UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2011
 
Commission
Registrant; State of Incorporation
IRS Employer
File Number
Address; and Telephone Number
Identification No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
001-09057
WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
39-1391525
 
                   (A Wisconsin Corporation)
 
 
                   231 West Michigan Street
 
 
                   P.O. Box 1331
 
 
                   Milwaukee, WI 53201
 
 
                   (414) 221-2345
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes [X]    No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes[X]    No[  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer [X]  
 
Accelerated filer [  ]
 
 
Non-accelerated filer [  ]
 
Smaller reporting company [  ]
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes [  ]    No [X]
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date ( March 31, 2011 ):
 
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value,
233,746,331 shares outstanding.
 
 

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
_______________________
 
FORM 10-Q REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Introduction
 
 
 
 
Part I -- Financial Information
 
 
 
 
1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Income Statements
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
 
 
 
2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
Part II -- Other Information
 
 
 
 
1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 

 
March 2011
2
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS
 
 
 
The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below:
 
Primary Subsidiaries
 
 
We Power
 
W.E. Power, LLC
Wisconsin Electric
 
Wisconsin Electric Power Company
Wisconsin Gas
 
Wisconsin Gas LLC
 
 
 
Significant Assets
OC 1
 
Oak Creek expansion Unit 1
OC 2
 
Oak Creek expansion Unit 2
PWGS
 
Port Washington Generating Station
PWGS 1
 
Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1
PWGS 2
 
Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2
 
 
 
Other Subsidiaries and Affiliates
ATC
 
American Transmission Company LLC
ERGSS
 
Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC
 
Federal and State Regulatory Agencies
DOE
 
United States Department of Energy
EPA
 
United States Environmental Protection Agency
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
MPSC
 
Michigan Public Service Commission
PSCW
 
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
SEC
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
WDNR
 
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
 
 
 
Environmental Terms
BTA
 
Best Technology Available
CAMR
 
Clean Air Mercury Rule
CWA
 
Clean Water Act
MACT
 
Maximum Achievable Control Technology
 
 
 
Other Terms and Abbreviations
 
 
AQCS
 
Air Quality Control System
Compensation Committee
 
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Edison Sault
 
Edison Sault Electric Company
ERISA
 
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
Exchange Act
 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FTRs
 
Financial Transmission Rights
Junior Notes
 
Wisconsin Energy's 2007 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes due 2067 issued in May 2007
MISO
 
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
OTC
 
Over-the-Counter
Plan
 
The Wisconsin Energy Corporation Retirement Account Plan
Point Beach
 
Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant
PTF
 
Power the Future

 
March 2011
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Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS
 
 
 
The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below:
 
S&P
 
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
WPL
 
Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp.
 
 
 
Measurements
 
 
Btu
 
British Thermal Unit(s)
Dth
 
Dekatherm(s) (One Dth equals one million Btu)
MW
 
Megawatt(s) (One MW equals one million Watts)
MWh
 
Megawatt-hour(s)
Watt
 
A measure of power production or usage
 
Accounting Terms
AFUDC
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
OPEB
 
Other Post-Retirement Employee Benefits
 

 
March 2011
4
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
Certain statements contained in this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). These statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning management's expectations and projections regarding earnings, completion of construction projects, regulatory matters, on-going legal proceedings, fuel costs, sources of electric energy supply, coal and gas deliveries, remediation costs, environmental and other capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other matters. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "guidance," "intends," "may," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "projects," "should" or similar terms or variations of these terms.
 
Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with these statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements or otherwise affect our future results of operations and financial condition include, among others, the following:
 
Factors affecting utility operations such as catastrophic weather-related or terrorism-related damage; availability of electric generating facilities; unscheduled generation outages, or unplanned maintenance or repairs; unanticipated events causing scheduled generation outages to last longer than expected; unanticipated changes in fossil fuel, purchased power, coal supply, gas supply or water supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; nonperformance by electric energy or natural gas suppliers under existing power purchase or gas supply contracts; environmental incidents; electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints; unanticipated organizational structure or key personnel changes; collective bargaining agreements with union employees or work stoppages; or inflation rates.
 
Factors affecting the demand for electricity and natural gas, including weather; the economic climate in our service territories; customer growth and declines; customer business conditions, including demand for their products and services; and energy conservation efforts.
 
Timing, resolution and impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including recovery of all costs associated with our Power the Future (PTF) strategy, as well as costs associated with environmental compliance, renewable generation, transmission service, distribution system upgrades, fuel and the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) Energy Markets.
 
Increased competition in our electric and gas markets and continued industry consolidation.
 
The ability to control costs and avoid construction delays during the development and construction of new environmental controls and renewable generation.
 
The impact of recent and future federal, state and local legislative and regulatory changes, including any changes in rate-setting policies or procedures; electric and gas industry restructuring initiatives; transmission or distribution system operation and/or administration initiatives; any required changes in facilities or operations to reduce the risks or impacts of potential terrorist activities; required approvals for new construction, and the siting approval process for new generation and transmission facilities and new pipeline construction; changes to the Federal Power Act and related regulations under the Energy Policy Act and enforcement thereof by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other regulatory agencies; changes in allocation of energy assistance, including state public benefits funds; changes in environmental, tax and other laws and regulations to which we are subject; changes in the application of existing laws and regulations; and changes in the interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions by the permitting agencies.
 
Restrictions imposed by various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.
 

 
March 2011
5
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION -- (CONT'D)
 
Current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries, including the pending lawsuit against the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Retirement Account Plan (Plan), FERC matters, and IRS audits and other tax matters.
 
Events in the global credit markets that may affect the availability and cost of capital.
 
Other factors affecting our ability to access the capital markets, including general capital market conditions; our capitalization structure; market perceptions of the utility industry, us or any of our subsidiaries; and our credit ratings.
 
The investment performance of our pension and other post-retirement benefit trusts.
 
The financial performance of American Transmission Company LLC (ATC) and its corresponding contribution to our earnings.
 
The impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and any related regulations.
 
The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies, including any changes in regulatory accounting policies and practices and any requirement for U.S. registrants to follow International Financial Reporting Standards instead of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
 
Unanticipated technological developments that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets.
 
Changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom we have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading markets and fuel suppliers and transporters.
 
The cyclical nature of property values that could affect our real estate investments.
 
Changes to the legislative or regulatory restrictions or caps on non-utility acquisitions, investments or projects, including the State of Wisconsin's public utility holding company law.
 
Other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings or in other publicly disseminated written documents, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 .
 
We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 

 
March 2011
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Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

INTRODUCTION
 
Wisconsin Energy Corporation is a diversified holding company which conducts its operations primarily in two operating segments: a utility energy segment and a non-utility energy segment. Unless qualified by their context when used in this document, the terms Wisconsin Energy, the Company, our, us or we refer to the holding company and all of its subsidiaries. Our primary subsidiaries are Wisconsin Electric Power Company (Wisconsin Electric), Wisconsin Gas LLC (Wisconsin Gas) and W.E. Power, LLC (We Power).
 
Utility Energy Segment:    Our utility energy segment consists of: Wisconsin Electric, which serves electric customers in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, gas customers in Wisconsin and steam customers in metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Wisconsin Gas, which serves gas customers in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas operate under the trade name of "We Energies."
 
Non-Utility Energy Segment:    Our non-utility energy segment consists primarily of We Power. We Power was formed in 2001 to design, construct, own and lease to Wisconsin Electric the new generating capacity included in our PTF strategy. See Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on PTF.
 
We have prepared the unaudited interim financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. We have condensed or omitted some information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP pursuant to these rules and regulations. This Form 10-Q, including the financial statements contained herein, should be read in conjunction with our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and notes therein.
 
 

 
March 2011
7
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
Operating Revenues
$
1,328.7
 
 
$
1,248.6
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
267.6
 
 
277.4
 
Cost of gas sold
342.4
 
 
355.8
 
Other operation and maintenance
313.5
 
 
335.4
 
Depreciation and amortization
81.3
 
 
74.4
 
Property and revenue taxes
28.3
 
 
26.6
 
Total Operating Expenses
1,033.1
 
 
1,069.6
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of Gain
 
 
49.4
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
295.6
 
 
228.4
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliate
15.5
 
 
15.2
 
Other Income, net
12.5
 
 
6.2
 
Interest Expense, net
63.4
 
 
49.4
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
260.2
 
 
200.4
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes
89.3
 
 
71.4
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations
170.9
 
 
129.0
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
 
0.7
 
Net Income
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.7
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.73
 
 
$
0.55
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Earnings Per Share (Basic)
$
0.73
 
 
$
0.55
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share (Diluted)
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.72
 
 
$
0.55
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Earnings Per Share (Diluted)
$
0.72
 
 
$
0.55
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Millions)
 
 
 
Basic
233.7
 
 
233.8
 
Diluted
236.6
 
 
236.7
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock
$
0.26
 
 
$
0.20
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
March 2011
8
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
In service
$
12,343.0
 
 
$
11,590.8
 
Accumulated depreciation
(3,639.1
)
 
(3,624.0
)
 
8,703.9
 
 
7,966.8
 
Construction work in progress
871.7
 
 
1,569.9
 
Leased facilities, net
63.4
 
 
64.8
 
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
9,639.0
 
 
9,601.5
 
Investments
 
 
 
Equity investment in transmission affiliate
336.1
 
 
330.5
 
Other
38.7
 
 
45.8
 
Total Investments
374.8
 
 
376.3
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
236.0
 
 
24.5
 
Restricted cash
45.5
 
 
8.3
 
Accounts receivable
425.2
 
 
344.6
 
Accrued revenues
224.9
 
 
280.3
 
Materials, supplies and inventories
284.4
 
 
379.1
 
Regulatory assets
53.7
 
 
54.4
 
Prepayments and other
190.1
 
 
239.9
 
Total Current Assets
1,459.8
 
 
1,331.1
 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
1,057.7
 
 
1,090.1
 
Goodwill
441.9
 
 
441.9
 
Other
215.4
 
 
218.9
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
1,715.0
 
 
1,750.9
 
Total Assets
$
13,188.6
 
 
$
13,059.8
 
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
 
 
Capitalization
 
 
 
Common equity
$
3,904.7
 
 
$
3,802.1
 
Preferred stock of subsidiary
30.4
 
 
30.4
 
Long-term debt
4,339.1
 
 
3,932.0
 
Total Capitalization
8,274.2
 
 
7,764.5
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt due currently
479.8
 
 
473.4
 
Short-term debt
281.5
 
 
657.9
 
Accounts payable
269.1
 
 
315.4
 
Regulatory liabilities
15.3
 
 
15.3
 
Other
294.6
 
 
259.1
 
Total Current Liabilities
1,340.3
 
 
1,721.1
 
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities
924.5
 
 
883.8
 
Deferred income taxes - long-term
1,267.9
 
 
1,154.8
 
Deferred revenue, net
795.0
 
 
805.5
 
Pension and other benefit obligations
227.4
 
 
353.2
 
Other
359.3
 
 
376.9
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
3,574.1
 
 
3,574.2
 
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
13,188.6
 
 
$
13,059.8
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
March 2011
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Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.7
 
Reconciliation to cash
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
84.2
 
 
71.9
 
Amortization of gain
 
 
(49.4
)
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
(15.5
)
 
(15.2
)
Distributions from transmission affiliate
12.4
 
 
12.5
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
71.9
 
 
5.1
 
Deferred revenue
2.8
 
 
32.2
 
Contributions to qualified benefit plans
(122.4
)
 
 
Change in - Accounts receivable and accrued revenues
(40.9
)
 
(33.7
)
Inventories
94.7
 
 
42.3
 
Other current assets
33.0
 
 
12.2
 
Accounts payable
(48.4
)
 
(36.1
)
Accrued income taxes, net
39.7
 
 
48.0
 
Deferred costs, net
6.4
 
 
6.5
 
Other current liabilities
61.6
 
 
53.1
 
Other, net
40.6
 
 
24.6
 
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
391.0
 
 
303.7
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(135.5
)
 
(194.6
)
Investment in transmission affiliate
(2.6
)
 
(3.9
)
Proceeds from asset sales
38.3
 
 
0.2
 
Change in restricted cash
(37.2
)
 
43.5
 
Other, net
(7.4
)
 
(16.3
)
Cash Used in Investing Activities
(144.4
)
 
(171.1
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options
13.0
 
 
19.9
 
Purchase of common stock
(24.9
)
 
(31.8
)
Dividends paid on common stock
(60.8
)
 
(46.8
)
Issuance of long-term debt
420.0
 
 
530.0
 
Retirement and repurchase of long-term debt
(5.0
)
 
(261.7
)
Change in short-term debt
(376.4
)
 
(347.1
)
Other, net
(1.0
)
 
(3.2
)
Cash Used in Financing Activities
(35.1
)
 
(140.7
)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
211.5
 
 
(8.1
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
24.5
 
 
20.9
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
236.0
 
 
$
12.8
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.
 

 
March 2011
10
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited) 
 
 
1 -- GENERAL INFORMATION
 
Our accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, we have included all adjustments, normal and recurring in nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, cash flows and financial position in the accompanying income statements, statements of cash flows and balance sheets. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire fiscal year 2011 because of seasonal and other factors.
 
Reclassifications:    We have reclassified certain prior year financial statement amounts to conform to their current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets or net income.
 
The reclassifications relate to the reporting of discontinued operations reflecting the sale of Edison Sault Electric Company (Edison Sault). The footnotes contained herein reflect continuing operations for all periods presented. For further information, see Note 5 -- Discontinued Operations and Divestitures.
 
In addition, on January 20, 2011, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of our common stock , which was effected through a stock dividend. New shares were distributed on March 1, 2011 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 14, 2011. All share and per share information has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this stock split.
 
 
2 -- NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
No new accounting pronouncements were issued or adopted during the first quarter of 2011 which would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
3 -- ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING FOR POWER THE FUTURE GENERATING UNITS
 
Background:    As part of our PTF strategy, our non-utility subsidiary, We Power, has built four new generating units, Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1 (PWGS 1), Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2 (PWGS 2), Oak Creek expansion Unit 1 (OC 1) and Oak Creek expansion Unit 2 (OC 2), which are leased to our utility subsidiary, Wisconsin Electric, under long-term leases that have been approved by the PSCW. The leases are designed to recover the capital costs of the plant, including a return. PWGS 1, PWGS 2, OC 1 and OC 2 were placed in service in July 2005, May 2008, February 2010 and January 2011, respectively. The accompanying consolidated financial statements eliminate all intercompany transactions between We Power and Wisconsin Electric and reflect the cash inflows from Wisconsin Electric customers and the cash outflows to our vendors and suppliers.
 
The Oak Creek expansion includes common projects that benefit the existing units at this site as well as the new units. These projects include a coal handling facility and a water intake system, which were placed in service in November 2007 and January 2009, respectively.
 
During Construction:     Under the terms of each lease, we collected in current rates amounts representing our pre-tax cost of capital (debt and equity) associated with capital expenditures for our PTF units. Our pre-tax cost of capital was approximately 14% . The carrying costs that we collected in rates were recorded as deferred revenue and are amortized to revenue over the term of each lease. During the construction of our PTF units, we capitalized interest costs at an overall weighted-average pre-tax cost of interest, which was approximately 5% for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Capitalized interest is included in the total cost of the PTF units.
 

 
March 2011
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Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
Plant in Service:     Now that the PTF units are placed in service, we expect to continue to recover in rates the lease costs which reflect the authorized cash construction costs of the units plus a return on the investment. The authorized cash costs were established by the PSCW. The authorized cash costs exclude capitalized interest since carrying costs were recovered during the construction of the units. The lease payments are expected to be levelized, except that OC 1 and OC 2 will be recovered on a levelized basis that has a one time 10.6% escalation after the first five years of the leases. The leases established a set return on equity component of 12.7% after tax. The interest component of the return under each lease was established at rates determined in accordance with the terms of each lease.
 
We recognize revenues (consisting of the lease payments included in rates and the amortization of the deferred revenue) on a levelized basis over the term of the lease. We depreciate the PTF assets on a straight-line basis over their expected service life.
 
 
4 -- COMMON EQUITY
 
Share-Based Compensation Expense:    For a description of share-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock and performance units, see Note I -- Common Equity in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We utilize the straight-line attribution method for recognizing share-based compensation expense. Accordingly, for employee awards, equity classified share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. There were no modifications to outstanding stock options during the period other than necessary adjustments as a result of our stock split. Shares purchased on the open market by our independent agents are currently used to satisfy share-based awards.
 
The following table summarizes recorded pre-tax share-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit for share-based awards made to our employees and directors for the three months ended March 31 :
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
 
 
Stock options
$
0.6
 
 
$
1.9
 
Performance units
1.0
 
 
2.7
 
Restricted stock
0.5
 
 
0.3
 
Share-based compensation expense
$
2.1
 
 
$
4.9
 
 
 
 
 
Related Tax Benefit
$
0.8
 
 
$
2.0
 
 
Stock Option Activity:    During the first three months of 2011 , the Compensation Committee granted 458,180 non-qualified stock options that had an estimated fair value of $3.17 per share. During the first three months of 2010 , the Compensation Committee granted 549,500 stock options that had an estimated fair value of $3.36  per share. The following assumptions were used to value the options using a binomial option pricing model:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
0.2% - 3.4%
 
 
0.2% - 3.9%
 
Dividend yield
3.9
%
 
3.7
%
Expected volatility
19.0
%
 
20.3
%
Expected forfeiture rate
2.0
%
 
2.0
%
Expected life (years)
5.5
 
 
5.9
 
 
 
The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Dividend yield, expected volatility, expected forfeiture rate and expected life assumptions are based on our historical experience.
 

 
March 2011
12
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
The following is a summary of our stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 :
 
Stock Options
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Millions)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2011
 
13,036,466
 
 
$
20.81
 
 
 
 
 
Granted
 
458,180
 
 
$
29.35
 
 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(728,520
)
 
$
17.81
 
 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of March 31, 2011
 
12,766,126
 
 
$
21.29
 
 
5.8
 
 
$
117.6
 
Exercisable as of March 31, 2011
 
9,555,446
 
 
$
20.76
 
 
5.0
 
 
$
93.1
 
 
The intrinsic value of options exercised was $9.1 million and $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 , and 2010 , respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $13.0 million and $19.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises for the same periods was approximately $3.6 million and $4.3 million , respectively.
 
All outstanding stock options to purchase shares of common stock were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during the first quarter of 2011 .
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2011 :
 
 
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
 
 
 
Weighted-Average
 
 
 
Weighted-Average
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Number of Options
 
Exercise Price
 
Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
 
Number of Options
 
Exercise Price
 
Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
$10.87 to $17.10
 
2,965,022
 
 
$
15.99
 
 
3.0
 
 
2,965,022
 
 
$
15.99
 
 
3.0
 
$19.74 to $21.11
 
3,958,634
 
 
$
20.57
 
 
6.6
 
 
1,717,654
 
 
$
19.87
 
 
5.1
 
$23.88 to $29.35
 
5,842,470
 
 
$
24.47
 
 
6.8
 
 
4,872,770
 
 
$
23.96
 
 
6.3
 
 
 
12,766,126
 
 
$
21.29
 
 
5.8
 
 
9,555,446
 
 
$
20.76
 
 
5.0
 
 
The following table summarizes information about our non-vested options during the three months ended March 31, 2011 :
 
Non-Vested Stock Options
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average
Fair Value
Non-vested as of January 1, 2011
 
5,272,570
 
 
$
4.27
 
Granted
 
458,180
 
 
$
3.17
 
Vested
 
(2,520,070
)
 
$
4.68
 
Forfeited
 
 
 
$
 
Non-vested as of March 31, 2011
 
3,210,680
 
 
$
3.78
 
 
As of March 31, 2011 , total compensation costs related to non-vested stock options not yet recognized was approximately $2.5 million , which is expected to be recognized over the next 16 months on a weighted-average basis.
 
Restricted Shares:    During the first three months of 2011 , the Compensation Committee granted 74,850 restricted shares to certain key employees and directors. These awards have a three-year vesting period, and generally, one-third of the award vests on each anniversary of the grant date. During the vesting period, restricted share recipients have voting rights and are entitled to dividends in the same manner as other shareholders.

 
March 2011
13
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

The following restricted stock activity occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2011 :
 
Restricted Shares
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2011
 
205,404
 
 
 
Granted
 
74,850
 
 
$
29.00
 
Released 
 
(70,474
)
 
$
19.72
 
Forfeited
 
(1,876
)
 
$
25.89
 
Outstanding as of March 31, 2011
 
207,904
 
 
 
 
We record the market value of the restricted stock awards on the date of grant, and then we charge their value to expense over the vesting period of the awards. The intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting was $2.1 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from released restricted shares was $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively.
 
As of March 31, 2011 , total compensation cost related to restricted stock not yet recognized was approximately $3.8 million , which is expected to be recognized over the next 27  months on a weighted-average basis.
 
Performance Units:    In January  2011 and 2010 , the Compensation Committee granted 435,690 and 555,830  performance units, respectively, to officers and other key employees under the Wisconsin Energy Performance Unit Plan. Under the grants, the ultimate number of units that will be awarded is dependent upon the achievement of certain financial performance of our stock over a three-year period. Under the terms of the award, participants may earn between 0% and 175% of the base performance unit award. All grants are settled in cash. We are accruing compensation costs over the three-year period based on our estimate of the final expected value of the awards. Performance units earned as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 vested and were settled during the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 , and had a total intrinsic value of $12.6 million and $9.8 million , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the settlement of performance units was approximately $4.3 million and $3.4 million , respectively. As of March 31, 2011 , total compensation cost related to performance units not yet recognized was approximately $28.3 million , which is expected to be recognized over the next 24  months on a weighted-average basis.
 
Restrictions:     Wisconsin Energy's ability as a holding company to pay common dividends primarily depends on the availability of funds received from its non-utility subsidiary, We Power, and its utility subsidiaries. Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements impose certain restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. In addition, under Wisconsin law, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas are prohibited from loaning funds, either directly or indirectly, to Wisconsin Energy. See Note I -- Common Equity in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on these and other restrictions.
 
We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any dividend payments in the foreseeable future.
 
Comprehensive Income:    Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners.
 
Our total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $171.0 million and $129.8 million , respectively, which approximates net income for each of those periods.
 
 
5 -- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DIVESTITURES
 
Edison Sault:    Effective May 4, 2010, we sold Edison Sault to Cloverland Electric Cooperative for approximately $63.0 million . We reclassified the operations related to Edison Sault as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Income Statements. Discontinued Edison Sault operations had no significant impact on our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively. We retained Edison Sault's ownership interest in ATC.

 
March 2011
14
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
The following table summarizes the net impacts of the discontinued operations on our earnings for the three months ended March 31 :
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Income from Continuing Operations
 
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.0
 
Income from Discontinued Edison Sault operations, net of tax
 
 
 
0.8
 
Income from Discontinued other operations, net of tax
 
 
 
(0.1
)
Net Income
 
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.7
 
 
Edgewater Generating Unit 5:    During the fourth quarter of 2009, we reached a contingent agreement to sell our 25% interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5 to Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) for our net book value, including working capital. Our interest in the unit was sold on March 1, 2011 for approximately $38 million .
 
 
6 -- LONG TERM DEBT
 
In January 2011, we issued a total of $420 million  in long-term debt ( $205 million  aggregate principal amount of 4.673% Series B Senior Notes due January 19, 2031 and $215 million  aggregate principal amount of 5.848% Series B Senior Notes due January 19, 2041) and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt incurred to finance the construction of OC 2 and for other corporate purposes. The Series B Senior Notes are secured by a collateral assignment of the leases between Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC (ERGSS) and Wisconsin Electric related to OC 2.
 
 
7 -- FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Fair value measurements require enhanced disclosures about assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value and establish a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of observable inputs used in measuring fair value.
 
Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and attempt to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we also utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We are able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
Assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
 
Level 1 -- Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Instruments in this category consist of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, cash equivalents and restricted cash investments.
 
Level 2 -- Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as Over-the-Counter (OTC) forwards and options.
 
Level 3 -- Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. The inputs in the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. At each balance sheet date, we perform an analysis of all instruments subject to fair value reporting and include in Level 3 all instruments whose fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs.
 

 
March 2011
15
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the instrument.
 
The following tables summarize our financial assets and liabilities by level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
Recurring Fair Value Measures
 
As of March 31, 2011
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash
 
$
45.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
45.5
 
Derivatives
 
8.0
 
 
9.2
 
 
2.1
 
 
19.3
 
Total
 
$
53.5
 
 
$
9.2
 
 
$
2.1
 
 
$
64.8
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
0.5
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
0.7
 
Total
 
$
0.5
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
0.7
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measures
 
As of December 31, 2010
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash
 
$
8.3
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
8.3
 
Derivatives
 
4.5
 
 
5.3
 
 
5.9
 
 
15.7
 
Total
 
$
12.8
 
 
$
5.3
 
 
$
5.9
 
 
$
24.0
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
6.1
 
 
$
5.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
11.6
 
Total
 
$
6.1
 
 
$
5.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
11.6
 
 
Restricted cash consists of certificates of deposit and government backed interest bearing securities and represents (i) for 2010, the remaining funds to be distributed to customers resulting from the net proceeds received from the sale of the Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant (Point Beach), and (ii) for 2011, the settlement we received from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) during the first quarter of 2011, which will be returned, net of costs incurred, to customers in future rate cases. Derivatives reflect positions we hold in exchange-traded derivative contracts and OTC derivative contracts. Exchange-traded derivative contracts, which include futures and exchange-traded options, are generally based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. Some OTC derivative contracts are valued using broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets utilizing a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point between bid and ask prices), as appropriate. In such cases, these derivatives are classified within Level 2. Certain OTC derivatives may utilize models to measure fair value. Generally, we use a similar model to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability, and market-corroborated inputs (i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means). Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized in Level 2. Certain OTC derivatives are in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information which might not be observable in or corroborated by the market. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized in Level 3.

 
March 2011
16
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

The following table summarizes the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Balance as of January 1
 
$
5.9
 
 
$
5.8
 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements
 
(3.8
)
 
(3.9
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31
 
$
2.1
 
 
$
1.9
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held as of March 31
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
Derivative instruments reflected in Level 3 of the hierarchy include MISO Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) that are measured at fair value each reporting period using monthly or annual auction shadow prices from relevant auctions. Changes in fair value for Level 3 recurring items are recorded on our balance sheet. See Note 8 -- Derivative Instruments for further information on the offset to regulatory assets and liabilities.
 
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of certain of our recorded financial instruments are as follows:
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Financial Instruments
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Preferred stock, no redemption required
 
$
30.4
 
 
$
22.7
 
 
$
30.4
 
 
$
23.5
 
Long-term debt including current portion
 
$
4,703.0
 
 
$
4,878.5
 
 
$
4,288.0
 
 
$
4,578.0
 
 
The carrying value of net accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of our preferred stock is estimated based upon the quoted market value for the same or similar issues. The fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, but excluding capitalized leases and unamortized discount on debt, is estimated based upon quoted market value for the same or similar issues or upon the quoted market prices of U.S. Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for the issuing company's bond rating and the present value of future cash flows.
 
 
8 -- DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
We utilize derivatives as part of our risk management program to manage the volatility and costs of purchased power, generation and natural gas purchases for the benefit of our customers and shareholders. Our approach is non-speculative and designed to mitigate risk and protect against price volatility. Regulated hedging programs require prior approval by the PSCW.
 
We record derivative instruments on the balance sheet as an asset or liability measured at its fair value, and changes in the derivative's fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met or we receive regulatory treatment for the derivative. For most energy related physical and financial contracts in our regulated operations that qualify as derivatives, the PSCW allows the effects of the fair market value accounting to be offset to regulatory assets and liabilities. We do not offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. As of March 31, 2011 , we recognized $9.2 million  in regulatory assets and $20.5 million  in regulatory liabilities related to derivatives in comparison to $22.0 million  in regulatory assets and $15.3 million in regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2010 .
 
We record our current derivative assets on the balance sheet in Prepayments and other current assets and the current portion of the liabilities in Other current liabilities. The long-term portion of our derivative assets of $0.8 million  is recorded in Other deferred charges and other assets, and we did not have any long-term portion of derivative liabilities as of March 31, 2011. Our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 include:

 
March 2011
17
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
Derivative Asset
 
Derivative Liability
 
Derivative Asset
 
Derivative Liability
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
Natural Gas
 
$
5.6
 
 
$
0.7
 
 
$
2.5
 
 
$
11.6
 
Fuel Oil
 
7.7
 
 
 
 
4.4
 
 
 
FTRs
 
2.1
 
 
 
 
5.9
 
 
 
Coal
 
3.9
 
 
 
 
2.9
 
 
 
Total
 
$
19.3
 
 
$
0.7
 
 
$
15.7
 
 
$
11.6
 
 
Our Consolidated Condensed Income Statements include gains (losses) on derivative instruments used in our risk management strategies under Fuel and purchased power for those commodities supporting our electric operations and under Cost of gas sold for the natural gas sold to our customers. Our estimated notional volumes and gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 follow:
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
March 31, 2010
 
 
Volume
 
Gains (Losses)
 
Volume
 
Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Natural Gas
 
19.4 million Dth
 
$
(10.6
)
 
28.3 million Dth
 
$
(11.7
)
Power
 
zero MWh
 
 
 
57,200 MWh
 
0.2
 
Fuel Oil
 
3.2 million gallons
 
0.4
 
 
1.8 million gallons
 
0.2
 
FTRs
 
6,352 MW
 
3.8
 
 
5,431 MW
 
9.0
 
Total
 
 
 
$
(6.4
)
 
 
 
$
(2.3
)
 
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 , we posted collateral of $1.5 million and $11.7 million , respectively, in our margin accounts. These amounts are recorded on the balance sheets in Prepayments and other current assets.
 
 
9 -- BENEFITS
 
The components of our net periodic pension and Other Post-Retirement Employee Benefits (OPEB) costs for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
 
 
 
Pension Costs
Benefit Plan Cost Components
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
4.6
 
 
$
6.9
 
Interest cost
 
16.7
 
 
17.4
 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(20.7
)
 
(19.7
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
 
0.6
 
 
0.6
 
Actuarial loss
 
8.1
 
 
6.6
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
9.3
 
 
$
11.8
 
 

 
March 2011
18
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
 
OPEB Costs
Benefit Plan Cost Components
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
2.8
 
 
$
2.8
 
Interest cost
 
5.3
 
 
5.4
 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(4.3
)
 
(3.6
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
Transition obligation
 
0.1
 
 
0.1
 
Prior service (credit)
 
(0.5
)
 
(3.0
)
Actuarial loss
 
1.5
 
 
2.7
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
4.9
 
 
$
4.4
 
 
In January 2009, the committee that oversees the investment of the pension assets authorized the Trustee of our pension plan to invest in the commercial paper of Wisconsin Energy. As of March 31, 2010, the Pension Trust and OPEB plan assets included approximately $23.0 million of commercial paper issued by Wisconsin Energy, which represented less than 10% of the total assets of the plan. No such investments were held as of March 31, 2011. In January 2011, we contributed $122.4 million to our qualified benefit plans. Future contributions to the plans will be dependent upon many factors, including the performance of existing plan assets and long-term discount rates.
 
Postemployment Benefits:    Postemployment benefits provided to former or inactive employees are recognized when an event occurs. The estimated liability for such benefits was $14.4 million  as of March 31, 2011 and $14.8 million as of December 31, 2010 .
 
 
10 -- GUARANTEES
 
We enter into various guarantees to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties on behalf of our affiliates. As of March 31, 2011 , we had the following guarantees:
 
 
Maximum Potential
 
 
 
 
 
Future Payments
 
Outstanding
 
Liability Recorded
 
(Millions of Dollars)        
Guarantees
$
2.8
 
 
$
0.1
 
 
$
 
Letters of Credit
$
1.6
 
 
$
0.8
 
 
$
 
 
We provide guarantees to support obligations of our affiliates to third parties under agreements and surety bonds. In the event our affiliates fail to perform, we would be responsible for the obligations.
 
Wisconsin Electric is subject to the potential retrospective premiums that could be assessed under its insurance program.
 
 
 
 

 
March 2011
19
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
11 -- SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Summarized financial information concerning our operating segments for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is shown in the following table:
 
 
 
Operating Segments
 
Corporate & Other (a) & Reconciling Items
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
 
 
Total Consolidated
Three Months Ended
 
Utility
 
Non-Utility
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues (b)
 
$
1,316.5
 
 
$
103.2
 
 
$
(91.0
)
 
$
1,328.7
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
63.4
 
 
$
17.7
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
81.3
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
$
213.0
 
 
$
84.0
 
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
295.6
 
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
$
15.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
15.4
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
$
28.1
 
 
$
15.9
 
 
$
19.4
 
 
$
63.4
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
71.3
 
 
$
27.7
 
 
$
(9.7
)
 
$
89.3
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
141.0
 
 
$
40.5
 
 
$
(10.6
)
 
$
170.9
 
Capital Expenditures
 
$
127.2
 
 
$
8.2
 
 
$
0.1
 
 
$
135.5
 
Total Assets (c)
 
$
12,632.8
 
 
$
2,975.9
 
 
$
(2,420.1
)
 
$
13,188.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues (b)
 
$
1,242.9
 
 
$
65.5
 
 
$
(59.8
)
 
$
1,248.6
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
62.5
 
 
$
11.7
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
74.4
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
$
178.1
 
 
$
52.1
 
 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
228.4
 
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
$
15.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
15.1
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
$
30.2
 
 
$
7.4
 
 
$
11.8
 
 
$
49.4
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
62.3
 
 
$
18.4
 
 
$
(9.3
)
 
$
71.4
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
$
0.8
 
 
$
 
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
0.7
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
107.4
 
 
$
26.3
 
 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
129.7
 
Capital Expenditures
 
$
131.6
 
 
$
62.6
 
 
$
0.4
 
 
$
194.6
 
Total Assets (c)
 
$
11,759.3
 
 
$
2,909.5
 
 
$
(1,947.3
)
 
$
12,721.5
 
 
(a)
Other includes all other non-utility activities, primarily non-utility real estate investment and development by Wispark LLC, as well as interest on corporate debt.
 
(b)
An elimination for intersegment revenues of $91.2 million  and $60.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively, is included in Operating Revenues. This elimination is primarily between We Power and Wisconsin Electric.
 
(c)
An elimination of $2,437.8 million and $1,837.7 million is included in Total Assets as of March 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively, for PTF-related activity between We Power and Wisconsin Electric.
 
 
12 -- VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and liabilities. Certain disclosures are required by sponsors, significant interest holders in variable interest entities and potential variable interest entities.
 
We assess our relationships with potential variable interest entities such as our coal suppliers, natural gas suppliers, coal and gas transporters, and other counterparties in power purchase agreements and joint ventures. In making this assessment, we consider the potential that our contracts or other arrangements provide subordinated financial support, the potential for us to absorb losses or rights to residual returns of the entity, the ability to directly or indirectly make decisions about the entities' activities and other factors.
 
 

 
March 2011
20
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

We have identified two tolling and purchased power agreements with third parties which represent variable interests. We account for one of these agreements, with an independent power producer, as an operating lease. The agreement has a remaining term of two years. We have examined the risks of the entity including the impact of operations and maintenance, dispatch, financing, fuel costs, remaining useful life and other factors, and have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this entity. We have concluded that we do not have the power to direct the activities that would most significantly affect the economic performance of the entity over its remaining life.
 
We also have a purchased power agreement for 236 MW of firm capacity from a gas-fired cogeneration facility, which we account for as a capital lease. The agreement includes no minimum energy requirements over the remaining term of 12 years. We have examined the risks of the entity including operations and maintenance, dispatch, financing, fuel costs and other factors, and have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity. We do not hold an equity or debt interest in the entity and there is no residual guarantee associated with the purchased power agreement.
 
We have approximately $351.9 million of required payments over the remaining term of these agreements. We believe that the required lease payments under these contracts will continue to be recoverable in rates. Total capacity and lease payments under these contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $15.0 million  and $14.7 million , respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the capacity payments under the contracts.
 
 
13 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Environmental Matters:    We periodically review our exposure for remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our liability has changed. Given current information, we believe that future costs in excess of the amounts accrued and/or disclosed on all presently known and quantifiable environmental contingencies will not be material to our financial position or results of operations.
 
Divestitures:    Over the past several years, we have sold various businesses and assets. In connection with these sales, we have agreed to provide the respective buyers with customary indemnification provisions including, but not limited to, certain environmental, asbestos and product liability matters. In addition, pursuant to the sale of Point Beach, we have agreed to indemnification provisions customary to transactions involving the sale of nuclear assets. We also provided customary indemnifications to WPL in connection with the sale of our interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5. We have established reserves as deemed appropriate for these indemnification provisions.
 
Cash Balance Pension Plan:    In June 2009, a lawsuit was filed by Alan M. Downes, a former employee, against the Plan in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Counsel representing the plaintiff has sought class certification for other similarly situated plaintiffs. The complaint alleges that Plan participants who received a lump sum distribution under the Plan prior to their normal retirement age did not receive the full benefit to which they were entitled in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and are owed additional benefits, because the Plan failed to apply the correct interest crediting rate to project the cash balance account to their normal retirement age. In September 2010, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint alleging additional claims under ERISA and adding Wisconsin Energy as a defendant. The plaintiff has not specified the amount of relief he is seeking.
 
In March 2011, after the matter was addressed by the Plan's Employee Benefits Committee and following the Committee's review and analysis of the facts and evolving state of the law, the Plan acknowledged in an amended answer that it had used an incorrect interest crediting rate in computing lump sum payments prior to normal retirement age. The Committee determined the interest crediting rates that should be applied to address the interest crediting rate calculation and determined that the benefits for certain eligible participants should be recalculated. Although we believe the Committee has the authority to make this determination under the Plan to resolve this particular issue, the plaintiff is opposing the Committee's actions and the matter has not yet been decided by the Court. Therefore, we are currently unable to predict the final outcome or impact of this litigation. An adverse outcome of this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on Plan funding and expense and our results of operations.

 
March 2011
21
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
Income Taxes: Within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that our federal and state unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $13 million as a result of effective settlements with federal and state tax authorities, of which $9 million relates to discontinued operations.
 
 
14 -- SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2011 , we paid $12.5 million  in interest, net of amounts capitalized, and received $24.8 million in net refunds from income taxes. During the three months ended March 31, 2010 , we paid $12.2 million in interest, capitalized $13.7 million of interest expense, and paid $14.3 million in income taxes, net of refunds.
 
As of March 31, 2011 and 2010 , the amount of accounts payable related to capital expenditures was $20.6 million  and $37.7 million , respectively.
 
 
15 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
On April 1, 2011 , Wisconsin Energy used cash and short-term borrowings to retire $450 million of long-term debt that matured.
 
On May 5, 2011 , Wisconsin Energy's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2013. We intend to acquire the shares through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Funds for the repurchases are expected to come from internally generated funds and working capital supplemented, if required in the short-term, by the sale of commercial paper. The repurchase program does not obligate Wisconsin Energy to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
 
In addition, the Board of Directors adopted a new dividend policy for Wisconsin Energy starting in 2012. Pursuant to this new policy, we will target a dividend payout ratio that trends to 60% of earnings over the period from 2012 to 2015.
 
 

 
March 2011
22
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
 
 
CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS
 
The following table compares our operating income by business segment and our net income during the first quarter of 2011 with the first quarter of 2010 , including favorable (better (B)) or unfavorable (worse (W)) variances:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Utility Energy Segment
 
$
213.0
 
 
$
34.9
 
 
$
178.1
 
Non-Utility Energy Segment
 
84.0
 
 
31.9
 
 
52.1
 
Corporate and Other
 
(1.4
)
 
0.4
 
 
(1.8
)
Total Operating Income
 
295.6
 
 
67.2
 
 
228.4
 
Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliate
 
15.5
 
 
0.3
 
 
15.2
 
Other Income, net
 
12.5
 
 
6.3
 
 
6.2
 
Interest Expense, net
 
63.4
 
 
(14.0
)
 
49.4
 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
 
260.2
 
 
59.8
 
 
200.4
 
Income Taxes
 
89.3
 
 
(17.9
)
 
71.4
 
Income from Continuing Operations
 
170.9
 
 
41.9
 
 
129.0
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
0.7
 
Net Income
 
$
170.9
 
 
$
41.2
 
 
$
129.7
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.72
 
 
$
0.17
 
 
$
0.55
 
 
 
UTILITY ENERGY SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION TO OPERATING INCOME
 
Our utility energy segment contributed $213.0 million  of operating income during the first quarter of 2011 , an increase of $34.9 million , or 19.6% , compared with the first quarter of 2010 . The following table summarizes the operating income of this segment between the comparative quarters:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
Utility Energy Segment
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric
 
$
776.6
 
 
$
72.8
 
 
$
703.8
 
Gas
 
524.7
 
 
0.5
 
 
524.2
 
Other
 
15.2
 
 
0.3
 
 
14.9
 
Total Operating Revenues
 
1,316.5
 
 
73.6
 
 
1,242.9
 
Fuel and Purchased Power
 
268.8
 
 
9.8
 
 
278.6
 
Cost of Gas Sold
 
342.4
 
 
13.4
 
 
355.8
 
Gross Margin
 
705.3
 
 
96.8
 
 
608.5
 
Other Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Operation and Maintenance
 
400.9
 
 
(10.0
)
 
390.9
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
63.4
 
 
(0.9
)
 
62.5
 
Property and Revenue Taxes
 
28.0
 
 
(1.6
)
 
26.4
 
Total Operating Expenses
 
1,103.5
 
 
10.7
 
 
1,114.2
 
Amortization of Gain
 
 
 
(49.4
)
 
49.4
 
Operating Income
 
$
213.0
 
 
$
34.9
 
 
$
178.1
 
 

 
March 2011
23
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

Electric Utility Revenues and Sales
 
The following table compares electric utility operating revenues and MWh sales by customer class during the three months ended March 31 :
 
 
 
Electric Revenues
 
MWh Sales
Electric Utility Operations
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
(Thousands)
Customer Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
$
283.0
 
 
$
21.6
 
 
$
261.4
 
 
2,030.0
 
 
28.7
 
 
2,001.3
 
Small Commercial/Industrial
 
246.4
 
 
29.3
 
 
217.1
 
 
2,198.7
 
 
51.0
 
 
2,147.7
 
Large Commercial/Industrial
 
178.6
 
 
23.5
 
 
155.1
 
 
2,373.7
 
 
9.4
 
 
2,364.3
 
Other - Retail
 
6.1
 
 
0.3
 
 
5.8
 
 
40.0
 
 
(0.4
)
 
40.4
 
Total Retail
 
714.1
 
 
74.7
 
 
639.4
 
 
6,642.4
 
 
88.7
 
 
6,553.7
 
Wholesale - Other
 
36.0
 
 
(5.4
)
 
41.4
 
 
478.8
 
 
(157.5
)
 
636.3
 
Resale - Utilities
 
17.5
 
 
2.2
 
 
15.3
 
 
568.6
 
 
202.7
 
 
365.9
 
Other Operating Revenues
 
9.0
 
 
1.3
 
 
7.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
776.6
 
 
$
72.8
 
 
$
703.8
 
 
7,689.8
 
 
133.9
 
 
7,555.9
 
Weather -- Degree Days (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heating (3,258 Normal)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,444
 
 
300
 
 
3,144
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a 20-year
moving average.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our electric utility operating revenues increased by $72.8 million , or 10.3% , when compared to the first quarter of 2010 . The most significant factors that caused a change in revenues were:
 
2011 pricing increases totaling approximately $49.4 million, reflecting the reduction of Point Beach bill credits to retail customers.
Favorable weather that increased electric revenues by an estimated $13.3 million as compared to the first quarter of 2010 .
Net pricing increases totaling $16.1 million, which is primarily related to our 2010 fuel recovery request that became effective March 25, 2010. For information on this rate order, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters.
 
As measured by heating degree days, the first quarter of 2011 was 9.5% colder than the same period in 2010 and 5.7% colder than normal. Collectively, retail sales to our residential and small commercial and industrial customers, who are more weather sensitive, increased by 1.9%. Electric sales to our largest customers, two iron ore mines, increased significantly for the quarter. If these sales are excluded, sales to our large commercial and industrial customers decreased slightly for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 .
 
Fuel and Purchased Power
 
Our fuel and purchased power costs decreased by $9.8 million , or 3.5% , when compared to the first quarter of 2010 . This decrease was primarily caused by decreased purchased power costs and a lower overall cost per MWh for our generating fleet compared to the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the addition of OC 2 in January 2011 and a full quarter of operation of OC 1.
 
Gas Utility Revenues, Gross Margin and Therm Deliveries
 
A comparison follows of gas utility operating revenues, gross margin and gas deliveries during the first quarter of 2011 with the first quarter of 2010 . We believe gross margin is a better performance indicator than revenues because changes in the cost of gas sold flow through to revenue under gas cost recovery mechanisms. Between the comparative periods, total gas operating revenues increased by $0.5  million, or 0.1% , primarily because of colder weather in the first quarter of 2011, partially offset by a 3.8% decline in natural gas costs between quarters.
 

 
March 2011
24
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Gas Operating Revenues
$
524.7
 
 
$
0.5
 
 
$
524.2
 
Cost of Gas Sold
342.4
 
 
13.4
 
 
355.8
 
Gross Margin
$
182.3
 
 
$
13.9
 
 
$
168.4
 
 
The following table compares gas utility gross margin and natural gas therm deliveries by customer class during the three months ended March 31 :
 
 
 
Gross Margin
 
Therm Deliveries
Gas Utility Operations
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
(Millions)
Customer Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
$
118.6
 
 
$
9.6
 
 
$
109.0
 
 
391.0
 
 
42.2
 
 
348.8
 
Commercial/Industrial
 
45.2
 
 
4.4
 
 
40.8
 
 
221.4
 
 
22.4
 
 
199.0
 
Interruptible
 
0.6
 
 
(0.1
)
 
0.7
 
 
6.4
 
 
(1.1
)
 
7.5
 
Total Retail
 
164.4
 
 
13.9
 
 
150.5
 
 
618.8
 
 
63.5
 
 
555.3
 
Transported Gas
 
15.6
 
 
0.2
 
 
15.4
 
 
263.7
 
 
(20.7
)
 
284.4
 
Other
 
2.3
 
 
(0.2
)
 
2.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
182.3
 
 
$
13.9
 
 
$
168.4
 
 
882.5
 
 
42.8
 
 
839.7
 
Weather -- Degree Days (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heating (3,258 Normal)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,444
 
 
300
 
 
3,144
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a 20-year
moving average.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our gas margin increased by $13.9 million , or 8.3% , when compared to the first quarter of 2010 . We estimate that approximately $12.1 million of this increase relates to an increase in sales volumes as a result of colder winter weather. As measured by heating degree days, the first quarter of 2011 was 9.5% colder than the same period in 2010 and 5.7% colder than normal.
 
Other Operation and Maintenance Expense
 
Our other operation and maintenance expense increased by $10.0 million , or approximately 2.6% , when compared to the first quarter of 2010 . Operation and maintenance expenses at our power plants increased approximately $7.2 million primarily because of higher maintenance costs at our power plants as a result of the timing of outages and increased costs related to our Oak Creek Air Quality Control System (AQCS) project.
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
 
Our depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.9 million , or approximately 1.4% , when compared to the first quarter of 2010 , primarily because of an overall increase in utility plant in service.
 
Amortization of Gain
 
In connection with the September 2007 sale of Point Beach, we reached an agreement with our regulators to allow for the net gain on the sale to be used for the benefit of our customers. The majority of the benefits were returned to customers in the form of bill credits. The net gain was originally recorded as a regulatory liability, and it was amortized to the income statement as we issued bill credits to customers. When the bill credits were issued to customers, we transferred cash from the restricted accounts to the unrestricted accounts, adjusted for taxes. All bill credits associated with the sale of Point Beach were applied to customers as of December 31, 2010, and as a result, the Amortization of Gain was zero during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to $49.4 million during the first quarter of 2010 .
 

 
March 2011
25
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

NON-UTILITY ENERGY SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION TO OPERATING INCOME
 
Our non-utility energy segment consists primarily of our PTF units (PWGS 1, PWGS 2, OC 1 and OC 2). PWGS 1 and PWGS 2 were placed in service in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively. The common facilities associated with the Oak Creek expansion include the water intake system, which was placed in service in January 2009, the coal handling system, which was placed in service in November 2007, and other smaller assets. OC 1 and OC 2 were placed in service in February 2010 and January 2011, respectively.
 
The table below reflects a full quarter's earnings for 2011 and 2010 for PWGS 1, PWGS 2 and the common facilities for the Oak Creek expansion. It also reflects two months of earnings in 2010 and three months of earnings in 2011 for OC 1, and two and a half months of earnings in 2011 for OC 2. This segment reflects the lease revenues on the new units as well as the depreciation expense. The operating and maintenance costs associated with the plants are the responsibility of Wisconsin Electric and are recorded in the utility segment.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
Port
Washington
 
Oak Creek
Expansion
 
All Other
 
Total
Operating Revenues
$
26.0
 
 
$
77.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
103.2
 
Operation and Maintenance Expense
0.1
 
 
0.6
 
 
0.8
 
 
1.5
 
Depreciation Expense
4.9
 
 
12.3
 
 
0.5
 
 
17.7
 
Operating Income
$
21.0
 
 
$
64.3
 
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
84.0
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
Port Washington
 
Oak Creek Expansion
 
All Other
 
Total
Operating Revenues
$
26.0
 
 
$
39.4
 
 
$
0.1
 
 
$
65.5
 
Operation and Maintenance Expense
0.1
 
 
0.7
 
 
0.9
 
 
1.7
 
Depreciation Expense
4.9
 
 
6.4
 
 
0.4
 
 
11.7
 
Operating Income
$
21.0
 
 
$
32.3
 
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
52.1
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED OTHER INCOME, NET
 
Other income, net increased by approximately $6.3 million , or 101.6% , when compared to the first quarter of 2010 . This increase primarily relates to increased AFUDC - Equity related to the construction of the Oak Creek AQCS project.
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
Interest Expense
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Gross Interest Costs
 
$
69.9
 
 
$
(6.8
)
 
$
63.1
 
Less: Capitalized Interest
 
6.5
 
 
(7.2
)
 
13.7
 
Interest Expense, net
 
$
63.4
 
 
$
(14.0
)
 
$
49.4
 
 
Our gross interest costs increased by $6.8 million , or 10.8% , during the first quarter of  2011 , primarily because of higher long-term debt balances compared to the same period in 2010 . In January 2011, we issued $420 million  of long-term debt and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt incurred to finance the construction of OC 2 and for other corporate purposes. Our capitalized interest decreased by $7.2 million  primarily because we stopped capitalizing interest on OC 2 when it was placed in service in January 2011. As a result, our net interest expense increased by $14.0 million , or 28.3% , as compared to the first quarter of 2010 .

 
March 2011
26
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME TAXES
 
For the first quarter of 2011 , our effective tax rate applicable to continuing operations was 34.3% compared to 35.6% for the first quarter of 2010 . For additional information, see Note H -- Income Taxes in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We expect our 2011 annual effective tax rate to be between 34% and 35%.
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CASH FLOWS
 
The following summarizes our cash flows from continuing operations during the three months ended March 31 :
 
Wisconsin Energy Corporation
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Cash Provided by (Used in)
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities
 
$
391.0
 
 
$
303.7
 
Investing Activities
 
$
(144.4
)
 
$
(171.1
)
Financing Activities
 
$
(35.1
)
 
$
(140.7
)
 
Operating Activities
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $391.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $303.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. The largest increases in cash provided by operating activities related to higher net income, higher depreciation expense, higher deferred income tax benefits and the elimination of the amortization of the gain on the sale of Point Beach. Combined these items totaled $327.0 million during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to $157.3 million during the first quarter of 2010. We expect this trend to continue during 2011. The largest reduction in cash provided by operating activities related to our contributions to qualified benefit plans. During the first quarter of 2011, we contributed $122.4 million to our qualified benefit plans. We made no contributions to our qualified plans during the first quarter of 2010.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash used in investing activities was $144.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 , which was $26.7 million lower than the same period in 2010 . This decline reflects decreased capital expenditures and increased proceeds from asset sales, partially offset by changes in restricted cash. Capital expenditures decreased by approximately $59.1 million during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the completion of construction of OC 1 in February 2010 and OC 2 in January 2011. Proceeds from asset sales increased by approximately $38.1 million during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to the sale of our interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5 on March 1, 2011. During the first quarter of 2011, our restricted cash increased primarily because of the nuclear fuel settlement we received from the DOE. During the first quarter of 2010, our restricted cash decreased due to the release of restricted cash related to the Point Beach bill credits. See Nuclear Operations in this report for additional information regarding the settlement with the DOE.
 
Financing Activities
 
Cash used in financing activities was $35.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 , which was $105.6 million lower than the same period in 2010 . During the first quarter of 2011, we increased our total debt by $38.6 million compared to a decrease of $78.8 million in our total debt during the first quarter of 2010. In addition, we paid $14.0 million more in cash dividends during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010. In January 2011, our Board of Directors approved a 30.0% increase in the quarterly common stock dividend.
 

 
March 2011
27
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND REQUIREMENTS
 
Liquidity
 
We anticipate meeting our capital requirements during the remainder of 2011 primarily through internally generated funds and short-term borrowings, supplemented as necessary by the issuance of intermediate or long-term debt securities, depending on market conditions and other factors. Beyond 2011 , we anticipate meeting our capital requirements through internally generated funds supplemented, when required, by short-term borrowings and the issuance of debt securities.
 
We currently have access to the capital markets and have been able to generate funds internally and externally to meet our capital requirements. Our ability to attract the necessary financial capital at reasonable terms is critical to our overall strategic plan. We currently believe that we have adequate capacity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future through our existing borrowing arrangements, access to capital markets and internally generated cash.
 
Wisconsin Energy, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas maintain bank back-up credit facilities, which provide liquidity support for each company's obligations with respect to commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.
 
As of March 31, 2011 , we had approximately $1.2 billion of available, undrawn lines under our bank back-up credit facilities, and approximately $281.5 million  of commercial paper outstanding on a consolidated basis that was supported by the available lines of credit. During the first quarter of 2011, our maximum commercial paper outstanding was $717.3 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.25%.
 
We review our bank back-up credit facility needs on an ongoing basis and expect to be able to maintain adequate credit facilities to support our operations. The following table summarizes such facilities as of March 31, 2011 :
 
Company
 
Total Facility
 
Letters of Credit
 
Credit Available
 
Facility Expiration
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
Wisconsin Energy
 
$
450.0
 
 
$
0.4
 
 
$
449.6
 
 
December 2013
Wisconsin Electric
 
$
500.0
 
 
$
8.4
 
 
$
491.6
 
 
December 2013
Wisconsin Gas
 
$
300.0
 
 
$
 
 
$
300.0
 
 
December 2013
 
The following table shows our capitalization structure as of March 31, 2011 , as well as an adjusted capitalization structure that we believe is consistent with the manner in which the rating agencies currently view the Junior Notes:
 
Capitalization Structure
 
Actual
 
Adjusted
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Common Equity
 
$
3,904.7
 
 
$
4,154.7
 
Preferred Stock of Subsidiary
 
30.4
 
 
30.4
 
Long-Term Debt (including current maturities)
 
4,818.9
 
 
4,568.9
 
Short-Term Debt
 
281.5
 
 
281.5
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
9,035.5
 
 
$
9,035.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debt
 
$
5,100.4
 
 
$
4,850.4
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash on hand at parent
 
$
223.5
 
 
$
223.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debt less Cash
 
$
4,876.9
 
 
$
4,626.9
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization less Cash
 
$
8,812.0
 
 
$
8,812.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of Debt to Total Capitalization
 
56.4
%
 
53.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of Debt to Total Capitalization less Cash
 
55.3
%
 
52.5
%

 
March 2011
28
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
As of March 31, 2011, the parent company had $223.5 million of cash. We are providing the ratio of debt to total capitalization less cash because we used this cash, along with short-term borrowings, to retire $450 million of long-term debt that matured on April 1, 2011.
 
Included in Long-Term Debt on our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2011 is $500 million aggregate principal amount of the Junior Notes. The adjusted presentation attributes $250 million of the Junior Notes to Common Equity and $250 million to Long-Term Debt. We believe this presentation is consistent with the 50% or greater equity credit the majority of rating agencies currently attribute to the Junior Notes.
 
The adjusted presentation of our consolidated capitalization structure is presented as a complement to our capitalization structure presented in accordance with GAAP. Management evaluates and manages Wisconsin Energy's capitalization structure, including its total debt to total capitalization ratio, using the GAAP calculation as adjusted by the rating agency treatment of the Junior Notes. Therefore, we believe the non-GAAP adjusted presentation reflecting this treatment is useful and relevant to investors in understanding how management and the rating agencies evaluate our capitalization structure.
 
Wisconsin Electric is the obligor under two series of tax-exempt pollution control refunding bonds in outstanding principal amounts of $147 million. In August 2009, Wisconsin Electric terminated letters of credit that provided credit and liquidity support for the bonds, which resulted in a mandatory tender of the bonds. Wisconsin Electric issued commercial paper to fund the purchase of the bonds. As of March 31, 2011 , the repurchased bonds were still outstanding, but were reported as a reduction in our consolidated long-term debt because they are held by Wisconsin Electric. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Wisconsin Electric may change the method used to determine the interest rate on the bonds and have them remarketed to third parties.
 
Credit Rating Risk
 
Access to capital markets at a reasonable cost is determined in large part by credit quality. Any credit ratings downgrade could impact our ability to access capital markets.
 
In March 2011, S&P revised the ratings outlooks of Wisconsin Energy, Wisconsin Electric, Wisconsin Gas, Wisconsin Energy Capital Corporation and ERGSS from stable to positive.
 
Subject to other factors affecting the credit markets as a whole, we believe our current ratings should provide a significant degree of flexibility in obtaining funds on competitive terms. However, these security ratings reflect the views of the rating agencies only. An explanation of the significance of these ratings may be obtained from each rating agency. Such ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency.
 
Capital Requirements
 
Capital Expenditures:    Capital requirements during the remainder of 2011 are expected to be principally for capital expenditures in our utility operations relating to our electric distribution system and environmental controls at our existing Oak Creek generating units. Our 2011 consolidated capital expenditure budget is approximately $950 million.
 
Common Stock Matters: On May 5, 2011, Wisconsin Energy's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2013. We intend to acquire the shares through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Funds for the repurchases are expected to come from internally generated funds and working capital supplemented, if required in the short-term, by the sale of commercial paper. The repurchase program does not obligate Wisconsin Energy to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
 
In addition, the Board of Directors adopted a new dividend policy for Wisconsin Energy starting in 2012. Pursuant to this new policy, we will target a dividend payout ratio that trends to 60% of earnings over the period from 2012 to 2015.
 

 
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:    We are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as a part of our normal course of business, including financial guarantees and letters of credit which support construction projects, commodity contracts and other payment obligations. We continue to believe that these agreements do not have, and are not reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to our investors. For further information, see Note 10 -- Guarantees and Note 12 -- Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in this report.
 
Contractual Obligations/Commercial Commitments:    Our total contractual obligations and other commercial commitments were approximately $21.9 billion as of March 31, 2011 compared with $21.1 billion as of December 31, 2010 . Our total contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of March 31, 2011 increased compared with December 31, 2010 primarily due to long-term debt issued in January 2011 in connection with the commercial operation of OC 2.
 
 
 
FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
The following is a discussion of certain factors that may affect our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources. The following discussion should be read together with the information under the heading "Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources" in Item 7 of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides a more complete discussion of factors affecting us, including market risks and other significant risks, our PTF strategy, utility rates and regulatory matters, electric system reliability, environmental matters, legal matters, industry restructuring and competition and other matters.
 
 
POWER THE FUTURE
 
OC 2 was placed into service on January 12, 2011. All of the PTF units are now in service and are positioned to provide a significant portion of our future generation needs. We are recovering our costs in these units through lease payments associated with PWGS 1, PWGS 2 and OC 1 that are billed from We Power to Wisconsin Electric and then recovered in Wisconsin Electric's rates as authorized by the PSCW, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and FERC. Wisconsin Electric is recovering the lease payments associated with OC 2 as authorized by the PSCW and FERC, and will request authorization from the MPSC with the next rate case. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Power the Future in Item 7 of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on PTF.
 
 
UTILITY RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
 
2012 Wisconsin Rate Case:    During the second quarter of 2011, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas intend to file rate requests with the PSCW.
 
2010 Wisconsin Rate Case:    As part of its final decision in the 2010 rate case, the PSCW authorized Wisconsin Electric to reopen the docket in 2010 to review updated 2011 fuel costs. On September 3, 2010, Wisconsin Electric filed an application with the PSCW to reopen the docket to review updated 2011 fuel costs and to set rates for 2011 that reflect those costs. Wisconsin Electric requested an increase in 2011 Wisconsin retail electric rates of $38.4 million, or 1.4%, related to the increase in 2011 monitored fuel costs as compared to the level of monitored fuel costs currently embedded in rates. In December 2010, Wisconsin Electric reduced its request by approximately $5.2 million. Adjustments by the PSCW reduced the request by an additional $7.8 million. The PSCW issued its final decision which increased annual Wisconsin retail rates by $25.4 million effective April 29, 2011. The net increase is being driven primarily by an increase in the delivered cost of coal.
 
2010 Fuel Recovery Request:    In February 2010, Wisconsin Electric filed a $60.5 million rate increase request with the PSCW to recover forecasted increases in fuel and purchased power costs. The increase in fuel and purchased power costs was driven primarily by increases in the price of natural gas compared to the forecasted prices included in the 2010 PSCW rate case order, changes in the timing of plant outages and increased MISO costs. Effective March 25, 2010, the PSCW approved an annual increase of $60.5 million in Wisconsin retail electric

 
March 2011
30
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

rates on an interim basis. On April 28, 2011, the PSCW approved the final increase with no changes.
 
2009 Fuel Order:    Wisconsin Electric operates under a fuel cost adjustment clause for fuel and purchased power costs associated with the generation of electricity for its retail customers in Wisconsin. Under the fuel rules in effect in 2008 and 2009, a Wisconsin utility could request an emergency rate increase if projected costs fell outside of a prescribed range of costs which was plus or minus 2% of the fuel rate approved in a general rate proceeding.
 
In March 2008, Wisconsin Electric filed a request for an emergency rate increase with the PSCW to recover forecasted increases in fuel and purchased power costs. The PSCW authorized a total increase of $118.9 million. In April 2009, Wisconsin Electric filed a request with the PSCW to decrease annual Wisconsin retail electric rates by $67.2 million because it forecasted that its monitored fuel cost for 2009 would fall outside the range prescribed by the PSCW and would be less than the fuel cost reflected in then authorized rates. The PSCW approved this request on an interim basis with rates effective May 1, 2009.
 
The PSCW staff audited the fuel costs for the year 2009 to determine whether Wisconsin Electric collected excess revenues as a result of the fuel surcharges that were in place in 2008 and 2009. Under the fuel rules, if a utility collects excess revenues in a year in which it implemented an emergency fuel surcharge, it is required to refund to customers the over-collected fuel surcharge revenue up to the amount of the excess revenues. In February 2011, the PSCW closed out its review of this matter and determined that Wisconsin Electric did not collect any excess revenues.
 
Wisconsin Fuel Rules:    Embedded within Wisconsin Electric's base rates is an amount to recover fuel costs. In April 2010, the Wisconsin legislature passed the Fuel Rule Bill, and the Governor signed it in May 2010. This bill instructed the PSCW to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, any under-collection or over-collection of fuel costs that are outside of the utility's symmetrical fuel cost tolerance, which the PSCW set at plus or minus 2% of the utility's approved fuel cost plan. In August 2010, the PSCW proposed new fuel rules pursuant to this legislation, which the Wisconsin legislature reviewed and sent back to the PSCW for additional rule-making. In December 2010, the PSCW revised the proposed rules as requested by the legislature and sent the revised rules back to the legislature for review. The new fuel rules are now in effect and fuel cost plans approved by the PSCW after January 1, 2011 will be subject to the new rules.
 
Renewable Energy Portfolio:    In September 2009, we announced plans to construct a biomass-fueled power plant at Domtar Corporation's Rothschild, Wisconsin paper mill site. Wood waste and wood shavings will be used to produce approximately 50 MW of renewable electricity and will also support Domtar's sustainable papermaking operations. We believe the biomass plant will be eligible for the federal production tax credit. We currently expect to invest approximately $255 million, excluding AFUDC, in the plant and for it to be completed during the fall of 2013, subject to regulatory and other approvals. In March 2010, we filed a request for a Certificate of Authority for the project with the PSCW. At its April 28, 2011 open meeting, the PSCW expressed concern about the overall cost of the project for our electric customers and directed Wisconsin Electric and Domtar to propose a lower cost structure for electric customers. Wisconsin Electric and Domtar submitted a joint response on May 3, 2011. We anticipate a final decision from the PSCW during the second quarter of 2011.
 
Other than the Certificate of Authority, we have received all of the permits necessary to construct the biomass facility. On April 27, 2011, opponents of the project filed a request for a contested case hearing related to the air pollution control construction permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). If the WDNR grants this request, we intend to participate in the hearing process and vigorously defend the permit.
 
Edgewater Generating Unit 5:    During the fourth quarter of 2009, we reached a contingent agreement to sell our 25% interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5 to WPL for our net book value, including working capital. Our interest in the unit was sold on March 1, 2011 for approximately $38 million .
 
See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters in Item 7 of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our utility rates and other regulatory matters.
 

 
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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants:    The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the final Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) in March 2005, addressing mercury emissions from new and existing coal-fired power plants. The federal rule was challenged by a number of states including Wisconsin and Michigan. In February 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated CAMR and sent the rule back to the EPA for reconsideration.
 
In December 2008, a number of environmental groups filed a complaint with the D.C. Circuit asking that the court place the EPA on a schedule for promulgating Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) limits for fossil-fuel fired electric generating units to address hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. In October 2009, the EPA published notice of a proposed consent decree in connection with this litigation that would place the EPA on a schedule to set a MACT rule for coal and oil-fired electric generating units in 2011. In April 2010, the D.C. District Court approved a settlement agreement between the EPA and the plaintiffs in the litigation setting a firm schedule for the remanded rule-making. In accordance with this settlement, the EPA issued a proposed rule on March 16, 2011. The settlement requires the final rule to be issued by November 16, 2011. The proposed MACT rule is intended to reduce emissions of numerous hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. We are evaluating the potential impact of the proposed rule on the operation of our existing coal-fired generation facilities. Based upon our initial review, we believe that our clean air strategy, including the environmental upgrades that have already been constructed and that are currently under construction at our plants, positions us well to meet these proposed requirements.
 
Clean Water Act:    Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that the location, design, construction and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the Best Technology Available (BTA) for minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The EPA finalized rules for new facilities (Phase I) in 2001. Final rules for cooling water intake systems at existing facilities (Phase II) were promulgated in 2004. However, as a result of ongoing litigation, the EPA withdrew the Phase II rule in July 2007 and advised states to use their best professional judgment in making BTA decisions while the rule remains suspended.
 
The EPA has been in the process of revising the Phase II rules since mid-2007. In December 2010, the EPA and Riverkeeper Inc. (plaintiff in the litigation) set a firm schedule for the remanded Section 316(b) Phase II rulemaking. In accordance with the settlement agreement, the EPA proposed a new Phase II rule on March 28, 2011. The settlement requires a final rule by July 27, 2012. Once the rule is final, it will apply to all of our existing generating facilities with cooling water intake structures other than the Oak Creek expansion, which was permitted under the Phase I rules.
 
The proposed rule would create an impingement mortality reduction standard for all existing facilities. One proposed approach would allow a facility owner to satisfy the BTA requirement with respect to impingement mortality reduction if it demonstrates that its cooling water intake system has a maximum intake velocity of no more than 0.5 feet per second. Oak Creek Power Plant Units 5-8, Pleasant Prairie and Port Washington Generating Station all employ technologies that have a cooling water intake withdrawal velocity of less than 0.5 feet per second. We are still evaluating impingement mortality reduction compliance options for the Presque Isle and Valley power plants.
 
The EPA has proposed that the BTA for entrainment mortality reduction be determined on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, site-specific analysis would be required to determine BTA with respect to entrainment. The proposed rule allows permitting authorities to determine BTA controls on a site-specific basis following the consideration of several factors, including the cost of control technologies, the non-water quality impacts of control technologies, the monetary and non-monetary benefits of control technologies, land availability, and remaining useful plant life. Because the entrainment reduction standard is a site-specific determination, we cannot yet determine what, if any, intake structure or operational modifications will be required to meet this proposed requirement.
 
The proposed rule is subject to public comment. Depending on the final requirements of the Phase II rule, we may need to modify the cooling water intake systems at some of our facilities. However, we are not able to make a determination until after the Phase II rule is final.
 

 
March 2011
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Steam Electric Effluent Guidelines:    The federal Steam Electric Effluent guidelines, which regulate waste water discharges, are under review by the EPA. These rules govern discharges of waste water from our power plant processes. The EPA rules are expected to be finalized in the 2013-2014 timeframe. After the promulgation of final rules, it is expected that the WDNR will need to modify Wisconsin's rules. The existing Wisconsin state rules for waste water discharge are very stringent, and the systems that have been installed at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant and the Oak Creek Power Plant use advanced technology. We are unable to determine the impact, if any, of these rules on our facilities at this time.
 
See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Environmental Matters in Item 7 of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental matters affecting our operations.
 
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
Cash Balance Pension Plan:    In June 2009, a lawsuit was filed by Alan M. Downes, a former employee, against the Plan in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Counsel representing the plaintiff has sought class certification for other similarly situated plaintiffs. The complaint alleges that Plan participants who received a lump sum distribution under the Plan prior to their normal retirement age did not receive the full benefit to which they were entitled in violation of ERISA and are owed additional benefits, because the Plan failed to apply the correct interest crediting rate to project the cash balance account to their normal retirement age. In September 2010, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint alleging additional claims under ERISA and adding Wisconsin Energy as a defendant. The plaintiff has not specified the amount of relief he is seeking.
 
In March 2011, after the matter was addressed by the Plan's Employee Benefits Committee and following the Committee's review and analysis of the facts and evolving state of the law, the Plan acknowledged in an amended answer that it had used an incorrect interest crediting rate in computing lump sum payments prior to normal retirement age. The Committee determined the interest crediting rates that should be applied to address the interest crediting rate calculation and determined that the benefits for certain eligible participants should be recalculated. Although we believe the Committee has the authority to make this determination under the Plan to resolve this particular issue, the plaintiff is opposing the Committee's actions and the matter has not yet been decided by the Court. Therefore, we are currently unable to predict the final outcome or impact of this litigation. An adverse outcome of this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on Plan funding and expense and our results of operations.
 
 
NUCLEAR OPERATIONS
 
Used Nuclear Fuel Storage and Disposal:     The Nuclear Waste Policy Act established the Nuclear Waste Fund, which is composed of payments made by the generators and owners of nuclear plants. Wisconsin Electric owned Point Beach through September 2007 and placed approximately $215.2 million into this fund. Effective January 31, 1998, the DOE failed to meet its contractual obligation to begin removing used fuel from Point Beach. Wisconsin Electric filed a complaint in November 2000 against the DOE in the Court of Federal Claims for failure to begin performance. In December 2009, the Court ruled in favor of Wisconsin Electric, granting us more than $50 million in damages. In February 2010, the DOE filed an appeal. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we negotiated a settlement with the DOE for $45.5 million, which we received in the first quarter of 2011. We anticipate that this amount, net of costs incurred, will be returned to customers in future rate cases.
 
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
For information concerning market risk exposures at Wisconsin Energy Corporation, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Market Risks and Other Significant Risks, in Part II of our 2010  Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures:    Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:    There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The following should be read in conjunction with Item 3. Legal Proceedings in Part I of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
In addition to those legal proceedings discussed in our reports to the SEC, we are currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the results of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
 
 
UTILITY RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
 
See Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters in Part I of this report for information concerning rate matters in the jurisdictions where Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas do business.
 
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
Cash Balance Pension Plan: See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Legal Matters in Item 2 of this report for information regarding a lawsuit filed against the Plan.
 
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
See Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to us.
 

 
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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the purchases of our equity securities made by or on behalf of us or any affiliated purchaser (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 10b-18) during the three months ended March 31, 2011 :
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
2011
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
January 1 - January 31
 
1,101
 
 
$
28.97
 
 
 
 
$
 
February 1 - February 28
 
1,130
 
 
$
29.42
 
 
 
 
$
 
March 1 - March 31
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
$
 
Total
 
2,231
 
 
$
29.20
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) All shares reported during the quarter were surrendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon
vesting of restricted stock.
 

 
March 2011
35
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
 
Exhibit No.
 
  
 
 
 
10
 
Material Contracts
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Letter Agreement by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Robert Garvin, dated January 31, 2011.
 
 
 
 
31
 
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
101
 
Interactive Data File
 
 

 
March 2011
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Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
  
 
 
WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/STEPHEN P. DICKSON                          
Date:
May 5, 2011
Stephen P. Dickson, Vice President and Controller, Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer

 
March 2011
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Wisconsin Energy Corporation
 

 
 
Exhibit 10.1
 
 
 
 
January 27, 2011
 
 
 
Robert Garvin, Esquire
1860 Carriage Hills Drive
Delafield, WI 53018-1245
 
Dear Bert:
 
I'm delighted that you will be coming to work with us at Wisconsin Energy. This letter will confirm our offer of employment with the specifics as follows:
 
Start Date : Between March 15 and April 15, 2011 - at your discretion, depending on your departure date from your current employer.
 
Position : Your title will be Senior Vice President - External Affairs of Wisconsin Energy Corporation, Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas LLC.
 
Base Salary : Your base salary will be established at an annual rate of $350,000, payable in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practices. Your base salary is subject to periodic review at the same time as the base salaries of other senior officers, and will be adjusted as the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
 
Annual Incentive Opportunity : You will be eligible to participate in the Company's Short-Term Performance Plan (STPP), which provides an opportunity to earn an annual cash bonus. Your target award will be 60% of your annual base salary, and your maximum award will be 120% of your annual base salary, subject to adjustment as permitted under the STPP. Target and maximum awards for subsequent performance years shall be established by the Compensation Committee pursuant to the STPP.
 
For 2011, you will be eligible to earn a pro-rated STPP cash bonus annual incentive benefit, based on your actual employment start date and the number of full months during 2011 that you are employed with the Company, pursuant to the terms of the STPP.
 
The STPP also provides the opportunity to receive dividend equivalents in an amount equal to the number of performance units (performance units are discussed below), at the target 100% rate, that are held at each dividend declaration date, multiplied by the amount of cash dividends paid. These short-term dividend equivalents will vest at the end of each year if WEC achieves the performance target or targets for that year established by the Compensation Committee. Assuming an award of performance units by the Compensation Committee in January 2012, you will be eligible to participate in the dividend equivalent opportunity beginning in 2012.
 

 

Long-Term Incentive Awards : You will be eligible to receive equity-based incentives under comparable terms, and at such times, as such awards are made to other senior executives of the Company under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan and/or the Performance Unit Plan. In general, awards of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and performance units are granted in January of each year and fully vest after three years, subject to early termination or accelerated vesting upon certain events. Your long-term incentive awards target level will be 92% of your annual base salary.
 
As an illustration, based on the Compensation Committee's current method of awarding equity based compensation, I anticipate that had you been employed in January, you would have received a non-qualified stock option covering 4,595 shares of Company stock, 544 restricted shares of Company stock, and 4,370 performance units. Any equity-based awards are subject to approval of, and terms established by, the Compensation Committee and the method of delivering the compensation may change from time to time.
 
In general, the number of performance units granted under the Performance Unit Plan that vest at the end of a three-year performance cycle is determined by the Company's total shareholder return measured against results for an established peer group. Currently, the maximum number of units that could vest is 175% of the initial award. Under the terms of the Performance Unit Plan, there also is the possibility that no units will vest.
 
You will be eligible for the long-term incentive awards anticipated to be granted in
January 2012.
 
Pension Benefits : You will participate in the Company's tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan - the Retirement Account Plan (RAP), subject to its terms and conditions. Under the RAP, the minimum annual benefit contribution is 5% of a participant's base salary and annual incentive compensation under the STPP (up to IRS prescribed limits). In addition, Participants are entitled to an annual interest credit equal to the greater of 4% or a market rate of return, according to the terms of the RAP.
 
As a tax-qualified plan, the RAP can recognize income only up to the IRS limits. The Company maintains a Supplemental Pension Plan (SPP) that recognizes compensation in excess of the IRS limits. You will be eligible for Supplemental Pension Benefit A under the SPP, subject to the terms and conditions of the SPP, which is designed to make you whole on any pension amounts you would have received had all of your base salary and annual incentive compensation been recognized under the RAP.
 
The Company will also provide you a special supplemental pension benefit. A notional supplemental pension benefit account credited with $50,000 will vest upon attainment of age 60 or completion of 10 years of service, whichever comes first. This notional account will be credited with interest annually at the same rate applied to balances in the qualified pension plan (the RAP). The timing and form of payment of this benefit will be pursuant to the terms of the SPP.
 
You also will be eligible to participate in the Company's 401(k) plan - the Employee Retirement Savings Plan (ERSP). The Company matches 100% of participant contributions up to 1% of eligible compensation. Thereafter, the Company matches 50% of participant contributions above 1% of compensation up to 7% of compensation, resulting in a 4% Company match on contributions of up to 7% of compensation.

2

 

Deferred Compensation : You will be eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan, which allows deferral of a portion of base salary and annual incentive awards into a non-tax qualified account. Various investment alternatives are available. The Company will match amounts deferred consistent with the matching formula applied to the 401(k) accounts under the ERSP.
 
Vacation : Your vacation allowance will commence at four weeks per year, subject to increase at the Company's normal intervals. The maximum available benefit is six weeks.
 
Other : In addition to the benefits mentioned above, you will be eligible for an executive financial planning benefit, executive life insurance and executive annual physical benefit on a basis commensurate with other senior officers of the Company. You also will be eligible to participate in all other health and welfare benefits generally made available to Company employees, including medical and dental insurance.
 
Job Change Benefit : The Company will reimburse you for up to $182,500 of costs that you incur in connection with leaving your current employment plus an amount intended to make you whole for taxes that you incur on this reimbursement.
 
Nothing in this letter shall preclude the Company from amending or terminating any of the plans or programs applicable to senior executives of the Company.
 
Bert, I look forward to your joining us this spring. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me at 414-221-4775. If this letter is acceptable, please sign both copies and return one copy to me.
 
Sincerely,
 
/s/ Gale E. Klappa
 
Gale E. Klappa
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Accepted:
/s/ Robert M. Garvin
 
 
Robert Garvin
 
 
 
 
Date:
1/31/11
 
 
 
 
 

3
 

Exhibit 31.1
Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a),
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Gale E. Klappa, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wisconsin Energy Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: May 5, 2011
 
/s/GALE E. KLAPPA
Gale E. Klappa
Chief Executive Officer

 
 

Exhibit 31.2
Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a),
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Frederick D. Kuester, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wisconsin Energy Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: May 5, 2011
 
/s/FREDERICK D. KUESTER
Frederick D. Kuester
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2011 (the "Report"), I, Gale E. Klappa, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
/s/GALE E. KLAPPA
Gale E. Klappa
Chief Executive Officer
May 5, 2011
 

 
 

Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2011 (the "Report"), I, Frederick D. Kuester, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
/s/FREDERICK D. KUESTER
Frederick D. Kuester
Chief Financial Officer
May 5, 2011