Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Introduction
OG&E generates, transmits, distributes and sells electric energy in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Its operations are subject to regulation by the OCC, the APSC and the FERC. OG&E was incorporated in 1902 under the laws of the Oklahoma Territory. OG&E is the largest electric utility in Oklahoma, and its franchised service territory includes Fort Smith, Arkansas and the surrounding communities. OG&E sold its retail natural gas business in 1928 and is no longer engaged in the natural gas distribution business. OG&E is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OGE Energy, a holding company with investments in energy and energy services providers offering physical delivery and related services for both electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central U.S.
Overview
OG&E Mission and Focus
OGE Energy's mission, through OG&E and OGE Energy's equity interest in Enable, is to fulfill its critical role in the nation's electric utility and natural gas midstream pipeline infrastructure and meet individual customer's needs for energy and related services, focusing on safety, efficiency, reliability, customer service and risk management.
OG&E is focused on:
•providing exceptional customer experiences by continuing to improve customer interfaces, tools, products and services that deliver high customer satisfaction and operating productivity;
•providing safe, reliable energy to the communities and customers it serves, with a particular focus on enhancing the value of the grid by improving distribution grid reliability by reducing the frequency and duration of customer interruptions and leveraging previous grid technology investments;
•having strong regulatory and legislative relationships for the long-term benefit of customers, investors and members;
•continuing to grow a zero-injury culture and deliver top-quartile safety results;
•ensuring it has the necessary mix of generation resources to meet the long-term needs of its customers; and
•continuing focus on operational excellence and efficiencies in order to protect the customer bill.
Summary of 2019 Operating Results Compared to 2018
OG&E reported net income of $350.2 million and $328.0 million, respectively, in 2019 and 2018. The increase of $22.2 million, or 6.8 percent, was primarily due to higher gross margin driven primarily by the expiration of the cogeneration credit rider, lower income tax expense and lower interest expense. This increase was partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense due to additional assets being placed into service, lower allowance for funds used during construction due to certain environmental projects being completed and placed into service and higher other operation and maintenance expense.
A more detailed discussion regarding the financial performance of OG&E for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to December 31, 2018 can be found under "Results of Operations" below. A discussion of the financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 can be found within "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in OG&E's 2018 Form 10-K.
Recent Developments and Regulatory Matters
Further discussion can be found in Note 15 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Arkansas 2018 Formula Rate Plan Filing
Per OG&E's settlement in its last general rate review, OG&E filed an evaluation report under its Formula Rate Plan in October 2018. On March 6, 2019, the APSC approved a settlement agreement for a $3.3 million revenue increase, and new rates were effective as of April 1, 2019.
Arkansas 2019 Formula Rate Plan Filing
OG&E filed its second evaluation report under its Formula Rate Plan in October 2019. On January 29, 2020, OG&E, the General Staff of the APSC and the Office of the Arkansas Attorney General filed a settlement agreement requesting the
APSC approve a $5.2 million revenue increase, with rates effective April 1, 2020. The settling parties agreed that the Series I grid modernization projects are prudent in both action and cost and that the Series II grid modernization projects are prudent in action only and the determination of prudence of costs will be reserved until the actual historical costs are reviewed. The settling parties also agreed that OG&E will no longer use projections for the remaining initial term or extension of its current Formula Rate Plan and that all costs will be included for recovery for the first time in the historical year. A hearing was held on February 5, 2020, and OG&E is awaiting a final decision from the APSC.
Approval for Acquisition of Existing Power Plants
In May 2019, OG&E received approval from both the OCC and the FERC to acquire plants from AES and Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC. The OCC approved OG&E's acquisition price of $53.5 million, the requested rider mechanism for the AES plant and regulatory asset treatment for the Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC plant that will defer non-fuel operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation and ad valorem taxes. In August 2019, the APSC issued an order finding that the plants to be acquired were used and useful and that the acquisition of the plants was in the public interest. The APSC also approved the depreciation rates to be applied to the acquired plants. The cost OG&E paid for the acquired plants was reviewed by the APSC in OG&E's 2019 Formula Rate Plan filing, and parties reached a settlement agreement requesting the APSC approve the cost of the acquisition. OG&E is awaiting a final decision from the APSC.
OG&E completed the acquisition of the power plant from AES and placed it into service in May 2019, which is now named the River Valley power plant. OG&E completed the acquisition of the power plant from Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC and placed it into service in August 2019, which is now named the Frontier power plant.
FERC - Section 206 Filing
In May 2019, OG&E and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority agreed to a settlement regarding OG&E's formula transmission rates under the SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff which provides for 10 percent base return on equity, plus a 50-basis point adder, and a five-year amortization period of the unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes associated with the 2017 Tax Act. On November 21, 2019, the FERC approved the settlement agreement.
Oklahoma Rate Review Filing - December 2018
In May 2019, OG&E entered into a non-unanimous joint stipulation and settlement agreement regarding OG&E's general rate review request with the OCC staff, the Attorney General's Office of Oklahoma and certain other parties associated with the requested rate increase. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, OG&E would receive full recovery of its environmental investments in the Dry Scrubbers project and in the conversion of Muskogee Units 4 and 5 to natural gas. Base rates would not change as a result of the settlement agreement due to the reduction of costs related to cogeneration contracts and the acceleration of unprotected deferred tax savings over a 10-year period. Further, OG&E's current depreciation rates and return on equity of 9.5 percent for purposes of calculating the allowance for funds used during construction and OG&E's various recovery riders that include a full return component would remain unchanged.
In July 2019, OG&E implemented interim rates, which were subject to refund of any amount recovered in excess of the rates ultimately approved by the OCC in the rate review. In September 2019, the OCC issued a final order which approved the settlement agreement.
APSC - Environmental Compliance Plan Rider
In May 2019, OG&E filed an environmental compliance plan rider in Arkansas to recover its investment for the environmentally mandated costs associated with the Dry Scrubbers project and the conversion of Muskogee Units 4 and 5 to natural gas. The filing is an interim surcharge, subject to refund, that began with the first billing cycle of June 2019. OG&E is reserving the amounts collected through the interim surcharge, pending APSC approval of OG&E's filing. A hearing on the merits was held on December 17, 2019. The primary question before the APSC is whether a company can utilize an environmental compliance plan rider while also regulated under a formula rate plan. OG&E is awaiting a final decision from the APSC.
2020 Outlook
OG&E projects to earn approximately $346 million to $357 million in 2020 and is based on the following assumptions:
•normal weather patterns are experienced for the remainder of the year;
•gross margin on revenues of approximately $1.515 billion to $1.521 billion based on sales growth of approximately one percent on a weather-adjusted basis;
•operating expenses of approximately $980 million to $984 million, with operation and maintenance expenses comprising approximately 51 percent of the total;
•net interest expense of approximately $148 million to $150 million which assumes a $1.8 million allowance for borrowed funds used during construction reduction to interest expense;
•other income of approximately $3.0 million including approximately $4.5 million of allowance for equity funds used during construction; and
•an effective tax rate of approximately 10.0 percent.
OG&E has significant seasonality in its earnings. OG&E typically shows minimal earnings in the first and fourth quarters with a majority of its earnings in the third quarter due to the seasonal nature of air conditioning demand.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Gross margin is defined by OG&E as operating revenues less cost of sales. Cost of sales, as reflected on the income statement, includes fuel, purchased power and certain transmission expenses. Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure because it excludes depreciation and amortization and other operation and maintenance expenses. Expenses for fuel and purchased power are recovered through fuel adjustment clauses, and as a result, changes in these expenses are offset in operating revenues with no impact on net income. OG&E believes gross margin provides a more meaningful basis for evaluating its operations across periods than operating revenues because gross margin excludes the revenue effect of fluctuations in these expenses. Gross margin is used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Board of Directors. OG&E's definition of gross margin may be different from similar terms used by other companies. Further, gross margin is not intended to replace operating revenues as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance. For a reconciliation of gross margin to revenue, which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, see "Results of Operations" below.
Detailed below is a reconciliation of gross margin to revenue included in the 2020 Outlook.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020
(A)
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
$
|
2,247
|
|
Cost of sales
|
729
|
|
Gross margin
|
$
|
1,518
|
|
(A)Based on the midpoint of OG&E earnings guidance for 2020.
Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis presents factors that affected OG&E's results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and OG&E's financial position at December 31, 2019 and 2018. The following information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto. Known trends and contingencies of a material nature are discussed to the extent considered relevant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (Dollars in millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
|
Operating revenues
|
$
|
2,231.6
|
|
$
|
2,270.3
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
786.9
|
|
892.5
|
|
|
Other operation and maintenance
|
492.5
|
|
473.8
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
355.0
|
|
321.6
|
|
|
Taxes other than income
|
89.5
|
|
88.2
|
|
|
Operating income
|
507.7
|
|
494.2
|
|
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
|
4.5
|
|
23.8
|
|
|
Other net periodic benefit expense
|
1.2
|
|
8.9
|
|
|
Other income
|
6.7
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
Other expense
|
6.9
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
140.5
|
|
151.8
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
20.1
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
350.2
|
|
$
|
328.0
|
|
|
Operating revenues by classification:
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
$
|
891.1
|
|
$
|
901.0
|
|
|
Commercial
|
503.1
|
|
519.9
|
|
|
Industrial
|
223.0
|
|
234.5
|
|
|
Oilfield
|
204.0
|
|
193.5
|
|
|
Public authorities and street light
|
195.7
|
|
204.0
|
|
|
Sales for resale
|
0.1
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
System sales revenues
|
2,017.0
|
|
2,053.1
|
|
|
Provision for rate refund
|
(0.9)
|
|
(6.0)
|
|
|
Integrated market
|
38.4
|
|
48.7
|
|
|
Transmission
|
148.0
|
|
147.4
|
|
|
Other
|
29.1
|
|
27.1
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
$
|
2,231.6
|
|
$
|
2,270.3
|
|
|
Reconciliation of gross margin to revenue:
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
$
|
2,231.6
|
|
$
|
2,270.3
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
786.9
|
|
892.5
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
$
|
1,444.7
|
|
$
|
1,377.8
|
|
|
MWh sales by classification (In millions)
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
9.7
|
|
9.7
|
|
|
Commercial
|
6.5
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
Industrial
|
4.5
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
Oilfield
|
4.6
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
Public authorities and street light
|
3.1
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
System sales
|
28.4
|
|
28.1
|
|
|
Integrated market
|
1.2
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
Total sales
|
29.6
|
|
29.5
|
|
|
Number of customers
|
857,754
|
|
849,372
|
|
|
Weighted-average cost of energy per kilowatt-hour (In cents)
|
|
|
|
Natural gas
|
2.188
|
|
2.517
|
|
|
Coal
|
2.029
|
|
2.025
|
|
|
Total fuel
|
1.973
|
|
2.122
|
|
|
Total fuel and purchased power
|
2.534
|
|
2.900
|
|
|
Degree days (A)
|
|
|
|
Heating - Actual
|
3,771
|
|
3,776
|
|
|
Heating - Normal
|
3,354
|
|
3,349
|
|
|
Cooling - Actual
|
2,018
|
|
2,123
|
|
|
Cooling - Normal
|
2,095
|
|
2,092
|
|
|
(A)Degree days are calculated as follows: The high and low degrees of a particular day are added together and then averaged. If the calculated average is above 65 degrees, then the difference between the calculated average and 65 is expressed as cooling degree days, with each degree of difference equaling one cooling degree day. If the calculated average is below 65 degrees, then the difference
between the calculated average and 65 is expressed as heating degree days, with each degree of difference equaling one heating degree day. The daily calculations are then totaled for the particular reporting period.
OG&E's net income increased $22.2 million, or 6.8 percent, in 2019 as compared to 2018. Primary drivers for this increase in net income are further discussed below.
Gross margin increased $66.9 million, or 4.9 percent, in 2019 as compared to 2018. The below factors contributed to the change in gross margin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
$ Change
|
|
Price variance (A)
|
$
|
43.6
|
|
Weather (price and quantity) (B)
|
18.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
5.1
|
|
Change in gross margin
|
$
|
66.9
|
|
(A)Increased primarily due to the expiration of the cogeneration credit rider.
(B)Increased primarily due to higher cooling degree days for certain summer months during the period, which resulted in favorable weather impacts.
Cost of sales for OG&E consists of fuel used in electric generation, purchased power and transmission related charges. The actual cost of fuel used in electric generation and certain purchased power costs are passed through to OG&E's customers through fuel adjustment clauses. The fuel adjustment clauses are subject to periodic review by the OCC and the APSC. OG&E's cost of sales decreased $105.6 million, or 11.8 percent, in 2019 as compared to 2018. The below factors contributed to the change in cost of sales.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
$ Change
|
% Change
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel expense (A)
|
|
$
|
(50.7)
|
|
(13.1)
|
%
|
Purchased power costs:
|
|
|
|
Purchases from SPP (B)
|
|
41.0
|
|
16.0
|
%
|
Cogeneration (C)
|
|
(97.8)
|
|
(86.9)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
0.3
|
|
0.5
|
%
|
Transmission expense (D)
|
|
1.6
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
Change in cost of sales
|
|
$
|
(105.6)
|
|
|
(A)Decreased primarily due to lower natural gas prices during 2019.
(B)Increased primarily due to a 37.1 percent increase in MWhs purchased during 2019.
(C)Decreased primarily due to the expiration of the AES cogeneration contract in January 2019 and the Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC contract in August 2019, as discussed in Note 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
(D)Increased primarily due to higher SPP charges for the base plan projects of other utilities.
Other operation and maintenance expense increased $18.7 million, or 3.9 percent, in 2019 as compared to 2018. The below factors contributed to the change in other operation and maintenance expense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
$ Change
|
% Change
|
New expenses related to River Valley power plant (A)
|
$
|
13.7
|
|
*
|
|
Contract technical and construction services (B)
|
7.2
|
|
16.8
|
%
|
Other
|
(2.2)
|
|
(0.5)
|
%
|
|
|
|
Change in other operation and maintenance expense
|
$
|
18.7
|
|
|
*Not applicable, as prior year expenses were zero.
(A)Additional other operation and maintenance expenses related to the purchase of the River Valley plant are primarily recovered through a rider mechanism, as discussed in Note 15 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
(B)Increased primarily due to additional maintenance work at power plants.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $33.4 million, or 10.4 percent, primarily due to additional assets being placed into service.
Allowance for equity funds used during construction decreased $19.3 million, or 81.1 percent, primarily due to lower construction work in progress balances resulting from certain environmental projects being completed and placed into service.
Other net periodic benefit expense decreased $7.7 million, or 86.5 percent, primarily due to lower pension costs reflected in base rates as a result of a June 2018 Oklahoma rate review settlement.
Other income decreased $7.4 million, or 52.5 percent, primarily due to a decrease in the tax gross-up related to lower allowance for funds used during construction.
Interest on long-term debt decreased $19.1 million, or 12.1 percent, primarily due to the timing of higher interest rate debt maturing and being replaced with lower interest rate debt and due to the deferral of interest expense for the Sooner Dry Scrubbers to a regulatory asset, as disclosed in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction decreased $8.9 million, or 76.1 percent, primarily due to lower construction work in progress balances resulting from certain environmental projects being completed and placed into service.
Income tax expense decreased $19.9 million, or 49.8 percent, primarily due to an increase in the amortization of net refundable deferred taxes and higher tax credits.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
OG&E Railcar Lease Agreement
As of December 31, 2019, OG&E has a noncancellable operating lease with a purchase option, covering 780 rotary gondola railcars to transport coal from Wyoming to OG&E's coal-fired generation units. Rental payments are charged to fuel expense and are recovered through OG&E's fuel adjustment clauses. At the end of the lease term, which is February 1, 2024, OG&E has the option to either purchase the railcars at a stipulated fair market value or renew the lease. If OG&E chooses not to purchase the railcars or renew the lease agreement and the actual fair value of the railcars is less than the stipulated fair market value, OG&E would be responsible for the difference in those values up to a maximum of $6.8 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
|
$
Change
|
%
Change
|
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities (A)
|
$
|
573.8
|
|
$
|
804.0
|
|
|
$
|
(230.2)
|
|
(28.6)
|
%
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities (B)
|
$
|
(635.5)
|
|
$
|
(573.5)
|
|
|
$
|
(62.0)
|
|
10.8
|
%
|
|
|
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities (C)
|
$
|
61.7
|
|
$
|
(230.5)
|
|
|
$
|
292.2
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
* Greater than a 100 percent variance.
(A)Decreased primarily due to decreased amounts received from customers and an increase in vendor payments.
(B)Increased primarily due to the acquisition of the River Valley and Frontier power plants.
(C)Increased primarily due to changes in cash advances with parent as well as a decrease in dividends, partially offset by the issuance of less long-term debt in 2019.
Working Capital
Working capital is defined as the difference in current assets and current liabilities. OG&E's working capital requirements are driven generally by changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, commodity prices, credit extended to and the timing of collections from customers, the level and timing of spending for maintenance and expansion activity, inventory levels and fuel recoveries. The following discussion addresses changes in working capital balances at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018.
Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues decreased $17.0 million, or 7.2 percent, primarily due to mutual assistance payments received in 2019 and a decrease in customer billings.
Advances to Parent decreased $14.7 million, or 4.6 percent, primarily due to daily operational expenses, capital expenditures and the payment of long-term debt in January 2019, partially offset by an increase in cash from customers and proceeds from long-term debt in June 2019.
Fuel Inventories decreased $11.3 million, or 19.6 percent, primarily due to decreased coal inventory related to the Dry Scrubber systems on Sooner Units 1 and 2 being placed into service and decreased gas inventory.
Materials and Supplies, at Average Cost decreased $36.1 million, or 28.5 percent, primarily due to decreased inventory related to long-term service agreements.
Fuel Clause Under Recoveries increased $37.5 million, primarily due to lower recoveries from Oklahoma retail customers as compared to the actual cost of fuel and purchased power.
Other Current Assets decreased $5.9 million, or 23.1 percent, primarily due to a decrease in under-recovered riders, partially offset by transportation and demand prepayments.
Accounts Payable decreased $40.0 million, or 18.6 percent, primarily due to the timing of vendor payments.
Accrued Interest decreased $6.6 million, or 14.8 percent, primarily due to the payment of the OG&E $250.0 million senior notes due January 15, 2019 and related interest, as well as timing of payments and accruals.
Accrued Compensation decreased $4.3 million, or 12.7 percent, primarily due to 2018 incentive compensation payouts that occurred in the first quarter of 2019, partially offset by 2019 accruals.
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year decreased $250.0 million, or 100.0 percent, due to the payment of the OG&E $250.0 million senior notes due January 15, 2019.
Fuel Clause Over Recoveries increased $4.5 million, primarily due to higher recoveries from Arkansas retail customers as compared to the actual cost of fuel and purchased power.
Other Current Liabilities decreased $21.7 million, or 25.0 percent primarily due to changes in amounts owed to customers. Included in the December 31, 2019 balance is SPP reserves of $18.9 million and reserves for tax refund and interim surcharge of $12.7 million.
2019 Capital Requirements, Sources of Financing and Financing Activities
Total capital requirements, consisting of capital expenditures and maturities of long-term debt, were $885.6 million, and contractual obligations, net of recoveries through fuel adjustment clauses, were $11.1 million, resulting in total net capital requirements and contractual obligations of $896.7 million in 2019, of which $20.9 million was to comply with environmental regulations. This compares to net capital requirements of $823.7 million and net contractual obligations of $75.6 million totaling $899.3 million in 2018, of which $139.8 million was to comply with environmental regulations.
In 2019, OG&E's primary sources of capital were cash generated from operations and proceeds from the issuance of long- and short-term debt. Changes in working capital reflect the seasonal nature of OG&E's business, the revenue lag between billing and collection from customers and fuel inventories. See "Working Capital" for a discussion of significant changes in net working capital requirements as it pertains to operating cash flow and liquidity.
The Dodd-Frank Act
Derivative instruments have been used at times in managing OG&E's commodity price exposure. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, provides for regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission of certain commodity-related contracts. Although OG&E qualifies for an end-user exception from mandatory clearing of commodity-related swaps, these regulations could affect the ability of OG&E to participate in these markets and could add additional regulatory oversight over its contracting activities.
Future Capital Requirements
OG&E's primary needs for capital are related to acquiring or constructing new facilities and replacing or expanding existing facilities. Other working capital requirements are expected to be primarily related to maturing debt, operating lease
obligations, fuel clause under and over recoveries and other general corporate purposes. OG&E generally meets its cash needs through a combination of cash generated from operations, short-term borrowings (through a combination of bank borrowings, commercial paper and borrowings from OGE Energy) and permanent financings.
Capital Expenditures
OG&E's estimates of capital expenditures for the years 2020 through 2024 are shown in the following table. These capital expenditures represent the base maintenance capital expenditures (i.e., capital expenditures to maintain and operate OG&E's business) plus capital expenditures for known and committed projects.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
2023
|
2024
|
Total
|
Transmission
|
$
|
45
|
|
$
|
40
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
$
|
190
|
|
Oklahoma distribution
|
215
|
|
225
|
|
225
|
|
225
|
|
225
|
|
1,115
|
|
Arkansas distribution
|
30
|
|
15
|
|
15
|
|
15
|
|
15
|
|
90
|
|
Generation
|
135
|
|
60
|
|
60
|
|
90
|
|
60
|
|
405
|
|
Reliability, resiliency, technology and other
|
90
|
|
335
|
|
335
|
|
335
|
|
335
|
|
1,430
|
|
Other
|
60
|
|
50
|
|
60
|
|
55
|
|
55
|
|
280
|
|
Total
|
$
|
575
|
|
$
|
725
|
|
$
|
730
|
|
$
|
755
|
|
$
|
725
|
|
$
|
3,510
|
|
Additional capital expenditures beyond those identified in the table above, including additional incremental growth opportunities in electric transmission assets, will be evaluated based upon their impact upon achieving OG&E's financial objectives.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes OG&E's contractual obligations at December 31, 2019. See OG&E's Statements of Capitalization and Notes 4 and 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2020
|
2021-2022
|
2023-2024
|
After 2024
|
Total
|
Maturities of long-term debt
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
3,229.9
|
|
$
|
3,229.9
|
|
Operating lease obligations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Railcars
|
2.4
|
|
4.6
|
|
2.4
|
|
—
|
|
9.4
|
|
Wind farm land leases
|
2.9
|
|
5.8
|
|
5.9
|
|
34.7
|
|
49.3
|
|
Total operating lease obligations
|
5.3
|
|
10.4
|
|
8.3
|
|
34.7
|
|
58.7
|
|
Purchase obligations and commitments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum purchase commitments
|
82.6
|
|
105.5
|
|
83.3
|
|
332.0
|
|
603.4
|
|
Expected wind purchase commitments
|
55.7
|
|
112.4
|
|
114.3
|
|
379.8
|
|
662.2
|
|
Long-term service agreement commitments
|
2.4
|
|
4.8
|
|
45.9
|
|
111.1
|
|
164.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental compliance plan expenditures
|
0.4
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
0.4
|
|
Total purchase obligations and commitments
|
141.1
|
|
222.7
|
|
243.5
|
|
822.9
|
|
1,430.2
|
|
Total contractual obligations
|
146.4
|
|
233.1
|
|
251.8
|
|
4,087.5
|
|
4,718.8
|
|
Amounts recoverable through fuel adjustment clause (A)
|
(140.7)
|
|
(222.5)
|
|
(200.0)
|
|
(711.8)
|
|
(1,275.0)
|
|
Total contractual obligations, net
|
$
|
5.7
|
|
$
|
10.6
|
|
$
|
51.8
|
|
$
|
3,375.7
|
|
$
|
3,443.8
|
|
(A)Includes expected recoveries of costs incurred for OG&E's railcar operating lease obligations, OG&E's minimum fuel purchase commitments and OG&E's expected wind purchase commitments.
The actual cost of fuel used in electric generation (which includes the operating lease obligations for OG&E's railcar leases shown above) and certain purchased power costs are passed on to OG&E's customers through fuel adjustment clauses. Accordingly, while the cost of fuel related to operating leases and the vast majority of minimum fuel purchase commitments of OG&E noted above may increase capital requirements, such costs are recoverable through fuel adjustment clauses and have little, if any, impact on net capital requirements and future contractual obligations. The fuel adjustment clauses are subject to periodic review by the OCC and the APSC.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
At December 31, 2019, 35.8 percent of the Pension Plan investments were in listed common stocks with the balance primarily invested in corporate fixed income, other securities and U.S. Treasury notes and bonds as presented in Note 13 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." During 2019, actual returns on the Pension Plan were $64.8 million, compared to expected return on plan assets of $27.6 million. During the same time, corporate bond yields, which are used in determining the discount rate for future pension obligations, decreased. Funding levels are dependent on returns on plan assets and future discount rates. OGE Energy made a $20.0 million and $15.0 million contribution to its Pension Plan in 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which $5.0 million is related to OG&E in both 2019 and 2018. OGE Energy has not determined whether it will need to make any contributions to the Pension Plan in 2020. OGE Energy could be required to make additional contributions if the value of its pension trust and postretirement benefit plan trust assets are adversely impacted by a major market disruption in the future.
The following table presents the status of OG&E's portion of OGE Energy's Pension Plan, the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan and the postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018. These amounts have been recorded in Accrued Benefit Obligations with the offset recorded as a regulatory asset in OG&E's Balance Sheets as discussed in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The regulatory asset represents a net periodic benefit cost to be recognized in the Statements of Income in future periods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Plan
|
|
Restoration of Retirement
Income Plan
|
|
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2019
|
2018
|
2019
|
2018
|
Benefit obligations
|
$
|
462.0
|
|
$
|
453.6
|
|
$
|
6.1
|
|
$
|
6.0
|
|
$
|
104.7
|
|
$
|
104.8
|
|
Fair value of plan assets
|
399.1
|
|
387.6
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
41.9
|
|
40.6
|
|
Funded status at end of year
|
$
|
(62.9)
|
|
$
|
(66.0)
|
|
$
|
(6.1)
|
|
$
|
(6.0)
|
|
$
|
(62.8)
|
|
$
|
(64.2)
|
|
Financing Activities and Future Sources of Financing
Management expects that cash generated from operations, proceeds from the issuance of long- and short-term debt and funds received from OGE Energy (from proceeds from the sales of OGE Energy's common stock to the public through OGE Energy's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan or other offerings) will be adequate over the next three years to meet anticipated cash needs and to fund future growth opportunities. OG&E utilizes short-term borrowings (through a combination of bank borrowings, commercial paper and borrowings from OGE Energy) to satisfy temporary working capital needs and as an interim source of financing capital expenditures until permanent financing is arranged.
Short-Term Debt and Credit Facility
OG&E borrows on a short-term basis, as necessary, by the issuance of commercial paper and by borrowings under its revolving credit agreement. OG&E has a $450.0 million revolving credit facility that matures on March 8, 2023. This facility is available to back up OG&E's commercial paper borrowings, to provide revolving credit borrowings, and can also be used as a letter of credit facility. At December 31, 2019, there were $304.8 million in advances to OGE Energy compared to $319.5 million at December 31, 2018. OG&E has an intercompany borrowing agreement with OGE Energy whereby OG&E has access to up to $350.0 million of OGE Energy's revolving credit amount. This agreement has a termination date of March 8, 2023. The following table highlights OG&E's short-term debt activity as of December 31, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions)
|
December 31, 2019
|
Balance of outstanding supporting letters of credit
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
Weighted-average interest rate of outstanding supporting letters of credit
|
1.0
|
%
|
Balance of outstanding commercial paper borrowings
|
$
|
—
|
|
Net available liquidity under revolving credit agreements
|
$
|
499.7
|
|
Balance of outstanding intercompany borrowings with OGE Energy
|
$
|
—
|
|
OG&E has the necessary regulatory approvals to incur up to $800.0 million in short-term borrowings at any one time for a two-year period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2020. See Note 12 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further discussion of OG&E's short-term debt activity.
Issuance of Long-Term Debt
In June 2019, OG&E issued $300.0 million of 3.30 percent senior notes due March 15, 2030. The proceeds from the issuance were added to OG&E's general funds to be used for general corporate purposes, including to repay short-term debt (including debt pertaining to the acquisition of the River Valley plant) and to fund ongoing capital expenditures and working capital.
Security Ratings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moody's Investors Service
|
Outlook
|
S&P's Global Ratings
|
Outlook
|
Fitch Ratings
|
Outlook
|
Senior Notes
|
A3
|
Stable
|
A-
|
Stable
|
A
|
Stable
|
Commercial Paper
|
P2
|
Stable
|
A2
|
Stable
|
F2
|
Stable
|
Access to reasonably priced capital is dependent in part on credit and security ratings. Generally, lower ratings lead to higher financing costs. Pricing grids associated with OGE Energy's and OG&E's credit facilities could cause annual fees and borrowing rates to increase if an adverse rating impact occurs. The impact of any future downgrade could include an increase in the costs of OGE Energy's and OG&E's short-term borrowings, but a reduction in OGE Energy's and OG&E's credit ratings would not result in any defaults or accelerations. Any future downgrade of OGE Energy or OG&E could also lead to higher long-term borrowing costs and, if below investment grade, would require OG&E to post collateral or letters of credit.
A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Such rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the credit rating agency, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
On May 31, 2019, Moody's Investors Service lowered its rating for OG&E's senior unsecured and issuer ratings from A2 to A3 and commercial paper rating from P-1 to P-2. OG&E's industrial authority bond rating was lowered from VMIG 1 to VMIG 2. OGE Energy's senior unsecured and commercial paper ratings were not changed, and the outlooks for both OGE Energy and OG&E are stable. Increased debt-financed capital spending on mandated environmental compliance projects combined with lagging cash flow due to the 2017 Tax Act and recent Oklahoma rate reviews were cited as contributing factors to OG&E's downgrades. Moody's Investors Service indicated that the stable outlook for both OGE Energy and OG&E reflects a reduced capital plan, fewer rate review filings and a more predictable financial profile.
On October 25, 2019, S&P's Global Ratings raised its long-term issuer credit rating for OG&E from BBB+ to A- and raised its issue-level rating on OG&E's senior unsecured debt from BBB+ to A-. The S&P's Global Ratings commercial paper rating for OG&E was not changed, and the outlook for OG&E remains at stable. S&P's Global Ratings indicated the upgrade reflects its view of OG&E's separateness, insulation measures and stand-alone credit profile in accordance with their revised criteria. S&P's Global Ratings indicated the stable outlook on OG&E reflects their expectation that OG&E will continue to manage its regulatory risk in line with its peers and maintain financial measures consistent with S&P's Global Ratings' significant financial risk profile.
Future financing requirements may be dependent, to varying degrees, upon numerous factors such as general economic conditions, abnormal weather, load growth, commodity prices, acquisitions of other businesses and/or development of projects, actions by rating agencies, inflation, changes in environmental laws or regulations, rate increases or decreases allowed by regulatory agencies, new legislation and market entry of competing electric power generators.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements contain information that is pertinent to Management's Discussion and Analysis. In preparing the Financial Statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes to these assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on OG&E's Financial Statements. However, OG&E believes it has taken reasonable positions where assumptions and estimates are used in order to minimize the negative financial impact to OG&E that could result if actual results vary from the assumptions and estimates.
In management's opinion, the areas of OG&E where the most significant judgment is exercised include the determination of Pension Plan assumptions, income taxes, contingency reserves, asset retirement obligations, depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment, regulatory assets and liabilities and unbilled revenues. The selection, application and disclosure of the following critical accounting estimates have been discussed with the Audit Committee of OGE Energy's Board
of Directors. OG&E discusses its significant accounting policies, including those that do not require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates, in Note 1 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
OGE Energy has a Pension Plan that covers a significant amount of OG&E's employees hired before December 1, 2009. Effective December 1, 2009, OGE Energy's Pension Plan is no longer being offered to employees hired on or after December 1, 2009. OGE Energy also has defined benefit postretirement plans that cover a significant amount of its employees. Pension and other postretirement plan expenses and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets, assumed discount rates and the level of funding. Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected return on plan assets could have a material effect on the amount of pension expense ultimately recognized. The Pension Plan rate assumptions are shown in Note 13 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The assumed return on plan assets is based on management's expectation of the long-term return on the plan assets portfolio. The discount rate used to compute the present value of plan liabilities is based generally on rates of high-grade corporate bonds with maturities similar to the average period over which benefits will be paid. Funding levels are dependent on returns on plan assets and future discount rates. Higher returns on plan assets and an increase in discount rates will reduce funding requirements to the Pension Plan. The following table indicates the sensitivity of OGE Energy's Pension Plan funded status to these variables.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change
|
Impact on Funded Status
|
Actual plan asset returns
|
+/- 1 percent
|
+/- $5.3 million
|
Discount rate
|
+/- 0.25 percent
|
+/- $12.3 million
|
Contributions
|
+/- $10 million
|
+/- $10.0 million
|
Income Taxes
OG&E uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carry forwards and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change.
The application of income tax law is complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. Accordingly, it is necessary to make judgments regarding income tax exposure. As a result, changes in these judgments can materially affect amounts OG&E recognized in its financial statements. Tax positions taken by OG&E on its income tax returns that are recognized in the financial statements must satisfy a more likely than not recognition threshold, assuming that the position will be examined by taxing authorities with full knowledge of all relevant information.
Asset Retirement Obligations
OG&E has recorded asset retirement obligations that are being accreted over their respective lives ranging from ten to 68 years. The inputs used in the valuation of asset retirement obligations include the assumed life of the asset placed into service, the average inflation rate, market risk premium, the credit-adjusted risk free interest rate and the timing of incurring costs related to the retirement of the asset.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
OG&E, as a regulated utility, is subject to accounting principles for certain types of rate-regulated activities, which provide that certain incurred costs that would otherwise be charged to expense can be deferred as regulatory assets, based on the expected recovery from customers in future rates. Likewise, certain actual or anticipated credits that would otherwise reduce expense can be deferred as regulatory liabilities, based on the expected flowback to customers in future rates. Management's expected recovery of deferred costs and flowback of deferred credits generally results from specific decisions by regulators granting such ratemaking treatment.
OG&E records certain incurred costs and obligations as regulatory assets or liabilities if, based on regulatory orders or other available evidence, it is probable that the costs or obligations will be included in amounts allowable for recovery or refund in future rates. Management continuously monitors the future recoverability of regulatory assets. When in management's judgement future recovery becomes impaired, the amount of the regulatory asset is adjusted, as appropriate.
Unbilled Revenues
OG&E recognizes revenue from electric sales when power is delivered to customers. OG&E reads its customers' meters and sends bills to its customers throughout each month. As a result, there is a significant amount of customers' electricity consumption that has not been billed at the end of each month. OG&E accrues an estimate of the revenues for electric sales delivered since the latest billings. Unbilled revenue is presented in Accrued Unbilled Revenues in the Balance Sheets and in Operating Revenues in the Statements of Income based on estimates of usage and prices during the period. At December 31, 2019, if the estimated usage or price used in the unbilled revenue calculation were to increase or decrease by one percent, this would cause a change in the unbilled revenues recognized of $0.4 million. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, Accrued Unbilled Revenues were $64.7 million and $62.6 million, respectively. The estimates that management uses in this calculation could vary from the actual amounts to be paid by customers.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
Customer balances are generally written off if not collected within six months after the final billing date. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable for OG&E is calculated by multiplying the last six months of electric revenue by the provision rate, which is based on a 12-month historical average of actual balances written off. To the extent the historical collection rates are not representative of future collections, there could be an effect on the amount of uncollectible expense recognized. Also, a portion of the uncollectible provision related to fuel within the Oklahoma jurisdiction is being recovered through the fuel adjustment clause. At December 31, 2019, if the provision rate were to increase or decrease by 10 percent, this would cause a change in the uncollectible expense recognized of $0.1 million. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is a reduction to Accounts Receivable in the Balance Sheets and is included in Other Operation and Maintenance Expense in the Statements of Income. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable was $1.5 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for discussion of current accounting pronouncements that are applicable to OG&E.
Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, OG&E is confronted with issues or events that may result in a contingent liability. These generally relate to lawsuits or claims made by third parties, including governmental agencies. When appropriate, management consults with legal counsel and other experts to assess the claim. If, in management's opinion, OG&E has incurred a probable loss as set forth by GAAP, an estimate is made of the loss, and the appropriate accounting entries are reflected in OG&E's Financial Statements. At the present time, based on available information, OG&E believes that any reasonably possible losses in excess of accrued amounts arising out of pending or threatened lawsuits or claims would not be quantitatively material to its financial statements and would not have a material adverse effect on OG&E's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Notes 14 and 15 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" for a discussion of OG&E's commitments and contingencies.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
The activities of OG&E are subject to numerous stringent and complex federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection. These laws and regulations can change, restrict or otherwise impact OG&E's business activities in many ways, including the handling or disposal of waste material, planning for future construction activities to avoid or mitigate harm to threatened or endangered species and requiring the installation and operation of emissions or pollution control equipment. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Management believes that all of its operations are in substantial compliance with current federal, state and local environmental standards.
Environmental regulation can increase the cost of planning, design, initial installation and operation of OG&E's facilities. Management continues to evaluate its compliance with existing and proposed environmental legislation and regulations and implement appropriate environmental programs in a competitive market.
Air
Federal Clean Air Act Overview
OG&E's operations are subject to the Federal Clean Air Act as amended and comparable state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations regulate emissions of air pollutants from various industrial sources, including electric generating units and also impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. Such laws and regulations may require that OG&E obtain pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce air emissions or result in the increase of existing air emissions, obtain and strictly comply with air permits containing various emissions and operational limitations or install emission control equipment. OG&E likely will be required to incur certain capital expenditures in the future for air pollution control equipment and technology in connection with obtaining and maintaining operating permits and approvals for air emissions.
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
On September 7, 2016, the EPA finalized an update to the 2011 Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. The new rule applies to ozone-season NOX emissions from power plants in 22 eastern states (including Oklahoma). The rule utilizes a cap and trade program for NOX emissions and went into effect on May 1, 2017 in Oklahoma. The 2016 rule reduces the 2011 Cross-State Air Pollution Rule emissions cap for all of OG&E's coal and gas facilities (except the River Valley and Frontier facilities which were not owned by OG&E until 2019) by 47 percent combined. OG&E and numerous other parties filed petitions for judicial and administrative review of the 2016 rule. On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion that deferred a decision on our challenges to the rule pending an EPA review and decision on a separate administrative petition that we filed. Subsequently, all of OG&E's judicial challenges were voluntarily dismissed, but the administrative petitions for reconsideration remain pending at the EPA.
OG&E is in compliance with the 2016 rule requirements which remain in effect. OG&E does not anticipate, at this time, additional capital expenditures for compliance with the 2016 rule.
Hazardous Air Pollutants Emission Standards
On February 16, 2012, the EPA published the final MATS rule regulating the emissions of certain hazardous air pollutants from electric generating units. OG&E complied with the MATS rule by the April 16, 2016 deadline that applied to OG&E by installing activated carbon injection for all coal units (not including the River Valley facility which was not owned by OG&E until 2019). There is continuing litigation, to which OG&E is not a party, challenging whether the EPA had statutory authority to issue the MATS rule. On December 27, 2018, the EPA released a proposed rule reconsidering certain elements of the 2012 rule in response to lengthy litigation in the D.C. Circuit Court. OG&E cannot predict the outcome of this litigation or regulatory proposal or how it will affect OG&E.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA is required to set NAAQS for certain pollutants considered to be harmful to public health or the environment. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review each NAAQS every five years. As a result of these reviews, the EPA periodically has taken action to adopt more stringent NAAQS for those pollutants. If any areas of Oklahoma were to be designated as not attaining the NAAQS for a particular pollutant, OG&E could be required to install additional emission controls on its facilities to help the state achieve attainment with the NAAQS. As of December 31, 2019, no areas of Oklahoma had been designated as non-attainment for pollutants that are likely to affect OG&E's operations. Several processes are under way to designate areas in Oklahoma as attaining or not attaining revised NAAQS.
The EPA proposed to designate part of Muskogee County, in which OG&E's Muskogee Power Plant is located, as non-attainment for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS on March 1, 2016, even though nearby monitors indicated compliance with the NAAQS. The proposed designation was based on modeling that did not reflect the conversion of two of the coal units at Muskogee to natural gas. The State of Oklahoma's monitoring preliminarily indicates that ambient SO2 emissions in the area are well within the NAAQS. The EPA has indicated that it anticipates finalizing a designation at the end of 2020. At this time, OG&E cannot determine with any certainty whether the proposed designation of Muskogee County will cause a material impact to OG&E's financial results.
OG&E continues to monitor these processes and their possible impact on its operations but, at this time, cannot determine with any certainty whether they will cause a material impact to OG&E's financial results.
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
There is continuing discussion and evaluation of possible global climate change in certain regulatory and legislative arenas. The focus is generally on emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO2, sulfur hexafluoride and methane, and whether these emissions are contributing to the warming of the earth's atmosphere. On November 4, 2019, President Trump announced that the U.S. has officially notified the United Nations that the U.S. will withdraw from the "Paris Agreement" on climate change after having announced in 2017 that the U.S. would begin negotiations to re-enter the agreement with different terms. A new agreement may result in future additional emissions reductions in the U.S.; however, it is not possible to determine what the international legal standards for greenhouse gas emissions will be in the future and the extent to which these commitments will be implemented through the Clean Air Act or any other existing statutes and new legislation.
If legislation or regulations are passed at the federal or state levels in the future requiring mandatory reductions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases on OG&E's facilities, this could result in significant additional compliance costs that would affect OG&E's future financial position, results of operations and cash flows if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates. Several states outside the area where OG&E operates have passed laws, adopted regulations or undertaken regulatory initiatives to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories and/or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs.
OG&E's current business strategy has resulted in reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 40 percent compared to 2005 levels, and during the same period, emissions of ozone-forming NOx have been reduced by approximately 75 percent and emissions of SO2 have been reduced by approximately 90 percent. OG&E expects to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 50 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. To comply with the EPA's MATS rule and Regional Haze Rule FIP, OG&E converted two coal-fired generating units at the Muskogee Station to natural gas, among other measures. OG&E's deployment of Smart Grid technology helps to reduce the peak load demand. OG&E is also deploying more renewable energy sources that do not emit greenhouse gases. OG&E's service territory borders one of the nation's best wind resource areas, and OG&E has leveraged its geographic position to develop renewable energy resources and completed transmission investments to deliver the renewable energy. The SPP has authorized the construction of transmission lines capable of bringing renewable energy out of the wind resource areas in western Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle and western Kansas to load centers by planning for more transmission to be built in the area. In addition to increasing overall system reliability, these new transmission resources should provide greater access to additional wind resources that are currently constrained due to existing transmission delivery limitations.
On July 8, 2019, the EPA published the Affordable Clean Energy rule. Numerous parties, not including OG&E, have filed petitions for judicial review of the Affordable Clean Energy rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Affordable Clean Energy rule requires states, including Oklahoma, to develop emission limitations for carbon dioxide for each existing coal-fired utility boiler within the state, including all of OG&E's coal units, and submit a compliance and implementation plan to the EPA by July 2022. The EPA will approve or disapprove the proposed state plan within 18 months of submittal and develop a federal implementation plan if the proposed state plan is disapproved. At this time, OG&E cannot determine with any certainty whether the implementation plan will cause a material impact to its financial results.
EPA Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction Policy
On May 22, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule to address the provisions in the SIPs of 36 states (including Oklahoma) regarding the treatment of emissions that occur during startup, shutdown and malfunction operations. The final rule clarifies the EPA's Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction Policy. Although judicial challenges to the rule are ongoing, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality submitted a SIP revision for the EPA's approval on November 7, 2016 to comply with this rule. This rule has resulted in permit modifications for certain OG&E units and applications remain pending for other units. OG&E does not anticipate capital expenditures, or a material impact to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as a result of adoption of this rule.
Regional Haze Regulation - Second Planning Period
In January 2017, the EPA finalized a rule that would revise certain provisions of the Regional Haze Rule. Notably, the EPA extended the due date for the second Regional Haze implementation period by three years to 2021 and made changes to the provisions for impacts to national parks and other protected wilderness areas. Petitions for Reconsideration to the EPA were
filed by industry groups. While not acting on the petitions, the EPA announced on January 17, 2018 that it intends to commence a notice-and-comment rulemaking revisiting certain aspects of the rule. During 2019, the EPA released technical resources to assist states in developing SIPs, including a significant non-binding guidance document and updated atmospheric modeling which will allow states to better account for international emissions affecting regional haze in the U.S. At this time, OG&E cannot predict the outcome of this rulemaking or SIP development or how it will affect OG&E.
Endangered Species
Certain federal laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act, provide special protection to certain designated species. These laws and any state equivalents provide for significant civil and criminal penalties for unpermitted activities that result in harm to or harassment of certain protected animals and plants, including damage to their habitats. If such species are located in an area in which OG&E conducts operations, or if additional species in those areas become subject to protection, OG&E's operations and development projects, particularly transmission, wind or pipeline projects, could be restricted or delayed, or OG&E could be required to implement expensive mitigation measures.
Waste
OG&E's operations generate wastes that are subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 as well as comparable state laws which impose detailed requirements for the handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste.
In 2015, the EPA finalized a rule under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act for the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals or coal ash. The rule regulates coal ash as a solid waste rather than a hazardous waste, which would have made the management of coal ash more costly. In August 2019, the EPA proposed revisions to the 2015 coal ash rule in response to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issuing a decision regarding the ongoing Coal Combustion Residuals litigation. The proposed changes do not appear to be material to OG&E at this time. OG&E completed the clean closure of one regulated inactive coal ash impoundment in August 2019.
On June 28, 2018, the EPA approved the State of Oklahoma's application for a state coal ash permitting program that will operate in lieu of the federal coal ash program promulgated under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. On September 26, 2018, a citizen suit was filed against the EPA in the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia concerning the final approval. OG&E and others have moved to intervene on behalf of the EPA. OG&E is monitoring regulatory developments relating to this rule, none of which appear to be material to OG&E at this time. OG&E is in compliance with this rule at this time.
OG&E currently recycles and provides approximately 86 percent of its ash to the concrete and cement industries for use as a component within their products. Using fly ash in this way enables aggregate manufacturers to minimize their impact on the environment by avoiding the need to extract and process other natural resources.
OG&E has sought and will continue to seek pollution prevention opportunities and to evaluate the effectiveness of its waste reduction, reuse and recycling efforts. In 2019, OG&E obtained refunds of $2.8 million from the recycling of scrap metal, salvaged transformers and used transformer oil. This figure does not include the additional savings gained through the reduction and/or avoidance of disposal costs and the reduction in material purchases due to the reuse of existing materials. Similar savings are anticipated in future years.
Water
OG&E's operations are subject to the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations impose detailed requirements and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into state and federal waters.
The EPA issued a final rule on May 19, 2014 to implement Section 316(b) of the Federal Clean Water Act, which requires that power plant cooling water intake structure location, design, construction and capacity reflect the best available technology for minimizing their adverse environmental impact via the impingement and entrainment of aquatic organisms. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality issued final permits on December 22, 2017 and August 22, 2018 for Muskogee Power Plant and Seminole Power Plant, respectively, in compliance with the final 316(b) rule, and OG&E did not incur any material costs associated with the rule's implementation at either location. OG&E expects to be able to provide a reasonable estimate of any material costs associated with the rule's implementation at other facilities following the future issuance of permits from the State of Oklahoma.
In 2015, the EPA issued a final rule addressing the effluent limitation guidelines for power plants under the Federal Clean Water Act. The final rule establishes technology- and performance-based standards that may apply to discharges of six waste streams including bottom ash transport water. Compliance with this rule will occur by 2023; however, on April 12, 2017, the EPA granted a Petition for Reconsideration of the 2015 Rule. On November 22, 2019, the EPA published a proposed rule to revise the technology-based effluent limitations for flue gas desulfurization waste water and bottom ash transport water. OG&E is evaluating what, if any, compliance actions are needed but is not able to quantify with any certainty what costs may be incurred. OG&E expects to be able to provide a reasonable estimate of any material costs associated with the rule's implementation following issuance of the permits from the State of Oklahoma.
Since the purchase of the Redbud facility in 2008, OG&E's average use of treated municipal effluent for all of the needed cooling water at Redbud and McClain is approximately 2.6 billion gallons per year. This use of treated municipal effluent offsets the need for fresh water as cooling water, making fresh water available for other beneficial uses like drinking water, irrigation and recreation.
Site Remediation
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons responsible for the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Because OG&E utilizes various products and generates wastes that are considered hazardous substances for purposes of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, OG&E could be subject to liability for the costs of cleaning up and restoring sites where those substances have been released to the environment. At this time, it is not anticipated that any associated liability will cause a significant impact to OG&E.
For further discussion regarding contingencies relating to environmental laws and regulations, see Note 14 within "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
OPERATING REVENUES
|
|
|
|
Revenues from contracts with customers
|
$
|
2,175.5
|
|
$
|
2,211.7
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Other revenues
|
56.1
|
|
58.6
|
|
—
|
|
Operating revenues
|
2,231.6
|
|
2,270.3
|
|
2,261.1
|
|
COST OF SALES
|
786.9
|
|
892.5
|
|
897.6
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
Other operation and maintenance
|
492.5
|
|
473.8
|
|
469.8
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
355.0
|
|
321.6
|
|
280.9
|
|
Taxes other than income
|
89.5
|
|
88.2
|
|
84.8
|
|
Operating expenses
|
937.0
|
|
883.6
|
|
835.5
|
|
OPERATING INCOME
|
507.7
|
|
494.2
|
|
528.0
|
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
|
4.5
|
|
23.8
|
|
39.7
|
|
Other net periodic benefit expense
|
(1.2)
|
|
(8.9)
|
|
(16.3)
|
|
Other income
|
6.7
|
|
14.1
|
|
36.6
|
|
Other expense
|
(6.9)
|
|
(3.4)
|
|
(2.3)
|
|
Net other income
|
3.1
|
|
25.6
|
|
57.7
|
|
INTEREST EXPENSE
|
|
|
|
Interest on long-term debt
|
138.3
|
|
157.4
|
|
151.9
|
|
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
|
(2.8)
|
|
(11.7)
|
|
(18.0)
|
|
Interest on short-term debt and other interest charges
|
5.0
|
|
6.1
|
|
4.5
|
|
Interest expense
|
140.5
|
|
151.8
|
|
138.4
|
|
INCOME BEFORE TAXES
|
370.3
|
|
368.0
|
|
447.3
|
|
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
20.1
|
|
40.0
|
|
141.8
|
|
NET INCOME
|
350.2
|
|
328.0
|
|
305.5
|
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
$
|
350.2
|
|
$
|
328.0
|
|
$
|
305.5
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
350.2
|
|
$
|
328.0
|
|
$
|
305.5
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
355.0
|
|
321.6
|
|
280.9
|
|
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
|
20.4
|
|
56.6
|
|
119.8
|
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
|
(4.5)
|
|
(23.8)
|
|
(39.7)
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense
|
4.9
|
|
4.6
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets
|
(47.1)
|
|
(10.8)
|
|
3.7
|
|
Regulatory liabilities
|
(45.6)
|
|
(16.5)
|
|
(3.7)
|
|
Other assets
|
3.8
|
|
1.9
|
|
1.6
|
|
Other liabilities
|
8.4
|
|
—
|
|
(59.9)
|
|
Change in certain current assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenues, net
|
17.0
|
|
19.5
|
|
(22.2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel, materials and supplies inventories
|
4.2
|
|
27.3
|
|
(5.0)
|
|
Fuel recoveries
|
(33.0)
|
|
(3.4)
|
|
53.0
|
|
Other current assets
|
5.9
|
|
23.1
|
|
29.7
|
|
Accounts payable
|
(30.0)
|
|
19.0
|
|
22.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes payable - parent
|
(0.7)
|
|
(15.6)
|
|
92.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
(35.1)
|
|
72.5
|
|
(65.6)
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities
|
573.8
|
|
804.0
|
|
715.7
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures (less allowance for equity funds used during construction)
|
(635.5)
|
|
(573.6)
|
|
(824.1)
|
|
Proceeds from sale of assets
|
—
|
|
0.1
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(635.5)
|
|
(573.5)
|
|
(823.4)
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term debt
|
296.5
|
|
396.0
|
|
592.1
|
|
Payment of long-term debt
|
(250.1)
|
|
(250.1)
|
|
(125.1)
|
|
Dividends paid on common stock
|
—
|
|
(185.0)
|
|
(170.0)
|
|
Changes in advances with parent
|
15.3
|
|
(191.4)
|
|
(189.3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities
|
61.7
|
|
(230.5)
|
|
107.7
|
|
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, less reserve of $1.5 and $1.7, respectively
|
$
|
153.8
|
|
$
|
172.9
|
|
Accrued unbilled revenues
|
64.7
|
|
62.6
|
|
Advances to parent
|
304.8
|
|
319.5
|
|
Fuel inventories
|
46.3
|
|
57.6
|
|
Materials and supplies, at average cost
|
90.6
|
|
126.7
|
|
Fuel clause under recoveries
|
39.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
Other
|
19.6
|
|
25.5
|
|
Total current assets
|
719.3
|
|
766.8
|
|
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS
|
4.7
|
|
5.0
|
|
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
|
|
|
In service
|
12,765.0
|
|
11,988.7
|
|
Construction work in progress
|
141.6
|
|
376.4
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment
|
12,906.6
|
|
12,365.1
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
3,868.1
|
|
3,727.4
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
9,038.5
|
|
8,637.7
|
|
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS
|
|
|
Regulatory assets
|
306.0
|
|
285.8
|
|
Other
|
8.1
|
|
9.2
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets
|
314.1
|
|
295.0
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
$
|
10,076.6
|
|
$
|
9,704.5
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
$
|
175.0
|
|
$
|
215.0
|
|
|
|
|
Customer deposits
|
83.0
|
|
83.6
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
41.9
|
|
44.0
|
|
Accrued interest
|
37.9
|
|
44.5
|
|
Accrued compensation
|
29.5
|
|
33.8
|
|
Long-term debt due within one year
|
—
|
|
250.0
|
|
Fuel clause over recoveries
|
4.8
|
|
0.3
|
|
Other
|
65.1
|
|
86.8
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
437.2
|
|
758.0
|
|
LONG-TERM DEBT
|
3,195.2
|
|
2,896.9
|
|
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
|
|
Accrued benefit obligations
|
133.3
|
|
137.9
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
951.4
|
|
892.7
|
|
Deferred investment tax credits
|
7.1
|
|
7.2
|
|
Regulatory liabilities
|
1,223.5
|
|
1,270.7
|
|
Other
|
170.6
|
|
137.8
|
|
Total deferred credits and other liabilities
|
2,485.9
|
|
2,446.3
|
|
Total liabilities
|
6,118.3
|
|
6,101.2
|
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 14)
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
|
|
Common stockholder's equity
|
1,036.6
|
|
1,031.8
|
|
Retained earnings
|
2,921.7
|
|
2,571.5
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholder's equity
|
3,958.3
|
|
3,603.3
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
$
|
10,076.6
|
|
$
|
9,704.5
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions except per share data)
|
|
2019
|
2018
|
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $2.50 per share; authorized 100.0 shares; and outstanding 40.4 shares and 40.4 shares, respectively
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
Premium on common stock
|
|
935.7
|
|
930.9
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
2,921.7
|
|
2,571.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholder's equity
|
|
3,958.3
|
|
3,603.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM DEBT
|
|
|
|
SERIES
|
DUE DATE
|
|
|
Senior Notes
|
|
|
|
8.25%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due January 15, 2019
|
—
|
|
250.0
|
|
6.65%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due July 15, 2027
|
125.0
|
|
125.0
|
|
6.50%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due April 15, 2028
|
100.0
|
|
100.0
|
|
3.80%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due August 15, 2028
|
400.0
|
|
400.0
|
|
3.30%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due March, 15, 2030
|
300.0
|
|
—
|
|
5.75%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due January 15, 2036
|
110.0
|
|
110.0
|
|
6.45%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due February 1, 2038
|
200.0
|
|
200.0
|
|
5.85%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due June 1, 2040
|
250.0
|
|
250.0
|
|
5.25%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due May 15, 2041
|
250.0
|
|
250.0
|
|
3.90%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due May 1, 2043
|
250.0
|
|
250.0
|
|
4.55%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due March 15, 2044
|
250.0
|
|
250.0
|
|
4.00%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due December 15, 2044
|
250.0
|
|
250.0
|
|
4.15%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due April 1, 2047
|
300.0
|
|
300.0
|
|
3.85%
|
|
Senior Notes, Series Due August 15, 2047
|
300.0
|
|
300.0
|
|
3.80%
|
|
Tinker Debt, Due August 31, 2062
|
9.5
|
|
9.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Bonds
|
|
|
|
1.20% - 2.50%
|
Garfield Industrial Authority, January 1, 2025
|
47.0
|
|
47.0
|
|
1.19% - 2.35%
|
Muskogee Industrial Authority, January 1, 2025
|
32.4
|
|
32.4
|
|
1.20% - 2.48%
|
Muskogee Industrial Authority, June 1, 2027
|
56.0
|
|
56.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized debt expense
|
|
(24.2)
|
|
(22.9)
|
|
Unamortized discount
|
|
(10.5)
|
|
(10.2)
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
3,195.2
|
|
3,146.9
|
|
Less: long-term debt due within one year
|
|
—
|
|
(250.0)
|
|
Total long-term debt (excluding long-term debt due within one year)
|
|
3,195.2
|
|
2,896.9
|
|
Total capitalization (including long-term debt due within one year)
|
|
$
|
7,153.5
|
|
$
|
6,750.2
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Shares Outstanding
|
Common Stock
|
Premium on Common Stock
|
Retained Earnings
|
|
Total
|
Balance at December 31, 2016
|
40.4
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
$
|
923.2
|
|
$
|
2,228.0
|
|
|
$
|
3,252.1
|
|
Net income
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
305.5
|
|
|
305.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends declared on common stock
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
(105.0)
|
|
|
(105.0)
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
3.1
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2017
|
40.4
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
$
|
926.3
|
|
$
|
2,428.5
|
|
|
$
|
3,455.7
|
|
Net income
|
—
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
328.0
|
|
|
328.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends declared on common stock
|
—
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
(185.0)
|
|
|
(185.0)
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
—
|
—
|
|
4.6
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2018
|
40.4
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
$
|
930.9
|
|
$
|
2,571.5
|
|
|
$
|
3,603.3
|
|
Net income
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
350.2
|
|
|
350.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
4.8
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
40.4
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
$
|
935.7
|
|
$
|
2,921.7
|
|
|
$
|
3,958.3
|
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
OKLAHOMA GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
OG&E generates, transmits, distributes and sells electric energy in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Its operations are subject to regulation by the OCC, the APSC and the FERC. OG&E was incorporated in 1902 under the laws of the Oklahoma Territory. OG&E is the largest electric utility in Oklahoma, and its franchised service territory includes Fort Smith, Arkansas and the surrounding communities. OG&E sold its retail natural gas business in 1928 and is no longer engaged in the natural gas distribution business. OG&E is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OGE Energy, a holding company with investments in energy and energy services providers offering physical delivery and related services for both electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central U.S.
Accounting Records
The accounting records of OG&E are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the OCC and the APSC. Additionally, OG&E, as a regulated utility, is subject to accounting principles for certain types of rate-regulated activities, which provide that certain incurred costs that would otherwise be charged to expense can be deferred as regulatory assets, based on the expected recovery from customers in future rates. Likewise, certain actual or anticipated credits that would otherwise reduce expense can be deferred as regulatory liabilities, based on the expected flowback to customers in future rates. Management's expected recovery of deferred costs and flowback of deferred credits generally results from specific decisions by regulators granting such ratemaking treatment.
OG&E records certain incurred costs and obligations as regulatory assets or liabilities if, based on regulatory orders or other available evidence, it is probable that the costs or obligations will be included in amounts allowable for recovery or refund in future rates.
The following table is a summary of OG&E's regulatory assets and liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
REGULATORY ASSETS
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
Fuel clause under recoveries
|
$
|
39.5
|
|
$
|
2.0
|
|
Production tax credit rider over credit (A)
|
1.7
|
|
6.9
|
|
Oklahoma demand program rider under recovery (A)
|
—
|
|
6.4
|
|
Other (A)
|
7.5
|
|
3.2
|
|
Total current regulatory assets
|
$
|
48.7
|
|
$
|
18.5
|
|
Non-current:
|
|
|
Benefit obligations regulatory asset
|
$
|
167.2
|
|
$
|
188.2
|
|
Deferred storm expenses
|
65.5
|
|
36.5
|
|
Sooner Dry Scrubbers
|
20.6
|
|
4.5
|
|
Smart Grid
|
18.4
|
|
25.6
|
|
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt
|
10.6
|
|
11.4
|
|
Arkansas deferred pension expenses
|
8.0
|
|
6.8
|
|
Pension tracker
|
2.3
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
13.4
|
|
12.8
|
|
Total non-current regulatory assets
|
$
|
306.0
|
|
$
|
285.8
|
|
REGULATORY LIABILITIES
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
Reserve for tax refund and interim surcharge (B)
|
$
|
12.7
|
|
$
|
15.4
|
|
Fuel clause over recoveries
|
4.8
|
|
0.3
|
|
SPP cost tracker over recovery (B)
|
2.6
|
|
16.8
|
|
Oklahoma demand program rider over recovery (B)
|
2.0
|
|
—
|
|
Transmission cost recovery rider over recovery (B)
|
—
|
|
2.7
|
|
Other (B)
|
6.9
|
|
1.4
|
|
Total current regulatory liabilities
|
$
|
29.0
|
|
$
|
36.6
|
|
Non-current:
|
|
|
Income taxes refundable to customers, net
|
$
|
899.2
|
|
$
|
937.1
|
|
Accrued removal obligations, net
|
318.5
|
|
308.1
|
|
Pension tracker
|
—
|
|
18.7
|
|
Other
|
5.8
|
|
6.8
|
|
Total non-current regulatory liabilities
|
$
|
1,223.5
|
|
$
|
1,270.7
|
|
(A)Included in Other Current Assets in the Balance Sheets.
(B)Included in Other Current Liabilities in the Balance Sheets.
Fuel clause under and over recoveries are generated from OG&E's customers when OG&E's cost of fuel either exceeds or is less than the amount billed to its customers, respectively. OG&E's fuel recovery clauses are designed to smooth the impact of fuel price volatility on customers' bills. As a result, OG&E under recovers fuel costs in periods of rising fuel prices above the baseline charge for fuel and over recovers fuel costs when prices decline below the baseline charge for fuel. Provisions in the fuel clauses are intended to allow OG&E to amortize under and over recovery balances.
As approved by the OCC, OG&E utilizes a rider separate from base rates to credit customers for production tax credits.
OG&E recovers program costs related to the Demand and Energy Efficiency Program in Oklahoma through the Demand Program Rider, which operates on a three-year program cycle. The current program cycle, which runs through 2021, includes recovery of (i) energy efficiency program costs, (ii) lost revenues associated with certain achieved energy efficiency and demand savings, (iii) performance-based incentives and (iv) costs associated with research and development investments.
The benefit obligations regulatory asset is comprised of expenses recorded which are probable of future recovery and that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, including net loss and prior service cost. These expenses are recorded as a regulatory asset as OG&E historically has recovered and currently recovers pension and postretirement benefit plan expense in its electric rates. If, in the future, the regulatory bodies indicate a change in policy related to the recovery of pension and postretirement benefit plan expenses, this could cause the benefit obligations regulatory asset balance to be reclassified to accumulated other comprehensive income.
The following table is a summary of the components of the benefit obligations regulatory asset:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan:
|
|
|
Net loss
|
$
|
160.5
|
|
$
|
185.3
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Benefit Plans:
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
23.3
|
|
25.6
|
|
Prior service cost
|
(16.6)
|
|
(22.7)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
167.2
|
|
$
|
188.2
|
|
The following amounts in the benefit obligations regulatory asset at December 31, 2019 are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan:
|
|
Net loss
|
$
|
11.4
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Benefit Plans:
|
|
|
Net loss
|
2.8
|
|
Prior service cost
|
(6.1)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
8.1
|
|
OG&E includes in expense any Oklahoma storm-related operation and maintenance expenses up to $2.7 million annually and defers to a regulatory asset any additional expenses incurred over $2.7 million. OG&E expects to recover the amounts deferred each year over a five-year period in accordance with historical practice.
As approved by the OCC in June 2018, OG&E deferred the non-fuel incremental operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, debt cost associated with the capital investment and related ad valorem taxes for the Dry Scrubbers at Sooner Units 1 and 2 as a regulatory asset. As approved by the OCC, these costs are being recovered over 25 years.
OG&E deferred to a regulatory asset the incremental and stranded costs that were accumulated during Smart Grid deployment, including (i) costs for web portal access, (ii) costs for education and home energy reports and (iii) stranded costs associated with OG&E's analog electric meters, which have been replaced by smart meters. As approved by the OCC and APSC, these costs are being recovered over a six-year period.
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt is comprised of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the early retirement of OG&E's long-term debt. These amounts are recorded in interest expense and are being amortized over the term of the long-term debt which replaced the previous long-term debt. The unamortized loss on reacquired debt is recovered as a part of OG&E's cost of capital.
Arkansas includes a certain level of pension expense in base rates. When the Pension Plan experiences a settlement, which represents an acceleration of future pension costs, OG&E defers to a regulatory asset the Arkansas jurisdictional portion of each settlement, which historically was recovered from customers over the average life of the remaining plan participants. A portion of these settlements is being recovered in current rates, and recovery of additional amounts will be requested as additional settlements occur. For additional information related to settlements, see Note 13.
OG&E recovers specific amounts of pension and postretirement medical costs in rates approved in its Oklahoma rate reviews. In accordance with approved orders, OG&E defers the difference between actual pension and postretirement medical
expenses and the amount approved in its last Oklahoma rate review as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. These amounts have been recorded in the Pension tracker regulatory asset in the table above.
As a result of 2018 filings with the OCC, APSC and FERC, OG&E established mechanisms to refund to customers the amount of excess taxes received through rates, with an ongoing adjustment for any excess accumulated deferred income taxes resulting from the 2017 Tax Act. Additional amounts due to customers will be refunded in accordance with agreements in each jurisdiction.
OG&E recovers certain SPP costs related to base plan charges from its customers and refunds certain SPP revenues received to its customers in Oklahoma through the SPP cost tracker and in Arkansas through the transmission cost recovery rider.
Income taxes refundable to customers, net, represents the reduction in accumulated deferred income taxes resulting from the reduction in the federal income tax rate as part of the 2017 Tax Act and includes income taxes recoverable from customers that represent income tax benefits previously used to reduce OG&E's revenues (treated as regulatory assets). These liabilities will be returned to customers in varying amounts over approximately 80 years, and the assets will be amortized over the estimated remaining life of the assets to which they relate, as the temporary differences that generated the income tax benefits turn around.
Accrued removal obligations, net represents asset retirement costs previously recovered from ratepayers for other than legal obligations.
Management continuously monitors the future recoverability of regulatory assets. When in management's judgment future recovery becomes impaired, the amount of the regulatory asset is adjusted, as appropriate. If OG&E were required to discontinue the application of accounting principles for certain types of rate-regulated activities for some or all of its operations, it could result in writing off the related regulatory assets or liabilities, which could have significant financial effects.
Use of Estimates
In preparing the Financial Statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes to these assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on OG&E's Financial Statements. However, OG&E believes it has taken reasonable positions where assumptions and estimates are used in order to minimize the negative financial impact to OG&E that could result if actual results vary from the assumptions and estimates. In management's opinion, the areas of OG&E where the most significant judgment is exercised include the determination of Pension Plan assumptions, income taxes, contingency reserves, asset retirement obligations, depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment, regulatory assets and liabilities and unbilled revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the Financial Statements, OG&E considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
Customer balances are generally written off if not collected within six months after the final billing date. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable for OG&E is calculated by multiplying the last six months of electric revenue by the provision rate, which is based on a 12-month historical average of actual balances written off. To the extent the historical collection rates are not representative of future collections, there could be an effect on the amount of uncollectible expense recognized. Also, a portion of the uncollectible provision related to fuel within the Oklahoma jurisdiction is being recovered through the fuel adjustment clause. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is a reduction to Accounts Receivable in the Balance Sheets and is included in Other Operation and Maintenance Expense in the Statements of Income. The allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable was $1.5 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
New business customers are required to provide a security deposit in the form of cash, bond or irrevocable letter of credit that is refunded when the account is closed. New residential customers whose outside credit scores indicate an elevated risk are required to provide a security deposit that is refunded based on customer protection rules defined by the OCC and the
APSC. The payment behavior of all existing customers is continuously monitored, and, if the payment behavior indicates sufficient risk within the meaning of the applicable utility regulation, customers will be required to provide a security deposit.
Fuel Inventories
Fuel inventories for the generation of electricity consist of coal, natural gas and oil. OG&E uses the weighted-average cost method of accounting for inventory that is physically added to or withdrawn from storage or stockpiles. The amount of fuel inventory was $46.3 million and $57.6 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment
All property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Newly constructed plant is added to plant balances at cost which includes contracted services, direct labor, materials, overhead, transportation costs and the allowance for funds used during construction. Replacements of units of property are capitalized as plant. For assets that belong to a common plant account, the replaced plant is removed from plant balances, and the cost of such property net of any salvage proceeds is charged to Accumulated Depreciation. For assets that do not belong to a common plant account, the replaced plant is removed from plant balances with the related accumulated depreciation, and the remaining balance net of any salvage proceeds is recorded as a loss in the Statements of Income as Other Expense. Repair and replacement of minor items of property are included in the Statements of Income as Other Operation and Maintenance Expense.
The tables below present OG&E's ownership interest in the jointly-owned McClain Plant and the jointly-owned Redbud Plant, and, as disclosed below, only OG&E's ownership interest is reflected in the property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation balances in these tables. The owners of the remaining interests in the McClain Plant and the Redbud Plant are responsible for providing their own financing of capital expenditures. Also, only OG&E's proportionate interests of any direct expenses of the McClain Plant and the Redbud Plant, such as fuel, maintenance expense and other operating expenses, are included in the applicable financial statement captions in the Statements of Income.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019 (In millions)
|
Percentage Ownership
|
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
|
McClain Plant (A)
|
77
|
%
|
$
|
254.4
|
|
$
|
83.5
|
|
$
|
170.9
|
|
Redbud Plant (A)(B)
|
51
|
%
|
$
|
529.9
|
|
$
|
159.0
|
|
$
|
370.9
|
|
(A)Construction work in progress was $0.2 million and $1.4 million for the McClain and Redbud Plants, respectively.
(B)This amount includes a plant acquisition adjustment of $148.3 million and accumulated amortization of $61.8 million.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2018 (In millions)
|
Percentage Ownership
|
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
|
McClain Plant (A)
|
77
|
%
|
$
|
227.2
|
|
$
|
78.2
|
|
$
|
149.0
|
|
Redbud Plant (A)(B)
|
51
|
%
|
$
|
493.9
|
|
$
|
145.3
|
|
$
|
348.6
|
|
(A)Construction work in progress was $0.2 million and $0.9 million for the McClain and Redbud Plants, respectively.
(B)This amount includes a plant acquisition adjustment of $148.3 million and accumulated amortization of $56.3 million.
OG&E's property, plant and equipment and related accumulated depreciation are divided into the following major classes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019 (In millions)
|
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
|
Distribution assets
|
$
|
4,468.6
|
|
$
|
1,381.1
|
|
$
|
3,087.5
|
|
Electric generation assets (A)
|
4,838.6
|
|
1,601.0
|
|
3,237.6
|
|
Transmission assets (B)
|
2,901.1
|
|
565.5
|
|
2,335.6
|
|
Intangible plant
|
225.2
|
|
145.4
|
|
79.8
|
|
Other property and equipment
|
473.1
|
|
175.1
|
|
298.0
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment
|
$
|
12,906.6
|
|
$
|
3,868.1
|
|
$
|
9,038.5
|
|
(A)This amount includes a plant acquisition adjustment of $148.3 million and accumulated amortization of $61.8 million.
(B)This amount includes a plant acquisition adjustment of $3.3 million and accumulated amortization of $0.8 million.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2018 (In millions)
|
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
|
Distribution assets
|
$
|
4,229.4
|
|
$
|
1,324.5
|
|
$
|
2,904.9
|
|
Electric generation assets (A)
|
4,657.2
|
|
1,572.8
|
|
3,084.4
|
|
Transmission assets (B)
|
2,846.7
|
|
534.2
|
|
2,312.5
|
|
Intangible plant
|
187.6
|
|
135.1
|
|
52.5
|
|
Other property and equipment
|
444.2
|
|
160.8
|
|
283.4
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment
|
$
|
12,365.1
|
|
$
|
3,727.4
|
|
$
|
8,637.7
|
|
(A)This amount includes a plant acquisition adjustment of $148.3 million and accumulated amortization of $56.3 million.
(B)This amount includes a plant acquisition adjustment of $3.3 million and accumulated amortization of $0.7 million.
OG&E's unamortized computer software costs, included in intangible plant above, were $71.3 million and $44.3 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, amortization expense for computer software costs was $11.0 million, $9.6 million and $8.8 million, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization
The provision for depreciation, which was 2.7 percent of the average depreciable utility plant for both 2019 and 2018, is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated service life of the utility assets. Depreciation is provided at the unit level for production plant and at the account or sub-account level for all other plant and is based on the average life group method. In 2020, the provision for depreciation is projected to be 2.7 percent of the average depreciable utility plant.
Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method. Of the remaining amortizable intangible plant balance at December 31, 2019, 98.9 percent will be amortized over 10.4 years with the remaining 1.1 percent of the intangible plant balance at December 31, 2019 being amortized over 23.7 years.
Amortization of plant acquisition adjustments is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining service life of the acquired assets. Plant acquisition adjustments include $148.3 million for the Redbud Plant, which is being amortized over a 27 year life and $3.3 million for certain transmission substation facilities in OG&E's service territory, which are being amortized over a 37 to 59 year period.
Asset Retirement Obligations
OG&E has asset retirement obligations primarily associated with the removal of company-owned wind turbines on leased land, as well as the removal of asbestos from certain power generating stations. OG&E has recorded asset retirement obligations that are being accreted over their respective lives ranging from ten to 68 years.
The following table summarizes changes to OG&E's asset retirement obligations during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
Balance at January 1
|
$
|
83.9
|
|
$
|
75.1
|
|
Accretion expense
|
1.0
|
|
3.4
|
|
Revisions in estimated cash flows (A)
|
(2.4)
|
|
6.8
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities settled (B)
|
(9.0)
|
|
(1.4)
|
|
Balance at December 31
|
$
|
73.5
|
|
$
|
83.9
|
|
(A)Assumptions changed related to the estimated cost of the removal of wind turbine assets and asbestos removal at OG&E's generating facilities.
(B)Asset retirement obligations were settled for asbestos removal and for the closure of an ash pond at OG&E's generating facilities.
Accruals for environmental costs are recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are charged to expense or deferred as a regulatory asset based on expected recovery from customers in future rates, if they relate to the remediation of conditions caused by past operations or if they are
not expected to mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Where environmental expenditures relate to facilities currently in use, such as pollution control equipment, the costs may be capitalized and depreciated over the future service periods. Estimated remediation costs are recorded at undiscounted amounts, independent of any insurance or rate recovery, based on prior experience, assessments and current technology. Accrued obligations are regularly adjusted as environmental assessments and estimates are revised and remediation efforts proceed. For sites where OG&E has been designated as one of several potentially responsible parties, the amount accrued represents OG&E's estimated share of the cost. OG&E had $18.7 million and $23.4 million in accrued environmental liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which are included in OG&E's asset retirement obligations.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for funds used during construction, a non-cash item, is reflected as an increase to Net Other Income and a reduction to Interest Expense in the Statements of Income and as an increase to Construction Work in Progress in the Balance Sheets. Allowance for funds used during construction is calculated according to the FERC requirements for the imputed cost of equity and borrowed funds. Allowance for funds used during construction rates, compounded semi-annually, were 7.6 percent, 7.6 percent and 8.2 percent for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Collection of Sales Tax
In the normal course of its operations, OG&E collects sales tax from its customers. OG&E records a current liability for sales taxes when it bills its customers and eliminates this liability when the taxes are remitted to the appropriate governmental authorities. OG&E excludes the sales tax collected from its operating revenues.
Revenue Recognition
General
OG&E recognizes revenue from electric sales when power is delivered to customers. The performance obligation to deliver electricity is generally created and satisfied simultaneously, and the provisions of the regulatory-approved tariff determine the charges OG&E may bill the customer, payment due date and other pertinent rights and obligations of both parties. OG&E reads its customers' meters and sends bills to its customers throughout each month. As a result, there is a significant amount of customers' electricity consumption that has not been billed at the end of each month. OG&E accrues an estimate of the revenues for electric sales delivered since the latest billings. Unbilled revenue is presented in Accrued Unbilled Revenues in the Balance Sheets and in Revenues from Contracts with Customers in the Statements of Income based on estimates of usage and prices during the period. The estimates that management uses in this calculation could vary from the actual amounts to be paid by customers.
Integrated Market and Transmission
OG&E currently owns and operates transmission and generation facilities as part of a vertically integrated utility. OG&E is a member of the SPP regional transmission organization and has transferred operational authority, but not ownership, of OG&E's transmission facilities to the SPP. The SPP has implemented FERC-approved regional day-ahead and real-time markets for energy and operating services, as well as associated transmission congestion rights. Collectively the three markets operate together under the global name, SPP Integrated Marketplace. OG&E represents owned and contracted generation assets and customer load in the SPP Integrated Marketplace for the sole benefit of its customers. OG&E has not participated in the SPP Integrated Marketplace for any speculative trading activities.
OG&E records the SPP Integrated Marketplace transactions as sales or purchases per FERC Order 668, which requires that purchases and sales be recorded on a net basis for each settlement period of the SPP Integrated Marketplace. Purchases and sales are based on the fixed transaction price determined by the market at the time of the purchase or sale and the MWh quantity purchased or sold. These results are reported as Revenues from Contracts with Customers or Cost of Sales in the Financial Statements. OG&E revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities may be adversely affected by changes in the organization, operating and regulation by the FERC or the SPP.
OG&E's transmission revenues are generated by the use of OG&E's transmission network by the SPP, which operates the network, on behalf of other transmission owners. OG&E recognizes revenue on the sale of transmission service to its customers over time as the service is provided in the amount OG&E has a right to invoice. Transmission service to the SPP is billed monthly based on a fixed transaction price determined by OG&E's FERC-approved formula transmission rates along with other SPP-specific charges and the megawatt quantity reserved.
Other Revenues
Revenues from Alternative Revenue Programs
Other Revenues in the Statements of Income is comprised of certain rider revenue that includes alternative revenue measures as defined in ASC 980, "Regulated Operations," which details two types of alternative revenue programs. The first type adjusts billings for the effects of weather abnormalities or broad external factors or to compensate OG&E for demand-side management initiatives (i.e., no-growth plans and similar conservation efforts). The second type provides for additional billings (i.e., incentive awards) for the achievement of certain objectives, such as reducing costs, reaching specified milestones or demonstratively improving customer service. Once the specific events permitting billing of the additional revenues under either program type have been completed, OG&E recognizes the additional revenues if (i) the program is established by an order from OG&E's regulatory commission that allows for automatic adjustment of future rates; (ii) the amount of additional revenues for the period is objectively determinable and is probable of recovery; and (iii) the additional revenues will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period in which they are recognized.
Fuel Adjustment Clauses
The actual cost of fuel used in electric generation and certain purchased power costs are passed through to OG&E's customers through fuel adjustment clauses. The fuel adjustment clauses are subject to periodic review by the OCC and the APSC.
Leases
OG&E evaluates all contracts under ASC 842 to determine if the contract is or contains a lease and to determine classification as an operating or finance lease. If a lease is identified, OG&E recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability in its Balance Sheets. OG&E recognizes and measures a lease liability when it concludes the contract contains an identified asset that OG&E controls through having the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. The liability is equal to the present value of lease payments, and the asset is based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Further, OG&E utilizes an incremental borrowing rate for purposes of measuring lease liabilities, if the discount rate is not implicit in the lease. To calculate the incremental borrowing rate, OG&E starts with a current pricing report for OG&E's senior unsecured notes, which indicates rates for periods reflective of the lease term, and adjusts for the effects of collateral to arrive at the secured incremental borrowing rate. As permitted by ASC 842, OG&E made an accounting policy election to not apply the balance sheet recognition requirements to short-term leases and to not separate lease components from nonlease components when recognizing and measuring lease liabilities. For income statement purposes, OG&E records operating lease expense on a straight-line basis.
Income Taxes
OG&E is a member of an affiliated group that files consolidated income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. Income taxes are generally allocated to each company in the affiliated group based on its stand-alone taxable income or loss. Federal investment tax credits previously claimed on electric utility property have been deferred and will be amortized to income over the life of the related property. OG&E uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carry forwards and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. OG&E recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in Interest Expense and recognizes penalties in Other Expense in the Statements of Income.
Accrued Vacation
OG&E accrues vacation pay monthly by establishing a liability for vacation earned. Vacation may be taken as earned and is charged against the liability. At the end of each year, the liability represents the amount of vacation earned but not taken.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
2. Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." The main difference between prior lease accounting and ASC 842 is the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under current accounting guidance. Lessees, such as OG&E, recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases, other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease. The liability is equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset is based on the liability, subject to adjustment for items such as initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, ASC 842 retains a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases result in straight-line expense, while finance leases result in a front-loaded expense pattern, similar to prior capital leases. Classification of operating and finance leases is based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in prior lease guidance but without the explicit thresholds. OG&E adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2019 utilizing the modified retrospective transition method.
Various practical expedients for the application of ASC 842 were approved, and OG&E elected to apply the below:
•a package of practical expedients allowing entities to not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases;
•an option that permits an entity to elect a transitional practical expedient, to be applied consistently, to not evaluate under ASC 842 land easements that exist or expired before the entity's adoption of ASC 842 and that were not previously accounted for as leases under ASC 840, "Leases"; and
•an option that permits an entity to elect to initially apply ASC 842 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption, provided that if an entity elects this additional (and optional) transition method, the entity will provide the required ASC 840 disclosures for all periods that continue to be reported under ASC 840.
OG&E evaluated its current lease contracts and, at January 1, 2019, recognized $32.3 million and $36.9 million of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities, respectively, for railcar, wind farm land and office space leases in the Balance Sheet. The new standard did not have a material impact on OG&E's 2019 Statement of Income. Further, OG&E evaluated its existing processes and controls regarding lease identification, accounting and presentation and implemented changes as necessary in order to adequately address the requirements of ASC 842.
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Information." The amendments in this update require entities to measure all expected credit losses of financial assets held at a reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts in order to record credit losses in a more timely manner. ASU 2016-13 also amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 2019 and is applied utilizing a modified-retrospective approach. OG&E determined the only financial instrument that OG&E currently holds and is required to measure under ASU 2016-13 is its trade receivables. Upon adoption of this ASU, OG&E considers forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to the historical data utilized prior to ASU 2016-13 when measuring the reserve for trade receivables. OG&E evaluated its reserve for trade receivables in light of the new guidance and determined that no adjustment was necessary to the amount recorded as of January 1, 2020.
Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract." The new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 2019 and can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. OG&E adopted and prospectively applied the new guidance beginning in the first quarter of 2020, which did not have a material effect on the Financial Statements upon adoption.
Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740)." The new guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general
principles in ASC 740 and improves consistent application of existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for OG&E as of January 1, 2021 and can be early adopted. OG&E is currently assessing the impact of these rule changes on its Financial Statements.
3.Revenue Recognition
The following table disaggregates OG&E's revenues from contracts with customers by customer classification. OG&E's operating revenues disaggregated by customer classification can be found in "OG&E (Electric Utility) Results of Operations" within "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
(In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
Residential
|
$
|
865.8
|
|
$
|
877.8
|
|
Commercial
|
486.6
|
|
500.0
|
|
Industrial
|
217.8
|
|
228.9
|
|
Oilfield
|
200.4
|
|
190.4
|
|
Public authorities and street light
|
190.3
|
|
197.4
|
|
System sales revenues
|
1,960.9
|
|
1,994.5
|
|
Provision for rate refund
|
(0.9)
|
|
(6.0)
|
|
Integrated market
|
38.4
|
|
48.7
|
|
Transmission
|
148.0
|
|
147.4
|
|
Other
|
29.1
|
|
27.1
|
|
Revenues from contracts with customers
|
$
|
2,175.5
|
|
$
|
2,211.7
|
|
4.Leases
Based on its evaluation of all contracts under ASC 842, as described in Note 1, OG&E concluded it has operating lease obligations for railcar leases and wind farm land leases.
Operating Leases
OG&E Railcar Lease Agreement
Effective February 1, 2019, OG&E renewed a railcar lease agreement for 780 rotary gondola railcars to transport coal from Wyoming to OG&E's coal-fired generation units. Rental payments are charged to fuel expense and are recovered through OG&E's fuel adjustment clauses. On February 1, 2024, OG&E has the option to either purchase the railcars at a stipulated fair market value or renew the lease. If OG&E chooses not to purchase the railcars or renew the lease agreement and the actual fair value of the railcars is less than the stipulated fair market value, OG&E would be responsible for the difference in those values up to a maximum of $6.8 million.
OG&E Wind Farm Land Lease Agreements
OG&E has operating leases related to land for OG&E's Centennial, OU Spirit and Crossroads wind farms with terms of 25 to 30 years. The Centennial lease has rent escalations which increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index. While lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes to the Consumer Price Index, changes to the Consumer Price Index are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. The OU Spirit and Crossroads leases have rent escalations which increase after five and 10 years. Although the leases are cancellable, OG&E is required to make annual lease payments as long as the wind turbines are located on the land. OG&E does not expect to terminate the leases until the wind turbines reach the end of their useful life.
Financial Statement Information and Maturity Analysis of Lease Liabilities
Operating lease cost was $5.1 million, $4.1 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The following table presents amounts recognized for operating leases in OG&E's 2019 Cash Flow Statement and Balance Sheet and supplemental information related to those amounts recognized, as well as a maturity analysis of OG&E's operating lease liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating cash flows for operating leases
|
$
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
|
$
|
10.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions)
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
Right-of-use assets at period end (A)
|
$
|
39.6
|
|
|
Operating lease liabilities at period end (B)
|
$
|
44.3
|
|
|
Operating lease weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
|
13.5
|
|
Operating lease weighted-average discount rate
|
3.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Future minimum operating lease payments as of:
|
2019
|
2018(C)(D)
|
(In millions)
|
|
|
2019
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
21.1
|
|
2020
|
5.3
|
|
2.9
|
|
2021
|
5.2
|
|
2.9
|
|
2022
|
5.2
|
|
2.9
|
|
2023
|
5.2
|
|
2.9
|
|
2024
|
3.1
|
|
3.0
|
|
Thereafter
|
34.7
|
|
34.6
|
|
Total future minimum lease payments
|
58.7
|
|
$
|
70.3
|
|
Less: Imputed interest
|
14.4
|
|
|
Present value of net minimum lease payments
|
$
|
44.3
|
|
|
(A)Included in Property, Plant and Equipment in the 2019 Balance Sheet.
(B)Included in Other Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities in the 2019 Balance Sheet.
(C)Amounts included for comparability and accounted for in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases."
(D)At the end of the railcar lease term, which was February 1, 2019, OG&E had the option to either purchase the railcars at a stipulated fair market value or renew the lease. OG&E renewed the lease effective February 1, 2019. If OG&E chose not to purchase the railcars or renew the lease agreement and the actual fair value of the railcars was less than the stipulated fair market value, OG&E would have been responsible for the difference in those values up to a maximum of $16.2 million.
5.Related Party Transactions
OGE Energy charged operating costs to OG&E of $149.8 million, $140.9 million and $134.4 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. OGE Energy charges operating costs to OG&E based on several factors. Operating costs directly related to OG&E are assigned as such. Operating costs incurred for the benefit of OG&E are allocated either as overhead based primarily on labor costs or using the "Distrigas" method.
In 2019, no dividends were declared from OG&E to OGE Energy, compared to $185.0 million and $105.0 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Enable provides gas transportation services to OG&E pursuant to an agreement, which expires in May 2024, that grants Enable the responsibility of delivering natural gas to OG&E's generating facilities and performing an imbalance service. With this imbalance service, in accordance with the cash-out provision of the contract, OG&E purchases gas from Enable when Enable's deliveries exceed OG&E's pipeline receipts. Enable purchases gas from OG&E when OG&E's pipeline receipts exceed Enable's deliveries. Further, an additional gas transportation services contract with Enable became effective in December 2018 related to the project to convert Muskogee Units 4 and 5 from coal to natural gas. The following table summarizes related party transactions between OG&E and Enable during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
Electricity to power electric compression assets
|
$
|
15.9
|
|
$
|
16.3
|
|
$
|
14.0
|
|
Cost of sales:
|
|
|
|
Natural gas transportation services
|
$
|
41.2
|
|
$
|
37.9
|
|
$
|
35.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas (sales) purchases
|
$
|
(6.0)
|
|
$
|
(3.2)
|
|
$
|
(2.1)
|
|
6.Fair Value Measurements
The classification of OG&E's fair value measurements requires judgment regarding the degree to which market data is observable or corroborated by observable market data. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value based on observable and unobservable data. The hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three levels, with the highest priority given to quoted prices in active markets for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority given to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels defined in the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable at the reporting date for the asset or liability for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3 inputs are prices or valuation techniques for the asset or liability that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).
OG&E had no financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018. The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of OG&E's financial instruments at December 31, 2019 and 2018, as well as the classification level within the fair value hierarchy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
Carrying
Amount
|
Fair
Value
|
Carrying
Amount
|
Fair
Value
|
Classification
|
Long-term Debt (including Long-term Debt due within one year):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes
|
$
|
3,050.3
|
|
$
|
3,500.4
|
|
$
|
3,001.9
|
|
$
|
3,178.2
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Industrial Authority Bonds
|
$
|
135.4
|
|
$
|
135.4
|
|
$
|
135.4
|
|
$
|
135.4
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Tinker Debt
|
$
|
9.5
|
|
$
|
10.0
|
|
$
|
9.6
|
|
$
|
8.7
|
|
Level 3
|
|
7. Stock-Based Compensation
In 2013, OGE Energy adopted, and its shareholders approved, the Stock Incentive Plan. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights and performance units may be granted to officers, directors and other key employees of OGE Energy and its subsidiaries. OGE Energy has authorized the issuance of up to 7,400,000 shares under the Stock Incentive Plan.
The following table summarizes OG&E's pre-tax compensation expense and related income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 related to performance units and restricted stock units for OG&E employees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Performance units:
|
|
|
|
Total shareholder return
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
$
|
2.8
|
|
$
|
2.5
|
|
Earnings per share
|
1.5
|
|
1.8
|
|
0.5
|
|
Total performance units
|
4.5
|
|
4.6
|
|
3.0
|
|
Restricted stock units
|
0.4
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Total compensation expense
|
$
|
4.9
|
|
$
|
4.6
|
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
OGE Energy has issued new shares of common stock to satisfy restricted stock unit grants and payouts of earned performance units. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, there were 164,794 shares, 8,599 shares and 965 shares, respectively, of new common stock issued to OG&E's employees pursuant to OGE Energy's Stock Incentive Plan related to restricted stock unit grants and payouts of earned performance units.
Performance Units
Under the Stock Incentive Plan, OGE Energy has issued performance units which represent the value of one share of OGE Energy's common stock. The performance units provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan). Each performance unit is subject to forfeiture if the recipient terminates employment with OGE Energy or a subsidiary prior to the end of the primarily three-year award cycle for any reason other than death, disability or retirement. In the event of death, disability or retirement, a participant will receive a prorated payment based on such participant's number of full months of service during the award cycle, further adjusted based on the achievement of the performance goals during the award cycle. OG&E estimates expected forfeitures in accounting for performance unit compensation expense.
The performance units granted based on total shareholder return are contingently awarded and will be payable in shares of OGE Energy's common stock subject to the condition that the number of performance units, if any, earned by the employees upon the expiration of a primarily three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period) is dependent on OGE Energy's total shareholder return ranking relative to a peer group of companies. The performance units granted based on earnings per share are contingently awarded and will be payable in shares of OGE Energy's common stock based on OGE Energy's earnings per share growth over a primarily three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period) compared to a target set at the time of the grant by the Compensation Committee of OGE Energy's Board of Directors. All of these performance units are classified as equity in OGE Energy's Consolidated Balance Sheets. If there is no or only a partial payout for the performance units at the end of the award cycle, the unearned performance units are cancelled. Payout requires approval of the Compensation Committee of OGE Energy's Board of Directors. Payouts, if any, are all made in common stock and are considered made when the payout is approved by the Compensation Committee.
Performance Units – Total Shareholder Return
The fair value of the performance units based on total shareholder return was estimated on the grant date using a lattice-based valuation model that factors in information, including the expected dividend yield, expected price volatility, risk-free interest rate and the probable outcome of the market condition, over the expected life of the performance units. Compensation expense for the performance units is a fixed amount determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized over the primarily three-year award cycle regardless of whether performance units are awarded at the end of the award cycle. Dividends are accrued on a quarterly basis pending achievement of payout criteria and are included in the fair value calculations. Expected price volatility is based on the historical volatility of OGE Energy's common stock for the past three years and was simulated using the Geometric Brownian Motion process. The risk-free interest rate for the performance unit grants is based on the three-year U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life of the units is based on the non-vested period since inception of the award cycle. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to OGE Energy's performance units based on total shareholder return. The number of performance units granted based on total shareholder return and the assumptions used to calculate the grant date fair value of the performance units based on total shareholder return are shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Number of units granted to OG&E employees
|
68,396
|
|
91,940
|
|
85,501
|
|
Fair value of units granted
|
$
|
47.00
|
|
$
|
36.86
|
|
$
|
41.76
|
|
Expected dividend yield
|
4.0
|
%
|
3.6
|
%
|
3.8
|
%
|
Expected price volatility
|
17.0
|
%
|
19.0
|
%
|
19.8
|
%
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
2.47
|
%
|
2.38
|
%
|
1.46
|
%
|
Expected life of units (in years)
|
2.86
|
2.86
|
2.86
|
Performance Units – Earnings Per Share
The fair value of the performance units based on earnings per share is based on grant date fair value which is equivalent to the price of one share of OGE Energy's common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of performance units based on earnings per share varies as the number of performance units that will vest is based on the grant date fair value of the units and the probable outcome of the performance condition. OGE Energy reassesses at each reporting date whether achievement of the performance condition is probable and accrues compensation expense if and when achievement of the performance condition is probable. As a result, the compensation expense recognized for these performance units can vary from period to period. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to OGE Energy's performance units based on earnings per share. In 2019, the Compensation Committee of OGE Energy's Board of Directors voted to grant restricted stock units in lieu of performance units based on earnings per share. For 2018 and 2017, the number of performance units granted based on earnings per share and the grant date fair value are shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
2017
|
Number of units granted to OG&E employees
|
|
30,649
|
|
28,499
|
|
Fair value of units granted
|
|
$
|
31.03
|
|
$
|
34.83
|
|
Restricted Stock Units
Under the Stock Incentive Plan, OGE Energy has issued restricted stock units to certain existing non-officer employees as well as other executives upon hire to attract and retain individuals to be competitive in the marketplace, and for the 2019 grant cycle, restricted stock units were granted in lieu of performance units based on earnings per share. The restricted stock units vest primarily in a three-year award cycle (i.e., three-year cliff vesting period). Prior to vesting, each restricted stock unit is subject to forfeiture if the recipient ceases to render substantial services to OGE Energy or a subsidiary. These restricted stock units may not be sold, assigned, transferred or pledged and are subject to a risk of forfeiture.
The fair value of the restricted stock units was based on the closing market price of OGE Energy's common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense for the restricted stock units is a fixed amount determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized as services are rendered by employees over a primarily three-year vesting period. Also, for those restricted stock units that vest in one-third annual increments over a three-year cycle, OG&E treats its restricted stock units as multiple separate awards by recording compensation expense separately for each tranche whereby a substantial portion of the expense is recognized in the earlier years in the requisite service period.
Dividends will only be paid on restricted stock unit awards that vest; therefore, only the present value of dividends expected to vest are included in the fair value calculations. The expected life of the restricted stock units is based on the non-vested period since inception of the primarily three-year award cycle. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to OGE Energy's restricted stock units. In 2019, 26,141 restricted stock units were granted to OG&E employees at a fair value of $41.63. There were no restricted stock unit grants made to OG&E employees during 2018 or 2017.
Performance Units and Restricted Stock Units Activity
A summary of the activity for OGE Energy's performance units and restricted stock units applicable to OG&E's employees at December 31, 2019 and changes in 2019 are shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
Stock Units
|
|
|
|
Total Shareholder Return
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in millions)
|
Number
of Units
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
|
Number
of Units
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
|
Number
of Shares
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
|
Units/shares outstanding at 12/31/18
|
261,423
|
|
|
|
87,143
|
|
|
|
312
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
68,396
|
|
(A)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
26,141
|
|
|
|
Converted
|
(95,593)
|
|
(B)
|
|
$
|
7.0
|
|
(31,865)
|
|
(B)
|
|
$
|
2.5
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Vested
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
(312)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Forfeited
|
(10,360)
|
|
|
|
(2,207)
|
|
|
|
(1,500)
|
|
|
|
Employee migration
|
3,813
|
|
(C)
|
|
|
906
|
|
(C)
|
|
|
364
|
|
(C)
|
|
|
Units/shares outstanding at 12/31/19
|
227,679
|
|
|
$
|
12.2
|
|
53,977
|
|
|
$
|
4.0
|
|
25,005
|
|
|
$
|
1.1
|
|
Units/shares fully vested at 12/31/19
|
77,799
|
|
|
$
|
4.0
|
|
25,931
|
|
|
$
|
2.3
|
|
|
|
|
(A)For performance units, this represents the target number of performance units granted. Actual number of performance units earned, if any, is dependent upon performance and may range from zero percent to 200 percent of the target.
(B)These amounts represent performance units that vested at December 31, 2018 which were settled in February 2019.
(C)Due to certain employees transferring between OG&E and OGE Energy.
A summary of the activity for OGE Energy's non-vested performance units and restricted stock units applicable to OG&E's employees at December 31, 2019 and changes in 2019 are shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
Stock Units
|
|
|
|
Total Shareholder Return
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number
of Units
|
|
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
Number
of Units
|
|
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
Number
of Shares
|
|
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
Units/shares non-vested at 12/31/18
|
165,830
|
|
|
$
|
39.17
|
|
55,278
|
|
|
$
|
32.82
|
|
312
|
|
|
$
|
31.88
|
|
Granted
|
68,396
|
|
(A)
|
|
$
|
47.00
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
26,141
|
|
|
$
|
41.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested
|
(77,799)
|
|
|
$
|
41.76
|
|
(25,931)
|
|
|
$
|
34.83
|
|
(312)
|
|
|
$
|
31.88
|
|
Forfeited
|
(10,360)
|
|
|
$
|
41.33
|
|
(2,207)
|
|
|
$
|
32.02
|
|
(1,500)
|
|
|
$
|
41.78
|
|
Employee migration
|
3,813
|
|
(B)
|
|
$
|
41.43
|
|
906
|
|
(B)
|
|
$
|
32.84
|
|
364
|
|
(B)
|
|
$
|
41.78
|
|
Units/shares non-vested at 12/31/19
|
149,880
|
|
|
$
|
41.31
|
|
28,046
|
|
|
$
|
31.03
|
|
25,005
|
|
|
$
|
41.62
|
|
Units/shares expected to vest
|
145,790
|
|
(C)
|
|
|
28,006
|
|
(C)
|
|
|
20,251
|
|
(C)
|
|
|
(A)For performance units, this represents the target number of performance units granted. Actual number of performance units earned, if any, is dependent upon performance and may range from zero percent to 200 percent of the target.
(B)Due to certain employees transferring between OG&E and OGE Energy.
(C)The intrinsic value of the performance units based on total shareholder return and earnings per share is $8.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of restricted stock units is $0.9 million.
Fair Value of Vested Performance Units and Restricted Stock Units
A summary of OG&E's fair value for its vested performance units and restricted stock units is shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Performance units:
|
|
|
|
Total shareholder return
|
$
|
3.2
|
|
$
|
2.1
|
|
$
|
2.3
|
|
Earnings per share
|
$
|
0.9
|
|
$
|
1.7
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
Restricted stock units
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
Unrecognized Compensation Cost
A summary of OG&E's unrecognized compensation cost for its non-vested performance units and restricted stock units and the weighted-average periods over which the compensation cost is expected to be recognized are shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
Unrecognized Compensation Cost (In millions)
|
Weighted Average to be Recognized (In years)
|
Performance units:
|
|
|
Total shareholder return
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
1.68
|
Earnings per share
|
0.3
|
|
1.00
|
Total performance units
|
3.3
|
|
|
Restricted stock units
|
0.7
|
|
2.00
|
Total unrecognized compensation cost
|
$
|
4.0
|
|
|
8.Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table presents information about investing and financing activities that affected recognized assets and liabilities but did not result in cash receipts or payments. Cash paid for interest, net of interest capitalized, and cash paid for income taxes, net of income tax refunds are also presented in the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power plant long-term service agreement
|
$
|
28.9
|
|
$
|
(9.2)
|
|
$
|
(2.6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for:
|
|
|
|
Interest (net of interest capitalized) (A)
|
$
|
144.6
|
|
$
|
149.7
|
|
$
|
133.1
|
|
Income taxes (net of income tax refunds)
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
$
|
0.9
|
|
$
|
(71.5)
|
|
(A)Net of interest capitalized of $2.8 million, $11.7 million and $18.0 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
9.Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The items comprising income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Provision (benefit) for current income taxes:
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
$
|
(7.9)
|
|
$
|
(12.4)
|
|
$
|
26.3
|
|
State
|
4.1
|
|
(4.1)
|
|
(4.3)
|
|
Total provision (benefit) for current income taxes
|
(3.8)
|
|
(16.5)
|
|
22.0
|
|
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes, net:
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
37.7
|
|
53.7
|
|
100.0
|
|
State
|
(13.8)
|
|
2.7
|
|
19.9
|
|
Total provision for deferred income taxes, net
|
23.9
|
|
56.4
|
|
119.9
|
|
Deferred federal investment tax credits, net
|
—
|
|
0.1
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
Total income tax expense
|
$
|
20.1
|
|
$
|
40.0
|
|
$
|
141.8
|
|
OG&E is a member of an affiliated group that files consolidated income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, OG&E is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax or state and local examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2016. Income taxes are generally allocated to each company in the affiliated group based on its stand-alone taxable income or loss. Federal investment tax credits previously claimed on electric utility property have been deferred and will be amortized to income over the life of the related property. Additionally, OG&E earns federal tax credits associated with production from its wind facilities. Oklahoma production and investment state tax credits are also earned on investments in electric and solar generating facilities which further reduce OG&E's effective tax rate.
The following schedule reconciles the statutory tax rates to the effective income tax rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Statutory federal tax rate
|
21.0
|
%
|
21.0
|
%
|
35.0
|
%
|
Federal renewable energy credit (A)
|
(7.6)
|
|
(6.9)
|
|
(6.1)
|
|
Amortization of net unfunded deferred taxes
|
(5.6)
|
|
(2.9)
|
|
0.9
|
|
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
|
(1.8)
|
|
(0.2)
|
|
2.2
|
|
Other
|
(0.6)
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
(0.3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective income tax rate
|
5.4
|
%
|
10.9
|
%
|
31.7
|
%
|
(A)Represents credits associated with the production from OG&E's wind farms.
The deferred tax provisions are recognized as costs in the ratemaking process by the commissions having jurisdiction over the rates charged by OG&E. The components of Deferred Income Taxes at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
Deferred income tax liabilities, net:
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation and other property related differences
|
$
|
1,656.8
|
|
$
|
1,605.3
|
|
Regulatory assets
|
28.4
|
|
17.4
|
|
OG&E Pension Plan
|
24.5
|
|
26.0
|
|
Bond redemption-unamortized costs
|
2.2
|
|
2.4
|
|
Federal tax credits
|
(238.0)
|
|
(237.5)
|
|
Income taxes recoverable from customers, net
|
(229.9)
|
|
(239.6)
|
|
State tax credits
|
(170.8)
|
|
(142.3)
|
|
Regulatory liabilities
|
(68.1)
|
|
(78.8)
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
(19.2)
|
|
(21.5)
|
|
Postretirement medical and life insurance benefits
|
(16.0)
|
|
(16.2)
|
|
Net operating losses
|
(5.7)
|
|
(10.0)
|
|
Other
|
(4.7)
|
|
(2.4)
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
(4.3)
|
|
(6.1)
|
|
Deferred federal investment tax credits
|
(1.8)
|
|
(1.9)
|
|
Accrued vacation
|
(1.6)
|
|
(1.7)
|
|
Uncollectible accounts
|
(0.4)
|
|
(0.4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred income tax liabilities, net
|
$
|
951.4
|
|
$
|
892.7
|
|
As of December 31, 2019, OG&E has classified $16.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction of deferred tax assets recorded. Management is currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant additional payments, accruals or other material deviation from this amount.
Following is a reconciliation of OG&E’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Balance at January 1
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
Tax positions related to current year:
|
|
|
|
Additions
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
As of each of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, there were $16.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate.
Where applicable, OG&E classifies income tax-related interest and penalties as interest expense and other expense, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no income tax-related interest or penalties recorded with regard to uncertain tax positions.
OG&E sustained federal and state tax operating losses through 2012 caused primarily by bonus depreciation and other book versus tax temporary differences. As a result, OG&E had accrued federal and state income tax benefits carrying into 2017, when the remaining federal net operating loss was utilized. State operating losses are being carried forward for utilization in future years. In addition to the tax operating losses, OG&E was unable to utilize the various tax credits that were generated during these years. These tax losses and credits are being carried as deferred tax assets and will be utilized in future periods. Under current law, OG&E anticipates future taxable income will be sufficient to utilize remaining losses and credits before they begin to expire after 2020. The following table summarizes these carry forwards:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Carry Forward Amount
|
Deferred Tax Asset
|
Earliest Expiration Date
|
|
|
|
|
State operating loss
|
$
|
127.3
|
|
$
|
5.7
|
|
2030
|
|
|
|
|
Federal tax credits
|
$
|
238.0
|
|
$
|
238.0
|
|
2032
|
State tax credits:
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma investment tax credits
|
$
|
165.1
|
|
$
|
130.4
|
|
N/A
|
Oklahoma capital investment board credits
|
$
|
12.4
|
|
$
|
12.4
|
|
N/A
|
Oklahoma zero emission tax credits
|
$
|
34.9
|
|
$
|
28.0
|
|
2020
|
N/A - not applicable
10.Common Stock and Cumulative Preferred Stock
There were no new shares of common stock issued in 2019, 2018 or 2017.
11.Long-Term Debt
A summary of OG&E's long-term debt is included in the Statements of Capitalization. OG&E has no long-term debt maturing in the next five years. At December 31, 2019, OG&E was in compliance with all of its debt agreements.
OG&E has previously incurred costs related to debt refinancing. Unamortized loss on reacquired debt is classified as a Non-Current Regulatory Asset. Unamortized debt expense and unamortized premium and discount on long-term debt are classified as Long-Term Debt in the Balance Sheets and are being amortized over the life of the respective debt.
Industrial Authority Bonds
OG&E has tax-exempt pollution control bonds with optional redemption provisions that allow the holders to request repayment of the bonds on any business day. The bonds, which can be tendered at the option of the holder during the next 12 months, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
|
|
|
Date Due
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
1.20%
|
|
-
|
2.50%
|
|
Garfield Industrial Authority, January 1, 2025
|
$
|
47.0
|
|
1.19%
|
|
-
|
2.35%
|
|
Muskogee Industrial Authority, January 1, 2025
|
32.4
|
|
1.20%
|
|
-
|
2.48%
|
|
Muskogee Industrial Authority, June 1, 2027
|
56.0
|
|
Total (redeemable during next 12 months)
|
|
|
|
$
|
135.4
|
|
All of these bonds are subject to an optional tender at the request of the holders, at 100 percent of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The bond holders, on any business day, can request repayment of the bond by delivering an irrevocable notice to the tender agent stating the principal amount of the bond, payment instructions for the purchase price and the business day the bond is to be purchased. The repayment option may only be exercised by the holder of a bond for the principal amount. When a tender notice has been received by the trustee, a third-party remarketing agent for the bonds will attempt to remarket any bonds tendered for purchase. This process occurs once per week. Since the original issuance of these series of bonds in 1995 and 1997, the remarketing agent has successfully remarketed all tendered bonds. If the remarketing agent is unable to remarket any such bonds, OG&E is obligated to repurchase such unremarketed bonds. As OG&E has both the intent and ability to refinance the bonds on a long-term basis and such ability is supported by an ability to consummate the refinancing, the bonds are classified as Long-Term Debt in OG&E's Financial Statements. OG&E believes that it has sufficient liquidity to meet these obligations.
Issuance of Long-Term Debt
In June 2019, OG&E issued $300.0 million of 3.30 percent senior notes due March 15, 2030. The proceeds from the issuance were added to OG&E's general funds to be used for general corporate purposes, including to repay short-term debt (including debt pertaining to the acquisition of the River Valley plant) and to fund ongoing capital expenditures and working capital.
12.Short-Term Debt and Credit Facility
OG&E has a $450.0 million revolving credit facility that matures on March 8, 2023. This facility is available to back up OG&E's commercial paper borrowings, to provide revolving credit borrowings and can also be used as a letter of credit facility. At December 31, 2019, there were $0.3 million supporting letters of credit at a weighted-average interest rate of 1.00 percent. There were no outstanding commercial paper borrowings at December 31, 2019.
OG&E's credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that OG&E maintain a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 65 percent, as defined in the facility. OG&E's facility also contains covenants which restrict, among other things, mergers and consolidations, sales of all or substantially all assets, incurrence of liens and transactions with affiliates. OG&E's facility is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of any default, including, among others, payment defaults on such facility, breach of representations, warranties and covenants, acceleration of indebtedness (other than intercompany and non-recourse indebtedness) of $100.0 million or more in the aggregate, change of control (as defined in the facility), nonpayment of uninsured judgments in excess of $100.0 million and the occurrence of certain Employee Retirement Income Security Act and bankruptcy events, subject where applicable to specified cure periods.
At December 31, 2019, there were $304.8 million in advances to OGE Energy compared to $319.5 million at December 31, 2018. OG&E has an intercompany borrowing agreement with OGE Energy whereby OG&E has access to up to $350.0 million of OGE Energy's revolving credit amount. This agreement has a termination date of March 8, 2023. At December 31, 2019, there were no intercompany borrowings under this agreement.
OGE Energy's and OG&E's ability to access the commercial paper market could be adversely impacted by a credit ratings downgrade or major market disruptions. Pricing grids associated with OGE Energy's and OG&E's credit facilities could cause annual fees and borrowing rates to increase if an adverse rating impact occurs. The impact of any future downgrade could include an increase in the costs of OGE Energy's and OG&E's short-term borrowings, but a reduction in OGE Energy's and OG&E's credit ratings would not result in any defaults or accelerations. Any future downgrade of OGE Energy or OG&E could also lead to higher long-term borrowing costs and, if below investment grade, would require OG&E to post collateral or letters of credit.
OG&E must obtain regulatory approval from the FERC in order to borrow on a short-term basis. OG&E has the necessary regulatory approvals to incur up to $800.0 million in short-term borrowings at any one time for a two-year period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2020.
13.Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plans
Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan
OG&E's employees participate in OGE Energy's Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan.
It is OGE Energy's policy to fund the Pension Plan on a current basis based on the net periodic pension expense as determined by OGE Energy's actuarial consultants. Such contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future. OGE Energy made a $20.0 million and $15.0 million contribution to its Pension Plan in 2019 and 2018, of which $5.0 million is related to OG&E in both 2019 and 2018. OGE Energy has not determined whether it will need to make any contributions to the Pension Plan in 2020. Any contribution to the Pension Plan during 2020 would be a discretionary contribution, anticipated to be in the form of cash, and is not required to satisfy the minimum regulatory funding requirement specified by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. OGE Energy could be required to make additional contributions if the value of its pension trust and postretirement benefit plan trust assets are adversely impacted by a major market disruption in the future.
In accordance with ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits," a one-time settlement charge is required to be recorded by an organization when lump sum payments or other settlements that relieve the organization from the
responsibility for the pension benefit obligation during the plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the organization's net periodic pension cost. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, OG&E experienced an increase in both the number of employees electing to retire and the amount of lump sum payments paid to such employees upon retirement, which resulted in OG&E recording pension plan settlement charges as presented in the net periodic benefit cost table below. The pension settlement charges did not require a cash outlay by OG&E and did not increase OG&E's total pension expense over time, as the charges were an acceleration of costs that otherwise would be recognized as pension expense in future periods.
OGE Energy provides a Restoration of Retirement Income Plan to those participants in OGE Energy's Pension Plan whose benefits are subject to certain limitations of the Code. Participants in the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan receive the same benefits that they would have received under OGE Energy's Pension Plan in the absence of limitations imposed by the federal tax laws. The Restoration of Retirement Income Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan.
Obligations and Funded Status
The following table presents the status of OGE Energy's Pension Plan, the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan and the postretirement benefit plans for 2019 and 2018. These amounts have been recorded in Accrued Benefit Obligations with the offset recorded as a regulatory asset in OG&E's Balance Sheets as discussed in Note 1. The regulatory asset represents a net periodic benefit cost to be recognized in the Statements of Income in future periods. OG&E's portion of the benefit obligation for OGE Energy's Pension Plan and the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan represents the projected benefit obligation, while the benefit obligation for the postretirement benefit plans represents the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for OG&E's Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan differs from the projected benefit obligation in that the former includes no assumption about future compensation levels. The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the Pension Plan and the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan at December 31, 2019 was $425.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively. The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the Pension Plan and the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan at December 31, 2018 was $417.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The details of the funded status of the Pension Plan, the Restoration of Retirement Income Plan and the postretirement benefit plans and the amounts included in the Balance Sheets are included in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Plan
|
|
Restoration of Retirement
Income Plan
|
|
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
|
|
December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2019
|
2018
|
2019
|
2018
|
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning obligations
|
$
|
453.6
|
|
$
|
510.6
|
|
$
|
6.0
|
|
$
|
4.2
|
|
$
|
104.8
|
|
$
|
115.8
|
|
Service cost
|
9.0
|
|
9.8
|
|
0.2
|
|
0.2
|
|
0.2
|
|
0.2
|
|
Interest cost
|
15.6
|
|
17.6
|
|
0.2
|
|
0.2
|
|
4.3
|
|
4.2
|
|
Plan settlements
|
(45.6)
|
|
(52.6)
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Participants' contributions
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
3.0
|
|
2.9
|
|
Actuarial losses (gains)
|
42.1
|
|
(19.0)
|
|
0.6
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.2
|
|
(6.5)
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(12.7)
|
|
(12.8)
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
(9.8)
|
|
(11.8)
|
|
Ending obligations
|
$
|
462.0
|
|
$
|
453.6
|
|
$
|
6.1
|
|
$
|
6.0
|
|
$
|
104.7
|
|
$
|
104.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plans' assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning fair value
|
$
|
387.6
|
|
$
|
477.2
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
40.6
|
|
$
|
45.2
|
|
Actual return on plans' assets
|
64.8
|
|
(29.2)
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
4.0
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
Employer contributions
|
5.0
|
|
5.0
|
|
0.9
|
|
0.6
|
|
4.1
|
|
4.8
|
|
Plan settlements
|
(45.6)
|
|
(52.6)
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Participants' contributions
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
3.0
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(12.7)
|
|
(12.8)
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
(9.8)
|
|
(11.8)
|
|
Ending fair value
|
$
|
399.1
|
|
$
|
387.6
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
41.9
|
|
$
|
40.6
|
|
Funded status at end of year
|
$
|
(62.9)
|
|
$
|
(66.0)
|
|
$
|
(6.1)
|
|
$
|
(6.0)
|
|
$
|
(62.8)
|
|
$
|
(64.2)
|
|
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table presents the net periodic benefit cost components, before consideration of capitalized amounts, of OG&E's Pension Plan, Restoration of Retirement Income Plan and postretirement benefit plans that are included in the Financial Statements. Service cost is presented within Other Operation and Maintenance, and interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of net loss, amortization of unrecognized prior service cost and settlement cost are presented within Other Net Periodic Benefit Expense in OG&E's Statements of Income. OG&E recovers specific amounts of pension and postretirement medical costs in rates approved in its Oklahoma rate reviews. In accordance with approved orders, OG&E defers the difference between actual pension and postretirement medical expenses and the amount approved in its last Oklahoma rate review as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. These amounts have been recorded in the Pension tracker in the regulatory assets and liabilities table in Note 1 and within Other Net Periodic Benefit Expense in OG&E's Statements of Income.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Plan
|
|
|
Restoration of Retirement
Income Plan
|
|
|
Postretirement Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Service cost
|
$
|
9.0
|
|
$
|
9.8
|
|
$
|
10.1
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
Interest cost
|
15.6
|
|
17.6
|
|
19.5
|
|
0.2
|
|
0.2
|
|
0.2
|
|
4.3
|
|
4.2
|
|
5.6
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(27.6)
|
|
(33.1)
|
|
(32.8)
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
(1.7)
|
|
(1.8)
|
|
(2.0)
|
|
Amortization of net loss
|
12.9
|
|
12.1
|
|
13.0
|
|
0.3
|
|
0.5
|
|
0.4
|
|
2.1
|
|
3.8
|
|
1.9
|
|
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (A)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
(6.1)
|
|
(6.1)
|
|
(2.5)
|
|
Settlement cost
|
16.4
|
|
19.4
|
|
11.7
|
|
0.5
|
|
0.4
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
0.4
|
|
Total net periodic benefit cost
|
26.3
|
|
25.8
|
|
21.5
|
|
1.2
|
|
1.3
|
|
0.7
|
|
(1.2)
|
|
0.3
|
|
3.8
|
|
Plus: Amount allocated from OGE Energy
|
4.5
|
|
5.7
|
|
—
|
|
0.5
|
|
1.2
|
|
—
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
(0.7)
|
|
—
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
$
|
30.8
|
|
$
|
31.5
|
|
$
|
21.5
|
|
$
|
1.7
|
|
$
|
2.5
|
|
$
|
0.7
|
|
$
|
(1.8)
|
|
$
|
(0.4)
|
|
$
|
3.8
|
|
(A)Unamortized prior service cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period to the first eligibility age of participants who are expected to receive a benefit and are active at the date of the plan amendment.
In addition to the net periodic benefit cost amounts recognized, as presented in the table above, for the Pension and Restoration of Retirement Income Plans in 2019, 2018 and 2017, OG&E recognized the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Decrease of pension expense to maintain allowed recoverable amount in Oklahoma jurisdiction (A)
|
$
|
(16.1)
|
|
$
|
(14.1)
|
|
$
|
(2.3)
|
|
Deferral of pension expense related to pension settlement charges:
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma jurisdiction (A)
|
$
|
17.9
|
|
$
|
22.1
|
|
$
|
13.2
|
|
Arkansas jurisdiction (A)
|
$
|
1.7
|
|
$
|
2.1
|
|
$
|
1.1
|
|
(A) Included in the pension regulatory asset or liability in each jurisdiction, as indicated in the regulatory assets and liabilities table in Note 1.
In addition to the net periodic benefit income and cost amounts recognized, as presented in the table above, for the postretirement benefit plans in 2019, 2018 and 2017, OG&E recognized the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Increase of postretirement expense to maintain allowed recoverable amount in Oklahoma jurisdiction (A)
|
$
|
1.0
|
|
$
|
4.4
|
|
$
|
6.2
|
|
(A) Included in the pension regulatory asset or liability in each jurisdiction, as indicated in the regulatory assets and liabilities table in Note 1.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Capitalized portion of net periodic pension benefit cost
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
$
|
3.2
|
|
$
|
3.4
|
|
Capitalized portion of net periodic postretirement benefit cost
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
$
|
1.1
|
|
Rate Assumptions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Plan and
Restoration of Retirement Income Plan
|
|
|
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Assumptions to determine benefit obligations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate
|
3.15
|
%
|
4.20
|
%
|
3.60
|
%
|
3.25
|
%
|
4.30
|
%
|
3.70
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
4.20
|
%
|
4.20
|
%
|
4.20
|
%
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Assumptions to determine net periodic benefit cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate
|
3.63
|
%
|
3.73
|
%
|
4.00
|
%
|
4.30
|
%
|
3.70
|
%
|
4.20
|
%
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
7.50
|
%
|
7.50
|
%
|
7.50
|
%
|
4.00
|
%
|
4.00
|
%
|
4.00
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
4.20
|
%
|
4.20
|
%
|
4.20
|
%
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
4.20
|
%
|
N/A - not applicable
The discount rate used to compute the present value of plan liabilities is based generally on rates of high-grade corporate bonds with maturities similar to the average period over which benefits will be paid. The discount rate used to determine net benefit cost for the current year is the same discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of the previous year's balance sheet date, unless a plan settlement occurs during the current year that requires an updated discount rate for net periodic cost measurement. For 2019 and 2018, the Pension Plan discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost are disclosed on a weighted-average basis.
The overall expected rate of return on plan assets assumption was 7.50 percent in both 2019 and 2018, which was used in determining net periodic benefit cost due to recent returns on OGE Energy's long-term investment portfolio. The rate of return on plan assets assumption is the average long-term rate of earnings expected on the funds currently invested and to be invested for the purpose of providing benefits specified by the Pension Plan or postretirement benefit plans. This assumption is reexamined at least annually and updated as necessary. The rate of return on plan assets assumption reflects a combination of historical return analysis, forward-looking return expectations and the plans' current and expected asset allocation.
The assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for postretirement medical benefit plans. Future health care cost trend rates are assumed to be 7.00 percent in 2020 with the rates trending downward to 4.50 percent by 2030. The effects of a one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate are presented in the following tables.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ONE-PERCENTAGE POINT INCREASE
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Effect on aggregate of the service and interest cost components
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ONE-PERCENTAGE POINT DECREASE
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
Effect on aggregate of the service and interest cost components
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
Pension Plan
Pension Plan Investments, Policies and Strategies
The Pension Plan assets are held in a trust which follows an investment policy and strategy designed to reduce the funded status volatility of the Plan by utilizing liability driven investing. The purpose of liability-driven investing is to structure the asset portfolio to more closely resemble the pension liability and thereby more effectively hedge against changes in the liability. The investment policy follows a glide path approach that shifts a higher portfolio weighting to fixed income as the Plan's funded status increases. The table below sets forth the targeted fixed income and equity allocations at different funded status levels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected Benefit Obligation Funded Status Thresholds
|
<90%
|
95%
|
|
100%
|
|
105%
|
|
110%
|
|
115%
|
|
120%
|
|
Fixed income
|
50%
|
|
58%
|
|
65%
|
|
73%
|
|
80%
|
|
85%
|
|
90%
|
|
Equity
|
50%
|
|
42%
|
|
35%
|
|
27%
|
|
20%
|
|
15%
|
|
10%
|
|
Total
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
Within the portfolio's overall allocation to equities, the funds are allocated according to the guidelines in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Class
|
Target Allocation
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Domestic Large Cap Equity
|
40%
|
|
35%
|
|
60%
|
|
Domestic Mid-Cap Equity
|
15%
|
|
5%
|
|
25%
|
|
Domestic Small-Cap Equity
|
25%
|
|
5%
|
|
30%
|
|
International Equity
|
20%
|
|
10%
|
|
30%
|
|
OGE Energy has retained an investment consultant responsible for the general investment oversight, analysis, monitoring investment guideline compliance and providing quarterly reports to certain of OG&E's members and OGE Energy's Investment Committee. The various investment managers used by the trust operate within the general operating objectives as established in the investment policy and within the specific guidelines established for each investment manager's respective portfolio.
The portfolio is rebalanced at least on an annual basis to bring the asset allocations of various managers in line with the target asset allocation listed above. More frequent rebalancing may occur if there are dramatic price movements in the financial markets which may cause the trust's exposure to any asset class to exceed or fall below the established allowable guidelines.
To evaluate the progress of the portfolio, investment performance is reviewed quarterly. It is, however, expected that performance goals will be met over a full market cycle, normally defined as a three to five year period. Analysis of performance is within the context of the prevailing investment environment and the advisors' investment style. The goal of the trust is to provide a rate of return consistently from three percent to five percent over the rate of inflation (as measured by the national Consumer Price Index) on a fee adjusted basis over a typical market cycle of no less than three years and no more than five years. Each investment manager is expected to outperform its respective benchmark. Below is a list of each asset class utilized with appropriate comparative benchmark(s) each manager is evaluated against:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Class
|
Comparative Benchmark(s)
|
Active Duration Fixed Income
|
Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate
|
|
|
Long Duration Fixed Income
|
Duration blended Barclays Long Government/Credit & Barclays Universal
|
Equity Index
|
Standard & Poor's 500 Index
|
|
|
|
|
Mid-Cap Equity
|
Russell Midcap Index
|
|
Russell Midcap Value Index
|
Small-Cap Equity
|
Russell 2000 Index
|
|
Russell 2000 Value Index
|
International Equity
|
Morgan Stanley Capital International ACWI ex-U.S.
|
The fixed income managers are expected to use discretion over the asset mix of the trust assets in their efforts to maximize risk-adjusted performance. Exposure to any single issuer, other than the U.S. government, its agencies or its instrumentalities (which have no limits), is limited to five percent of the fixed income portfolio as measured by market value. At least 75 percent of the invested assets must possess an investment-grade rating at or above Baa3 or BBB- by Moody's Investors Service, S&P's Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings. The portfolio may invest up to 10 percent of the portfolio's market value in convertible bonds as long as the securities purchased meet the quality guidelines. A portfolio may invest up to 15 percent of the portfolio's market value in private placement, including 144A securities with or without registration rights and allow for futures to be traded in the portfolio. The purchase of any of OGE Energy's equity, debt or other securities is prohibited.
The domestic value equity managers focus on stocks that the manager believes are undervalued in price and earn an average or less than average return on assets and often pays out higher than average dividend payments. The domestic growth equity manager will invest primarily in growth companies which consistently experience above average growth in earnings and sales, earn a high return on assets and reinvest cash flow into existing business. The domestic mid-cap equity portfolio manager focuses on companies with market capitalizations lower than the average company traded on the public exchanges with the following characteristics: price/earnings ratio at or near the Russell Midcap Index, small dividend yield, return on equity at or near the Russell Midcap Index and an earnings per share growth rate at or near the Russell Midcap Index. The domestic small-cap equity manager will purchase shares of companies with market capitalizations lower than the average company traded on the public exchanges with the following characteristics: price/earnings ratio at or near the Russell 2000, small dividend yield, return on equity at or near the Russell 2000 and an earnings per share growth rate at or near the Russell 2000. The international global equity manager invests primarily in non-dollar denominated equity securities. Investing internationally diversifies the overall trust across the global equity markets. The manager is required to operate under certain restrictions including regional constraints, diversification requirements and percentage of U.S. securities. The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World ex-U.S. Index is the benchmark for comparative performance purposes. The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World ex-U.S. Index is a market value weighted index designed to measure the combined equity market performance of developed and emerging markets countries, excluding the U.S. All of the equities which are purchased for the international portfolio are thoroughly researched. All securities are freely traded on a recognized stock exchange, and there are no over-the-counter derivatives. The following investment categories are excluded: options (other than traded currency options), commodities, futures (other than currency futures or currency hedging), short sales/margin purchases, private placements, unlisted securities and real estate (but not real estate shares).
For all domestic equity investment managers, no more than five percent can be invested in any one stock at the time of purchase and no more than 10 percent after accounting for price appreciation. Options or financial futures may not be purchased unless prior approval of OGE Energy's Investment Committee is received. The purchase of securities on margin is prohibited as is securities lending. Private placement or venture capital may not be purchased. All interest and dividend payments must be swept on a daily basis into a short-term money market fund for re-deployment. The purchase of any of OGE Energy's equity, debt or other securities is prohibited. The purchase of equity or debt issues of the portfolio manager's organization is also prohibited. The aggregate positions in any company may not exceed one percent of the fair market value of its outstanding stock.
Pension Plan Investments
The following tables summarize OG&E's portion of OGE Energy's Pension Plan's investments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018. There were no Level 3 investments held by the Pension Plan at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
December 31, 2019
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Net Asset Value (A)
|
Common stocks
|
$
|
202.0
|
|
$
|
202.0
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds (B)
|
134.8
|
|
134.8
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
|
45.8
|
|
—
|
|
45.8
|
|
—
|
|
Corporate fixed income and other securities
|
130.5
|
|
—
|
|
130.5
|
|
—
|
|
Commingled fund (C)
|
23.9
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
23.9
|
|
Foreign government bonds
|
3.0
|
|
—
|
|
3.0
|
|
—
|
|
U.S. municipal bonds
|
1.1
|
|
—
|
|
1.1
|
|
—
|
|
Money market fund
|
7.5
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7.5
|
|
Mutual fund
|
2.4
|
|
2.4
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Preferred stocks
|
0.7
|
|
0.7
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Futures:
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury futures (receivable)
|
22.9
|
|
—
|
|
22.9
|
|
—
|
|
U.S. Treasury futures (payable)
|
(10.9)
|
|
—
|
|
(10.9)
|
|
—
|
|
Cash collateral
|
0.6
|
|
0.6
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Forward contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
Receivable (foreign currency)
|
0.1
|
|
—
|
|
0.1
|
|
—
|
|
Total Pension Plan investments
|
564.4
|
|
$
|
340.5
|
|
$
|
192.5
|
|
$
|
31.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and dividends receivable
|
2.4
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker for securities purchased
|
(36.5)
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Plan investments attributable to affiliates
|
(131.2)
|
|
|
|
|
Total Pension Plan assets
|
$
|
399.1
|
|
|
|
|
(A)GAAP allows the measurement of certain investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value at the net asset value. These investments do not consider the observability of inputs; therefore, they are not included within the fair value hierarchy.
(B)This category represents U.S. Treasury notes and bonds with a Moody's Investors Service rating of Aaa and Government Agency Bonds with a Moody's Investors Service rating of A1 or higher.
(C)This category represents units of participation in a commingled fund that primarily invested in stocks of international companies and emerging markets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
December 31, 2018
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Net Asset Value (A)
|
Common stocks
|
$
|
169.3
|
|
$
|
169.3
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds (B)
|
137.9
|
|
137.9
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
|
65.9
|
|
—
|
|
65.9
|
|
—
|
|
Corporate fixed income and other securities
|
143.2
|
|
—
|
|
143.2
|
|
—
|
|
Commingled fund (C)
|
19.7
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
19.7
|
|
Foreign government bonds
|
4.4
|
|
—
|
|
4.4
|
|
—
|
|
U.S. municipal bonds
|
0.6
|
|
—
|
|
0.6
|
|
—
|
|
Money market fund
|
0.3
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
0.3
|
|
Mutual fund
|
8.0
|
|
8.0
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Futures:
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury futures (receivable)
|
27.0
|
|
—
|
|
27.0
|
|
—
|
|
U.S. Treasury futures (payable)
|
(20.4)
|
|
—
|
|
(20.4)
|
|
—
|
|
Cash collateral
|
0.7
|
|
0.7
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
Forward contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
Receivable (foreign currency)
|
0.1
|
|
—
|
|
0.1
|
|
—
|
|
Total Pension Plan investments
|
556.7
|
|
$
|
315.9
|
|
$
|
220.8
|
|
$
|
20.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and dividends receivable
|
3.0
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker for securities purchased
|
(36.9)
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Plan investments attributable to affiliates
|
(135.2)
|
|
|
|
|
Total Pension Plan assets
|
$
|
387.6
|
|
|
|
|
(A)GAAP allows the measurement of certain investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value at the net asset value. These investments do not consider the observability of inputs; therefore, they are not included within the fair value hierarchy.
(B)This category represents U.S. Treasury notes and bonds with a Moody's Investors Service rating of Aaa and Government Agency Bonds with a Moody's Investors Service rating of A1 or higher.
(C)This category represents units of participation in a commingled fund that primarily invested in stocks of international companies and emerging markets.
As defined in the fair value hierarchy, Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities that are accessible by the Pension Plan at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable at the reporting date for the asset or liability for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. Level 3 inputs are prices or valuation techniques for the asset or liability that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). Unobservable inputs reflect the Plan's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).
Expected Benefit Payments
The following table summarizes the benefit payments OG&E expects to pay related to OGE Energy's Pension Plan and Restoration of Retirement Income Plan. These expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure OGE Energy's benefit obligation at the end of the year and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Projected Benefit Payments
|
2020
|
$
|
44.6
|
|
2021
|
$
|
44.2
|
|
2022
|
$
|
42.5
|
|
2023
|
$
|
42.2
|
|
2024
|
$
|
42.0
|
|
After 2024
|
$
|
179.8
|
|
Postretirement Benefit Plans
In addition to providing pension benefits, OGE Energy provides certain medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retired members. Regular, full-time, active employees hired prior to February 1, 2000 whose age and years of credited service total or exceed 80 or have attained at least age 55 with 10 or more years of service at the time of retirement are entitled to postretirement medical benefits, while employees hired on or after February 1, 2000 are not entitled to postretirement medical benefits. Eligible retirees must contribute such amount as OGE Energy specifies from time to time toward the cost of coverage for postretirement benefits. The benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. OG&E charges postretirement benefit costs to expense and includes an annual amount as a component of the cost-of-service in future ratemaking proceedings.
OGE Energy's contribution to the medical costs for pre-65 aged eligible retirees are fixed at the 2011 level, and OGE Energy covers future annual medical inflationary cost increases up to five percent. Increases in excess of five percent annually are covered by the pre-65 aged retiree in the form of premium increases. OGE Energy provides Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses an annual fixed contribution to OGE Energy's sponsored health reimbursement arrangement. OGE Energy's Medicare-eligible retirees are able to purchase individual insurance policies supplemental to Medicare through a third-party administrator and use their health reimbursement arrangement funds for reimbursement of medical premiums and other eligible medical expenses.
Postretirement Plans Investments
The following tables summarize OG&E's portion of OGE Energy's postretirement benefit plans' investments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018. There were no Level 2 investments held by the postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
December 31, 2019
|
Level 1
|
Level 3
|
Group retiree medical insurance contract
|
$
|
34.8
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
34.8
|
|
Mutual funds
|
10.9
|
|
10.9
|
|
—
|
|
Money market fund
|
1.2
|
|
1.2
|
|
—
|
|
Total plan investments
|
46.9
|
|
$
|
12.1
|
|
$
|
34.8
|
|
Plan investments attributable to affiliates
|
(5.0)
|
|
|
|
Total plan assets
|
$
|
41.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
December 31, 2018
|
Level 1
|
Level 3
|
Group retiree medical insurance contract
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
Mutual funds
|
8.9
|
|
8.9
|
|
—
|
|
Cash
|
0.9
|
|
0.9
|
|
—
|
|
Total plan investments
|
45.8
|
|
$
|
9.8
|
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
Plan investments attributable to affiliates
|
(5.2)
|
|
|
|
Total plan assets
|
$
|
40.6
|
|
|
|
The group retiree medical insurance contract invests in a pool of common stocks, bonds and money market accounts, of which a significant portion is comprised of mortgage-backed securities. The unobservable input included in the valuation of the contract includes the approach for determining the allocation of the postretirement benefit plans' pro-rata share of the total assets in the contract.
The following table summarizes the postretirement benefit plans' investments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
Group retiree medical insurance contract:
|
|
Beginning balance
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
Claims paid
|
(3.8)
|
|
Investment fees
|
(0.1)
|
|
Net unrealized gains related to instruments held at the reporting date
|
1.4
|
|
Interest income
|
0.8
|
|
Dividend income
|
0.5
|
|
Ending balance
|
$
|
34.8
|
|
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 expanded coverage for prescription drugs. The following table summarizes the gross benefit payments OG&E expects to pay related to its postretirement benefit plans, including prescription drug benefits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Gross Projected
Postretirement
Benefit
Payments
|
2020
|
$
|
8.9
|
|
2021
|
$
|
8.9
|
|
2022
|
$
|
8.8
|
|
2023
|
$
|
7.4
|
|
2024
|
$
|
7.3
|
|
After 2024
|
$
|
32.4
|
|
Post-Employment Benefit Plan
Disabled employees receiving benefits from OGE Energy's Group Long-Term Disability Plan are entitled to continue participating in OGE Energy's Medical Plan along with their dependents. The post-employment benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of estimated future medical benefits that are attributed to employee service rendered prior to the date as of which such information is presented. The obligation also includes future medical benefits expected to be paid to current employees participating in OGE Energy's Group Long-Term Disability Plan and their dependents, as defined in OGE Energy's Medical Plan.
The post-employment benefit obligation is determined by an actuary on a basis similar to the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. The estimated future medical benefits are projected to grow with expected future medical cost trend rates and are discounted for interest at the discount rate and for the probability that the participant will discontinue receiving benefits from OGE Energy's Group Long-Term Disability Plan due to death, recovery from disability or eligibility for retiree medical benefits. OG&E's post-employment benefit obligation was $1.7 million at both December 31, 2019 and 2018.
401(k) Plan
OGE Energy provides a 401(k) Plan, and each regular full-time employee of OGE Energy or a participating affiliate is eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan immediately. All other employees of OGE Energy or a participating affiliate are eligible to become participants in the 401(k) Plan after completing one year of service as defined in the 401(k) Plan. Participants may contribute each pay period any whole percentage between two percent and 19 percent of their compensation, as defined in the 401(k) Plan, for that pay period. Participants who have reached age 50 before the close of a year are allowed to make additional contributions referred to as "Catch-Up Contributions," subject to certain limitations of the Code. Participants may designate, at their discretion, all or any portion of their contributions as: (i) a before-tax contribution under Section 401(k) of the Code subject to the limitations thereof, (ii) a contribution made on a non-Roth after-tax basis or (iii) a Roth contribution. The 401(k) Plan also includes an eligible automatic contribution arrangement and provides for a qualified default investment
alternative consistent with the U.S. Department of Labor regulations. Participants may elect, in accordance with the 401(k) Plan procedures, to have their future salary deferral rate to be automatically increased annually on a date and in an amount as specified by the participant in such election. For employees hired or rehired on or after December 1, 2009, OGE Energy contributes to the 401(k) Plan, on behalf of each participant, 200 percent of the participant's contributions up to five percent of compensation.
No OGE Energy contributions are made with respect to a participant's Catch-Up Contributions, rollover contributions or with respect to a participant's contributions based on overtime payments, pay-in-lieu of overtime for exempt personnel, special lump-sum recognition awards and lump-sum merit awards included in compensation for determining the amount of participant contributions. Once made, OGE Energy's contribution may be directed to any available investment option in the 401(k) Plan. OGE Energy match contributions vest over a three-year period. After two years of service, participants become 20 percent vested in their OGE Energy contribution account and become fully vested on completing three years of service. In addition, participants fully vest when they are eligible for normal or early retirement under the Pension Plan requirements, in the event of their termination due to death or permanent disability or upon attainment of age 65 while employed by OGE Energy or its affiliates. OG&E contributed $11.0 million, $9.8 million and $9.7 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, to the 401(k) Plan.
Deferred Compensation Plan
OGE Energy provides a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which is intended to be an unfunded plan. The plan's primary purpose is to provide a tax-deferred capital accumulation vehicle for a select group of management, highly compensated employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors of OGE Energy and to supplement such employees' 401(k) Plan contributions as well as offering this plan to be competitive in the marketplace.
Eligible employees who enroll in the plan have the following deferral options: (i) eligible employees may elect to defer up to a maximum of 70 percent of base salary and 100 percent of annual bonus awards or (ii) eligible employees may elect a deferral percentage of base salary and bonus awards based on the deferral percentage elected for a year under the 401(k) Plan with such deferrals to start when maximum deferrals to the qualified 401(k) Plan have been made because of limitations in that plan. Eligible directors who enroll in the plan may elect to defer up to a maximum of 100 percent of directors' meeting fees and annual retainers. OGE Energy matches employee (but not non-employee director) deferrals to make up for any match lost in the 401(k) Plan because of deferrals to the deferred compensation plan and to allow for a match that would have been made under the 401(k) Plan on that portion of either the first six percent of total compensation or the first five percent of total compensation, depending on prior participant elections, deferred that exceeds the limits allowed in the 401(k) Plan. Matching credits vest based on years of service, with full vesting after three years or, if earlier, on retirement, disability, death, a change in control of OGE Energy or termination of the plan. Deferrals, plus any OGE Energy match, are credited to a recordkeeping account in the participant's name. Earnings on the deferrals are indexed to the assumed investment funds selected by the participant. In 2019, those investment options included an OGE Energy Common Stock fund, whose value was determined based on the stock price of OGE Energy's Common Stock.
14.Commitments and Contingencies
Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act of 1978
OG&E had a QF contract with AES which expired on January 15, 2019 and a QF contract with Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC which expired on August 31, 2019. For the 320 MW AES QF contract and the 120 MW Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC QF contract, OG&E purchased 100 percent of the electricity generated by the QFs. In December 2018, OG&E announced its plan to acquire power plants from AES and Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC, pending regulatory approval, to meet customers' energy needs. In May 2019, OG&E received the necessary approval from the OCC and the FERC and conditional approval from the APSC to acquire both plants. In May 2019, OG&E acquired the power plant from AES, and in August 2019, OG&E acquired the power plant from Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC. In August 2019, OG&E received final approval from the APSC to acquire both plants. Further discussion can be found in Note 15.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, OG&E made total payments to cogenerators of $14.7 million, $112.4 million and $115.2 million, respectively, of which $7.4 million, $60.0 million and $63.0 million, respectively, represented capacity payments. All payments for purchased power, including cogeneration, are included in the Statements of Income as Cost of Sales.
Purchase Obligations and Commitments
OG&E's future purchase obligations and commitments estimated for the next five years are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
2023
|
2024
|
Total
|
Purchase obligations and commitments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum purchase commitments
|
$
|
82.6
|
|
$
|
55.1
|
|
$
|
50.4
|
|
$
|
50.4
|
|
$
|
32.9
|
|
$
|
271.4
|
|
Expected wind purchase commitments
|
55.7
|
|
56.0
|
|
56.4
|
|
56.8
|
|
57.5
|
|
282.4
|
|
Long-term service agreement commitments
|
2.4
|
|
2.4
|
|
2.4
|
|
13.8
|
|
32.1
|
|
53.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental compliance plan expenditures
|
0.4
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
0.4
|
|
Total purchase obligations and commitments
|
$
|
141.1
|
|
$
|
113.5
|
|
$
|
109.2
|
|
$
|
121.0
|
|
$
|
122.5
|
|
$
|
607.3
|
|
Minimum Purchase Commitments
OG&E has coal contracts for purchases through June 30, 2020 and May 31, 2021, whereby OG&E has the right but not the obligation to purchase a defined quantity of coal. OG&E purchases its coal through spot purchases on an as-needed basis. As a participant in the SPP Integrated Marketplace, OG&E purchases its natural gas supply through short-term agreements. OG&E relies on a combination of natural gas base load agreements and call agreements, whereby OG&E has the right but not the obligation to purchase a defined quantity of natural gas, combined with day and intra-day purchases to meet the demands of the SPP Integrated Marketplace.
OG&E has natural gas transportation service contracts with Enable and ONEOK, Inc. The contract with Enable ends in May 2024, and the contract with ONEOK, Inc. ends in August 2037. These transportation contracts grant Enable and ONEOK, Inc. the responsibility of delivering natural gas to OG&E's generating facilities.
Wind Purchase Commitments
The following table summarizes OG&E's wind power purchase contracts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
|
Location
|
Original Term of Contract
|
Expiration of Contract
|
MWs
|
CPV Keenan
|
Woodward County, OK
|
20 years
|
2030
|
152.0
|
|
Edison Mission Energy
|
Dewey County, OK
|
20 years
|
2031
|
130.0
|
|
NextEra Energy
|
Blackwell, OK
|
20 years
|
2032
|
60.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes OG&E's wind power purchases for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 (In millions)
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
CPV Keenan
|
$
|
27.2
|
|
$
|
27.0
|
|
$
|
29.0
|
|
Edison Mission Energy
|
23.1
|
|
21.7
|
|
22.1
|
|
NextEra Energy
|
7.4
|
|
6.8
|
|
7.4
|
|
FPL Energy (A)
|
—
|
|
2.1
|
|
2.6
|
|
Total wind power purchased
|
$
|
57.7
|
|
$
|
57.6
|
|
$
|
61.1
|
|
(A)OG&E's purchased power contract with FPL Energy for 50 MWs expired in 2018.
Long-Term Service Agreement Commitments
OG&E has a long-term parts and service maintenance contract for the upkeep of the McClain Plant. In May 2013, a new contract was signed that is expected to run for the earlier of 128,000 factored-fired hours or 4,800 factored-fired starts. In December 2015, the McClain Long-Term Service Agreement was amended to define the terms and conditions for the exchange of spare rotors between OG&E and General Electric International, Inc. Based on historical usage and current expectations for future usage, this contract is expected to run until 2033. The contract requires payments based on both a fixed and variable cost component, depending on how much the McClain Plant is used.
OG&E has a long-term parts and service maintenance contract for the upkeep of the Redbud Plant. In March 2013, the contract was amended to extend the contract coverage for an additional 24,000 factored-fired hours resulting in a maximum of the earlier of 144,000 factored-fired hours or 4,500 factored-fired starts. Based on historical usage and current expectations for future usage, this contract is expected to run until 2030. The contract requires payments based on both a fixed and variable cost component, depending on how much the Redbud Plant is used.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
The activities of OG&E are subject to numerous stringent and complex federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection. These laws and regulations can change, restrict or otherwise impact OG&E's business activities in many ways, including the handling or disposal of waste material, planning for future construction activities to avoid or mitigate harm to threatened or endangered species and requiring the installation and operation of emissions or pollution control equipment. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Management believes that all of its operations are in substantial compliance with current federal, state and local environmental standards.
Environmental regulation can increase the cost of planning, design, initial installation and operation of OG&E's facilities. Management continues to evaluate its compliance with existing and proposed environmental legislation and regulations and implement appropriate environmental programs in a competitive market.
Affordable Clean Energy Rule
On July 8, 2019, the EPA published the Affordable Clean Energy rule. Numerous parties, not including OG&E, have filed petitions for judicial review of the Affordable Clean Energy rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Affordable Clean Energy rule requires states, including Oklahoma, to develop emission limitations for carbon dioxide for each existing coal-fired utility boiler within the state, including all of OG&E's coal units, and submit a compliance and implementation plan to the EPA by July 2022. The EPA will approve or disapprove the proposed state plan within 18 months of submittal and develop a federal implementation plan if the proposed state plan is disapproved. The ultimate timing and impact of these standards on OG&E's operations cannot be determined with certainty at this time, although a requirement for significant reduction of CO2 emissions from existing fossil-fuel-fired power plants ultimately could result in significant additional compliance costs that would affect OG&E's future financial position, results of operations and cash flows if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
Other
In the normal course of business, OG&E is confronted with issues or events that may result in a contingent liability. These generally relate to lawsuits or claims made by third parties, including governmental agencies. When appropriate, management consults with legal counsel and other experts to assess the claim. If, in management's opinion, OG&E has incurred
a probable loss as set forth by GAAP, an estimate is made of the loss, and the appropriate accounting entries are reflected in OG&E's Financial Statements. At the present time, based on currently available information, OG&E believes that any reasonably possible losses in excess of accrued amounts arising out of pending or threatened lawsuits or claims would not be quantitatively material to its financial statements and would not have a material adverse effect on OG&E's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
15.Rate Matters and Regulation
Regulation and Rates
OG&E's retail electric tariffs are regulated by the OCC in Oklahoma and by the APSC in Arkansas. The issuance of certain securities by OG&E is also regulated by the OCC and the APSC. OG&E's transmission activities, short-term borrowing authorization and accounting practices are subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC. The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy has jurisdiction over some of OG&E's facilities and operations. In 2019, 86 percent of OG&E's electric revenue was subject to the jurisdiction of the OCC, eight percent to the APSC and six percent to the FERC.
The OCC and the APSC require that, among other things, (i) OGE Energy permits the OCC and the APSC access to the books and records of OGE Energy and its affiliates relating to transactions with OG&E; (ii) OGE Energy employ accounting and other procedures and controls to protect against subsidization of non-utility activities by OG&E's customers; and (iii) OGE Energy refrain from pledging OG&E assets or income for affiliate transactions. In addition, the FERC has access to the books and records of OGE Energy and its affiliates as the FERC deems relevant to costs incurred by OG&E or necessary or appropriate for the protection of utility customers with respect to the FERC jurisdictional rates.
Completed Regulatory Matters
Arkansas 2018 Formula Rate Plan Filing
Per OG&E's settlement in its last general rate review, OG&E filed an evaluation report under its Formula Rate Plan in October 2018. On March 6, 2019, the APSC approved a settlement agreement for a $3.3 million revenue increase, and new rates were effective as of April 1, 2019.
Approval for Acquisition of Existing Power Plants
In December 2018, OG&E filed an application for pre-approval from the OCC to acquire a 360 MW capacity coal- and natural gas-fired plant from AES and a 146 MW capacity natural gas-fired combined-cycle plant from Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC for $53.5 million. The purchase of these assets replaces capacity provided by purchased power contracts that expired in 2019 and helps OG&E satisfy its customers' energy needs and load obligations to the SPP. In addition, the filing sought approval of a rider mechanism to collect costs associated with the purchase of these generating facilities. On May 13, 2019, the OCC approved OG&E's acquisition of both plants, the requested rider mechanism for the AES plant and regulatory asset treatment for the Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC plant that will defer non-fuel operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation and ad valorem taxes.
On January 23, 2019, OG&E filed an application for Federal Power Act Section 203 approval with a request for expedited consideration. This application requested FERC's prior authorization to acquire the AES and Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC plants. On May 22, 2019, OG&E received authorization from the FERC to acquire both plants.
On April 24, 2019, OG&E filed an application with the APSC requesting approval of the acquisition, as well as depreciation rates, of the AES and Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC plants, and on May 8, 2019, OG&E received conditional approval for the purchase of the generating facilities. On August 30, 2019, the APSC issued an order finding that the plants to be acquired were used and useful and that the acquisition of the plants was in the public interest. The APSC also approved the depreciation rates to be applied to the acquired plants. The cost OG&E paid for the acquired plants was reviewed by the APSC in OG&E's 2019 Formula Rate Plan filing, and parties reached a settlement agreement requesting the APSC to approve the cost of the acquisitions. OG&E is awaiting a final decision from the APSC.
In May 2019, OG&E completed the acquisition of the power plant from AES and placed it into service, which is now named the River Valley power plant. In August 2019, OG&E completed the acquisition of the power plant from Oklahoma Cogeneration LLC and placed it into service, which is now named the Frontier power plant.
Fuel Adjustment Clause Review for Calendar Year 2017
In July 2018, the OCC staff filed an application to review OG&E's fuel adjustment clause for the calendar year 2017, including the prudence of OG&E's electric generation, purchased power and fuel procurement costs. On February 1, 2019, the Administrative Law Judge recommended that OG&E's processes, costs, investments and decisions regarding fuel procurement for the 2017 calendar year be found prudent. On May 22, 2019, the OCC deemed OG&E's electric generation, purchased power and fuel procurement costs to be materially prudent.
Oklahoma Rate Review Filing - December 2018
In December 2018, OG&E filed a general rate review with the OCC, requesting a rate increase of $77.6 million per year to recover its investment in the Dry Scrubbers project and in the conversion of Muskogee Units 4 and 5 to natural gas, to align OG&E's return on equity more closely to the industry average and to align OG&E's depreciation rates to more realistically reflect its assets' lifespans.
On May 24, 2019, OG&E entered into a non-unanimous joint stipulation and settlement agreement with the OCC staff, the Attorney General's Office of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers and certain other parties associated with the requested rate increase. The filing was further amended on May 30, 2019 to include Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives as a settling party. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, OG&E would receive full recovery of its environmental investments in the Dry Scrubbers project and in the conversion of Muskogee Units 4 and 5 to natural gas. Base rates would not change as a result of the settlement agreement due to the reduction of costs related to cogeneration contracts and the acceleration of unprotected deferred tax savings over a 10-year period. Further, OG&E's current depreciation rates and return on equity of 9.5 percent for purposes of calculating the allowance for funds used during construction and OG&E's various recovery riders that include a full return component would remain unchanged.
On July 1, 2019, OG&E implemented interim rates, which were subject to refund of any amount recovered in excess of the rates ultimately approved by the OCC in the rate review. On September 19, 2019, the OCC issued a final order which approved the settlement agreement.
The Dry Scrubbers project, which includes the installation of two dry scrubbers at the Sooner plant, and the conversion of Muskogee Units 4 and 5 to natural gas were initiated in response to the EPA's MATS and Regional Haze Rule FIP. The Dry Scrubber systems on Sooner Unit 1 and Unit 2 were placed into service in October 2018 and January 2019, respectively. Muskogee Units 4 and 5 were placed into service in March 2019.
Fuel Adjustment Clause Review for Calendar Year 2018
In June 2019, the OCC staff filed an application to review OG&E's fuel adjustment clause for the calendar year 2018, including the prudence of OG&E's electric generation, purchased power and fuel procurement costs. On December 12, 2019, the OCC issued an order deeming OG&E's electric generation, purchased power and fuel procurement costs were prudent.
FERC - Section 206 Filing
In January 2018, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority filed a complaint at the FERC stating that the base return on common equity used by OG&E in calculating formula transmission rates under the SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff is unjust and unreasonable and should be reduced from 10.60 percent to 7.85 percent, effective upon the date of the complaint. In addition to the request to reduce the return on equity, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority's complaint also requests that modifications be made to OG&E's transmission formula rates to reflect the impacts of the 2017 Tax Act, including the 2017 Tax Act's impact on accumulated deferred income tax balances. In May 2019, all parties agreed to a settlement which provides for 10 percent base return on equity, plus a 50-basis point adder, and a five-year amortization period of the unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes associated with the 2017 Tax Act. On November 21, 2019, the FERC approved the settlement agreement.
Pending Regulatory Matters
Set forth below is a list of various proceedings pending before state or federal regulatory agencies. Unless stated otherwise, OG&E cannot predict when the regulatory agency will act or what action the regulatory agency will take. OG&E's financial results are dependent in part on timely and adequate decisions by the regulatory agencies that set OG&E's rates.
FERC Order for Sponsored Transmission Upgrades within SPP
Under the SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff, costs of participant-funded, or "sponsored," transmission upgrades may be recovered from other SPP customers whose transmission service depends on capacity enabled by the upgrade. The SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff required SPP to charge for these upgrades beginning in 2008, but SPP had not been charging its customers for these upgrades due to information system limitations. However, SPP had informed participants in the market that these charges would be forthcoming. In July 2016, the FERC granted SPP's request to recover the charges not billed since 2008. SPP subsequently billed OG&E for these charges and credited OG&E related to transmission upgrades that OG&E had sponsored, which resulted in OG&E being a net receiver of sponsored upgrade credits. The majority of these net credits were refunded to customers through OG&E's various rate riders that include SPP activity with the remaining amounts retained by OG&E.
Several companies that were net payers of Z2 charges sought rehearing of the FERC's July 2016 order; however, in November 2017, the FERC denied the rehearing requests. In January 2018, one of the impacted companies appealed the FERC's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In July 2018, that court granted a motion requested by the FERC that the case be remanded back to the FERC for further examination and proceedings. In February 2019, the FERC reversed its July 2016 order and November 2017 rehearing denial, ruled that SPP violated its tariff to charge for the 2008 - 2015 period in 2016, held that the SPP tariff provision that prohibited those charges could not be waived and ordered SPP to develop a plan to refund the payments but not to implement the refunds until further ordered to do so. In response, on April 1, 2019, OG&E filed a request for rehearing with the FERC, and on May 24, 2019, OG&E filed a FERC 206 complaint against SPP, alleging that SPP's forced unwinding of the revenue credit payments to OG&E would violate the provisions of the Sponsored Upgrade Agreement and of the applicable tariff. OG&E's filing requested that the FERC rule that SPP is not entitled to seek refunds or in any other way seek to unwind the revenue credit payments it had paid to OG&E pursuant to the Sponsored Upgrade Agreement. SPP's response to OG&E's filing agreed that OG&E should be entitled to keep its Z2 payments and argued that SPP should not be held responsible for those payments if refunds are ordered. Further, SPP has requested the FERC to negotiate a global settlement with all impacted parties, including other project sponsors who, like OG&E, have also filed complaints at FERC contending that the payments they have received cannot properly be unwound.
On February 20, 2020, the FERC denied OG&E's request for rehearing of its February 28, 2019 order, denying the waiver and ruling that SPP must seek refunds from project sponsors for Z2 payments for the 2008 - 2015 period and pay them back to transmission owners. The FERC also denied SPP's request for a stay and for institution of settlement procedures. The FERC stated it would not institute settlement procedures unless parties on both sides of the matter requested them. The FERC did not rule on OG&E's complaint or the complaints of other project sponsors, or consider SPP's refund plan. The FERC thus has not set any date for payment of refunds. The FERC's order denying the waiver and requiring refunds is now appealable, and OG&E intends to file a timely appeal.
OG&E cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding based on currently available information, and as of December 31, 2019 and at present time, OG&E has not reserved an amount for a potential refund. If the reversal of the July 2016 FERC order remains intact, OG&E estimates it would be required to refund $13.0 million, which is net of amounts paid to other utilities for upgrades and would be subject to interest at the FERC-approved rate. If refunds were required, recovery of these upgrade credits would shift to future periods. Of the $13.0 million, OG&E would be impacted by $5.0 million in expense that initially benefited OG&E in 2016, and OG&E customers would incur a net impact of $8.0 million in expense through rider mechanisms or the FERC formula rate.
SPP has recently proposed eliminating Attachment Z2 revenue crediting and replacing it with a different mechanism that would provide project sponsors such as OG&E the same level of recovery they would receive if payments continued under Attachment Z2. The FERC rejected that proposal to the extent it would limit recovery to the amount of the upgrade sponsor's directly assigned upgrade costs with interest, finding that providing the possibility of recovering greater than the cost of the investment could serve as an incentive for entities to build merchant transmission projects. The SPP can resubmit a proposal without that cap.
APSC - Environmental Compliance Plan Rider
On May 31, 2019, OG&E filed an environmental compliance plan rider in Arkansas to recover its investment for the environmentally mandated costs associated with the Dry Scrubbers project and the conversion of Muskogee Units 4 and 5 to natural gas. The filing is an interim surcharge, subject to refund, that began with the first billing cycle of June 2019. OG&E is reserving the amounts collected through the interim surcharge, pending APSC approval of OG&E's filing. A hearing on the merits was held on December 17, 2019. The primary question before the APSC is whether a company can utilize an
environmental compliance plan rider while also regulated under a formula rate plan. OG&E is awaiting a final decision from the APSC.
Arkansas 2019 Formula Rate Plan Filing
OG&E filed its second evaluation report under its Formula Rate Plan in October 2019. On January 29, 2020, OG&E, the General Staff of the APSC and the Office of the Arkansas Attorney General filed a settlement agreement requesting the APSC approve a $5.2 million revenue increase, with rates effective April 1, 2020. The settling parties agreed that the Series I grid modernization projects are prudent in both action and cost and that the Series II grid modernization projects are prudent in action only and the determination of prudence of costs will be reserved until the actual historical costs are reviewed. The settling parties also agreed that OG&E will no longer use projections for the remaining initial term or extension of its current Formula Rate Plan and that all costs will be included for recovery for the first time in the historical year. A hearing was held on February 5, 2020, and OG&E is awaiting a final decision from the APSC.
Oklahoma Grid Enhancement Plan
On February 24, 2020, OG&E filed an application with the OCC for approval of a mechanism that allows for interim recovery of the costs associated with its grid enhancement plan. The plan includes approximately $800 million of strategic, data-driven investments, over five years, covering grid resiliency, grid automation, communication systems and technology platforms and applications. A procedural schedule has not been set by the OCC.
Oklahoma Retail Electric Supplier Certified Territory Act Causes
Certain rural electric cooperative electricity suppliers have filed complaints with the OCC alleging that OG&E has violated the Oklahoma Retail Electric Supplier Certified Territory Act. OG&E believes it is lawfully serving customers specifically exempted from this act and has presented evidence and testimony to the OCC supporting its position. If the OCC were to ultimately find that some or all of the customers being served are not exempted, then OG&E would have to evaluate the recoverability of some plant investment made to serve these customers. OG&E may also be required to reimburse certified territory suppliers for an amount of lost revenue.
16.Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Due to the seasonal fluctuations and other factors of OG&E's business, the operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year. In OG&E's opinion, the following quarterly financial data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly present such amounts. Summarized quarterly unaudited financial data is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended (In millions)
|
|
March 31
|
June 30
|
September 30
|
December 31
|
Total
|
Operating revenues
|
2019
|
$
|
490.0
|
|
$
|
513.7
|
|
$
|
755.4
|
|
$
|
472.5
|
|
$
|
2,231.6
|
|
|
2018
|
$
|
492.7
|
|
$
|
567.0
|
|
$
|
698.8
|
|
$
|
511.8
|
|
$
|
2,270.3
|
|
Operating income
|
2019
|
$
|
50.3
|
|
$
|
110.6
|
|
$
|
275.0
|
|
$
|
71.8
|
|
$
|
507.7
|
|
|
2018
|
$
|
67.1
|
|
$
|
138.3
|
|
$
|
230.3
|
|
$
|
58.5
|
|
$
|
494.2
|
|
Net income
|
2019
|
$
|
19.6
|
|
$
|
74.5
|
|
$
|
227.2
|
|
$
|
28.9
|
|
$
|
350.2
|
|
|
2018
|
$
|
31.3
|
|
$
|
92.0
|
|
$
|
183.9
|
|
$
|
20.8
|
|
$
|
328.0
|
|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholder and Board of Directors of Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of income, changes in stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 26, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
February 26, 2020