Entergy Achievement Multiplier to determine the percentage of target annual plan opportunities that will be paid each year to each Named Executive Officer, subject to adjustment based on individual performance.

Each year the Personnel Committee reviews the performance measures used to determine the Entergy Achievement Multiplier.  In December 2011 the Personnel Committee decided to retain for 2012 the performance measures used for determining the 2011 Entergy Achievement Multiplier.  These measures were consolidated earnings per share and operating cash flow, with each measure weighted equally.  The Committee selected these performance measures because:

·  
earnings per share and operating cash flow have both a correlative and causal relationship with shareholder value over the long-term;
·  
earnings per share and operating cash flow targets are aligned with externally-communicated goals; and
·  
earnings per share and operating cash flow results are readily available in earning releases and SEC filings.

In addition, these measures are used by a number of other companies, including the companies in the Philadelphia Utility Index, as components of their incentive programs.  For example, approximately 70% of the industry peer group companies use earnings per share as an incentive measure.

The Committee sets minimum, target, and maximum achievement levels under the Annual Incentive Plan.  There is no payout for performance at or below the minimum achievement level, the payout for performance at target is 100% of the target payout, and the payout for performance at or above the maximum achievement level is 200% of target.  Payouts for performance between minimum and target achievement levels and between target and maximum levels are calculated using straight-line interpolation.  In general, the Committee seeks to establish target achievement levels such that the relative difficulty of achieving the target level is consistent from year to year.  Over the five years ending with 2012, the average Entergy Achievement Multiplier was 132% of target.

In December 2011, the Committee set the 2012 target award for incentives to be paid for 2012 under the Annual Incentive Plan for Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer at 120% of his base salary and the target awards for Mr. Denault and Mr. West at 70% of their respective base salaries.  The target awards for the other Named Executive Officers were set as follows:  Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. (70%); Joseph F. Domino (50%); Haley Fisackerly (40%); Hugh T. McDonald (50%); William M. Mohl (60%); Alyson M. Mount, (60%); Sallie T. Rainer (40%); and Charles L. Rice, Jr. (40%).

The target awards for the Named Executive Officers (other than Entergy Corporation named executive officers) were set by their respective supervisors (subject to ultimate approval of Entergy’s Corporation Chief Executive Officer) who allocated a potential incentive pool established by the Personnel Committee among various of their direct and indirect reports.

Target awards are set based on an executive officer’s position and executive management level within the Entergy organization.  Executive management levels at Entergy range from Level 1 through Level 4.  At December 31, 2012, Mr. Bunting, Mr. Denault, and Mr. West held positions in Level 2, Ms. Mount and Mr. Mohl held positions in Level 3 and the remaining Named Executive Officers held positions in Level 4.  Accordingly, their respective incentive targets differ one from another based on the external market data developed by the Committee’s independent compensation consultant and the other factors noted above.

In January 2012, the Committee determined the Annual Incentive Plan targets to be used for purposes of determining annual bonuses for 2012.  The Committee’s determination of the target levels was made after full Board review of management’s 2012 financial plan for the Entergy System companies, upon recommendation of the Finance Committee, and after the Committee’s determination that the established targets aligned with Entergy Corporation’s anticipated 2012 financial performance as reflected in the financial plan and  Entergy Corporation’s published earnings guidance.  In keeping with past practice with respect to known special items that would be excluded from operational earnings, the Committee also determined, based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, that for purposes of measuring performance against such targets, an adjustment would be made to exclude the effect on as-reported results of activities associated with Entergy Corporation’s planned ITC Transaction (considered a special item).  The Committee therefore established the following targets for purposes of measuring management performance against as-reported results, adjusted to exclude the effect on reported results of activities associated with the ITC Transaction.
 


 
Minimum
Target
Maximum
Earnings Per Share ($)
$5.22
$5.80
$6.38
Operating Cash Flow ($ billion)
$2.840
 $3.240
 $3.640

In January 2013, the Committee and full Board reviewed Entergy Corporation’s as-reported and operational earnings per share and operating cash flow results against the established performance objectives reflected in the above table.  The Committee noted that in 2012, Entergy Corporation’s as-reported results included, in addition to the special item for costs associated with the proposed ITC Transaction, a special item for an asset impairment taken in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in connection with the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant and triggered by state actions to shut down the plant.  Both of these special items were excluded from Entergy Corporation’s as-reported earnings per share and operating cash flow for purposes of measuring performance against the previously established targets.  Regarding the Vermont Yankee impairment, certain benefits to operational earnings resulting from the impairment, such as reduced depreciation expense, also were excluded.  In making the determination to exclude the effect of the Vermont Yankee impairment, the Committee took into account not only the fact that it was a special item not included in operational earnings, but also management’s performance in formulating and executing Entergy Corporation’s strategy with respect to Vermont Yankee.

The Committee also considered the impact on as-reported and operational earnings and operating cash flow of certain costs incurred in connection with Hurricane Isaac, which struck the Entergy System service territory in late August 2012 and left more than 787,000 customers without power, making it the fourth-most significant storm in Entergy System’s history in terms of outages.  The Committee specifically noted the unusual pressure on Entergy System personnel to restore these outages quickly, due to the large number of customers who sheltered in place, and the Entergy System’s outstanding performance in that regard.  In light of this performance, the Committee, based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee and the full Board of Directors, adjusted as-reported results to exclude not only the special items noted above, but also the effects of Hurricane Isaac for purposes of measuring management’s performance against the targets set in January 2012 and determining the Entergy Achievement Multiplier.  This adjustment had a negligible effect on earnings per share, but increased operating cash flow significantly to reflect the cash expended in the restoration effort.  This was consistent with the Committee’s view that in general, management’s performance for such purposes should be measured against operational results, subject to adjustment in appropriate circumstances for unusual or extraordinary events or performance.

The Personnel Committee determined that after taking into account the adjustments noted above, Entergy Corporation had exceeded its earnings per share goal, but had fallen short of its operating cash flow goal .   Based on this review and the recommendation of the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors, in January 2013, the Personnel Committee therefore certified the 2012 Entergy Achievement Multiplier at 104% of target. This determination was subsequently ratified by the full Board of Directors.

Under the terms of the Annual Incentive Plan’s Management Effectiveness Program, the 2012 Entergy Achievement Multiplier was automatically increased by 25% for the members of the Office of the Chief Executive, subject to the Personnel Committee’s discretion to reduce or eliminate the increase altogether.  In January 2013 the Committee eliminated the Management Effectiveness Program with respect to the 2012 incentive awards, reflecting the Personnel Committee’s determination that the performance levels achieved by Entergy Corporation’s management did not warrant application of this enhancement.  After consultation with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the other members of the Office of the Chief Executive and based on its evaluation of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the Office of Chief Executive, the Committee applied an additional downward adjustment to the awards to be paid to all of the members of the Office of the Chief Executive, including Mr. Leonard, Mr. Denault, Mr. Bunting, and Mr. West which had the effect of reducing their awards from 104% of target to 95% of target.  The Committee made this adjustment based on its determination that despite the many accomplishments of management in 2012 and strong operational performance, management had not fully met the Committee’s expectations with respect to Entergy Corporation’s safety performance.
 


After the Entergy Achievement Multiplier was established to determine overall funding for the Annual Incentive Plan, Entergy Corporation’s current Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Denault, with input from Mr. Leonard, allocated incentive award funding to the business units based on their business unit results (referred to as the “line of business multiplier”).  Individual awards were determined based on the line of business multiplier as well as individual officer performance
 
The following table shows the Annual Incentive Plan payments as a percentage of base salary for 2012, as well as the incentive awards paid to each Named Executive Officer for 2012:

Named Executive Officer
Target as Percentage of Base Salary
Payout as Percentage of Base Salary
2012 Annual
Incentive Award
J. Wayne Leonard
120%
114%
$1,539,315
Leo P. Denault
70%
66%
$   448,779
Roderick K. West
70%
66%
$   391,791
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
70%
66%
$   372,400
Joseph F. Domino
50%
50%
$   165,000
Haley R. Fisackerly
40%
48%
$   139,000
Hugh T. McDonald
50%
60%
$   202,000
William M. Mohl
60%
88%
$   300,000
Alyson M. Mount
60%
75%
$   210,000
Sallie T. Rainer
40%
47%
$   128,000
Charles L. Rice
40%
46%
$   115,000

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

The goal for long-term incentive compensation is to focus and reward the executive officers for building shareholder value and to increase the executive officers’ ownership in Entergy Corporation’s common stock.  In the long-term incentive compensation programs, Entergy Corporation uses a mix of performance units, restricted stock, and stock options.  Performance units reward the Named Executive Officers on the basis of total shareholder return, which is a measure of stock appreciation, dividend payments, and stock price relative to the companies in the Philadelphia Utility Index.  Restricted stock ties the executive officers’ long-term financial interest to the long-term financial interests of Entergy Corporation’s shareholders.  Stock options provide a direct incentive to increase the price of Entergy Corporation common stock.  In addition, Entergy Corporation occasionally awards restricted stock units for retention purposes or to offset forfeited compensation in order to attract officers and managers from other companies.  The target value of long-term incentive compensation is allocated 60% to performance units and 40% to a combination of stock options and restricted stock, equally divided in value, all based on their grant date fair values.
 
All of the performance units, shares of restricted stock, and stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2012 were awarded under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  All equity awards granted under the equity ownership plans require both a change in control and an involuntary job loss or substantial diminution of duties (a “double trigger”) for the acceleration of these awards upon a change in control.

Performance Unit Program

Entergy Corporation issues performance unit awards to the Named Executive Officers under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program.  Historically, each performance unit equals the cash value of one share of Entergy Corporation common stock at the end of the three-year performance period.  Each unit also earns the cash equivalent of the dividends paid during the performance period.  Dividends accrued during the performance period are paid out only to the extent that the performance measures are achieved and a payout under the program for that period occurs.  The Long-Term Performance Unit Program is structured to reward Named Executive Officers only if performance goals set by the Personnel Committee are met.  The Personnel Committee has no discretion to make awards if minimum performance goals are not achieved.  Beginning with the 2012-2014 performance period, upon vesting, the performance units granted under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program will be settled in shares of Entergy Corporation common stock rather than cash.  Accrued dividends on any shares earned during the performance period will also be converted and paid in shares of Entergy Corporation common stock.  Entergy Corporation modified the form of payment to align the method of payment with market practice and to encourage the executives to own shares of Entergy Corporation common stock.
 

The Long-Term Performance Unit Program specifies a minimum, target and maximum achievement level.  Entergy Corporation measures performance by assessing Entergy Corporation's total shareholder return relative to the total shareholder return of the companies in the Philadelphia Utility Index.  The Personnel Committee identified the Philadelphia Utility Index as the industry peer group for total shareholder return performance because the companies included in this index, in the aggregate, approximate Entergy Corporation in terms of business and scale.  The Personnel Committee chose relative total shareholder return as a measure of performance because it assesses Entergy Corporation's creation of shareholder value relative to other electric utilities over the performance period.  It also takes into account dividends paid by the companies in this index and normalizes certain events that affect the industry as a whole.  Minimum, target, and maximum performance levels are determined by reference to the percentile ranking of Entergy Corporation's total shareholder return against the total shareholder return of the companies in the Philadelphia Utility Index. At any given time, a participant in the Long-Term Performance Unit Program may be participating in up to three performance periods.  Currently, participants are participating in the 2011-2013, the 2012-2014, and the 2013-2015 performance periods.

2012-2014 Performance Unit Program Grants .  Subject to achievement of performance levels, the following target amounts for the 2012-2014 performance period were:

·  
   26,900 performance units for Mr. Leonard;
·  
     5,400 performance units for Mr. Denault and Mr. West;
·  
     4,983 performance units for Mr. Bunting;
·  
     1,500 performance units for Mr. Domino, Mr. Fisackerly, and Mr. McDonald;
·  
     2,400 performance units for Mr. Mohl;
·  
     2,067 performance units for Ms. Mount;
·  
     1,292 performance units for Ms. Rainer; and
·  
     1,500 performance units for Mr. Rice.

The range of payouts under the program is shown below.

Performance Level
Minimum
Target
Maximum
Total Shareholder Return
25 th percentile
50 th percentile
75 th percentile
Payouts
25% of target
100% of target
200% of Target
 
There is no payout for performance below the 25th percentile.  Payouts between minimum and target and target and maximum are calculated using straight-line interpolation.  The Personnel Committee sets payout opportunities for the Long-Term Performance Unit Program at the outset of each performance period.

Payout for the 2010-2012 Performance Period .  For the 2010-2012 performance period, the target amounts established in January 2010 were:

·  
   22,300 performance units for Mr. Leonard;
·  
     5,300 performance units for Mr. Denault;
·  
     4,583 performance units for Mr. West;
·  
     2,803 performance units for Mr. Bunting;
·  
     1,000 performance units for Mr. Domino, Mr. Fisackerly, and Mr. McDonald;
·  
     2,000 performance units for Mr. Mohl; and
·  
        833 performance units for Mr. Rice.
 

Ms. Mount and Ms. Rainer were not participants in the 2010-2012 performance period of the Long-Term Performance Unit Program.  Participants could earn performance units based on relative total shareholder return and on the following range of payouts:

Performance Level
Minimum
Target
Maximum
Total Shareholder Return
25 th percentile
50 th percentile
75 th percentile
Payouts
10% of target
100% of target
250% of Target

In January 2013, the Committee assessed Entergy Corporation's total shareholder return for the 2010-2012 performance period in order to determine the actual number of performance units to be paid to Performance Unit Program participants for the 2010-2012 performance period.  The Committee compared Entergy Corporation's total shareholder return against the total shareholder return of the companies that comprise the Philadelphia Utility Index. Based on this comparison, the Committee concluded that Entergy Corporation’s performance for the 2010-2012 performance period, ranked in the bottom quartile.  This resulted in a zero payout under the Performance Unit Program for the 2010-2012 performance period.

Stock Options and Restricted Stock

Entergy Corporation grants stock options and restricted stock as part of the long-term incentive awards to the executive officers.  These awards are intended to:

·  
Align the interests of executive officers with the interests of shareholders by tying executive officers’ long-term financial interests to the long-term financial interests of shareholders;
·  
Act as a retention mechanism for key executives officers; and
·  
Maintain a market competitive position for total compensation.

As previously discussed, several factors are considered in determining the amount of stock options and shares of restricted stock granted to the Named Executive Officers.  For restricted stock and stock option awards, the assessment of individual performance of each Named Executive Officer is the most important factor in determining the number of shares of restricted stock and options awarded.  The Committee, in consultation with Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, reviews each officer’s performance, role and responsibilities, strengths, and developmental opportunities.  It also considers Entergy Corporation’s significant achievements for the prior year.

The following table sets forth the number of stock options and shares of restricted stock granted to each Named Executive Officer in 2012.  The exercise price for each option was $71.30, which was the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on the date of grant.

Named Executive Officer
Stock Options
Shares of Restricted Stock
J. Wayne Leonard
89,000
11,600
Leo P. Denault
30,000
4,000
Roderick K. West
30,000
4,000
Theodore H.Bunting, Jr.
9,000
2,100
Joseph F. Domino
7,300
700
Haley R. Fisackerly
4,600
1,200
Hugh T. McDonald
4,600
1,300
William M. Mohl
7,400
1,500
Alyson M. Mount
-
1,500
Sallie T. Rainer
-
1,300
Charles L. Rice
 4,600
1,050

The stock option and restricted stock grants awarded to the Named Executive Officers were determined based on the factors described above. The executive officers received a larger number of stock options in 2012 as compared to 2011 in response to market data that indicated a higher level of awards was warranted.  Ms. Mount and Ms. Rainer were not eligible to receive stock options when the options were granted in 2012.
 

Stock Options .  Under the equity plans, all stock options must have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Entergy Corporation common stock on the date of grant.  The stock options vest over a three-year period and have a ten-year term from the date of grant.  The equity ownership plans prohibit the repricing of “underwater” stock options without shareholder approval.

Entergy Corporation has not adopted a formal policy regarding the granting of options at times when Entergy Corporation is in possession of material non-public information.  However, options are generally granted to Named Executive Officers only during the month of January in connection with the annual executive compensation decisions.  On occasion, options may be granted at other times to newly hired employees or existing employees for retention or other limited purposes.

Restricted Stock .  Shares of restricted stock vest over a three-year period, have voting rights, and accrue dividends during the vesting period.  Upon vesting, shares of Entergy Corporation common stock will be distributed along with the dividends that have accrued on the vested shares.  The grant of restricted stock awards replaced a portion of the stock option awards historically granted to the executive officers.  Entergy Corporation believes the use of restricted stock enhances retention, mitigates the burn rate, and assists in building executive ownership of Entergy Corporation common stock.

For additional information regarding stock options and shares of restricted stock awarded in 2012 to each of the Named Executive Officers, see the 2012 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.

Restricted Stock Units
 
Restricted stock units granted under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan represent phantom shares of Entergy Corporation common stock (i.e., non-stock interests that have an economic value equivalent to a share of Entergy’s Corporation common stock).  Restricted stock units are occasionally granted for retention purposes, to offset forfeited compensation from a previous employer, or for other limited purposes.  If all conditions of the grant are satisfied, restrictions on the restricted stock units lift at the end of the restricted period, and a cash equivalent value of the restricted units is paid to the holder of the award.  The settlement price is equal to the number of restricted stock units multiplied by the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on the date restrictions lift.  Restricted stock units are not entitled to dividends or voting rights.  Restricted units are generally time-based awards for which restrictions lift, subject to continued employment, generally over a two- to five-year period.

In May 2012, the Committee granted Mr. Domino, Entergy Corporation’s Chief Integration Officer 6,000 restricted stock units in order to continue his employment with Entergy Corporation as Mr.  Domino had been planning on retiring in 2012.  Entergy Corporation requested that Mr. Domino remain employed in order to provide his leadership skills in light of the strategic challenges associated with the completion of the ITC Transaction.  In determining the size of the grant, the Committee considered the declining value of his non-qualified retirement benefits resulting from the request to stay.

The restricted stock units will vest in full on May 31, 2014.  On the vesting date, Entergy Corporation will pay Mr. Domino, subject to payment of withholding taxes, a cash amount equal to the closing price of a share of Entergy Corporation’s common stock on that date multiplied by the number of restricted stock units granted.  At the discretion of Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Domino’s restricted stock units may vest at an earlier date if the ITC transaction closes early or Entergy Corporation publicly announces that the ITC Transaction has been terminated.

No other Named Executive Officer received a restricted stock unit grant in 2012.
 


Benefits, Perquisites, Agreements, and Post-Termination Plans

Pension Plan, Pension Equalization Plan, and System Executive Retirement Plan

Retirement Plans

The Named Executive Officers participate in an Entergy Corporation-sponsored tax qualified pension plan that covers a broad group of employees.  In addition, each Named Executive Officer (other than Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer) participates in the Pension Equalization Plan and System Executive Retirement Plan, two non-qualified supplemental retirement plans sponsored by Entergy Corporation.  Under the terms of the Pension Equalization Plan and System Executive Retirement Plan, an employee participating in both plans is eligible to receive only the greater of the two benefits computed in accordance with the terms of and conditions of each plan.

The Committee believes that these plans are an important part of the executive compensation programs because they assist in the recruitment of top talent in the competitive market, as these types of supplemental plans are typically found in companies of similar size to Entergy Corporation.  These plans serve a critically important role in the retention of the senior executives as benefits from these plans generally increase for each year that these executives remain employed by us.  The plans thereby encourage the most senior executives to remain employed by us and continue their work on behalf of Entergy Corporation’s shareholders.  See the 2012 Pension Benefits table for additional information regarding the operation of the plans described under this caption.

Savings Plan

The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in an Entergy Corporation-sponsored Savings Plan that covers a broad group of employees.  This is a tax-qualified retirement savings plan, wherein total combined before-tax and after-tax contributions may not exceed 30 percent of a participant's base salary up to certain contribution limits defined by law. In addition, under the Savings Plan, the participant's employer matches an amount equal to seventy cents for each dollar contributed by participating employees, including the Named Executive Officers, on the first six percent of their eligible earnings under the plan for that pay period.  Entergy Corporation maintains the Savings Plan for its employees, including the Named Executive Officers, to encourage Entergy Corporation’s employees to save some percentage of their cash compensation for their eventual retirement.  The Savings Plan permits employees to make such savings in a manner that is relatively tax efficient.  Entergy Corporation believes this type of savings plan is also a critical element in attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market.

Executive Deferred Compensation

The Named Executive Officers are eligible to defer up to 100% of their Annual Incentive Plan awards, and until 2014, 100% of their awards under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program into either or both Entergy Corporation-sponsored Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the equity plan.  In addition, they are eligible to defer up to 100% of their base salary into the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.  Entergy Corporation provides these benefits because the Committee believes it is standard market practice to permit officers to defer the cash portion of their compensation.  Entergy Corporation believes that providing this benefit is important as a retention and recruitment tool as many, if not all, of the companies with which Entergy Corporation competes for executive talent provide a similar arrangement to their senior executive officers.  See the 2012 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation table for additional information regarding the operation of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
 


Health and Welfare Benefits

The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in various health and welfare benefits available to a broad group of employees.  These benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability insurance.  Eligibility, coverage levels, potential employee contributions, and other plan design features are the same for the Named Executive Officers as for the broad employee population.

Executive Long-Term Disability Program

All of the executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, are eligible to participate in the Executive Long-Term Disability program.  Individuals who elect to participate in this plan and become disabled under the terms of the plan are eligible for 65 percent of the difference between their base salary and $275,000 (i.e. the base salary that produces the maximum $15,000 monthly disability payment under the general long-term disability plan).

Perquisites

The Named Executive Officers are provided with a limited number of perquisites and other personal benefits as part of providing a competitive executive compensation program and for employee retention.  The Personnel Committee reviews all perquisites, including the use of corporate aircraft, on an annual basis.  In 2012 the Named Executive Officers were offered:  corporate aircraft usage, relocation and housing benefits, and annual physical exams.  In 2011, Entergy Corporation discontinued providing personal financial counseling for its executive officers and for members of the Office of the Chief Executive, club dues and tax gross up payments on any perquisites (except for relocation benefits) were discontinued.  The Named Executive Officers did not receive any additional compensation for the lost value of these discontinued perquisites.   Certain of the Named Executive Officers that are not members of the Office of the Chief Executive were provided in 2012 with club dues and tax gross up payments on some perquisites.  For security and business convenience reasons, Entergy Corporation permits the Chief Executive Officer to use the corporate aircraft at Entergy Corporation’s expense for personal use.  The other Named Executive Officers may use corporate aircraft for personal travel subject to the approval of Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer.   From time to time, tickets are made available to cultural and sporting events available to employees, including the Named Executive Officers, for business purposes. If not utilized for business purposes, the tickets are made available to employees, including the Named Executive Officers, for personal use.  For additional information regarding perquisites, see the "All Other Compensation" column in the 2012 Summary Compensation Table.

Retention Agreements and other Compensation Arrangements

The Committee believes that retention and transitional compensation arrangements are an important part of overall compensation. The Committee believes that these arrangements help to secure the continued employment and dedication of the Named Executive Officers, notwithstanding any concern that they might have at the time of a change in control regarding their own continued employment. In addition, the Committee believes that these arrangements are important as recruitment and retention devices, as all or nearly all of the companies with which Entergy Corporation competes for executive talent have similar arrangements in place for their senior employees.

To achieve these objectives, Entergy Corporation has established a System Executive Continuity Plan under which each of the Named Executive Officers (other than Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) is entitled to receive "change in control" payments and benefits if such officer's employment is involuntarily terminated in connection with a change in control.  Severance payments under the System Executive Continuity Plan are based on a multiple of the sum of an executive officer’s annual base salary plus his or her average Annual Incentive Plan award at target for the two fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the termination of employment occurs.  Under no circumstances can this multiple exceed 2.99 times the sum of (a) annual base salary plus (b) the higher of: (i) the annual incentive award actually awarded to the executive office under the Annual Incentive Plan for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the termination of employment occurs or (ii) the average Annual Incentive Plan award for the two fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the termination of employment occurs. Entergy Corporation strives to ensure that the benefits and payment levels under the System Executive Continuity Plan are consistent with market practices.  The executive officers will not receive any tax gross up payments on any severance benefits received under this plan.
 


In certain cases, the Committee may approve the execution of a retention agreement with an individual executive officer.  These decisions are made on a case by case basis to reflect specific retention needs or other factors, including market practice.  If a retention agreement is entered into with an individual officer, the Committee considers the economic value associated with that agreement in making overall compensation decisions for that officer.  Entergy Corporation has voluntarily adopted a policy that any severance arrangements providing benefits in excess of 2.99 times an officer’s annual base salary and annual incentive award must be approved by Entergy Corporation’s shareholders.

During 2012, Entergy Corporation had retention agreements with Mr. Denault and Mr. Leonard.  In general, Mr. Denault’s retention agreement provides for "change in control" payments and other benefits in lieu of those provided under the System Executive Continuity Plan.  As with any severance benefits paid under the System Executive Continuity Plan, Mr. Denault will not receive tax gross up payments on any severance benefits he may receive under his agreement.  Mr. Denault’s retention agreement was designed to reflect the competition for chief financial officer talent in the marketplace and the Committee’s assessment of the critical role this position plays in executing Entergy Corporation’s long-term financial and other strategic objectives.  Based on the market data provided by its former independent compensation consultant, the Committee believes the benefits and payment levels under Mr. Denault’s retention agreement are consistent with market practices.

Pursuant to his retention agreement, upon retirement, Mr. Leonard was eligible to receive a lump sum payment equal to 60% of his “final average compensation” (as described in the description of the System Executive Retirement Plan) reduced by other benefits to which he was entitled from Entergy Corporation-sponsored pension plan and prior employer pension plans.  Mr. Leonard was not a participant in either the Pension Equalization or System Executive Retirement Plans and received the supplemental retirement payment in lieu of benefits from these plans.  The terms of Mr. Leonard’s supplemental retirement benefit contained in his retention agreement were negotiated at the time his employment with Entergy Corporation commenced and were designed to, among other things, offset the loss of benefits resulting from Mr. Leonard’s resignation from his prior employer.  At the time that Entergy Corporation recruited Mr. Leonard, he had accumulated twenty-five years of seniority with his prior employer and had served as an executive officer for that employer for over ten years and in an officer-level capacity for over fifteen years.

For additional information regarding the System Executive Continuity Plan and Mr. Leonard’s and Mr. Denault’s retention agreements described above, see “2012 Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Compensation Program Administration

Entergy Corporation strives to ensure that its compensation philosophy and practices are in line with the best practices of companies in its industry as well as Fortune 500 companies.  Some of these practices include the following:

Clawback Provisions

Entergy Corporation has adopted the Entergy Corporation Policy Regarding Recoupment of Certain Compensation.  This policy covers individuals subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.  Under the policy, the Committee will require reimbursement of incentives paid to these executive officers where:

·  
(i) the payment was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results with respect to the applicable performance period that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement other than a restatement due to changes in accounting policy; or (ii) a material miscalculation of a performance award occurs whether or not the financial statements were restated and, in either such case, a lower payment would have been made to the executive officer based upon the restated financial results or correct calculation; or
 

 
·  
in the Board of Directors’ view,  the executive officer engaged in fraud that caused or partially caused the need for a restatement or caused a material miscalculation of a performance award whether or not the financial statements were restated.

The amount the Committee requires to be reimbursed is equal to the excess of the gross incentive payment made over the gross payment that would have been made if the original payment had been determined based on the restated financial results or correct calculation.  Further, following a material restatement of its financial statements, Entergy Corporation will seek to recover any compensation received by Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that is required to be reimbursed under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

For many years, Entergy Corporation has had stock ownership guidelines for executives, including the Named Executive Officers. These guidelines are designed to align the executives’ long-term financial interests with those of Entergy Corporation’s shareowners.  Annually, the Personnel Committee monitors the executive officers’ compliance with these guidelines.  The ownership guidelines are as follows:
 
Role
Value of Common Stock to be Owned
Chief Executive Officer
5 times base salary
Executive Vice Presidents
4 times base salary
Senior Vice Presidents
2.5 times base salary
Vice Presidents
1.5 times base salary
 
Further, to ensure compliance with the guidelines, until an executive officer satisfies the stock ownership guidelines:  (i) upon exercising any stock option, he or she must retain at least 75% of the after-tax net profit from such stock option exercise in the form of Entergy common stock, (ii) he or she must retain all net after-tax shares of Entergy Corporation’s restricted stock received upon vesting, and (iii) he or she must retain all net after-tax shares paid out under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program, which will payout 100% in Entergy Corporation stock commencing with the 2012-2014 performance period.
 
Trading Controls and Anti-Pledging and Anti-Hedging Policies

Executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, are required to receive the permission of Entergy Corporation’s General Counsel prior to entering into any transaction involving company securities, including gifts, other than the exercise of employee stock options.  Trading is generally permitted only during open trading windows occurring immediately following the release of earnings.  Employees, who are subject to trading restrictions, including the Named Executive Officers, may enter into trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, but these trading plans may be entered into only during an open trading window and must be approved by Entergy Corporation.  The Named Executive Officer bears full responsibility if he or she violates corporate policy by permitting shares to be bought or sold without pre-approval or when trading is restricted.

Entergy Corporation also prohibits its directors and executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, from pledging any Entergy Corporation securities or entering into margin accounts involving Entergy Corporation securities.  These transactions are prohibited because of the potential that sales of Entergy Corporation securities could occur outside trading periods and without the required approval of the General Counsel.

Entergy Corporation also has adopted an anti-hedging policy that prohibits officers, directors, and employees from entering into hedging or monetization transactions involving Entergy Corporation’s common stock.  Prohibited transactions include, without limitation, zero-cost collars, forward sale contracts, purchase or sale of options, puts, calls, straddles or equity swaps or other derivatives that are directly linked to Entergy Corporation’s stock or transactions involving “short-sales” of Entergy Corporation’s stock. The Board adopted this policy to require officers, directors, and employees to continue to own Entergy stock with the full risks and rewards of ownership, thereby ensuring continued alignment of their objectives with those of Entergy Corporation’s other shareholders
 


Compensation Consultant Independence Policy

To ensure the independence of the Personnel Committee’s compensation consultant, the Board has adopted a policy that any consultant (including its affiliates) retained by the Board of Directors or any Committee of the Board of Directors to provide advice or recommendations on the amount or form of executive and director compensation should not be retained by Entergy Corporation or any of its affiliates to provide other services in an aggregate amount that exceeds $120,000 in any year.  In 2012 the Personnel Committee’s independent compensation consultant, Pay Governance LLC, did not provide any services to Entergy Corporation other than its services to the Personnel Committee.  Annually, the Committee reviews the relationship with its compensation consultant including services provided, quality of those services, and fees associated with services during the fiscal year to ensure the executive compensation consultant’s independence is maintained.

Roles and Responsibilities

Role of Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee has overall responsibility for approving the compensation program for the Named Executive Officers and makes all final compensation decisions regarding the Named Executive Officers. The Committee works with executive management to ensure that the compensation policies and practices are consistent with Entergy Corporation’s values and support the successful recruitment, development and retention of executive talent so Entergy Corporation can achieve its business objectives and optimize long-term financial returns.  The Committee evaluates executive pay each year to ensure that the compensation policies and practices are consistent with its philosophy. The Personnel Committee is responsible for, among its other duties, the following actions related to the Named Executive Officers:

·  
developing and implementing compensation policies and programs for the executive officers, including any employment agreement with an executive officer;
·  
evaluating the performance of Entergy Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and
·  
reporting, at least annually, to the Board on succession planning, including succession planning for the Chief Executive Officer.

Role of Chief Executive Officer

The Personnel Committee solicits recommendations from Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer with respect to compensation decisions for individual Named Executive Officers (other than himself).

·  
Specifically, Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer provides the Personnel Committee with an assessment of the performance of each Named Executive Officer and recommends compensation levels to be awarded to each Named Executive Officer other than himself.  In addition, the Committee may request that the Chief Executive Officer provide management feedback and recommendations on changes in the design of compensation programs, such as special retention plans or changes in the structure of bonus programs. The Personnel Committee also relies on the recommendations of the senior human resources executives with respect to compensation decisions, policies, and practices.  Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer does not play any role with respect to any matter affecting his own compensation, nor does he have any role determining or recommending the amount, or form of, director compensation. 
 


The Chief Executive Officer may attend meetings of the Personnel Committee only at the invitation of the chair of the Personnel Committee and cannot call a meeting of the Committee.  However, he is not in attendance at the portion of any meeting when the Committee determines and approves the compensation to be paid to the Named Executive Officers.  Since he is not a member of the Committee, he has no vote on matters submitted to the Committee.  During 2012, Mr. Leonard attended 3 meetings of the Personnel Committee.

Role of the Compensation Consultant

The Personnel Committee has the sole authority from the Board of Directors for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of its outside compensation consultant.  In 2012 the Personnel Committee retained Pay Governance LLC as its independent compensation consultant to assist it in, among other things, evaluating different compensation programs and developing market data to assess the compensation programs.

During 2012, Pay Governance assisted the Committee with its responsibilities related Entergy Corporation’s compensation programs for its executives.  Specifically, the Committee directed Pay Governance to: (i) regularly attend meetings of the Committee; (ii) conduct studies of competitive compensation practices; (iii) identify Entergy Corporation’s market surveys and proxy peer group; (iv) review base salary, annual incentives, and long-term incentive compensation opportunities relative to competitive practices; and (v) develop conclusions and recommendations related to the executive compensation plan of Entergy Corporation for consideration by the Committee.  A senior consultant from Pay Governance attended all Personnel Committee meetings to which he was invited in 2012.  Pay Governance did not provide any other services to Entergy Corporation in 2012.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Code limits the tax deductibility by a publicly held corporation of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Chief Executive Officer or any of its other Named Executive Officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer), unless that compensation is "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m).  The Personnel Committee considers deductibility under Section 162(m) as it structures the compensation packages that are provided to its Named Executive Officers. Likewise, the Personnel Committee considers financial accounting consequences as it structures the compensation packages that are provided to the Named Executive Officers.  However, the Personnel Committee and the Board believe that it is in the best interest of Entergy Corporation that the Personnel Committee retains the flexibility and discretion to make compensation awards, whether or not deductible.  This flexibility is necessary to foster achievement of performance goals established by the Personnel Committee, as well as, other corporate goals that the Committee deems important to Entergy Corporation's success, such as encouraging employee retention and rewarding achievement of key corporate goals.


PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT

The "Personnel Committee Report" included in the Entergy Corporation Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference, but will not be deemed to be "filed" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  None of the Subsidiaries has a compensation committee, or other board committee performing equivalent functions.  The board of directors of each of the Subsidiaries is comprised of individuals who are officers or employees of Entergy Corporation or one of the Subsidiaries.  These boards do not make determinations regarding the compensation paid to executive officers of the Subsidiaries.



 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

2012 Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the total compensation paid or earned by each of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.  For information on the principal positions held by each of the Named Executive Officers, see Item 10, “Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants.”  The compensation set forth in the table represents the aggregate compensation paid by all Entergy System companies.  None of the Entergy System companies has entered into any employment agreements with any of the Named Executive Officers (other than the retention agreements described in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control”).  For additional information regarding the material terms of the awards reported in the following tables, including a general description of the formula or criteria to be applied in determining the amounts payable, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
 
(e)
 
(f)
 
(g)
 
(h)
 
(i)
 
(j)
 
 
 
 
 
Name and
Principal Position
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salary
(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonus
(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock
Awards
  (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Awards
  (5)
 
 
 
 
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
(6)
 
Change in
Pension
Value and
Non-qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  (7)
 
 
 
 
 
All
Other
Compensation
  (8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
                                     
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
2012
 
$473,286
 
$ -
 
$585,787
 
$84,780
 
$372,400
 
$623,800
 
$23,817
 
$2,163,870
Former principal financial
 
2011
 
$356,884
 
$ -
 
$351,108
 
$78,064
 
$400,000
 
$632,100
 
$14,094
 
$1,832,250
officer – Entergy Arkansas,
 
2010
 
$350,448
 
$ -
 
$237,864
 
$194,155
 
$525,000
 
$392,300
 
$22,609
 
$1,722,376
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana,
                                   
Entergy Louisiana, Entergy
                                   
Mississippi, Entergy New
                                   
Orleans, Entergy Texas
                                   
                                     
Leo P. Denault
 
2012
 
$669,564
 
$ -
 
$647,594
 
$282,600
 
$448,779
 
$972,400
 
$22,657
 
$3,043,594
Executive Vice President and
 
2011
 
$648,512
 
$ -
 
$891,941
 
$287,000
 
$587,059
 
$980,400
 
$16,756
 
$3,411,668
CFO – Entergy Corp.
 
2010
 
$630,000
 
$ -
 
$573,036
 
$669,500
 
$758,520
 
$528,600
 
$52,276
 
$3,211,932
                                     
Joseph F. Domino
 
2012
 
$328,814
 
$ -
 
$537,755
 
$68,766
 
$165,000
 
$305,700
 
$19,443
 
$1,425,478
Former CEO - Entergy Texas
 
2011
 
$322,418
 
$ -
 
$172,899
 
$33,292
 
$215,000
 
$573,500
 
$19,207
 
$1,336,316
   
2010
 
$317,754
 
$ -
 
$108,120
 
$61,594
 
$317,754
 
$224,500
 
$33,476
 
$1,063,198
                                     
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
2012
 
$287,296
 
$30,000
 
$186,225
 
$43,332
 
$139,000
 
$284,900
 
$26,781
 
$997,534
CEO – Entergy Mississippi
 
2011
 
$280,885
 
$ -
 
$172,899
 
$33,292
 
$150,000
 
$295,700
 
$16,603
 
$949,379
   
2010
 
$274,999
 
$ -
 
$108,120
 
$120,510
 
$192,500
 
$190,000
 
$39,370
 
$925,499
                                     
J. Wayne Leonard
 
2012
 
 $1,343,148
 
$ -
 
$2,632,339
 
$838,380
 
$1,539,315
 
$5,892,800
 
$95,884
 
$12,341,866
Chairman of the Board and
 
2011
 
 $1,315,229
 
$ -
 
$3,163,825
 
$803,600
 
$2,033,356
 
$2,749,700
 
$65,061
 
$10,130,771
CEO - Entergy Corp.
 
2010
 
 $1,291,500
 
$ -
 
$2,411,076
 
$1,807,650
 
$2,665,656
 
$ -
 
$104,185
 
$8,280,067
                                     
Hugh T. McDonald
 
2012
 
$334,891
 
$30,000
 
$193,355
 
$43,332
 
$202,000
 
$452,900
 
$38,819
 
$1,295,297
CEO-Entergy Arkansas
 
2011
 
$327,892
 
$ -
 
$172,899
 
$33,292
 
$210,000
 
$485,000
 
$28,320
 
$1,257,403
   
2010
 
$322,132
 
$ -
 
$108,120
 
$61,594
 
$297,972
 
$205,000
 
$54,990
 
$1,049,808



(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
 
(e)
 
(f)
 
(g)
 
(h)
 
(i)
 
(j)
 
 
 
 
 
Name and
Principal Position
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salary
(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonus
(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock
Awards
  (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Awards
  (5)
 
 
 
 
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
(6)
 
Change in
Pension
Value and
Non-qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  (7)
 
 
 
 
 
All
Other
Compensation
  (8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
                                     
William M. Mohl
 
2012
 
$340,447
 
$30,000
 
$268,014
 
$69,708
 
$300,000
 
$448,600
 
$17,169
 
$1,473,938
CEO-Entergy Louisiana and
 
2011
 
$332,751
 
$ -
 
$303,794
 
$70,028
 
$265,000
 
$388,900
 
$26,668
 
$1,387,141
CEO-Entergy Gulf States
 
2010
 
$299,193
 
$ -
 
$216,240
 
$120,510
 
$380,250
 
$166,718
 
$148,767
 
$1,331,678
Louisiana
                                   
                                     
Alyson M. Mount
 
2012
 
$252,389
 
$ -
 
$320,401
 
$  -
 
$210,000
 
$384,700
 
$11,556
 
$1,179,046
Acting principal financial
                                   
officer – Entergy Arkansas,
                                   
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana,
                                   
Entergy Louisiana, Entergy
                                   
Mississippi, Entergy New
                                   
Orleans, Entergy Texas
                                   
                                     
Sallie T. Rainer
 
2012
 
$251,907
 
$30,000
 
$215,262
 
$  -
 
$128,000
 
$581,300
 
$13,714
 
$1,220,183
CEO - Entergy Texas
                                   
                                     
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
2012
 
$250,781
 
$30,000
 
$175,530
 
$43,332
 
$115,000
 
$96,900
 
$24,422
 
$735,965
CEO-Entergy New Orleans
 
2011
 
$245,312
 
$ -
 
$154,702
 
$33,292
 
$130,000
 
$78,400
 
$20,594
 
$662,300
   
2010
 
$203,879
 
$9,962
 
$90,064
 
$   -
 
$192,000
 
$30,944
 
$18,708
 
$545,557
                                     
Roderick K. West
 
2012
 
$584,540
 
$ -
 
$647,594
 
$282,600
 
$391,791
 
$991,000
 
$46,097
 
$2,943,622
Executive Vice President and
 
2011
 
$566,162
 
$ -
 
$746,361
 
$195,160
 
$512,512
 
$664,800
 
$20,261
 
$2,705,256
Chief Administrative Officer,
 
2010
 
$441,539
 
$ -
 
$495,514
 
$93,730
 
$662,200
 
$207,000
 
$46,915
 
$1,946,898
Entergy Corp.
                                   

(1)
Effective February 1, 2013, Mr. Leonard retired from Entergy.  Mr. Denault succeeded Mr. Leonard as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Corporation.  Information presented in the tables reflects the positions and compensation for each of these individuals as of December 31, 2012.
(2)
The amounts in column (c) represent the actual base salary paid to the Named Executive Officer.  The 2012 changes in base salaries noted in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis were effective in April 2012.
(3)
The amounts in column (d) for Mr. Fisackerly, Mr. McDonald, Mr. Mohl, Ms. Rainer, and Mr. Rice represent a cash bonus paid in recognition of their work supporting the move to MISO.
(4)
The amounts in column (e) represent the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance units granted under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, without taking into account estimated forfeitures.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock and the restricted stock units is based on the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on the date of grant.  The grant date fair value of performance units is based on the probable outcome of the applicable performance conditions, measured using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model.  The simulation model applies a risk-free interest rate and an expected volatility assumption.  The risk-free rate is assumed to equal the yield on a three-year treasury bond on the grant date.  Volatility is based on historical volatility for the 36-month period preceding the grant date.  If the highest achievement level is attained, the maximum amounts that will be received with respect to the 2012 performance units are as follows:  Mr. Bunting, $942,109; Mr. Denault, $770,040; Mr. Domino, $213,900; Mr. Fisackerly, $213,900; Mr. Leonard, $3,835,940; Mr. McDonald, $213,900; Mr. Mohl, $342,240; Ms. Mount, $436,997; Ms. Rainer, $248,441; Mr. Rice, $213,900; and Mr. West, $770,040.
 
 
(5)
The amounts in column (f) represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options granted under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  For a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in valuing these awards, see Note 12 to the financial statements.
(6)
The amounts in column (g) represent cash payments made under the Annual Incentive Plan.
(7)
The amounts in column (h), except for Mr. Leonard, include the annual actuarial increase in the present value of the Named Executive Officers’ benefits under all pension plans established by Entergy Corporation using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in Entergy Corporation’s financial statements and includes amounts which the Named Executive Officers may not currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested (see “2012 Pension Benefits”).  For Mr. Leonard, who retired in February 2013, the amount was calculated using the rate with which the lump sum will actually be calculated as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service resulting in a larger increase in pension value.  None of the increase is attributable to above-market or preferential earnings on non-qualified deferred compensation (see “2012 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation”).  For 2010, the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of Mr. Leonard’s pension benefits was a decrease of $539,200.
(8)
The amounts in column (i) for 2012 include (a) matching contributions by Entergy Corporation to each of the Named Executive Officers; (b) dividends paid on restricted stock when vested; (c) life insurance premiums; (d) tax gross up payments on perquisites; and (e) perquisites and other compensation.  The amounts are listed in the following table:

 
 
Named Executive Officer
Company
Contribution –
Savings Plan
Dividends Paid
on Restricted Stock
Life
Insurance
Premium
Tax Gross
Up
Payments
Perquisites and
Other
Compensation
 
 
Total
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
$10,500
$2,037
$3,945
$ -
$7,335
$23,817
Leo P. Denault
$10,500
$5,821
$4,041
$ -
$2,295
$22,657
Joseph F. Domino
$10,500
$1,048
$6,122
$ -
$1,773
$19,443
Haley R. Fisackerly
$10,500
$1,048
$428
$3,767
$11,038
$26,781
J. Wayne Leonard
$10,500
$13,390
$11,636
$ -
$60,358
$95,884
Hugh T. McDonald
$10,500
$1,048
$3,564
$7,930
$15,777
$38,819
William M. Mohl
$10,500
$1,279
$2,683
$ -
$2,707
$17,169
Alyson M. Mount
$10,500
$814
$242
$ -
$ -
$11,556
Sallie T. Rainer
$10,500
$580
$2,634
$ -
$ -
$13,714
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
$10,500
$755
$3,184
$2,196
$7,787
$24,422
Roderick K. West
$10,500
$3,494
$1,673
$ -
$30,430
$46,097

Perquisites and Other Compensation

The amounts set forth in column (i) include perquisites and other personal benefits that Entergy Corporation provides to the Named Executive Officers as part of providing a competitive executive compensation program and for employee retention. In 2012, the Named Executive Officers were offered the following personal benefits: corporate aircraft usage, relocation and housing benefits, annual physical exams, club dues for officers who are not a member of the Office of Chief Executive, and event tickets.  Tickets to cultural and sporting events are purchased for business purposes; if not utilized for business purposes, the tickets are made available to the employees, including the Named Executive Officers, for personal use. The following perquisites and other compensation were provided by Entergy Corporation in 2012:

 
Named Executive Officer
Personal Use of
Corporate Aircraft
Club
Dues
Executive
Physicals
Event
Tickets
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
x
 
x
x
Leo P. Denault
   
x
x
Joseph F. Domino
   
x
 
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
x
x
 
J. Wayne Leonard
x
 
x
x
Hugh T. McDonald
 
x
   
William M. Mohl
   
x
x
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
x
x
x
Roderick K. West
x
 
x
x
 
 


For security and business reasons, Entergy Corporation permits its Chief Executive Officer to use its corporate aircraft for personal use at the expense of Entergy Corporation.  The other Named Executive Officers may use the corporate aircraft for personal travel subject to the approval of Entergy Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer.  The aggregate incremental aircraft usage cost associated with Mr. Leonard’s personal use of  the corporate aircraft, including the costs associated with travel to outside board meetings, was $54,198 for fiscal year 2012.  The aggregate incremental aircraft usage cost associated with Mr. West’s personal use of the aircraft was $26,574.  These amounts are reflected in column (i) and the total above.  The incremental cost to Entergy Corporation for use of the corporate aircraft is based on the variable operational costs of each flight, including fuel, maintenance, flight crew travel expense, catering, communications, and fees, including flight planning, ground handling, and landing permits.

None of the other perquisites referenced above exceeded $25,000 for any of the other Named Executive Officers.



2012 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table summarizes award grants during 2012 to the Named Executive Officers.

       
Estimated Future
Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (1)
 
Estimated Future
Payouts under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (2)
               
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant
Date
 
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thresh-
old
($)
 
 
(d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Target
($)
 
 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum
($)
 
 
(f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Threshold
(#)
 
 
(g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Target
(#)
 
 
(h)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum
(#)
 
 
(i)
 
 
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)
(3)
 
(j)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Under-
lying
Options
(#)
(4)
 
(k)
 
 
 
 
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
 
 
(l)
 
 
 
 
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
(5)
                                             
Theodore H.
Bunting, Jr. (7)
 
 
1/26/12
 
 
-
 
 
$392,000
 
 
$784,000
                           
   
1/26/12
             
1,246
 
4,983
 
9,967
             
$334,409
   
5/31/12
             
449
 
1,794
 
3,588
             
$101,648
   
1/26/12
                         
2,100
         
$149,730
   
1/26/12
                             
9,000
 
$71.30
 
$84,780
                                             
Leo P. Denault
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$472,399
 
$944,798
                           
   
1/26/12
             
1,350
 
5,400
 
10,800
             
$362,394
   
1/26/12
                         
4,000
         
$285,200
   
1/26/12
                             
30,000
 
$71.30
 
$282,600
                                             
Joseph F. Domino
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$165,275
 
$330,550
                           
   
1/26/12
             
375
 
1,500
 
3,000
             
$100,665
   
1/26/12
                         
700
         
$49,910
   
5/31/12
                         
6,000 (6)
         
$387,180
   
1/26/12
                             
7,300
 
$71.30
 
$68,766
                                             
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$115,580
 
$231,160
                           
   
1/26/12
             
375
 
1,500
 
3,000
             
$100,665
   
1/26/12
                         
1,200
         
$85,560
   
1/26/12
                             
4,600
 
$71.30
 
$43,332
                                             
J. Wayne Leonard
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$1,620,331
 
$3,240,662
                           
   
1/26/12
             
6,725
 
26,900
 
53,800
             
$1,805,259
   
1/26/12
                         
11,600
         
$827,080
   
1/26/12
                             
89,000
 
$71.30
 
$838,380
                                             
Hugh T. McDonald
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$168,400
 
$336,800
                           
   
1/26/12
             
375
 
1,500
 
3,000
             
$100,665
   
1/26/12
                         
1,300
         
$92,690
   
1/26/12
                             
4,600
 
$71.30
 
$43,332
                                             
William M. Mohl
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$205,350
 
$410,700
                           
   
1/26/12
             
600
 
2,400
 
4,800
             
$161,064
   
1/26/12
                         
1,500
         
$106,950
   
1/26/12
                             
7,400
 
$71.30
 
$69,708
                                             
Alyson M. Mount
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$168,000
 
$336,000
                           
(7)
 
5/31/12
             
517
 
2,067
 
4,133
             
$138,716
   
5/31/12
             
330
 
1,319
 
2,639
             
$74,735
   
1/26/12
                         
1,500
         
$106,950
                                             
Sallie T. Rainer (7)
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$110,000
 
$220,000
                           
   
5/31/12
             
323
 
1,292
 
2,583
             
$86,706
   
5/31/12
             
158
 
633
 
1,267
             
$35,866
   
1/26/12
                         
1,300
         
$92,690
 
 
       
Estimated Future
Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (1)
 
Estimated Future
Payouts under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (2)
               
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant
Date
 
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thresh-
old
($)
 
 
(d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Target
($)
 
 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum
($)
 
 
(f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Threshold
(#)
 
 
(g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Target
(#)
 
 
(h)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum
(#)
 
 
(i)
 
 
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)
(3)
 
(j)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Under-
lying
Options
(#)
(4)
 
(k)
 
 
 
 
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
 
 
(l)
 
 
 
 
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
(5)
                                             
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$100,840
 
$201,680
                           
   
1/26/12
             
375
 
1,500
 
3,000
             
$100,665
   
1/26/12
                         
1,050
         
$74,865
   
1/26/12
                             
4,600
 
$71.30
 
$43,332
                                             
Roderick K. West
 
1/26/12
 
-
 
$412,412
 
$824,824
                           
   
1/26/12
             
1,350
 
5,400
 
10,800
             
$362,394
   
1/26/12
                         
4,000
         
$285,200
   
1/26/12
                             
30,000
 
$71.30
 
$282,600
                                             

(1)
The amounts in columns (c), (d), and (e) represent minimum, target, and maximum payment levels under the Annual Incentive Plan.  The actual amounts awarded are reported in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table.
(2)
The amounts in columns (f), (g), and (h) represent the minimum, target, and maximum payment levels under the Long-Term Performance Unit Program.  Performance under the program is measured by Entergy Corporation’s total shareholder return relative to the total shareholder returns of the companies included in the Philadelphia Utility Index.  If Entergy Corporation’s total shareholder return is not at least 25% of that for the Philadelphia Utility Index, there is no payout.  Subject to achievement of performance targets, each unit will be converted into one share of Entergy Corporation’s common stock on the last day of the performance period (December 31, 2014.)  Accrued dividends on the shares earned will also be paid in Entergy Corporation common stock.
(3)
The amounts in column (i) represent shares of restricted stock granted under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  Shares of restricted stock vest over a three-year period, have voting rights and accrue dividends during the vesting period.
(4)
The amounts in column (j) represent options to purchase shares of Entergy Corporation’s common stock.  The options vest one-third on each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date and have a ten-year term from the date of grant.  The options were granted under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.
(5)
The amounts in column (l) are valued based on the aggregate grant date fair value of the award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and, in the case of the performance units, are based on the probable outcome of the applicable performance conditions.  See Notes 4 and 5 to the Summary Compensation Table for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value.
(6)
In May 2012, Mr. Domino was awarded 6,000 restricted stock units under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  The restricted stock units will vest on May 31, 2014.
(7)
With their promotions on May 31, 2012, Mr. Bunting, Ms. Mount, and Ms. Rainer received pro-rated performance unit awards under the 2011 – 2013 Long-Term Performance Unit Program.  Subject to achievement of performance targets, each unit will be converted into the cash equivalent of one share of Entergy Corporation’s common stock on the last day of the performance period (December 31, 2013.)



2012 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards for each Named Executive Officer outstanding as of the end of 2012.

   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 
 
(d)
 
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
(f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
(g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)
 
(h)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)
 
(i)
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
 Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 
(j)
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)
                                     
Theodore H.
 
-
 
9,000 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
Bunting, Jr.
 
2,266
 
4,534 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
9,666
 
4,834 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
12,000
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
18,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
10,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
5,000
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
2,200
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
   
1,000
 
-
     
$58.60
 
3/02/2014
               
                               
1,246 (4)
 
$79,433
                               
1,074 (5)
 
$68,468
                       
2,100 (6)
 
$133,875
       
                       
1,167 (7)
 
$74,396
       
                                     
Leo P. Denault
 
-
 
30,000 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
8,333
 
16,667 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
33,333
 
16,667 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
45,000
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
50,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
60,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
50,000
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
35,000
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
   
34,995
 
-
     
$58.60
 
3/02/2014
               
                               
1,350 (4)
 
$86,063
                               
1,475 (5)
 
$94,031
                       
4,000 (6)
 
$255,000
       
                       
3,334 (7)
 
$212,543
       
                       
8,000 (8)
 
$510,000
       
                                     
Joseph F. Domino
 
-
 
7,300 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
966
 
1,934 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
3,066
 
1,534 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
4,500
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
7,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
12,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
7,500
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
10,000
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
   
10,000
 
-
     
$58.60
 
3/02/2014
               
                               
375 (4)
 
$23,906
                               
300 (5)
 
$19,125
                       
700 (6)
 
$44,625
       
                       
600 (7)
 
$38,250
       
                       
6,000 (9)
 
$382,500
       
                                     



   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 
 
(d)
 
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
(f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
(g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)
 
(h)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)
 
(i)
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
 Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 
(j)
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
-
 
4,600 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
966
 
1,934 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
6,000
 
3,000 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
3,800
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
5,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
2,500
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
1,000
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
                               
375 (4)
 
$23,906
                               
300 (5)
 
$19,125
                       
1,200 (6)
 
$76,500
       
                       
600 (7)
 
$38,250
       
                                     
J. Wayne Leonard
 
-
 
89,000 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
23,333
 
46,667 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
90,000
 
45,000 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
125,000
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
175,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
255,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
210,000
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
165,200
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
   
220,000
 
-
     
$58.60
 
3/02/2014
               
                               
6,725 (4)
 
$428,719
                               
6,500 (5)
 
$414,375
                       
11,600 (6)
 
$739,500
       
                       
7,667 (7)
 
$488,771
       
                                     
Hugh T. McDonald
 
-
 
4,600 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
966
 
1,934 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
3,066
 
1,534 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
4,500
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
7,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
12,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
7,500
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
10,000
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
                               
375 (4)
 
$23,906
                               
300 (5)
 
$19,125
                       
1,300 (6)
 
$82,875
       
                       
600 (7)
 
$38,250
       



   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 
 
(d)
 
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
(f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
(g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)
 
(h)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)
 
(i)
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
 Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 
(j)
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)
                                     
William M. Mohl
 
-
 
7,400 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
2,033
 
4,067 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
6,000
 
3,000 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
7,500
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
9,300
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
3,500
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
5,000
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
3,000
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
                               
600 (4)
 
$38,250
                               
625 (5)
 
$39,844
                       
1,500 (6)
 
$95,625
       
                       
734 (7)
 
$46,793
       
                                     
Alyson M. Mount
 
4,333
 
2,167 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
4,500
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
4,500
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
5,400
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
5,000
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
4,000
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
   
1,500
 
-
     
$58.60
 
3/02/2014
               
                               
517 (4)
 
$32,959
                               
330 (5)
 
$21,038
                       
1,500 (6)
 
$95,625
       
                       
467 (7)
 
$29,771
       
                                     
Sallie T. Rainer
 
1,666
 
834 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
1,200
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
2,300
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
2,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
2,500
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
2,500
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
   
1,900
 
-
     
$58.60
 
3/02/2014
               
                               
323 (4)
 
$20,591
                               
158 (5)
 
$10,073
                       
1,300 (6)
 
$82,875
       
                       
334 (7)
 
$21,293
       
                                     
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
-
 
4,600 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
966
 
1,934 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
                               
375 (4)
 
$23,906
                               
300 (5)
 
$19,125
                       
1,050 (6)
 
$66,938
       
                       
434 (7)
 
$27,668
       
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
Roderick K. West
 
-
 
30,000 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
5,666
 
11,334 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
4,666
 
2,334 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
5,000
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
8,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
12,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
1,334
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
667
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
                               
1,350 (4)
 
$86,063
                               
1,475 (5)
 
$94,031
                       
4,000 (6)
 
$255,000
       
                       
2,000 (7)
 
$127,500
       
                       
15,000 (10)
 
$956,250
       
                                     
                                     
 


   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 
 
(d)
 
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
(f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
(g)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)
 
(h)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)
 
(i)
 
 
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
 Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 
(j)
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)
                                     
Roderick K. West
 
-
 
30,000 (1)
     
$71.30
 
1/26/2022
               
   
5,666
 
11,334 (2)
     
$72.79
 
1/27/2021
               
   
4,666
 
2,334 (3)
     
$77.10
 
1/28/2020
               
   
5,000
 
-
     
$77.53
 
1/29/2019
               
   
8,000
 
-
     
$108.20
 
1/24/2018
               
   
12,000
 
-
     
$91.82
 
1/25/2017
               
   
1,334
 
-
     
$68.89
 
1/26/2016
               
   
667
 
-
     
$69.47
 
1/27/2015
               
                               
1,350 (4)
 
$86,063
                               
1,475 (5)
 
$94,031
                       
4,000 (6)
 
$255,000
       
                       
2,000 (7)
 
$127,500
       
                       
15,000 (10)
 
$956,250
       
                                     

(1)
Consists of options that vested or will vest as follows: 1/3 of the options granted vest on each of 1/26/2013, 1/26/2014, and 1/26/2015.
     
(2)
Consists of options that vested or will vest as follows: 1/2 of the remaining unexercisable options vest on each of 1/27/2013 and 1/27/2014.
     
(3)
The remaining unexercisable options vested on 1/28/2013.
     
(4)
Consists of performance units that will vest on December 31, 2014 based on Entergy Corporation’s total shareholder return performance over the 2012 – 2014 performance period as described under “Long-Term Compensation – Performance Unit Program” in Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
     
(5)
Consists of performance units that will vest on December 31, 2013 based on Entergy Corporation’s total shareholder return performance over the 2011 – 2013 performance period.
     
(6)
Consists of shares of restricted stock that vested or will vest as follows:  1/3 of the shares of restricted stock granted vest on each of 1/26/2013, 1/26/2014, and 1/26/2015.
     
(7)
Consists of shares of restricted stock that vested or will vest as follows:  1/2 of the shares of restricted stock granted vest on each of 1/27/2013 and 1/27/2014.
     
(8)
Consists of restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Equity Ownership and Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries or “2007 Equity Ownership Plan.”  The units vested on January 25, 2013.
     
(9)
Consists of restricted stock units granted under the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan which will vest on May 31, 2014.
     
(10)
Consists of restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan which will vest on April 30, 2013.
     



2012 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information concerning each exercise of stock options and each vesting of stock during 2012 for the Named Executive Officers.

   
Options Awards
 
Stock Awards
(a)
 
 
 
Name
 
(b)
Number of
Shares
Acquired
on Exercise
(#)
 
(c)
 
Value
Realized
on Exercise
($)
 
(d)
Number of
Shares
Acquired
on Vesting
(#)
 
(e)
 
Value
Realized
on Vesting
($)
                 
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
-
 
$ -
 
611
 
$43,208
                 
Leo P. Denault
 
17,633
 
 $469,305
 
9,748 (1)
 
$690,593
                 
Joseph F. Domino
 
10,500
 
$291,857
 
314
 
$22,234
                 
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
-
 
$ -
 
314
 
$22,234
                 
J. Wayne Leonard
 
195,000
 
$5,564,637
 
54,022 (2)
 
$3,453,577
                 
Hugh T. McDonald
 
10,000
 
$87,966
 
314
 
$22,234
                 
William M. Mohl
 
-
 
$ -
 
384
 
$27,126
                 
Alyson M. Mount
 
1,800
 
$44,447
 
244
 
$17,269
                 
Sallie T. Rainer
 
1,000
 
$12,838
 
174
 
$12,303
                 
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
-
 
$ -
 
226
 
$16,009
                 
Roderick K. West
 
-
 
$ -
 
1,049
 
$74,114

(1)
Includes the January 25, 2012 cash settlement of 8,000 restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan.
(2)
Includes the December 3, 2012 cash settlement of 50,000 restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan.



2012 Pension Benefits

The following table shows the present value as of December 31, 2012, of accumulated benefits payable to each of the Named Executive Officers, including the number of years of service credited to each Named Executive Officer, under the retirement plans sponsored by Entergy Corporation, determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions set forth in Note 11 to the financial statements.  Information regarding these retirement plans is included in Compensation Discussion & Analysis under the heading, “Benefits, Perquisites, Agreements, and Post-Retirement Plans - Pension Plan, Pension Equalization Plan, and System Executive Retirement Plan.”  In addition, this section includes information regarding early retirement options under the plans.
 
 
 
Name
 
 
 
Plan
Name
 
Number
of Years
Credited
Service
 
Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit
 
 
Payments
During
 2011
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
24.86
 
 
$2,708,600
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
24.86
 
 
$739,400
 
 
$ -
                 
Leo P. Denault (1)
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
28.83
 
 
$5,479,100
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
13.83
 
 
$397,500
 
 
$ -
                 
Joseph F. Domino (2)
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
42.56
 
 
$1,980,800
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
39.13
 
 
$1,735,500
 
 
$ -
                 
Haley R. Fisackerly
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
17.08
 
 
$803,700
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
17.08
 
 
$400,600
 
 
$ -
                 
J. Wayne Leonard (3)
 
Non-qualified supplemental
   retirement plan benefit
 
 
14.68
 
 
$32,027,000
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
14.68
 
 
$686,100
 
 
$ -
                 
Hugh T. McDonald (2)
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
30.93
 
 
$1,581,500
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
29.44
 
 
$891,500
 
 
$ -
                 
William M. Mohl
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
10.44
 
 
$1,119,300
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
10.44
 
 
$301,900
 
 
$ -
                 
Alyson M. Mount
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
10.35
 
 
$354,100
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
10.35
 
 
$198,000
 
 
$ -
                 
Sallie T. Rainer (2)
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
28.38
 
 
$496,100
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
26.52
 
 
$742,000
 
 
$ -
                 
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
3.47
 
 
$129,500
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
3.47
 
 
$80,500
 
 
$ -
                 
Roderick K. West
 
Non-qualified System
   Executive Retirement Plan
 
 
13.75
 
 
$2,007,400
 
 
$ -
   
Qualified defined
   benefit plan
 
 
13.75
 
 
$280,600
 
 
$ -
                 
 
(1)
During 2006, Mr. Denault entered into an agreement granting an additional 15 years of service under the non-qualified System Executive Retirement Plan if he continues to work for an Entergy System company employer until age 55.  The additional 15 years of service increases the present value of his benefit by $1,727,800.
(2)
Service under the non-qualified System Executive Retirement Plan is granted from date of hire.  Qualified plan benefit service is granted from the later of date of hire or plan participation date.
(3)
Pursuant to his retention agreement, Mr. Leonard is entitled to a non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit in lieu of participation in Entergy Corporation’s non-qualified supplemental retirement plans such as the System Executive Retirement Plan or the Pension Equalization Plan.  Mr. Leonard may separate from employment without a reduction in his non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit.

Qualified Retirement Benefits

The qualified retirement plan is a funded, tax-qualified, noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that provides benefits to most of the non-bargaining unit employees of Entergy System companies.  All Named Executive Officers are participants in this plan.  Benefits under the tax-qualified pension plan are calculated as an annuity payable at age 65 and equal to 1.5% of a participant's Eligible Earnings multiplied by years of service.  “Eligible Earnings” generally includes the employee’s salary and eligible incentive awards, other than incentive awards paid under the Annual Incentive Plan for the highest consecutive 60 months during the 120 months preceding termination of employment.  Benefits under the tax-qualified plan are payable monthly after attainment of at least age 55 and after separation from an Entergy System company.  The amount of annual earnings that may be considered in calculating benefits under the tax-qualified pension plan is limited by federal law.  Years of service under the pension plan formula cannot exceed 40. Participants are 100% vested in their benefit upon completing 5 years of vesting service.  Contributions to the pension plan are made entirely by Entergy Corporation and are paid into a trust fund from which the benefits of participants will be paid.

Normal retirement under the plan is age 65.  Employees who terminate employment prior to age 55 may receive a reduced deferred vested retirement benefit payable as early as age 55 that is actuarially equivalent to the normal retirement benefit (i.e., reduced by 7% per year for the first 5 years preceding age 65, and reduced by 6% for each additional year thereafter). Employees who are at least age 55 with 10 years of vesting service upon termination are entitled to a subsidized early retirement benefit beginning as early as age 55.  The subsidized early retirement benefit is equal to the normal retirement benefit reduced by 2% per year for each year that early retirement precedes age 65.

Mr. Domino and Mr. Leonard are eligible for subsidized early retirement benefits.

Non-qualified Retirement Benefits

The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified retirement benefit plans that provide retirement income, including the Pension Equalization Plan and the System Executive Retirement Plan.  Each of these plans is an unfunded non-qualified defined benefit pension plan that provides benefits to key management employees.  In these plans, as described below, an executive is typically enrolled in one or more plans but only paid the amount due under the plan that provides the highest benefit.  In general, upon disability, participants in the Pension Equalization Plan and the System Executive Retirement Plan remain eligible for continued service credits until recovery or retirement.  Generally, spouses of participants who die before commencement of benefits may be eligible for a portion of the participant’s accrued benefit.

All of the Named Executive Officers (other than Mr. Leonard) participate in both the Pension Equalization Plan and the System Executive Retirement Plan.



The Pension Equalization Plan

The Pension Equalization Plan is a non-qualified unfunded supplemental retirement plan that provides for the payment to participants from Entergy's general assets a single lump sum cash distribution upon separation from service generally equal to the actuarial present value of the difference between the amount that would have been payable as an annuity under the tax-qualified pension plan, but for Internal Revenue Code limitations on pension benefits and earnings that may be considered in calculating tax-qualified pension benefits, and the amount actually payable as an annuity under the tax-qualified pension plan.  The Pension Equalization Plan also takes into account as “Eligible Earnings” any incentive awards paid under the Annual Incentive Plan and if granted to an individual participant provides supplemental credited service.  Participants receive their Pension Equalization Plan benefit in the form of a single sum cash distribution.  The benefits under this plan are offset by benefits payable from the qualified retirement plan and may be offset by prior employer benefits.  The Pension Equalization Plan benefit attributable to supplemental credited service is not vested until age 65.  Subject to the approval of the Entergy System company employer (which approval is deemed given following a change in control), an employee who terminates employment prior to age 65 may be vested in his or her benefit, with payment of the lump sum benefit generally at separation from service unless delayed six months under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  Benefits payable prior to age 65 are subject to the same reductions as qualified plan benefits.

The System Executive Retirement Plan

The System Executive Retirement Plan provides for a single sum payment at age 65.  Like the Pension Equalization Plan, the System Executive Retirement Plan is designed to provide for the payment to participants from Entergy’s general assets of a single-sum cash distribution upon separation from service.  The single-sum benefit is generally equal to the actuarial present value of a specified percentage of the participant’s “Final Average Monthly Compensation” (which is generally 1/36th of the sum of the participant's annual rate of base salary and Annual Incentive Plan award for the 3 highest years during the last 10 years preceding termination of employment), after first being reduced by the value of the participant’s tax-qualified Pension Plan benefit and typically any prior employer pension benefit available to the participant.

While the System Executive Retirement Plan has a replacement ratio schedule from one year of service to the maximum of 30 years of service, the table below offers a sample ratio at 20 and 30 years of service.

Years of
Service
Executives at
Management
Level 1
Executives at Management Levels 2
and 3 – includes the remaining 4
Named Executive Officers
Executives at
Management
Level 4
20 Years
55.0%
50.0%
45.0%
30 years
65.0%
60.0%
55.0%

The System Executive Retirement Plan benefit is not vested until age 65.  Subject to the approval of the Entergy System company employer, an employee who terminates his or her employment prior to age 65 may be vested in the System Executive Retirement Plan benefit, with payment of the lump sum benefit generally at separation from service unless delayed six months under Code Section 409A.  Benefits payable prior to age 65 are subject to the same reductions as qualified plan benefits.  Further, in the event of a change in control, participants whose employment is terminated without “Cause” or for “Good Reason,” as defined in the Plan are also eligible for a subsidized lump sum benefit payment, even if they do not currently meet the age or service requirements for early retirement under that plan or have company permission to separate from employment. Such lump sum benefit is payable generally at separation from service unless delayed 6 months under Code Section 409A.

Mr. Leonard’s Non-qualified Supplemental Retirement Benefit

Mr. Leonard’s retention agreement provides that if his employment with the Company is terminated for any reason other than for cause (as defined below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”), he will be entitled to a non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit in lieu of participation in Entergy Corporation’s non-qualified supplemental retirement plans such as the System Executive Retirement Plan or the Pension Equalization Plan.  Mr. Leonard’s non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit is calculated as a single life annuity equal to 60% of his final three-year average compensation (as described in the description of the System Executive Retirement Plan above), reduced to account for benefits payable to Mr. Leonard under Entergy Corporation’s and a former employer’s qualified pension plans.  The benefit is payable in a single lump sum.  At December 31, 2012, Mr. Leonard had already attained the age of 55, and was entitled under his retention agreement to his non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit if he were to leave Entergy System company employment other than as the result of a termination for cause.  Mr. Leonard became eligible to receive this retirement benefit upon his retirement.
 

2012 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

The Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan and the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan allow for the deferral of compensation for the Named Executive Officers. Entergy Corporation does not “match” amounts that are deferred by employees pursuant to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan or the equity plans.  With the exception of allowing for the deferral of federal and state taxes, Entergy Corporation provides no additional benefit to the Named Executive Officer for deferring any of the compensation received under these plans.  Any increase in value of the deferred amounts results solely from the increase in value of the deemed investment options selected by the Named Executive Officer (phantom stock of Entergy Corporation or mutual funds available under the Savings Plan).  As of December 31, 2012 none of the Named Executive Officers had deferred compensation balances under the equity ownership plans or the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.

As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Leonard had a deferred account balance under a frozen Defined Contribution Restoration Plan.  These amounts are deemed invested, as chosen by the participant, in certain T. Rowe Price investment funds that are also available to participants under the Savings Plan.  The Defined Contribution Restoration Plan, until it was frozen in 2005, credited eligible employees’ deferral accounts with employer contributions to the extent contributions under the qualified savings plan in which the employee participated were subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.

All deferrals are credited to the applicable Entergy System company employer’s non-funded liability account.  Depending on the plan under which the deferral is made, the Named Executive Officers may elect investment in either phantom Entergy Corporation common stock or one or more of several investment options available under the Savings Plan.  Within limitations of the program, participating Named Executive Officers may move funds from one deemed investment option to another.  The participating Named Executive Officers do not have the ability to withdraw funds from the deemed investment accounts except within the terms provided in their deferral elections.   Within the limitations prescribed by law as well as the plan, participating Named Executive Officers with deferrals under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and/or the equity plans have the option to make a successive deferral of these funds.   Assuming a Named Executive Officer does not elect a successive deferral, the Entergy System company employer of the participant is obligated to pay the amount credited to the participant’s account at the earlier of deferral receipt date or separation from service.  These payments are paid out of the general assets of the employer and are payable in a lump sum.


Defined Contribution Restoration Plan

 
 
 
Name
(a)
 
 
Executive
Contributions in
 2012
(b)
 
 
Registrant
Contributions in
2012
(c)
 
 
Aggregate
Earnings in
2012 (1)
 (d)
 
 
Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
(e)
 
Aggregate
Balance at
December 31,
2012
(f)
                     
J. Wayne Leonard
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
($18,761) 
 
$ -  
 
$208,570

(1)
Amounts in this column are not included in the Summary Compensation Table.




2012 Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

Entergy Corporation has plans and other arrangements that provide compensation to a Named Executive Officer if his or her employment is terminated under specified conditions, including following a change in control of Entergy Corporation.  In addition, Mr. Leonard and Mr. Denault have individual retention agreements.

The tables below reflect the amount of compensation each of the Named Executive Officers would have received if his or her employment with an Entergy System company had been terminated under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012.  For purposes of these tables, the assumed stock price was $63.75, the closing market price on that date.


Theodore H. Bunting, Jr
Group President, Utility Operations

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the Group President, Utility Operations would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$2,679,040
Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$182,516
$182,516
---
$227,269
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$105,889
$105,889
---
$227,269
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$81,855
$81,855
---
$222,843
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$25,614
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---

(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Mr. Bunting's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Mr. Bunting also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Mr. Bunting's employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
 
 
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Bunting would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of 2.99 times the sum of (a) his annual base salary as is effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity derived under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 60% target opportunity and a base salary of $560,000 was assumed.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Bunting would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Bunting’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (2719 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (4,411 units).  This average number of units (3,565 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $227,269 for the forfeited performance units.
In the event of Mr. Bunting’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. Bunting would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle.  The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Bunting's awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 2,863 (4,294 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 1,661 (4,983 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
(4)
In the event of his death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. Bunting's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of his death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Bunting’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In addition, he would be entitled to exercise his stock options for the remainder of the ten-year extending from the grant date of the options.  For purposes of this table, it is assumed that Mr. Bunting exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of common stock on December 31, 2012, and the applicable exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for all of Mr. Bunting’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Mr. Bunting would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Bunting would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Bunting would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 18 months.
 
 
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Mr. Bunting under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted on or after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payment upon a change in control.
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.

 
Leo P. Denault
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (9)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (10)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
$3,430,293
---
---
---
---
$3,430,293
Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
$277,313
---
$277,313
$277,313
---
$277,313
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
$277,313
---
$277,313
$277,313
---
$277,313
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
$0
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
$502,622
---
$502,622
$502,622
--
$502,622
Unvested Restricted Units (6)
---
 
$510,000
---
$510,000
$510,000
--
$510,000
COBRA Benefits (7)
---
---
$25,614
---
---
---
---
---
Medical and Dental Benefits (8)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$25,614
280G Tax Gross-up (11)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
 

 
(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, Mr. Denault also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits.  If Mr. Denault’s employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, he would also be eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of these benefits, see “2012 Pension Benefits.”  In addition, Mr. Denault is subject to the following provisions:
·   Retention Agreement .  Mr. Denault’s retention agreement provides that, unless his employment is terminated for cause, he will be granted an additional 15 years of service under the System Executive Retirement Plan if he continues to work for an Entergy System company employer until age 55.  Because Mr. Denault had not reached age 55 as of December 31, 2012, he is only entitled to this supplemental credited service and System Executive Retirement Plan supplemental benefits in the event of his death or disability.
·   System Executive Retirement Plan .  If Mr. Denault’s employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.  In the event of a termination related to a change in control, pursuant to the terms of the System Executive Retirement Plan, Mr. Denault would be eligible for subsidized retirement (but not the additional 15 years of service) upon his separation of service even if he does not then meet the age or service requirements for early retirement under the System Executive Retirement Plan or have company permission to separate from employment.
(2)
In the event of a termination (not due to death or disability) by Mr. Denault for good reason or by the Company not for cause (regardless of whether there is a change in control), Mr. Denault would be entitled to receive, pursuant to his retention agreement, a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of 2.99 times the sum of (a) his annual base salary as in effect at any time within one year prior to the effective date of the Agreement ( i.e., 2007) or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) the greater of (i) his actual annual incentive award under the Annual Incentive Plan for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which Mr. Denault’s termination date occurs or (ii) Mr. Denault’s Annual Incentive Plan target award for the calendar year in which the effective date of the Agreement occurred ( i.e., 2007).  For purposes of this table, the award was calculated using a base salary of $674,856 and target award of 70%.
(3)
In the event of a termination due to death or disability, by Mr. Denault for good reason, or by the Company not for cause (in all cases, regardless of whether there is a change in control), Mr. Denault would have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods and would have been entitled to receive a single-sum severance payment pursuant to his retention agreement that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  The payment would be calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Denault's severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (3,900 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (4,800 units).  This average number of units (4,350 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $277,313 for the forfeited performance units.
(4)
In the event of his death, disability, termination by Mr. Denault for good reason or by the Company not for cause (regardless of whether there is a change in control), all of Mr. Denault’s unvested stock options would immediately vest.  In addition, he would be entitled to exercise any unexercised options during a ten-year term extending from the grant date of the options.  For purposes of this table, it was assumed that Mr. Denault exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on December 31, 2012, and the exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for Mr. Denault’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
 
(5)
In the event of his death, disability, termination by Mr. Denault for good reason or by the Company not for cause (regardless of whether there is a change in control), all of Mr. Denault’s unvested restricted stock would immediately vest.
(6)
Mr. Denault’s 8,000 restricted units vest on January 25, 2013, provided he remains a full-time Entergy System company employee through each such vesting date.  Pursuant to his restricted unit agreement, any unvested restricted units will vest immediately in the event of a change in control, Mr. Denault’s death or disability, or termination of employment by Mr. Denault for good reason or by the Company not for cause (regardless of whether there is a change in control).
 
 
(7)
Pursuant to his retention agreement, in the event of a termination by Mr. Denault for good reason or by the Company not for cause, Mr. Denault would be eligible to receive Company-subsidized COBRA benefits for 18 months.
(8)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Denault would be eligible to receive Company-subsidized medical and dental benefits for 18 months.
(9)
As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Denault is not eligible for retirement.
(10)
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted after December 30, 2010 require an involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments upon a change in control.
(11)
In December of 2010, Mr. Denault voluntarily agreed to amend his retention agreement to eliminate excise tax gross up payments.
 
Under the terms of Mr. Denault’s retention agreement, Entergy may terminate his employment for cause upon Mr. Denault’s:
 
·  
continuing failure to substantially perform his duties (other than because of physical or mental illness or after he has given notice of termination for good reason) that remains uncured for 30 days after receiving a written notice from the Personnel Committee;
 
·  
willfully engaging in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to Entergy;
 
·  
conviction of or entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or other crime that has or may have a material adverse effect on his ability to carry out his duties or upon Entergy’s reputation;
 
·  
material violation of any agreement that he has entered into with Entergy; or
 
·  
unauthorized disclosure of Entergy’s confidential information.
 
 
Mr. Denault may terminate his employment for good reason upon:
 
·  
the substantial reduction in the nature or status of his duties or responsibilities;
 
·  
a reduction of 5% or more in his base salary as in effect on the date of the retention agreement;
 
·  
the relocation of his principal place of employment to a location other than the corporate headquarters;
 
·  
the failure to continue to allow him to participate in programs or plans providing opportunities for equity awards, stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, incentive compensation, bonus and other plans on a basis not materially less favorable than enjoyed at the time of the retention agreement (other than changes similarly affecting all senior executives);
 
·  
the failure to continue to allow him to participate in programs or plans with opportunities for benefits not materially less favorable than those enjoyed by him under any of the pension, savings, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability or vacation plans at the time of the retention agreement (other than changes similarly affecting all senior executives); or
 
·  
any purported termination of his employment not taken in accordance with his retention agreement.
 
 
Mr. Denault may terminate his employment for good reason in the event of a change in control upon:
 
·  
the substantial reduction or alteration in the nature or status of his duties or responsibilities;
 
 
·  
a reduction in his annual base salary;
 
·  
the relocation of his principal place of employment to a location more than 20 miles from his current place of employment;
 
·  
the failure to pay any portion of his compensation within seven days of its due date;
 
·  
the failure to continue in effect any compensation plan in which he participates and which is material to his total compensation, unless other equitable arrangements are made;
 
·  
the failure to continue to provide benefits substantially similar to those that he currently enjoys under any of the pension, savings, life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plans, or Entergy taking of any other action which materially reduces any of those benefits or deprives him of any material fringe benefits that he currently enjoys;
 
·  
the failure to provide him with the number of paid vacation days to which he is entitled in accordance with the normal vacation policy; or
 
 
·  
any purported termination of his employment not taken in accordance with his retention agreement.
 



Joseph F. Domino
Chief Integration Officer

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the Chief Integration Officer would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:
 
Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (8)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (9)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$495,825
 Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
$51,000
$51,000
$51,000
---
$51,000
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
$31,875
$31,875
$31,875
---
$51,000
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
$0
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$34,170
$34,170
 
$89,123
Unvested Restricted Units (6)
---
---
$382,500
---
---
---
---
$382,500
Medical and Dental Benefits (7)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
280G Tax Gross-up (10)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---

(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, Mr. Domino would have been eligible to retire and entitled to receive his vested pension benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits available see "2012 Pension Benefits."  In the event of a termination related to a change in control, pursuant to the terms of the System Executive Retirement Plan, Mr. Domino would be eligible for subsidized early retirement even if he does not have company permission to separate from employment.  If Mr. Domino’s employment were terminated for cause, he would not receive a benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
 
 
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Domino would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of one time the sum of (a) his annual base salary as in effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity derived under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 50% target opportunity and a base salary of $330,550 was assumed.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Domino would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Domino’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (700 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (900 units).  This average number of units (800 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $ $51,000 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Mr. Domino’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. Domino would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle.  The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period. For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Domino’s awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 800 (1,200 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 500 (1,500 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
(4)
In the event of his retirement, death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. Domino’s unvested stock options granted prior to December 31, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of his retirement, death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Domino’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In addition, he would be entitled to exercise his stock options for a ten-year term extending from the grant date of the options. For purposes of this table, it is assumed that Mr. Domino exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of common stock on December 31, 2012, and the applicable exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for of Mr. Domino’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(5)
 In the event of his death or disability, Mr. Domino would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Domino would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Mr. Domino's 6,000 restricted unit vest 100% on May 31, 2014 provided he remains a full-time Entergy System company employee through such vesting date.  Pursuant to his restricted unit agreement, his unvested restricted units will vest immediately in the event of termination for good reason or not for cause or a termination related to change in control.
 
 
(7)
Upon retirement Mr. Domino would be eligible for retiree medical and dental benefits, the same as all other retirees.  Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Domino would not be eligible to receive Entergy subsidized COBRA benefits.
(8)
As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Domino is retirement eligible and would retire rather than voluntarily resign.  Given that scenario, the compensation and benefits available to Mr. Domino under retirement are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
(9)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows: 
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted on or after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(10)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.


Haley R. Fisackerly
President & CEO, Entergy Mississippi

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the President and CEO, Entergy Mississippi would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$404,530
 Performance Units: (3)
               
  2011-2013 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$51,000
$51,000
---
$51,000
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$31,875
$31,875
---
$51,000
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$44,561
$44,561
---
$122,636
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$17,076
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
 
 

(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Mr. Fisackerly's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Mr. Fisackerly also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Mr. Fisackerly's employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
 
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Fisackerly would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of one time the sum of (a) his annual base salary as is effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity derived under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 40% target opportunity and a base salary of $288,950 was assumed.
 
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Fisackerly would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Fisackerly’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (700 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (900 units).  This average number of units (800 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $51,000 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Mr. Fisackerly’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. Fisackerly would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Fisackerly’s awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 800 (1,200 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 500 (1,500 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
 
(4)
In the event of his death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. Fisackerly’s unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of his death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Fisackerly’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In addition, he would be entitled to exercise his stock options for the remainder of the ten-year extending from the grant date of the options. For purposes of this table, it is assumed that Mr. Fisackerly exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of common stock on December 31, 2012, and the applicable exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for of Mr. Fisackerly’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
 
 
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Mr. Fisackerly would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month Grant Date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Fisackerly would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Fisackerly would be eligible to receive Entergy- subsidized COBRA benefits for 12 months.
 
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Mr. Fisackerly under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
 
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted on or after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
 
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.
 




J. Wayne Leonard
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which Entergy's then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (8)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (9)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
Annual Incentive  Payment (2)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$3,240,662
Severance Payment (3 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$8,882,116
Performance Units: (4)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
$1,104,979
$1,104,979
$1,104,979
---
$1,243,125
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
$571,646
$571,646
$571,646
---
$1,243,125
Unvested Stock Options (5)
---
---
---
$0
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (6)
---
---
---
---
$491,895
$491,895
---
$1,316,807
Medical and Dental Benefits (7)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
280G Tax Gross-up (10)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---


(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, Mr. Leonard would have been eligible to retire and entitled to receive his vested pension benefits.  However, a termination “for cause” would have resulted in forfeiture of Mr. Leonard’s supplemental retirement benefit.  Mr. Leonard is not entitled to additional pension benefits upon the occurrence of a change in control.  For additional information regarding these vested benefits and awards, see “2012 Pension Benefits.”
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Leonard would have been entitled under his retention agreement to receive a lump sum severance payment equal to Mr. Leonard’s average maximum annual bonus opportunity under the Annual Incentive Plan for the Company’s two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, the award was calculated at 200% of target opportunity and a base salary of $1,350,276.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Leonard would have been entitled to receive pursuant to his retention agreement a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of 2.99 times the sum of his (a) annual base salary plus (b) his target Annual Incentive Plan award for any fiscal year (other than the fiscal year in which his date of termination occurs) ending after the effective date of his retention agreement.
 
 
(4)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, including a termination by Mr. Leonard for good reason, by the Company other than cause, disability or death, Mr. Leonard would have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods and would have been entitled to receive a single sum severance payment pursuant to his retention agreement that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  The payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Leonard's severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (16,500 units) and the 2009-2011Performance Unit Program (22,500 units).  This average number of units (19,500 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy common stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $1,243,125 for the forfeited performance units.
In the event of Mr. Leonard’s death, disability or retirement not related to a change in control, Mr. Leonard would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance period, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period.
2011 - 2013 Plan – 17,333 (26,000 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 8,967 (26,900 * 12/36)   performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
(5)
In the event of retirement, death, disability, or a qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Leonard’s unvested stock options would immediately vest.  In addition, Mr. Leonard would be entitled to exercise any outstanding options during a ten-year term extending from the grant date of the options.  For purposes of this table, it was assumed that Mr. Leonard exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on December 31, 2012, and the exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for Mr. Leonard’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(6)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Leonard’s unvested restricted stock would immediately vest.  In the event of Mr. Leonard’s death or disability, restrictions would lift on a pro-rated portion of his unvested restricted shares that were scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve -month grant date anniversary, based on the number of days worked during such twelve-month period.
(7)
Upon retirement, Mr. Leonard would be eligible for retiree medical and dental benefits, the same as all other retirees.  Pursuant to his retention agreement, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Leonard would not be eligible to receive additional subsidized COBRA benefits.
(8)
As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Leonard is retirement eligible and would retire rather than voluntarily resign.  Given this scenario, the compensation and benefits available to Mr. Leonard under retirement are substantially the same as available upon voluntary resignation.  Effective February 1, 2013, Mr. Leonard retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
(9)
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted after December 30, 2010 require an involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments upon a change in control.
(10)
In December of 2010, Mr. Leonard voluntarily agreed to amend his retention agreement to eliminate excise tax gross up payments.
 
Under the terms of Mr. Leonard's retention agreement, Entergy Corporation may terminate his employment for cause upon Mr. Leonard's:
 
·  
willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties (other than because of physical or mental illness or after he has given notice of termination for good reason) that remains uncured for 30 days after receiving a written notice from the Board; or
 
·  
willfully engaging in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to us and which results in a conviction of, or entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (essentially a form of plea in which the accused refuses to contest the charges) to a felony.
 
In the event of a change in control, Mr. Leonard was entitled to terminate his employment for good reason upon:
 
·  
the substantial reduction or alteration in the nature or status of his duties or responsibilities;
 
·  
a reduction in his annual base salary;
 
·  
the relocation of his principal place of employment to a location more than 20 miles from his current place of employment;
 
·  
the failure to pay any portion of his compensation within seven days of its due date;
 
·  
the failure to continue in effect any compensation plan in which he participates and which was material to his total compensation, unless other equitable arrangements were made;
 
·  
the failure to continue to provide benefits substantially similar to those that he then enjoyed under any of the pension, savings, life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plans, or the taking of any other action which materially reduced any of those benefits or deprived him of any material fringe benefits that he then enjoyed;
 
·  
the failure to provide him with the number of paid vacation days to which he is entitled in accordance with the normal vacation policy; or
 
·  
any purported termination of his employment not taken in accordance with his retention agreement.
 




Hugh T. McDonald
President & CEO, Entergy Arkansas

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the President & CEO, Entergy Arkansas would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$505,200
Performance Units: (3)
               
  2011-2013 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$51,000
$51,000
---
$51,000
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$31,875
$31,875
---
$51,000
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$46,601
$46,601
---
$129,338
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$17,076
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---


(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Mr. McDonald's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Mr. McDonald also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Mr. McDonald's employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
 
 
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. McDonald would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of one time the sum of (a) his annual base salary as is effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity derived under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 50% target opportunity and a base salary of $336,800 was assumed.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. McDonald would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. McDonald’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (700 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (900 units).  This average number of units (800 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $ $51,000 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Mr. McDonald’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. McDonald would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle.  The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period. For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. McDonald’s awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 800 (1,200 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 500 (1,500 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
(4)
In the event of his death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. McDonald's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of his death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. McDonald’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest. In addition, he would be entitled to exercise his stock options for the remainder of the ten-year extending from the grant date of the options.  For purposes of this table, it is assumed that Mr. McDonald exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of common stock on December 31, 2012, and the applicable exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for of Mr. McDonald’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Mr. McDonald would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. McDonald would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. McDonald would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 12 months.
 
 
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Mr. McDonald under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted on or after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.


William M. Mohl
President & CEO, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Louisiana

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the President and CEO, Entergy Louisiana would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$1,095,200
 Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$106,271
$106,271
---
$108,375
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$51,000
$51,000
---
$108,375
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$55,208
$55,208
---
$152,169
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$19,063
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
 
(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Mr. Mohl's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Mr. Mohl also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Mr. Mohl's employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Mohl would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of  two times the sum of (a) his annual base salary as is effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity derived under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 60% target opportunity and a base salary of $342,250 was assumed.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Mohl would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Mohl’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010  Performance Unit Program (1,400 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (2,000 units).  This average number of units (1,700 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $108,375 for the forfeited performance units.
In the event of Mr. Mohl’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. Mohl would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Mohl's awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 1,667 (2,500 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 800 (2,400 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
 
(4)
In the event of his death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. Mohl's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of his death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Mohl’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest. In addition, he would be entitled to exercise his stock options for the remainder of the ten-year extending from the grant date of the options. For purposes of this table, it is assumed that Mr. Mohl exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of common stock on December 31, 2012, and the applicable exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for of Mr. Mohl’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
 
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Mr. Mohl would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Mohl would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Mohl would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 18 months.
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Mr. Mohl under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted on or after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.



Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of her employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$756,000
 Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$56,036
$56,036
---
$78,476
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$43,924
$43,924
---
$78,476
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$46,474
$46,474
---
$133,388
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$8,518
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
 

(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Ms. Mount's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Ms. Mount also would have been entitled to receive her vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Ms. Mount's employment were terminated for cause, she would forfeit her benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Ms. Mount would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of 2.00 times the sum of (a) her annual base salary as in effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) her annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 35% target opportunity and a base salary of $280,000 was assumed.
 
 
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Ms. Mount would have forfeited her performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units she would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which her termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Ms. Mount’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (739 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (1,722 units).  This average number of units (1,231 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $78,476 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Ms. Mount’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Ms. Mount would not have forfeited her performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on her number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period. For purposes of the table, the value of Ms. Mount's awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 879 (1,319 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 689 (2,067 *12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
 
(4)
In the event of death, disability or a change in control, all of Ms. Mount's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest In the event of her death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Ms. Mount’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In addition, she would be entitled to exercise any unexercised options during a ten-year term extending from the grant date of the options.  For purposes of this table, it was assumed that Ms. Mount exercised her options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on December 31, 2012, and the exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for Ms. Mount’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(5)
In the event of her death or disability, Ms. Mount would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of her death or Disability.  In the event of her qualifying termination related to a change in control, Ms. Mount would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Ms. Mount would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 18 months.
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Ms. Mount under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
 
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
 
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.

Sallie T. Rainer
President & CEO, Entergy Texas

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the President & CEO, Entergy Texas would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of her employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$357,500
 Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$26,903
$26,903
---
$36,465
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$27,476
$27,476
---
$36,465
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$37,931
$37,931
---
$110,628
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$17,076
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
 
(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Ms. Rainer's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Ms. Rainer also would have been entitled to receive her vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Ms. Rainer's employment were terminated for cause, she would forfeit her benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
 
 
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Ms. Rainer would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of 1.00 times the sum of (a) her annual base salary as in effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) her annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 30% target opportunity and a base salary of $275,000 was assumed.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Ms. Rainer would have forfeited her performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units she would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which her termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Ms. Rainer’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (369 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (775 units).  This average number of units (572 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $36,465 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Ms. Rainer’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Ms. Rainer would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on her number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period. For purposes of the table, the value of Ms. Rainer's awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 422 (633 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 431 (1,292 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
(4)
In the event of death, disability or a change in control, all of Ms. Rainer's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of her death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Ms. Rainer’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In addition, he would be entitled to exercise any unexercised options during a ten-year term extending from the grant date of the options. For purposes of this table, it was assumed that Ms. Rainer exercised her options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on December 31, 2012, and the exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for Ms. Rainer’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Ms. Rainer would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of her death or Disability.  In the event of her qualifying termination related to a change in control, Ms. Rainer would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Ms. Rainer would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 12 months.
 
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Ms. Rainer under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
 
 
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.

Charles L. Rice, Jr.
President & CEO, Entergy New Orleans

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the President and CEO, Entergy New Orleans would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of his employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (7)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (8)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$352,940
 Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$51,000
$51,000
---
$51,000
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$31,875
$31,875
---
$51,000
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$36,019
$36,019
---
$100,905
Medical and Dental Benefits (6)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$900
280G Tax Gross-up (9)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---

 
(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Mr. Rice's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Mr. Rice also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Mr. Rice's employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
 
 
 
 
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Rice would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of one time the sum of (a) his annual base salary as is effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity derived under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 40% target opportunity and a base salary of $252,100 was assumed.
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Rice would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Rice’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (700 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (900 units).  This average number of units (800 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $   $51,000 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Mr. Rice’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. Rice would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period. For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. Rice’s awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 800 (1,200 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 500 (1,500 * 12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
(4)
In the event of his death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. Rice's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In the event of his death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. Rice’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest.  In addition, he would be entitled to exercise his stock options for the remainder of the ten-year extending from the grant date of the options.  For purposes of this table, it is assumed that Mr. Rice exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of common stock on December 31, 2012, and the applicable exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for of Mr. Rice’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
 
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Mr. Rice would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. Rice would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. Rice would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 12 months.
 
 
 
(7)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Mr. Rice under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
(8)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
 
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
 
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted on or after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(9)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.




Roderick K. West
Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

The following table shows certain payments and benefits, excluding vested or earned awards and benefits, which the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer would have been entitled to receive as a result of a termination of her employment under various scenarios as of December 31, 2012:
 
Benefits and Payments Upon Termination (1)
Voluntary Resignation
For Cause
Termination for Good Reason or Not for Cause
Retirement (8)
Disability
Death
Change in Control (9)
Termination Related to a Change in Control
 Severance Payment (2 )
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$2,994,700
 Performance Units: (3)
               
   2011-2013  Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$250,729
$250,729
---
$277,313
   2012-2014 Performance Unit Program
---
---
---
---
$114,750
$114,750
---
$277,313
Unvested Stock Options (4)
---
---
---
---
$0
$0
---
$0
Unvested Restricted Stock (5)
---
---
---
---
$148,601
$148,601
---
$408,786
Unvested Restricted Units (6)
---
---
$956,250
---
---
---
$956,250
$956,250
Medical and Dental Benefits (7)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
$25,614
280G Tax Gross-up (10)
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---


(1)
In addition to the payments and benefits in the table, if Mr. West's employment were terminated under certain conditions relating to a change in control, Mr. West also would have been entitled to receive his vested pension benefits and would have been eligible for early retirement benefits.  For a description of the pension benefits, see "2012 Pension Benefits."  If Mr. West's employment were terminated for cause, he would forfeit his benefit under the System Executive Retirement Plan.
(2)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. West would be entitled to receive pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan a lump sum severance payment equal to the product of 2.99 times the sum of (a) his annual base salary as in effect at any time within one year prior to the commencement of a change in control period or, if higher,  immediately prior to a circumstance constituting good reason plus (b) his annual incentive, calculated using the average annual target opportunity under the Annual Incentive Plan for the two calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participant’s termination occurs.  For purposes of this table, a 70% target opportunity and a base salary of $589,160 was assumed.
 
 
(3)
In the event of a qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. West would have forfeited his performance units for the 2011-2013 performance period and would have been entitled to receive, pursuant to the equity ownership plans, a single-sum severance payment that would not be based on any outstanding performance periods.  This is also applicable for the 2012-2014 performance period pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  For both the 2011-2013 performance period and the 2012-2014 performance period, the payment would have been calculated using the average annual number of performance units he would have been entitled to receive under the Performance Unit Program with respect to the two most recent performance periods preceding the calendar year in which his termination occurs, assuming all performance goals were achieved at target.  For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. West’s severance payment was calculated by taking an average of the target performance units from the 2008-2010 Performance Unit Program (3,900 units) and the 2009-2011 Performance Unit Program (4,800 units).  This average number of units (4,350 units) multiplied by the closing price of Entergy stock on December 31, 2012 ($63.75) would equal a severance payment of $277,313 for the forfeited performance units.
 
In the event of Mr. West’s death or disability not related to a change in control, Mr. West would not have forfeited his performance units for all open performance periods, but rather such performance unit awards would have been pro-rated based on his number of months of participation in each open Performance Unit Program performance cycle. The amount of the award is based on actual performance achieved, with a stock price set as of the end of the performance period, and payable in the form of a lump sum after the completion of the performance period. For purposes of the table, the value of Mr. West's awards were calculated as follows:
2011 - 2013 Plan – 3,933 (5,900 * 24/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
2012 - 2014 Plan – 1,800 (5,400 *12/36) performance units at target, assuming a stock price of $63.75
 
(4)
In the event of death, disability or a change in control, all of Mr. West's unvested stock options granted prior to December 30, 2010 would immediately vest In the event of his death, disability or qualifying termination related to a change in control, all of Mr. West’s unvested stock options granted on or after December 30, 2010 would immediately vest. In addition, he would be entitled to exercise any unexercised options during a ten-year term extending from the grant date of the options. For purposes of this table, it was assumed that Mr. West exercised his options immediately upon vesting and received proceeds equal to the difference between the closing price of Entergy Corporation common stock on December 31, 2012, and the exercise price of each option share.  As of December 31, 2012, the closing stock price for Mr. West’s unvested options fell below the exercise prices and accordingly considered “underwater” and are excluded from the table.
(5)
In the event of his death or disability, Mr. West would immediately vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested restricted stock that was otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such restricted stock).  The pro-rated vested portion would be determined based on the number of days between the most recent preceding twelve (12)-month grant date anniversary date and the date of his death or Disability.  In the event of his qualifying termination related to a change in control, Mr. West would immediately vest in all unvested restricted stock.
(6)
Mr. West's 15,000 restricted unit vest 100% in 2013.  Pursuant to his restricted unit agreement, any unvested restricted units will vest immediately in the event of termination for good reason or not for cause and a change in control.
(7)
Pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan, in the event of a termination related to a change in control, Mr. West would be eligible to receive Company- subsidized COBRA benefits for 18 months.
(8)
As of December 31, 2012, compensation and benefits available to Mr. West under this scenario are substantially the same as available with a voluntary resignation.
 
 
 
(9)
With respect to grants made under the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan prior to December 30, 2010, plan participants are entitled to receive an acceleration of certain benefits based solely upon a change in control of the Company and without regard to whether their employment is terminated as a result of a change in control.  The accelerated benefits in the event of a change in control are as follows:
·   All unvested stock options would become immediately exercisable; and
·   Severance benefits in place of performance units become payable as described in footnote 3 above.
The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was amended in December 2010 so that awards granted after December 30, 2010 require a qualifying involuntary termination in order to accelerate vesting or trigger severance payments.
(10)
In December 2010, the System Executive Continuity Plan was amended to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments.
 
In the following sections, additional information is provided regarding certain of the scenarios described in the tables above:

Termination Related to a Change in Control

Under the System Executive Continuity Plan, the Named Executive Officers will be entitled to the benefits described in the tables above in the event of a termination related to a change in control if their employment is terminated other than for cause or if they terminate their employment for good reason, in each case within a period commencing 90 days prior to and ending 24 months following a change in control.

A change in control includes the following events:

·  
The purchase of 30% or more of either the common stock or the combined voting power of the voting securities;
·  
the merger or consolidation of Entergy Corporation (unless Entergy Corporation's board members constitute at least a majority of the board members of the surviving entity);
·  
the liquidation, dissolution or sale of all or substantially all of Entergy Corporation's assets; or
·  
a change in the composition of Entergy Corporation's board such that, during any two-year period, the individuals serving at the beginning of the period no longer constitute a majority of Entergy Corporation's board at the end of the period.

Entergy Corporation may terminate a Named Executive Officer's employment for cause under the System Executive Continuity Plan if he or she:

·  
fails to substantially perform his or her duties for a period of 30 days after receiving notice from the Board;
·  
engages in conduct that is injurious to Entergy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries;
·  
is convicted or pleads guilty to a felony or other crime that materially and adversely affects his or her ability to perform his or her duties or Entergy Corporation's reputation;
·  
violates any agreement with Entergy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; or
·  
discloses any of Entergy Corporation's confidential information without authorization.

A Named Executive Officer may terminate employment with Entergy Corporation for good reason under the System Executive Continuity Plan if, without the Named Executive Officer's consent:

·  
the nature or status of his or her duties and responsibilities is substantially altered or reduced compared to the period prior to the change in control;
·  
his or her salary is reduced by 5% or more;
·  
he or she is required to be based outside of the continental United States at somewhere other than the primary work location prior to the change in control;
 
 
·  
any of his or her compensation plans are discontinued without an equitable replacement;
·  
his or her benefits or number of vacation days are substantially reduced; or
·  
his or her employment is purported to be terminated other than in accordance with the System Executive Continuity Plan.

In addition to participation in the System Executive Continuity Plan, upon the completion of a transaction resulting in a change in control of Entergy Corporation, benefits already accrued under the System Executive Retirement Plan and Pension Equalization Plan, if any, will become fully vested if the executive is involuntarily terminated without cause or terminates employment for good reason. Any awards granted under the equity ownership plans will become fully vested upon a Change in Control and the executive is involuntarily terminated without cause or terminates employment for good reason.  In 2010, Entergy Corporation eliminated tax gross up payments for any severance benefits paid under the System Executive Continuity Plan.

Under certain circumstances, the payments and benefits received by a Named Executive Officer pursuant to the System Executive Continuity Plan may be forfeited and, in certain cases, subject to repayment. Benefits are no longer payable under the System Executive Continuity Plan, and unvested performance units under the Performance Unit Program are subject to forfeiture, if the executive:

·  
accepts employment with Entergy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries;
·  
elects to receive the benefits of another severance or separation program;
·  
removes, copies or fails to return any property belonging to Entergy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries;
·  
discloses non-public data or information concerning Entergy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; or
·  
violates their non-competition provision, which generally runs for two years but extends to three years if permissible under applicable law.

Furthermore, if the executive discloses non-public data or information concerning Entergy Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or violates their non-competition provision, he or she will be required to repay any benefits previously received under the System Executive Continuity Plan.

Termination for Cause

If a Named Executive Officer's employment is terminated for "cause" (as defined in the System Executive Continuity Plans and described above under "Termination Related to a Change in Control"), he or she is generally entitled to the same compensation and separation benefits described below under "Voluntary Resignation" except that all options may no longer be exercisable.

Voluntary Resignation

If a Named Executive Officer voluntarily resigns from an Entergy System company employer, he or she is entitled to all accrued benefits and compensation as of the separation date, including qualified pension benefits (if any) and other post-employment benefits on terms consistent with those generally available to other salaried employees.  In the case of voluntary resignation, the officer would forfeit all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and restricted units as well as any perquisites to which he or she is entitled as an officer.  In addition, the officer would forfeit, except as described below, his or her right to receive incentive payments under the Performance Unit Program or the Annual Incentive Plan.  If the officer resigns after the completion of an Annual Incentive Plan or Performance Unit Program performance period, he or she could receive a payout under the Performance Unit Program based on the outcome of the performance cycle and could, at the Entergy Corporation's discretion, receive an annual incentive payment under the Annual Incentive Plan.  Any vested stock options held by the officer as of the separation date will expire the earlier of ten years from date of grant or 90 days from the last day of active employment.

Retirement

Under Entergy Corporation's retirement plans, a Named Executive Officer's eligibility for retirement benefits is based on a combination of age and years of service.  Normal retirement is defined as age 65.  Early retirement is defined under the qualified retirement plan as minimum age 55 with 10 years of service and in the case of the System Executive Retirement Plan and the supplemental credited service under the Pension Equalization Plan, the consent of Entergy System company employer.
 
Upon a Named Executive Officer's retirement, he or she is generally entitled to all accrued benefits and compensation as of the separation date, including qualified pension benefits and other post-employment benefits consistent with those generally available to salaried employees.  The annual incentive payment under the Annual Incentive Plan is pro-rated based on the actual number of days employed during the performance year in which the retirement date occurs.  Similarly, payments under the Performance Unit Program for those retiring with a minimum 12 months of participation are pro-rated based on the actual full months of participation, in each outstanding performance cycle, in which the retirement date occurs.  In each case, payments are delivered at the conclusion of each annual or performance cycle, consistent with the timing of payments to active participants in the Annual Incentive Plan and the Performance Unit Program, respectively. Unvested stock options issued under the equity ownership plans vest on the retirement date and expire ten years from the grant date of the options.  Any restricted stock units held (other than those issued under the Performance Unit Program) by the executive upon his or her retirement are forfeited, and perquisites are not available following the separation date.

Disability

If a Named Executive Officer's employment is terminated due to disability, he or she generally is entitled to the same compensation and separation benefits described above under "Retirement," except that restricted units may be subject to specific disability benefits (as noted, where applicable, in the tables above).

Death

If a Named Executive Officer dies while actively employed by an Entergy System company employer, he or she generally is entitled to the same compensation and separation benefits described above under "Retirement," including:

·  
all unvested stock options will vest immediately;
·  
vested stock options will expire ten years from the grant date; and
·  
restricted units may be subject to specific death benefits depending on the restricted stock unit agreement (as noted, where applicable, in the tables above).



Compensation of Directors

For information regarding compensation of the directors of Entergy Corporation, see the Proxy Statement under the heading “Director Compensation”, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  The Boards of Directors of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas are comprised solely of employee directors who receive no compensation for service as directors.



Entergy Corporation owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of registrants Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Texas.  The information with respect to persons known by Entergy Corporation to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of Entergy Corporation’s outstanding common stock is included under the heading “Stockholders Who Own at Least Five Percent” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  The registrants know of no contractual arrangements that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of any of the registrants.

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of Entergy Corporation and stock-based units as of January 31, 2013 for all directors and Named Executive Officers.  Unless otherwise noted, each person had sole voting and investment power over the number of shares of Common Stock and stock-based units of Entergy Corporation set forth across from his or her name.

 
Name
 
 
Shares (1)
 
Options Exercisable
Within 60 Days
 
 
Stock Units (2)
             
Entergy Corporation
           
Maureen S. Bateman*
 
4,943
 
-
 
9,600
Leo P. Denault**
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
Gary W. Edwards*
 
1,627
 
-
 
7,874
Alexis Herman*
 
5,777
 
-
 
7,200
Donald C. Hintz*
 
9,558
 
20,000
 
7,493
J. Wayne Leonard***
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
Stuart L. Levenick*
 
4,443
 
-
 
5,431
Blanche L. Lincoln*
 
1,132
 
-
 
1,000
Stewart C. Myers*
 
2,101
 
-
 
2,183
William A. Percy, II*
 
3,743
 
-
 
13,904
Mark T. Savoff**
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Richard J. Smith**
 
58,657
 
341,600
 
-
W. J. Tauzin*
 
4,343
 
-
 
5,293
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
Steven V. Wilkinson*
 
5,498
 
-
 
6,827
All directors and executive
           
  officers as a group (20 persons)
 
551,535
 
2,617,812
 
70,353



 
Name
 
 
Shares (1)
 
Options Exercisable
Within 60 Days
 
 
Stock Units (2)
             
Entergy Arkansas
           
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.***
 
9,607
 
70,233
 
-
Leo P. Denault***
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
J. Wayne Leonard**
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
Hugh T. McDonald***
 
13,042
 
49,066
 
-
Alyson M. Mount**
 
5,507
 
31,400
 
-
Mark T. Savoff*
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
All directors and executive
           
  officers as a group (10 persons)
 
462,755
 
2,305,278
 
3,548

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
           
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.***
 
9,607
 
70,233
 
-
Leo P. Denault***
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
J. Wayne Leonard**
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
William M. Mohl***
 
6,292
 
43,833
 
-
Alyson M. Mount**
 
5,507
 
31,400
 
-
Mark T. Savoff*
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
All directors and executive
           
    officers as a group (10 persons)
 
456,005
 
2,300,045
 
3,548
             
Entergy Louisiana
           
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.***
 
9,607
 
70,233
 
-
Leo P. Denault***
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
J. Wayne Leonard**
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
William M. Mohl***
 
6,292
 
43,833
 
-
Alyson M. Mount**
 
5,507
 
31,400
 
-
Mark T. Savoff*
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
All directors and executive
           
  officers as a group (10 persons)
 
456,005
 
2,300,045
 
3,548
             
Entergy Mississippi
           
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.***
 
9,607
 
70,233
 
-
Leo P. Denault***
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
Haley R. Fisackerly***
 
4,714
 
24,766
 
-
J. Wayne Leonard**
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
Alyson M. Mount**
 
5,507
 
31,400
 
-
Mark T. Savoff*
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
All directors and executive
           
  officers as a group (9 persons)
 
447,260
 
2,197,845
 
3,548
             
 
 
 
Name
 
 
Shares (1)
 
Options Exercisable
Within 60 Days
 
 
Stock Units (2)
Entergy New Orleans
           
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.***
 
9,607
 
70,233
 
-
Leo P. Denault***
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
J. Wayne Leonard**
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
Alyson M. Mount**
 
5,507
 
31,400
 
-
Charles L. Rice, Jr.***
 
3,473
 
3,466
 
-
Mark T. Savoff*
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
All directors and executive
           
  officers as a group (9 persons)
 
446,019
 
2,176,545
 
3,548
             
Entergy Texas
           
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.***
 
9,607
 
70,233
 
-
Leo P. Denault***
 
26,725
 
351,662
 
-
Joseph F. Domino**
 
2,650
 
59,966
 
-
J. Wayne Leonard**
 
348,273
 
1,361,533
 
3,271
Alyson M. Mount**
 
5,507
 
31,400
 
-
Sallie T. Rainer***
 
5,077
 
14,900
 
-
Mark T. Savoff*
 
11,590
 
189,333
 
277
Roderick K. West**
 
13,813
 
55,334
 
-
All directors and executive
           
    officers as a group (10 persons)
 
450,273
 
2,247,945
 
3,548

*
Director of the respective Company
**
Named Executive Officer of the respective Company
***
Director and Named Executive Officer of the respective Company

(1)
The number of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock owned by each individual and by all directors and executive officers as a group does not exceed one percent of the outstanding Entergy Corporation common stock.
(2)
Represents the balances of phantom units each executive holds under the defined contribution restoration plan and the deferral provisions of the Equity Ownership Plan.  These units will be paid out in either Entergy Corporation Common Stock or cash equivalent to the value of one share of Entergy Corporation common stock per unit on the date of payout, including accrued dividends.  The deferral period is determined by the individual and is at least two years from the award of the bonus.  For directors of Entergy Corporation the phantom units are issued under the Service Recognition Program for Outside Directors.  All non-employee directors are credited with units for each year of service on the Board.  In addition, Messrs. Edwards, Hintz and Percy have deferred receipt of some of their quarterly stock grants.  The deferred shares will be settled in cash in an amount equal to the market value of Entergy Corporation common stock at the end of the deferral period.




Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes the equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2012. Information is included for equity compensation plans approved by the stockholders and equity compensation plans not approved by the stockholders.

 
 
 
 
Plan
 
 
 
Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options
(a)
 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(b)
 
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)
             
Equity compensation plans
  approved by security holders (1)
 
 
9,413,476
 
 
$80.32
 
 
6,081,969
Equity compensation plans not
  approved by security holders (2)
 
 
144,870
 
 
$44.45
 
 
-
Total
 
9,558,346
 
$79.77
 
6,081,969

(1)
Includes the Equity Ownership Plan, which was approved by the shareholders on May 15, 1998, the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan and the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan.  The 2007 Equity Ownership Plan was approved by Entergy Corporation shareholders on May 12, 2006, and 7,000,000 shares of Entergy Corporation common stock can be issued, with no more than 2,000,000 shares available for non-option grants.  The 2011 Equity Ownership Plan was approved by Entergy Corporation shareholders on May 6, 2011, and 5,500,000 shares of Entergy Corporation common stock can be issued from the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan, with no more than 2,000,000 shares available for incentive stock option grants.  The Equity Ownership Plan, the 2007 Equity Ownership Plan and the 2011 Equity Ownership Plan (the “Plans”) are administered by the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors (other than with respect to awards granted to non-employee directors, which awards are administered by the entire Board of Directors).  Eligibility under the Plans is limited to the non-employee directors and to the officers and employees of an Entergy System employer and any corporation 80% or more of whose stock (based on voting power) or value is owned, directly or indirectly, by Entergy Corporation.  The Plans provide for the issuance of stock options, restricted shares, equity awards (units whose value is related to the value of shares of the Common Stock but do not represent actual shares of Common Stock), performance awards (performance shares or units valued by reference to shares of Common Stock or performance units valued by reference to financial measures or property other than Common Stock) and other stock-based awards.
(2)
Entergy has a Board-approved stock-based compensation plan. However, effective May 9, 2003, the Board has directed that no further awards be issued under that plan.



For information regarding certain relationships, related transactions and director independence of Entergy Corporation, see the Proxy Statement under the headings “Corporate Governance - Director Independence” and “Transactions with Related Persons,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Since December 31, 2011, none of the Subsidiaries or any of their affiliates has participated in any transaction involving an amount in excess of $120,000 in which any director or executive officer of any of the Subsidiaries, any nominee for director, or any immediate family member of the foregoing had a material interest as contemplated by Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K (“Related Party Transactions”).

Entergy Corporation’s Board of Directors has adopted written policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of Related Party Transactions.  Under these policies and procedures, the Corporate Governance Committee, or a subcommittee of the Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation composed of independent directors, reviews the transaction and either approves or rejects the transaction after taking into account the following factors:
 
 
 
·  
Whether the proposed transaction is on terms at least as favorable to Entergy Corporation or the subsidiary as those achievable with an unaffiliated third party;
·  
Size of transaction and amount of consideration;
·  
Nature of the interest;
·  
Whether the transaction involves a conflict of interest;
·  
Whether the transaction involves services available from unaffiliated third parties; and
·  
Any other factors that the Corporate Governance Committee or subcommittee deems relevant.

The policy does not apply to (a) compensation and Related Party Transactions involving a director or an executive officer solely resulting from that person’s service as a director or employment with the Company so long as the compensation is approved by Entergy’s Board of Directors, (b) transactions involving the rendering of services as a public utility at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority or (c) any other categories of transactions currently or in the future excluded from the reporting requirements of Item 404(a) of Regulation SK.

None of the Subsidiaries are listed issuers.  As previously noted, the Boards of Directors of the Subsidiaries are composed solely of employee directors.  None of the Boards of Directors of any of the Subsidiaries has any committees.





Aggregate fees billed to Entergy Corporation (consolidated), Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 by Deloitte & Touche LLP were as follows:

   
2012
 
2011
Entergy Corporation (consolidated)
       
Audit Fees
 
$11,162,397
 
$9,096,870
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
540,000
 
740,000
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
11,702,397
 
9,836,870
Tax Fees (b)
 
-
 
46,083
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$11,702,397
 
$9,882,953
         
Entergy Arkansas
       
Audit Fees
 
$992,666
 
$969,218
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
-
 
-
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
992,666
 
969,218
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$992,666
 
$969,218
         
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana
       
Audit Fees
 
$905,666
 
$897,218
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
80,000
 
80,000
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
985,666
 
977,218
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$985,666
 
$977,218
         
Entergy Louisiana
       
Audit Fees
 
$1,032,666
 
$1,031,718
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
80,000
 
280,000
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
1,112,666
 
1,311,718
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$1,112,666
 
$1,311,718



   
2012
 
2011
Entergy Mississippi
       
Audit Fees
 
$945,666
 
$971,218
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
-
 
-
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
945,666
 
971,218
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$945,666
 
$971,218
         
Entergy New Orleans
       
Audit Fees
 
$945,666
 
$901,218
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
-
 
-
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
945,666
 
901,218
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$945,666
 
$901,218
         
Entergy Texas
       
Audit Fees
 
$998,666
 
$1,945,188
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
-
 
-
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
998,666
 
1,945,188
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$998,666
 
$1,945,188
         
System Energy
       
Audit Fees
 
$945,666
 
$901,218
Audit-Related Fees (a)
 
-
 
-
         
Total audit and audit-related fees
 
945,666
 
901,218
Tax Fees
 
-
 
-
All Other Fees
 
-
 
-
         
     Total Fees (c)
 
$945,666
 
$901,218

(a)
Includes fees for employee benefit plan audits, consultation on financial accounting and reporting, and other attestation services.
(b)
Includes fees for tax advisory services.
(c)
100% of fees paid in 2012 and 2011 were pre-approved by the Entergy Corporation Audit Committee.



Entergy Audit Committee Guidelines for Pre-approval of Independent Auditor Services

The Audit Committee has adopted the following guidelines regarding the engagement of Entergy’s independent auditor to perform services for Entergy:

1.
The independent auditor will provide the Audit Committee, for approval, an annual engagement letter outlining the scope of services proposed to be performed during the fiscal year, including audit services and other permissible non-audit services (e.g. audit-related services, tax services, and all other services).
2.
For other permissible services not included in the engagement letter, Entergy management will submit a description of the proposed service, including a budget estimate, to the Audit Committee for pre-approval.  Management and the independent auditor must agree that the requested service is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence prior to submission to the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee, at its discretion, will pre-approve permissible services and has established the following additional guidelines for permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditor:
·   Aggregate non-audit service fees are targeted at fifty percent or less of the approved audit service fee.
·   All other services should only be provided by the independent auditor if it is the only qualified provider of that service or if the Audit Committee specifically requests the service.
3.
The Audit Committee will be informed quarterly as to the status of pre-approved services actually provided by the independent auditor.
4.
To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, the Audit Committee delegates to the Audit Committee Chair or its designee the authority to approve permissible services and fees.  The Audit Committee Chair or designee will report action taken to the Audit Committee at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting.
5.
The Vice President and General Auditor will be responsible for tracking all independent auditor fees and will report quarterly to the Audit Committee.





PART IV


(a)1.
Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Reports for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy are listed in the Table of Contents.
   
(a)2.
Financial Statement Schedules
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (see page 513)
 
Financial Statement Schedules are listed in the Index to Financial Statement Schedules (see page S-1)
   
(a)3.
Exhibits
 
Exhibits for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy are listed in the Exhibit Index (see page E-1).  Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit hereto is identified as such by footnote in the Exhibit Index.

 
 
 
502



SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 27, 2013


Leo P. Denault (Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Andrew S. Marsh (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Principal Financial Officer); Maureen S. Bateman, Gary W. Edwards, Alexis M. Herman, Donald C. Hintz, Stuart L. Levenick, Blanche L. Lincoln, Stewart C. Myers, William A. Percy, II, W. J. Tauzin, and Steven V. Wilkinson (Directors).


By:  /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013

 
 
 
503


ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and
acting Principal Financial Officer)
February 27, 2013


Hugh T. McDonald (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh, and Mark T. Savoff (Directors).


By:  /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013


 
 
 
504


ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and
acting Principal Financial Officer)
February 27, 2013


Phillip R. May, Jr. (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh, and Mark T. Savoff (Directors).


By:   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013

 
 
 
505


ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and
acting Principal Financial Officer)
February 27, 2013


Phillip R. May, Jr. (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh, and Mark T. Savoff (Directors).


By:  /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013



 
 
 
506


ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and
acting Principal Financial Officer)
February 27, 2013


Haley R. Fisackerly (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh, and Mark T. Savoff (Directors).


By:  /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013


 
 
 
507


ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and
acting Principal Financial Officer)
February 27, 2013


Charles L. Rice, Jr. (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. and Mark T. Savoff (Directors).


By:  /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013


 
 
 
508


ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and
acting Principal Financial Officer)
February 27, 2013


Sallie T. Rainer (Chair of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh, and Mark T. Savoff (Directors).


By:   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013

 
 
 
509


SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
 
By   /s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Date: February 27, 2013


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature
Title
Date
     
     
/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 27, 2013


Jeffrey S. Forbes (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Wanda C. Curry (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Nuclear Operations; Principal Financial Officer); Andrew S. Marsh and Steven C. McNeal (Directors).


By:  /s/ Alyson M. Mount
(Alyson M. Mount, Attorney-in-fact)
February 27, 2013




 
 
 
510



CONSENTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315, Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 3 and 5A on Form S-8 and their related prospectuses to Registration Statement No. 33-54298  on Form S-4, and in Registration Statements Nos. 333-55692, 333-68950, 333-75097, 333-90914, 333-98179, 333-140183, 333-142055, 333-168664, 333-174148, and 333-183090 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on Form S-3, and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-03 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-02 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., and the effectiveness of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-01 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Louisiana, LLC for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-07 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Mississippi, Inc., and the effectiveness of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-06 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy New Orleans, Inc., and the effectiveness of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-05 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Texas, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012.


 
 
 
511


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 on Form S-3 and their related prospectus to Registration Statement No. 333-169315-04 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 27, 2013, relating to the financial statements of System Energy Resources, Inc., and the effectiveness of System Energy Resources, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of System Energy Resources, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013





 
 
 
512





To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries

To the Board of Directors and Members of
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries


We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries, Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries, and Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and we have also audited the financial statements of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., and Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (collectively the “Companies”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, and the respective Companies’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, and have issued our reports thereon dated February 27, 2013; such reports are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedules of the respective Companies listed in Item 15. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the respective Companies’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
February 27, 2013



 
 
 
513






Schedule
 
Page
     
II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 2012, 2011, and 2010:
 
 
  Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
S-2
 
  Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
S-3
 
  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
S-4
 
  Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
S-5
 
  Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
S-6
 
  Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
S-7
 
  Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
S-8

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

Columns have been omitted from schedules filed because the information is not applicable.







 
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 31,159     $ 2,448     $ 1,651     $ 31,956  
2011
  $ 31,777     $ 512     $ 1,130     $ 31,159  
2010
  $ 27,631     $ 1,569     $ (2,577 )   $ 31,777  
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 



ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 26,155     $ 2,188     $ -     $ 28,343  
2011
  $ 24,402     $ 1,753     $ -     $ 26,155  
2010
  $ 21,853     $ 2,549     $ -     $ 24,402  
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 



ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 843     $ 123     $ 255     $ 711  
2011
  $ 1,306     $ (235 )   $ 228     $ 843  
2010
  $ 1,235     $ (413 )   $ (484 )   $ 1,306  
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 



ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 1,147     $ 121     $ 401     $ 867  
2011
  $ 1,961     $ (453 )   $ 361     $ 1,147  
2010
  $ 1,312     $ (112 )   $ (761 )   $ 1,961  
                                 
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 



ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 756     $ 154     $ -     $ 910  
2011
  $ 985     $ (229 )   $ -     $ 756  
2010
  $ 1,018     $ (33 )   $ -     $ 985  
                                 
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 
 


 
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 465     $ 12     $ 31     $ 446  
2011
  $ 734     $ (241 )   $ 28     $ 465  
2010
  $ 1,166     $ (491 )   $ (59 )   $ 734  
                                 
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 




ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
 
                         
   
Balance at
         
Other
   
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Additions
   
Changes
   
at End
 
Description
 
of Period
   
Charged to Income
   
Deductions (1)
   
of Period
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                       
2012
  $ 1,461     $ (21 )   $ 760     $ 680  
2011
  $ 2,185     $ (212 )   $ 512     $ 1,461  
2010
  $ 844     $ 69     $ (1,272 )   $ 2,185  
                                 
                                 
Notes:
                               
(1) Deductions represent write-offs of accounts receivable balances and are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
                                 
                                 
                                 
 
 




The following exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the exhibit number are filed herewith.  The balance of the exhibits have heretofore been filed with the SEC as the exhibits and in the file numbers indicated and are incorporated herein by reference.  The exhibits marked with a (+) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed herewith and required to be identified as such by Item 15 of Form 10-K.

Some of the agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Form 10-K contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement.  These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of “materiality” that are different from the standard of “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.

Entergy acknowledges that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, it is responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this Form 10-K not misleading.

(2) Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession

Entergy Corporation
 
(a) 1 --
Merger Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, Mid South TransCo LLC, ITC Holdings Corp. and Ibis Transaction Subsidiary LLC (2.1 to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 2 --
Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 21, 2012, to the Merger Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, Mid South TransCo LLC, ITC Holdings Corp. and ITC Midsouth LLC (formerly known as Ibis Transaction Subsidiary LLC) (included in Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by ITC Holdings Corp. on January 28, 2013 (Registration No. 333-184073)).  (The Exhibits listed and identified therein have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.  Entergy Corporation agrees that it will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.)
   
(a) 3 --
Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 28, 2013, to the Merger Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, Mid South TransCo LLC, ITC Holdings Corp. and ITC Midsouth LLC (formerly known as Ibis Transaction Subsidiary LLC) (included in Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by ITC Holdings Corp. on January 28, 2013 (Registration No. 333-184073)).
   
(a) 4 --
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., Mid South TransCo LLC, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and Entergy Services, Inc. (2.2 to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2011 in 1-11299).
   




(a) 5 --
Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 24, 2012, to the Separation Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., Mid South TransCo LLC, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and Entergy Services, Inc. (included in Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by ITC Holdings Corp. on January 28, 2013 (Registration No. 333-184073)).  (The Exhibits listed and identified therein have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.  Entergy Corporation agrees that it will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.)

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

(b) 1 --
Plan of Merger of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. effective December 31, 2007 (2(ii) to Form 8-K15D5 filed January 7, 2008 in 333-148557).
   
(b) 2 --
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., Mid South TransCo LLC, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and Entergy Services, Inc. (2.2 to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
(b) 3 --
Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 24, 2012, to the Separation Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., Mid South TransCo LLC, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and Entergy Services, Inc. (included in Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by ITC Holdings Corp. on January 28, 2013 (Registration No. 333-184073)).  (The Exhibits listed and identified therein have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.  Entergy Gulf States Louisiana agrees that it will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.)

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas

(c) 1 --
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., Mid South TransCo LLC, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and Entergy Services, Inc. (2.2 to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
(c) 2 --
Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 24, 2012, to the Separation Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., Mid South TransCo LLC, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas and Entergy Services, Inc. (included in Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by ITC Holdings Corp. on January 28, 2013 (Registration No. 333-184073)).  (The Exhibits listed and identified therein have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each agrees that it will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.)
 
(3) Articles of Incorporation and By-laws

Entergy Corporation

(a) 1 --
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Entergy Corporation dated October 10, 2006 (3(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
 
   
(a) 2 --
By-Laws of Entergy Corporation as amended February 12, 2007, and as presently in effect (3(ii) to Form 8-K filed February 16, 2007 in 1-11299).

System Energy

(b) 1 --
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of System Energy and amendments thereto through April 28, 1989 (A-1(a) to Form U-1 in 70-5399).
   
(b) 2 --
By-Laws of System Energy effective July 6, 1998, and as presently in effect (3(f) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 in 1-9067).

Entergy Arkansas

(c) 1 --
Articles of Amendment and Restatement for the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy Arkansas, effective August 19, 2009 (3 to Form 8-K filed August 24, 2009 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 2 --
By-Laws of Entergy Arkansas effective November 26, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(ii)(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 1-10764).


Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

(d) 1 --
Articles of Organization of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana effective December 31, 2007 (3(i) to Form 8-K15D5 filed January 7, 2008 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 2 --
Operating Agreement of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, effective as of December 31, 2007 (3(ii) to Form 8-K15D5 filed January 7, 2008 in 333-148557).

Entergy Louisiana

(e) 1 --
Articles of Organization of Entergy Louisiana effective December 31, 2005 (3(c) to Form 8-K filed January 6, 2006 in 1-32718).
   
(e) 2 --
Regulations of Entergy Louisiana effective December 31, 2005, and as presently in effect (3(d) to Form 8-K filed January 6, 2006 in 1-32718).

Entergy Mississippi

(f) 1 --
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy Mississippi, effective July 21, 2009 (99.1 to Form 8-K filed July 27, 2009 in 1-31508).
   
(f) 2 --
By-Laws of Entergy Mississippi effective November 26, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(ii)(f) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 0-320).

Entergy New Orleans

(g) 1 --
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy New Orleans, effective May 8, 2007 (3(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 in 0-5807).
   
(g) 2 --
Amended By-Laws of Entergy New Orleans effective May 8, 2007, and as presently in effect (3(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 in 0-5807).

Entergy Texas

(h) 1 --
Certificate of Formation of Entergy Texas, effective December 31, 2007 (3(i) to Form 10 filed March 14, 2008 in 000-53134).
   
 
(h) 2 --
Bylaws of Entergy Texas effective December 31, 2007 (3(ii) to Form 10 filed March 14, 2008 in 000-53134).

(4)
Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures

Entergy Corporation

(a) 1 --
See (4)(b) through (4)(h) below for instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas.
   
(a) 2 --
Credit Agreement ($3,500,000,000), dated as of March 9, 2012, among Entergy Corporation, as borrower, the Banks named therein (Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Union Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, BNP Paribas, Bank of the West, The Bank of New York Mellon, CoBank, ACB, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Regions Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Bank, National Cooperative Services Corporation, and The Northern Trust Company), Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Union Bank, N.A., as LC Issuing Banks, and the other LC Issuing Banks from time to time parties thereto (4.1 to Form 8-K filed March 14, 2012 in 1-11299).
 
(a) 3 --
Indenture (For Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of September 1, 2010, between Entergy Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (4.01 to Form 8-K filed September 16, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 4 --
Officer’s Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 3.625% Senior Notes due September 15, 2015 (4.02(a) to Form 8-K filed September 16, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 5 --
Officer’s Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 5.125% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020 (4.02(b) to Form 8-K filed September 16, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 6 --
Officer’s Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 4.70% Senior Notes due January 15, 2017 (4.02 to Form 8-K filed January 13, 2012 in 1-11299).

System Energy

(b) 1 --
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of June 15, 1977, as amended by twenty-four Supplemental Indentures (A-1 in 70-5890 (Mortgage); B and C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5890 (First); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6259 (Second); 20(a)-5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1981 in 1-3517 (Third); A-1(e)-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6985 (Fourth); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7021 (Fifth); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7021 (Sixth); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7026 (Seventh); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7158 (Eighth); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7123 (Ninth); B-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7272 (Tenth); B-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7272 (Eleventh); B-3 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7272 (Twelfth); B-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7382 (Thirteenth); B-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7382 (Fourteenth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7946 (Fifteenth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7946 (Sixteenth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7946 (Seventeenth); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 4, 1993 in 70-7946 (Eighteenth); A-2(g) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 6, 1994 in 70-7946 (Nineteenth); A-2(a)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511 (Twentieth); A-2(a)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511 (Twenty-first); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate filed October 4, 2002 in 70-9753 (Twenty-second); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 in 1-9067 (Twenty-third); and 4.42 to Form 8-K dated September 25, 2012 in 1-9067 (Twenty-fourth)).
   
 
(b) 2 --
Facility Lease No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Steven Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).
   
(b) 3 --
Facility Lease No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988 between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Steven Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-4(d) Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-4(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).


Entergy Arkansas

(c) 1 --
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1944, as amended by seventy-two Supplemental Indentures (7(d) in 2-5463 (Mortgage); 7(b) in 2-7121 (First); 7(c) in 2-7605 (Second); 7(d) in 2-8100 (Third); 7(a)-4 in 2-8482 (Fourth); 7(a)-5 in 2-9149 (Fifth); 4(a)-6 in 2-9789 (Sixth); 4(a)-7 in 2-10261 (Seventh); 4(a)-8 in 2-11043 (Eighth); 2(b)-9 in 2-11468 (Ninth); 2(b)-10 in 2-15767 (Tenth); D in 70-3952 (Eleventh); D in 70-4099 (Twelfth); 4(d) in 2-23185 (Thirteenth); 2(c) in 2-24414 (Fourteenth); 2(c) in 2-25913 (Fifteenth); 2(c) in 2-28869 (Sixteenth); 2(d) in 2-28869 (Seventeenth); 2(c) in 2-35107 (Eighteenth); 2(d) in 2-36646 (Nineteenth); 2(c) in 2-39253 (Twentieth); 2(c) in 2-41080 (Twenty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5151 (Twenty-second); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5257 (Twenty-third); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5343 (Twenty-fourth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5404 (Twenty-fifth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5502 (Twenty-sixth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5556 (Twenty-seventh); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5693 (Twenty-eighth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6078 (Twenty-ninth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6174 (Thirtieth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6246 (Thirty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6498 (Thirty-second); A-4b-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6326 (Thirty-third); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6607 (Thirty-fourth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6650 (Thirty-fifth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 1, 1982 in 70-6774 (Thirty-sixth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 17, 1983 in 70-6774 (Thirty-seventh); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 5, 1984 in 70-6858 (Thirty-eighth); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7127 (Thirty-ninth); A-7 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7068 (Fortieth); A-8(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1989 in 70-7346 (Forty-first); A-8(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 1, 1990 in 70-7346 (Forty-second); 4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990 in 1-10764 (Forty-third); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 30, 1990 in 70-7802 (Forty-fourth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 24, 1991 in 70-7802 (Forty-fifth); 4(d)(2) in 33-54298 (Forty-sixth); 4(c)(2) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-10764 (Forty-seventh); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Forty-eighth); 4(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Forty-ninth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Fiftieth); 4(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Fifty-first); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994 in 1-10764 (Fifty-second); C-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1995 (Fifty-third); C-2(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996 (Fifty-fourth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 in 1-10764 (Fifty-fifth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 in 1-10764 (Fifty-sixth); C-2(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Fifty-seventh); 4(c)1 to Form 10-K for the year December 31, 2002 in 1-10764 (Fifty-eighth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-10764 (Fifty-ninth); 4(f) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-10764 (Sixtieth); 4(h) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-10764 (Sixty-first); 4(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 in 1-10764 (Sixty-second); 4(c)1 to Form 10-K for the year December 31, 2004 in 1-10764 (Sixty-third); C-2(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 2004 (Sixty-fourth); 4(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 in 1-10764 (Sixty-fifth);  4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 in 1-10764 (Sixty-sixth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 in 1-10764 (Sixty-seventh); 4(c)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 in 1-10764 (Sixty-eighth); 4.06 to Form 8-K dated October 8, 2010 in 1-10764 (Sixty-ninth); 4.06 to Form 8-K dated November 12, 2010 in 1-10764 (Seventieth); 4.06 to Form 8-K dated December 13, 2012 in 1-10764 (Seventy-first); and 4(e) to Form 8-K dated January 9, 2013 in 1-10764 (Seventy-second)).
   
 
(c) 2 --
Credit Agreement ($150,000,000), dated as of March 9, 2012, among Entergy Arkansas, Inc., as borrower, the Banks named therein (Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Union Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, BNP Paribas, The Bank of New York Mellon, CoBank, ACB, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Regions Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Bank, and National Cooperative Services Corporation), Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Union Bank, N.A., as LC Issuing Banks, and the other LC Issuing Banks from time to time parties thereto (4.2 to Form 8-K filed March 14, 2012 in 1-10764).

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

(d) 1 --
Indenture of Mortgage, dated September 1, 1926, as amended by certain Supplemental Indentures (B-a-I-1 in Registration No. 2-2449 (Mortgage); 7-A-9 in Registration No. 2-6893 (Seventh); B to Form 8-K dated September 1, 1959 (Eighteenth); B to Form 8-K dated February 1, 1966 (Twenty-second); B to Form 8-K dated March 1, 1967 (Twenty-third); C to Form 8-K dated March 1, 1968 (Twenty-fourth); B to Form 8-K dated November 1, 1968 (Twenty-fifth); B to Form 8-K dated April 1, 1969 (Twenty-sixth); 2-A-8 in Registration No. 2-66612 (Thirty-eighth); 4-2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-27031 (Forty-eighth); 4-2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031 (Fifty-second); 4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991 in 1-27031 (Fifty-third); 4 to Form 8-K dated July 29, 1992 in 1-27031 (Fifth-fourth); 4 to Form 10-K dated  December 31, 1992 in 1-27031 (Fifty-fifth); 4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993 in 1-27031 (Fifty-sixth); 4-2 to Amendment No. 9 to Registration No. 2-76551 (Fifty-seventh); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,1999 in 1-27031 (Fifty-eighth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 23, 2000 in 70-8721 (Fifty-ninth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 10, 2001 in 70-9751 (Sixtieth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 18, 2002 in 70-9751 (Sixty-first); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 6, 2002 in 70-9751 (Sixty-second); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 16, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-third); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 27, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-fourth); A-2(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 11, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-fifth); A-2(g) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 28, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-sixth); A-3(i) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 4, 2004 in 70-10158 (Sixty-seventh); A-3(ii) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 23, 2004 in 70-10158 (Sixty-eighth); A-3(iii) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 16, 2005 in 70-10158 (Sixty-ninth); A-3(iv) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 2, 2005 in 70-10158 (Seventieth); A-3(v) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 21, 2005 in 70-10158 (Seventy-first); A-3(vi) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 7, 2005 in 70-10158 (Seventy-second); A-3(vii) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 19, 2005 in 70-10158 (Seventy-third); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 in 1-27031 (Seventy-fourth); 4(iv) to Form 8-K15D5 dated January 7, 2008 in 333-148557 (Seventy-fifth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 in 333-148557 (Seventy-sixth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 in 0-20371 (Seventy-seventh); 4.07 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2010 in 0-20371 (Seventy-eighth); 4(c) to Form 8-K filed October 12, 2010 in 0-20371 (Seventy-ninth); and 4(f) to Form 8-K filed October 12, 2010 in 0-20371 (Eightieth)).
   
 
(d) 2 --
Indenture, dated March 21, 1939, accepting resignation of The Chase National Bank of the City of New York as trustee and appointing Central Hanover Bank and Trust Company as successor trustee (B-a-1-6 in Registration No. 2-4076).
   
(d) 3 --
Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of October 3, 2007, among Entergy Gulf States, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as resigning trustee, and The Bank of New York, as successor trustee (4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 in 1-27031).
 
(d) 4 --
Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2008, among Entergy Texas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 in 0-53134).
   
(d) 5 --
Credit Agreement ($150,000,000), dated as of March 9, 2012, among Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., as borrower, the Banks named therein (Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Union Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, BNP Paribas, The Bank of New York Mellon, CoBank, ACB, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Regions Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Bank, and National Cooperative Services Corporation), Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Union Bank, N.A., as LC Issuing Banks, and the other LC Issuing Banks from time to time parties thereto (4.3 to Form 8-K filed March 14, 2012 in 0-20371).

Entergy Louisiana

(e) 1 --
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of April 1, 1944, as amended by seventy-six Supplemental Indentures (7(d) in 2-5317 (Mortgage); 7(b) in 2-7408 (First); 7(c) in 2-8636 (Second); 4(b)-3 in 2-10412 (Third); 4(b)-4 in 2-12264 (Fourth); 2(b)-5 in 2-12936 (Fifth); D in 70-3862 (Sixth); 2(b)-7 in 2-22340 (Seventh); 2(c) in 2-24429 (Eighth); 4(c)-9 in 2-25801 (Ninth); 4(c)-10 in 2-26911 (Tenth); 2(c) in 2-28123 (Eleventh); 2(c) in 2-34659 (Twelfth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-4793 (Thirteenth); 2(b)-2 in 2-38378 (Fourteenth); 2(b)-2 in 2-39437 (Fifteenth); 2(b)-2 in 2-42523 (Sixteenth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5242 (Seventeenth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5330 (Eighteenth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5449 (Nineteenth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5550 (Twentieth); A-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5598 (Twenty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5711 (Twenty-second); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5919 (Twenty-third); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6102 (Twenty-fourth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6169 (Twenty-fifth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6278 (Twenty-sixth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6355 (Twenty-seventh); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6508 (Twenty-eighth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6556 (Twenty-ninth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6635 (Thirtieth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6834 (Thirty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6886 (Thirty-second); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6993 (Thirty-third); C-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6993 (Thirty-fourth); C-3 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6993 (Thirty-fifth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7166 (Thirty-sixth); A-2(a) in 70-7226 (Thirty-seventh); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7270 (Thirty-eighth); 4(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1988 in 1-8474 (Thirty-ninth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7553 (Fortieth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7553 (Forty-first); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-second); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-third); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-fourth); A-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-fifth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 7, 1993 in 70-7822 (Forty-sixth); A-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 1993 in 70-7822 (Forth-seventh); A-3(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 21, 1993 in 70-7822 (Forty-eighth); A-3(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 1, 1994 in 70-7822 (Forty-ninth); A-4(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 28, 1994 in 70-7653 (Fiftieth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 4, 1996 in 70-8487 (Fifty-first); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 3, 1998 in 70-9141 (Fifty-second); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 9, 1999 in 70-9141 (Fifty-third); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1999 in 70-9141 (Fifty-fourth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 2, 2000 in 70-9141 (Fifty-fifth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 4, 2002 in 70-9141 (Fifty-sixth); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated March 30, 2004 in 70-10086 (Fifty-seventh); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 15, 2004 in 70-10086 (Fifty-eighth); A-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 26, 2004 in 70-10086 (Fifty-ninth); A-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 18, 2005 in 70-10086 (Sixtieth); A-3(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 25, 2005 in 70-10086 (Sixty-first); A-3(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 31, 2005 in 70-10086 (Sixty-second); B-4(i) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 10, 2006 in 70-10324 (Sixty-third); B-4(ii) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 10, 2006 in 70-10324 (Sixty-fourth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 in 1-32718 (Sixty-fifth); 4(e)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-132718 (Sixty-sixth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 in 1-32718 (Sixty-seventh); 4.08 to Form 8-K dated September 24, 2010 in 1-32718 (Sixty-eighth); 4(c) to Form 8-K filed October 12, 2010 in 1-32718 (Sixty-ninth); 4.08 to Form 8-K dated November 23, 2010 in 1-32718 (Seventieth); 4.08 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 in 1-32718 (Seventy-first); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 in 1-32718 (Seventy-second); 4.08 to Form 8-K dated December 15, 2011 in 1-32718 (Seventy-third); 4.08 to Form 8-K dated January 12, 2012 in 1-32718 (Seventy-fourth); 4.08 to Form 8-K dated July 3, 2012 in 1-32718 (Seventy-fifth); and 4.08 to Form 8-K dated December 4, 2012 in 1-32718 (Seventy-sixth)).
   
 
(e) 2 --
Facility Lease No. 1, dated as of September 1, 1989, between First National Bank of Commerce, as Owner Trustee, and Entergy Louisiana (4(c)-1 in Registration No. 33-30660), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1997 (attached to Refunding Agreement No. 1, dated as of June 27, 1997, with such Refunding Agreement filed as Exhibit 2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 14, 1997 in 1-8474).
   
(e) 3 --
Facility Lease No. 2, dated as of September 1, 1989, between First National Bank of Commerce, as Owner Trustee, and Entergy Louisiana (4(c)-2 in Registration No. 33-30660), as supplemented by Lease Supplemental No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1997 (attached to Refunding Agreement No. 2, dated as of June 27, 1997, with such Refunding Agreement filed as Exhibit 3 to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 14, 1997 in 1-8474).
   
(e) 4 --
Facility Lease No. 3, dated as of September 1, 1989, between First National Bank of Commerce, as Owner Trustee, and Entergy Louisiana (4(c)-3 in Registration No. 33-30660), as supplemented by Lease Supplemental No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1997 (attached to Refunding Agreement No. 3, dated as of June 27, 1997, with such Refunding Agreement filed as Exhibit 4 to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 14, 1997 in 1-8474).
   
(e) 5 --
Credit Agreement ($200,000,000), dated as of March 9, 2012, among Entergy Louisiana, LLC, as borrower, the Banks named therein (Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Union Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, BNP Paribas, The Bank of New York Mellon, CoBank, ACB, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Regions Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Bank, and National Cooperative Services Corporation), Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Union Bank, N.A., as LC Issuing Banks, and the other LC Issuing Banks from time to time parties thereto (4.4 to Form 8-K filed March 14, 2012 in 1-32718).
 
Entergy Mississippi

(f) 1 --
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of February 1, 1988, as amended by thirty Supplemental Indentures (A-2(a)-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7461 (Mortgage); A-2(b)-2 in 70-7461 (First); A-5(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7419 (Second); A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7554 (Third); A-1(b)-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7737 (Fourth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 24, 1992 in 70-7914 (Fifth); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 22, 1993 in 70-7914 (Sixth); A-2(g) to Form U-1 in 70-7914 (Seventh); A-2(i) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 10, 1993 in 70-7914 (Eighth); A-2(j) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 22, 1994 in 70-7914 (Ninth); (A-2(l) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1995 in 70-7914 (Tenth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 27, 1997 in 70-8719 (Eleventh); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 16, 1998 in 70-8719 (Twelfth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 12, 1999 in 70-8719 (Thirteenth); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1999 in 70-8719 (Fourteenth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 24, 2000 in 70-8719 (Fifteenth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 9, 2001 in 70-9757 (Sixteenth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 31, 2002 in 70-9757 (Seventeenth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 2, 2002 in 70-9757 (Eighteenth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 6, 2003 in 70-9757 (Nineteenth); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 4, 2003 in 70-9757 (Twentieth); A-2(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 6, 2003 in 70-9757 (Twenty-first); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 8, 2004 in 70-10157 (Twenty-second); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 29, 2004 in 70-10157 (Twenty-third); A-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2004 in 70-10157 (Twenty-fourth); A-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 27, 2006 in 70-10157 (Twenty-fifth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 in 1-31508 (Twenty-sixth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 in 1-31508 (Twenty-seventh); 4.38 to Form 8-K dated April 15, 2011 in 1-31508 (Twenty-eighth); 4.38 to Form 8-K dated May 13, 2011 in 1-31508 (Twenty-ninth); and 4.38 to Form 8-K dated December 11, 2012 in 1-31508 (Thirtieth)).
 
Entergy New Orleans

(g) 1 --
Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of May 1, 1987, as amended by sixteen Supplemental Indentures (A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7350 (Mortgage); A-5(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7350 (First); A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7448 (Second); 4(f)4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 0-5807 (Third); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 in 0-5807 (Fourth); 4(a) to Form 8-K dated April 26, 1995 in 0-5807 (Fifth); 4(a) to Form 8-K dated March 22, 1996 in 0-5807 (Sixth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 in 0-5807 (Seventh); 4(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 in 0-5807 (Eighth); C-5(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Ninth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 in 0-5807 (Tenth); 4(k) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 0-5807 (Eleventh); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 in 0-5807 (Twelfth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 in 0-5807 (Thirteenth); 4(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 in 0-5807 (Fourteenth); 4.02 to Form 8-K dated November 23, 2010 in 0-5807 (Fifteenth); and 4.02 to Form 8-K dated November 29, 2012 in 0-5807 (Sixteenth)).
 
Entergy Texas

(h) 1 --
Credit Agreement ($150,000,000), dated as of March 9, 2012, among Entergy Texas, Inc., as borrower, the Banks named therein (Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Union Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, BNP Paribas, The Bank of New York Mellon, CoBank, ACB, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Regions Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Bank, and National Cooperative Services Corporation), Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and Union Bank, N.A., as LC Issuing Banks, and the other LC Issuing Banks from time to time parties thereto (4.5 to Form 8-K filed March 14, 2012 in 1-34360).
   
(h) 2 --
Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2008, among Entergy Texas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 in 0-53134).
 
(h) 3 --
Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008, between Entergy Texas, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (4(h)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 in 0-53134).
   
(h) 4 --
Officer’s Certificate No. 1-B-1 dated January 27, 2009, supplemental to Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008, between Entergy Texas, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (4(h)3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 in 0-53134).
   
(h) 5 --
Officer’s Certificate No. 2-B-2 dated May 14, 2009, supplemental to Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008, between Entergy Texas, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 in 1-34360).
   
(h) 6 --
Officer’s Certificate No. 3-B-3 dated May 18, 2010, supplemental to Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008, between Entergy Texas, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 in 1-34360).
   
(h) 7 --
Officer’s Certificate No. 5-B-4 dated September 7, 2011, supplemental to Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008, between Entergy Texas, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (4.40 to Form 8-K dated September 13, 2011 in 1-34360).
 

(10)  Material Contracts

Entergy Corporation

(a) 1 --
Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among certain System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(a) 2 --
Second Amended and Restated Entergy System Agency Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008 (10(a)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 1-11299).
   
 
 
(a) 3 --
Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).
   
(a) 4 --
Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-41080).
   
(a) 5 --
Amendment, dated April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(a) 6 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 7 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 8 --
Availability Agreement, dated June 21, 1974, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 24, 1974 in 70-5399).
   
(a) 9 --
First Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1977 (B to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 24, 1977 in 70-5399).
 
(a) 10 --
Second Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 15, 1981 (E to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 1, 1981 in 70-6592).
   
(a) 11 --
Third Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984 (B-13(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1984 in 70-6985).
   
(a) 12 --
Fourth Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1989 (A to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-5399).
   
(a) 13 --
Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Union Bank of California, N.A (10(a)25 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 14 --
First Amendment to Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004 (10(a)24 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 in 1-11299).
   
*(a) 15 --
Thirty-seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2012, among System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee.
   
(a) 16 --
Capital Funds Agreement, dated June 21, 1974, between Entergy Corporation and System Energy (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 24, 1974 in 70-5399).
   
(a) 17 --
First Amendment to Capital Funds Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1989 (B to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-5399).
   
(a) 18 --
Thirty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of December 22, 2003, among Entergy Corporation, System Energy, and Union Bank of California, N.A (10(a)38 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).
   
 
*(a) 19 --
Thirty-seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of September 1, 2012, among Entergy Corporation, System Energy, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee.
   
(a) 20 --
First Amendment to Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements and Assignments, dated as of June 1, 1989, by and between Entergy Corporation, System Energy, Deposit Guaranty National Bank, United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-7026).
   
(a) 21 --
First Amendment to Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements and Assignments, dated as of June 1, 1989, by and between Entergy Corporation, System Energy, United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-7123).
   
(a) 22 --
First Amendment to Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of June 1, 1989, by and between Entergy Corporation, System Energy and Chemical Bank (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-7561).
   
(a) 23 --
Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).
 
(a) 24 --
Joint Construction, Acquisition and Ownership Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B-1(a) in 70-6337), as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 1, 1980 (B-1(c) in 70-6337) and Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 31, 1980 (1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 30, 1981 in 70-6337).
   
(a) 25 --
Operating Agreement dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B(2)(a) in 70-6337).
   
(a) 26 --
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).
   
(a) 27 --
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).
   
(a) 28 --
Substitute Power Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, among Entergy Mississippi, System Energy and SMEPA (B(3)(a) in 70-6337).
   
(a) 29 --
Grand Gulf Unit No. 2 Supplementary Agreement, dated as of February 7, 1986, between System Energy and SMEPA (10(aaa) in 33-4033).
   
(a) 30 --
Compromise and Settlement Agreement, dated June 4, 1982, between Texaco, Inc. and Entergy Louisiana (28(a) to Form 8-K dated June 4, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(a) 31 --
Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(a) 32 --
First Amendment to Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
 
 
(a) 33 --
Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).
   
(a) 34 --
Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).
   
(a) 35 --
First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).
   
(a) 36 --
Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).
   
(a) 37 --
Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
 
(a) 38 --
Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
   
(a) 39 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 40 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 41 --
Guaranty Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).
   
(a) 42 --
Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).
   
(a) 43 --
Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and System Energy, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70- 7757).
   
(a) 44 --
Loan Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Corporation, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-12(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).
   
(a) 45 --
Loan Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Systems and Service, Inc., dated as of December 29, 1992 (A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7947).
   
+(a) 46 --
2007 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Effective for Grants and Elections On or After January 1, 2007) (Appendix B to Entergy Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 24, 2006 in 1-11299).
   
 
 
+(a) 47 --
First Amendment of the 2007 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries effective October 26, 2006 (10(a)50 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 48 --
Second Amendment of the 2007 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)51 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 49 --
Third Amendment of the 2007 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)52 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 50 --
Amended and Restated 1998 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Effective for Grants and Elections After February 13, 2003) (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 51 --
First Amendment of the 1998 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2005 (10(a)54 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
 
+(a) 52 --
Second Amendment of the 1998 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective October 26, 2006 (10(a)55 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 53 --
Third Amendment of the 1998 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 54 --
2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Annex A to Entergy Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 24, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 55 --
Supplemental Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)57 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 56 --
First Amendment of the Supplemental Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)58 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 57 --
Second Amendment of the Supplemental Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)57 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 58 --
Defined Contribution Restoration Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)59 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 59 --
First Amendment of the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)60 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 60 --
Second Amendment of the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)60 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
 
 
+(a) 61 --
Executive Disability Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)74 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 62 --
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)62 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 63 --
First Amendment of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)63 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 64 --
Second Amendment of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)64 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 65 --
Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective as of August 31, 2000 (10(a)77 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
 
+(a) 66 --
Amendment, effective December 7, 2001, to the Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 67 --
Amendment, effective December 10, 2001, to the Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 68 --
System Executive Continuity Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective as of January 1, 2009 (10(a)77 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 69--
First Amendment of the System Executive Continuity Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2010 (10(a)78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 70 --
Second Amendment of the System Executive Continuity Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)69 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 71 --
Third Amendment of the System Executive Continuity Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)71 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 72 --
Post-Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)80 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 73 --
Amendment, effective December 28, 2001, to the Post-Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)81 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 74 --
Pension Equalization Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)74 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 75 --
First Amendment of the Pension Equalization Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)75 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
 

 
 
+(a) 76 --
Second Amendment of the Pension Equalization Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)76 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 77 --
Service Recognition Program for Non-Employee Outside Directors of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated effective June 1, 2012 (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 78 --
Executive Income Security Plan of Gulf States Utilities Company, as amended effective March 1, 1991 (10(a)86 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 79 --
System Executive Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2009 (10(a)78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 80 --
First Amendment of the System Executive Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 30, 2010 (10(a)79 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
 
+(a) 81 --
Second Amendment of the System Executive Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)81 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 82 --
Retention Agreement effective October 27, 2000 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(a)81 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 83 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective March 8, 2004 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 84 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective December 30, 2005 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(a)91 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 85 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective January 1, 2009 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(a)83 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 86 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(a)92 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 87 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective December 30, 2010 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(a)85 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
(a) 88 --
Agreement of Limited Partnership of Entergy-Koch, LP among EKLP, LLC, EK Holding I, LLC, EK Holding II, LLC and Koch Energy, Inc. dated January 31, 2001 (10(a)94 to Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2000 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 89 --
Employment Agreement effective November 24, 2003 between Mark T. Savoff and Entergy Services (10(a)99 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 90 --
Employment Agreement effective February 9, 1999 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Services (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).
   
 
 
+(a) 91 --
Amendment to Employment Agreement effective March 5, 2004 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 92 --
Retention Agreement effective August 3, 2006 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 93 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective January 1, 2009 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(a)93 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 94 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective January 1, 2010 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(a)101 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 95 --
Amendment to Retention Agreement effective December 30, 2010 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(a)95 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 96 --
Shareholder Approval of Future Severance Agreements Policy, effective March 8, 2004 (10(f) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).
 
+(a) 97 --
Entergy Corporation Outside Director Stock Program Established under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 98 --
First Amendment to Entergy Corporation Outside Director Stock Program Established under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation Subsidiaries (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 99 --
Entergy Nuclear Retention Plan, as amended and restated January 1, 2007 (10(a)107 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 100 --
Restricted Unit Agreement between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 101 --
Executive Annual Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010 (Annex A to Entergy Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on  March 17, 2010 in 1-11299).
   
+(a) 102 --
First Amendment of the Executive Annual Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 27, 2011 (10(a)106 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
*+(a)103--
Form of Stock Option Grant Letter.
   
*+(a)104--
Form of Long Term Incentive Program Performance Unit Grant Letter.
   
*+(a)105--
Form of Restricted Stock Grant Letter.
   
(a) 106 --
Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2011, among Entergy Corporation, Mid South TransCo LLC and ITC Holdings Corp. (10.1 to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2011 in 1-11299).
   
 
 
*+(a)107--
Restricted Unit Agreement between Joseph F. Domino and Entergy Corporation.

System Energy

(b) 1 through
(b) 8 -- See 10(a)8 through 10(a)15 above.
 
(b) 9 through
(b) 15 -- See 10(a)16 through 10(a)22 above.
 
(b) 16 --
Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).
   
(b) 17 --
Joint Construction, Acquisition and Ownership Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B-1(a) in 70-6337), as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 1, 1980 (B-1(c) in 70-6337) and Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 31, 1980 (1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 30, 1981 in 70-6337).
   
(b) 18 --
Operating Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B(2)(a) in 70-6337).
 
(b) 19 --
Amended and Restated Installment Sale Agreement, dated as of February 15, 1996, between System Energy and Claiborne County, Mississippi (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated March 4, 1996 in 70-8511).
   
(b) 20 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of October 15, 1998, between System Energy and Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (B-6(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 12, 1998 in 70-8511).
   
(b) 21 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of May 15, 1999, between System Energy and Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (B-6(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1999 in 70-8511).
   
(b) 22 --
Facility Lease No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Stephen J. Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).
   
(b) 23 --
Facility Lease No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988 between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Stephen J. Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-4(d) Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-4(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).
   
(b) 24 --
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).
   
(b) 25 --
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).
 

 
(b) 26 --
Collateral Trust Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2004, among GG1C Funding Corporation, System Energy, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182), as supplemented by Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated May 1, 2004, (A-4(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).
   
(b) 27 --
Substitute Power Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, among Entergy Mississippi, System Energy and SMEPA (B(3)(a) in 70-6337).
   
(b) 28 --
Grand Gulf Unit No. 2 Supplementary Agreement, dated as of February 7, 1986, between System Energy and SMEPA (10(aaa) in 33-4033).
   
(b) 29 --
Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(b) 30 --
First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).
 
(b) 31 --
Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).
   
(b) 32 --
Fuel Lease, dated as of February 24, 1989, between River Fuel Funding Company #3, Inc. and System Energy (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated March 3, 1989 in 70-7604).
   
(b) 33 --
System Energy’s Consent, dated January 31, 1995, pursuant to Fuel Lease, dated as of February 24, 1989, between River Fuel Funding Company #3, Inc. and System Energy (B-1(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 13, 1995 in 70-7604).
   
(b) 34 --
Sales Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (D to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).
   
(b) 35 --
Service Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (E to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).
   
(b) 36 --
Partial Termination Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1986, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (A-2 to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 8, 1987 in 70-5399).
   
(b) 37 --
Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).
   
(b) 38 --
First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990 to the Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).
   
(b) 39 --
Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).
   
(b) 40 --
Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
 
 
 
(b) 41 --
Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
   
(b) 42 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 43 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 44 --
Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of July 16, 1974, as amended (10(b)43 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 45 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(b)57 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 in 1-9067).
 
(b) 46 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(b)46 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 47 --
Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and System Energy, dated as of June 6, 1990 (B-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).
   
(b) 48 --
Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and System Energy, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).
   
(b) 49 --
Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among System Energy Resources, Inc., Union Bank of California, N.A., as administrating bank and funding bank, Keybank National Association, as syndication agent, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc., as documentation agent, and the Banks named therein, as Participating Banks (10(b)63 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 50 --
Amendment to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003 (10(b)62 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 51 --
First Amendment and Consent, dated as of May 3, 2004, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (10(b)63 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 52 --
Second Amendment and Consent, dated as of December 17, 2004, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (99 to Form 8-K dated December 22, 2004 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 53 --
Third Amendment and Consent, dated as of May 14, 2009, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (10(b)69 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-9067).
   
(b) 54 --
Fourth Amendment and Consent, dated as of April 15, 2010, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 in 1-9067).
   
 
*(b) 55 --
Fifth Amendment and Consent, dated as of November 15, 2012, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement.
 
Entergy Arkansas

(c) 1 --
Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy Arkansas and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a) 1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(c) 2 --
Second Amended and Restated Entergy System Agency Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008 (10(a)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 3 --
Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 4 --
Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 5 --
Amendment, dated April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement, with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).
 
(c) 6 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 7 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(c)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 8 through
(c) 15 -- See 10(a)8 through 10(a)15 above.
 
(c) 16 --
Agreement, dated August 20, 1954, between Entergy Arkansas and the United States of America (SPA)(13(h) in 2-11467).
   
(c) 17 --
Amendment, dated April 19, 1955, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)2 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 18 --
Amendment, dated January 3, 1964, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)3 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 19 --
Amendment, dated September 5, 1968, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)4 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 20 --
Amendment, dated November 19, 1970, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)5 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 21 --
Amendment, dated July 18, 1961, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)6 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 22 --
Amendment, dated December 27, 1961, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)7 in 2-41080).
   
(c) 23 --
Amendment, dated January 25, 1968, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)8 in 2-41080).
   
 

 
 
(c) 24 --
Amendment, dated October 14, 1971, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)9 in 2-43175).
 
(c) 25 --
Amendment, dated January 10, 1977, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)10 in 2-60233).
   
(c) 26 --
Agreement, dated May 14, 1971, between Entergy Arkansas and the United States of America (SPA) (5(e) in 2-41080).
   
(c) 27 --
Amendment, dated January 10, 1977, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated May 14, 1971 (5(e)1 in 2-60233).
   
(c) 28 --
Contract, dated May 28, 1943, Amendment to Contract, dated July 21, 1949, and Supplement to Amendment to Contract, dated December 30, 1949, between Entergy Arkansas and McKamie Gas Cleaning Company; Agreements, dated as of September 30, 1965, between Entergy Arkansas and former stockholders of McKamie Gas Cleaning Company; and Letter Agreement, dated June 22, 1966, by Humble Oil & Refining Company accepted by Entergy Arkansas on June 24, 1966 (5(k)7 in 2-41080).
 
(c) 29 --
Fuel Lease, dated as of December 22, 1988, between River Fuel Trust #1 and Entergy Arkansas (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7571).
   
(c) 30 --
White Bluff Operating Agreement, dated June 27, 1977, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 30, 1977 in 70-6009).
   
(c) 31 --
White Bluff Ownership Agreement, dated June 27, 1977, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 30, 1977 in 70-6009).
   
(c) 32 --
Agreement, dated June 29, 1979, between Entergy Arkansas and City of Conway, Arkansas (5(r)3 in 2-66235).
   
(c) 33 --
Transmission Agreement, dated August 2, 1977, between Entergy Arkansas and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (5(r)3 in 2-60233).
   
(c) 34 --
Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Service Agreement, dated as of June 27, 1977, between Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Entergy Arkansas (5(r)4 in 2-60233).
   
(c) 35 --
Independence Steam Electric Station Operating Agreement, dated July 31, 1979, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas and City of Conway, Arkansas (5(r)6 in 2-66235).
   
(c) 36 --
Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Operating Agreement (10(c)51 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 37 --
Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement, dated July 31, 1979, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas and City of Conway, Arkansas (5(r)7 in 2-66235).
   
 
 
(c) 38 --
Amendment, dated December 28, 1979, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement (5(r)7(a) in 2-66235).
 
(c) 39 --
Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement (10(c)54 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 40 --
Owner’s Agreement, dated November 28, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, other co-owners of the Independence Station (10(c)55 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 41 --
Consent, Agreement and Assumption, dated December 4, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, other co-owners of the Independence Station and United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (10(c)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 42 --
Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Service Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1979, between Entergy Arkansas and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (5(r)8 in 2-66235).
   
(c) 43 --
Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1979, between City of Conway, Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas (5(r)9 in 2-66235).
 
(c) 44 --
Agreement, dated June 21, 1979, between Entergy Arkansas and Reeves E. Ritchie (10(b)90 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1980 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 45 --
Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).
   
(c) 46 --
Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(c) 47 --
First Amendment to Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(c) 48 --
Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).
   
(c) 49 --
Contract For Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and/or High-Level Radioactive Waste, dated June 30, 1983, among the DOE, System Fuels and Entergy Arkansas (10(b)57 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 50 --
Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).
   
(c) 51 --
First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).
   
(c) 52 --
Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).
   
 
 
(c) 53 --
Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
 
(c) 54 --
Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
   
(c) 55 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 56 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 57 --
Assignment of Coal Supply Agreement, dated December 1, 1987, between System Fuels and Entergy Arkansas (B to Rule 24 letter filing dated November 10, 1987 in 70-5964).
 
(c) 58 --
Coal Supply Agreement, dated December 22, 1976, between System Fuels and Antelope Coal Company (B-1 in 70-5964), as amended by First Amendment (A to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5964); Second Amendment (A to Rule 24 letter filing dated December 16, 1983 in 70-5964); and Third Amendment (A to Rule 24 letter filing dated November 10, 1987 in 70-5964).
   
(c) 59 --
Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of June 6, 1990 (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).
   
(c) 60 --
Guaranty Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).
   
(c) 61 --
Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Independence Unit 2 between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).
   
(c) 62 --
Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Ritchie Unit 2 between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-4(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).
   
(c) 63 --
Ritchie Steam Electric Station Unit No. 2 Operating Agreement between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-5(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).
   
(c) 64 --
Ritchie Steam Electric Station Unit No. 2 Ownership Agreement between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).
   
(c) 65 --
Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Service Agreement between Entergy Power and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of August 28, 1990 (10(c)71 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-10764).
   
(c) 66 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2013, between Jefferson County, Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas relating to Revenue Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 (4(b) to Form 8-K filed January 9, 2013 in 1-10764).
 
 
(c) 67 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2013, between Independence County, Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas relating to Revenue Bonds (Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Project) Series 2013 (4(d) to Form 8-K filed January 9, 2013 in 1-10764).

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana

(d) 1 --
Agreement effective February 1, 1964, between Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Sabine River Authority of Texas, and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Central Louisiana Electric Company, Inc., and Louisiana Power & Light Company, as supplemented (B to Form 8-K dated May 6, 1964, A to Form 8-K dated October 5, 1967, A to Form 8-K dated May 5, 1969, and A to Form 8-K dated December 1, 1969 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 2 --
Joint Ownership Participation and Operating Agreement regarding River Bend Unit 1 Nuclear Plant, dated August 20, 1979, between Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Cajun, and SRG&T; Power Interconnection Agreement with Cajun, dated June 26, 1978, and approved by the REA on August 16, 1979, between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Cajun; and Letter Agreement regarding CEPCO buybacks, dated August 28, 1979, between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Cajun (2, 3, and 4, respectively, to Form 8-K dated September 7, 1979 in 1-27031).
 
(d) 3 --
Lease Agreement, dated September 18, 1980, between BLC Corporation and Entergy Gulf States, Inc. (1 to Form 8-K dated October 6, 1980 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 4 --
Joint Ownership Participation and Operating Agreement for Big Cajun, between Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., and Sam Rayburn G&T, Inc, dated November 14, 1980 (6 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031); Amendment No. 1, dated December 12, 1980 (7 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031); Amendment No. 2, dated December 29, 1980 (8 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 5 --
Agreement of Joint Ownership Participation between SRMPA, SRG&T and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., dated June 6, 1980, for Nelson Station, Coal Unit #6, as amended (8 to Form 8-K dated June 11, 1980, A-2-b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1982; and 10-1 to Form 8-K dated February 19, 1988 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 6 --
Agreements between Southern Company and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., dated February 25, 1982, which cover the construction of a 140-mile transmission line to connect the two systems, purchase of power and use of transmission facilities (10-31 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1981 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 7 --
Transmission Facilities Agreement between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Mississippi Power Company, dated February 28, 1982, and Amendment, dated May 12, 1982 (A-2-c to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1982 in 1-27031) and Amendment, dated December 6, 1983 (10-43 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 8 --
First Amended Power Sales Agreement, dated December 1, 1985 between Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Sabine River Authority, State of Texas, and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Central Louisiana Electric Co., Inc., and Louisiana Power and Light Company (10-72 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985 in 1-27031).
   
+(d) 9 --
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Varibus Corporation, as amended January 8, 1987, and effective January 1, 1987 (10-77 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031). Amendment dated December 4, 1991 (10-3 to Amendment No. 8 in Registration No. 2-76551).
 
+(d) 10 --
Trust Agreement for Deferred Payments to be made by Entergy Gulf States, Inc. pursuant to the Executive Income Security Plan, by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Bankers Trust Company, effective November 1, 1986 (10-78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031).
   
+(d) 11 --
Trust Agreement for Deferred Installments under Entergy Gulf States, Inc. Management Incentive Compensation Plan and Administrative Guidelines by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Bankers Trust Company, effective June 1, 1986 (10-79 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031).
   
+(d) 12 --
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers, Nonemployee Directors and Designated Key Employees, effective December 1, 1985, as amended, continued and completely restated effective as of March 1, 1991 (10-3 to Amendment No. 8 in Registration No. 2-76551).
   
+(d) 13 --
Trust Agreement for Entergy Gulf States, Inc. Nonqualified Directors and Designated Key Employees by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and First City Bank, Texas-Beaumont, N.A. (now Texas Commerce Bank), effective July 1, 1991 (10-4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).
 
(d) 14 --
Nuclear Fuel Lease Agreement between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and River Bend Fuel Services, Inc. to lease the fuel for River Bend Unit 1, dated February 7, 1989 (10-64 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 15 --
Trust and Investment Management Agreement between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Morgan Guaranty and Trust Company of New York (the “Decommissioning Trust Agreement”) with respect to decommissioning funds authorized to be collected by Entergy Gulf States, Inc., dated March 15, 1989 (10-66 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 16 --
Amendment No. 2 dated November 1, 1995 between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Mellon Bank to Decommissioning Trust Agreement (10(d)31 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 17 --
Amendment No. 3 dated March 5, 1998 between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Mellon Bank to Decommissioning Trust Agreement (10(d)23 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 18 --
Amendment No. 4 dated December 17, 2003 between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Mellon Bank to Decommissioning Trust Agreement (10(d)24 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 19 --
Amendment No. 5 dated December 31, 2007 between Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. and Mellon Bank. N.A. to Decommissioning Trust Agreement (10(d)21 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 20 --
Partnership Agreement by and among Conoco Inc., and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., CITGO Petroleum Corporation and Vista Chemical Company, dated April 28, 1988 (10-67 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).
   
 
 
+(d) 21 --
Gulf States Utilities Company Executive Continuity Plan, dated January 18, 1991 (10-6 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-27031).
 
+(d) 22 --
Trust Agreement for Entergy Gulf States, Inc. Executive Continuity Plan, by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and First City Bank, Texas-Beaumont, N.A. (now Texas Commerce Bank), effective May 20, 1991 (10-5 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).
   
+(d) 23 --
Gulf States Utilities Board of Directors’ Retirement Plan, dated February 15, 1991 (10-8 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-27031).
   
(d) 24 --
Third Amendment, dated January 1, 1994, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
   
(d) 25 --
Fourth Amendment, dated April 1, 1997, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
   
(d) 26 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 0-20371).
 
(d) 27 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 0-20371).
   
(d) 28 --
Operating Agreement dated as of January 1, 2008, between Entergy Operations, Inc. and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (10(d)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 29 --
Service Agreement dated as of January 1, 2008, between Entergy Services, Inc. and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (10(d)40 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 30 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(d)30 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 0-20371).
   
(d) 31 --
Second Amended and Restated Entergy System Agency Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008 (10(a)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 32 --
Decommissioning Trust Agreement, dated as of December 22, 1997, by and between Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. and Mellon Bank, N.A. with respect to decommissioning funds authorized to be collected by Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. and related Settlement Term Sheet (10(d)42 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 33 --
First Amendment to Decommissioning Trust Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2003, by and among Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Mellon Bank, N.A., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., and the Rural Utilities Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (10(d)43 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
   
(d) 34 --
Second Amendment to Decommissioning Trust Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, by and among Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Mellon Bank, N.A., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., and the Rural Utilities Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (10(d)44 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 333-148557).
 
(d) 35 --
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Entergy Holdings Company LLC dated as of July 22, 2010 (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
   
(d) 36 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, between the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. relating to Revenue Bonds (Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. Project) Series 2010A (4(b) to Form 8-K filed October 12, 2010 in 0-20371).
   
(d) 37 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, between the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. relating to Revenue Bonds (Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. Project) Series 2010B (4(e) to Form 8-K filed October 12, 2010 in 0-20371).

Entergy Louisiana

(e) 1 --
Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy Louisiana and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982, in 1-3517).
 
(e) 2 --
Second Amended and Restated Entergy System Agency Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008 (10(a)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 1-32718).
   
(e) 3 --
Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).
   
(e) 4 --
Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-42523).
   
(e) 5 --
Amendment, dated as of April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(e) 6 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(e)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-8474).
   
(e) 7 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(e)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-32718).
   
(e) 8 through
(e) 15 -- See 10(a)8 through 10(a)15 above.
   
(e) 16 --
Fuel Lease, dated as of January 31, 1989, between River Fuel Company #2, Inc., and Entergy Louisiana (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7580).
   
(e) 17 --
Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).
   
(e) 18 --
Compromise and Settlement Agreement, dated June 4, 1982, between Texaco, Inc. and Entergy Louisiana (28(a) to Form 8-K dated June 4, 1982 in 1-8474).
   
(e) 19 --
Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
 
 
(e) 20 --
First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).
 
(e) 21 --
Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).
   
(e) 22 --
Contract for Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and/or High-Level Radioactive Waste, dated February 2, 1984, among DOE, System Fuels and Entergy Louisiana (10(d)33 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-8474).
   
(e) 23--
Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Louisiana, dated as of June 6, 1990 (B-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).
   
(e) 24 --
Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).
   
(e) 25 --
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Entergy Holdings Company LLC dated as of July 22, 2010 (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
 
(e) 26 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-32718).
   
(e) 27 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 1-32718).
   
(e) 28 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, between the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority and Entergy Louisiana, LLC relating to Revenue Bonds (Entergy Louisiana, LLC Project) Series 2010 (4(b) to Form 8-K filed October 12, 2010 in 1-32718).

Entergy Mississippi

(f) 1 --
Agreement dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy Mississippi and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(f) 2 --
Second Amended and Restated Entergy System Agency Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008 (10(a)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 1-31508).
   
(f) 3 --
Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).
   
(f) 4 --
Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (D in 37-63).
   
(f) 5 --
Amendment, dated April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(f) 6 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(f)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-31508).
   
 
(f) 7 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(f)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-31508).
 
(f) 8 through
(f) 15 -- See 10(a)8 through 10(a)15 above.
   
(f) 16 --
Loan Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2004, between Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2004 in 70-10157).
   
(f) 17 --
Refunding Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1999, between Entergy Mississippi and Independence County, Arkansas (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1999 in 70-8719).
   
(f) 18 --
Substitute Power Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, among Entergy Mississippi, System Energy and SMEPA (B-3(a) in 70-6337).
   
(f) 19 --
Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Operating Agreement (10(c)51 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).
   
(f) 20 --
Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement (10(c)54 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).
 
(f) 21 --
Owners Agreement, dated November 28, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi and other co-owners of the Independence Station (10(c)55 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).
   
(f) 22 --
Consent, Agreement and Assumption, dated December 4, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, other co-owners of the Independence Station and United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (10(c)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).
   
(f) 23 --
Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).
   
+(f) 24 --
Post-Retirement Plan (10(d)24 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 0-320).
   
(f) 25 --
Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(f) 26 --
First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(f) 27 --
Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).
   
(f) 28 --
Sales Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (D to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).
   
(f) 29 --
Service Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (E to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).
   
(f) 30 --
Partial Termination Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1986, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (A-2 to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 8, 1987 in 70-5399).
   
 
(f) 31 --
Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).
 
(f) 32 --
First Amendment dated January 1, 1990 to the Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).
   
(f) 33 --
Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).
   
(f) 34 --
Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
   
(f) 35 --
Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
 
(f) 36 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-31508).
   
(f) 37 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 1-31508).
   
(f) 38 --
Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Central Mississippi Generating Company, LLC and Entergy Mississippi, Inc., dated as of March 16, 2005 (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 in 1-31508).

Entergy New Orleans

(g) 1 --
Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy New Orleans and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(g) 2 --
Second Amended and Restated Entergy System Agency Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008 (10(a)2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in 0-5807).
   
(g) 3 --
Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).
   
(g) 4 --
Service Agreement with Entergy Services dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-42523).
   
(g) 5 --
Amendment, dated as of April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(g) 6 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(g)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 0-5807).
   
 
(g) 7 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(g)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 0-5807).
 
(g) 8 through
(g) 15 -- See 10(a)8 through 10(a)15 above.
   
(g) 16 --
Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).
   
(g) 17 --
Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).
   
(g) 18 --
First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).
   
(g) 19 --
Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).
 
(g) 20 --
Transfer Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1983, among the City of New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans and Regional Transit Authority (2(a) to Form 8-K dated June 24, 1983 in 1-1319).
   
(g) 21 --
Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).
   
(g) 22 --
First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).
   
(g) 23 --
Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).
   
(g) 24 --
Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
   
(g) 25 --
Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
   
(g) 26 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 0-5807).
   
(g) 27 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 0-5807).
   
(g) 28 --
Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Entergy New Orleans, Inc., as modified, dated May 2, 2007, confirmed by bankruptcy court order dated May 7, 2007 (2(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 in 0-5807).
 
Entergy Texas

(h) 1 --
Agreement effective February 1, 1964, between Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Sabine River Authority of Texas, and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Central Louisiana Electric Company, Inc., and Louisiana Power & Light Company, as supplemented (B to Form 8-K dated May 6, 1964, A to Form 8-K dated October 5, 1967, A to Form 8-K dated May 5, 1969, and A to Form 8-K dated December 1, 1969 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 2 --
Ground Lease, dated August 15, 1980, between Statmont Associates Limited Partnership (Statmont) and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as amended (3 to Form 8-K dated August 19, 1980 and A-3-b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1983 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 3 --
Lease and Sublease Agreement, dated August 15, 1980, between Statmont and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as amended (4 to Form 8-K dated August 19, 1980 and A-3-c to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1983 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 4 --
Lease Agreement, dated September 18, 1980, between BLC Corporation and Entergy Gulf States, Inc. (1 to Form 8-K dated October 6, 1980 in 1-27031).
 
(h) 5 --
Joint Ownership Participation and Operating Agreement for Big Cajun, between Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., and Sam Rayburn G&T, Inc, dated November 14, 1980 (6 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031); Amendment No. 1, dated December 12, 1980 (7 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031); Amendment No. 2, dated December 29, 1980 (8 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 6 --
Agreement of Joint Ownership Participation between SRMPA, SRG&T and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., dated June 6, 1980, for Nelson Station, Coal Unit #6, as amended (8 to Form 8-K dated June 11, 1980, A-2-b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1982; and 10-1 to Form 8-K dated February 19, 1988 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 7 --
First Amended Power Sales Agreement, dated December 1, 1985 between Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Sabine River Authority, State of Texas, and Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Central Louisiana Electric Co., Inc., and Louisiana Power and Light Company (10-72 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985 in 1-27031).
   
+(h) 8 --
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Varibus Corporation, as amended January 8, 1987, and effective January 1, 1987 (10-77 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031). Amendment dated December 4, 1991 (10-3 to Amendment No. 8 in Registration No. 2-76551).
   
+(h) 9 --
Trust Agreement for Deferred Payments to be made by Entergy Gulf States, Inc. pursuant to the Executive Income Security Plan, by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Bankers Trust Company, effective November 1, 1986 (10-78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031).
   
+(h) 10 --
Trust Agreement for Deferred Installments under Entergy Gulf States, Inc. Management Incentive Compensation Plan and Administrative Guidelines by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and Bankers Trust Company, effective June 1, 1986 (10-79 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031).
   
 
 
+(h) 11 --
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers, Nonemployee Directors and Designated Key Employees, effective December 1, 1985, as amended, continued and completely restated effective as of March 1, 1991 (10-3 to Amendment No. 8 in Registration No. 2-76551).
 
+(h) 12 --
Trust Agreement for Entergy Gulf States, Inc. Nonqualified Directors and Designated Key Employees by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and First City Bank, Texas-Beaumont, N.A. (now Texas Commerce Bank), effective July 1, 1991 (10-4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 13 --
Lease Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1987, among GSG&T, Inc., and Entergy Gulf States, Inc. related to the leaseback of the Lewis Creek generating station (10-83 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).
   
+(h) 14 --
Gulf States Utilities Company Executive Continuity Plan, dated January 18, 1991 (10-6 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-27031).
   
+(h) 15 --
Trust Agreement for Entergy Gulf States, Inc. Executive Continuity Plan, by and between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and First City Bank, Texas-Beaumont, N.A. (now Texas Commerce Bank), effective May 20, 1991 (10-5 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).
 
+(h) 16 --
Gulf States Utilities Board of Directors’ Retirement Plan, dated February 15, 1991 (10-8 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-27031).
   
(h) 17 --
Third Amendment, dated January 1, 1994, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).
   
(h) 18 --
Fourth Amendment, dated April 1, 1997, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).
   
(h) 19 --
Fifth Amendment dated November 20, 2009 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in 1-34360).
   
(h) 20 --
Sixth Amendment dated October 11, 2010 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 in 1-34360).
   
(h) 21 --
Service Agreement dated as of January 1, 2008, between Entergy Services, Inc. and Entergy Texas (10(h)25 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 in 3-53134).
   
(h) 22 --
Amendment, dated January 1, 2011, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(h)22 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 in 1-34360).

(12) Statement Re Computation of Ratios

*(a)
Entergy Arkansas’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.
   
*(b)
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions, as defined.
   
 
*(c)
Entergy Louisiana’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions, as defined.
 
*(d)
Entergy Mississippi’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.
   
*(e)
Entergy New Orleans’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.
   
*(f)
Entergy Texas’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges, as defined.
   
*(g)
System Energy’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges, as defined.

*(21)  Subsidiaries of the Registrants

(23)  Consents of Experts and Counsel

*(a)
The consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP is contained herein at page 511.

*(24)  Powers of Attorney
 
(31)  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

*(a)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Corporation.
   
*(b)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Corporation.
   
*(c)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Arkansas.
   
*(d)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Arkansas.
   
*(e)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.
   
*(f)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.
   
*(g)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Louisiana.
   
*(h)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Louisiana.
   
*(i)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Mississippi.
   
*(j)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Mississippi.
   
*(k)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy New Orleans.
   
*(l)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy New Orleans.
   
*(m)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Texas.
   
*(n)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Texas.
   
*(o)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for System Energy.
   
 
 
*(p)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for System Energy.
 
(32)  Section 1350 Certifications

*(a)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Corporation.
   
*(b)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Corporation.
   
*(c)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Arkansas.
   
*(d)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Arkansas.
   
*(e)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.
   
*(f)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.
   
*(g)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Louisiana.
   
*(h)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Louisiana.
 
*(i)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Mississippi.
   
*(j)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Mississippi.
   
*(k)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy New Orleans.
   
*(l)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy New Orleans.
   
*(m)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Texas.
   
*(n)
Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Texas.
   
*(o)
Section 1350 Certification for System Energy.
   
*(p)
Section 1350 Certification for System Energy.

(101)  XBRL Documents

Entergy Corporation

*INS -
XBRL Instance Document.
   
*SCH -
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
*CAL -
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
   
*DEF -
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
   
*LAB -
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
   
*PRE -
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

_________________
 
*  Filed herewith.
 
+  Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

E-36
 
 

 


Exhibit 10(a)15
 
THIRTY-SEVENTH ASSIGNMENT OF AVAILABILITY AGREEMENT, CONSENT AND AGREEMENT
 
This Thirty-seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “this Assignment”), dated as of September 1, 2012, is made by and among System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “Company”), Entergy Arkansas, Inc., (“Entergy Arkansas”) (successor in interest to Arkansas Power & Light Company and Arkansas-Missouri Power Company (“Ark-Mo”)), Entergy Louisiana, LLC (“Entergy Louisiana”), Entergy Mississippi, Inc. (“Entergy Mississippi”), and Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (“Entergy New Orleans”) (hereinafter Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans are called individually a “System Operating Company” and collectively, the “System Operating Companies”) and The Bank of New York Mellon (successor to United States Trust Company of New York), as trustee (the “Trustee”).
 
WHEREAS:
 
A.  Entergy Corporation (successor to Middle South Utilities, Inc.) (“Entergy”) owns, either directly or indirectly,  all of the outstanding common securities of the Company and each of the System Operating Companies, and the Company has a 90% undivided ownership and leasehold interest in Unit No. 1 of the Grand Gulf Steam Electric Generating Station (nuclear) project (the “Project”) (more fully described in the “Indenture” hereinafter referred to).
 
B.  Prior hereto, (i) the Company, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as agent for certain banks (the “Domestic Agent”), and said banks entered into an Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement dated as of June 30, 1977 (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”), the First Amendment thereto dated as of March 20, 1980 (the “First Bank Loan Amendment”), the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement dated as of June 15, 1981 as amended by the First Amendment dated as of February 5, 1982 (as so amended, the “Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement”), and the Second Amendment of the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1983, as further amended by the Third Amendment thereto dated as of December 30, 1983 and the Fourth Amendment thereto dated as of June 28, 1984 (as so further amended, the “Second Bank Loan Second Amendment”); (ii) the banks party to the Amended and Restated Agreement made loans to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $565,000,000 and pursuant to the First Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment) dated as of June 30, 1977, among the Company, the System Operating Companies, Ark-Mo and the Domestic Agent (the “First Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to the Domestic Agent (for the benefit of such banks), as collateral security for the above loans, certain of the Company’s rights under an Availability Agreement dated as of June 21, 1974, as amended by the First Amendment thereto dated as of June 30, 1977 (the “Original Availability Agreement”) among the Company, the System Operating Companies and Ark-Mo; (iii) the First Bank Loan Amendment, among other things, increased the amount of the loans to be made by the banks party thereto to $808,000,000 and pursuant to the Fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of March 20, 1980 (the “Fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company’s same rights under the Original Availability Agreement were further assigned as collateral security for the loans made under the Amended and Restated Agreement as amended by the First Bank Loan Amendment; (iv) the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement provided, among other things, for (a) the making of revolving credit loans by the banks named therein to the Company from time to time in an aggregate amount not in excess of $1,311,000,000 at any one time outstanding, and (b) the making of a term loan by said banks in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,311,000,000, and pursuant to the Fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) dated as of June 15, 1981 (the “Fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company’s same rights under the Original Availability Agreement, as amended by the Second Amendment thereto dated June 15, 1981, were further assigned as collateral security for the loans made under the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement; and (v) the Second Bank Loan Second Amendment, among other things, increased the amount of the loans to be made by the banks party thereto to $1,711,000,000 and pursuant to the Eighth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) dated as of June 30, 1983 (the “Eighth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company’s same rights under the Original Availability Agreement, as amended by the Second Amendment thereto dated June 15, 1981, were further assigned as collateral security for the loans made under the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement, as amended by the Second Bank Loan Second Amendment.
 
C.           Prior hereto, (i) the Company, the System Operating Companies, Ark-Mo, the Trustee and Malcolm J. Hood (Gerard F. Ganey and Douglas J. MacInnes, as successors), as Trustee (hereinafter called the "Individual Trustee" and together with the Trustee, the "Trustees"), as trustees for the holders of $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 9.25% Series due 1989 (the “First Series Bonds”) issued under a Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of June 15, 1977, among the Company and the Trustees (the “Mortgage”), as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1977, among the Company and the Trustees (the Mortgage as so supplemented and as supplemented by a Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 1980, a Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1981, a Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1984, a Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1984, a Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1985, a Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1985, an Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, a Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, a Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, an Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, a Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, a Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 15, 1987, a Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1987, a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1992, a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, a Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, an Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993, a Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1994, a Twentieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, a Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, a Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2002, and a Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2007, being hereinafter called the “Indenture”), entered into the Second Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of June 30, 1977 (the “Second Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the First Series Bonds; (ii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $98,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 12.50% Series due 2000 (the “Second Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1980, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Third Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of January 1, 1980 (the “Third Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Second Series Bonds; (iii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 16% Series due 2000 (the “Third Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1984, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Eleventh Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of December 1, 1984 (the “Eleventh Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Third Series Bonds; (iv) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 15.375% Series due 2000 (the “Fourth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1985, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of May 1, 1985 (the “Thirteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Fourth Series Bonds; (v) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 11% Series due 2000 (the “Seventh Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Sixteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of May 1, 1986 (the “Sixteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Seventh Series Bonds; (vi) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 9 7/8% Series due 1991 (the “Eighth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Seventeenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of September 1, 1986 (the “Seventeenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Eighth Series Bonds; (vii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 10 1/2% Series due 1996 (the “Ninth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by an Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Eighteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of September 1, 1986 (the “Eighteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Ninth Series Bonds; (viii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 11 3/8% Series due 2016 (the “Tenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Nineteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of September 1, 1986 (the “Nineteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Tenth Series Bonds; (ix) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 14% Series due 1994 (the “Eleventh Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 15, 1987, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twentieth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of November 15, 1987 (the “Twentieth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Eleventh Series Bonds; (x) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 14.34% Series due 1992 (the “Twelfth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1987, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-first Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of December 1, 1987 (the “Twenty-first Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Twelfth Series Bonds; (xi) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $45,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 8.40% Series due 2002 (the “Thirteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1992, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of July 1, 1992 (the “Twenty-fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Thirteenth Series Bonds; (xii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $105,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 6.12% Series due 1995 (the “Fourteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of October 1, 1992 (the “Twenty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Fourteenth Series Bonds; (xiii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 8.25% Series due 2002 (the “Fifteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into a Twenty-sixth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of October 1, 1992 (the “Twenty-sixth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Fifteenth Series Bonds; (xiv) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 6% Series due 1998 (the “Sixteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by an Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into a Twenty-seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of April 1, 1993 (the “Twenty-seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) to secure the Sixteenth Series Bonds; (xv) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 7-5/8% Series due 1999 (the “Seventeenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1994, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into a Twenty-ninth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of April 1, 1994 (the “Twenty-ninth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Seventeenth Series Bonds; (xvi) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 7.28% Series due 1999 (the “Eighteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twentieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirtieth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of August 1, 1996 (the “Thirtieth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Eighteenth Series Bonds; (xvii) the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $135,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 7.71% Series due 2001 (the “Nineteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirty-first Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of August 1, 1996 (the “Thirty-first Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Nineteenth Series Bonds; (xviii) the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 4 7/8% Series due 2007 (the “Twentieth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2002, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirty-fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of September 1, 2002, which was subsequently amended by the Amendment to the Thirty-fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2005 (as so amended, the “Thirty-fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Twentieth Series Bonds; and (xix) the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First Mortgage Bonds, 6.20% Series due 2012 (the "Twenty-first Series Bonds") issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2007, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into a "Thirty-sixth Assignment of Availability Agreement" (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Twenty-first Series Bonds.
 
D.  The Original Availability Agreement has been amended by the First Amendment thereto dated as of June 30, 1977, the Second Amendment thereto dated June 15, 1981, the Third Amendment thereto dated June 28, 1984, and the Fourth Amendment thereto dated as of June 1, 1989 (the Original Availability Agreement, as so amended and as it may be further amended and supplemented, is hereinafter referred to as the “Availability Agreement”).
 
E.  Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 of the Project have been designated by the Company and the System Operating Companies as being subject to the Availability Agreement and as being System Energy Generating Units (as defined in the Availability Agreement) thereunder.
 
F.  The Company, Credit Suisse First Boston Limited, as agent for certain banks (the “Eurodollar Agent”), and said banks (including successors and assignees and such other banks as became party to the Loan Facility as defined below, the “Eurodollar Banks”) were parties to the Loan Agreement (the “Original Eurodollar Loan Agreement”) dated February 5, 1982 (as amended, the “Loan Facility”).  Under the Original Eurodollar Loan Agreement the banks party thereto made loans to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $315,000,000 and pursuant to the Sixth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment) dated as of February 5, 1982, among the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Eurodollar Agent (the “Sixth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to the Eurodollar Agent (for the benefit of the Eurodollar Banks), as collateral security for the above loans, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement. The Company, the Eurodollar Agent and the Eurodollar Banks were parties to the First Amendment dated as of February 18, 1983, to the Loan Facility which, among other things, increased the amount of the loans to be made by the Eurodollar Banks to $378,000,000 and pursuant to the Seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment) dated as of February 18, 1983, among the Company, the System Operating Companies and the Eurodollar Agent (the “Seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to the Eurodollar Agent (for the benefit of the Eurodollar Banks), as collateral security for such loans, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
G.  The Company and Citibank, N.A. (the “Bank”) were parties to a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement dated as of December 1, 1983 (the “Series A Reimbursement Agreement”), which provided, among other things, for the issuance by the Bank for the account of the Company of an irrevocable transferable letter of credit in support of the Claiborne County, Mississippi Adjustable/Fixed Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series A (the “Series A Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of December 1, 1983, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee. Pursuant to the Ninth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 1, 1983, among the Company, the System Operating Companies, the Bank and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as trustee (the “Ninth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to the Bank and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as trustee, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the Series A Reimbursement Agreement and the Series A Bonds, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
H.  The Company and the Bank were parties to a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement dated as of June 1, 1984 (the “Series B Reimbursement Agreement”), which provided, among other things, for the issuance by the Bank for the account of the Company of an irrevocable transferable letter of credit in support of the Claiborne County, Mississippi Adjustable/Fixed Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series B (the “Series B Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of June 1, 1984, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Tenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of June 1, 1984, among the Company, the System Operating Companies, the Bank and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as trustee (the “Tenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to the Bank and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as trustee, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the Series B Reimbursement Agreement and the Series B Bonds, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
I.  The Company, the Bank as a Co-Agent and as Coordinating Agent, and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as a Co-Agent for a group of banks (the “Banks”), were parties to a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement dated as of December 1, 1984 (the “Series C Reimbursement Agreement”) which provided, among other things, for the issuance by the Banks for the account of the Company of an irrevocable transferable letter of credit in support of the Claiborne County, Mississippi Adjustable/Fixed Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series C (the “Series C Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of December 1, 1984, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Twelfth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (also substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 1, 1984, among the Company, the System Operating Companies, the Banks and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as trustee (the “Twelfth Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to the Banks and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as trustee, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the Series C Reimbursement Agreement and the Series C Bonds, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
J.  The Company, the System Operating Companies, the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as holder of $47,208,334 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Series A (the “Fifth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1985, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Fourteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of June 15, 1985 (the “Fourteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment).  The Fifth Series Bonds were issued as security, in part, for the Claiborne County, Mississippi 12 1/2% Pollution Control Revenue Bonds due 2015 (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series D (the “Series D Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of June 15, 1985, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee. Pursuant to the Fourteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, the Company assigned to the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the Series D Bonds, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
K.  The Company, the System Operating Companies, the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as holder of $95,643,750 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Series B (the “Sixth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by an Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Fifteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement dated as of May 1, 1986 (the “Fifteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Assignment).  The Sixth Series Bonds were issued as security, in part, for the Claiborne County, Mississippi 9 1/2% Pollution Control Revenue Bonds due 2016 (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series E (the “Series E Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Fifteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, the Company assigned to the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the Series E Bonds, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
L.  The Company has entered into a sale and leaseback transaction with respect to a portion of its undivided interest in Unit No. 1 and to that end the Company has entered into, among other agreements, (i) Facility Leases Nos. 1 and 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among Meridian Trust Company (U.S. Bank National Association, successor) and Stephen M. Carta (Mildred F. Smith, successor) (collectively, the “Owner Trustee”) as Owner Trustee and the Company, each as supplemented by a separate Lease Supplement No. 1 thereto, each dated as of April 1, 1989, a separate Lease Supplement No. 2 thereto, each dated as of January 1, 1994, and a separate Lease Supplement No. 3 thereto, each dated as of May 1, 2004; (ii) a Participation Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, among Public Service Resources Corporation (“PSRC”) as Owner Participant, the Loan Participants listed therein, GG1A Funding Corporation (GG1C Funding Corporation, successor), as Funding Corporation, the Owner Trustee and the Company pursuant to which PSRC invested $400,000,000 in an undivided interest in Unit No. 1 (which interest was subsequently acquired by Resources Capital Management Corporation from PSRC and subsequently acquired by RCMC I, Inc. (formerly known as RCMC Del., Inc.) from Resources Capital Management Corporation), and a Participation Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among Lease Management Realty Corporation IV (“LMRC”) as Owner Participant, the Loan Participants listed therein, GG1A Funding Corporation (GG1C Funding Corporation, successor), as Funding Corporation, the Owner Trustee and the Company pursuant to which LMRC invested $100,000,000 in an undivided interest in Unit No. 1 (which interest was subsequently acquired by Textron Financial Corporation from LMRC and subsequently acquired by Cypress GG2, LLC) (the owner participants under all such participation agreements being referred to as the “Owner Participants”) and (iii) the Original Reimbursement Agreement which provided, among other things, (x) for the issuance by the funding bank named therein (the “1988 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1988 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Original Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $104,000,000, and $26,000,000, respectively, (y) for the reimbursement to such 1988 Funding Bank by the participating banks named therein (the “1988 Participating Banks”) for all drafts paid by such 1988 Funding Bank under any 1988 LOC and (z) for the reimbursement by the Company to such 1988 Funding Bank for the benefit of the 1988 Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by such 1988 Funding Bank under any 1988 LOC.  Pursuant to the Twenty-second Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 1, 1988 (the “Twenty-second Assignment of Availability Agreement”), the Company assigned to Chemical Bank (the “Administrating Bank”), as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the Reimbursement Agreement, certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
M.  The Company, the System Operating Companies and the Administrating Bank entered into the Twenty-third Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of January 11, 1991 (“Twenty-third Assignment of Availability Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the First Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement dated as of January 11, 1991 (the “First Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement”) (the Reimbursement Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, is herein called the “First Amended Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1991 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1991 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1991 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement, with maximum amounts of $116,601,440 and $29,150,360, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the Funding Bank by the banks named in the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement (the “Participating Banks”) for all drafts paid by the 1991 Funding Bank under any 1991 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1991 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1991 Funding Bank under any 1991 LOC.
 
N.  The Company, the System Operating Companies and the Administrating Bank entered into the Twenty-eighth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 17, 1993 (“Twenty-eighth Assignment of Availability Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the Second Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1993 (“Second Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement”) (the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement, as amended by the Second Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, is herein called the “Second Amended Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1993 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1993 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1993 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Second Amended Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $132,131,960 and $33,032,990 (subsequently reduced to $32,205,291), respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1993 Funding Bank by the Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 1993 Funding Bank under any 1993 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1993 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1993 Funding Bank under any 1993 LOC.
 
O.  The Company, the System Operating Companies and The Chase Manhattan Bank (as successor by merger with Chemical Bank) Bank entered into the Thirty-second Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 27, 1996 (“Thirty-second Assignment of Availability Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 27, 1996 (the “1996 Restated Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1996 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1996 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1996 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the 1996 Restated Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $148,719,125 and $34,946,720, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1996 Funding Bank by the Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 1996 Funding Bank under any 1996 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1996 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1996 Funding Bank under any 1996 LOC.
 
P.  The Company, the System Operating Companies and The Chase Manhattan Bank entered into the Thirty-third Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 20, 1999 (“Thirty-third Assignment of Availability Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1999 (the “1999 Restated Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1999 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1999 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1999 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the 1999 Restated Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $156,885,464 and $36,061,470, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1999 Funding Bank by the Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 1999 Funding Bank under any 1999 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1999 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1999 Funding Bank under any 1999 LOC.
 
Q. On December 22, 2003, the Company terminated and replaced the previously existing Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement among the Company, Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as administrating bank, and the participating banks named therein dated as of March 3, 2003 (the “2003 Reimbursement Agreement”), with the Reimbursement Agreement, dated as December 22, 2003 (the “December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement”), among the Company, Union Bank, N.A., as administrating bank, Union Bank, N.A., as funding bank (in such capacity, the “2003 Funding Bank”), and the banks named therein (the “2003 Participating Banks”), to provide for the cancellation of the letters of credit issued in connection with the 2003 Reimbursement Agreement and the issuance of new irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “New LOCs”)   by the 2003 Funding Bank to further secure the Owner Participants. The December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement further provides, among other things, (i) for the issuance by the 2003 Funding Bank, for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such New LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $161,546,191.84 and $36,515,236.09, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 2003 Funding Bank by the 2003 Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 2003 Funding Bank under any New LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 2003 Funding Bank for the benefit of the 2003 Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 2003 Funding Bank under any New LOC.  In connection with the execution and delivery of the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement, the Company, the System Operating Companies and Union Bank, N.A., as administrating bank, entered into the Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement (substantially in the form of this Assignment), dated as of December 22, 2003 (“Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement”).  The Company thereby assigned to Union Bank, N.A., as administrating bank under the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement.
 
R.  The Company seeks to refinance that part of the capital costs related to the Project heretofore financed and, to that end, (i) the Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement, dated September 20, 2012 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), with Barclays Capital Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc., RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., acting as representatives of the underwriters named in Schedule I thereto, providing, among other things, for the issue and sale by the Company of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds, 4.10% Series due 2023 (the “Twenty-second Series Bonds”), to be issued under and secured pursuant to the Indenture as heretofore supplemented and as further supplemented and restated by a Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2012 (the “Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture”) (the Indenture as so supplemented and restated and as the same may from time to time hereafter be amended and supplemented in accordance with its terms, the “Restated Indenture”).
 
S.  The Company, by this instrument, wishes to (i) provide for the assignment by the Company to the Trustee of certain of the Company’s rights under the Availability Agreement, and (ii) create enforceable rights hereunder in the Trustee, all as hereunder set forth.
 
T.  The System Operating Companies are willing to, and by this instrument do, supplement their undertakings under the Availability Agreement in the same manner as in the Assignments of Availability Agreement.
 
U.  All things necessary to make this Assignment the valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of each of the parties hereto have been done and performed and the execution and performance hereof in all respects have been authorized and approved by all corporate and shareholder action necessary on the part of each thereof.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree with each other as follows:
 
ARTICLE I.
 
Security Assignment and Agreement
 
1.1   Assignment and Creation of Security Interest .  As security for (i) the due and punctual payment of the interest (including, if and to the extent permitted by law, interest on overdue principal, premium and interest) and premium, if any, on, and the principal of, the Twenty-second Series Bonds (whether at maturity, pursuant to mandatory or optional prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), (ii) the due and punctual payment of all fees and costs, expenses and other amounts which may become payable by the Company under the Restated Indenture which are a charge on the trust estate thereunder which is superior to the charge thereon for the benefit of the Twenty-second Series Bonds, together in each case, with all costs of collection thereof (all such amounts referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being hereinafter collectively referred to as “Obligations Secured Hereby”), the Company hereby assigns to the Trustee, and creates a security interest in favor of the Trustee, in all of the Company’s rights to receive all moneys paid or to be paid to the Company pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement or advances pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof, but only to the extent that such payments or advances are attributable to payments or advances with respect to Unit No. 1 or Unit No. 2, and all other claims, rights (but not obligations or duties), powers, privileges, interests and remedies of the Company, whether arising under the Availability Agreement or this Assignment or by statute or in law or in equity or otherwise, resulting from any failure by any System Operating Company to perform its obligations under the Availability Agreement or this Assignment, but only to the extent that such claims, rights, powers, privileges, interests and remedies relate to Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2, all to the extent, but only to the extent, required for the payment when due and payable of Obligations Secured Hereby, together in each case with full power and authority, in the name of the Trustee, or the Company as assignor, or otherwise, to demand payment of, enforce, collect, receive and receipt for any and all of the foregoing (the rights, claims, powers, privileges, interests and remedies referred to above being hereinafter sometimes called the “Collateral”).
 
1.2   Other Agreements .
 
(a)  The Company has not and will not assign the rights assigned in Section 1.1 as security for any indebtedness other than the Obligations Secured Hereby, except as recited and provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 1.2.
 
(b)  The Company has secured its Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (as defined below) represented by (i) loans made by certain banks referred to in Whereas Clause B hereof by the First, Fourth, Fifth and Eighth Assignments of Availability Agreement, respectively, (ii) the First Series Bonds, the Second Series Bonds, the Third Series Bonds, the Fourth Series Bonds, the Seventh Series Bonds, the Eighth Series Bonds, the Ninth Series Bonds, the Tenth Series Bonds, the Eleventh Series Bonds, the Twelfth Series Bonds, the Thirteenth Series Bonds, the Fourteenth Series Bonds, the Fifteenth Series Bonds, the Sixteenth Series Bonds, the Seventeenth Series Bonds, the Eighteenth Series Bonds, the Nineteenth Series Bonds, the Twentieth Series Bonds and the Twenty-first Series Bonds, as referred to in Whereas Clause C hereof by the Second, Third, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-first, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first, Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth Assignments of Availability Agreement, respectively, (iii) loans made by certain banks as referred to in Whereas Clause F hereof by the Sixth and Seventh Assignments of Availability Agreement, respectively, (iv) the obligations under the Series A Reimbursement Agreement referred to in Whereas Clause G hereof by the Ninth Assignment of Availability Agreement, (v) the obligations under the Series B Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause H hereof by the Tenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, (vi) the obligations under the Series C Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause I hereof by the Twelfth Assignment of Availability Agreement, (vii) the Fifth Series Bonds as referred to in Whereas Clause J hereof by the Fourteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, (viii) the Sixth Series Bonds as referred to in Whereas Clause K hereof by the Fifteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, (ix) the obligations under the Original Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause L hereof by the Twenty-second Assignment of Availability Agreement, (x) the obligations under the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause M hereof by the Twenty-third Assignment of Availability Agreement, (xi) the obligations under the Second Amended Reimbursement Agreement, as referred to in Whereas Clause N hereof by the Twenty-eighth Assignment of Availability Agreement, (xii) the obligations under the 1996 Restated Reimbursement Agreement, as referred to in Whereas Clause O hereof by the Thirty-second Assignment of Availability Agreement, (xiii) the obligations under the 1999 Restated Reimbursement Agreement, as referred to in Whereas Clause P hereof by the Thirty-third Assignment of Availability Agreement, and (xiv) the obligations under the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement, as referred to in Whereas Clause Q hereof by the Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, and shall be entitled to secure the interest and premium, if any, on, and the principal of, other Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Company issued by the Company to any person (except Entergy or any affiliate of Entergy) to finance the cost of the Project (including, without limitation, Indebtedness for Borrowed Money outstanding under the Restated Indenture) or to refund (including any successive refundings) any such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (including such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money now outstanding) issued for such purpose, the incurrence of which Indebtedness for Borrowed Money is at the time permitted by the Restated Indenture (herein, together with such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money now outstanding, called “Additional Indebtedness”), by entering into an assignment of availability agreement, consent and agreement including, without limitation, the First through Thirty-sixth Assignments of Availability Agreement (each being hereinafter called an “Additional Assignment”) with the holders of such Additional Indebtedness or representatives of or trustees for such holders, or both, as the case may be (herein called an “Additional Assignee”).  Each Additional Assignment hereafter entered into shall be substantially in the form of this Assignment, except that there shall be substituted in such Additional Assignment appropriate references to the Additional Indebtedness secured thereby, the applicable Additional Assignee and the agreement or instrument under which such Additional Indebtedness is issued in lieu of the references herein to the Twenty-second Series Bonds, the Trustee and the Restated Indenture, respectively, and such Additional Assignment may contain such other provisions as are not inconsistent with this Assignment and do not adversely affect the rights hereunder of the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds or the Trustee.
 
(c)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Assignment to the contrary, or any priority in time of creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest, pledge or lien by the Trustee, or any provision of or filing or recording under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law of any jurisdiction, the Trustee agrees that the claims of the Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trustee and any security interest, pledge or lien in favor of the Trustee now or hereafter existing in and to the Collateral shall rank pari passu with the claims of each Additional Assignee under the corresponding provisions of the Additional Assignment to which it is a party with respect to the Availability Agreement and any security interest, pledge or lien in favor of such Additional Assignee under such Additional Assignment now or hereafter existing in and to the Collateral, irrespective of the time or times at which prior, concurrent or subsequent Additional Assignments are entered into in accordance with Section 1.2(b) hereof.
 
1.3   Payments to the Trustee .  The Company agrees that, if and whenever it shall make a demand to a System Operating Company for any payment pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement or advances pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof with respect to Unit No. 1 or Unit No. 2, it will separately identify the respective portions of such payment or advance, if any, required for (i) the payment of Obligations Secured Hereby and (ii) the payment of any other amounts then due and payable in respect of Additional Indebtedness and instruct such System Operating Company (subject to the provisions of Section 1.4 hereof) to pay or cause to be paid the amount so identified as required for the payment of Obligations Secured Hereby directly to the Trustee.  Any payments made by any System Operating Company pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement or advances pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof with respect to Unit No. 1 or Unit No. 2 shall, to the extent necessary to satisfy in full the assignment set forth in Section 1.1 of this Assignment and the corresponding assignments set forth in the Additional Assignments, be made pro rata in proportion to the respective amounts secured by, and then due and owing under, such assignments.
 
1.4   Payments to the Company .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 1.1 and 1.3, unless and until the Trustee shall have given written notice to the System Operating Companies of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture), all moneys paid or to be paid to the Company pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement or advanced pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof with respect to Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 shall be paid or advanced directly to the Company and the Company need not separately identify the respective portions of payments or advances as provided in Section 1.3 hereof, provided that notice as to the amount of any such payments or advances shall be given by the Company to the Trustee simultaneously with the demand by the Company for any such payments or advances.  If the Trustee shall have duly notified the System Operating Companies of the occurrence of any such Event of Default, such payments or advances shall be made in the manner and in the amounts specified in Section 1.3 hereof until the Trustee shall by further notice to the System Operating Companies give permission that all such payments or advances may be made again to the Company, such permission being subject to revocation by a subsequent notice pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 1.4.  The Trustee shall give such permission if no such Event of Default continues to exist.
 
1.5   Definitions .  For the purposes of this Assignment, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
(a)  the term “Indebtedness for Borrowed Money” shall mean the principal amount of all indebtedness for borrowed money, secured or unsecured, of the Company then outstanding and shall include, without limitation, the principal amount of all bonds issued by a governmental or industrial development agency or authority in connection with an industrial development revenue bond financing of pollution control facilities constituting part of the Project; and
 
(b)  the term “Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company” shall mean indebtedness marked on the books of the Company as subordinated and junior in right of payment to the Obligations Secured Hereby (as defined in Section 1.1 hereof) to the extent and in the manner set forth below:
 
(i)           if there shall occur an Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture), then so long as such Event of Default shall be continuing and shall not have been cured or waived, or unless and until all the Obligations Secured Hereby shall have been paid in full in money or money’s worth at the time of receipt, no payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest shall be made upon Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company; and
 
(ii)  in the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings, or any receivership proceedings in connection therewith, relative to the Company or its creditors or its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, then the Obligations Secured Hereby shall first be paid in full in money or money’s worth at the time of receipt, or payment thereof shall have been provided for, before any payment on account of principal, premium, if any, or interest is made upon Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company.
 
ARTICLE II.
 
Consent to Assignment by the System Operating
Companies and Other Agreements
 
2.1   Consent to Assignment by the System Operating Companies .
 
(a)  Each System Operating Company hereby consents to the assignment under Article I and agrees with the Trustee to make payments or advances to the Trustee in the amounts and in the manner specified in Section 1.3 at the Trustee’s address as set forth in Section 6.1 hereof.
 
(b)  Subject to the provisions of Section 4 of the Availability Agreement and Section 2.2(g) hereof, each System Operating Company agrees that all payments or advances made to the Trustee or to the Company as contemplated by Sections 1.3 and 1.4 hereof shall be final as between such System Operating Company and the Trustee or the Company, as the case may be, and that it will not seek to recover from the Trustee for any reason whatsoever any moneys paid or advanced to the Trustee by virtue of this Assignment, but the finality of any such payment or advance shall not prevent the recovery of any overpayments or mistaken payments or excess advances or mistaken advances which may be made by such System Operating Company unless an Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, in which case any such overpayment or mistaken payment or excess advances or mistaken advances shall not be recoverable but shall constitute Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company to such System Operating Company.
 
2.2   Other Agreements .  Anything in the Availability Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, it is hereby agreed as follows:
 
(a)  Regardless of whether any person or persons (other than the System Operating Companies) shall become a Party or Parties (as such terms are defined in the Availability Agreement) to the Availability Agreement, the System Operating Companies shall at all times be obligated to make the payments required pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement and to make advances pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof with respect to Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 to the same extent as if the System Operating Companies were the only Parties to the Availability Agreement, except to the extent and only to the extent that such payments or advances are actually made by such person or persons. In the event that any such person shall become a Party to the Availability Agreement, the Company and the System Operating Companies shall cause such person, at the time when such person becomes a Party to the Availability Agreement, to consent by written instrument to the terms and provisions of this Assignment, and thereupon such person shall be bound by all of the terms and provisions of this Assignment (other than the provisions of the preceding sentence) to the same extent as if named a System Operating Company herein.  A copy of such written instrument, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, shall promptly be delivered to the Trustee together with an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument complies with the requirements hereof and constitutes a valid, legally binding obligation of such person.
 
(b)  In the event and to the extent that any action by any governmental regulatory authority, including, without limitation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or any successor thereto, shall have the effect of prohibiting the System Operating Companies from making any payments which would otherwise be required pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement (as supplemented hereby) with respect to Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2, the System Operating Companies shall make advances to the Company at the same time, and in the same amounts as such prohibited payments and all such advances shall constitute Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company.
 
(c)  Each System Operating Company agrees that (i) all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Company to such System Operating Company and all amounts paid by such System Operating Company pursuant to Section 4 of the Availability Agreement or advanced pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof shall constitute Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company and (ii) no such Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company shall be transferred or assigned (including by way of security) to any person (other than to a successor of such System Operating Company by way of merger, consolidation or the acquisition by such person of all or substantially all of such System Operating Company’s assets). The Company agrees that it shall duly record all Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company as such on its books.
 
(d)  No authorization by any governmental regulatory authority being required other than, with respect to the payments pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of the Availability Agreement, appropriate orders, or the taking of other action, by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or any successor thereto as to specific terms and provisions under which power and energy associated therewith available at the Project shall be made available by the Company to the System Operating Companies and pursuant to which the System Operating Companies shall agree to pay the Company for the right to receive such power and the energy associated therewith, each System Operating Company agrees that its duty to make the payments to the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of the Availability Agreement and the advances pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof with respect to Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 shall be absolute and unconditional, (a) whether or not such System Operating Company shall have received all authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities necessary at the time to permit such System Operating Company to perform its other duties and obligations hereunder, under the Availability Agreement or under the System Agreement (as defined in the Availability Agreement), (b) whether or not the Company shall have received all authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities necessary at the time to permit the Company to perform its duties and obligations hereunder, under the Availability Agreement or under the System Agreement, (c) whether or not any authorizations referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) continue, at the time, in effect, (d) whether or not, at any time in question, the Company shall have performed its duties and obligations hereunder, under the Availability Agreement or under the System Agreement, (e) whether or not the System Agreement shall, from time to time, be amended, modified or supplemented or shall be canceled or terminated or such System Operating Company shall have withdrawn therefrom, (f) whether or not the Project shall be maintained in commercial operation, energy from the Project is being produced or delivered or is available (including, without limitation, delivery or availability to such System Operating Company), an abandonment of the Project shall have occurred or the Project shall be in whole or in part destroyed or taken, for any reason whatsoever, (g) whether or not the Company shall be solvent, (h) whether or not the Company or such System Operating Company shall continue to be subsidiary companies of Entergy, (i) regardless of any event of force majeure, and (j) regardless of any other circumstance, happening, condition or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.
 
(e)  In the event that Entergy shall cease to own directly or indirectly a majority of the common securities of any System Operating Company, the obligations of such System Operating Company hereunder and under the Availability Agreement shall not be increased by an amendment to or modification of the terms and provisions of the Restated Indenture, the Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture or the Twenty-second Series Bonds unless such System Operating Company shall have consented in writing to such amendment or modification.
 
(f)  The obligations of each System Operating Company under Section 4 of the Availability Agreement and Section 2.2(b) hereof to make the payments or advances specified therein or herein with respect to Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 to the Company shall not be subject to any abatement, reduction, limitation, impairment, termination, set-off, defense, counterclaim or recoupment whatsoever or any right to any thereof (including, but not limited to, abatements, reductions, limitations, impairments, terminations, set-offs, defenses, counterclaims and recoupments for or on account of any past, present or future indebtedness of the Company to such System Operating Company or any claim by such System Operating Company against the Company, whether or not arising hereunder, under the Availability Agreement or under the System Agreement and whether or not arising out of any action or nonaction on the part of the Company or the Trustee, including any disposition of the Project or any part thereof pursuant to the Restated Indenture, requirements of governmental authorities, actions of judicial receivers or trustees or otherwise and whether or not arising from willful or negligent acts or omissions).  The foregoing, however, shall not, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Section 2.2, affect in any other way any rights and remedies of such System Operating Company with respect to any amounts owed to such System Operating Company by the Company or any such claim by such System Operating Company against the Company.  The obligations and liabilities of each System Operating Company hereunder or under the Availability Agreement shall not be released, discharged or in any way affected by any reorganization, arrangement, compromise, composition or plan affecting the Company or any change, waiver, extension, indulgence or other action or omission in respect of any indebtedness or obligation of the Company or such System Operating Company, whether or not the Company or such System Operating Company shall have had any notice or knowledge of any of the foregoing.  Neither failure nor delay by the Company or the Trustee, or any holder, or representative of any holder of the Twenty-second Series Bonds to exercise any right or remedy provided herein or by statute or at law or in equity shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right or remedy.  Each System Operating Company also hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent that it may do so under applicable law, any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which may be asserted as a bar to the remedy of specific performance in any action brought against such System Operating Company for specific performance of this Assignment or the Availability Agreement by the Company, by the Trustee, by the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds or for their benefit by a receiver or trustee appointed for the Company or in respect of all or a substantial part of the Company’s assets under the bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction to which the Company is or its assets are subject.  Anything in this Section 2.2(f) to the contrary notwithstanding, no System Operating Company shall be precluded from asserting as a defense against any claim made against such System Operating Company upon any of its obligations hereunder and under the Availability Agreement that it has fully performed such obligations in accordance with the terms of this Assignment and the Availability Agreement.
 
(g)  Each System Operating Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.2(c) hereof, be proportionately subrogated to all rights of the Trustee and the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds against the Company in respect of any amounts paid or advanced by such System Operating Company pursuant to the provisions of this Assignment and the Availability Agreement and applied to the payment of the Obligations Secured Hereby.  The Trustee agrees that it will not deal with the Company, or any security for the Twenty-second Series Bonds in such a manner as to prejudice such rights of any System Operating Company.
 
ARTICLE III.
 
Term
 
This Assignment shall remain in full force and effect until, and shall terminate and be of no further force and effect after, all Obligations Secured Hereby shall have been paid in full in money or money’s worth at the time of receipt; provided that this Assignment shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Obligations Secured Hereby is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Trustee upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company, any System Operating Company or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.  It is agreed that all the covenants and undertakings on the part of the System Operating Companies and the Company set forth in this Assignment are exclusively for the benefit of, and may be enforced only by, the Trustee, by the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds as provided in the Restated Indenture, or for their benefit by a receiver or trustee for the Company or in respect of all or a substantial part of its assets under the bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction to which the Company is or its assets are subject.
 
ARTICLE IV.
 
Assignment
 
Neither this Assignment nor the Availability Agreement nor any interest herein or therein may be assigned, transferred or encumbered by any of the parties hereto or thereto, except transfer or assignment by the Trustee to its successors in accordance with Article Ten of the Restated Indenture, except as otherwise provided in Article I hereof and except that
 
(i)  in the event that any System Operating Company shall consolidate with or merge with or into another corporation or shall transfer to another corporation or other person all or substantially all of its assets, this Assignment and the Availability Agreement shall be transferred by such System Operating Company to and shall be binding upon the corporation resulting from such consolidation or merger or the corporation or other person to which such transfer is made and, as a condition to such consolidation, merger or other transfer, such corporation or other person shall deliver to the Company and the Trustee a written assumption, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, of such System Operating Company’s obligations and liabilities under this Assignment and the Availability Agreement and an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument complies with the requirements hereof and thereof and constitutes a valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of such corporation or other person; and
 
(ii)  in the event that the Company shall consolidate with or merge with or into another corporation or shall transfer to another corporation or other person all or substantially all of its assets, this Assignment and the Availability Agreement shall be transferred by the Company to and shall be binding upon the corporation resulting from such consolidation or merger or the corporation or other person to which such transfer is made and, as a condition to such consolidation, merger or other transfer, such corporation or other person shall deliver to the Trustee a written assumption, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, of the Company’s obligations and liabilities under this Assignment and the Availability Agreement and an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument complies with the requirements hereof and thereof and constitutes a valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of such corporation or other person.
 
ARTICLE V.
 
Amendments
 
5.1   Restrictions on Amendments .  Neither this Assignment nor the Availability Agreement may be amended, waived, modified, discharged or otherwise changed orally.  This Assignment and the Availability Agreement may be amended, waived, modified, discharged or otherwise changed only by a written instrument which has been signed by all the parties hereto, in the case of this Assignment, or by the persons specified in Section 11 of the Availability Agreement, in the case of the Availability Agreement, and which has been approved by the holders of more than 50% in principal amount of the Twenty-second Series Bonds Outstanding (as defined in the Restated Indenture) at the time of such consent or which does not materially adversely affect the rights of the Trustees or the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds or which is necessary in order to qualify the Restated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as contemplated by Sections 1301 and 1302 of the Restated Indenture, provided, however, that (i) without the written consent of the holder of all the Twenty-second Series Bonds affected thereby, no amendment, waiver, modification, discharge or other change in or to this Assignment or the Availability Agreement shall be made which shall change the terms of this Section 5.1 and (ii) no such amendment, waiver, modification, discharge or other change shall be made which shall modify, without the written consent of each of the Trustee, the rights, duties or immunities or the Trustee.
 
5.2   The Trustee's Execution .  The Trustee shall, at the request of the Company, execute any instrument amending, waiving, modifying, discharging or otherwise changing this Assignment, or any consent to the execution of any instrument amending, waiving, modifying, discharging or otherwise changing the Availability Agreement (a) as to which the Trustee shall have received an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument has been duly authorized by each person executing the same and is permitted by the provisions of Section 5.1 hereof and that this Assignment, or the Availability Agreement, as the case may be, as amended, waived, modified, discharged or otherwise changed by such instrument, constitutes valid, legally binding and enforceable obligations of the Company and each of the System Operating Companies, and (b) which shall have been executed by the Company and each of the System Operating Companies.  The Trustee, shall be fully protected in relying upon the aforesaid opinion.
 
ARTICLE VI.
 
Notices
 
6.1   Notices, etc., in Writing .  All notices, consents, requests and other documents authorized or permitted to be given pursuant to this Assignment shall be given in writing and either personally served on the party to whom (or an officer of a corporate party) it is given or mailed by registered or certified first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to System Energy Resources, Inc., to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer
 
If to Entergy Arkansas, Inc., to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer
 
If to Entergy Louisiana, LLC, to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer
 
If to Entergy Mississippi, Inc., to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer
 
If to Entergy New Orleans, Inc., to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer
 
If to the Trustee, to:
 
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
10161 Centurion Parkway, 2 nd Floor
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Attention: Geraldine Creswell, Assistant Treasurer
 
with copies to each other party.
 
6.2   Delivery, etc .  Notices, consents, requests and other documents shall be deemed given or served or submitted when delivered or, if mailed as provided in Section 6.1 hereof, on the third day after the day of mailing.  A party may change its address for the receipt of notices, consents, requests and other documents at any time by giving notice thereof to the other parties.  Any notice, consent, request or other document given hereunder may be signed on behalf of any party by any duly authorized representative of that party.
 
ARTICLE VII.
 
Enforcement
 
7.1   Indenture Terms and Conditions .  The Trustee enters into and accepts this Assignment upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article Ten of the Restated Indenture with the same force and effect as if those terms and conditions were repeated at length herein and made applicable to the Trustee in respect of this Assignment and the trusts hereunder and in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by the Trustee hereunder.  Nothing in this Assignment shall affect any right or remedy of the Company or any System Operating Company against the Trustee (other than those specifically waived herein), for breach or violation of any of the obligations or duties of the Trustee assumed or undertaken in this Assignment.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee assumes no responsibility as to the validity or enforceability hereof or for the correctness of the recitals of fact contained herein or in the Availability Agreement, which shall be taken as the statements, representations and warranties of the Company and the System Operating Companies.
 
7.2   Enforcement Action .  At any time when an Event of Default under the Restated Indenture has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee may proceed, either in its own name and as trustee of an express trust or otherwise, to protect and enforce the rights of the Trustee and those of the Company under this Assignment and the Availability Agreement by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceedings, whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained herein or in the Availability Agreement or otherwise, and whether or not the Company shall have complied with any of the provisions hereof or thereof or proceeded to take any action authorized or permitted under applicable law.  Each and every remedy of the Trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and shall be in addition to any other remedy given hereunder or under the Restated Indenture or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute.
 
7.3   Attorney-in-Fact .  The Company hereby constitutes the Trustee its true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, with full power (in such attorney’s name or otherwise), at any time when an Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, to enforce any of the obligations contained herein or in the Availability Agreement or to take any action or institute any proceedings which to the Trustee may seem necessary or advisable in the premises.
 
ARTICLE VIII.
 
Severability
 
If any provision or provisions of this Assignment shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
 
ARTICLE IX.
 
Governing Law
 
This Assignment and, so long as this Assignment shall be in effect, the Availability Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
ARTICLE X.
 
Succession
 
Subject to Article IV hereof, this Assignment and the Availability Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment hereof, or of the Availability Agreement, or of any right to any funds due or to become due under this Assignment or the Availability Agreement shall in any event relieve the Company or any System Operating Company of their respective obligations hereunder.
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Thirty-seventh Assignment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
 
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
By: /s/ Steven C. McNeal                                                           
Name: Steven C. McNeal
Title:   Vice President and Treasurer


THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
as Trustee
 
By: /s/ Joseph Panepinto                                                           
Name: Joseph Panepinto
Title:  Vice President
 

 
Exhibit 10(a)19
 
 
THIRTY-SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTARY CAPITAL FUNDS AGREEMENT
AND ASSIGNMENT
 
This Thirty-seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (hereinafter referred to as “this Agreement”) dated as of September 1, 2012, is made by and among Entergy Corporation (“Entergy”), System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) and The Bank of New York Mellon (successor to United States Trust Company of New York), as trustee (the “Trustee”).
 
WHEREAS:
 
A.  Entergy and the Company are parties to a Capital Funds Agreement dated as of June 21, 1974, as amended by a First Amendment thereto dated June 1, 1989 (the “Capital Funds Agreement”).
 
B.  Entergy owns, either directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding common securities of the Company, and the Company has a 90% undivided ownership and leasehold interest in Unit No. 1 of the Grand Gulf Steam Electric Generating Station (nuclear) project (the “Project”) (more fully described in the “Indenture” hereinafter referred to).
 
C.  Prior hereto, (i) the Company, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as agent for certain banks (the “Domestic Agent”), and said banks entered into an Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement dated as of June 30, 1977 (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”), the First Amendment thereto, dated as of March 20, 1980 (the “First Bank Loan Amendment”), the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement dated as of June 15, 1981, as amended by the First Amendment dated as of February 5, 1982 (as so amended, the “Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement”), and the Second Amendment of the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1983, as further amended by the Third Amendment thereto dated as of December 30, 1983, and the Fourth Amendment thereto dated as of June 28, 1984 (as so further amended, the “Second Bank Loan Second Amendment”); (ii) the banks party to the Amended and Restated Agreement made loans to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $565,000,000 and pursuant to the First Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of June 30, 1977, among Entergy, the Company and the Domestic Agent (the “First Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), the Company and Entergy supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the benefit of the Domestic Agent and such banks; (iii) the First Bank Loan Amendment, among other things, increased the amount of the loans made by the banks party thereto to $808,000,000 and pursuant to the Fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of March 20, 1980 (the “Fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Domestic Agent and the banks under the Amended and Restated Agreement as amended by the First Bank Loan Amendment; (iv) the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement provided, among other things, for (a) the making of revolving credit loans by the banks named therein to the Company from time to time in an aggregate amount not in excess of $1,311,000,000 at any one time outstanding, and (b) the making of a term loan by said banks to the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,311,000,000, and, pursuant to the Fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of June 15, 1981 (the “Fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Domestic Agent and the banks under the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement; and (v) the Second Bank Loan Second Amendment, among other things, increased the amount of the loans to be made by the banks party thereto to $1,711,000,000 and pursuant to the Eighth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of June 30, 1983 (the “Eighth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Domestic Agent and the banks under the Second Amended and Restated Bank Loan Agreement, as amended by the Second Bank Loan Second Amendment.
 
D.  Prior hereto, (i) Entergy, the Company, the Trustee and Malcolm J. Hood (Gerard F. Ganey and Douglas J. MacInnes, as successors), as Trustee (hereinafter called the "Individual Trustee" and together with the Trustee, the "Trustees"), as trustees for the holders of $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 9.25% Series due 1989 (the “First Series Bonds”) issued under a Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of June 15, 1977, among the Company and the Trustees (the “Mortgage”), as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1977, among the Company and the Trustees (the Mortgage, as so supplemented and as supplemented by a Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 1980, a Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1981, a Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1984, a Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1984, a Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1985, a Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1985, an Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, a Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, a Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, an Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, a Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1986, a Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 15, 1987, a Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1987, a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1992, a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, a Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, an Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993, a Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1994, a Twentieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, a Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, a Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2002, and a Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2007, being hereinafter called the “Indenture”), entered into the Second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of June 30, 1977 (the “Second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the First Series Bonds; (ii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $98,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 12.50% Series due 2000 (the “Second Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 1980, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of January 1, 1980 (the “Third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Second Series Bonds; (iii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 16% Series due 2000 (the “Third Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1984, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Eleventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of December 1, 1984 (the “Eleventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Third Series Bonds; (iv) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 15.375% Series due 2000 (the “Fourth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1985, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of May 1, 1985 (the “Thirteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Fourth Series Bonds; (v) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 11% Series due 2000 (the “Seventh Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Sixteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of May 1, 1986 (the “Sixteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Seventh Series Bonds; (vi) Entergy, the Company, and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 9 7/8% Series due 1991 (the “Eighth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Seventeenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of September 1, 1986 (the “Seventeenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Eighth Series Bonds; (vii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 10 1/2% Series due 1996 (the “Ninth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by an Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Eighteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of September 1, 1986 (the “Eighteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Ninth Series Bonds; (viii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 11 3/8% Series due 2016 (the “Tenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Nineteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of September 1, 1986 (the “Nineteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Tenth Series Bonds; (ix) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 14% Series due 1994 (the “Eleventh Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 15, 1987, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twentieth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of November 15, 1987 (the “Twentieth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Eleventh Series Bonds; (x) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 14.34% Series due 1992 (the “Twelfth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1987, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-first Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of December 1, 1987 (the “Twenty-first Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Twelfth Series Bonds; (xi) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $45,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 8.40% Series due 2002 (the “Thirteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1992, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of July 1, 1992 (the “Twenty-fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Thirteenth Series Bonds; (xii)  Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $105,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 6.12% Series due 1995 (the “Fourteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of October 1, 1992 (the “Twenty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Fourteenth Series Bonds; (xiii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 8.25% Series due 2002 (the “Fifteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of October 1, 1992 (the “Twenty-sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Fifteenth Series Bonds; (xiv) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 6% Series due 1998 (the “Sixteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by an Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of April 1, 1993 (the “Twenty-seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Sixteenth Series Bonds; (xv) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 7-5/8% Series due 1999 (the “Seventeenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1994, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Twenty-ninth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of April 1, 1994 (the “Twenty-ninth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Seventeenth Series Bonds; (xvi) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 7.28% Series due 1999 (the “Eighteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twentieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirtieth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of August 1, 1996 (the “Thirtieth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Eighteenth Series Bonds; (xvii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $135,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 7.71% Series due 2001 (the “Nineteenth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirty-first Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of August 1, 1996 (the “Thirty-first Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Nineteenth Series Bonds; (xviii) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, 4 7/8% Series due 2007 (the “Twentieth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2002, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Thirty-fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement dated as of September 1, 2002 (the “Thirty-fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Twentieth Series Bonds; and (xix) Entergy, the Company and the Trustees, as trustees for the holders of $70,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First Mortgage Bonds, 6.20% Series due 2012 (the "Twenty-first Series Bonds") issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2007, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into a "Thirty-sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement" (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Twenty-first Series Bonds.
 
E.  The Company, Credit Suisse First Boston Limited, as agent for certain banks (the “Eurodollar Agent”) and said banks (including successors and assignees and such other banks as became party to the Loan Facility as defined below, the “Eurodollar Banks”) were parties to the Loan Agreement (the “Original Eurodollar Loan Agreement”) dated February 5, 1982 (as amended, the “Loan Facility”).  Under the Original Eurodollar Loan Agreement the banks party thereto made loans to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $315,000,000 and pursuant to the Sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of February 5, 1982, among Entergy, the Company and the Eurodollar Agent (the “Sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), the Company and Entergy supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the benefit of the Eurodollar Agent and the Eurodollar Banks.  The Company, the Eurodollar Agent and the Eurodollar Banks were parties to the First Amendment dated as of February 18, 1983, to the Loan Facility which, among other things, increased the amount of the loans to be made by the Eurodollar Banks to $378,000,000 and pursuant to the Seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of February 18, 1983 (the “Seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Eurodollar Agent and the Eurodollar Banks.
 
F.  The Company and Citibank, N.A. (the “Bank”) were parties to a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement dated as of December 1, 1983 (the “Series A Reimbursement Agreement”) which provided, among other things, for the issuance by the Bank for the account of the Company of an irrevocable transferable letter of credit in support of the Claiborne County, Mississippi Adjustable/Fixed Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series A (the “Series A Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of December 1, 1983, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Ninth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of December 1, 1983 (the “Ninth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Bank and Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee under the indenture relating to the Series A Bonds.
 
G.  The Company and the Bank were parties to a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement dated as of June 1, 1984 (the “Series B Reimbursement Agreement”) which provided, among other things, for the issuance by the Bank for the account of the Company of an irrevocable transferable letter of credit in support of the Claiborne County, Mississippi Adjustable/Fixed Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series B (the “Series B Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of June 1, 1984, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Tenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of June 1, 1984 (the “Tenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Bank and Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee under the indenture relating to the Series B Bonds.
 
H.  The Company, the Bank as a Co-Agent and as Coordinating Agent, and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as a Co-Agent for a group of banks (the “Banks”) were parties to a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement dated as of December 1, 1984 (the “Series C Reimbursement Agreement”) which provided, among other things, for the issuance by the Banks for the account of the Company of an irrevocable transferable letter of credit in support of the Claiborne County, Mississippi Adjustable/Fixed Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series C (the “Series C Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of December 1, 1984, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Twelfth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of December 1, 1984 (the “Twelfth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Banks and Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee under the indenture relating to the Series C Bonds.
 
I.  Entergy, the Company, the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as holder of $47,208,334 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Series A (the “Fifth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by a Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1985, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Fourteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of June 15, 1985 (the “Fourteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Fifth Series Bonds. The Fifth Series Bonds were issued as security, in part, for the Claiborne County, Mississippi 12 1/2% Pollution Control Revenue Bonds due 2015 (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series D (the “Series D Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of June 15, 1985, naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee.  Pursuant to the Fourteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee under the indenture relating to the Series D Bonds.
 
J.  Entergy, the Company, the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank, as holder of $95,643,750 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Series B (the “Sixth Series Bonds”) issued under the Mortgage, as supplemented by an Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986, among the Company and the Trustees, entered into the Fifteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment dated as of May 1, 1986 (the “Fifteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) (also substantially in the form of this Agreement) to secure the Sixth Series Bonds. The Sixth Series Bonds were issued as security, in part, for the Claiborne County, Mississippi 9 1/2% Pollution Control Revenue Bonds due 2016 (Middle South Energy, Inc. Project) Series E (the “Series E Bonds”), issued by Claiborne County, Mississippi, pursuant to a trust indenture dated as of May 1, 1986 naming Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee. Pursuant to the Fifteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the Trustees and Deposit Guaranty National Bank as trustee under the indenture relating to the Series E Bonds.
 
K.  The Company has entered into a sale and leaseback transaction with respect to a portion of its undivided interest in Unit No. 1 and to that end the Company has entered into, among other agreements, (i) Facility Leases Nos. 1 and 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among Meridian Trust Company (U.S. Bank National Association, successor) and Stephen M. Carta (Mildred F. Smith, successor) (collectively, the “Owner Trustee”) as Owner Trustee and the Company, each as supplemented by a separate Lease Supplement No. 1 thereto, each dated as of April 1, 1989, a separate Lease Supplement No. 2 thereto, each dated as of January 1, 1994, and a separate Lease Supplement No. 3 thereto, each dated as of May 1, 2004; (ii) a Participation Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, among Public Service Resources Corporation (“PSRC”) as Owner Participant, the Loan Participants listed therein, GG1A Funding Corporation (GG1C Funding Corporation, successor), as Funding Corporation, the Owner Trustee and the Company pursuant to which PSRC invested $400,000,000 in an undivided interest in Unit No. 1 (which interest was subsequently acquired by Resources Capital Management Corporation from PSRC and subsequently acquired by RCMC I, Inc. (formerly known as RCMC Del., Inc.) from Resources Capital Management Corporation), and a Participation Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988 among Lease Management Realty Corporation IV (“LMRC”) as Owner Participant, the Loan Participants listed therein, GGIA Funding Corporation (GG1C Funding Corporation, successor), as Funding Corporation, the Owner Trustee and the Company pursuant to which LMRC invested $100,000,000 in an undivided interest in Unit No. 1 (which interest was subsequently acquired by Textron Financial Corporation from LMRC and subsequently acquired by Cypress GG2, LLC) (the owner participants under all such participation agreements being referred to as the “Owner Participants”) and (iii) the Original Reimbursement Agreement which provided, among other things, (x) for the issuance by the funding bank named therein (the “1988 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1988 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Original Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $104,000,000, and $26,000,000, respectively; (y) for the reimbursement to such 1988 Funding Bank by the participating banks named therein (“1988 Participating Banks”) for all drafts paid by such 1988 Funding Bank under any 1988 LOC; and (z) for the reimbursement by the Company to such 1988 Funding Bank for the benefit of the 1988 Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by such 1988 Funding Bank under any 1988 LOCs.  Pursuant to the Twenty-second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of December 1, 1988 (the “Twenty-second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”), Entergy and the Company further supplemented their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the benefit of Chemical Bank (the “Administrating Bank”), such 1988 Funding Bank and the 1988 Participating Banks.
 
L.  Entergy, the Company and the Administrating Bank entered into the Twenty-third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement) dated as of January 11, 1991 (“Twenty-third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the First Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of January 11, 1991 (“First Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement”) (the Reimbursement Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, is herein called the “First Amended Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1991 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1991 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1991 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $116,601,440 and $29,150,360, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1991 Funding Bank by the banks named in the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement (the “Participating Banks”) for all drafts paid by the 1991 Funding Bank under any 1991 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1991 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1991 Funding Bank under any 1991 LOC.
 
M.  Entergy, the Company and the Administrating Bank entered into the Twenty-eighth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of December 17, 1993 (“Twenty-eighth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the Second Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1993 (“Second Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement”) (the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement, as amended by the Second Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement, is herein called the “Second Amended Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1993 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1993 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1993 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Second Amended Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $132,131,960 and $33,032,990 (subsequently reduced to $32,205,291, respectively); (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1993 Funding Bank by the Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 1993 Funding Bank under any 1993 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1993 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1993 Funding Bank under any 1993 LOC.
 
N.  Entergy, the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (as successor by merger with Chemical Bank) entered into the Thirty-second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of December 27, 1996 (“Thirty-second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 27, 1996 (the “1996 Restated Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by the The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1996 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1996 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1996 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the 1996 Restated Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $148,719,125 and $34,946,720, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1996 Funding Bank by the Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 1996 Funding Bank under any 1996 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1996 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1996 Funding Bank under any 1996 LOC.
 
O.  Entergy, the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (as successor by merger with Chemical Bank) entered into the Thirty-third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment (substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of December 20, 1999 (“Thirty-third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”) in connection with the execution and delivery of the Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1999 (the “1999 Restated Reimbursement Agreement”) that provided, among other things, (i) for the issuance by The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd., Los Angeles Agency (the “1999 Funding Bank”), for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “1999 LOCs”) to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such 1999 LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the 1999 Restated Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $156,885,464 and $36,061,470, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 1999 Funding Bank by the Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 1999 Funding Bank under any 1999 LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 1999 Funding Bank for the benefit of the Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 1999 Funding Bank under any 1999 LOC.
 
P. On December 22, 2003, the Company terminated and replaced the previously existing Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement among the Company, Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.) as administrating bank, and the participating banks named therein dated as of March 3, 2003 (the “2003 Reimbursement Agreement”), with the Reimbursement Agreement, dated as December 22, 2003 (the “December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement”), among the Company, Union Bank, N.A., as administrating bank, Union Bank, N.A., as funding bank (in such capacity, the “2003 Funding Bank”), and the banks named therein (the “2003 Participating Banks”), to provide for the cancellation of the letters of credit issued in connection with the 2003 Reimbursement Agreement and the issuance of new irrevocable transferable letters of credit (the “New LOCs”)   by the 2003 Funding Bank to further secure the Owner Participants. The December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement further provides, among other things, (i) for the issuance by the 2003 Funding Bank, for the account of the Company, of irrevocable transferable letters of credit to the Owner Participants to secure certain obligations of the Company to the Owner Participants, such New LOCs to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement with maximum amounts of $161,546,191.84 and $36,515,236.09, respectively; (ii) for the reimbursement to the 2003 Funding Bank by the 2003 Participating Banks for all drafts paid by the 2003 Funding Bank under any New LOC; and (iii) for the reimbursement by the Company to the 2003 Funding Bank for the benefit of the 2003 Participating Banks of sums equal to all drafts paid by the 2003 Funding Bank under any New LOC.  In connection with the execution and delivery of the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement, Entergy, the Company and Union Bank, N.A., as administrating bank, entered into the Thirty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement (substantially in the form of this Agreement), dated as of December 22, 2003 (“Thirty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement”).  The Company thereby assigned to Union Bank, N.A., as administrating bank under the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement, as collateral security for the Company’s obligations under the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement certain of the Company’s rights under the Capital Funds Agreement.
 
Q.           The Company seeks to refinance that part of the capital costs related to the Project with borrowed funds, and, to that end, (i) the Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement, dated September 20, 2012 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), with Barclays Capital Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc., RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., acting as representatives of the underwriters named in Schedule I thereto, providing, among other things, for the issue and sale by the Company of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds, 4.10% Series due 2023 (the “Twenty-second Series Bonds”), to be issued under and secured pursuant to the Indenture as heretofore supplemented and as further supplemented and restated by a Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2012 (the “Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture”) (the Indenture as so supplemented and restated and as the same may from time to time hereafter be amended and supplemented in accordance with its terms, the “Restated Indenture”).
 
R.           By written assumption dated as of December 31, 1993, Entergy Corporation, a Delaware corporation, assumed all obligations and liabilities of Entergy Corporation, a Florida corporation, under the Capital Funds Agreement, as supplemented, pursuant to and as permitted by the terms of the supplements thereto.
 
S.  The Company and Entergy, by this instrument, wish (i) to continue to supplement their undertakings under the Capital Funds Agreement for the benefit of the Trustee and (ii) to create enforceable rights hereunder in the Trustee as hereinafter set forth.
 
T.  All things necessary to make this Agreement the valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of each of the parties hereto have been done and performed and the execution and performance hereof in all respects have been authorized and approved by all corporate and shareholder action necessary on the part of each thereof.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree with each other as follows:
 

ARTICLE I.
 
Obligations of Entergy and the Company.
 
1.1.   Commercial Operation of the Project .  The Company shall (and Entergy shall cause the Company to) use its best efforts to maintain the Project in commercial operation and, in connection therewith, take all such action, including, without limitation, all actions before governmental authorities, as shall be necessary to enable the Company to do so.
 
1.2.   Capital Structure of the Company .  Entergy shall supply or cause to be supplied to the Company:
 
(a)  such amounts of capital as may be required from time to time by the Company in order to maintain that portion of the Capitalization (as defined in Section 1.6 hereof) of the Company as shall be represented by the aggregate of the par value of, or stated capital represented by, the outstanding shares of all classes of capital stock and the surplus of the Company, paid in, earned and other, if any, at an amount equal to at least 35% of the Capitalization of the Company or at such higher percentage as governmental regulatory authorities having jurisdiction in the premises may require; and
 
(b)  such amounts of capital in addition to (i) the capital heretofore made available to the Company by Entergy in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock and (ii) the capital made available to the Company at any time in question through the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (as defined in Section 1.6 hereof) as shall be required in order for the Company to continue to own its undivided ownership interest in the Project, to provide (without limitation) for interest charges of the Company, to permit the commercial operation of Unit No. 1, to permit the continuation of such commercial operation and to pay in full all payments of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on Indebtedness for Borrowed Money, as defined in Section 1.6 hereof (whether due at maturity, pursuant to mandatory or optional prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), it being understood and agreed that, in connection with the capital requirements of the Company, nuclear fuel leasing (including financing leases therefor) and the entering into by the Company of industrial development revenue bond financing with respect to pollution control facilities and the issuance and sale by the Company of debt securities, and, to the extent necessary or desirable, preferred stock, to banks, institutions and the public may constitute some of the means by which required capital can be made available to the Company.
 
1.3.   Manner of Performance .  If, with respect to any amount of capital which Entergy shall, at any time in question, be obligated under the provisions of Section 1.2 to supply or cause to be supplied to the Company, Entergy and the Company shall fail to agree on the type, or terms, of any particular security to be issued by the Company and sold to Entergy or to others for the purpose of securing such required capital or if requisite regulatory approvals are not obtained for any issuance and sale so agreed upon or if such issuance and sale cannot for any other reason be carried out, then and in such event, Entergy shall supply such capital to the Company in the form of a cash capital contribution.
 
1.4.   Payments in Respect of the Twenty-second Series Bonds .  If at any time the Company shall require funds to pay (i) the interest (including, if and to the extent permitted by law, interest on overdue principal, premium and interest) and premium, if any, on, and the principal of, the Twenty-second Series Bonds (whether at maturity, pursuant to mandatory or optional prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) and (ii) the expenses, commitment fees, financing charges, trustees’ fees and administration expenses attributable to the Twenty-second Series Bonds, and the funds of the Company available for such purpose or purposes shall be insufficient for any reason, including, without limitation, the inability to borrow, or the absence of, funds under any loan agreement or similar instrument or instruments to which the Company is now or hereafter becomes a party, Entergy will pay to the Company in cash as a capital contribution the funds necessary to enable the Company to pay the amounts referred to above in this Section 1.4.
 
1.5.   Subordination of Claims of Entergy Against the Company .  Entergy hereby agrees that (i) all amounts advanced by Entergy to the Company (other than by way of purchases of capital stock of the Company or capital contributions to the Company) shall, for the purposes of this Agreement and so long as this Agreement shall be in full force and effect, constitute Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company (as defined in Section 1.6 hereof) and (ii) no such Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company shall be transferred or assigned (including by way of security) to any person (other than to a successor of Entergy by way of merger or consolidation or the acquisition by such person of all or substantially all of Entergy’s assets).  The Company agrees that it will record all Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company as such on its books.
 
1.6.   Definitions .  For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
(a)  the term “Capitalization” shall mean, as of any particular time, an amount equal to the sum of the total principal amount of all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Company (exclusive of Short Term Debt), secured or unsecured, then outstanding, and the aggregate of the par value of, or stated capital represented by, the outstanding shares of all classes of capital stock of the Company and the surplus of the Company, paid in, earned and other, if any;
 
(b)  the term “Indebtedness for Borrowed Money” shall mean the principal amount of all indebtedness for borrowed money, secured or unsecured, of the Company then outstanding and shall include, without limitation, the principal amount of all bonds issued by a governmental or industrial development agency or authority in connection with an industrial development revenue bond financing of pollution control facilities constituting part of the Project;
 
(c)  the term “Short Term Debt” shall mean the principal amount of unsecured Indebtedness for Borrowed Money created or incurred by the Company which matures by its terms not more than 12 months after the date of the creation or incurrence thereof, and which is not renewable or extendable at the option of the Company for a period of more than 12 months from the date of the creation or incurrence thereof pursuant to any revolving credit or similar agreement; and
 
(d)  the term “Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company” shall mean indebtedness marked on the books of the Company as subordinated and junior in right of payment to the Obligations Secured Hereby (as defined in Section 5.1 hereof) to the extent and in the manner set forth below:
 
(i)  if there shall occur an Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture), then so long as such Event of Default shall be continuing and shall not have been cured or waived, or unless and until all the Obligations Secured Hereby shall have been paid in full in money or money’s worth at the time of receipt, no payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest shall be made upon Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company; and
 
(ii)  in the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceedings, or any receivership proceedings in connection therewith, relative to the Company or its creditors or its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, then the Obligations Secured Hereby shall first be paid in full in money or money’s worth at the time of receipt, or payment thereof shall have been provided for, before any payment on account of principal, premium, if any, or interest is made upon Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company.
 
ARTICLE II.
 
Nature of the Obligations of
Entergy and the Company
 
2.1.   Regulatory Approvals .
 
(a)  The performance of the obligations of the Company hereunder shall be subject to the receipt and continued effectiveness of all authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities at the time necessary to permit the Company to perform its duties and obligations hereunder, including the receipt and continued effectiveness of all authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities at the time necessary to permit the Company to operate the Project (or to have the Project operated for it) to the extent the Project is then operable, and to issue and to sell securities then to be issued and sold by the Company to Entergy or to others for the purpose of securing required capital.
 
(b)  The Company shall use its best efforts to secure and maintain all such authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities.
 
2.2.   Nature of Obligations .  (a)  Entergy agrees that its duty to make cash capital contributions to the Company pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1.3 and 1.4 shall be absolute and unconditional, (i) whether or not Entergy shall have received all authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities necessary at the time to permit Entergy to perform its other duties and obligations hereunder, (ii) whether or not the Company shall have received all authorizations of governmental regulatory authorities necessary at the time to permit the Company to perform its duties and obligations hereunder, (iii) whether or not any authorizations referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) continue, at the time, in effect, (iv) whether or not, at any time in question, the Company shall have performed its duties and obligations under this Agreement, (v) whether or not the Project shall be maintained in commercial operation, energy from the Project is being produced or delivered or is available (including, without limitation, delivery or availability to other subsidiaries of Entergy), an abandonment of the Project shall have occurred or the Project shall be in whole or in part destroyed or taken, for any reason whatsoever, (vi) whether or not the Company shall be solvent, (vii) regardless of any event of force majeure and (viii) regardless of any other circumstance, happening, condition or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. Subject to Section 2.1(a), all other obligations of Entergy hereunder are similarly absolute and unconditional.
 
(b)  In the event that Entergy shall cease to own a majority of common stock of the Company, the obligations of Entergy hereunder shall not be increased by any amendment to, or modification of, the terms and provisions of the Restated Indenture, the Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture or the Twenty-second Series Bonds unless Entergy shall have consented in writing to such amendment or modification.
 
2.3.   Waivers of Defenses .  The obligations of Entergy under Sections 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 to supply capital or cause capital to be supplied or to make cash capital contributions to the Company shall not be subject to any abatement, reduction, limitation, impairment, termination, set-off, defense, counterclaim or recoupment whatsoever or any right to any thereof (including, but not limited to, abatements, reductions, limitations, impairments, terminations, set-offs, defenses, counterclaims and recoupments for or on account of any past, present or future indebtedness of the Company to Entergy or any claim by Entergy against the Company, whether or not arising under this Agreement and whether or not arising out of any action or nonaction on the part of the Company or the Trustee, including any disposition of the Project or any part thereof pursuant to the Restated Indenture, requirements of governmental authorities, actions of judicial receivers or trustees or otherwise and whether or not arising from willful or negligent acts or omissions).  The foregoing, however, shall not, subject to the provisions of Section 1.5 hereof, affect in any other way any rights and remedies of Entergy with respect to any amounts owed to Entergy by the Company or any such claim by Entergy against the Company.  The obligations and liabilities of Entergy hereunder shall not be released, discharged or in any way affected by any reorganization, arrangement, compromise, composition or plan affecting the Company or any change, waiver, extension, indulgence or other action or omission in respect of any indebtedness or obligation of the Company or Entergy, whether or not the Company or Entergy shall have had any notice or knowledge of any of the foregoing.  Neither failure nor delay by the Company or the Trustee to exercise any right or remedy provided herein or by statute or at law or in equity shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right or remedy.  Entergy also hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent that it may do so under applicable law, any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which may be asserted as a bar to the remedy of specific performance in any action brought against Entergy for specific performance of this Agreement by the Company or by the Trustee or for their benefit by a receiver or trustee appointed for the Company or in respect of all or a substantial part of the Company’s assets under the bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction to which the Company is or its assets are subject.  Anything in this Section 2.3 to the contrary notwithstanding, Entergy shall not be precluded from asserting as a defense against any claim made against Entergy upon any of its obligations hereunder that it has fully performed such obligation in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
 
2.4.   Subrogation, Etc .  Entergy shall, subject to the provisions of Section 1.5, be subrogated to all rights of the Trustee and the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by Entergy pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and applied to the payment of the Obligations Secured Hereby (as defined in Section 5.1 hereof).  The Trustee agrees that it will not deal with the Company, or any security for the Twenty-second Series Bonds, in such a manner as to prejudice such rights of Entergy.
 
ARTICLE III.
 
Term
 
This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until, and shall terminate and be of no further force and effect after, all Obligations Secured Hereby shall have been paid in full in money or money’s worth at the time of receipt; provided that this Assignment shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Obligations Secured Hereby is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Trustee upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of Entergy, the Company or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.  It is agreed that all the covenants and undertakings on the part of Entergy and the Company set forth in this Agreement are exclusively for the benefit of, and may be enforced only by, the Trustee, the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds as provided in the Restated Indenture, or for their benefit by a receiver or trustee for the Company or in respect of all or a substantial part of its assets under the bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction to which the Company is or its assets are subject.
 
ARTICLE IV.
 
Assignment
 
Neither this Agreement nor any interest herein may be assigned, transferred or encumbered by any of the parties hereto, except transfer or assignment by the Trustee to their respective successors in accordance with Article Ten of the Restated Indenture, except as otherwise provided in Article V hereof and except that:
 
(i)           in the event that Entergy shall consolidate with or merge with or into another corporation or shall transfer to another corporation or other person all or substantially all of its assets, this Agreement shall be transferred by Entergy to and shall be binding upon the corporation resulting from such consolidation or merger or the corporation or other person to which such transfer is made and, as a condition to such consolidation, merger or other transfer, such corporation or other person shall deliver to the Company and the Trustee a written assumption, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, of Entergy’s obligations and liabilities under this Agreement and an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument complies with the requirements hereof and constitutes a valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of such corporation or other person; and
 
(ii)           in the event that the Company shall consolidate with or merge with or into another corporation or shall transfer to another corporation or other person all or substantially all of its assets, this Agreement shall be transferred by the Company to and shall be binding upon the corporation resulting from such consolidation or merger or the corporation or other person to which such transfer is made and, as a condition to such consolidation, merger or other transfer, such corporation or other person shall deliver to the Trustee a written assumption, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, of the Company’s obligations and liabilities under this Agreement and an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument complies with the requirements hereof and constitutes a valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of such corporation or other person.
 
ARTICLE V.
 
Security Assignment and Agreement
 
5.1.   Assignment and Creation of Security Interest .  As security for (i) the due and punctual payment of the interest (including, if and to the extent permitted by law, interest on overdue principal, premium and interest) and premium, if any, on, and the principal of, the Twenty-second Series Bonds (whether at the stated maturity thereof, pursuant to mandatory or optional prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) and (ii) the due and punctual payment of all fees and costs, expenses and other amounts which may become payable by the Company under the Restated Indenture which are a charge on the trust estate thereunder which is superior to the charge thereon for the benefit of the Twenty-second Series Bonds, together in each case with all costs of collection thereof (all such amounts referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being hereinafter collectively referred to as “Obligations Secured Hereby”), the Company hereby assigns to the Trustee, and creates a security interest in favor of the Trustee in, (x) all of the Company’s rights to receive all moneys paid, or caused to be paid, or to be paid or to be caused to be paid, to the Company by Entergy pursuant to Section 1.4 of this Agreement, and (y) all other claims, rights (but not obligations or duties), powers, privileges, interests and remedies of the Company (including, without limitation, all of the Company’s rights to receive all moneys paid, or caused to be paid, or to be paid, or to be caused to be paid, to the Company by Entergy pursuant to Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of this Agreement), whether arising under this Agreement or by statute or in law or in equity or otherwise, resulting from any failure by Entergy to perform its obligations under this Agreement, but so far as this clause (y) is concerned only to the extent required for the payment when due and payable of the Obligations Secured Hereby, together in each case with full power and authority, in the name of the Trustee, or the Company as assignor, or otherwise, to demand payment of, enforce, collect, receive and receipt for any and all of the foregoing (the rights, claims, powers, privileges, interests and remedies referred to in clause (y) being hereinafter sometimes called the “Collateral”).
 
5.2.   Other Agreements .
 
(a)  The Company will not assign the rights assigned in clause (x) of Section 5.1 as security for any indebtedness other than the Obligations Secured Hereby and will not assign the other rights assigned in Section 5.1 as security for any indebtedness other than the Obligations Secured Hereby, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 5.2.
 
(b)  The Company has secured its Indebtedness for Borrowed Money represented by (i) loans made by certain banks as referred to in Whereas Clause C hereof by the First, Fourth, Fifth and Eighth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements, (ii) the First Series Bonds, the Second Series Bonds, the Third Series Bonds, the Fourth Series Bonds, the Seventh Series Bonds, the Eighth Series Bonds, the Ninth Series Bonds, the Tenth Series Bonds, the Eleventh Series Bonds, the Twelfth Series Bonds, the Thirteenth Series Bonds, the Fourteenth Series Bonds, the Fifteenth Series Bonds, the Sixteenth Series Bonds, the Seventeenth Series Bonds, the Eighteenth Series Bonds, the Nineteenth Series Bonds, the Twentieth Series Bonds and the Twenty-first Series Bonds, as referred to in Whereas Clause D hereof by the Second, Third, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-first, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first, Thirty-fourth and Thirty-sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements, respectively, (iii) loans made by certain banks as referred to in Whereas Clause E hereof by the Sixth and Seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements, respectively, (iv) the obligations under the Series A Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause F hereof by the Ninth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (v) the obligations under the Series B Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause G hereof by the Tenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (vi) the obligations under the Series C Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause H hereof by the Twelfth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (vii) the Fifth Series Bonds as referred to in Whereas Clause I hereof by the Fourteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (viii) the Sixth Series Bonds as referred to in Whereas Clause J hereof by the Fifteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (ix) the obligations under the Original Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause K hereof by the Twenty-second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (x) the obligations under the First Amended Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause L hereof by the Twenty-third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (xi) the obligations under the Second Amended Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause M hereof by the Twenty-eighth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (xii) the obligations under the 1996 Restated Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause N hereof by the Thirty-second Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, (xiii) the obligations under the 1999 Restated Reimbursement Agreement as referred to in Whereas Clause O hereof by the Thirty-third Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, and (xiv) the obligations under the December 2003 Reimbursement Agreement, as referred to in Whereas Clause P hereof by the Thirty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, and shall be entitled to secure the interest and premium, if any, on, and the principal of, other Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Company issued by the Company to any person (except Entergy or any affiliate of Entergy) to finance the cost of the Project (including, without limitation, Indebtedness for Borrowed Money outstanding under the Restated Indenture) or to refund (including any successive refundings) any such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money issued for such purpose, the incurrence of which Indebtedness for Borrowed Money is at the time permitted by the Restated Indenture (herein called “Additional Indebtedness”), by entering into a supplementary capital funds agreement and assignment including, without limitation, the First through Thirty-sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements (each being hereinafter called an “Additional Supplementary Agreement”) with the holders of such Additional Indebtedness or representatives of or trustees for such holders, or both, as the case may be (hereinafter called an “Additional Assignee”).  Each Additional Supplementary Agreement shall be substantially in the form of this Agreement, except that there shall be substituted in such Additional Supplementary Agreement appropriate references to such Additional Indebtedness, such Additional Assignee and the agreement or instrument under which such Additional Indebtedness is issued in lieu of the references herein to the Twenty-second Series Bonds, the Trustee, and the Restated Indenture, respectively, and such Additional Supplementary Agreement may contain such other provisions as are not inconsistent with this Agreement and do not adversely affect the rights hereunder of the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds or the Trustee.
 
(c)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, or any priority in time of creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest, pledge or lien by the Trustee, or any provision of or filing or recording under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law of any jurisdiction, the Trustee agrees that the claims of the Trustee under Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of this Agreement and any security interest, pledge or lien in favor of the Trustee now or hereafter existing in and to the Collateral shall rank pari passu with the claims of each Additional Assignee under the corresponding sections of the Additional Supplementary Agreement to which it is a party and any security interest, pledge or lien in favor of such Additional Assignee thereunder now or hereafter existing in and to the Collateral, irrespective of the time or times at which prior, concurrent or subsequent Additional Supplementary Agreements are entered into in accordance with Section 5.2(b) hereof.
 
5.3.   Payments to the Trustee .  The Company agrees that, if and whenever it shall make a demand to Entergy for any payment pursuant to Section 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 of this Agreement or pursuant to the corresponding provisions of any Additional Supplementary Agreement, it will separately identify the respective portions of such payment, if any, required for (i) the payment of Obligations Secured Hereby and (ii) the payment of any other amounts then due and payable in respect of Additional Indebtedness and instruct Entergy (subject to the provisions of Section 5.4) to pay or cause to be paid the amount so identified as required for the payment of Obligations Secured Hereby directly to the Trustee.  Any payments made or caused to be made by Entergy pursuant to Section 1.2 or 1.3 of this Agreement or pursuant to the corresponding provisions of any Additional Supplementary Agreement shall, to the extent necessary to satisfy in full the assignment set forth in Section 5.1 of this Agreement and the corresponding assignments set forth in the Additional Supplementary Agreements, be made pro rata in proportion to the respective amounts secured by, and then due and owing under, such assignments.
 
5.4.   Payments to the Company .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 5.1 and 5.3, unless and until the Trustee shall have given written notice to Entergy of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture), all moneys paid or to be paid to the Company pursuant to Sections 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 of this Agreement shall be paid directly to the Company and the Company need not separately identify the respective portions of payments as provided in Section 5.3 hereof, provided that notice as to the amount of any such payments or advances shall be given by the Company to the Trustee simultaneously with the demand by the Company for any such payment.  If the Trustee shall have duly notified Entergy of the occurrence of any such Event of Default, such payments shall be made in the manner and in the amounts specified in Section 5.3 hereof until the Trustee shall by further notice to Entergy give permission that all such payments may be made again to the Company, such permission being subject to revocation by a subsequent notice pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 5.4.  The Trustee shall give such permission if no such Event of Default continues to exist.
 
5.5.   Consent and Agreement of Entergy .
 
(a)  Entergy hereby consents to the foregoing assignment and agrees with the Trustee to make payments to the Trustee in the amounts and in the manner specified in Section 5.3 at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee in New York City, New York, which is presently located at 101 Barclay Street, 8W, New York, New York 10286.
 
(b)  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4 hereof, Entergy agrees that all payments made to the Trustee or to the Company as contemplated by Sections 5.3 and 5.4 shall be final as between Entergy and the Trustee or the Company, as the case may be, and that Entergy will not seek to recover from the Trustee for any reason whatsoever any moneys paid to the Trustee by virtue of this Agreement, but the finality of any such payment shall not prevent the recovery of any overpayments or mistaken payments which may be made by Entergy unless an Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, in which case any such overpayment or mistaken payment shall not be recoverable but shall constitute Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company to Entergy.
 
ARTICLE VI.
 
Amendments
 
6.1.   Restrictions on Amendments .  This Agreement may not be amended, waived, modified, discharged or otherwise changed orally.  It may be amended, waived, modified, discharged or otherwise changed only by a written instrument which has been signed by all the parties hereto and which has been approved by the holders of more than 50% in principal amount of the Twenty-second Series Bonds Outstanding (as defined in the Restated Indenture) at the time of such consent or which does not materially adversely affect the rights of the Trustee or the holders of the Twenty-second Series Bonds or which is necessary in order to qualify the Restated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as contemplated by Sections 1301 and 1302 of the Restated Indenture provided, however, that (i) without the written consent of the holders of all the Twenty-second Series Bonds affected thereby, no amendment, waiver, modification, discharge or other change shall be made which shall change the terms of this Section 6.1 and (ii) no such amendment, waiver, modification, discharge or other change shall be made which shall modify, without the written consent of the Trustee, the rights, duties or immunities of the Trustee.
 
6.2.   Trustee's Execution .  The Trustee shall, at the request of the Company, execute any instrument amending, waiving, modifying, discharging or otherwise changing this Agreement (a) as to which the Trustee shall have received an opinion of counsel to the effect that such instrument has been duly authorized by Entergy and the Company and is permitted by the provisions of Section 6.1 and that this Agreement, as amended, waived, modified, discharged or otherwise changed by such instrument, constitutes valid, legally binding and enforceable obligations of the Company and Entergy, and (b) which shall have been executed by Entergy and the Company.  The Trustee shall be fully protected in relying upon the aforesaid opinion.
 
ARTICLE VII.
 
Notices
 
7.1.   Notices, Etc., in Writing .  All notices, consents, requests and other documents authorized or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be given in writing and either personally served on the party to whom (or an officer of a corporate party) it is given or mailed by registered or certified first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to System Energy Resources, Inc., to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer

If to Entergy Corporation, to:
 
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana  70113
Attention:  Treasurer

If to the Trustee, to:
 
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
10161 Centurion Parkway, 2 nd Floor
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Attention: Geraldine Creswell, Assistant Treasurer
 
with copies to each party.
 
7.2.   Delivery, Etc .  Notices, consents, requests and other documents shall be deemed given or served or submitted when delivered or, if mailed as provided in Section 7.1 hereof, on the third day after the day of mailing.  A party may change its address for the receipt of notices, consents, requests and other documents at any time by giving notice thereof to the other parties.  Any notice, consent, request or other document given hereunder may be signed on behalf of any party by any duly authorized representative of that party.
 
ARTICLE VIII.
 
Enforcement
 
8.1            Indenture Terms and Conditions .  The Trustee enters into and accepts this Agreement upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article Ten of the Restated Indenture, respectively, with the same force and effect as if those terms and conditions were repeated at length herein and made applicable to Trustee hereunder.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right or remedy of the Company or Entergy against the Trustee (other than those specifically waived herein), for breach or violation of any of the obligations or duties of the Trustee assumed or undertaken in this Agreement.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee assumes no responsibility as to the validity or enforceability hereof or for the correctness of the recitals of fact contained herein or in the Capital Funds Agreement, which shall be taken as the statements, representations and warranties of the Company and Entergy.
 
8.2.   Enforcement Action By Trustees .  At any time when an Event of Default under the Restated Indenture has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee may proceed, in its own name, or as trustee of an express trust or otherwise, to protect and enforce the rights of the Trustee, and those of the Company under this Agreement by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceedings, whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement of otherwise, and whether or not the Company shall have complied with any of the provisions hereof or proceeded to take any action authorized or permitted under applicable law.  Each and every remedy of the Trustee shall,  to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and shall be in addition to any other remedy given hereunder or under the Restated Indenture or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute.
 
8.3.   Attorney-in-Fact .  The Company hereby constitutes the Trustee with authority to act without the other, its true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, with full power (in such attorney’s name or otherwise), at any time when an Event of Default (as defined in the Restated Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, to enforce any of the obligations contained herein or to take any action or institute any proceedings which to the Trustee may seem necessary or advisable in the premises.
 
ARTICLE IX.
 
Severability
 
If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
 
ARTICLE X.
 
Governing Law
 
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
ARTICLE XI.
 
Succession
 
Subject to Article IV hereof, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment hereof, or of any right to any funds due or to become due under this Agreement, shall in any event relieve the Company or Entergy of their respective obligations hereunder.
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
 
ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
By: /s/ Steven C. McNeal
Name:  Steven C. McNeal
Title:    Vice President and Treasurer
 
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
By: /s/ Frank Williford
Name: Frank Williford
Title:   Assistant Treasurer


THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
as Trustee


By: /s/ Joseph Panepinto
Name: Joseph Panepinto
Title:  Vice President
 


 
 

 

 
Exhibit 10(a)103
 
Confidential Interoffice
Correspondence
Date:                      March ___, 2013

To:                          Name

From :
Jennifer Raeder

Subject:
2013 Stock Option Agreement (“Agreement”) – Under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Effective for Grants and Elections On or After May 6, 2011)

I am pleased to inform you on behalf of Entergy Corporation (the “ Company ”) that the Personnel Committee of the Entergy Corporation Board of Directors (“ Committee ”) has agreed to grant you, pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Effective for Grants and Elections On or After May 6, 2011), (the " Plan "), a nonstatutory stock option (the " Option ") to purchase xxxx   shares of Entergy Corporation common stock (the " Com­mon Stock ") at a price of   $xxxx   per share (the " Exercise Price "), subject to the following terms and conditions:

1.            Effective Date of Option Grant .  This Option grant by the Company is effective January 31, 2013 (“ Grant Date ”), unless you file a written objection in accordance with Section 7 below.

2.            Option Term .  The term of the Option (the " Option Term ") shall commence on the Grant Date and, unless the Option is previously terminated pursuant to this Agreement, shall terminate upon the expiration of ten years from the Grant Date.  Upon expiration of the Option Term, all of your rights under this Agreement with respect to the Option shall terminate.

3.            Vesting of Option .  The Option shall vest and become exercis­able at the rate of 33-1/3% on each of the first three (3) anniversaries of the Grant Date, unless otherwise provided in Section 5.  Further, you must be a continuing full-time regular employee of a System Company or a continuing part-time regular System Company employee participating in the Company’s Phased Retirement Program on an applicable anniversary date in order for the portion of the Option to vest that is scheduled to become vested on such anniversary date unless otherwise provided in Section 5.
 
 
4.            Exercise of Option .

(a)            Method of Exercise .  You may exercise a vested Option by one of the methods approved by the Committee in connection with the grant of this Option. You can determine the permissible methods of exercise: (i) by contacting Computershare (formerly BNY Mellon) Executive Services at 1 (800) 851-1982, or (ii) via the Internet address https://www.cpushareownerservices.com/cpuportal/index.jsp   .  You will be required to choose from one of the payment methods made available by the Committee for exercising stock options, which method shall also provide for the payment by you of all applicable income tax and employment tax amounts required to be withheld in connection with such exercise.

(b)            Limitation on Exercise .  All System Management Level 1-4 Participants are considered restricted individuals with regard to their stock options.  As a restricted individual, you may trade in Entergy Corporation securities only during an open window period (and only if you are not in possession of material, non-public information).  Currently, window periods begin on the second business day after the quarterly earnings release and run through the last business day of the second month of the current quarter.  In addition, the Insider Trading Policy may require that you pre-clear all transactions involving Entergy securities with Entergy Corporation’s Office of the General Counsel.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4(a) above or in the general description of exercise alternatives, as a System Management Level 1-4 Participant, you must maintain the applicable Target Stock Ownership Level in the chart below, which Level is expressed as a multiple of your base salary and is based on your System Management Level.

Target Stock Ownership Levels

Management Level
Stock Ownership
Target Levels
ML1
5 times base salary
ML2
4 times base salary
ML3
2.5 times base salary
ML4
1.5 times base salary

             These ownership multiples may be satisfied through any shares of Common Stock held by a System Management Level 1-4 Participant, including unvested restricted shares, shares held in tax-qualified 401(k) plans, etc.  Until you achieve your multiple of salary ownership position you must continue to retain at least 75% of your After-Tax Net Profit from the exercise of the Option in Company Stock until the earlier of (a) achieving and maintaining your multiple of base salary ownership threshold, (b) your termination of full-time employment (or part-time employment under the Company’s Phased Retirement Program) within the Entergy System or (c) 60 months from the date on which you exercise the Option.  Once you have achieved and maintain your multiple of base salary ownership threshold, you are no longer bound by the 75% hold requirement on future stock option exercise decisions. (Note:  For purposes of this Section 4, “After Tax Net Profit” means the total dollar value of the shares that you elect to acquire by exercise under this Option, determined as of the date of exercise, minus the total of (i) the Exercise Price for these shares, and (ii) the amount of all applicable federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and other similar fees that must be withheld in connection with the exercise.)

5.             Termination of Option . If your full-time System Company employment or part-time System Company employment under the Company’s Phased Retirement Program should terminate prior to the expiration of ten years from the Grant Date, you, or your designated Beneficiary or heirs, as applicable, (in the event of your death) shall have the   following periods of time (“Remaining Exercise Period”), as specified below, to exercise the Option, to the extent vested at the time your employment terminates or as otherwise set forth below :
 
 
(a)           If you die while actively employed with a System Company, any unvested portion of the Option will immediately vest, and the Remaining Exercise Period for your designated Beneficiary or heirs, as applicable, shall end on the date that is 10 years following the Grant Date.

(b)           If you Retire from System Company employment or your employment terminates because you have become Totally Disabled any unvested portion of the Option shall immediately vest and the Remaining Exercise Period shall end on the date that is 10 years following the Grant Date.

(c)           If your employment with a System Company terminates for “Cause,” both the vested and unvested portions of the Option shall immediately terminate and the Remaining Exercise Period shall immediately end.

(d)           If your full-time System Company employment or part-time System Company employment under the Company’s Phased Retirement Program terminates for any other reason not set forth in Subsections 5(a), (b) or (c) above, any unvested portion of the Option will terminate, and the Remaining Exercise Period for the vested portion of the Option shall end on the earlier of the date that is 10 years following the Grant Date or the date that is 90 days following your last date of System Company employment.

(e)           If you are approved by your System Company employer for a leave of absence (whether paid or unpaid) for reasons other than Total Disability, your Option, to the extent not fully vested, will continue to vest during the approved leave period upon each anniversary of the Grant Date.  If your System Company employment terminates during such approved leave period, the Remaining Exercise Period for your vested Option, if any, shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Subsections 5(a) through (d) above, depending upon the reason for such termination.

6.            Change of Control .  Notwithstanding any provision of Section 5 to the contrary, if within 24 months following the effective date of a Change in Control, your System employment is terminated by a System Company without Cause or by you for Good Reason, then any portion of the Option that is not vested and is outstanding  as of the effective date of a Change in Control, shall become fully vested and exercisable as of the date your System employment is terminated, and any such vested and exercisable Option may be exercised  within the remaining term of the Option.

7.            Objection to Option Grant .  If for any reason you do not wish to receive this Option grant, you must file a written objection with HR Employee Services on or before April 15, 2013 .  If you file such a written objection, this Option grant will be cancelled immediately.  If you do not file a written objection with HR Employee Services by such date, you shall be deemed to have accepted this Option grant, effective January 31, 2013 , subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

8.            Entergy Policies.

(a)   Hedging Policy .  Pursuant to the Entergy Corporation Policy Relating to Hedging, as adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 3, 2010, officers, directors and employees are prohibited from entering into hedging or monetization transactions involving Common Stock so they continue to own Common Stock with the full risks and rewards of ownership, thereby ensuring continued alignment of their objectives with the Company’s other shareholders.  Participation in any hedging transaction with respect to Common Stock (including Options) is prohibited.

(b)   Recoupment Policy .  Pursuant to the Entergy Corporation Policy Relating to Recoupment of Certain Compensation, as adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 3, 2010, the Company is allowed to seek reimbursement of certain incentive compensation (including Options) from “executive officers” for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if the Company is required to restate its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws (other than corrections resulting from changes to accounting standards) or if there is a material miscalculation of a performance measure relative to incentive compensation, regardless of the requirement to restate the financial statements; or if the Board of Directors determines that an executive officer engaged in fraud resulting in either a restatement of the Company’s financial statements or a material miscalculation of a performance measure relative to incentive compensation whether or not the financial statements were restated.

9.            Option Nontransferable .  This Option may not be sold, exchanged, pledged, transferred, assigned, or otherwise encumbered, hypothecated or disposed of by you (or your designated Beneficiary) other than by (a) will or laws of descent and distribution or (b) a qualified domestic relations order (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code).

10.            Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflict of laws.

11.            Incorporation of Plan .  The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Option and this Agreement shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan.  Any capitalized term which is not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan. If any terms of this Agreement are inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall govern.

12.            Amendments .  This Agreement may be amended or modified at any time only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.  The Plan may be amended, modified or terminated only in accordance with its terms.

13.            Rights as a Shareholder .  Neither you nor any of your successors in interest shall have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to the Option until the date of issuance of a stock certificate for such shares of Common Stock.

14.            Agreement Not a Contract of Employment .  Neither the Plan, the granting of the Option, this Agreement nor any other action taken pursuant to the Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that you have a right to continue as an employee of any System Company for any period of time or at any specific rate of compensation.

15.            Authority of the Committee .  The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement.  The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construc­tion shall be final, binding and conclusive.

16.            Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement, “Retire” and “Retirement” shall mean (a) you separate from service with the System Companies and  at the time you separate from service you are eligible to retire and commence retirement benefits under a Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan, or (b) if you are not eligible to participate  in a Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan at the time you separate from service with the System Companies, you separate from service with the System Companies  after attaining age 55 and with ten (10) or more years of service with System Companies.

/s/ Jennifer Raeder


Confidential

Exhibit 10(a)104
Date:                       March __, 2013

To:                           Name

From:                      Jennifer Raeder

Subject:
2013-2015 Performance Unit Agreement (“Agreement”) — Under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
 
I am pleased to inform you on behalf of Entergy Corporation (the “ Company ”) that pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “ Plan ”), you are eligible to participate at a target level (as defined below) of ----- performance units (the “ Performance Units ”) for the performance period commencing January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2015 (the “ Performance Period ”), subject to the following terms and conditions:

1.            Effective Date of Agreement :  Unless you file a written objection in accordance with Section 8 below, this Agreement is effective the later of:  (a) January 1, 2013, or (b) the first day of the month following your employment commencement date with a System Company (as defined in the Plan) at a System Management Level making you eligible to participate in the Plan’s 2013-2015 Performance Unit Program (“ 2013-2015 LTIP ”), or (c) the first day of the month following your promotion to a System Management Level making you eligible to participate in the 2013-2015 LTIP.  Notwithstanding the foregoing and in addition to any other eligibility requirements set forth herein, to be eligible to participate in the 2013-2015 LTIP and, therefore, to be eligible for any Performance Units awarded pursuant to the 2013-2015 LTIP, the date set forth in this Section 1(b) or (c) above, if applicable, must occur no later than January 1, 2015.

2.            Achievement Levels :  The Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors (the “ Committee ”) shall determine the achievement level attained by the Company for the Performance Period (the “ Achievement Level ”).  The Achievement Level shall be determined by comparing the Company’s “total shareholder return” for the Performance Period to that of the peer group companies comprising the Philadelphia Electric Utilities Index.  For this purpose, “total shareholder return” includes the following:

·  
the difference between the market price of the Company’s Common Stock at the beginning and the end of the Performance Period,
·  
the dividends received during the Performance Period, and
·  
the investment return on dividends received during the Performance Period, as if those dividends were reinvested in the Company’s Common Stock.

Should the Company’s planned divestiture and merger of its electric transmission business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp. (“ITC”) be completed during the Performance Period, then the Company’s “total shareholder return” for purposes of determining its Achievement Level will be adjusted to reflect the share value of ITC Holdings delivered to Company shareholders as a result of the transaction.  This adjustment to the Company’s “total shareholder return” will be effected by: (i) multiplying the market price of ITC common stock at the end of the Performance Period by a ratio equal to the number of shares of ITC common stock issued to Company shareholders for each share of Company Common Stock as a result of the merger and adding such product to the market price of the Company’s Common Stock at the end of the Performance Period; and (ii) adding to the dividends received by Company shareholders any dividends paid during the Performance Period on the total number of shares of ITC common stock issued to Company shareholders as a result of the merger.

The possible Achievement Levels for the Performance Period shall be as follows:

·  
“No Payment” – less than the total return for the bottom of the 3 rd quartile of the peer group;
·  
“Minimum” – equal to the total return for the bottom of the 3 rd quartile of the peer group;
·  
“Target” – equal to the median of the peer group; and
·  
“Maximum” – equal to or greater than the total return for the bottom of the top quartile of the peer group.

Achievement levels between Minimum and Target and between Target and Maximum will be interpolated.

3.            Performance Units Earned :  The actual number of Performance Units awarded to you under this Agreement, if any, shall be calculated by the Committee at the end of the Performance Period and shall be based on the Company’s attained Achievement Level for the Performance Period.  If you remain a full-time employee of a System Company (as defined in the Plan) for the remainder of the Performance Period and at your current System Management Level, you will earn Performance Units as follows:

Description
% of Target Earned
Performance Units Earned
“No Payment” Achievement Level
0%
-0-   Performance Units
“Minimum” Achievement Level
25%
-----   Performance Units
“Target” Achievement Level
100%
-----   Performance Units
“Maximum” Achievement Level
200%
-----   Performance Units

For Achievement Levels between Minimum and Target and between Target and Maximum, Performance Unit awards will be interpolated.  Payouts will be rounded to the nearest unit.  In no case, however, can payout exceed the maximum of 200% of Target.

Except as otherwise provided under this Agreement, you must maintain your current System Management Level and be a full-time employee of a System Company at the end of the Performance Period in order to earn the Performance Units. For purposes of this Agreement, you will continue to be treated as a full-time employee of a System Company while you are on an approved leave of absence.

If you have completed a minimum of twelve months of full-time employment at an eligible System Management Level during the Performance Period and you Retire, you will be eligible for a prorated portion of the applicable Achievement Level of Performance Units, based on your full months of participation and your System Management Level(s) during the Performance Period.  If you become Totally Disabled or die during the Performance Period, you (or your heirs) will be eligible for a prorated portion of the applicable Achievement Level of Performance Units, based on your full months of full-time employment and your eligible System Management Level(s) during the Performance Period.

Please also note that, while you are only required to either remain employed through the end of the Performance Period or meet the requirements for a pro-rated payout, you are not entitled to receipt of, and do not vest in, any Performance Units and/or any dividends that have accrued on those units unless and until the Personnel Committee has certified the Achievement Level after the close of the Performance Period.

If you remain at an eligible System Management Level, but your System Management Level changes during the Performance Period, the number of Performance Units, if any, awarded to you will be prorated to reflect the number of full months you earned Performance Units at each System Management Level.  If any change to a new System Management Level is effective on a date other than the first day of a calendar month, the number of Performance Units, if any, awarded to you with respect to the transition month will be calculated ( i.e., prorated) based on your prior System Management Level.

If you are demoted below an eligible System Management Level during the Performance Period, but remain employed on a regular full-time basis by a System Company for the duration of the Performance Period, the number of Performance Units, if any, awarded to you will be prorated to reflect only the number of full months you earned Performance Units at an eligible System Management Level.

4.            Accelerated Vesting:   Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 3 to the contrary: (a) in the event that during the Performance Period and within 24 months following a Change in Control event (as defined in the Plan) your System Company employment is terminated by a System Company without Cause or you terminate System Company employment for Good Reason (as those terms are defined in the Plan), you shall forfeit the Performance Units and instead shall be entitled to receive a single-sum severance payment pursuant to the Plan that is not based on any outstanding Performance Period.  The severance payment will be calculated using the average annual number of performance units you would have been entitled to receive under the Plan with respect to the two most recent Performance Periods that precede and do not include your date of termination of System Company employment.  The severance payment shall be determined by dividing by two the sum of your annual target pay out levels ( i.e ., as if target Achievement Level was obtained) with respect to such two most recent Performance Periods, as provided in Article XIII of the Plan;   provided that if you did not participate in the  Plan for one or both of such Performance Periods, the severance payment will be calculated using for such Performance Period(s) the number of Performance Units you would have been entitled to receive under the Plan at the target pay out level for such Performance Period(s) as though you had participated in the Plan for such Performance Period(s) at your Management Level as of the time your System Company employment is terminated; or (b) if you are party to a written, executed agreement with a System Company, such agreement may provide that, upon the occurrence of a qualifying termination following a change in control event, you shall be deemed to have forfeited the Performance Units and will be entitled instead to receive a single-sum severance payment that is not based on any outstanding Performance Period and that is calculated at a level specified in such written, executed agreement, which provisions shall govern your rights regarding performance units.

5.            Dividend Equivalents :  If you are awarded Performance Units pursuant to this Agreement, you will also be awarded the dividend equivalents attributable to such awarded Performance Units for the time you were a Participant (“ Dividend Equivalents ”).  The Dividend Equivalents with respect to each awarded Performance Unit will be equal to only the dividends paid with respect to a share of Common Stock for the period of your participation in the Plan at an eligible System Management Level during the Performance Period.

6.            Settlement of Performance Units and Dividend Equivalents :

(a)  As soon as reasonably practicable following the date on which the Committee determines the number of Performance Units, if any, to be awarded to you under this Agreement and no later than March 15th following the end of the calendar year in which the Performance Units are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Code Section 409A ( i.e., March 15, 2016) , the Company shall issue to you, after withholding all applicable income tax and employment tax amounts required to be withheld in connection with such payment: (i) one share of Common Stock for each Performance Unit that vested on the last trading date of the Performance Period, and (ii) an additional number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing the total Dividend Equivalents  with respect to such awarded Performance Units by the closing share price of Common Stock on the last trading date of the Performance Period.

(b) Shares of Common Stock (including any Dividend Equivalents that are settled in Common Stock) shall be credited by Wells Fargo to a separate book entry account in your name, and such vested shares shall be free of all restrictions except any that may be imposed by law.  Upon the crediting of vested Common Stock to a book entry account, you may treat the Common Stock in the same manner as all other Common Stock owned by you, subject to the provisions of Section 6(c) below.  All System Management Level 1-4 Participants are considered restricted individuals and, as such, may trade in Entergy Corporation securities only during an open window period (and only if not in possession of material, non-public information).  Currently, window periods begin on the second business day after the quarterly earnings release and run through the last business day of the second month of the current quarter.  In addition, the Insider Trading Policy may require that you pre-clear all transactions involving Entergy securities with Entergy Corporation’s Office of the General Counsel.  The customer service number for Wells Fargo Shareholder Services is 1-855-854-1360.


                (c) Common Stock Ownership Guidelines .  All System Management Level 1-4 Participants must maintain the applicable Common Stock Ownership Target Level in the chart below, which is expressed as a multiple of your base salary and depends on your System Management Level.

System Management Level
Common Stock
Ownership
Target Levels
ML 1
5 times base salary
ML 2
4 times base salary
ML 3
2.5 times base salary
ML 4
1.5 times base salary
 
 
These ownership multiples may be satisfied through any shares of  Common Stock held by the System Management Level 1-4 Participant, including those shares earned during this Performance Period, all Restricted Shares, shares held in tax-qualified 401(k) plans, etc.  You must continue to retain the book entry shares issued to you pursuant to this Agreement until the earlier of (a) achieving and maintaining your multiple of base salary ownership threshold, or (b) your termination of full-time employment within the Entergy System.  Once you have achieved and maintain your multiple of base salary ownership threshold, you are no longer bound to hold the shares earned during this performance period in book entry.

(d)   Withholding Taxes .  Your System Company employer shall have the right to require you to remit to it, or to withhold from other amounts payable to you, an amount sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local tax withholding requirements.  The Company may use the “net shares method” to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, which means the Company may reduce the number of earned shares otherwise payable to you by the amount necessary to cover such obligation.

   (e)   No Fractional Shares .    Any fractional share to be distributed shall be settled in cash and applied to satisfy tax withholding requirements.  The Company will not payout any fractional shares.

7.            Termination of Performance Units :  Except as otherwise provided herein, the Performance Units (and any Dividend Equivalents) shall terminate on the date on which your full-time System employment terminates.

8.            Objection to Performance Units :  If for any reason you do not wish to be eligible for the Performance Units that may be granted pursuant to this Agreement, you must file a written objection with HR Employee Services on or before April 15, 2013 .  If you do not file a written objection with HR Employee Services by such date, you shall be deemed to have accepted this Agreement as of the applicable effective date set forth in Section 1 above, subject to all terms and conditions.

9.            Performance Units Nontransferable :  Performance Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement may not be sold, exchanged, pledged, transferred, assigned, or otherwise encumbered, hypothecated or disposed of by you (or your beneficiary) other than by will or laws of descent and distribution.

10.            Entergy Policies :

(a)   Hedging Policy .  Pursuant to the Entergy Corporation Policy Relating to Hedging, as adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 3, 2010, officers, directors and employees are prohibited from entering into hedging or monetization transactions involving Common Stock so they continue to own Common Stock with the full risks and rewards of ownership, thereby ensuring continued alignment of their objectives with the Company’s other shareholders.  Participation in any hedging transaction with respect to Common Stock (including Performance Units) is prohibited.

(b)   Recoupment Policy .  Pursuant to the Entergy Corporation Policy Relating to Recoupment of Certain Compensation, as adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 3, 2010, the Company is allowed to seek reimbursement of certain incentive compensation (including Performance Units) from “executive officers” for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if the Company is required to restate its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws (other than corrections resulting from changes to accounting standards) or if there is a material miscalculation of a performance measure relative to incentive compensation, regardless of the requirement to restate the financial statements; or if the Board of Directors determines that an executive officer engaged in fraud resulting in either a restatement of the Company’s financial statements or a material miscalculation of a performance measure relative to incentive compensation   whether or not the financial statements were restated. 

11.            Governing Law :  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflict of laws.

12.            Incorporation of Plan :  The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Performance Units, Dividend Equivalents and this Agreement shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan a copy of which is posted on the Company’s intranet under the Compensation icon on the Human Resources & Administration Home page.  Any capitalized term that is not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall be deemed binding.

13.            Amendments :  This Agreement may be amended or modified at any time only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.  The Plan may be amended, modified or terminated only in accordance with its terms.

14.            Rights as a Shareholder :  Neither you nor any of your successors in interest shall have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any Performance Unit or Dividend Equivalents.

15.            Agreement Not a Contract of Employment :  Neither the Plan, the granting of the Performance Units and/or Dividend Equivalents, this Agreement nor any other action taken pursuant to the Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that you have a right to continue as an employee of any System Company for any period of time or at any specific rate of compensation.

16.            Authority of the Committee:   The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement.  The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction shall be final, binding and conclusive.

17.            Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement, “Retire” and “Retirement” shall mean (a) you separate from service with the System Companies and  at the time you separate from service you are eligible to retire and commence retirement benefits under a Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan, or (b) if you are not eligible to participate  in a Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan at the time you separate from service with the System Companies, you separate from service with the System Companies  after attaining age 55 and with ten (10) or more years of service with System Companies.

/s/ Jennifer Raeder


Confidential
Exhibit 10(a)105
Date:                 March ___, 2013
 
To:                    Name
 
From :                Jennifer Raeder
 
Subject:           2013 Restricted Share Agreement (“Agreement”) – Under the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Effective for Grants and Elections On or After May 6, 2011)
 
I am pleased to inform you on behalf of Entergy Corporation (the “ Company ”) that the Personnel Committee of the Entergy Corporation Board of Directors (“ Committee ”) has agreed to grant you, pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Effective for Grants and Elections On or After May 6, 2011), (the " Plan "), xxxx   Restricted Shares of Entergy Corporation Common Stock (the " Restricted Shares "), subject to the following terms and conditions and to the provisions of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
 
1.         Effective Date of Restricted Shares Grant .  This Restricted Shares grant by the Company is effective January 31, 2013 (“ Grant Date ”), unless you file a written objection in accordance with Section 10 below.
 
2.         Restricted Period
 
(a)        Except as otherwise provided in Subsection 2(b) to the contrary, the following vesting provisions shall apply during the thirty-six (36)-month Restricted Period:
 
(i)         Restrictions shall lift on one-third (1/3 rd ) of the total Restricted Shares on each of the first three (3) twelve (12)-month anniversaries of the Grant Date, provided you (A) remain a continuous full-time regular employee of a System Company at System Management Level 1 through 6 on that anniversary date or (B) later become and then remain a continuous part-time regular System Company employee participating in the Company’s Phased Retirement Program on that anniversary date.
 
(ii)        Unless solely attributable to your becoming a participant in the Company’s Phased Retirement Program, upon your termination of continuous full-time regular employment to become a part-time employee or upon your demotion to a position below System Management Level 1 through 6, all Restricted Shares on which restrictions have not already lifted in accordance with Subsection 2(a)(i) at such time shall be forfeited immediately to the Company.
 
(iii)       Upon your retirement or termination from System Company employment for any reason (with or without Cause), all Restricted Shares on which restrictions have not already lifted in accordance with Subsection 2(a)(i) at such time shall be forfeited immediately to the Company
 
(b)        Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Subsection 2(a) to the contrary, the following provisions shall govern to the extent applicable: 
 
(i)         If you die or become Totally Disabled while actively employed as an eligible System Company employee in accordance with the requirements set forth in Subsection 2(a)(i), then restrictions immediately shall lift on a pro-rated portion of the unvested Restricted Shares that were otherwise scheduled to become vested on the immediately following twelve (12)-month Grant Date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such Restricted Shares), which pro-rated vested portion shall be determined by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days between the later of the Grant Date or your most recent preceding twelve (12)-month Grant Date anniversary date, if applicable, and the date of your death or the date as of which you are determined to be Totally Disabled, and the denominator of which shall be 365 days.
 
(ii)                 Unless solely attributable to your becoming a participant in the Company’s Phased Retirement Program, if you are demoted to a position below System Management Level 1 through 6 and you thereafter remain a regular, full-time System Company employee until the immediately following twelve (12)-month Grant Date anniversary date, then you shall remain eligible to vest in a pro-rated portion of the unvested Restricted Shares that were otherwise scheduled to become vested on such immediately following twelve (12)-month Grant Date anniversary date (as well as dividends declared on the pro-rated portion of such Restricted Shares), which pro-rated vested portion shall be determined by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days between the later of the Grant Date or your most recent preceding twelve (12)-month Grant Date anniversary date, if applicable, and the date of your demotion, and the denominator of which shall be 365 days.
 
(iii)                If within twenty-four (24) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, your System Company employment is terminated by a System Company without Cause or by you with Good Reason (such that you are no longer employed by any System Company), all restrictions imposed hereunder on the Restricted Shares shall lift effective as of the date your System Company employment is terminated;
 
(iv)               While you are on a leave of absence (whether paid or unpaid) approved by your System Company employer for reasons other than Total Disability, you will be treated, solely for purposes of this Agreement, as continuing to satisfy the requirements of Subsection 2(a)(i). If your System Company employment terminates during such approved leave of absence period, the remaining provisions of this Section 2 shall apply as if you were actively employed by your System Company employer at the time of such termination event.
 
3.         Share Issuance .  During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Shares shall be held by Computershare (formerly BNY Mellon), as custodian, in book entry form and with the restrictions noted .  You can track your Restricted Shares account: (i) by contacting Computershare Shareowner Services at 1 (877) ETR-6299, (ii) or via the Internet address https://www.cpushareownerservices.com/cpuportal/index.jsp .
 
4.         Lifting of Restrictions .  Upon the satisfaction of all requirements for restrictions to lift on all or a portion of the Restricted Shares, the restrictions on such Restricted Shares shall lapse and such vested shares of Common Stock (including any dividends on the vested Restricted Shares that were reinvested in Common Stock) shall be credited by Wells Fargo to a separate book entry account in your name, and such vested shares shall be free of all restrictions except any that may be imposed by law.  Upon the crediting of vested Restricted Shares to a book entry account, participants may treat the Common Stock in the same manner as all other Common Stock owned by the participant.  All System Management Level 1-4 Participants are considered restricted individuals and, as such, may trade in Entergy Corporation securities only during an open window period (and only if not in possession of material, non-public information).   Currently, window periods begin on the second business day after the quarterly earnings release and run through the last business day of the second month of the current quarter.  In addition, the Insider Trading Policy may require that you pre-clear all transactions involving Entergy securities with Entergy Corporation’s Office of the General Counsel.  The customer service number for Wells Fargo Shareholder Services is 1-855-854-1360. 

5.         Common Stock Ownership Guidelines .  If you are a System Management Level 1-4 Participant, you must maintain the applicable Target Stock Ownership Level in the chart below, which is expressed as a multiple of your base salary and depends on your System Management Level.
 
System Management Level
Common Stock
Ownership
Target Levels
ML1
5 times base salary
ML2
4 times base salary
ML3
2.5 times base salary
ML4
1.5 times base salary
            
These ownership multiples may be satisfied through any shares of Common Stock held by the System Management Level 1-4 Participant, including unvested Restricted Shares, shares held in tax-qualified 401(k) plans, etc.  Until you achieve your multiple of base salary ownership position, upon restrictions lifting on your Restricted Shares, you must continue to retain the book entry shares until the earlier of (a) achieving and maintaining your multiple of base salary ownership threshold, or (b) your termination of full-time employment within the Entergy System.  Once you have achieved and maintain your multiple of base salary ownership threshold, you are no longer bound to hold the Restricted Shares converted to book entry shares upon restrictions lifting.   
 
6.         Withholding Taxes .  Your System Company employer shall have the right to require you to remit to it, or to withhold from other amounts payable to you, an amount sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local tax withholding requirements.  The Company may use the “net shares method” to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, which means the Company may reduce the number of vested Restricted Shares otherwise payable to you by the number of vested Restricted Shares necessary to cover such obligation.
 
7.         No Fractional Shares .    Any fractional shares to be distributed shall be settled in cash and applied to satisfy tax withholding requirements.  The company will not payout any fractional shares.
 
8.         Shareholder Rights.   Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, as the Grantee of the Restricted Shares, you shall have all rights as a Company shareholder, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive vested dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any and all dividends paid with respect to the Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and risks of forfeiture as applicable to the underlying Restricted Shares and shall also be subject to any other provisions or reinvestment requirements (including, without limitation, the reinvestment of dividends in the form of Common Stock) as the Committee may, in its discretion, determine.  You shall have the same rights and privileges, and be subject to the same restrictions, with respect to any additional shares received pursuant to Plan Section 3.2 (Adjustments Upon Change in Capital Structure).
 
9.          No Code Section 83(b) Election . This Award of Restricted Shares is conditioned upon you refraining from making an election with respect to the Award under Internal Revenue Code Section 83(b).
 
10.        Objection to Restricted Shares Grant .  If for any reason you do not wish to receive this Restricted Shares grant, you must file a written objection with HR Employee Services on or before April 15, 2013 .  If you do not file a written objection with HR Employee Services by such date, you shall be deemed to have accepted this Restricted Shares grant, effective January 31, 2013 , subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
 
11.        Restricted Shares Nontransferable .  None of the Restricted Shares shall be sold, exchanged, pledged, transferred, assigned, or otherwise encumbered, hypothecated or disposed of by you (or your designated Beneficiary) other than by (a) will or laws of descent and distribution or (b) a qualified domestic relations order (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code).
 
12.        Entergy Policies.
 
(a)  Hedging Policy .  Pursuant to the Entergy Corporation Policy Relating to Hedging, as adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 3, 2010, officers, directors and employees are prohibited from entering into hedging or monetization transactions involving Common Stock so they continue to own Common Stock with the full risks and rewards of ownership, thereby ensuring continued alignment of their objectives with the Company’s other shareholders.  Participation in any hedging transaction with respect to Common Stock (including Restricted Shares) is prohibited.
 
            (b)  Recoupment Policy .  Pursuant to the Entergy Corporation Policy Relating to Recoupment of Certain Compensation, as adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held on December 3, 2010, the Company is allowed to seek reimbursement of certain incentive compensation (including Restricted Shares) from “executive officers” for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if the Company is required to restate its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws (other than corrections resulting from changes to accounting standards) or if there is a material miscalculation of a performance measure relative to incentive compensation, regardless of the requirement to restate the financial statements; or if the Board of Directors determines that an executive officer engaged in fraud resulting in either a restatement of the Company’s financial statements or a material miscalculation of a performance measure relative to incentive compensation whether or not the financial statements were restated. 
 
13.        Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflict of laws.
 
14.        Incorporation of Plan .  The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Restricted Shares and this Agreement shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan.  Any capitalized term which is not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan. If any terms of this Agreement are inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall govern.
 
15.        Amendments .  This Agreement may be amended or modified at any time only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.  The Plan may be amended, modified or terminated only in accordance with its terms.
 
16.        Agreement Not a Contract of Employment .  Neither the Plan, the granting of the Restricted Shares, this Agreement nor any other action taken pursuant to the Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that you have a right to continue as an employee of any System Company for any period of time or at any specific rate of compensation.
 
17.        Authority of the Committee .  The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement.  The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construc­tion shall be final, binding and conclusive.

/s/ Jennifer Raeder


Exhibit 10(a)107

  2011 EQUITY OWNERSHIP AND LONG TERM CASH INCENTIVE PLAN OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESTRICTED UNITS AGREEMENT
 
 
RESTRICTED UNITS AGREEMENT, by and between Entergy Corporation (the " Company ") and Joseph F. Domino (the " Grantee "), effective on May 31, 2012 as approved by the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation.

1.               Grant of Restricted Units .  The Company hereby grants to the Grantee, pursuant to the 2011 Equity Ownership and Long Term Cash Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “ Plan ”) , Six Thousand (6,000) Restricted Share Units (the “ Restricted Units ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement.

2.               Vesting of Restricted Units .  The Restricted Units shall vest on May 31, 2014 (“Vesting Date”), provided that the Grantee remains continuously employed as a full-time employee of a System Company and performs Grantee’s job duties in a satisfactory manner, as determined by the Company’s Group President, Utility Operations through such Vesting Date (“Vesting Criteria”).  For purposes of this Section 2, Grantee shall no longer be considered a full-time employee of a System Company on the date of Grantee’s death, separation from employment because of Total Disability, Retirement, termination with or without Cause , or any other separation from employment with such System Company .  If Grantee fails to meet the Vesting Criteria set forth in this Section 2, then Grantee shall not vest in the Restricted Units, except as otherwise provided in Section 4 of this Agreement.

3.            Scheduled Payment of Restricted Units .  As soon as reasonably practicable after the Vesting Date, but in no event later than the date that is 2 ½ months following the end of the Employer’s taxable year in which such Restricted Units are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, Grantee’s Employer shall pay to Grantee, or Grantee’s beneficiary or estate ( i . e ., if Grantee should die after the Vesting Date, but prior to the payment date), as the case may be, a cash amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Vesting Date, multiplied by the number of Restricted Units, less all applicable income , employment and other tax amounts required to be withheld in connection with such payment. Such payment shall be made in accordance with the short-term deferral exception under   Code Section 409A and final regulations issued thereunder, as may be amended after the Effective Date.

4.              Accelerated Vesting .   Notwithstanding the Vesting Criteria set forth in Section 2 to the contrary, the vesting of all or a portion of Grantee’s Restricted Units shall accelerate in the following circumstances :

4.1  
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, in his sole discretion, may approve the acceleration of vesting of all or a portion of the Restricted Units at any time following the earlier of the closing date of the ITC Transaction (as defined below) or the date of a public announcement by the Company that the ITC Transaction has been terminated , provided that Grantee is employed as a full-time employee of Employer at the time of such acceleration; or

4.2  
Within 24 months following the effective date of a Change in Control, Grantee’s System employment is terminated by Grantee for Good Reason or by System Companies without Cause (such that the Grantee is no longer employed by any System Company) , at which time Grantee shall fully vest in all Restricted Units,   unless Grantee becomes employed by an employer that assumes this Agreement or the obligations to Grantee hereunder; or

  4.3  
The System Companies terminate Grantee’s employment for a reason other than Cause , Total Disability, or death .

In the event of accelerated vesting as described in this Section 4, Employer shall pay Grantee a lump sum cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such vested Restricted Units as of the accelerated vesting date, or in the case of an acceleration under Section 4.1, upon the earlier of the Vesting Date or separation from service, less all applicable income , employment and other tax amounts required to be withheld in connection with such payment, as soon as reasonably practicable following such accelerated vesting date, but in no event later than March 15 th following the end of the calendar year in which such Restricted Units are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A).  It is intended that the timing of such payments shall be in accordance with the short-term deferral exception of Code Section 409A and accompanying final regulations. In no event shall Grantee be entitled to accelerated vesting and payment of Restricted Units under more than one of the events described in Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 above. For purposes of Section 4.1, the term “ ITC Transaction ” shall mean the Company’s planned spin-off and merger of its Electric Transmission Business with a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp.

5.            Termination and Forfeiture of Restricted Units .   Except as otherwise provided in Section 4 of this Agreement, if Grantee fails to meet a condition of the Vesting Criteria set forth in Section 2 at any time prior to the Vesting Date, then Grantee shall not vest in any portion of the Restricted Units and shall forfeit all Restricted Units at the time of such failure .
 
 
6.   Compliance with Code Section 409A Limitations .  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to comply with Code Section 409A and if necessary, any provision shall be held null and void to the extent such provision (or part thereof) fails to comply with Code Section 409A or final regulations thereunder.  Specifically, the terms “termination” and “termination of employment” shall be applied in a manner consistent with the definition of “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.  A right of the Company, if any, to offset or otherwise reduce any sums that may be due or become payable by the Company to Grantee by any overpayment or indebtedness of the Grantee shall be subject to limitations imposed by Code Section 409A.  For purposes of the limitations on nonqualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A, each payment of compensation under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment of compensation for purposes of applying the Section 409A deferral election rules and the exclusion from Section 409A for certain short-term deferral amounts. Amounts payable under this Agreement shall be excludible from the requirements of Code Section 409A, to the maximum possible extent, either as (i) short-term deferral amounts ( e.g ., amounts payable prior to March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year of substantial vesting), or (ii) under the exclusion for involuntary separation pay provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii).  To the extent that deferred compensation subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A becomes payable under this Agreement to Grantee at a time when Grantee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), any such payments shall be delayed by six months to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B).
 
 
7.            Restricted Units Nontransferable .  Restricted Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement may not be sold, exchanged, pledged, transferred, assigned, or otherwise encumbered, hypothecated or disposed of by Grantee (or any beneficiary) other than by will or laws of descent and distribution or otherwise as the plan may allow.
8.            Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflict of laws.

           9.            Incorporation of Plan .  The Plan is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and the Restricted Units and this Agreement shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan, a copy of which has been provided or otherwise made accessible to the Grantee.  Any capitalized term that is not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

      10.            Amendments .  The Plan may be amended, modified or terminated only in accordance with its terms. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Grantee and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Committee.  No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or of any lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

11.            Rights as a Shareholder .  Neither the Grantee nor any of Grantee's successors in interest shall have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any Restricted Units, including without limitation the right to any dividends or dividend equivalents.

12.            Agreement Not a Contract of Employment .  Neither the Plan, the granting of the Restricted Units, this Agreement nor any other action taken pursuant to the Plan shall constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that the Grantee has a right to continue as an employee of any System Company for any period of time or at any specific rate of compensation.

13.            Notices .  For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand-delivered or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, if to the Grantee, to his last known address as shown in the personnel records of Employer, and if to Employer, to the following address shown below or thereafter to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt:

 
 
If to Employer :
 
 
 
 
Entergy Services, Inc.
 
 
Attention:  General Counsel
 
 
639 Loyola Avenue, 26 th Floor
                 New Orleans, LA 70113-3125


15.   Validity . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

16.            Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 17.              Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

17.1   Agreement shall mean this Restricted Units Agreement.

17.2  
Company shall mean Entergy Corporation and shall include any successor to its business and/or assets which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

17.3   Effective Date shall mean May 31, 2012.

17.4  
Employer shall mean Entergy Services, Inc. or any successor System Company employer of Grantee.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement, which is effective on the day and year first above written.

ENTERGY CORPORATION

By   /s/E. Renae Conley
E. Renae Conley
Executive Vice-President,                                               
Human Resources and Administration



The undersigned hereby accepts and agrees to all the terms and provisions of the foregoing Agreement and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan herein incorporated by reference. The undersigned further acknowledges that the Plan Prospectus is available to him for review on the Company’s internal Web page.


/s/ Joseph F. Domino
 
Joseph F. Domino, Grantee
 
 

This document constitutes part of a prospectus covering Securities that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The remaining
documents constituting the prospectus are available on Entergy Corporation’s intranet under the Compensation icon on the HR Home Page (http://www.prod.entergy.com/admin/hr/compen.htm)

 

 
 

 


 
Exhibit 10(b)55
 

 
FIFTH AMENDMENT AND CONSENT ,

dated as of November 15, 2012,

to
 
LETTER OF CREDIT AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT ,
 
dated as of December 22, 2003, as amended,

AMONG

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.,

UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.),
as Administrating Bank and a Funding Bank ,

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Syndication Agent and a Funding Bank ,

BNP PARIBAS,
as Documentation Agent

and

THE PARTICIPATING BANKS NAMED THEREIN

______________________________________________
 
UNION BANK, N.A., BNP PARIBAS and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 
 

 

FIFTH AMENDMENT AND CONSENT TO LETTER OF CREDIT AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
 
 
This FIFTH AMENDMENT AND CONSENT, dated as of November 15, 2012 (this “ Amendment ”), is made by and among SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC., an Arkansas corporation (the “ Company ”), UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.) (“ Union Bank ”), as Administrating Bank and as Funding Bank under the Existing Agreement (as defined below), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a New Funding Bank (as defined below), and the banks listed on the signature pages of this Amendment as “Participating Banks” (such banks, together with their respective permitted assignees from time to time, being referred to herein, collectively, as the “ Participating Banks ”).
 
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS:
 
1.           The Company, Union Bank, as Administrating Bank and as Funding Bank, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank   (formerly known as Calyon New York Branch), as Syndication Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Documentation Agent, and the Participating Banks previously entered into that certain Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, as amended by the Amendment to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, the First Amendment and Consent, dated as of May 3, 2004, the Second Amendment and Consent, dated as of December 17, 2004, the Third Amendment and Consent, dated as of May 14, 2009, and the Fourth Amendment and Consent, dated as of April 15, 2010 (as so amended, the “ Existing Agreement ”, and as amended by this Amendment, the “ Amended Agreement ”, and as the Amended Agreement may hereafter be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Reimbursement Agreement ”).
 
2.           The Company and the Participating Banks now wish to amend the Existing Agreement in certain particulars.  The Company and the Participating Banks have agreed to such amendments, on the terms and conditions set forth herein.  The parties hereto therefore agree as follows (capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the meanings assigned to such terms in the Existing Agreement):
 
SECTION 1.  Amendments to Existing Agreement .  The Existing Agreement is, effective as of the date hereof and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 hereof, hereby amended as follows:
 
(a)            Preamble .  The preamble to the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
LETTER OF CREDIT AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of December 22, 2003, among SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. , an Arkansas corporation (the “ Company ”),   UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as administrating bank (in such capacity, the “ Administrating Bank ”), UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.),   as issuer of the Letter of Credit (as defined below) in favor of Cypress GG2, LLC (and the permitted successors and assigns of Cypress GG2, LLC) (in such capacity, the “ Cypress Funding Bank ”), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as issuer of the Letter of Credit (as defined below) in favor of RCMC I, Inc. (and the permitted successors and assigns of RCMC I, Inc.) (in such capacity, the “ RCMC Funding Bank ”, and together with the Cypress Funding Bank being referred to herein, individually, as a “ Funding Bank ” and, collectively, as the “ Funding Banks ”), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as syndication agent (in such capacity, the “ Syndication Agent ”), BNP PARIBAS , as documentation agent (in such capacity, the “ Documentation Agent ” and, together with the Syndication Agent and the Administrating Bank, collectively referred to as the “ Agents ”), and the banks listed on the signature pages hereof under the heading “ Participating Banks ” and the other banks from time to time party to this Agreement (each, a “ Participating Bank   and, collectively, the “ Participating Banks ”).
 
(b)            Aggregate Maximum Credit Amount .  The definition of “ Aggregate Maximum Credit Amount ” contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
Aggregate Maximum Credit Amount ” means, at any date, the sum of the then Maximum Credit Amounts of the Letters of Credit.

(c)            Disclosure Documents .  The definition of “ Disclosure Documents ” contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Disclosure Documents   means (i) the Annual Reports on Form 10-K with respect to Entergy, the Company and the Operating Companies for the year ended December 31, 2011, (ii) the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q with respect to Entergy, the Company and the Operating Companies for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, and (iii) the Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to Entergy and the Operating Companies filed with the SEC on September 18, 2012, copies of which have been furnished to the Banks.
 
(d)            Fee Letter .  The definition of “ Fee Letter ” contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
Fee Letters ” means (i) the Third Amended and Restated Fee Letter, dated November 15, 2012, between the Company and the Administrating Bank, and (ii) the Fee Letter, dated November 15, 2012, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as RCMC Funding Bank, in each case, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

(e)            Index Debt .  The definition of “ Index Debt ” contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Index Debt   means (i) the senior, secured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company issued under the First Mortgage Indenture that is not guaranteed by any other Person or subject to any other credit enhancement or (ii) if no such indebtedness is outstanding under the First Mortgage Indenture, the senior, secured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company that is not guaranteed by any other Person or subject to any other credit enhancement.

(f)            Stated Expiration Date .  The definition of “ Stated Expiration Date ” contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
Stated Expiration Date   means August 31, 2015.
 
(g)            Transaction Documents .  The definition of “ Transaction Documents ” contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “the Fee Letter” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “the Fee Letters”.
 
(h)            New Definitions .  The following new definitions are hereby added to Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement in the appropriate alphabetical order:
 
Anti-Terrorism Laws ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(l) hereof.
 
Bank Insolvency Event ” means that (i) a Participating Bank or its Bank Parent is insolvent, or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (ii) a Participating Bank or its Bank Parent is the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or similar proceeding, or a receiver, trustee, conservator, intervenor or sequestrator or the like has been appointed for such Participating Bank or its Bank Parent, or such Participating Bank or its Bank Parent has taken any action in furtherance of or indicating its consent to or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment; provided that, a Bank Insolvency Event shall not be deemed to have occurred solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Participating Bank or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Participating Bank with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Participating Bank (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Participating Bank.
 
Bank Parent ” means, with respect to a Participating Bank, the bank holding company (as defined in Federal Reserve Board Regulation Y), if any, of such Participating Bank, and/or any Person owning, beneficially or of record, directly or indirectly, a majority of the shares of such Participating Bank.
 
Cash Collateralize ” means, in respect of an obligation, provide and pledge (as a first priority perfected security interest) cash collateral in United States dollars at a location and pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrating Bank and the Funding Banks (and “ Cash Collateralization ” has a corresponding meaning).
 
Cypress Funding Bank ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
 
Defaulting Bank ” means at any time, subject to Section 2(m)(iv) hereof, (i) any Participating Bank that has failed, for two (2) or more Business Days from the date required to be funded or paid, to (A) fund any portion of its Advances, (B) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or (C) pay over to the Administrating Bank or any Funding Bank any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (each, a “ funding obligation ”), unless, in the case of clause (A) above, such Participating Bank notifies the Administrating Bank and the Company in writing that such failure is the result of such Participating Bank’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding has not been satisfied (which conditions precedent, together with the applicable default, if any, will be specifically identified in such writing), (ii) any Participating Bank that has notified the Administrating Bank, the Company or any Funding Bank in writing, or has stated publicly, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or statement states that such position is based on such Participating Bank’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding cannot be satisfied (which conditions precedent, together with the applicable default, if any, will be specifically identified in such writing or public statement), (iii) any Participating Bank that has defaulted generally on its funding obligations under other loan agreements, credit agreements and other similar agreements, (iv) any Participating Bank that has, for three (3) or more Business Days after written request by the Administrating Bank, the Company or any Funding Bank, failed to confirm in writing to the Administrating Bank, the Company and such Funding Bank that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder ( provided , that such Participating Bank will cease to be a Defaulting Bank pursuant to this clause (iv) upon the Administrating Bank’s, the Company’s and such Funding Bank’s receipt of such written confirmation), or (v) any Participating Bank with respect to which a Bank Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Participating Bank or its Bank Parent.  Any determination by the Administrating Bank that a Participating Bank is a Defaulting Bank under any of clauses (i) through (v) above will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Participating Bank will be deemed to be a Defaulting Bank (subject to Section 2(m)(iv) hereof) upon notification of such determination by the Administrating Bank to the Company, the Funding Banks and the Participating Banks.
 
Executive Order ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(l) hereof.
 
Fifth Amendment ” means the Fifth Amendment and Consent, dated as of November 15, 2012, by and among the Company, Union Bank, N.A., as Administrating Bank and as Funding Bank under the Existing Agreement (as defined therein), U.S. Bank National Association, as New Funding Bank (as defined therein), and the Participating Banks party thereto, which Fifth Amendment and Consent amended this Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof.
 
First Mortgage Indenture   means the Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of June 15, 1977, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (successor to United States Trust Company of New York) and Douglas J. MacInnes (successor to Gerard P. Ganey and Malcolm J. Hood), as trustees, as amended and supplemented from time to time.
 
Non-Defaulting Bank ” means, at any time, a Participating Bank that is not a Defaulting Bank or a Potential Defaulting Bank.
 
OFAC ” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
 
OFAC Lists ” means, collectively, the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC, as amended from time to time, or any similar lists issued by OFAC.
 
Patriot Act ” has the meaning set forth in Section 31 hereof.
 
Potential Defaulting Bank ” means, at any time, (i) any Participating Bank with respect to which an event of the kind referred to in the definition of “Bank Insolvency Event” has occurred and is continuing in respect of any Subsidiary of such Participating Bank, or (ii) any Participating Bank that has notified, or whose Bank Parent or a Subsidiary thereof has notified, the Administrating Bank, the Company or any Funding Bank in writing, or has stated publicly, that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations generally under other loan agreements, credit agreements and other similar agreements, unless such writing or statement states that such position is based on such Participating Bank’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding cannot be satisfied (which conditions precedent, together with the applicable default, if any, will be specifically identified in such writing or public statement).  Any determination by the Administrating Bank that a Participating Bank is a Potential Defaulting Bank under any of clauses (i) and (ii) above will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Participating Bank will be deemed a Potential Defaulting Bank (subject to Section 2(m)(iv) hereof) upon notification of such determination by the Administrating Bank to the Company, the Funding Banks and the Participating Banks.
 
Prohibited Person ” means any Person with whom citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Persons (other than individuals) organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction thereof and all branches and subsidiaries thereof, Persons physically located within the United States or Persons otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted from doing business under regulations of OFAC (including any Persons subject to country-specific or activity-specific sanctions administered by OFAC and any Persons named on any OFAC List) or pursuant to any other law, rules, regulations or other official acts of the United States.  As of November 15, 2012, certain information regarding Prohibited Persons issued by the United States can be found on the website of the United States Department of Treasury at www.treas.gov/ofac/ .  “ Prohibited Person ” also includes Persons on the United Nations sanction list and the European Union consolidated list available at http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/consol-list_en.htm and http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/fin_sanctions_index.htm .
 
RCMC Funding Bank ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
 
(i)            Deleted Definitions .  The following definitions contained in Section 1(a) of the Existing Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety:

(i)           “ Participation Transfer Date ”;

(ii)           “ Participation Transfer Period ”; and

(iii)           “ Transferred Amount ”.
 
(j)            Changes in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles .  The second sentence of Section 1(b) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and all accounting determinations with respect to any Person required to be made hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements of any Person required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by such Person’s independent public accountants) with the most recent audited consolidated financial statements of such Person and its Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks; provided , however , that if changes in generally accepted accounting principles or the application thereof used in the preparation of any financial statement of any Person required to be delivered hereunder affect compliance with any financial covenant contained in Section 12(f) or 12(g) hereof, the Company, the Administrating Bank and the Participating Banks agree to negotiate in good faith such modifications as are necessary to reflect such changes in generally accepted accounting principles and, until such provisions are modified, determinations of compliance with the financial covenants contained in Sections 12(f) and 12(g) hereof shall be made on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles and the application thereof as in effect and applied immediately before such change became effective, and all financial statements shall be provided together with a reconciliation between the calculations and amounts set forth therein before and after giving effect to such changes in generally accepted accounting principles.”
 
(k)            Construction .  Section 1(b) of the Existing Agreement is hereby further amended by adding the following new sentences at the end thereof:
 
“Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference in this Agreement to any of the Transaction Documents or any other agreement, instrument or document shall be construed as referring to such Transaction Document, agreement, instrument or document as amended, supplemented, restated, replaced or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements, restatements, replacements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Transaction Document), (ii) references herein to any law, statute, ordinance, treaty, code, order, rule or regulation are to be construed as including all provisions consolidating, amending or replacing such law, statute, ordinance, treaty, code, order, rule or regulation, (iii) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, and (iv) all references herein to Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement.  Each reference in this Agreement or any Collateral Agreement to “the Funding Bank” shall mean and be a reference to the Funding Banks, each Funding Bank, the applicable Funding Bank or any Funding Bank, as the context may require, and any determination of the appropriate reference and context by the Administrating Bank shall be conclusive and binding on all parties, in the absence of manifest error.”
 
(l)            Defaulting Banks .  Section 2 of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection (m) at the end thereof:
 
“(m)            Defaulting Banks .

(i) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, during such period as a Participating Bank is a Defaulting Bank, such Defaulting Bank will not be entitled to any fees accruing during such period pursuant to Sections 3(b) and 3(e) hereof (without prejudice to the rights of the Non-Defaulting Banks in respect of such fees), provided that such fees will instead accrue for the benefit of and be payable to the Funding Banks, as applicable (and the pro rata payment provisions of Section 6(d) hereof will automatically be deemed adjusted to reflect the provisions of this Section).
 
(ii) If any Participating Bank becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Bank, the following provisions shall apply with respect to the participation interest of such Defaulting Bank in the Letters of Credit and its rights and obligations hereunder:
 
(A)  the Company shall, not later than three (3) Business Days after demand by the Administrating Bank (at the direction of a Funding Bank), (1) Cash Collateralize the obligations of the Company to the Funding Banks in respect of such Defaulting Bank’s participation interest in the Letters of Credit in an amount at least equal to such Defaulting Bank’s Participation Percentage of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amount, or (2) make other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrating Bank and to the Funding Banks, in their sole discretion, to protect them against the risk of non-payment by such Defaulting Bank;

(B)           if such Participating Bank has failed to pay to any Funding Bank any amount required by Section 5(a) hereof within two (2) Business Days following the date on which such payment was due from such Participating Bank, the Company shall, not later than one (1) Business Day after demand by the Administrating Bank (at the direction of such Funding Bank), reimburse such Funding Bank in full for such amount; and
 
(C) any amount paid by the Company or otherwise received by the Administrating Bank for the account of such Defaulting Bank under this Agreement (whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnity payments or other amounts) will not be paid or distributed to such Defaulting Bank, but will instead be retained by the Administrating Bank in a segregated account until (subject to Section 2(m)(iv) hereof) the termination of the Letters of Credit and payment in full of all obligations of the Company hereunder and will be applied by the Administrating Bank, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the making of payments from time to time in the following order of priority:   first , to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Bank to the Administrating Bank under this Agreement, second , to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Bank to the Funding Banks ( pro rata as to the respective amounts owing to each of them) under this Agreement, third , to the payment of post-default interest and then current interest due and payable to the Participating Banks hereunder other than Defaulting Banks, ratably among them in accordance with the amounts of such interest then due and payable to them, fourth , to the payment of fees then due and payable to the Non-Defaulting Banks hereunder, ratably among them in accordance with the amounts of such fees then due and payable to them, fifth , to pay principal and unreimbursed amounts then due and payable under the Letters of Credit to the Non-Defaulting Banks hereunder ratably in accordance with the amounts thereof then due and payable to them, sixth , to the ratable payment of other amounts then due and payable to the Non-Defaulting Banks, and seventh , after the termination of the Letters of Credit and payment in full of all obligations of the Company hereunder, to pay amounts owing under this Agreement to such Defaulting Bank or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.
 
(iii) If any Participating Bank becomes, and during the period it remains, a Defaulting Bank or a Potential Defaulting Bank, any Funding Bank may, by notice to the Company and such Defaulting Bank or Potential Defaulting Bank through the Administrating Bank, require the Company to Cash Collateralize the obligations of the Company to such Funding Bank in respect of the Letter(s) of Credit issued by such Funding Bank, in an amount at least equal to such Participating Bank’s Participation Percentage of the Maximum Credit Amount of such Letter(s) of Credit, or to make other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrating Bank and to such Funding Bank in their sole discretion to protect them against the risk of non-payment by such Defaulting Bank or Potential Defaulting Bank.
 
(iv) If the Company, the Administrating Bank and the Funding Banks agree in writing that a Participating Bank is no longer a Defaulting Bank or a Potential Defaulting Bank, as the case may be, the Administrating Bank will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any amounts then held in the segregated account referred to in Section 2(m)(ii)(C) hereof), such Participating Bank will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par such portion of the outstanding Advances of the other Participating Banks and/or make such other adjustments as the Administrating Bank may determine to be necessary to cause the outstanding principal amount of any Advances held by the Participating Banks to be on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective Participation Percentages, whereupon such Participating Bank will cease to be a Defaulting Bank or Potential Defaulting Bank and will be a Non-Defaulting Bank (and such outstanding Advances held by each Participating Bank will automatically be adjusted on a prospective basis to reflect the foregoing); provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Company while such Participating Bank was a Defaulting Bank or a Potential Defaulting Bank; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Bank or Potential Defaulting Bank to Non-Defaulting Bank will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Participating Bank’s having been a Defaulting Bank or Potential Defaulting Bank.”
 
(m)            Fee Letters .  Section 3(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(a) for the account of each Funding Bank, a fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Funding Bank as separately agreed upon between the Company and such Funding Bank in accordance with the terms of the applicable Fee Letter;”
 
(n)            Administrating Bank Fees .  Section 3(d) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(d) for the account of the Administrating Bank, fees computed and payable in accordance with the terms of the Fee Letter to which the Administrating Bank is a party;”
 
(o)            Commitment Fee .  Section 3(e) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(e) for the account of each Participating Bank, a commitment fee with respect to each Letter of Credit (the “ Commitment Fee ”) equal to the Applicable Rate per annum of the product of (i) such Participating Bank’s Participation Percentage and (ii) the excess of (A) the Maximum Credit Amount of such Letter of Credit in effect from time to time over (B) the Maximum Drawing Amount of such Letter of Credit in effect from time to time, from and including the Date of Issuance of such Letter of Credit to but excluding the Termination Date of such Letter of Credit, payable quarterly in arrears on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 (commencing January 15, 2004), and on each such Termination Date.”
 
(p)            Substitute Banks .  Section 4(g) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(g)           In the event that (i) any Participating Bank gives a notice with respect to it or any of its Participants pursuant to Section 4(e) hereof or (ii) any Participating Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank or a Potential Defaulting Bank, the Company may require, at its expense, such Participating Bank to assign all of its Participation Percentage of the Letters of Credit and all of its rights and obligations hereunder to a financial institution specified by the Company (a “ Substitute Bank ”); provided that (i) such assignment shall not conflict with or violate any law, rule or regulation or order of any court or other governmental agency or instrumentality, (ii) the Company shall have received the written consent of each of the Funding Banks and the Administrating Bank (which consent, in the case of the Administrating Bank, shall not unreasonably be withheld) to such assignment, (iii) the Company shall have paid to such assignor Participating Bank all monies accrued and owing hereunder to it and (iv) any such assignment with respect to a Defaulting Bank or a Potential Defaulting Bank will not be deemed to be a waiver or release of any claim the Company, the Administrating Bank, any Funding Bank or any other Participating Bank may have against such Defaulting Bank or Potential Defaulting Bank, as the case may be.  The Substitute Bank shall execute a counterpart of this Agreement and such additional amendments, agreements, instruments and documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrating Bank.”
 
(q)            Participations .  Section 5(c) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
 
“(c)           Upon receipt of a payment from the Company pursuant to Section 2 hereof (other than Section 2(m) hereof), the Funding Bank or the Administrating Bank (as the case may be) shall promptly transfer to each Participating Bank such Participating Bank’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Participating Bank’s Participation Percentage) of such payment based on such Participating Bank’s pro rata share (determined as aforesaid) of amounts paid pursuant to Section 5(a) hereof, and not previously reimbursed by the Company pursuant to Section 2 hereof.  All payments due to the Participating Banks from the Funding Bank pursuant to this subsection (c) shall be made to the Participating Banks if, as, and to the extent possible, when the Funding Bank receives payments in respect of drawings under the Letters of Credit or Advances pursuant to Section 2 hereof (other than Section 2(m) hereof), and in the same funds in which such amounts are received; provided that if any Participating Bank to whom the Funding Bank is required to transfer any such payment (or any portion thereof) pursuant to this subsection (c) does not receive such payment (or portion thereof) prior to 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day on which the Funding Bank received such payment from the Company (which payment, if received by the Funding Bank after 2:00 p.m. (New York time) on any Business Day, shall be deemed, for the purposes of this proviso, to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day), the Funding Bank agrees to pay to such Participating Bank, along with its payment of the portion of such payment due to such Participating Bank, interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to (i) for the period from and including such Business Day to but excluding the next succeeding day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (ii) for the period from and including the date next succeeding such Business Day to but excluding the date such amount is paid in full, the Alternate Base Rate plus 2%.  If, in connection with any case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Company or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Funding Bank shall be required to return to the Company, or to any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official, all or any portion of such payments or interest, each Participating Bank shall, upon demand of the Funding Bank, forthwith return to the Funding Bank any amounts transferred to such Participating Bank by the Funding Bank in respect thereof pursuant to this subsection (c).”
 
(r)            Distributions by Funding Banks .  Section 5(d)(i) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “to distribute promptly” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “subject to Section 2(m) hereof, to distribute promptly”.
 
(s)            Payments .  Section 6(d) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 3, 4 or 5 hereof” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 2(m), 3, 4 or 5 hereof”.
 
(t)            Material Adverse Change .  Section 10(g) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the date “December 31, 2009” in its entirety in each place in which it appears and substituting therefor in each instance the new date “December 31, 2011”.
 
(u)            Anti-Terrorism Laws.   Section 10 of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection (l) at the end thereof:
 
“(l)            Anti-Terrorism Laws.   (i) Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its Affiliates is in violation of any Applicable Law relating to sanctions, terrorism or money laundering (“ Anti-Terrorism Laws ”), including Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing, effective September 24, 2001 (the “ Executive Order ”), the Patriot Act, the laws and regulations administered by OFAC, the Trading with the Enemy Act (12 U.S.C. § 95), and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1707).
 
(ii)           Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its Affiliates is (A) a Prohibited Person or a Person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any Person that is a Prohibited Person, or (B) a Person who commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in the Executive Order, and none of the Company or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its Affiliates engages in dealings or transactions with any such Persons.”
 
(v)            Preservation of Corporate Existence .  Section 11(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new sentences at the end thereof:
 
“Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision contained herein or in any Collateral Agreement to the contrary, the Company may convert into, or merge with or into or consolidate with or into (in accordance with the provisions of Section 12(b) hereof), a limited liability company, provided that (A) the Company shall have provided not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such conversion, merger or consolidation to the Administrating Bank, (B) the Company shall execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including, without limitation, the filing and recording of financing statements or financing statement amendments), which may be required under any applicable law, or which the Administrating Bank may reasonably request, to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Agreements or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Company, (C) the Company shall provide, or cause to be provided, to the Administrating Bank and the Banks an opinion as to the enforceability and continuation of the Liens created pursuant to the Collateral Agreements and such other matters relating to such conversion, merger or consolidation (as the case may be) as the Administrating Bank or the Required Banks may reasonably require, and (D) following any such conversion to, or merger or consolidation with or into, a limited liability company, each reference in this Agreement and the Collateral Agreements to the term “corporation” (and other derivations thereof, including, without limitation, the term “corporate”) shall be deemed to include limited liability companies (and appropriate derivations thereof).  In addition, the Company shall give the Administrating Bank at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice before the Company changes its name, jurisdiction of organization or entity type and shall at its own expense execute and deliver such instruments and documents as may be required by the Administrating Bank or applicable laws to maintain the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Agreements.
 
(w)            Amendments and Waivers .  Clause (ii) of the first proviso contained in Section 14 of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “(other than fees payable to the Administrating Bank or the Funding Bank pursuant to the Fee Letter)” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “(other than fees payable to the Administrating Bank or any Funding Bank pursuant to a Fee Letter)”.
 
(x)            Voting Rights of Defaulting Banks .  Section 14 of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph at the end thereof:

“Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, during such period as a Participating Bank is a Defaulting Bank, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Participating Bank will not be entitled to vote in respect of amendments and waivers hereunder, and the Participation Percentage and the outstanding Advances of such Participating Bank hereunder will not be taken into account in determining whether the Required Banks or all of the Participating Banks, as required, have approved any such amendment or waiver (and the definition of “Required Banks” will automatically be deemed modified accordingly for the duration of such period); provided , that any such amendment or waiver that would increase the Participation Percentage of such Defaulting Bank, extend the date fixed for the payment of principal or interest owing to such Defaulting Bank hereunder, reduce the principal amount of any obligation owing to such Defaulting Bank, reduce the amount of or the rate or amount of interest on any amount owing to such Defaulting Bank or of any fee payable to such Defaulting Bank hereunder, or alter the terms of this proviso, will require the consent of such Defaulting Bank.”
 
(y)            Right of Setoff .  Section 17(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new proviso at the end of the first sentence thereof immediately preceding the period:
 
“; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Bank shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrating Bank for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(m)(ii)(C) hereof and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Bank from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrating Bank, the Funding Banks and the Participating Banks, and (y) the Defaulting Bank shall provide promptly to the Administrating Bank a statement describing in reasonable detail the obligations owing to such Defaulting Bank as to which it exercised such right of setoff”
 
(z)            Setoff by Funding Banks .  Section 17(a) of the Existing Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting the phrase “to be applied in reduction of the obligations of the Company pursuant to Section 2 hereof” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “to be applied in reduction of the obligations of the Company pursuant to Section 2 hereof (other than any such setoff applied in reduction of the Company’s obligations to any Funding Bank pursuant to Section 2(m) hereof)”.
 
(aa)            Extension of Letters of Credit .  Section 19 of the Existing Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the phrase “[Reserved].” is hereby substituted therefor.
 
(bb)            Sales of Participations; Assignments .  Section 23 of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new subsections (d) and (e) at the end thereof:
 
“(d)           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 23 or any other provision contained herein to the contrary, no Participating Bank may grant participations in its participation in the Letters of Credit or assign all or a portion of its obligations hereunder to (i) the Company or any of the Company’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or (ii) any Defaulting Bank, any Potential Defaulting Bank or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Participating Bank or a Participant hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (ii).
 
(e)           In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Bank hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrating Bank in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Company and the Administrating Bank, the applicable pro rata share of Advances previously required to be made by such Defaulting Bank but not funded by such Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (i) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Bank to the Administrating Bank, each Funding Bank and each other Participating Bank hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (ii) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Advances and participations in Letters of Credit in accordance with its Participation Percentage.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Bank hereunder shall become effective under applicable law without compliance with the provisions of this subsection, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Bank for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.  Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein to the contrary, except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Bank will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Person’s having been a Defaulting Lender.”
 
(cc)            Administrating Bank .  Section 24(b) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new sentences at the end thereof:
 
“Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subsection (b) or any other provision contained herein to the contrary, the Administrating Bank shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrating Bank to liability or that is contrary to any Transaction Document or Applicable Law, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Bankruptcy Code or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Bank in violation of any Bankruptcy Code.  In addition, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no Joint Lead Arranger or Joint Bookrunner listed on the cover page of the Fifth Amendment shall have any rights, powers, duties or responsibilities in such capacity under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents.”
 
(dd)            Severability .  Section 27 of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new sentence at the end thereof:
 
“Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 27, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Banks shall be limited by any Bankruptcy Code, as determined in good faith by the Administrating Bank or any Funding Bank, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.”
 
(ee)            Schedule of Participating Banks’ Risk Percentages .  Schedule 1 to the Existing Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the new Schedule 1 attached hereto is hereby substituted therefor.
 
(ff)            Pricing Schedule .  The Existing Agreement is hereby amended by attaching Schedule 3 (Pricing Schedule) attached hereto as Schedule 3 to the Existing Agreement.
 
SECTION 2.  Consent to Amendment to and Issuance of Letters of Credit .  Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 hereof, the Company and the Participating Banks hereby (a) consent to, and authorize the Cypress Funding Bank (as defined in the Amended Agreement) to execute and deliver to Cypress GG2, LLC, an amendment to the Letter of Credit issued in favor of Cypress GG2, LLC, in substantially the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, and (b) consent to, and authorize the RCMC Funding Bank (as defined in the Amended Agreement) to execute and deliver to RCMC I, Inc., a Letter of Credit in favor of RCMC I, Inc., in substantially the form of Exhibit C attached hereto ( provided , that, prior to or contemporaneously with the issuance of such Letter of Credit to RCMC I, Inc., the executed original Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. 306S235347, dated December 22, 2003, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated May 4, 2004, Amendment No. 2 thereto, dated December 17, 2004,  Amendment No. 3 thereto, dated May 14, 2009, and Amendment No. 4 thereto, dated April 15, 2010 (as so amended, the “ Existing RCMC Letter of Credit ”), issued by Union Bank shall have been surrendered for cancellation by RCMC I, Inc., accompanied by a surrender certificate in the form of Exhibit 7 to the Existing RCMC Letter of Credit duly executed by RCMC I, Inc.).
 
SECTION 3.  Conditions of Effectiveness .  This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof when, and only when, the Administrating Bank shall have received:  (a) counterparts of this Amendment executed by the Company, the Administrating Bank, the Funding Bank and each of the Participating Banks (in sufficient quantity for each party to have a fully executed original), (b) for the account of each Participating Bank, an upfront fee in the amount agreed upon by the Company and such Participating Bank, as notified in writing by the Company to the Administrating Bank on or before the date hereof, (c) for the account of the Administrating Bank, the fees set forth in that certain Third Amended and Restated Fee Letter, dated the date hereof, between the Company and the Administrating Bank, to the extent that such fees are due and payable on the effective date of this Amendment, and (d) all of the following documents, each document being dated the date of receipt thereof by the Administrating Bank (which date shall be the same for all such documents), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrating Bank:
 
(i)   An opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, as New York counsel to the Company.
 
(ii)   An opinion of Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP, as Arkansas counsel to the Company.
 
(iii)   Copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Amendment, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company (which certificate shall state that such resolutions are in full force and effect as of such date and have not been modified, rescinded or amended since the date of adoption thereof).
 
(iv)   Certified copies of all approvals, authorizations, orders or consents of, or notices to or registrations with, any governmental body or agency required for the Company to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment.
 
(v)   Certificates as to the good standing of the Company, as of a recent date, from the Secretary of State of the State of Arkansas and the Secretary of State of the State of Mississippi.
 
(vi)   A certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company certifying (A) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the by-laws of the Company as in effect on such date and at all times since a date prior to the date of the resolutions described in clause (iii) above, (B) that (x) attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation, including all amendments thereto, of the Company and (y) such certificate or articles of incorporation have not been amended since the date of the last amendment thereto, and (C) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing this Amendment or any other document or certificate delivered in connection herewith on behalf of the Company; together with a certificate of another officer of the Company as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary executing the foregoing certificate.
 
(vii)   The consent of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. and Entergy New Orleans, Inc., in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, duly executed by an authorized officer thereof.
 
(viii)   A certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Company (the statements in which shall be true) stating that (A) the representations and warranties contained in Section 10 of the Amended Agreement are true and correct on and as of such date as though made on and as of such date, and (B) no Reimbursement Default, Prepayment Event, Event of Default, Indenture Event of Default, Event of Loss or Deemed Loss Event has occurred and is continuing and no Reimbursement Default, Prepayment Event, Event of Default, Indenture Event of Default, Event of Loss or Deemed Loss Event will result from the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby.
 
SECTION 4 .   Replacement of Funding Bank for Letter of Credit Issued to RCMC I, Inc.
 
(a)            Replacement of Funding Bank .  The parties hereto hereby agree that, effective as of the date of satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in subsection (c) below, Union Bank, in its capacity as issuer of the Existing RCMC Letter of Credit (in such capacity, the “ Existing RCMC Funding Bank ”), shall be replaced as issuer of the Letter of Credit in favor of RCMC I, Inc. by U.S. Bank National Association (in such capacity, the “ New Funding Bank ”).
 
(b)            New Funding Bank .  The New Funding Bank acknowledges and agrees that, effective as of the date of satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in subsection (c) below, (i) it is a “Funding Bank” under the Reimbursement Agreement, (ii) by its execution and delivery of this Amendment, it is deemed a party to the Reimbursement Agreement as if it were a signatory thereof in such capacity and (iii) with respect to the Letter of Credit it issues, it assumes all obligations, and acquires all rights and remedies, of a “Funding Bank” under the Reimbursement Agreement and the Collateral Agreements.
 
(c)            Conditions to Replacement of Existing RCMC Funding Bank .  The replacement of the Existing RCMC Funding Bank by the New Funding Bank pursuant to subsection (a) above shall become effective on the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied:
 
(i)   The conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Amendment set forth in Section 3 hereof shall have been satisfied.
 
(ii)   The New Funding Bank shall have issued a Letter of Credit, in substantially the form of Exhibit C attached hereto, in replacement of the Existing RCMC Letter of Credit, to RCMC I, Inc., and all conditions to the issuance of such replacement Letter of Credit set forth in the Participation Agreement to which RCMC I, Inc. is a party shall have been satisfied (or waived in accordance with the terms thereof), including, without limitation, the receipt by RCMC I, Inc. of a legal opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, counsel to the New Funding Bank, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to RCMC I, Inc.
 
(iii)   The Existing RCMC Letter of Credit shall have been surrendered for cancellation in New York, New York by RCMC I, Inc. pursuant to Section 2 hereof, contemporaneously with the issuance and delivery to RCMC I, Inc. in New York, New York of such replacement Letter of Credit, and returned to the Existing RCMC Funding Bank.
 
(iv)   The Company shall have paid all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the Existing RCMC Funding Bank pursuant to the Fee Letter.
 
SECTION 5 .   Representations and Warranties of the Company .  The Company represents and warrants as follows:
 
(a)           The execution and delivery of this Amendment, and the performance by the Company of this Amendment and the Amended Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part and do not, and will not, require the consent or approval of its shareholder, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it.
 
(b)           The execution and delivery of this Amendment, and the performance by the Company of this Amendment and the Amended Agreement, do not conflict with, or result in a breach or contravention of any of the provisions of, its charter or by-laws (or, in the case of Entergy Louisiana, LLC, its articles of organization or regulations) or any Applicable Law, or any indenture, mortgage, lease or any other agreement or instrument to which it or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which its property or the property of any of its Affiliates is bound, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Liens permitted under Section 12(e) of the Reimbursement Agreement) upon any of its property or the property of any of its Affiliates.  This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by the Company.
 
(c)           No Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Amendment, except such Governmental Actions as have been duly obtained, given or accomplished.
 
(d)           Each of this Amendment and the Amended Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the application by a court of general principles of equity and to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ or lessors’ rights generally.
 
(e)           The representations and warranties contained in Section 10 of the Amended Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of such date.
 
(f)           No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from the execution and delivery of this Amendment, that constitutes an Event of Default, Reimbursement Default, Prepayment Event, Indenture Event of Default, Event of Loss or Deemed Loss Event.
 
SECTION 6.  Reference to and Effect on the Reimbursement Agreement .  (a) Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Existing Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof”, “herein” or words of like import referring to the Existing Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Amended Agreement.
 
(b)           Except as specifically amended above, the Existing Agreement shall continue to be in full force and effect and is hereby in all respects ratified and confirmed.
 
(c)           The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Administrating Bank, the Funding Bank or the Participating Banks under the Existing Agreement or any other Transaction Document, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Existing Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
 
(d)           This Amendment is subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the Existing Agreement.
 
(e)           This Amendment shall constitute a “Transaction Document” for all purposes under the Reimbursement Agreement.
 
SECTION 7.  Execution in Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.  In furtherance of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that signatures hereto submitted by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to be, and shall constitute, original signatures.
 
SECTION 8.  Governing Law .  This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of the New York.
 
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 
 

 
S-1


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
 
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
 
By:   /s/ Frank Williford                                                                 
Name:  Frank Williford
Title:    Assistant Treasurer
 
UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank and Funding Bank
 

 
By:   /s/ John Guilds                                                                 
Name:            John Guilds
Title:    Director


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as New Funding Bank
 

 
By: /s/ Paul R. Morrison                                                                
Name:           Paul R. Morrison
Title:           Senior Vice President


Participating Banks
 
UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as a Participating Bank
 

 
By: /s/ John Guilds                                                                
Name:            John Guilds
Title:            Director


 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment and Consent
 
 

 
S-


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Participating Bank and Syndication Agent
 

 
By: /s/ Paul R. Morrison                                                                 
Name:           Paul R. Morrison
Title:           Senior Vice President


BNP PARIBAS , as a Participating Bank and Documentation Agent
 

 
By:   /s/ Christopher Sked                                                                 
Name:           Christopher Sked
Title:           Director
 

 
By:   /s/ Nicole Mitchell                                                                
Name:           Nicole Mitchell
Title:           Vice President

 
MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD. , as a Participating Bank
 

 
By:   /s/ Leon Mo                                                                
Name:           Leon Mo
Title:           Authorized Signatory

 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (as successor to Wachovia Bank, National Association),   as a Participating Bank
 

 
By: /s/ Keith Luettel                                                                
Name:           Keith Luettel
Title:           Vice President


Signature Page to Fifth Amendment and Consent
 

 
 

 
S-


                                                       COBANK, ACB, as a Participating Bank
 

 
By:   /s/ Josh Batchelder                                                                
Name:           Josh Batchelder
Title:           Vice President


 
THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD.   (as successor to UFJ Bank Limited, New York Branch),   as a Participating Bank
 

 
By:   /s/ Chi-Cheng Chen                                                                
Name:           Chi-Cheng Chen
Title:           Vice President


Signature Page to Fifth Amendment and Consent
 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT A
to Fifth Amendment and Consent

CONSENT
 
Each of (a) Entergy Corporation (“ Entergy ”), as a party to that certain Thirty-Fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of December 22, 2003, among Entergy, System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank, and (b) Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. and Entergy New Orleans, Inc., each as a “System Operating Company” under that certain Thirty-Fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated as of December 17, 2004, among such System Operating Companies, the Company and the Administrating Bank, (i) hereby consents to the Fifth Amendment and Consent, dated as of November 15, 2012 (the “ Fifth Amendment ”), to the Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among the Company, Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank and Funding Bank, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank   (formerly known as Calyon New York Branch), as Syndication Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Documentation Agent, and the Participating Banks named therein, as amended by the Amendment to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, the First Amendment and Consent thereto, dated as of May 3, 2004, the Second Amendment and Consent thereto, dated as of December 17, 2004, the Third Amendment and Consent thereto, dated as of May 14, 2009, and the Fourth Amendment and Consent thereto, dated as of April 15, 2010 (as so amended, the “ Reimbursement Agreement ”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), and (ii) hereby confirms and agrees that each Collateral Agreement (as amended through the date hereof) to which it is a party is, and shall continue to be, in full force and effect and is hereby confirmed and ratified in all respects except that, on and after the effective date of the Fifth Amendment, each reference in such Collateral Agreement to “the Reimbursement Agreement”, “thereunder”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Reimbursement Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Reimbursement Agreement, as amended by the Fifth Amendment.

November 15, 2012
ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
By      
Name:
Title:
 
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
 
By      
Name:
Title:

 
 

 

EXHIBIT B
to Fifth Amendment and Consent


[FORM OF AMENDMENT TO LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUED TO CYPRESS GG2, LLC]


AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO IRREVOCABLE TRANSFERABLE
LETTER OF CREDIT NO. 306S235348
 
November 15, 2012

Cypress GG2, LLC
Bayside Plaza
188 The Embarcadero, Suite 420
San Francisco, California  94105
Attn:  Stephen R. Harwood
 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

At the request and on the instructions of our customer, System Energy Resources, Inc., an Arkansas corporation, we hereby amend our Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit No. 306S235348, dated April 2, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated April 15, 2010, established in your favor (the “ Letter of Credit ”), as follows:

1.
Paragraph 1 of the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “in an amount not to exceed $39,196,468.39” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “in an amount not to exceed $37,817,350.58”.

2.
Clause (x) in paragraph 7(a) of the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by deleting the date “April 15, 2013” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new date “August 31, 2015”.

3.
The following defined term is hereby added to Schedule I to the Letter of Credit in the appropriate alphabetical order:

RCMC Funding Bank ” means U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association.

4.
The defined term “ Bank ” contained in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Bank ” means the Funding Bank, the RCMC Funding Bank or any Participating Bank.

5.
The defined term “ Fee Letter ” contained in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Fee Letters ” means (i) the Third Amended and Restated Fee Letter, dated November 15, 2012, between the Company and the Administrating Bank, and (ii) the Fee Letter, dated November 15, 2012, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as RCMC Funding Bank, in each case, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

6.
The defined term “ Reimbursement Agreement ” contained in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Reimbursement Agreement ” means the Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among the Company, the Administrating Bank, the RCMC Funding Bank, the Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas, as Documentation Agent, and the banks named therein as Participating Banks, as the same may from time to time be amended, supplemented or modified.

7.
The defined term “ Stated Expiration Date ” contained in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 
Stated Expiration Date ” means August 31, 2015.

8.
The defined term “ Termination Date ” contained in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by (i) deleting the phrase “for cancellation to the Bank” contained in clause (ii) thereof in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “for cancellation to the Funding Bank” and (ii) deleting the phrase “the date on which the Bank pays a Final Draw” contained in clause (iii) thereof in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “the date on which the Funding Bank pays a Final Draw”.

9.
The defined term “ Transaction Documents ” contained in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “the Fee Letter” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “the Fee Letters”.

10.
Schedule II to the Letter of Credit is hereby deleted in its entirety and the new Schedule II attached hereto is hereby substituted therefor.

11.
The first sentence of Schedule III to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “The Bank shall have the right” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “The Funding Bank shall have the right”.

12.
Clause (xv) of Schedule III to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “the Funding Bank, the Administrating Bank, any Participating Bank or any Participant” in its entirety and substituting therefor the new phrase “the Funding Bank, the RCMC Funding Bank, the Administrating Bank, any Participating Bank or any Participant”.

13.
The first paragraph of Exhibit 4 to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Cypress GG2, LLC (the “ Owner Participant ”), as beneficiary under that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit No. 306S235348 dated April 2, 2010, established by Union Bank, N.A. (the “ Funding Bank ”), and issued pursuant to that certain Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Reimbursement Agreement ”), among System Energy Resources, Inc., Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank, the Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as RCMC Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas, as Documentation Agent, and the banks named therein as Participating Banks (the “ Letter of Credit ”), hereby certifies as follows:”
 
14.
Exhibit 4 to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph 4 immediately after paragraph 3 thereof:

“[4.           The amount of the accompanying draft does not exceed the amount of Rent due and payable on July 15, 2015, which remains unpaid as of the date hereof, together with accrued interest thereon payable under the Transaction Documents.] *

* This paragraph 4 shall be included if this certificate is delivered subsequent to July 15, 2015.

15.
The first paragraph of Exhibit 5 to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Cypress GG2, LLC (the “ Owner Participant ”), as beneficiary under that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit No. 306S235348 dated April 2, 2010 established by Union Bank, N.A. (the “ Funding Bank ”), and issued pursuant to that certain Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Reimbursement Agreement ”), among System Energy Resources, Inc., Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank, the Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as RCMC Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas, as Documentation Agent, and the banks named therein as Participating Banks (the “ Letter of Credit ”), hereby certifies as follows:”
 
16.
Exhibit 5 to the Letter of Credit is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph 4 immediately after paragraph 3 thereof:

“[4.           The amount of the accompanying draft does not exceed the amount of Rent due and payable on July 15, 2015, which remains unpaid as of the date hereof, together with accrued interest thereon payable under the Transaction Documents.] *

* This paragraph 4 shall be included if this certificate is delivered subsequent to July 15, 2015.

This Amendment shall become effective upon your delivery to us of your written acceptance of this Amendment.

Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Letter of Credit to “this Letter of Credit”, “hereof”, “herein” or words of like import referring to the Letter of Credit shall mean and be a reference to the Letter of Credit as amended by this Amendment.

All other terms and conditions set forth in the Letter of Credit remain unchanged.  This letter forms an integral part of the Letter of Credit and is to be attached to the original Letter of Credit.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 
 

 

This Amendment shall be governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (revision effective January 1, 1994), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 500, and, as to matters not covered therein, be governed by the laws of the State of New York, including without limitation the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such State.

Very truly yours,

UNION BANK, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.)


By_______________________________
     Name:
     Title:


The undersigned hereby consents
to the foregoing Amendment No. 2
as of the date first above written:

CYPRESS GG2, LLC


By___________________________
     Name:
     Title:

 
 

 

SCHEDULE II


Table of Maximum Drawing Amounts


Applicable Period
 
Maximum Drawing Amount
From July 16, 2012 to and including January 15, 2013
$34,472,781.21
From January 16, 2013 to and including July 15, 2013
$36,020,759.93
From July 16, 2013 to and including January 15, 2014
$37,817,350.58
From January 16, 2014 to and including July 15, 2014
$28,462,944.84
From July 16, 2014 to and including January 15, 2015
$29,826,217.80
From January 16, 2015 to and including August 31, 2015
$20,063,619.68


 
 

 


EXHIBIT C
to Fifth Amendment and Consent


[FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT TO BE ISSUED TO RCMC I, INC.]


[LETTERHEAD OF U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION]


IRREVOCABLE TRANSFERABLE LETTER OF CREDIT
No. SLCMMSP06726
 
 November 15, 2012
 
RCMC I, Inc.
1300 Market Street, Suite 600
Wilmington, Delaware  19801
(the “ Owner Participant ”)
Attn:  Ms. Joan C. MacDonald, Vice President and Treasurer

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
1.           We hereby establish, at the request of System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “ Company ”), in your favor, our Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit No. SLCMMSP06726 (the “ Letter of Credit ”), in an amount not to exceed $120,655,014.18 (as such amount may be reduced pursuant to the terms hereof, the “ Maximum Credit Amount ”), effective immediately and expiring on the Termination Date.  Capitalized terms used herein and in Schedules II and III and Exhibits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 hereto shall have the meanings set forth in Schedule I hereto.  We have been advised by the Company for informational purposes only that this Letter of Credit is issued in connection with the leasing of an undivided interest in Unit No. 1 of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station to the Company pursuant to the Facility Lease.
 
2.           The Maximum Credit Amount may be reduced at any time and from time to time upon receipt by us at the address for presentation of documents set forth below of a copy of the instrument effecting such reduction, signed by the Company and by you in the form of Exhibit 1 hereto (a “ Reduction Certificate ”).  Upon receipt of such certificate, the Maximum Credit Amount shall be automatically and permanently reduced by the amount specified as the Reduction Amount in such Reduction Certificate (the “ Reduction Amount ”).
 
3.           We hereby irrevocably authorize you to draw on us, in accordance with the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, an amount not in excess of the least of (x) the Maximum Drawing Amount applicable to the date of such drawing (the “ Date of Drawing ”), as modified in accordance with the next paragraph and (y) the Maximum Available Credit Amount applicable to the Date of Drawing, as modified in accordance with the next paragraph and (z) in the case of a Partial Draw, the Partial Drawing Amount applicable to the Date of Drawing; provided , however , that at no time shall we be required to pay any drawing under this Letter of Credit in excess of the lesser of the Maximum Available Credit Amount and the Maximum Drawing Amount, in each case as in effect on the applicable Date of Drawing.
 
4.           The Maximum Drawing Amounts and the Maximum Available Credit Amount shall be modified from time to time as follows:
 
(a)           upon receipt by us of a Reduction Certificate, the Maximum Available Credit Amount shall be permanently reduced by the Reduction Amount set forth in such Reduction Certificate;
 
(b)           upon payment by us of each Partial Draw (as hereinafter defined) under the Letter of Credit, (i) the Maximum Drawing Amount applicable to each Date of Drawing subsequent to such payment shall be automatically reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the drawing so paid and (ii) the Maximum Available Credit Amount shall be automatically reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the drawing so paid;
 
(c)            upon the application by us of amounts paid by the Company pursuant to Section 2 of the Reimbursement Agreement to reimburse any Partial Draw hereunder (as such application is allocated in accordance with Section 2(d) of the Reimbursement Agreement), (i) the Maximum Drawing Amount applicable to each Date of Drawing subsequent to such application shall be automatically increased by the amount of such payment(s) allocated as a reimbursement of drawings hereunder and (ii) the Maximum Available Credit Amount shall be automatically increased by the amount of such payment(s) allocated as a reimbursement of drawings hereunder; provided , however , that the Maximum Available Credit Amount shall never exceed the Maximum Credit Amount;
 
(d)           upon the payment by us of any Final Draw (as hereinafter defined) under the Letter of Credit, (i) the Maximum Drawing Amount applicable to each Date of Drawing subsequent to such payment shall be automatically reduced to zero and (ii) the Maximum Available Credit Amount shall be automatically reduced to zero; and
 
(e)           if we are advised in accordance with this clause (e) that adjustments have been made to Casualty Values, corresponding adjustments shall be made to the Maximum Drawing Amounts shown in Schedule II (as theretofore reduced pursuant to clause (b) above and, if applicable, reinstated pursuant to clause (c) above), provided that adjustments pursuant to this clause (e) shall be effective automatically upon receipt by us of a notice from you in the form of Exhibit 2 hereto, and provided further that such adjustments shall in no event cause the Maximum Drawing Amount to exceed the Maximum Credit Amount.
 
5.           Upon return of this Letter of Credit together with a notice in the form of Exhibit 2 hereto, we will promptly initial and attach to this Letter of Credit a revised Schedule II reflecting the adjustments contained in such notice and return this Letter of Credit to you with such revised Schedule attached.
 
6.           Upon the application by us of amounts paid by the Company pursuant to Section 2 of the Reimbursement Agreement to reimburse any Partial Draw hereunder, we will give you prompt (and in any event within three Business Days of such application) written notice of such application and the amount thereof.  Such notice shall be given in accordance with the provisions set forth in the eighth paragraph of this Letter of Credit.
 
7.           Funds under this Letter of Credit are available to you either (a) against presentation as set forth herein on or prior to the earlier of (x) August 31, 2015 and (y) the Termination Date and provided there has not been a Final Draw and provided a written notice indicating the Date of Early Termination (as hereinafter defined) has not been delivered to you, of (i) your draft in the form of Exhibit 3 attached hereto and (ii) a completed certificate signed by you in the form of Exhibit 4 attached hereto (a “ Partial Draw ”) or (b) against presentation on or prior to the Termination Date of (i) your draft in the form of Exhibit 3 attached hereto and (ii) a completed certificate signed by you in the form of Exhibit 5 attached hereto (a “ Final Draw ”).  Each of a Partial Draw and a Final Draw are sometimes referred to herein as a “ Draw ”.  Each such draft and certificate shall be dated the date of presentation and shall be presented either (i) by delivery by courier at our office located at 800 Nicollet Mall, BC-MN-H20G, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Standby Letters of Credit (or at any other office which may be designated by us by written notice (given in the manner set forth in the next paragraph) delivered to you at least 15 days prior to the applicable Date of Drawing), (ii) by facsimile at (612) 303-5226 (or at any other facsimile number which may be designated by us by written notice (given in the manner set forth in the next paragraph) delivered to you at least 15 days prior to the applicable Date of Drawing) or (iii) by personal delivery at the location specified in or pursuant to (i) above so long as presentation has been made by facsimile in accordance with (ii) above.  If presentation is by facsimile, promptly thereafter, but not as a condition to a draw, you shall provide telephonic notice of such presentation at (866) 359-2503 ext. 5854 and forward such draft and certificate to us at the location specified in or pursuant to (i) above.  We agree, so long as this Letter of Credit is in effect, that we will maintain an office in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota where such presentation may be made.  If we receive such draft and certificate by courier, by facsimile or by personal delivery and facsimile at such office, all in strict conformity with the terms and conditions of this Letter of Credit, prior to 10:00 a.m. (Minneapolis time) on any Business Day, we will honor the draft on the same Business Day by remitting the proceeds thereof to you at your account no. 173103781832, account name: ITC South & East Depository Account, FFC account name: RCMC I, Inc., at U.S. Bank N.A., 60 Livingston Ave Saint Paul MN 55107-2292, ABA #091000022.  If we receive such draft and certificate by courier, by facsimile or by personal delivery and facsimile at such office, all in strict conformity with the terms and conditions of this Letter of Credit, on or after 10:00 a.m. (Minneapolis time) on any Business Day, we will honor the draft on the next Business Day by remitting the proceeds thereof to you at your account described in the preceding sentence.  Upon receipt of a draft and certificate which are not in strict conformity with the terms and conditions of this Letter of Credit, we will promptly (and in any event within one Business Day of such receipt) notify you of such nonconformity and the reason therefor; provided that our failure to so notify you of such nonconformity or the reason therefor shall not amend, modify, extend or otherwise affect your rights hereunder and shall not create any additional rights hereunder; provided further that, notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, any such failure shall not have the effect of extending the time during which you may draw hereunder or converting such nonconforming draft and certificate into a draft and certificate in strict conformity with the terms and conditions of this Letter of Credit.
 
8.           Notwithstanding any other provision of this Letter of Credit, we shall have the right, upon the occurrence of any of the events listed in Schedule III hereto, to terminate this Letter of Credit by delivering to you a written notice indicating the date of such termination (the “ Date of Early Termination ”); provided that on or before the Date of Early Termination you will have the right to draw once an amount not in excess of the lesser of (i) the Maximum Available Credit Amount and (ii) the Maximum Drawing Amount, in each case as in effect on such date in accordance with the procedures described herein; provided further , that upon delivery of such written notice to you indicating the Date of Early Termination, your right to make a Partial Draw hereunder shall automatically terminate.  The written notice referred to in the preceding sentence shall be given by facsimile transmission addressed to you at RCMC I, Inc., 1300 Market Street, Suite 600, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Facsimile No. (302) 552-3128, Attention:  Ms. Joan C. MacDonald, Vice President and Treasurer (or to such other address or facsimile number designated by you by written notice delivered to us at least 15 days prior to the notice of early termination) and shall be effective upon receipt of the appropriate confirmation by you of your receipt of the facsimile transmission or, if no such confirmation is given, the end of the Business Day on which actual transmission is made to the address above.  We will also forward copies of such notice by overnight delivery service (with a request to such delivery service that they obtain a receipt from such addressee (to the extent that such a receipt service is then available, it being understood that the failure of such delivery service to actually obtain such a receipt shall not be the responsibility of the Funding Bank and the Funding Bank shall bear no liability for such failure)) and registered mail (return receipt requested) to the address set forth above.  We will also forward additional copies of such notice by facsimile transmission and overnight delivery service to RCMC I, Inc., c/o The Stewart Law Firm, LLLP, 1007 Orange Street, Suite 1014, Wilmington, DE 19801, Facsimile No. (302) 652-7211, Attention:  Tanya M. Murray, Esq., with a copy to Kaye Scholer LLP, 425 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, Facsimile No. (212) 836-6359, Attention: Piper A. Brock, provided , however , that the failure to so forward such additional copies shall not affect the effectiveness of such written notice, the Date of Early Termination or any other rights or remedies that we may have under or in respect of this Letter of Credit.  The Date of Early Termination specified in such written notice shall be:
 
(a)           in the case of events specified in paragraphs (i), (ix) and (x) of Schedule III, not earlier than ten days after such notice is effective, or, if the tenth day is not a Business Day, the next following Business Day, and
 
(b)           in the case of all other events specified in Schedule III, not earlier than 30 days after such notice is effective.
 
You have no obligation upon the receipt of such written notice indicating the Date of Early Termination to investigate or otherwise question whether any of the events specified in Schedule III has occurred and the fact that such an event shall not have occurred shall not in any way affect your right to draw hereunder upon the receipt of such written notice.
 
9.           Except as set forth below, this Letter of Credit shall be governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, and, as to matters not covered therein, be governed by the laws of the State of New York, including without limitation the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such State.  Unless you are otherwise notified in writing, communications to us with respect to this Letter of Credit shall be in writing and shall be addressed to us at 800 Nicollet Mall, BC-MN-H20G, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Standby Letters of Credit, and shall specifically refer to the number of this Letter of Credit.
 
10.           This Letter of Credit may be transferred in its entirety (but not in part) upon the terms set forth in this Section 10.  We hereby agree to transfer this Letter of Credit upon presentation to us at the address for presentation of documents set forth above of this original Letter of Credit (and any amendments hereto) and the Owner Participant’s written request for transfer in the form of Exhibit 6 hereto.
 
11.           Any drawing under this Letter of Credit will be paid from our general funds and not directly or indirectly from funds or collateral deposited with or for our account by the Company, or pledged with or for our account by the Company and we will seek reimbursement for payments made pursuant to a drawing under this Letter of Credit only after such payments have been made.
 
12.           This Letter of Credit sets forth in full our undertaking, and such undertaking shall not in any way be modified, amended, amplified or limited by reference to any document, instrument or agreement referred to herein, except only Schedules I, II and III and Exhibits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 hereto and the notices referred to herein; and any such reference shall not be deemed to incorporate herein by reference any document, instrument or agreement except as set forth above.
 
13.           Each of the Funding Bank and, by its acceptance of this Letter of Credit, the Owner Participant (a) hereby irrevocably submits for itself and its property to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in New York County, and to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of this Letter of Credit brought by the Company, the Owner Participant or the Funding Bank hereunder, as applicable, or their successors or assigns, and

(b)           hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, to the extent permitted by applicable law, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper, or that this Letter of Credit, or the subject matter hereof or any of the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by such courts.  The Funding Bank generally consents to service of process by registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed to us at 800 Nicollet Mall, BC-MN-H20G, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Standby Letters of Credit, or such other office as from time to time may be designated by us in writing to the account party and the beneficiary hereof, or their successors or assigns, as the case may be.
 
Very truly yours,
 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION



By__________________________
     Name:
     Title:

 
 

 

 EXHIBIT 1
 
 [Date]



U.S. Bank National Association
800 Nicollet Mall
BC-MN-H20G
 
Minneapolis, MN 55402
 
Attention:  Standby Letters of Credit
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Reference is made to that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit bearing Letter of Credit No. SLCMMSP06726 dated November 15, 2012 (the “ Letter of Credit ”), which has been established by you in favor of RCMC I, Inc. (the “ Owner Participant ”).
 
We hereby request that the Maximum Credit Amount be reduced by $_________ (the “ Reduction Amount ”) to $_____________.
 
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Letter of Credit.
 
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.



By_____________________________
   Title:
 
RCMC I, INC.



By_____________________________
   [Name and Title of Authorized
   Representative of Owner Participant]

 
 

 
 


 EXHIBIT 2
 
 [Date]
 
U.S. Bank National Association
800 Nicollet Mall
BC-MN-H20G
Minneapolis, MN 55402
 
Attention:  Standby Letters of Credit
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Reference is made to that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit bearing Letter of Credit No. SLCMMSP06726 dated November 15, 2012 (the “ Letter of Credit ”), which has been established by you in favor of RCMC I, Inc. (the “ Owner Participant ”).
 
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of the Owner Participant, hereby certifies that Casualty Values have been adjusted in accordance with the provisions of the Transaction Documents and the amounts shown on Schedule II to the Letter of Credit should be modified, in accordance with the terms of clause (e) of the fourth paragraph of the Letter of Credit, to the amounts shown in Appendix A hereto.
 
The Letter of Credit is returned herewith and we request that you initial and return the Letter of Credit with the revised Schedule II attached.
 
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Letter of Credit.
 
RCMC I, INC.


By_____________________________
  [Name and Title of Authorized
   Representative of Owner Participant]

 
 

 
 


 EXHIBIT 3



 [Place]
 
 [Date]
 
ON [Business Day of presentation if presented before 10:00 a.m. (Minneapolis time); next Business Day if presented at or after 10:00 a.m.]
 
PAY TO
U.S. $[not to exceed least of
[Name of beneficiary]
(i) the  Maximum  Available Credit
 
Amount and (ii) the Maximum Drawing Amount and (iii) in the case of a Partial Draw, the Partial Drawing Amount] DOLLARS,
 
[Insert wire instructions]
 
FOR VALUE RECEIVED AND CHARGE TO ACCOUNT OF LETTER OF CREDIT NO. SLCMMSP06726 OF
 
U.S. Bank National Association
800 Nicollet Mall
BC-MN-H20G
 
Minneapolis, MN  55402
 

RCMC I, INC.
 
By___________________________
  [Name and Title of Authorized
   Representative of Owner Participant]

 
 

 
 


 EXHIBIT 4


CERTIFICATE FOR A PARTIAL DRAW
 
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of RCMC I, Inc. (the “ Owner Participant ”), as beneficiary under that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit No. SLCMMSP06726 dated November 15, 2012, established by U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Funding Bank ”), and issued pursuant to that certain Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Reimbursement Agreement ”), among System Energy Resources, Inc., Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank and the Cypress Funding Bank, the Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas, as Documentation Agent, and the banks named therein as Participating Banks (the “ Letter of Credit ”), hereby certifies as follows:
 
1.           A Partial Drawing Event has occurred and is continuing.
 
2.           The Owner Participant has not heretofore made a Final Draw under the Letter of Credit.  The Owner Participant has not heretofore received notice of a Date of Early Termination.
 
3.           The amount of the accompanying draft does not exceed the least of (i) the Maximum Available Credit Amount on the date hereof, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Credit, and (ii) the Maximum Drawing Amount available under the Letter of Credit on the date hereof, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Credit, and (iii) the Partial Drawing Amount for such Partial Drawing Event.
 
[4.           The amount of the accompanying draft does not exceed the amount of Rent payable on July 15, 2015, which remains unpaid as of the date hereof, together with accrued interest thereon payable under the Transaction Documents.] *

* This paragraph 4 shall be included if this certificate is delivered subsequent to July 15, 2015.


 
 

 
 


Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Letter of Credit.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as of ________________, 20___.
 
RCMC I, INC.
 
By____________________________
     [Name and Title of Authorized
      Representative of Owner Participant]

 
 

 
 


 EXHIBIT 5
 
CERTIFICATE FOR A FINAL DRAW
 
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of RCMC I, Inc. (the “ Owner Participant ”), as beneficiary under that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit No. SLCMMSP06726 dated November 15, 2012 established by U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Funding Bank ”), and issued pursuant to that certain Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Reimbursement Agreement ”), among System Energy Resources, Inc., Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), as Administrating Bank and the Cypress Funding Bank, the Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas, as Documentation Agent, and the banks named therein as Participating Banks (the “ Letter of Credit ”), hereby certifies as follows:
 
1.           [Insert one of the following:  A Deemed Loss Event (as defined in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit) has occurred and is continuing./ An Event of Loss (as defined in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit) has occurred and is continuing./ An Event of Default (as defined in Schedule I to the Letter of Credit) has occurred and is continuing./ Notice has been given by the Funding Bank of a Date of Early Termination and such Date of Early Termination is on or after the date hereof.]
 
2.           The Owner Participant has not heretofore made a Final Draw under the Letter of Credit.
 
3.           The amount of the accompanying draft does not exceed the lesser of (i) the Maximum Available Credit Amount on the date hereof and (ii) the Maximum Drawing Amount available under the Letter of Credit on the date hereof, each as determined in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Credit.
 
[4.           The amount of the accompanying draft does not exceed the amount of Rent payable on July 15, 2015, which remains unpaid as of the date hereof, together with accrued interest thereon payable under the Transaction Documents.] *

* This paragraph 4 shall be included if this certificate is delivered subsequent to July 15, 2015.

 
 

 
 


Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Letter of Credit.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as of ______________, 20___.
 
RCMC I, INC.
 
By_______________________
   [Name and Title of Authorized
    Representative of Owner Participant]

 
 

 
 


 EXHIBIT 6

TRANSFER OF LETTER OF CREDIT IN ITS ENTIRETY

TO:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
800 Nicollet Mall, BC-MN-H20G
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
866-359-2503 x 5854/612-303-7395
FROM:
 

Re:
Letter of Credit No.
SLCMMSP06726
Issued by:
U.S. Bank National Association

We, the undersigned beneficiary, hereby authorize and direct you to transfer irrevocably the referenced letter of credit in its entirety
To:
 
Whose Address is:
 
   
   
   
 
(Herein called the "transferee") with no changes in terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit.

We are returning the original instrument, including original amendments, if any, to you herewith in order that you may deliver it to the transferee together with your customary Letter of Transfer.  Enclosed is our check/draft for the transfer fee of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).

Any amendments to the Letter of Credit that you may issue or receive are to be advised by you directly to the transferee, and the documents (including drafts if required under the Letter of Credit) of the transferee are to be processed by you (or any intermediary) without our intervention and without any further responsibility on your part to us.

We understand that pursuant to U.S. law, you are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies parties to the transaction and you are prohibited from issuing, transferring, accepting, or effecting payment to any party or entity identified by the U.S. Department of Treasury including any office and bureau thereof or subject to the denial of export privileges by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

**The signature of the beneficiary with title as stated conforms with that on file with us and is authorized for the execution of such instruction.

       
 
(Official Bank Stamp)
 
(Name of Beneficiary)
   
By:
 
 
(Name of Bank)
 
(Authorized Signature)
       
 
(Address of Bank)
 
(Title)
By:
     
 
(Authorized Signature)
 
(Telephone Number)
   
Date:
 
 
(Title)
   
       
 
(Telephone Number)
   
Date:
     

 
 

 
 


 EXHIBIT 7





U.S. Bank National Association
800 Nicollet Mall
BC-MN-H20G
Minneapolis, MN 55402
 
Attention:  Standby Letters of Credit
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Reference is made to that certain Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit bearing Letter of Credit No. SLCMMSP06726 dated November 15, 2012 (the “ Letter of Credit ”), which has been established by you in favor of RCMC I, Inc. (the “ Owner Participant ”).
 
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of the Owner Participant, hereby surrenders the Letter of Credit for immediate cancellation.  The Letter of Credit is returned herewith and we request that you cancel the Letter of Credit as of the date hereof.
 
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Letter of Credit.
 
RCMC I, INC.
 
By________________________
     [Name and Title of Authorized
      Representative of Owner Participant]

 
 

 

 SCHEDULE I


The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of the Letter of Credit and the Schedules and Exhibits thereto, except that terms defined in the Letter of Credit shall have the meanings given to them therein.  Terms defined by reference to the Participation Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them therein from time to time.
 
Administrating Bank ” means Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), a national banking association.
 
Availability Agreement ” means the Availability Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, among the Company and the Operating Companies, as amended heretofore and as amended from time to time.
 
Availability Agreement Assignment ” means the Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among the Company, EAI, ELI, EMI, ENOI, and the Administrating Bank, substantially in the form of Exhibit I to the Reimbursement Agreement, and as amended from time to time.
 
Applicable Law ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Bank ” means the Funding Bank, the Cypress Funding Bank or any Participating Bank.
 
Business Day ” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York or Minneapolis, Minnesota are authorized or required by law to close.
 
Casualty Value ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Code   means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the applicable regulations thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
 
Collateral Agreements   means the Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement, the Availability Agreement and the Availability Agreement Assignment.
 
Cypress Funding Bank ” means Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.), a national banking association.
 
Date of Issuance ” means November 15, 2012.
 
Date of Early Termination ” has the meaning assigned to it in the eighth paragraph of the Letter of Credit.
 
Deemed Loss Event ” has the meaning specified in the Participation Agreement.
 
DLE Term Advance ” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1 of the Reimbursement Agreement.
 
EAI ” means Entergy Arkansas Inc., an Arkansas corporation.
 
ELI ” means Entergy Louisiana, Inc., a Louisiana corporation.
 
EMI ” means Entergy Mississippi, Inc., a Mississippi corporation.
 
ENOI ” means Entergy New Orleans, Inc., a Louisiana corporation.
 
Entergy ” means Entergy Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
 
EOL Term Advance ” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1 of the Reimbursement Agreement.
 
ERISA ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is a member of a group of which the Company is a member and which is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
 
Event of Default ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Facility Lease.
 
Event of Loss ” has the meaning specified in the Participation Agreement.
 
Facility Lease ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Fee Letters ” means (i) the Third Amended and Restated Fee Letter, dated November 15, 2012, between the Company and the Administrating Bank, and (ii) the Fee Letter, dated November 15, 2012, between the Company and the Funding Bank, in each case, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Funding Bank ” means U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association.
 
Funding Corporation ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Governmental Action ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Governmental Authority ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Holding Company Act ” means the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
 
Indebtedness   of any Person means at any date, without duplication, the following items to the extent required under generally accepted accounting principles to be disclosed in such Person’s financial statements (including the notes thereto): (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind; (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments; (iii) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid; (iv) all obligations under leases which shall have been or should be, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such Person is liable as lessee; (v) all obligations under the Facility Leases (regardless of treatment in the financial statements or notes thereto); (vi) all obligations with respect to any sale and leaseback transaction permitted under Section 12(a)(v) of the Reimbursement Agreement (regardless of treatment in the financial statements or notes thereto); (vii) liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under Plans; (viii) Withdrawal Liability incurred under ERISA by such Person or any of its affiliates to any Multiemployer Plan; (ix) reimbursement obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or other bonds and similar instruments; (x) the book value of any asset of such Person upon which a Lien is imposed for the purpose of securing Indebtedness of others; (xi) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in connection with interest rate protection agreements or other similar instruments, including currency swaps; (xii) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (xiii) all Indebtedness of any partnership of which such Person is a general partner; and (xiv) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to above; provided, however, that the liabilities in clauses (vii) and (viii) above will only be counted as “Indebtedness” to the extent that they are required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person under generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Indenture ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Indenture Trustee ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Lease Indenture Estate ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Lien   means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.  For the purposes of the Reimbursement Agreement and the Letter of Credit, a Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.
 
Maximum Available Credit Amount ” shall mean an amount equal to the Maximum Credit Amount, as such amount may be modified from time to time in accordance with the fourth paragraph of the Letter of Credit.
 
Maximum Drawing Amount ” means, with respect to a Date of Drawing, the amount shown opposite the period including such Date of Drawing in the Table of Maximum Drawing Amounts attached as Schedule II to the Letter of Credit, as such amounts may be modified from time to time in accordance with the fourth paragraph of the Letter of Credit (collectively, the “ Maximum Drawing Amounts ”).
 
Multiemployer Plan ” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate (other than one considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) or Code Section 414) is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.
 
Notes ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Obligations ” means, with regard to any Person at any date, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such Person with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (iii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iv) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (v) all obligations under leases relating to any sale and leaseback transaction permitted under Section 12(a)(v) of the Reimbursement Agreement, (vi) all obligations under leases which shall have been or should be, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such Person is liable as lessee, (vii) reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or other bonds and similar instruments, and (viii) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to above; provided , however , that obligations under clause (ii), (vii), or (viii) above shall not be included in this definition to the extent that such obligations are being contested by such Person in good faith and in an appropriate manner.
 
Operating Companies ” means EAI, EMI, ELI and ENOI, each being an “ Operating Company ”.
 
Other Owner Participant ” means Cypress GG2, LLC, assignee in interest of Textron Financial Corporation, assignee in interest of Lease Management Realty Corporation IV, and its permitted successors and assigns.
 
Owner Trustee ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Partial Draw ” has the meaning assigned to it in the seventh paragraph of the Letter of Credit.
 
Partial Drawing Amount ” means, with respect to any Partial Drawing Event, the amount certified by the Owner Participant in accordance with Section 7(a) of the Letter of Credit to be an amount not exceeding the amount of Rent due and unpaid the non-payment of which gave rise to such Partial Drawing Event.
 
Partial Drawing Event ” means an Event of Default under Section 15(i) of the Facility Lease.
 
Participant ” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 23(a) of the Reimbursement Agreement.
 
Participating Banks   means the banks, other than Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank of California, N.A.) solely in its role as administrating bank, whose names are listed on the signature pages of the Reimbursement Agreement under the heading “Participating Banks”, and any other financial institution that shall have become a party to the Reimbursement Agreement pursuant to an assignment and assumption agreement executed and delivered pursuant to Section 23(b) of the Reimbursement Agreement, each being a “ Participating Bank ”.
 
Participation Agreement ” means the Participation Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1988, among the Owner Participant, the Funding Corporation, the banks named therein as Original Loan Participants, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta in their individual capacities and as Owner Trustee, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (successor to Bankers Trust Company) and Stanley Burg, in their individual capacities and as Indenture Trustee, and the Company.
 
Participation Percentage   with respect to a Participating Bank means the percentage set forth opposite such Participating Bank’s name in Schedule 1 to the Reimbursement Agreement or, in the case of a Participating Bank party to an assignment and assumption agreement executed and delivered to the Administrating Bank pursuant to Section 23(b) of the Reimbursement Agreement, the percentage set forth opposite such Participating Bank’s name in such assignment and assumption agreement.
 
PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.
 
Person ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Plan ” means any pension plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and which is maintained for employees of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate.
 
Reimbursement Agreement ” means the Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among the Company, the Administrating Bank, the Cypress Funding Bank, the Funding Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, BNP Paribas, as Documentation Agent, and the banks named therein as Participating Banks, as the same may from time to time be amended, supplemented or modified.
 
Rent ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
Reportable Event ” means any reportable event as defined in Section 4043(b) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than a Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate which is considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Code Section 414).
 
Required Banks ” means at any time Participating Banks whose aggregate Participation Percentages are equal to at least 66-2/3% at such time.
 
Significant Operating Company ” means an Operating Company whose entitlement percentage under the UPSA exceeds 20%.
 
Significant Operating Group ” means any two or more Operating Companies whose entitlement percentage under the UPSA exceeds 20% in the aggregate.
 
Stated Expiration Date ” means August 31, 2015.
 
Subsidiary ” means with respect to any Person (herein referred to as the “parent”), any corporation, association or other business entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power are, at the time any determination is being made, owned, controlled or held or (b) which is, at the time any determination is made, otherwise controlled (by contract or agreement or otherwise) by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
 
Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement ” means the Thirty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of December 22, 2003, among Entergy, the Company and the Administrating Bank, substantially in the form of Exhibit H to the Reimbursement Agreement, and as amended from time to time.
 
Termination Date ” means the earliest of (i) 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the Date of Early Termination, (ii) 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date on which the Owner Participant surrenders the Letter of Credit for cancellation to the Funding Bank with a notice in the form of Exhibit 7 to the Letter of Credit, (iii) 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date on which the Funding Bank pays a Final Draw, and (iv) either (x) if a draft and certificate, all in strict conformity with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit, are presented after 10:00 a.m. but prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Stated Expiration Date, 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day following the Stated Expiration Date, or otherwise (y) 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Stated Expiration Date.

Termination Event ” means (i) a Reportable Event or (ii) the withdrawal of the Company or an ERISA Affiliate from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, or (iii) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (iv) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (v) any other event or condition which is reasonably expected to constitute grounds for the imposition of a lien in favor of a Plan for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA.
 
Transaction Documents   means the Reimbursement Agreement, the Participation Agreement, the Indenture, the Notes, the Facility Lease, the Letter of Credit, the Fee Letters and the Collateral Agreements.
 
Unit 1 ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Participation Agreement.
 
UPSA ” means the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, among the Company and the Operating Companies, as amended heretofore and as amended from time to time.
 
Withdrawal Liability ” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 
 

 


 

SCHEDULE II


Table of Maximum Drawing Amounts


Applicable Period
 
Maximum Drawing Amount
From November 15, 2012 to and including January 15, 2013
$120,655,014.18
From January 16, 2013 to and including July 15, 2013
$109,093,737.26
From July 16, 2013 to and including January 15, 2014
$109,751,909.66
From January 16, 2014 to and including July 15, 2014
$113,693,268.00
From July 16, 2014 to and including January 15, 2015
$118,381,974.80
From January 16, 2015 to and including August 31, 2015
$94,640,381.04

 
 
 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE III

The Funding Bank shall have the right upon the occurrence of any of the events listed below to terminate the Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Credit.
 
(i)           the Company shall (a) fail to pay when due any amount payable under Section 2 of the Reimbursement Agreement, (b) fail to pay any amount payable under Section 3 of the Reimbursement Agreement within five (5) Business Days after the same shall become due, or (c) fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in any of the Collateral Agreements; or
 
(ii)           the Company shall violate any covenant contained in Section 12 of the Reimbursement Agreement, except for violations resulting from an involuntary lien under Section 12(e) of the Reimbursement Agreement; or
 
(iii)           the Company shall fail to observe or perform any covenant contained in Section 11(g)(i) of the Reimbursement Agreement; or
 
(iv)           the Company shall fail to make, or cause to be made, after the passage of any applicable grace period, any payment or payments specified in Section 15(i) of any of the Facility Leases; or
 
(v)           the Company shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in the Reimbursement Agreement (other than those covered by clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above) for 30 days after written notice thereof has been given to the Company by the Administrating Bank or any Bank; or
 
(vi)           any representation, warranty, certification or statement made by the Company in the Reimbursement Agreement or in any certificate, financial statement or other document delivered pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made; or
 
(vii)           any material provision of the Reimbursement Agreement or any Collateral Agreement shall at any time for any reason cease to be valid and binding upon the Company, or shall be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by the Company or any governmental agency or authority, or the Company shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation under the Reimbursement Agreement or any Collateral Agreement; or
 
(viii)           (a) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to make any payment of any amount in respect of any Obligations, or to make any payment of any interest or premium thereon, when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument relating to such Obligations;
 
(b)           any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to any Obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate (other than by a specified mandatory redemption provision in connection with pollution control bonds unrelated to any default or event of default with respect thereto) the maturity of any such Obligations and if the total of all such Obligations which (x) have become due and not been paid under clause (viii)(a) and (y) have been accelerated under this clause (viii)(b) shall exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;
 
(c)           if any EOL Term Advances or DLE Term Advances are outstanding, Entergy shall fail to make any payment of any amount in respect of any of its Obligations the aggregate principal amount of which is greater than $25,000,000, or to make any payment of any interest or premium thereon, when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument relating to such Obligations;
 
(d)           if any EOL Term Advances or DLE Term Advances are outstanding, any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to any Obligations of Entergy the aggregate principal amount of which is greater than $25,000,000, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate (other than by a specified mandatory redemption provision in connection with pollution control bonds unrelated to any default or event of default with respect thereto) the maturity of any Obligations and if the total of all such Obligations which (x) have become due and not been paid under clause (viii)(c) and (y) have been accelerated under this clause (viii)(d) shall exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate; or
 
(e)           any Obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company the aggregate principal amount of which is greater than $10,000,000, or if any EOL Term Advances or DLE Term Advances are outstanding, any Obligations of Entergy the aggregate principal amount of which is greater than $25,000,000, in any case shall be declared due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or a specified mandatory redemption provision in connection with pollution control bonds unrelated to any default or event of default with respect thereof) prior to the stated maturity thereof; or
 
(ix)           an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking (a) relief in respect of the Company, any Significant Operating Company or Significant Operating Group or of a substantial part of its or their property or assets, under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (b) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such company or group, or for a substantial part of its or their property or assets, or (c) the winding-up or liquidation of the Company or any Significant Operating Company or Significant Operating Group; and such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days, or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered; or
 
(x)           the Company or any Significant Operating Company or Significant Operating Group shall (a) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (b) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or the filing of any petition described in clause (ix) above, (c) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such company or companies, or for a substantial part of its or their property or assets, (d) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it or them in any such proceeding, (e) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (f) become unable, admit in writing its or their inability or fail generally to pay its or their debts as they become due or (g) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or
 
(xi)           any judgment or order for the payment of money exceeding any applicable insurance coverage by more than $10,000,000 shall be rendered against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and shall remain undischarged or unstayed for 30 days and enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order; or
 
(xii)           within 30 days after the reporting of any Termination Event to the Administrating Bank, the Administrating Bank shall have notified the Company in writing that the Required Banks have made a reasonable determination that, on the basis of such Termination Event, the financial condition of the Company is, or could reasonably be expected to become, materially and adversely affected; or
 
(xiii)           the Reimbursement Agreement or any Collateral Agreement, or any material provision thereof, shall for any reason cease to be, or be asserted by either the Company, Entergy, any Operating Company or any Governmental Authority not to be, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, Entergy or the Operating Companies, enforceable in accordance with its terms; or the security interest or Lien purported to be created by any Collateral Agreement shall for any reason cease to be, or be asserted by the Company not to be, a valid, first priority perfected security interest (subject to no Liens, except Liens not prohibited by Section 12(e) of the Reimbursement Agreement) in the Collateral as defined under each such Collateral Agreement; or
 
(xiv)           Entergy shall cease to own, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens whatsoever, all of the common stock equity, voting stock and other voting equity interests (including, without limitation, limited liability company membership interests) of any of the Company, EAI, ELI, EMI or ENOI (other than (a) non-voting preferred stock and other non-voting preferred equity interests (including, without limitation, non-voting limited liability company membership interests that are entitled to distributions prior to the payment of distributions with respect to other limited liability company membership interests) of any such Person which has or may have only limited voting rights upon the occurrence of any default or other contingency and (b) voting preferred stock and other voting preferred equity interests (including, without limitation, voting limited liability company membership interests that are entitled to distributions prior to the payment of distributions with respect to other limited liability company membership interests) of any such Person having not more than 30% of the total voting power of all voting capital stock and other voting equity interests (including, without limitation, voting limited liability company membership interests) of such Person); or
 
(xv)           any change in Applicable Law or any Governmental Action (including revocation or modification of any required regulatory approval) shall occur which adversely affects, in other than immaterial ways, (I) the obligations or ability of the Company, Entergy, any Operating Company, any Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Participant, the Other Owner Participant, the Funding Corporation, the Cypress Funding Bank, the Funding Bank, the Administrating Bank, any Participating Bank or any Participant to make any required payment under, or otherwise to perform, or the right or ability of any such Person to enforce its rights under, the Reimbursement Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or (II) the value of the Collateral Agreements or the Lease Indenture Estate, unless such result can be avoided by action which is within the control of and can be taken by a Bank or Participant within a reasonable period of time, and which is not adverse to the interests of or onerous to such Bank (and each Bank and Participant has covenanted with each other Bank and Participant to take any such action).
 
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Letter of Credit.
 

 




 
 

 

SCHEDULE 1
to Fifth Amendment and Consent





Participating Bank                                                                             Participation Percentage

Union Bank, N.A.                                                                                      16.406646042%
U.S. Bank National Association                                                             16.406646042%
BNP Paribas                                                                                               16.406646042%
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.                                                                  13.567034227%
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association                                              13.567034227%
CoBank, ACB                                                                                             13.567034227%
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.                                             10.078959193%


 
 

 

SCHEDULE 3


PRICING SCHEDULE

The “ Eurodollar Spread ”, “ Participation Fee Rate ”, “ ABR Spread ” and “ Commitment Fee Rate ” for any day are the respective annual percentage rates set forth below in the applicable row under the column corresponding to the Status that exists on such day:

 
≥A-/A3
BBB+/Baa1
BBB/Baa2
BBB-/Baa3
≤BB+/Ba1
Status
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Eurodollar Spread (and Participation Fee Rate)
1.125%
1.250%
1.500%
1.750%
2.000%
ABR Spread
0.125%
0.250%
0.500%
0.750%
1.000%
Commitment Fee Rate
0.125%
0.175%
0.225%
0.275%
0.375%
 

For purposes of this Pricing Schedule, the following terms have the following meanings:
 
Level 1 Status ” exists at any date if, at such date, the Index Debt is rated A- or higher by S&P and A3 or higher by Moody’s.
 
Level 2 Status ” exists at any date if, at such date (i) the Index Debt is rated BBB+ or higher by S&P and Baa1 or higher by Moody’s and (ii) Level 1 Status does not exist.
 
Level 3 Status ” exists at any date if, at such date (i) the Index Debt is rated BBB or higher by S&P and Baa2 or higher by Moody’s and (ii) neither Level 1 Status nor Level 2 Status exists.
 
Level 4 Status ” exists at any date if, at such date (i) the Index Debt is rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher by Moody’s and (ii) none of Level 1 Status, Level 2 Status or Level 3 Status exists.
 
Level 5 Status ” exists at any date if, at such date, no other Status exists.
 
Status ” refers to the determination of which of Level 1 Status, Level 2 Status, Level 3 Status, Level 4 Status, or Level 5 Status exists at any date.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Index Debt is split-rated and the ratings differential is two or more ratings levels, the Status shall be determined based on the lower rating, assuming that (a) the lower rating is equal to the midpoint of the two ratings (e.g., for a split rating of A-/Baa2, BBB+ is the midpoint and will be deemed to be the lower rating, and for a split rating of BB+/A3, Baa2 is the midpoint and will be deemed to be the lower rating) or (b) if there is no exact midpoint, the lower rating is equal to the lower of the two middle intermediate ratings (e.g., for a split rating of A-/Baa3, BBB is the lower of the two middle intermediate ratings and will be deemed to be the lower rating, and for a split rating of BB+/Baa1, Baa3 is the lower of the two middle intermediate ratings and will be deemed to be the lower rating).
 
If at any time the Index Debt is unrated by Moody’s or S&P, Level 5 Status shall exist; provided that if the reason that there is no such Moody’s rating or S&P rating results from Moody’s or S&P, as the case may be, ceasing to issue debt ratings generally, then the Account Party and the Administrating Bank may select another nationally-recognized rating agency to substitute for Moody’s or S&P, as applicable, for purposes of the foregoing Schedule (and all references herein to Moody’s or S&P, as applicable, shall refer to such substitute rating agency), and until a substitute nationally-recognized rating agency is so selected the Status shall be determined by reference to the rating most recently in effect prior to such cessation.
 
The Eurodollar Spread, Participation Fee Rate, ABR Spread and Commitment Fee Rate shall be increased or decreased in accordance with the foregoing Schedule upon any change in the applicable ratings of the Index Debt.  The ratings of the Index Debt in effect at any date are those in effect at the close of business on such date.





                           
Exhibit 12(a)
 
                               
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
 
                               
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
  Total Interest Charges
  $ 87,732     $ 92,340     $ 91,598     $ 83,545     $ 82,860  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    20,687       14,440       6,612       6,492       5,768  
 
                                       
Total fixed charges, as defined
    108,419       106,780       98,210       90,037       88,628  
 
                                       
Preferred dividends, as defined (a)
    20,957       15,275       8,483       11,310       11,310  
 
                                       
Combined fixed charges and preferred dividends, as defined
  $ 129,376     $ 122,055     $ 106,693     $ 101,347     $ 99,938  
 
                                       
Earnings as defined:
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 47,152     $ 66,875     $ 172,618     $ 164,891     $ 152,365  
  Add:
                                       
    Provision for income taxes:
                                       
       Total
    96,623       81,756       112,944       132,765       88,628  
    Fixed charges as above
    108,419       106,780       98,210       90,037       88,628  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 252,194     $ 255,411     $ 383,772     $ 387,693     $ 329,621  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined
    2.33       2.39       3.91       4.31       3.72  
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
                                       
 preferred dividends, as defined
    1.95       2.09       3.60       3.83       3.30  
                                         
                                         
------------------------
                                       
(a) "Preferred dividends," as defined by SEC regulation S-K, are computed by dividing the preferred dividend
   
      requirement by one hundred percent (100%) minus the income tax rate.
                                       


 
                         
Exhibit 12(b)
 
                               
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
                               
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
  Total Interest charges
  $ 131,197     $ 118,243     $ 101,318     $ 84,356     $ 83,251  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    9,197       3,767       2,204       2,309       2,074  
 
                                       
Total fixed charges, as defined
    140,394       122,010       103,522       86,665       85,325  
 
                                       
Preferred dividends, as defined (a)
    1,151       1,306       1,006       1,341       1,341  
 
                                       
Combined fixed charges and preferred dividends, as defined
  $ 141,545     $ 123,316     $ 104,528     $ 88,006     $ 86,666  
 
                                       
Earnings as defined:
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 131,888     $ 153,281     $ 174,319     $ 201,604     $ 158,977  
  Add:
                                       
    Income Taxes
    70,076       88,951       92,297       89,736       52,616  
    Fixed charges as above
    140,394       122,010       103,522       86,665       85,325  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 342,358     $ 364,242     $ 370,138     $ 378,005     $ 296,918  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined
    2.44       2.99       3.58       4.36       3.48  
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
                                       
 preferred dividends, as defined
    2.42       2.95       3.54       4.30       3.43  
                                         
------------------------
                                       
(a) "Preferred dividends," as defined by SEC regulation S-K, are computed by dividing the preferred dividend
   
      requirement by one hundred percent (100%) minus the income tax rate.
                                       
                                         


Exhibit 12(c)  
                               
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions
 
                               
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
Total Interest
  $ 94,310     $ 103,671     $ 119,484     $ 116,803     $ 136,967  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    12,099       6,810       4,103       4,269       3,928  
 
                                       
Total fixed charges, as defined
  $ 106,409     $ 110,481     $ 123,587     $ 121,072     $ 140,895  
 
                                       
Preferred distributions, as defined (a)
    10,067       8,295       8,474       11,297       11,297  
                                         
Combined fixed charges and preferred distributions, as defined
  $ 116,476     $ 118,776     $ 132,061     $ 132,369     $ 152,192  
                                         
Earnings as defined:
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 157,543     $ 232,845     $ 231,435     $ 473,923     $ 281,081  
  Add:
                                       
    Provision for income taxes:
                                       
Total Taxes (Benefit)
    70,648       45,050       66,546       (370,211 )     140,895  
    Fixed charges as above
    106,409       110,481       123,587       121,072       140,895  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 334,600     $ 388,376     $ 421,568     $ 224,784     $ 562,871  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined
    3.14       3.52       3.41       1.86       3.99  
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
                                       
preferred distributions, as defined
    2.87       3.27       3.19       1.70       3.70  
                                         
------------------------
                                       
(a) "Preferred distributions," as defined by SEC regulation S-K, are computed by dividing the preferred distribution
                                 
      requirement by one hundred percent (100%) minus the income tax rate.
                                       
                                         


Exhibit 12(d)  
                               
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
 
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
 
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
 
                           
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
  Total Interest
  $ 46,888     $ 51,282     $ 55,774     $ 52,273     $ 57,345  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    1,638       1,959       1,921       1,731       1,637  
                                         
Total fixed charges, as defined
  $ 48,526     $ 53,241     $ 57,695     $ 54,004     $ 58,982  
 
                                       
Preferred dividends, as defined (a)
    4,402       4,370       3,435       4,580       4,580  
 
                                       
Combined fixed charges and preferred dividends, as defined
  $ 52,928     $ 57,611     $ 61,130     $ 58,584     $ 63,562  
 
                                       
Earnings as defined:
                                       
 
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 59,710     $ 79,367     $ 85,377     $ 108,729     $ 46,768  
  Add:
                                       
    Provision for income taxes:
                                       
    Total income taxes
    33,240       43,395       50,111       28,801       58,679  
    Fixed charges as above
    48,526       53,241       57,695       54,004       58,982  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 141,476     $ 176,003     $ 193,183     $ 191,534     $ 164,429  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined
    2.92       3.31       3.35       3.55       2.79  
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
                                       
 preferred dividends, as defined
    2.67       3.06       3.16       3.27       2.59  
                                         
                                         
------------------------
                                       
(a) "Preferred dividends," as defined by SEC regulation S-K, are computed by dividing the preferred dividend
                                 
      requirement by one hundred percent (100%) minus the income tax rate.
                                       
                                         


Exhibit 12(e)  
                               
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
 
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
 
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
 
                           
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
  Total Interest
  $ 20,982     $ 16,965     $ 13,170     $ 11,114     $ 11,344  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    444       593       751       743       670  
                                         
Total fixed charges, as defined
    21,426       17,558       13,921       11,857       12,014  
 
                                       
Preferred dividends, as defined (a)
    1,602       1,454       1,177       1,569       1,569  
 
                                       
Combined fixed charges and preferred dividends, as defined
  $ 23,028     $ 19,012     $ 15,098     $ 13,426     $ 13,583  
 
                                       
Earnings as defined:
                                       
 
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 34,947     $ 30,479     $ 31,114     $ 35,976     $ 17,065  
  Add:
                                       
    Provision for income taxes:
                                    12,014  
     Total
    23,052       15,346       16,601       15,862       7,240  
    Fixed charges as above
    21,426       17,558       13,921       11,857       12,014  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 79,425     $ 63,383     $ 61,636     $ 63,695     $ 36,319  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined (b)
    3.71       3.61       4.43       5.37       3.02  
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
                                 
 preferred dividends, as defined
    3.45       3.33       4.08       4.74       2.67  
                                         
                                         
------------------------
                                       
(a) "Preferred dividends," as defined by SEC regulation S-K, are computed by dividing the preferred dividend
 
requirement by one hundred percent (100%) minus the income tax rate.
                 


Exhibit 12(f)  
                           
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
 
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
 
                               
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
  Total Interest charges
  $ 80,197     $ 106,163     $ 95,272     $ 93,554     $ 96,035  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    2,760       3,069       3,178       3,497       2,750  
 
                                       
Total fixed charges, as defined
    82,957       109,232       98,450       97,051       98,785  
 
                                       
 
                                       
Earnings as defined:
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 57,895     $ 63,841     $ 66,200     $ 80,845     $ 41,971  
  Add:
                                       
    Income Taxes
    28,118       36,915       42,383       49,492       33,118  
    Fixed charges as above
    82,957       109,232       98,450       97,051       98,785  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 168,970     $ 209,988     $ 207,033     $ 227,388     $ 173,874  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined
    2.04       1.92       2.10       2.34       1.76  
 
                                       
                                         
                                         


                           
Exhibit 12(g)
 
                               
System Energy Resources, Inc.
 
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
 
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
                           
                               
                               
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
                               
Fixed charges, as defined:
                             
  Total Interest
  $ 56,667     $ 47,570     $ 51,912     $ 48,117     $ 45,214  
  Interest applicable to rentals
    9,057       5,885       634       684       655  
 
                                       
Total fixed charges, as defined
  $ 65,724     $ 53,455     $ 52,546     $ 48,801     $ 45,869  
 
                                       
Earnings as defined:
                                       
  Net Income
  $ 91,067     $ 48,908     $ 82,624     $ 64,197     $ 111,866  
  Add:
                                       
    Provision for income taxes:
                                       
      Total
    59,494       96,901       56,049       74,953       77,115  
    Fixed charges as above
    65,724       53,455       52,546       48,801       45,869  
 
                                       
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 216,285     $ 199,264     $ 191,219     $ 187,951     $ 234,850  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined
    3.29       3.73       3.64       3.85       5.12  
                                         
                                         
 
                                       


Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation as of December 31, 2012

Certain subsidiaries, which if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary would not constitute a significant subsidiary as of December 31, 2012, have been omitted.

Name of Company
 
State of Incorporation
     
Entergy Corporation
 
Delaware
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
 
Arkansas
System Fuels, Inc.
 
Louisiana
Arkansas Power & Light Company
 
Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas Restoration Funding, LLC
 
Delaware
Transmission Company Arkansas, LLC
 
Michigan
EGS Holdings, Inc.
 
Texas
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
 
Louisiana
Varibus LLC (Varibus)
 
Texas
Prudential Oil & Gas LLC
 
Texas
Southern Gulf Railway LLC
 
Texas
Gulf States Utilities Company
 
Texas
Transmission Company Louisiana I, LLC
 
Michigan
Entergy Louisiana Holdings, Inc.
 
Texas
Entergy Louisiana Properties, LLC
 
Texas
System Fuels, Inc.
 
Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
 
Texas
Louisiana Power & Light Company
 
Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana Investment Recovery Funding I, L.L.C.
 
Louisiana
Transmission Company Louisiana II, LLC
 
Michigan
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
 
Mississippi
System Fuels, Inc.
 
Louisiana
Jackson Gas Light Company
 
Mississippi
Entergy Power & Light Company
 
Mississippi
The Light, Heat and Water Company of Jackson, Mississippi
 
Mississippi
Mississippi Power & Light Company
 
Mississippi
Transmission Company Mississippi, LLC
 
Michigan
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
 
Louisiana
System Fuels, Inc.
 
Louisiana
New Orleans Public Service, Inc.
 
Louisiana
Transmission Company New Orleans, LLC
 
Michigan
Entergy Texas, Inc.
 
Texas
Entergy Texas Restoration Funding, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Gulf States Reconstruction Funding I, LLC
 
Delaware
Prudential Oil & Gas LLC
 
Texas
Southern Gulf Railway LLC
 
Texas
GSG&T, Inc.
 
Texas
Transmission Company Texas, LLC
 
Michigan
System Energy Resources, Inc.
 
Arkansas
Entergy Services, Inc.
 
Delaware
Entergy Operations, Inc.
 
Delaware
Mid South TransCo, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Enterprises, Inc.
 
Louisiana
Entergy Nuclear, Inc.
 
Delaware
TLG Services, Inc.
 
Connecticut
Entergy Nuclear PFS Company
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Potomac Company
 
Delaware

 
 

 


Name of Company
 
State of Incorporation
     
Entergy Nuclear Holding Company # 1
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Generation Company
 
Massachusetts
Entergy Nuclear New York Investment Company I
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 3, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear FitzPatrick, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Holding Company # 2
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Fuels Company
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Holding Company
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Midwest Investment Company, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Palisades, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nighthawk GP, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nighthawk LP, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Rhode Island State Energy, L.P.
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Holding Company # 3,
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Nebraska, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Vermont Investment Company, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Finance Holding, Inc.
 
Arkansas
Entergy Nuclear Finance, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Global Trading Holdings, LLC
 
Delaware
Nuclear Services Company, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Amalgamated Competitive Holdings, Inc.
 
Delaware
Entergy Power Gas Operations, LLC
 
Delaware
EWO Wind II, LLC
 
Delaware
EAM Nelson Holding, LLC
 
Delaware
EK Holding III, LLC
 
Delaware
EP Edegel, Inc.
 
Delaware
Entergy Asset Management, Inc.
 
Delaware
Entergy Power, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy International Holdings, LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy International Ltd. LLC
 
Delaware
Entergy Holdings Company, LLC
 
Delaware



 
 

 



Exhibit 24



February 25, 2013



TO:    Alyson M. Mount
           Daniel T. Falstad

Re:     Power of Attorney - Form 10-K


Entergy Corporation, referred to herein as the Company, will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Company and the undersigned persons, in their respective capacities as directors and/or officers of the Company, as specified in Attachment I, do each hereby make, constitute and appoint Alyson M. Mount and Daniel T. Falstad and each of them, their true and lawful Attorneys (with full power of substitution) for each of the undersigned and in his or her name, place and stead to sign and cause to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the aforementioned Annual Report on Form 10-K and any amendments thereto.

Yours very truly,

ENTERGY CORPORATION




By: /s/ Leo P. Denault
Leo P. Denault
Chairman of the Board, Director
and Chief Executive Officer



 
 

 




/s/ Maureen S. Bateman  
 
/s/ Blanche L. Lincoln                                       
Maureen S. Bateman
 
Blanche L. Lincoln
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Leo P. Denault                                       
 
/s/ Stewart C. Myers                                       
Leo P. Denault
 
Stewart C. Myers
Chairman of the Board,
Director and Chief
Executive Officer
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Alexix M. Herman                                       
 
/s/ William A. Percy, II                                       
Alexis M. Herman
 
William A. Percy, II
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Gary W. Edwards                                       
 
/s/ W. J. Tauzin                                       
Gary W. Edwards
 
W. J. “Billy” Tauzin
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Donald C. Hintz                                       
 
/s/ Steven V. Wilkinson  
Donald C. Hintz
 
Steven V. Wilkinson
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Stuart L. Levenick                                       
 
/s/ Andrew S. Marsh                                       
Stuart L. Levenick
 
Andrew S. Marsh
Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




 
 

 




ATTACHMENT I

Entergy Corporation

Chairman of the Board, Director and Chief Executive Officer – Leo P. Denault (principal executive officer)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer – Andrew S. Marsh (principal financial officer)

Directors – Maureen S. Bateman, Leo P. Denault, Gary W. Edwards, Alexis M. Herman, Donald C. Hintz, Stuart L. Levenick, Blanche L. Lincoln, Stewart C. Myers, William A. Percy, II,  W. J. “Billy” Tauzin, and Steven V. Wilkinson


 
 

 



February 25, 2013


TO:      Alyson M. Mount .
            Daniel T. Falstad

Re:      Power of Attorney - Form 10-K

Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc. and System Energy Resources, Inc. (collectively referred to herein as the Companies) will each file with the Securities and Exchange Commission its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Companies and the undersigned persons, in their respective capacities as directors and/or officers of the Companies, as specified in Attachment I, do each hereby make, constitute and appoint Alyson M. Mount and Daniel T. Falstad and each of them, their true and lawful Attorneys (with full power of substitution) for each of the undersigned and in his or her name, place and stead to sign and cause to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the aforementioned Annual Report on Form 10-K and any amendments thereto.

Yours very truly,

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
ENTERGY GULF STATES LOUISIANA, L.L.C.
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.


 
 

 




/s/ Hugh T. McDonald                                                            
 
/s/ Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.                                                            
Hugh T. McDonald
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
 
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.,
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Entergy Texas, Inc.
     
     
     
/s/ Phillip R. May, Jr.                                                            
 
/s/ Andrew S. Marsh                                                            
Phillip R. May, Jr.
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. and Entergy Louisiana, LLC
 
Andrew S. Marsh
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc.
     
     
     
/s/ Haley R. Fisackerly                                                            
 
/s/ Mark T. Savoff                                                            
Haley R. Fisackerly
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
 
Mark T. Savoff
Director of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., and Entergy Texas, Inc.
     
     
     
/s/ Charles L. Rice, Jr.                                                            
 
/s/ Steven C. McNeal                                                            
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
 
Steven C. McNeal
Director of System Energy Resources, Inc.
     
     
     
/s/ Sallie T. Rainer                                                            
 
/s/ Wanda C. Curry  
Sallie T. Rainer
Director, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Texas, Inc.
 
Wanda C. Curry
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Nuclear Operations of System Energy Resources, Inc.
     
     
     
/s/ Jeffrey S. Forbes  
   
Jeffrey S. Forbes
Director, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.
   


 
 

 

ATTACHMENT I

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Hugh T. McDonald (principal executive officer).

Directors – Hugh T. McDonald, Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh and Mark T. Savoff

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Phillip R. May, Jr. (principal executive officer).

Directors – Phillip R. May, Jr., Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh and Mark T. Savoff

Entergy Louisiana, LLC

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Phillip R. May, Jr. (principal executive officer).

Directors - Phillip R. May, Jr., Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh and Mark T. Savoff

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Haley R. Fisackerly (principal executive officer).

Directors – Haley R. Fisackerly, Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh and Mark T. Savoff

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Charles L. Rice, Jr. (principal executive officer).

Directors - Charles L. Rice, Jr., Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. and Mark T. Savoff

Entergy Texas, Inc.

Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Sallie T. Rainer (principal executive officer).

Directors – Sallie T. Rainer, Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Andrew S. Marsh and Mark T. Savoff

System Energy Resources, Inc.

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer – Jeffrey S. Forbes (principal executive officer);
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Nuclear Operations – Wanda C. Curry (principal financial officer).

Directors – Jeffrey S. Forbes, Andrew S. Marsh and Steven C. McNeal


 
 

 


Exhibit 31(a)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Leo P. Denault, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Corporation;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Leo P. Denault
Leo P. Denault
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Entergy Corporation
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(b)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Andrew S. Marsh, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Corporation;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Andrew S. Marsh   
Andrew S. Marsh
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(c)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Hugh T. McDonald, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Hugh T. McDonald  
Hugh T. McDonald
Chairman of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(d)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Alyson M. Mount, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(e)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Phillip R. May, Jr., certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Phillip R. May, Jr.  
Phillip R. May, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(f)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Alyson M. Mount, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
(acting principal financial officer)
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(g)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Phillip R. May, Jr., certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Louisiana, LLC;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Phillip R. May, Jr.  
Phillip R. May, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of Entergy Louisiana, LLC
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(h)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Alyson M. Mount, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Louisiana, LLC;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Alyson M. Mount
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
(acting principal financial officer)
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(i)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Haley R. Fisackerly, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Haley R. Fisackerly
Haley R. Fisackerly
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
 of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(j)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Alyson M. Mount, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(k)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Charles L. Rice, Jr., certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Charles L. Rice, Jr.  
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(l)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Alyson M. Mount, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(m)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Sallie T. Rainer, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Texas, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Sallie T. Rainer   
Sallie T. Rainer
Chair of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Texas, Inc.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(n)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Alyson M. Mount, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Entergy Texas, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Alyson M. Mount     
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Texas, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(o)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Jeffrey S. Forbes, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of System Energy Resources, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Jeffrey S. Forbes    
Jeffrey S. Forbes
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 31(p)
CERTIFICATIONS

 
I, Wanda C. Curry, certify that:
   
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of System Energy Resources, Inc.;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Wanda C. Curry   
Wanda C. Curry
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of System Energy Resources, Inc.
Date:           February 27, 2013


Exhibit 32(a)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Leo P. Denault, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Corporation (the “Company”), certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ /Leo P. Denault
Leo P. Denault
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Entergy Corporation

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(b)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Andrew S. Marsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation (the “Company”), certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Andrew S. Marsh  
Andrew S. Marsh
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(c)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Hugh T. McDonald, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”) , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Hugh T. McDonald  
Hugh T. McDonald
Chairman of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(d)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Alyson M. Mount, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(e)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Phillip R. May, Jr., Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. (the “Company”) , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Phillip R. May, Jr.  
Phillip R. May, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(f)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Alyson M. Mount, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
(acting principal financial officer)

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(g)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Phillip R. May, Jr., Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Louisiana, LLC (the “Company”) , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Phillip R. May, Jr.  
Phillip R. May, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President,
and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Louisiana, LLC

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(h)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Alyson M. Mount, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Louisiana, LLC (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Louisiana, LLC
(acting principal financial officer)

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(i)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Haley R. Fisackerly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Haley R. Fisackerly  
Haley R. Fisackerly
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(j)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Alyson M. Mount, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(k)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Charles L. Rice, Jr., Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Charles L. Rice, Jr.  
Charles L. Rice, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer of
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(l)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Alyson M. Mount, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(m)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Sallie T. Rainer, Chair of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Texas, Inc. (the “Company”) , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Sallie R. Rainer
Sallie T. Rainer
Chair of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
of Entergy Texas, Inc.

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(n)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I,   Alyson M. Mount, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy Texas, Inc. (the "Company") , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Alyson M. Mount  
Alyson M. Mount
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
Entergy Texas, Inc.
(acting principal financial officer)

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(o)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Jeffrey S. Forbes, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) , certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



/s/ Jeffrey S. Forbes     
Jeffrey S. Forbes
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.

Date:           February 27, 2013



Exhibit 32(p)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, Wanda C. Curry, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc. (the "Company"), certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
   
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented in the Report.



s/ Wanda C. Curry      
Wanda C. Curry
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of System Energy Resources, Inc.

Date:           February 27, 2013