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[X]
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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[ ]
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Commission
File Number
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Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address; and Telephone Number
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IRS Employer
Identification No.
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001-09057
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WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
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39-1391525
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(A Wisconsin Corporation)
231 West Michigan Street
P. O. Box 1331
Milwaukee, WI 53201
414-221-2345
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Title of Each Class
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
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Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
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New York Stock Exchange
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Large accelerated filer [X]
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Accelerated filer [ ]
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Non-accelerated filer [ ]
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Smaller reporting company [ ]
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2016 Form 10-K
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i
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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2016 Form 10-K
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ii
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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Subsidiaries and Affiliates
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ATC
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American Transmission Company LLC
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Bostco
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Bostco LLC
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DATC
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Duke-American Transmission Company
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ERGSS
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Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC
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Integrys
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Integrys Holding, Inc. (previously known as Integrys Energy Group, Inc.)
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ITF
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Integrys Transportation Fuels, LLC
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MERC
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Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
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MGU
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Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation
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NSG
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North Shore Gas Company
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PDL
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WPS Power Development LLC
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PELLC
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Peoples Energy, LLC
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PGL
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The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
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UMERC
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Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation
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WBS
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WEC Business Services LLC
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WE
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Wisconsin Electric Power Company
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We Power
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W.E. Power, LLC
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WECC
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Wisconsin Energy Capital Corporation
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WG
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Wisconsin Gas LLC
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Wispark
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Wispark LLC
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Wisvest
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Wisvest LLC
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WPS
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Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
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WRPC
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Wisconsin River Power Company
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Federal and State Regulatory Agencies
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EPA
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
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FERC
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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ICC
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Illinois Commerce Commission
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MDEQ
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Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
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MPSC
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Michigan Public Service Commission
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MPUC
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
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PSCW
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Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
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SEC
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Securities and Exchange Commission
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WDNR
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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Accounting Terms
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AFUDC
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Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
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ARO
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Asset Retirement Obligation
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ASC
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Accounting Standards Codification
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ASU
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Accounting Standards Update
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CWIP
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Construction Work in Progress
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FASB
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Financial Accounting Standards Board
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GAAP
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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
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LIFO
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Last-In, First-Out
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OPEB
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Other Postretirement Employee Benefits
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2016 Form 10-K
|
iii
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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Environmental Terms
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Act 141
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2005 Wisconsin Act 141
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CAA
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Clean Air Act
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CO
2
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Carbon Dioxide
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CSAPR
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Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
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GHG
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Greenhouse Gas
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MATS
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Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
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NAAQS
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards
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NOV
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Notice of Violation
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NOx
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Nitrogen Oxide
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SO
2
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Sulfur Dioxide
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Measurements
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Dth
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Dekatherm (One Dth equals one million Btu)
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MDth
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One thousand Dekatherms
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MW
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Megawatt (One MW equals one million Watts)
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MWh
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Megawatt-hour
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Other Terms and Abbreviations
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6.11% Junior Notes
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Integrys's 2006 6.11% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2066
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ALJ
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Administrative Law Judge
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ARRs
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Auction Revenue Rights
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CNG
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Compressed Natural Gas
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Compensation Committee
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Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
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D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
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United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
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ERGS
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Elm Road Generating Station
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ER 1
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Elm Road Generating Station Unit 1
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ER 2
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Elm Road Generating Station Unit 2
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Exchange Act
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Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
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FTRs
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Financial Transmission Rights
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GCRM
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Gas Cost Recovery Mechanism
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LMP
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Locational Marginal Price
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MCPP
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Milwaukee County Power Plant
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Merger Agreement
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Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2014, between Integrys Energy Group, Inc. and Wisconsin Energy Corporation
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MISO
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Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
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MISO Energy Markets
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MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market
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NYMEX
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New York Mercantile Exchange
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OCPP
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Oak Creek Power Plant
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OC 5
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Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 5
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OC 6
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Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 6
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OC 7
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Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 7
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OC 8
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Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 8
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Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan
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WEC Energy Group 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2016
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PIPP
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Presque Isle Power Plant
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Point Beach
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Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant
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PWGS
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Port Washington Generating Station
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PWGS 1
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Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1
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PWGS 2
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Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2
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ROE
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Return on Equity
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RTO
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Regional Transmission Organization
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2016 Form 10-K
|
iv
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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SMP
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Gas System Modernization Program
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SMRP
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System Modernization and Reliability Project
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SSR
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System Support Resource
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Supreme Court
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United States Supreme Court
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Treasury Grant
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Section 1603 Renewable Energy Treasury Grant
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VAPP
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Valley Power Plant
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2016 Form 10-K
|
v
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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•
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Factors affecting utility operations such as catastrophic weather-related damage, environmental incidents, unplanned facility outages and repairs and maintenance, and electric transmission or natural gas pipeline system constraints;
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•
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Factors affecting the demand for electricity and natural gas, including political developments, unusual weather, changes in economic conditions, customer growth and declines, commodity prices, energy conservation efforts, and continued adoption of distributed generation by customers;
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•
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The timing, resolution, and impact of rate cases and negotiations, including recovery of deferred and current costs and the ability to earn a reasonable return on investment, and other regulatory decisions impacting our regulated operations;
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•
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The ability to obtain and retain customers, including wholesale customers, due to increased competition in our electric and natural gas markets from retail choice and alternative electric suppliers, and continued industry consolidation;
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•
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The timely completion of capital projects within budgets, as well as the recovery of the related costs through rates;
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•
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The impact of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in rate-setting policies or procedures, tax law changes, deregulation and restructuring of the electric and/or natural gas utility industries, transmission or distribution system operation, the approval process for new construction, reliability standards, pipeline integrity and safety standards, allocation of energy assistance, and energy efficiency mandates;
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•
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Federal and state legislative and regulatory changes relating to the environment, including climate change and other environmental regulations impacting generation facilities and renewable energy standards, the enforcement of these laws and regulations, changes in the interpretation of permit conditions by regulatory agencies, and the recovery of associated remediation and compliance costs;
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•
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The risks associated with changing commodity prices, particularly natural gas and electricity, and the availability of sources of fossil fuel, natural gas, purchased power, materials needed to operate environmental controls at our electric generating facilities, or water supply due to high demand, shortages, transportation problems, nonperformance by electric energy or natural gas suppliers under existing power purchase or natural gas supply contracts, or other developments;
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•
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Changes in credit ratings, interest rates, and our ability to access the capital markets, caused by volatility in the global credit markets, our capitalization structure, and market perceptions of the utility industry, us, or any of our subsidiaries;
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•
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Costs and effects of litigation, administrative proceedings, investigations, settlements, claims, and inquiries;
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•
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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;
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2016 Form 10-K
|
1
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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•
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The risk of financial loss, including increases in bad debt expense, associated with the inability of our customers, counterparties, and affiliates to meet their obligations;
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•
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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;
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•
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The direct or indirect effect on our business resulting from terrorist incidents, the threat of terrorist incidents, and cyber security intrusion, including the failure to maintain the security of personally identifiable information, the associated costs to protect our assets and personal information, and the costs to notify affected persons to mitigate their information security concerns;
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•
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The financial performance of ATC and its corresponding contribution to our earnings, as well as the ability of ATC and DATC to obtain the required approvals for their transmission projects;
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•
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The investment performance of our employee benefit plan assets, as well as unanticipated changes in related actuarial assumptions, which could impact future funding requirements;
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•
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Factors affecting the employee workforce, including loss of key personnel, internal restructuring, work stoppages, and collective bargaining agreements and negotiations with union employees;
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•
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Advances in technology that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets;
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•
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The timing, costs, and anticipated benefits associated with the remaining integration efforts relating to the Integrys acquisition;
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•
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The risk associated with the values of goodwill and other intangible assets and their possible impairment;
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•
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Potential business strategies to acquire and dispose of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed timely or within budgets, and legislative or regulatory restrictions or caps on non-utility acquisitions, investments or projects, including the State of Wisconsin's public utility holding company law;
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•
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The timing and outcome of any audits, disputes, and other proceedings related to taxes;
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•
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The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and
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•
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Other considerations disclosed elsewhere herein and in other reports we file with the SEC or in other publicly disseminated written documents.
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2016 Form 10-K
|
2
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
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2016 Form 10-K
|
3
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
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Year Ended December 31
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||||||||||
(in millions)
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2016
|
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2015
(1)
|
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2014
|
||||||
Operating revenues
|
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||||||
Residential
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$
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1,620.7
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$
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1,398.5
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$
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1,199.3
|
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Small commercial and industrial
(2)
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1,418.1
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1,235.7
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1,054.3
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Large commercial and industrial
(2)
|
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949.5
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858.8
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640.7
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Other
|
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29.8
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26.9
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23.0
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Total retail revenues
(2)
|
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4,018.1
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3,519.9
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2,917.3
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Wholesale
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231.2
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181.4
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131.9
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Resale
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247.1
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248.7
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|
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264.1
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Steam
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27.2
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41.0
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44.1
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Other operating revenues
(3)
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104.5
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77.5
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87.8
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Total operating revenues
(2)
|
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$
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4,628.1
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$
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4,068.5
|
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$
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3,445.2
|
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(1)
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Includes the operations of WPS beginning July 1, 2015, as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.
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(2)
|
Includes distribution sales for customers who have purchased power from an alternative electric supplier in Michigan.
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(3)
|
Includes SSR revenue, amounts collected from (refunded to) customers for certain fuel and purchased power costs that exceed a 2% price variance from costs included in rates, and other revenues, partially offset by revenues from the mines that are being deferred until a future rate proceeding. For more information, see the discussion below under the heading "Large Electric Retail Customers."
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2016 Form 10-K
|
4
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
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Year Ended December 31
|
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(in thousands)
|
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2016
|
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2015
|
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2014
|
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Electric customers – end of year
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Residential
|
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1,421.7
|
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|
1,414.1
|
|
|
1,015.0
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Small commercial and industrial
|
|
171.1
|
|
|
171.1
|
|
|
115.4
|
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Large commercial and industrial
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
Other
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Total electric customers – end of year
|
|
1,596.7
|
|
|
1,589.3
|
|
|
1,133.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Electric customers – average
|
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1,593.1
|
|
|
1,584.4
|
|
|
1,130.7
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Steam customers – average
|
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0.4
|
|
|
0.4
|
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0.4
|
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2016 Form 10-K
|
5
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
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Rated Capacity in MW
(1)
|
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2016
|
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2015
|
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2014
|
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Coal
|
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4,933
|
|
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4,955
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3,707
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Natural gas:
|
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|
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Combined cycle
|
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1,697
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1,636
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|
1,082
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Steam turbine
(2)
|
|
320
|
|
|
305
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|
|
118
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Natural gas/oil peaking units
(3)
|
|
1,413
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|
1,412
|
|
|
962
|
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Renewables
(4)
|
|
273
|
|
|
269
|
|
|
155
|
|
Total rated capacity
|
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8,636
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|
|
8,577
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|
|
6,024
|
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(1)
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Rated capacity is the net power output under average operating conditions with equipment in an average state of repair as of a given month in a given year. We are a summer peaking electric utility, and amounts are based on expected capacity ratings for the following summer. The values were established by tests and may change slightly from year to year.
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(2)
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The natural gas steam turbine represents the rated capacity associated with the VAPP Units, which were converted from coal to natural gas in 2014 and 2015, as well as Weston Unit 2, which was converted from coal to natural gas in 2015.
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(3)
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The dual-fueled facilities generally burn oil only if natural gas is not available due to constraints on the natural gas pipeline and/or at the local natural gas distribution company that delivers natural gas to the plants.
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(4)
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Includes hydroelectric, biomass, and wind generation.
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Estimate
|
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Actual
|
||||||||
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2017
|
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2016
|
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2015
|
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2014
|
||||
Company-owned generation units:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
||||
Coal
|
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51.3
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%
|
|
45.7
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%
|
|
51.5
|
%
|
|
55.2
|
%
|
Natural gas:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Combined cycle
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
|
18.2
|
%
|
|
14.6
|
%
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
Steam turbine
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
Natural gas/oil peaking units
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
Renewables
|
|
4.1
|
%
|
|
3.9
|
%
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
Total company-owned generation units
|
|
67.6
|
%
|
|
69.8
|
%
|
|
71.3
|
%
|
|
68.1
|
%
|
Power purchase contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Nuclear
|
|
18.1
|
%
|
|
17.5
|
%
|
|
20.5
|
%
|
|
25.4
|
%
|
Natural gas
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
|
1.7
|
%
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
Renewables
|
|
3.2
|
%
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
Other
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
|
3.5
|
%
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
Total power purchase contracts
|
|
24.3
|
%
|
|
24.1
|
%
|
|
26.9
|
%
|
|
31.1
|
%
|
Purchased power from MISO
|
|
8.1
|
%
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
|
1.8
|
%
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
Total purchased power
|
|
32.4
|
%
|
|
30.2
|
%
|
|
28.7
|
%
|
|
31.9
|
%
|
Total electric utility supply
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
6
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
7
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Coal
|
|
$
|
23.09
|
|
|
$
|
25.57
|
|
|
$
|
27.68
|
|
Natural gas combined cycle
|
|
18.79
|
|
|
17.66
|
|
|
40.64
|
|
|||
Natural gas/oil peaking units
|
|
45.08
|
|
|
56.99
|
|
|
129.83
|
|
|||
Purchased power
|
|
40.11
|
|
|
43.50
|
|
|
47.47
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Annual Tonnage
|
|
2017
|
|
10,664
|
|
2018
|
|
7,968
|
|
2019
|
|
4,032
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
8
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
9
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
(1)
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating revenues
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Residential
|
|
$
|
763.2
|
|
|
$
|
696.2
|
|
|
$
|
925.3
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
|
355.3
|
|
|
332.8
|
|
|
506.0
|
|
|||
Total retail revenues
|
|
1,118.5
|
|
|
1,029.0
|
|
|
1,431.3
|
|
|||
Transport
|
|
69.7
|
|
|
62.8
|
|
|
54.2
|
|
|||
Other operating revenues
(2)
|
|
(10.6
|
)
|
|
30.8
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
|||
Total
|
|
$
|
1,177.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,122.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,496.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Customers – end of year
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Residential
|
|
1,311.0
|
|
|
1,299.7
|
|
|
993.9
|
|
|||
Commercial and industrial
|
|
124.3
|
|
|
123.4
|
|
|
93.3
|
|
|||
Transport
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|||
Total customers
|
|
1,437.9
|
|
|
1,425.7
|
|
|
1,089.0
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Customers – average
(in thousands)
|
|
1,429.8
|
|
|
1,417.8
|
|
|
1,081.5
|
|
(1)
|
Includes the operations of WPS beginning July 1, 2015, as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.
|
(2)
|
Includes amounts (refunded to) collected from customers for purchased gas adjustment costs.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
10
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
11
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
12
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015 *
|
||||
Operating revenues
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Residential
|
|
$
|
839.2
|
|
|
$
|
309.8
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
|
136.5
|
|
|
50.4
|
|
||
Total retail revenues
|
|
975.7
|
|
|
360.2
|
|
||
Transport
|
|
239.4
|
|
|
97.1
|
|
||
Other operating revenues
|
|
27.1
|
|
|
46.1
|
|
||
Total
|
|
$
|
1,242.2
|
|
|
$
|
503.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Customers – end of year
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Residential
|
|
846.8
|
|
|
838.2
|
|
||
Commercial and industrial
|
|
47.1
|
|
|
46.2
|
|
||
Transport
|
|
109.5
|
|
|
107.8
|
|
||
Total customers
|
|
1,003.4
|
|
|
992.2
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Customers – average
(in thousands)
|
|
1,005.3
|
|
|
982.3
|
|
*
|
Includes the operations of PGL and NSG beginning July 1, 2015, as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
13
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
14
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
*
|
||||
Operating revenues
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Residential
|
|
$
|
209.3
|
|
|
$
|
67.6
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
|
110.7
|
|
|
38.8
|
|
||
Total retail revenues
|
|
320.0
|
|
|
106.4
|
|
||
Transport
|
|
31.7
|
|
|
11.5
|
|
||
Other operating revenues
|
|
24.8
|
|
|
31.4
|
|
||
Total
|
|
$
|
376.5
|
|
|
$
|
149.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Customers – end of year
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Residential
|
|
348.1
|
|
|
345.8
|
|
||
Commercial and industrial
|
|
34.1
|
|
|
33.8
|
|
||
Transport
|
|
24.8
|
|
|
23.0
|
|
||
Total customers
|
|
407.0
|
|
|
402.6
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Customers – average
(in thousands)
|
|
402.8
|
|
|
401.5
|
|
*
|
Includes the operations of MERC and MGU beginning July 1, 2015, as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
15
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
16
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
17
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Regulated Rates
|
|
Regulatory Commission
|
WE
|
|
|
Retail electric, natural gas, and steam
|
|
PSCW
|
Retail electric
|
|
MPSC *
|
Wholesale power
|
|
FERC
|
WPS
|
|
|
Retail electric and natural gas
|
|
PSCW and MPSC *
|
Wholesale power
|
|
FERC
|
WG
|
|
|
Retail natural gas
|
|
PSCW
|
PGL
|
|
|
Retail natural gas
|
|
ICC
|
NSG
|
|
|
Retail natural gas
|
|
ICC
|
MERC
|
|
|
Retail natural gas
|
|
MPUC
|
MGU
|
|
|
Retail natural gas
|
|
MPSC
|
*
|
Effective January 1, 2017, all of WE's and WPS's electric and natural gas distribution assets and customers located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were transferred to UMERC, with the exception of the Tilden Mining Company which will continue to be a customer of WE. See Item 1. Business – B. Utility Energy Operations – Wisconsin Segment – Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation and
Note 22, Regulatory Environment
, for additional information.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
18
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Regulatory Commission
|
|
Website
|
PSCW
|
|
https://psc.wi.gov/
|
ICC
|
|
https://www.icc.illinois.gov/
|
MPSC
|
|
http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/
|
MPUC
|
|
http://mn.gov/puc/
|
FERC
|
|
http://www.ferc.gov/
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|||||||||
Electric
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Wisconsin
|
|
$
|
3,974.8
|
|
|
85.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
3,466.3
|
|
|
85.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
2,990.4
|
|
|
86.8
|
%
|
Michigan
|
|
175.0
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
173.1
|
|
|
4.3
|
%
|
|
58.8
|
|
|
1.7
|
%
|
|||
FERC – Wholesale
|
|
478.3
|
|
|
10.3
|
%
|
|
429.1
|
|
|
10.5
|
%
|
|
396.0
|
|
|
11.5
|
%
|
|||
Total
|
|
4,628.1
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
4,068.5
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
3,445.2
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Natural Gas
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Wisconsin
|
|
1,174.2
|
|
|
42.0
|
%
|
|
1,121.3
|
|
|
63.2
|
%
|
|
1,496.1
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|||
Illinois
|
|
1,242.2
|
|
|
44.4
|
%
|
|
503.4
|
|
|
28.4
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
Minnesota
|
|
249.4
|
|
|
8.9
|
%
|
|
98.3
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
Michigan
|
|
130.5
|
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
|
52.3
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
Total
|
|
2,796.3
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
1,775.3
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
1,496.1
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total utility operating revenues
|
|
$
|
7,424.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5,843.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
4,941.3
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
Includes the operations of WPS, PGL, NSG, MERC, and MGU beginning July 1, 2015, as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
19
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
20
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Total Employees
|
|
Number of Full-Time Employees
|
||
WE
|
|
3,099
|
|
|
3,021
|
|
WPS
|
|
1,224
|
|
|
1,169
|
|
WG
|
|
406
|
|
|
397
|
|
PGL
|
|
1,508
|
|
|
1,507
|
|
NSG
|
|
165
|
|
|
164
|
|
MERC
|
|
221
|
|
|
218
|
|
MGU
|
|
163
|
|
|
160
|
|
WBS
|
|
1,376
|
|
|
1,345
|
|
Other
|
|
2
|
|
|
2
|
|
Total employees
|
|
8,164
|
|
|
7,983
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
21
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Number of Employees
|
|
Expiration Date of Current Labor Agreement
|
|
WE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 2150 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO
|
|
1,667
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
|
Local 420 of International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO
|
|
458
|
|
|
September 30, 2017
|
Local 2006 Unit 1 of United Steel Workers of America, AFL-CIO
|
|
119
|
|
|
April 30, 2017
|
Local 510 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO
|
|
106
|
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Total WE
|
|
2,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 420 of International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO
|
|
863
|
|
|
April 16, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WG
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 2150 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO
|
|
85
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
|
Local 2006 Unit 1 of United Steel Workers of America, AFL-CIO
|
|
195
|
|
|
April 30, 2017
|
Local 2006 Unit 3 of United Steel Workers of America, AFL-CIO
|
|
3
|
|
|
February 28, 2018
|
Total WG
|
|
283
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PGL
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 18007 of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
|
|
935
|
|
|
April 30, 2018
|
Local 18007(C) of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO *
|
|
80
|
|
|
July 31, 2018
|
Total PGL
|
|
1,015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NSG
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 2285 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO
|
|
122
|
|
|
June 30, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MERC
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 31 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO
|
|
41
|
|
|
May 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MGU
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local 12295 of United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC
|
|
78
|
|
|
January 15, 2020
|
Local 417 of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
|
|
31
|
|
|
February 15, 2019
|
Total MGU
|
|
109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total represented employees
|
|
4,783
|
|
|
|
*
|
In September 2016, Local 18007(C) of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO was formed under Local 18007 of the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO to add a group of customer service employees to the union.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
22
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
23
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
24
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
25
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
Fluctuations in customer growth and general economic conditions in our service areas.
Customer growth and energy use can be negatively impacted by population declines as well as economic factors in our service territories, including job losses, decreases in income, and business closings. Our electric and natural gas utilities are impacted by economic cycles and the competitiveness of the commercial and industrial customers we serve. Any economic downturn or disruption of financial markets could adversely affect the financial condition of our customers and demand for their products. These risks could directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas as well as the need for additional power generation and generating facilities. We could also be exposed to greater risks of accounts receivable write-offs if customers are unable to pay their bills.
|
•
|
Weather conditions
. Demand for electricity is greater in the summer and winter months associated with cooling and heating. In addition, demand for natural gas peaks in the winter heating season. As a result, our overall results may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis. In addition, milder temperatures during the summer cooling season and during the winter heating season may result in lower revenues and net income.
|
•
|
Our customers' continued focus on energy conservation and ability to meet their own energy needs
. Our customers' use of electricity and natural gas has decreased as a result of individual conservation efforts, including the use of more energy efficient technologies. These conservation efforts could continue. Customers could also voluntarily reduce their consumption of energy in response to decreases in their disposable income and increases in energy prices. Conservation of energy can be influenced by certain federal and state programs that are intended to influence how consumers use energy. In addition, several states, including Wisconsin and Michigan, have adopted energy efficiency targets to reduce energy consumption by certain dates.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
26
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
27
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
28
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
29
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A rating downgrade;
|
•
|
An economic downturn or uncertainty;
|
•
|
Prevailing market conditions and rules;
|
•
|
Concerns over foreign economic conditions;
|
•
|
Changes in tax policy;
|
•
|
War or the threat of war; and
|
•
|
The overall health and view of the utility and financial institution industries.
|
•
|
Increase borrowing costs under certain existing credit facilities;
|
•
|
Require the payment of higher interest rates in future financings and possibly reduce the pool of creditors;
|
•
|
Decrease funding sources by limiting our or our subsidiaries' access to the commercial paper market;
|
•
|
Limit the availability of adequate credit support for our subsidiaries' operations; and
|
•
|
Trigger collateral requirements in various contracts.
|
•
|
Higher working capital requirements, particularly related to natural gas inventory, accounts receivable, and cash collateral postings;
|
•
|
Reduced profitability to the extent that lower revenues, increased bad debt, and interest expense are not recovered through rates;
|
•
|
Higher rates charged to our customers, which could impact our competitive position;
|
•
|
Reduced demand for energy, which could impact revenues and operating expenses; and
|
•
|
Shutting down of generation facilities if the cost of generation exceeds the market price for electricity.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
30
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
31
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
32
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Name
|
|
Location
|
|
Fuel
|
|
Number of Generating Units
|
|
Rated Capacity In MW
(1)
|
|
||
Coal-fired plants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Columbia
|
|
Portage, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
2
|
|
|
334
|
|
(2)
|
Edgewater
|
|
Sheboygan, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
1
|
|
|
98
|
|
(2)
|
ERGS
|
|
Oak Creek, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
2
|
|
|
1,057
|
|
(3)
|
Pleasant Prairie
|
|
Pleasant Prairie, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
2
|
|
|
1,188
|
|
(4)
|
PIPP
|
|
Marquette, MI
|
|
Coal
|
|
5
|
|
|
344
|
|
|
Pulliam
|
|
Green Bay, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
2
|
|
|
211
|
|
|
OCPP
|
|
Oak Creek, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
4
|
|
|
993
|
|
|
Weston
|
|
Rothschild, WI
|
|
Coal
|
|
2
|
|
|
708
|
|
(2)
|
Total coal-fired plants
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
4,933
|
|
|
Natural gas-fired plants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Concord Combustion Turbines
|
|
Watertown, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
4
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
De Pere Energy Center
|
|
De Pere, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
1
|
|
|
170
|
|
|
Fox Energy Center
|
|
Wrightstown, WI
|
|
Natural Gas
|
|
3
|
|
|
557
|
|
|
Germantown Combustion Turbines
|
|
Germantown, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
5
|
|
|
258
|
|
|
Paris Combustion Turbines
|
|
Union Grove, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
4
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
PWGS
|
|
Port Washington, WI
|
|
Natural Gas
|
|
2
|
|
|
1,140
|
|
|
Pulliam
|
|
Green Bay, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
1
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
VAPP
|
|
Milwaukee, WI
|
|
Natural Gas
|
|
2
|
|
|
240
|
|
|
West Marinette
|
|
Marinette, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
3
|
|
|
149
|
|
|
Weston
|
|
Rothschild, WI
|
|
Natural Gas/Oil
|
|
3
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
Total natural gas-fired plants
|
|
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
3,430
|
|
|
Renewables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Hydro Plants (30 in number)
|
|
WI and MI
|
|
Hydro
|
|
81
|
|
|
150
|
|
(5)
|
Rothschild Biomass Plant
|
|
Rothschild, WI
|
|
Biomass
|
|
1
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
Blue Sky Green Field
|
|
Fond du Lac, WI
|
|
Wind
|
|
88
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
Byron Wind Turbines
|
|
Fond du Lac, WI
|
|
Wind
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Crane Creek
|
|
Howard County, IA
|
|
Wind
|
|
66
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
Glacier Hills
|
|
Cambria, WI
|
|
Wind
|
|
90
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
Lincoln
|
|
Kewaunee County, WI
|
|
Wind
|
|
14
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Montfort Wind Energy Center
|
|
Montfort, WI
|
|
Wind
|
|
20
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
Total renewables
|
|
|
|
|
|
362
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
Total system
|
|
|
|
|
|
410
|
|
|
8,636
|
|
|
(1)
|
Based on expected capacity ratings for summer
2017
, which can differ from nameplate capacity, especially on wind projects. The summer period is the most relevant for capacity planning purposes. This is a result of continually reaching demand peaks in the summer months, primarily due to air conditioning demand.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
33
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(2)
|
These facilities are jointly owned by WPS and various other utilities. The capacity indicated for each of these units is equal to WPS's portion of total plant capacity based on its percent of ownership.
|
•
|
Wisconsin Power and Light Company, an unaffiliated utility, operates the Columbia and Edgewater units. WPS holds a 31.8% ownership interest in these facilities.
See Note 8, Jointly Owned Facilities, for more information
on an impending decrease in WPS's ownership interest in the Columbia unit.
|
•
|
WPS operates the Weston 4 facility and holds a 70.0% ownership interest in this facility. Dairyland Power Cooperative holds the remaining 30.0% interest.
|
(3)
|
This facility is jointly owned by We Power and various other utilities. The capacity indicated for the facility is equal to We Power's portion of total plant capacity based on its 83.34% ownership.
|
(4)
|
Starting in 2017, Pleasant Prairie Power Plant will be placed into economic reserve during months of traditionally lower electric demand. From March through May and from September through November, the units will be on economic reserve.
|
(5)
|
WRPC owns and operates the Castle Rock and Petenwell units. WPS holds a 50.0% ownership interest in WRPC and is entitled to 50.0% of the total capacity at Castle Rock and Petenwell. WPS's share of capacity for Castle Rock is 8.6 MWs, and WPS's share of capacity for Petenwell is 10.2 MWs.
|
•
|
Approximately
45,600
miles of natural gas distribution mains,
|
•
|
Approximately
1,100
miles of natural gas transmission mains,
|
•
|
Approximately
2.3 million
natural gas lateral services,
|
•
|
Approximately
500
natural gas distribution and transmission gate stations,
|
•
|
A 2.9 billion-cubic-foot underground natural gas storage field located in Michigan,
|
•
|
A 38.3 billion-cubic-foot underground natural gas storage field located in central Illinois,
|
•
|
A 2.0 billion-cubic-foot liquefied natural gas plant located in central Illinois,
|
•
|
A peak-shaving facility that can store the equivalent of approximately 80 MDth in liquefied petroleum gas located in Illinois,
|
•
|
Peak propane air systems providing approximately 2,960 Dth per day, and
|
•
|
Liquefied natural gas storage plants with a total send-out capability of 73,600 Dth per day.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
34
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
35
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Chief Executive Officer since May 2016. Director since January 2016. President since August 2013. Executive Vice President from May 2004 to July 2013. Chief Financial Officer from July 2003 to February 2011.
|
•
|
WE — Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since May 2016. Director since June 2015. President from June 2015 to May 2016. Executive Vice President from May 2004 to June 2015. Chief Financial Officer from July 2003 to February 2011.
|
•
|
WE — President since May 2016. Director since June 2015. Executive Vice President - Customer Service and Operations from June 2015 to April 2016. Senior Vice President - Customer Operations from October 2011 to June 2015.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President - External Affairs since June 2015. Senior Vice President - External Affairs from April 2011 to June 2015.
|
•
|
WE — Executive Vice President - External Affairs since June 2015. Senior Vice President - External Affairs from April 2011 to June 2015.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Controller since October 2015. Vice President since June 2015.
|
•
|
WE — Vice President and Controller since October 2015.
|
•
|
Integrys Energy Group — Vice President and Treasurer from December 2010 to June 2015.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President - Strategy since April 2016. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from September 2012 to March 2016 . Treasurer from April 2011 to January 2013. Vice President from April 2011 to August 2012.
|
•
|
WE — Director from June 2015 to April 2016. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from September 2012 to March 2016. Treasurer from April 2011 to January 2013. Vice President from April 2011 to August 2012.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2016. Vice President and Treasurer from February 2013 to March 2016. Assistant Treasurer from March 2011 to January 2013.
|
•
|
WE — Director and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2016. Vice President and Treasurer from February 2013 to March 2016. Assistant Treasurer from March 2011 to January 2013.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President and General Counsel since March 2012. Corporate Secretary since December 2007. Vice President and Associate General Counsel from December 2007 to February 2012.
|
•
|
WE — Director since June 2015. Executive Vice President and General Counsel since March 2012. Corporate Secretary since December 2007. Vice President and Associate General Counsel from December 2007 to February 2012.
|
•
|
PELLC — President since June 2015.
|
•
|
PGL — Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer since June 2015.
|
•
|
NSG — Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer since June 2015.
|
•
|
WE — Senior Vice President - Wholesale Energy and Fuels from January 2012 to June 2015. Vice President - Wholesale Energy and Fuels from August 2006 to January 2012.
|
•
|
WE — Executive Vice President — Generation since April 2016. Senior Vice President - Power Generation from January 2014 to March 2016. Vice President - Oak Creek Campus from February 2011 to December 2013.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
36
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Vice President and Treasurer since April 2016. Assistant Treasurer from June 2000 to January 2013.
|
•
|
WE — Vice President and Treasurer since April 2016. Vice President — State Regulatory Affairs from February 2013 to March 2016. Assistant Treasurer from June 2000 to January 2013.
|
•
|
WE — Executive Vice President - Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness since June 2015. Senior Vice President - Customer Services from January 2012 to June 2015. Vice President - Customer Services from January 2004 to January 2012.
|
•
|
WEC Energy Group — Senior Vice President - Corporate Communications and Investor Relations since June 2015.
|
•
|
WE — Senior Vice President - Corporate Communications and Investor Relations from June 1 to June 28, 2015.
|
•
|
Barclays — Vice President of Equity Research Power and Utilities Group from September 2008 to May 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
37
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Quarter
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Dividend
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Dividend
|
||||||||||||
First
|
|
$
|
60.16
|
|
|
$
|
50.44
|
|
|
$
|
0.4950
|
|
|
$
|
58.01
|
|
|
$
|
47.51
|
|
|
$
|
0.4225
|
|
Second
|
|
$
|
65.30
|
|
|
$
|
55.46
|
|
|
0.4950
|
|
|
$
|
51.54
|
|
|
$
|
44.93
|
|
|
0.4225
|
|
||
Third
|
|
$
|
66.10
|
|
|
$
|
59.03
|
|
|
0.4950
|
|
|
$
|
52.29
|
|
|
$
|
44.97
|
|
|
0.4404
|
|
||
Fourth
|
|
$
|
60.13
|
|
|
$
|
53.66
|
|
|
0.4950
|
|
|
$
|
53.88
|
|
|
$
|
47.98
|
|
|
0.4575
|
|
||
Annual
|
|
$
|
66.10
|
|
|
$
|
50.44
|
|
|
$
|
1.9800
|
|
|
$
|
58.01
|
|
|
$
|
44.93
|
|
|
$
|
1.7429
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
38
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
As of or for Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
(in millions, except per share information)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
*
|
|
2014
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
||||||||||
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
7,472.3
|
|
|
$
|
5,926.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,997.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,519.0
|
|
|
$
|
4,246.4
|
|
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
939.0
|
|
|
638.5
|
|
|
588.3
|
|
|
577.4
|
|
|
546.3
|
|
|||||
Total assets
|
|
30,123.2
|
|
|
29,355.2
|
|
|
14,905.0
|
|
|
14,443.2
|
|
|
14,163.0
|
|
|||||
Preferred stock of subsidiary
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|||||
Long-term debt (excluding current portion)
|
|
9,158.2
|
|
|
9,124.1
|
|
|
4,170.7
|
|
|
4,347.0
|
|
|
4,437.1
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Basic
|
|
315.6
|
|
|
271.1
|
|
|
225.6
|
|
|
227.6
|
|
|
230.2
|
|
|||||
Diluted
|
|
316.9
|
|
|
272.7
|
|
|
227.5
|
|
|
229.7
|
|
|
232.8
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Earnings per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Basic
|
|
$
|
2.98
|
|
|
$
|
2.36
|
|
|
$
|
2.61
|
|
|
$
|
2.54
|
|
|
$
|
2.37
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
2.96
|
|
|
$
|
2.34
|
|
|
$
|
2.59
|
|
|
$
|
2.51
|
|
|
$
|
2.35
|
|
Dividends per share of common stock
|
|
$
|
1.98
|
|
|
$
|
1.74
|
|
|
$
|
1.56
|
|
|
$
|
1.45
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
*
|
Includes the impact of the Integrys acquisition for the last two quarters of 2015.
See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information
.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
39
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
UMERC, our newly created Michigan electric and natural gas utility, is proposing a long-term generation solution for electric reliability in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The plan calls for UMERC to construct and operate approximately 180 MW of natural gas-fired generation that will be located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The new generation would provide the region with affordable, reliable electricity that generates less emissions than PIPP. Subject to regulatory approval, the new generation is expected to achieve commercial operation in 2019 and should allow for the retirement of PIPP no later than 2020. For more information, see
Note 22, Regulatory Environment
.
|
•
|
PGL is continuing to work on its SMP, which primarily involves replacing old cast and ductile iron gas pipes and facilities in the city of Chicago’s natural gas delivery system with modern polyethylene pipes to reinforce the long-term safety and reliability of the system.
|
•
|
WPS continues work on its SMRP, which involves modernizing parts of its electric distribution system by burying or upgrading lines. The project focuses on electric lines that currently have the lowest reliability in its system, primarily in rural areas that are heavily forested. WPS is planning to expand the scope of this project with SMRP Phase II. If approved, SMRP Phase II will address areas of WPS's service territory where reliability is sub-standard to a lesser degree than the areas addressed in the initial phase of the SMRP.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
40
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
See
Note 2, Acquisitions
, for information about our acquisition of Integrys and the pending acquisition of a natural gas storage facility in Michigan.
|
•
|
See
Note 3, Dispositions
, for information on the sale of ITF and the MCPP.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions, except per share data)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Wisconsin
|
|
$
|
1,027.0
|
|
|
$
|
884.2
|
|
|
$
|
770.2
|
|
Illinois
|
|
239.6
|
|
|
78.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Other states
|
|
49.9
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
We Power
|
|
375.6
|
|
|
373.4
|
|
|
368.0
|
|
|||
Corporate and other
|
|
(10.0
|
)
|
|
(91.2
|
)
|
|
(26.1
|
)
|
|||
Total operating income
|
|
1,682.1
|
|
|
1,250.5
|
|
|
1,112.1
|
|
|||
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
|
|
146.5
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|
66.0
|
|
|||
Other income, net
|
|
80.8
|
|
|
58.9
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|||
Interest expense
|
|
402.7
|
|
|
331.4
|
|
|
240.3
|
|
|||
Income before income taxes
|
|
1,506.7
|
|
|
1,074.1
|
|
|
951.2
|
|
|||
Income tax expense
|
|
566.5
|
|
|
433.8
|
|
|
361.7
|
|
|||
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
939.0
|
|
|
$
|
638.5
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Diluted earnings per share
|
|
$
|
2.96
|
|
|
$
|
2.34
|
|
|
$
|
2.59
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
41
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
42
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Electric revenues
|
|
$
|
4,628.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,068.5
|
|
|
$
|
3,445.2
|
|
Fuel and purchased power
|
|
1,473.1
|
|
|
1,369.3
|
|
|
1,228.1
|
|
|||
Total electric margins
|
|
3,155.0
|
|
|
2,699.2
|
|
|
2,217.1
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Natural gas revenues
|
|
1,177.6
|
|
|
1,122.6
|
|
|
1,496.1
|
|
|||
Cost of natural gas sold
|
|
621.2
|
|
|
640.5
|
|
|
1,036.1
|
|
|||
Total natural gas margins
|
|
556.4
|
|
|
482.1
|
|
|
460.0
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total electric and natural gas margins
|
|
3,711.4
|
|
|
3,181.3
|
|
|
2,677.1
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
2,025.4
|
|
|
1,741.0
|
|
|
1,462.7
|
|
|||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
496.6
|
|
|
408.6
|
|
|
323.2
|
|
|||
Property and revenue taxes
|
|
162.4
|
|
|
147.5
|
|
|
121.0
|
|
|||
Operating income
|
|
$
|
1,027.0
|
|
|
$
|
884.2
|
|
|
$
|
770.2
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operation and maintenance not included in line items below
|
|
$
|
881.9
|
|
|
$
|
744.2
|
|
|
$
|
607.4
|
|
We Power
(1)
|
|
513.2
|
|
|
510.7
|
|
|
462.1
|
|
|||
Transmission
(2)
|
|
423.2
|
|
|
341.3
|
|
|
278.6
|
|
|||
Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses
(3)
|
|
157.4
|
|
|
144.8
|
|
|
114.6
|
|
|||
Earnings sharing mechanisms
|
|
24.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Other
|
|
25.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Total other operation and maintenance
|
|
$
|
2,025.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,741.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,462.7
|
|
(1)
|
Represents costs associated with the We Power generation units, including operating and maintenance, as well as the lease payments that are billed from We Power to WE and then recovered in WE's rates. During 2016, 2015, and 2014,
$528.4 million
,
$483.4 million
, and
$475.7 million
, respectively, of both lease and operating and maintenance costs were billed to WE, with the difference in costs billed and expenses incurred deferred or deducted from the regulatory asset.
|
(2)
|
The PSCW has approved escrow accounting for ATC and MISO network transmission expenses for our Wisconsin electric utilities. As a result, WE and WPS defer as a regulatory asset or liability the differences between actual transmission costs and those included in rates until recovery or refund is authorized in a future rate proceeding. During 2016, 2015, and 2014,
$486.0 million
,
$388.6 million
, and
$302.4 million
, respectively, of costs were billed by transmission providers to our electric utilities.
|
(3)
|
Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on operating income.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
43
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|||||||
|
|
MWh
(in thousands)
|
|||||||
Electric Sales Volumes
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|||
Customer class
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Residential
|
|
10,998.9
|
|
|
9,218.9
|
|
|
7,946.3
|
|
Small commercial and industrial *
|
|
13,113.1
|
|
|
10,889.2
|
|
|
8,843.1
|
|
Large commercial and industrial *
|
|
13,418.6
|
|
|
11,545.8
|
|
|
9,795.3
|
|
Other
|
|
172.2
|
|
|
162.6
|
|
|
148.7
|
|
Total retail *
|
|
37,702.8
|
|
|
31,816.5
|
|
|
26,733.4
|
|
Wholesale
|
|
3,704.6
|
|
|
2,588.1
|
|
|
1,852.8
|
|
Resale
|
|
8,761.6
|
|
|
9,077.1
|
|
|
6,497.9
|
|
Total sales in MWh *
|
|
50,169.0
|
|
|
43,481.7
|
|
|
35,084.1
|
|
*
|
Includes distribution sales for customers who have purchased power from an alternative electric supplier in Michigan.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|||||||
|
|
Therms
(in millions)
|
|||||||
Natural Gas Sales Volumes
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|||
Customer class
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Residential
|
|
1,014.9
|
|
|
859.4
|
|
|
911.5
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
|
610.5
|
|
|
527.4
|
|
|
571.7
|
|
Total retail
|
|
1,625.4
|
|
|
1,386.8
|
|
|
1,483.2
|
|
Transport
|
|
1,270.6
|
|
|
994.2
|
|
|
838.5
|
|
Total sales in therms
|
|
2,896.0
|
|
|
2,381.0
|
|
|
2,321.7
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|||||||
|
|
Degree Days
|
|||||||
Weather
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|||
WE and WG
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Heating (6,679 normal)
|
|
6,068
|
|
|
6,468
|
|
|
7,616
|
|
Cooling (694 normal)
|
|
991
|
|
|
622
|
|
|
464
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
WPS
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Heating (7,498 normal)
|
|
6,715
|
|
|
2,215
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Cooling (488 normal)
|
|
572
|
|
|
396
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
(1)
|
Normal heating and cooling degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperatures from Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
|
(2)
|
Normal heating and cooling degree days are based on a 20-year moving average of monthly temperatures from the Green Bay, Wisconsin weather station. Degree days for 2015 have been included for the period from July 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
44
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A $50.4 million increase related to higher retail sales volumes during 2016, primarily driven by warmer summer weather. As measured by cooling degree days, 2016 was
59.3%
warmer than 2015 in the Milwaukee area.
|
•
|
The expiration of $12.5 million of bill credits refunded to customers in 2015 related to the Treasury Grant WE received in connection with its biomass facility.
|
•
|
An $11.3 million increase in the last six months of 2016 as a result of WPS's PSCW rate order, effective January 1, 2016.
See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information
.
|
•
|
A $27.0 million increase in depreciation and amortization, driven by an overall increase in utility plant in service. In November 2015, WG completed the Western Gas lateral project, and WE completed the conversion of the fuel source for VAPP from coal to natural gas.
|
•
|
A $25.3 million increase in expenses in 2016 related to a focus on projects that were beneficial to customers and the communities within our service territories.
|
•
|
A
$24.4 million
expense related to the earnings sharing mechanisms in place at WE and WG, effective January 1, 2016. See the PSCW conditions of approval related to the Integrys acquisition in
Note 2, Acquisitions
, for more information.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
45
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A $38.4 million increase as a result of the PSCW rate order, effective January 1, 2015.
See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information
.
|
•
|
A $35.0 million increase driven by the escrow accounting treatment of the SSR revenues in the PSCW rate order, effective January 1, 2015.
See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information
.
|
•
|
A $24.2 million increase due to the return of the iron ore mines as customers in February 2015. The two iron ore mines, which we served on an interruptible tariff rate, switched to an alternative electric supplier effective September 1, 2013. Effective February 1, 2015, the owner of the two mines returned them as retail customers. In 2015, we deferred, and expect to continue to defer, the margin from those sales and apply these amounts for the benefit of Wisconsin retail electric customers in a future rate proceeding. Michigan state law allows the mines to switch to an alternative electric supplier after sufficient notice. A large portion of this increase in margins was offset by higher transmission expense included in other operation and maintenance expense at WE.
|
•
|
A $10.4 million positive impact from collections of fuel and purchased power costs compared with costs approved in rates in 2015, compared with 2014. Under the Wisconsin fuel rules, the margins of our electric utilities are impacted by under or over-collections of certain fuel and purchased power costs that are less than a 2% price variance from the costs included in rates, and the remaining variance that exceeds the 2% variance is deferred.
|
•
|
A $6.2 million increase primarily due to lower fly ash removal costs in 2015.
|
•
|
A partially offsetting $22.3 million decrease related to sales volume variances in 2015. This decrease was driven by lower margins from residential customers in 2015, primarily due to lower weather-normalized use per customer and warmer weather during the heating season.
|
•
|
A partially offsetting $10.8 million decrease in wholesale margins driven by a reduction in sales volumes in 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
46
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A $48.6 million increase from higher lease expense related to the We Power leases and associated operating and maintenance expenses as approved in WE's PSCW rate order, effective January 1, 2015.
|
•
|
A $24.5 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, driven by:
|
◦
|
An overall increase in utility plant in service in 2015. In November 2015, WG completed the Western Gas lateral project, and WE completed the conversion of the fuel source for VAPP from coal to natural gas.
|
◦
|
New depreciation studies approved by the PSCW for both the utilities, effective January 1, 2015.
|
◦
|
A $7.7 million reduction in income received in 2015 from the Treasury Grant WE received in connection with the completion of its biomass plant in November 2013. The lower grant income corresponds to lower bill credits provided to WE's retail electric customers in Wisconsin.
|
•
|
A $16.0 million increase in transmission expense from MISO and ATC related to the iron ore mines returning as customers in February 2015.
|
•
|
A combined $6.0 million increase in property and revenues taxes in 2015.
|
•
|
A $16.1 million decrease in employee benefit costs in 2015 driven by lower performance units share-based compensation, deferred compensation, and medical costs.
|
•
|
A $9.3 million decrease in electric and natural gas distribution costs in 2015, related to amortization of design software and maintenance costs.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Natural gas revenues
|
|
$
|
1,242.2
|
|
|
$
|
503.4
|
|
Cost of natural gas sold
|
|
365.2
|
|
|
133.2
|
|
||
Total natural gas margins
|
|
877.0
|
|
|
370.2
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
485.1
|
|
|
219.6
|
|
||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
134.0
|
|
|
63.3
|
|
||
Property and revenue taxes
|
|
18.3
|
|
|
9.2
|
|
||
Operating income
|
|
$
|
239.6
|
|
|
$
|
78.1
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Operation and maintenance not included in the line items below
|
|
$
|
385.3
|
|
|
$
|
196.0
|
|
Riders *
|
|
82.3
|
|
|
20.2
|
|
||
Regulatory amortizations *
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
||
Other
|
|
14.8
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
||
Total other operation and maintenance
|
|
$
|
485.1
|
|
|
$
|
219.6
|
|
*
|
Riders and regulatory amortizations are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on operating income.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
47
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Therms
(in millions)
|
||||
Natural Gas Sales Volumes
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||
Customer Class
|
|
|
|
|
||
Residential
|
|
905.6
|
|
|
300.7
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
|
187.6
|
|
|
63.2
|
|
Total retail
|
|
1,093.2
|
|
|
363.9
|
|
Transport
|
|
855.3
|
|
|
328.4
|
|
Total sales in therms
|
|
1,948.5
|
|
|
692.3
|
|
|
|
Degree Days
|
||||
Weather *
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||
Heating (6,154 normal)
|
|
5,713
|
|
|
1,813
|
|
*
|
Normal heating degree days are based on a 12-year moving average of monthly temperatures from Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
|
•
|
A $26.3 million increase in margins related to the riders included in the table above during the last six months of 2016, compared with the last six months of 2015. PGL and NSG recover certain operating expenses directly through separate riders, resulting in no impact on operating income as increases in operating expenses are offset by equal increases in margins.
|
•
|
A $10.8 million increase in revenue at PGL due to continued capital investment in projects under its Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider. PGL currently recovers the costs related to the SMP through a surcharge on customer bills pursuant to an ICC approved Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider, which is in effect through 2023.
|
•
|
Operating expenses of $308.2 million during the first six months of 2016, compared with no operating expenses during the first six months of 2015.
|
•
|
A $26.3 million increase in other operation and maintenance expenses related to the riders included in the table above during the last six months of 2016, compared with the last six months of 2015.
|
•
|
A $9.7 million increase in other operation and maintenance expenses during the last six months of 2016 compared with the last six months of 2015, due to an increase in expenses related to a focus on projects that were beneficial to customers and the communities within our service territory.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
48
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Natural gas revenues
|
|
$
|
376.5
|
|
|
$
|
149.3
|
|
Cost of natural gas sold
|
|
182.3
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
||
Total natural gas margins
|
|
194.2
|
|
|
72.4
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
110.1
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
||
Property and revenue taxes
|
|
13.1
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
||
Operating income
|
|
$
|
49.9
|
|
|
$
|
6.0
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Operation and maintenance not included in line items below
|
|
$
|
86.4
|
|
|
$
|
43.2
|
|
Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses *
|
|
23.6
|
|
|
6.7
|
|
||
Other
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
||
Total other operation and maintenance
|
|
$
|
110.1
|
|
|
$
|
50.0
|
|
*
|
Regulatory amortizations and other pass through expenses are substantially offset in margins and therefore do not have a significant impact on operating income.
|
|
|
Therms
(in millions)
|
||||
Natural Gas Sales Volumes
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||
Customer Class
|
|
|
|
|
||
Residential
|
|
278.5
|
|
|
84.7
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
|
178.2
|
|
|
60.9
|
|
Total retail
|
|
456.7
|
|
|
145.6
|
|
Transport
|
|
696.2
|
|
|
279.6
|
|
Total sales in therms
|
|
1,152.9
|
|
|
425.2
|
|
|
|
Degree Days
|
||||
Weather *
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||
Heating (7,182 normal)
|
|
6,450
|
|
|
2,193
|
|
*
|
Normal heating degree days for MERC and MGU are based on a 20-year moving average and 15-year moving average, respectively, of monthly temperatures from various weather stations throughout their respective territories.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
49
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A $3.9 million increase in the last six months of 2016 as a result of various rate orders. The MERC interim rate order was effective January 1, 2016, and accounted for $2.5 million of the rate increase. The MGU rate order was also effective January 1, 2016, and accounted for $1.4 million to the rate increase.
See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information
.
|
•
|
A $3.0 million increase related to higher sales volumes during the last six months of 2016, driven by colder weather. As measured by heating degree days, the last six months of 2016 were 8.2% colder than the last six months of 2015 for these respective territories.
|
•
|
A $1.6 million increase related to the MERC conservation improvement program financial incentive as a result of exceeding certain energy savings goals.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating income
|
|
$
|
375.6
|
|
|
$
|
373.4
|
|
|
$
|
368.0
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating loss
|
|
$
|
(10.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(91.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
(26.1
|
)
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
50
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
|
|
$
|
146.5
|
|
|
$
|
96.1
|
|
|
$
|
66.0
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
AFUDC
–
Equity
|
|
$
|
25.1
|
|
|
$
|
20.1
|
|
|
$
|
5.6
|
|
Gain on repurchase of notes
|
|
23.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Gain on asset sales
|
|
19.6
|
|
|
22.9
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
15.9
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|||
Other income, net
|
|
$
|
80.8
|
|
|
$
|
58.9
|
|
|
$
|
13.4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Interest expense
|
|
$
|
402.7
|
|
|
$
|
331.4
|
|
|
$
|
240.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
51
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|||||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|||
Effective tax rate
|
|
37.6
|
%
|
|
40.4
|
%
|
|
38.0
|
%
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|
Change in 2016 Over 2015
|
|
Change in 2015 Over 2014
|
||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Operating activities
|
|
$
|
2,103.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,293.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,198.9
|
|
|
$
|
809.9
|
|
|
$
|
94.7
|
|
Investing activities
|
|
(1,270.1
|
)
|
|
(2,517.5
|
)
|
|
(756.8
|
)
|
|
1,247.4
|
|
|
(1,760.7
|
)
|
|||||
Financing activities
|
|
(845.7
|
)
|
|
1,211.8
|
|
|
(406.2
|
)
|
|
(2,057.5
|
)
|
|
1,618.0
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
52
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A $377.9 million increase in cash resulting from lower payments for natural gas and fuel and purchased power, due to lower commodity prices and warmer weather during the 2016 heating season. The average per-unit cost of natural gas sold decreased 18.5% in
2016
.
|
•
|
A $94.2 million decrease in contributions and payments to our pension and OPEB plans during 2016.
|
•
|
A $44.1 million increase in cash due to lower collateral requirements during 2016, driven by an increase in the fair value of our derivative instruments.
See Note 20, Derivative Instruments, for more information
.
|
•
|
A $29.2 million increase in cash received for income taxes, primarily due to a Wisconsin state income tax refund received in the fourth quarter of 2016.
|
•
|
A $418.0 million decrease in cash related to lower overall collections from customers during 2015. Collections from customers decreased primarily because of lower commodity prices and warmer weather during the 2015 heating season. The average per-unit cost of natural gas sold decreased 33.1% in
2015
.
|
•
|
A $141.4 million decrease in cash related to higher payments for operating and maintenance costs during 2015, primarily due to costs related to the acquisition of Integrys.
|
•
|
A $96.8 million increase in contributions and payments to our pension and OPEB plans during 2015.
|
•
|
An investment of
$1,329.9 million
in June 2015 related to the acquisition of Integrys, which is net of cash acquired of $156.3 million.
See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information
.
|
•
|
A
$137.4 million
increase in the proceeds received from the sale of certain assets and businesses during
2016
.
See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information
.
|
•
|
A
$157.5 million
increase in cash paid for capital expenditures, which is discussed in more detail below.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
53
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A
$33.6 million
increase in our capital contributions to ATC, driven by both the continued investment in equipment and facilities by ATC to improve reliability and the increase in our ATC ownership interest as a result of the June 2015 Integrys acquisition.
See Note 4, Investment in American Transmission Company, for more information
.
|
•
|
An investment of $1,329.9 million in June 2015 related to the acquisition of Integrys, which is net of cash acquired of $156.3 million.
|
•
|
A $505.0 million increase in cash paid for capital expenditures during 2015, which is discussed in more detail below.
|
•
|
A $17.3 million increase in cash related to the receipt of the cash surrender value of Integrys corporate-owned life insurance policies in 2015.
|
•
|
A $15.0 million increase in proceeds from asset sales, driven by the sale of Minergy LLC and its remaining financial assets in 2015.
|
Reportable Segment
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|
Change in 2016 over 2015
|
|
Change in 2015 over 2014
|
||||||||||
Wisconsin
|
|
$
|
910.9
|
|
|
$
|
950.3
|
|
|
$
|
715.0
|
|
|
$
|
(39.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
235.3
|
|
Illinois
|
|
293.2
|
|
|
194.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
98.8
|
|
|
194.4
|
|
|||||
Other states
|
|
59.5
|
|
|
34.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
24.8
|
|
|
34.7
|
|
|||||
We Power
|
|
62.3
|
|
|
53.4
|
|
|
41.0
|
|
|
8.9
|
|
|
12.4
|
|
|||||
Corporate and other
|
|
97.8
|
|
|
33.4
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
64.4
|
|
|
28.2
|
|
|||||
Total capital expenditures
|
|
$
|
1,423.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,266.2
|
|
|
$
|
761.2
|
|
|
$
|
157.5
|
|
|
$
|
505.0
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
54
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A
$1,526.4 million
net decrease in cash due to a
$1,750.0 million
decrease in the issuance of long-term debt during
2016
, partially offset by
$223.6 million
of lower repayments of long-term debt during 2016. We issued $1,200.0 million of long-term debt during 2015 in connection with the acquisition of Integrys.
|
•
|
A
$397.8 million
net decrease in cash due to $234.8 million of net repayments of commercial paper during 2016 compared with $163.0 million of net borrowings of commercial paper during 2015.
|
•
|
A
$169.5 million
increase in dividends paid on common stock during
2016
, due to the issuance of 90.2 million shares of our common stock in June 2015 as a result of the Integrys acquisition and increases to our quarterly dividend rate.
See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information
.
|
•
|
A
$33.3 million
increase in cash used to purchase shares of our common stock during
2016
to satisfy requirements of our stock-based compensation plans.
|
•
|
A $1,900.0 million increase in the issuance of long-term debt during 2015, of which $1,200.0 million related to the acquisition of Integrys.
|
•
|
An $82.8 million increase in net borrowings of commercial paper during 2015.
|
•
|
A $205.3 million increase in retirements of long-term debt during 2015, of which $130.1 million related to legacy Integrys and its subsidiaries.
|
•
|
A $103.4 million increase in dividends paid on common stock due to the issuance of 90.2 million shares of our common stock in June 2015 as a result of the Integrys acquisition and an increase in our quarterly dividend rate effective with the closing of the acquisition.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
55
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A $52.7 million decrease in cash due to the redemption of all of WPS's preferred stock during 2015.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
56
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
57
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
(1)
|
||||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Total
|
|
Less Than 1 Year
|
|
1-3 Years
|
|
3-5 Years
|
|
More Than 5 Years
|
||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations
(2)
|
|
$
|
17,658.0
|
|
|
$
|
555.3
|
|
|
$
|
1,943.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,700.4
|
|
|
$
|
13,459.1
|
|
Capital lease obligations
(3)
|
|
85.3
|
|
|
13.9
|
|
|
30.2
|
|
|
33.6
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|||||
Operating lease obligations
(4)
|
|
95.5
|
|
|
9.9
|
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
|
60.1
|
|
|||||
Energy and transportation purchase obligations
(5)
|
|
11,977.5
|
|
|
1,137.7
|
|
|
1,716.2
|
|
|
1,344.7
|
|
|
7,778.9
|
|
|||||
Purchase orders
(6)
|
|
1,129.5
|
|
|
721.8
|
|
|
226.5
|
|
|
88.4
|
|
|
92.8
|
|
|||||
Pension and OPEB funding obligations
(7)
|
|
170.1
|
|
|
113.3
|
|
|
56.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||||
Capital contributions to equity method investments
|
|
24.1
|
|
|
24.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||||
Total contractual obligations
|
|
$
|
31,140.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,576.0
|
|
|
$
|
3,987.6
|
|
|
$
|
3,177.9
|
|
|
$
|
21,398.5
|
|
(1)
|
The amounts included in the table are calculated using current market prices, forward curves, and other estimates.
|
(2)
|
Principal and interest payments on long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations).
|
(3)
|
Capital lease obligations for power purchase commitments. This amount does not include We Power leases to WE which are eliminated upon consolidation.
|
(4)
|
Operating lease obligations for power purchase commitments and rail car leases.
|
(5)
|
Energy and transportation purchase obligations under various contracts for the procurement of fuel, power, gas supply, and associated transportation related to utility operations.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
58
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(6)
|
Purchase obligations related to normal business operations, information technology, and other services.
|
(7)
|
Obligations for pension and OPEB plans cannot reasonably be estimated beyond 2019.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2017
|
|
2018
|
|
2019
|
||||||
Wisconsin
|
|
$
|
1,376.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,270.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,203.8
|
|
Illinois
|
|
544.8
|
|
|
517.7
|
|
|
523.4
|
|
|||
Other states
|
|
91.0
|
|
|
102.7
|
|
|
106.8
|
|
|||
We Power
|
|
38.4
|
|
|
35.0
|
|
|
36.4
|
|
|||
Corporate and other
|
|
131.9
|
|
|
30.9
|
|
|
28.9
|
|
|||
Total
|
|
$
|
2,182.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,956.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,899.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
59
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
In June 2016, the PSCW approved deferral of costs related to WPS's ReACT™ project above the originally authorized $275.0 million level through 2017. WPS will be required to obtain a separate approval for collection of these deferred costs.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
60
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
Prior to its acquisition, Integrys initiated an information technology project with the goal of improving the customer experience at its subsidiaries. Specifically, the project is expected to provide functional and technological benefits to the billing, call center, and credit collection functions. As of
December 31, 2016
, we had received no significant disallowances of the costs incurred for this project. We will be required to obtain approval for the recovery of additional costs incurred through the completion of this long-term project.
|
•
|
In January 2014, the ICC approved PGL's use of the Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider as a recovery mechanism for costs incurred related to investments in qualifying infrastructure plant. This rider is subject to an annual reconciliation whereby costs are reviewed for accuracy and prudency. No schedule has been set for the 2015 reconciliation. The ALJ has placed the 2014 reconciliation on a stay, pending resolution of the ICC ordered stakeholder workshops and the ICC investigative docket regarding anonymous letters it received, both related to PGL's SMP. Although schedules have not been set for the reconciliations, discovery has continued for both the 2014 and 2015 reconciliations. As of
December 31, 2016
, there can be no assurance that all costs incurred under the Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider will be recoverable.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
61
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
As of December 31, 2016
|
|
Expected Return on Assets in 2017
|
|||
Pension trust funds
|
|
$
|
2,709.2
|
|
|
7.11
|
%
|
OPEB trust funds
|
|
$
|
773.5
|
|
|
7.25
|
%
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
62
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
63
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
64
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions, except percentages)
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
Percentage of Total Goodwill
|
|||
Wisconsin
|
|
$
|
2,104.3
|
|
|
69.1
|
%
|
Illinois
|
|
758.7
|
|
|
24.9
|
%
|
|
Other states
|
|
183.2
|
|
|
6.0
|
%
|
|
Total goodwill
|
|
$
|
3,046.2
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
65
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Actuarial Assumption
(in millions, except percentages)
|
|
Percentage-Point Change in Assumption
|
|
Impact on Projected Benefit Obligation
|
|
Impact on 2016
Pension Cost
|
||||
Discount rate
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
$
|
202.3
|
|
|
$
|
10.4
|
|
Discount rate
|
|
0.5
|
|
(176.1
|
)
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
||
Rate of return on plan assets
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
13.9
|
|
||
Rate of return on plan assets
|
|
0.5
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
(13.9
|
)
|
Actuarial Assumption
(in millions, except percentages)
|
|
Percentage-Point Change in Assumption
|
|
Impact on Postretirement
Benefit Obligation
|
|
Impact on 2016 Postretirement
Benefit Cost
|
||||
Discount rate
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
$
|
55.2
|
|
|
$
|
2.8
|
|
Discount rate
|
|
0.5
|
|
(47.7
|
)
|
|
(2.1
|
)
|
||
Health care cost trend rate
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
34.9
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)
|
||
Health care cost trend rate
|
|
0.5
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
5.4
|
|
||
Rate of return on plan assets
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
||
Rate of return on plan assets
|
|
0.5
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
66
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
67
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
68
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
69
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
7,472.3
|
|
|
$
|
5,926.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,997.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Cost of sales
|
|
2,647.4
|
|
|
2,240.1
|
|
|
2,259.4
|
|
|||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
2,185.5
|
|
|
1,709.3
|
|
|
1,112.4
|
|
|||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
762.6
|
|
|
561.8
|
|
|
391.4
|
|
|||
Property and revenue taxes
|
|
194.7
|
|
|
164.4
|
|
|
121.8
|
|
|||
Total operating expenses
|
|
5,790.2
|
|
|
4,675.6
|
|
|
3,885.0
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating income
|
|
1,682.1
|
|
|
1,250.5
|
|
|
1,112.1
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
|
|
146.5
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|
66.0
|
|
|||
Other income, net
|
|
80.8
|
|
|
58.9
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|||
Interest expense
|
|
402.7
|
|
|
331.4
|
|
|
240.3
|
|
|||
Other expense
|
|
(175.4
|
)
|
|
(176.4
|
)
|
|
(160.9
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Income before income taxes
|
|
1,506.7
|
|
|
1,074.1
|
|
|
951.2
|
|
|||
Income tax expense
|
|
566.5
|
|
|
433.8
|
|
|
361.7
|
|
|||
Net income
|
|
940.2
|
|
|
640.3
|
|
|
589.5
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
939.0
|
|
|
$
|
638.5
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Earnings per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Basic
|
|
$
|
2.98
|
|
|
$
|
2.36
|
|
|
$
|
2.61
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
2.96
|
|
|
$
|
2.34
|
|
|
$
|
2.59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Basic
|
|
315.6
|
|
|
271.1
|
|
|
225.6
|
|
|||
Diluted
|
|
316.9
|
|
|
272.7
|
|
|
227.5
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
70
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Net income
|
|
$
|
940.2
|
|
|
$
|
640.3
|
|
|
$
|
589.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Gains on settlement, net of tax of $7.6
|
|
—
|
|
|
11.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Reclassification of gains to net income, net of tax
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
(0.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Cash flow hedges, net
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Defined benefit plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Pension and OPEB costs arising during the period, net of tax of $0.1 and $(4.2), respectively
|
|
(0.8
|
)
|
|
(6.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Amortization of pension and OPEB costs included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Defined benefit plans, net
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
(6.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Comprehensive income
|
|
938.5
|
|
|
644.6
|
|
|
589.5
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|||
Comprehensive income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
937.3
|
|
|
$
|
642.8
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
71
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
At December 31
|
|
|
|
|
||||
(in millions, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
37.5
|
|
|
$
|
49.8
|
|
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net of reserves of $108.0 and $113.3, respectively
|
|
1,241.7
|
|
|
1,028.6
|
|
||
Materials, supplies, and inventories
|
|
587.6
|
|
|
687.0
|
|
||
Assets held for sale
|
|
—
|
|
|
96.8
|
|
||
Prepayments
|
|
204.4
|
|
|
285.8
|
|
||
Other
|
|
97.5
|
|
|
58.8
|
|
||
Current assets
|
|
2,168.7
|
|
|
2,206.8
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,214.6 and $7,919.1, respectively
|
|
19,915.5
|
|
|
19,189.7
|
|
||
Regulatory assets
|
|
3,087.9
|
|
|
3,064.6
|
|
||
Equity investment in transmission affiliate
|
|
1,443.9
|
|
|
1,380.9
|
|
||
Goodwill
|
|
3,046.2
|
|
|
3,023.5
|
|
||
Other
|
|
461.0
|
|
|
489.7
|
|
||
Long-term assets
|
|
27,954.5
|
|
|
27,148.4
|
|
||
Total assets
|
|
$
|
30,123.2
|
|
|
$
|
29,355.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Liabilities and Equity
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Short-term debt
|
|
$
|
860.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,095.0
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
157.2
|
|
|
157.7
|
|
||
Accounts payable
|
|
861.5
|
|
|
815.4
|
|
||
Accrued payroll and benefits
|
|
163.8
|
|
|
169.7
|
|
||
Other
|
|
388.9
|
|
|
471.2
|
|
||
Current liabilities
|
|
2,431.6
|
|
|
2,709.0
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term debt
|
|
9,158.2
|
|
|
9,124.1
|
|
||
Deferred income taxes
|
|
5,146.6
|
|
|
4,622.3
|
|
||
Deferred revenue, net
|
|
566.2
|
|
|
579.4
|
|
||
Regulatory liabilities
|
|
1,563.8
|
|
|
1,392.2
|
|
||
Environmental remediation liabilities
|
|
633.6
|
|
|
628.2
|
|
||
Pension and OPEB obligations
|
|
498.6
|
|
|
543.1
|
|
||
Other
|
|
1,164.4
|
|
|
1,071.7
|
|
||
Long-term liabilities
|
|
18,731.4
|
|
|
17,961.0
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Common shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Common stock – $0.01 par value; 325,000,000 shares authorized; 315,614,941 and 315,683,496 shares outstanding, respectively
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
||
Additional paid in capital
|
|
4,309.8
|
|
|
4,347.2
|
|
||
Retained earnings
|
|
4,613.9
|
|
|
4,299.8
|
|
||
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
||
Common shareholders' equity
|
|
8,929.8
|
|
|
8,654.8
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Preferred stock of subsidiary
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
||
Total liabilities and equity
|
|
$
|
30,123.2
|
|
|
$
|
29,355.2
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
72
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net income
|
|
940.2
|
|
|
$
|
640.3
|
|
|
$
|
589.5
|
|
|
Reconciliation to cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
762.6
|
|
|
583.5
|
|
|
417.0
|
|
|||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
|
|
493.8
|
|
|
418.7
|
|
|
328.1
|
|
|||
Contributions and payments related to pension and OPEB plans
|
|
(28.7
|
)
|
|
(121.0
|
)
|
|
(13.9
|
)
|
|||
Equity income in transmission affiliate, net of distributions
|
|
(46.6
|
)
|
|
(11.0
|
)
|
|
(8.5
|
)
|
|||
Change in –
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues
|
|
(180.7
|
)
|
|
84.0
|
|
|
80.7
|
|
|||
Materials, supplies, and inventories
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
(69.4
|
)
|
|
(71.2
|
)
|
|||
Other current assets
|
|
103.1
|
|
|
(27.2
|
)
|
|
(13.9
|
)
|
|||
Accounts payable
|
|
34.4
|
|
|
(9.3
|
)
|
|
23.7
|
|
|||
Other current liabilities
|
|
(20.8
|
)
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
(45.3
|
)
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
(53.8
|
)
|
|
(209.1
|
)
|
|
(87.3
|
)
|
|||
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
2,103.5
|
|
|
1,293.6
|
|
|
1,198.9
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Capital expenditures
|
|
(1,423.7
|
)
|
|
(1,266.2
|
)
|
|
(761.2
|
)
|
|||
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired of $156.3
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,329.9
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Capital contributions to transmission affiliate
|
|
(42.3
|
)
|
|
(8.7
|
)
|
|
(13.1
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses
|
|
166.3
|
|
|
28.9
|
|
|
13.9
|
|
|||
Withdrawal of restricted cash from Rabbi trust for qualifying payments
|
|
26.6
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
57.0
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|||
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
(1,270.1
|
)
|
|
(2,517.5
|
)
|
|
(756.8
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Exercise of stock options
|
|
41.6
|
|
|
30.1
|
|
|
50.3
|
|
|||
Purchase of common stock
|
|
(108.0
|
)
|
|
(74.7
|
)
|
|
(123.2
|
)
|
|||
Dividends paid on common stock
|
|
(624.9
|
)
|
|
(455.4
|
)
|
|
(352.0
|
)
|
|||
Redemption of WPS preferred stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
(52.7
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Issuance of long-term debt
|
|
400.0
|
|
|
2,150.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
|||
Retirement of long-term debt
|
|
(306.0
|
)
|
|
(529.6
|
)
|
|
(324.3
|
)
|
|||
Change in short-term debt
|
|
(234.8
|
)
|
|
163.0
|
|
|
80.2
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
(13.6
|
)
|
|
(18.9
|
)
|
|
12.8
|
|
|||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
(845.7
|
)
|
|
1,211.8
|
|
|
(406.2
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
(12.3
|
)
|
|
(12.1
|
)
|
|
35.9
|
|
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
49.8
|
|
|
61.9
|
|
|
26.0
|
|
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$
|
37.5
|
|
|
$
|
49.8
|
|
|
$
|
61.9
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
73
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
WEC Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Additional Paid-In Capital
|
|
Retained Earnings
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
|
|
Total Common Shareholders' Equity
|
|
Preferred Stock of Subsidiary
|
|
Total Equity
|
||||||||||||||
(in millions, expect per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013
|
|
$
|
2.3
|
|
|
$
|
349.7
|
|
|
$
|
3,880.7
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
4,233.0
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
4,263.4
|
|
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
588.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
588.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
588.3
|
|
|||||||
Common stock dividends of $1.56 per share
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(352.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(352.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(352.0
|
)
|
|||||||
Exercise of stock options
|
|
—
|
|
|
50.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
50.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
50.3
|
|
|||||||
Purchase of common stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
(123.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(123.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(123.2
|
)
|
|||||||
Stock-based compensation and other
|
|
—
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
|||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014
|
|
$
|
2.3
|
|
|
$
|
300.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,117.0
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
4,419.7
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
4,450.1
|
|
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
638.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
638.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
638.5
|
|
|||||||
Other comprehensive income
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|||||||
Common stock dividends of $1.74 per share
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(455.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(455.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(455.4
|
)
|
|||||||
Exercise of stock options
|
|
—
|
|
|
30.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30.1
|
|
|||||||
Issuance of common stock for the acquisition of Integrys
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
4,072.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,072.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,072.9
|
|
|||||||
Purchase of common stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
(74.7
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(74.7
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(74.7
|
)
|
|||||||
Addition of WPS preferred stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
51.1
|
|
|
51.1
|
|
|||||||
Redemption of WPS preferred stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)
|
|
(51.1
|
)
|
|
(52.7
|
)
|
|||||||
Stock-based compensation and other
|
|
—
|
|
|
21.3
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
21.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
21.0
|
|
|||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015
|
|
$
|
3.2
|
|
|
$
|
4,347.2
|
|
|
$
|
4,299.8
|
|
|
$
|
4.6
|
|
|
$
|
8,654.8
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
8,685.2
|
|
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
939.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
939.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
939.0
|
|
|||||||
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|||||||
Common stock dividends of $1.98 per share
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(624.9
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(624.9
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(624.9
|
)
|
|||||||
Exercise of stock options
|
|
—
|
|
|
41.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
41.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
41.6
|
|
|||||||
Purchase of common stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
(108.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(108.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(108.0
|
)
|
|||||||
Stock-based compensation and other
|
|
—
|
|
|
29.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
29.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
29.0
|
|
|||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
3.2
|
|
|
$
|
4,309.8
|
|
|
$
|
4,613.9
|
|
|
$
|
2.9
|
|
|
$
|
8,929.8
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
8,960.2
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
74
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
At December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Common equity (see accompanying statement)
|
|
$
|
8,929.8
|
|
|
$
|
8,654.8
|
|
||||
Preferred stock of subsidiary (Note 12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
||
Long-term debt
|
|
Interest Rate
|
|
Year Due
|
|
|
|
|
||||
WEC Energy Group Senior Notes (unsecured)
|
|
1.65%
|
|
2018
|
|
300.0
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
||
|
|
2.45%
|
|
2020
|
|
400.0
|
|
|
400.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.55%
|
|
2025
|
|
500.0
|
|
|
500.0
|
|
||
|
|
6.20%
|
|
2033
|
|
200.0
|
|
|
200.0
|
|
||
WEC Energy Group Junior Notes (unsecured)
|
|
6.25%
|
|
2067
|
|
500.0
|
|
|
500.0
|
|
||
WE Debentures (unsecured)
|
|
1.70%
|
|
2018
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.25%
|
|
2019
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
2.95%
|
|
2021
|
|
300.0
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.10%
|
|
2025
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
6.50%
|
|
2028
|
|
150.0
|
|
|
150.0
|
|
||
|
|
5.625%
|
|
2033
|
|
335.0
|
|
|
335.0
|
|
||
|
|
5.70%
|
|
2036
|
|
300.0
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.65%
|
|
2042
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.25%
|
|
2044
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.30%
|
|
2045
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
6.875%
|
|
2095
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
||
WPS Notes (unsecured)
|
|
5.65%
|
|
2017
|
|
125.0
|
|
|
125.0
|
|
||
|
|
1.65%
|
|
2018
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
|
|
6.08%
|
|
2028
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
5.55%
|
|
2036
|
|
125.0
|
|
|
125.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.671%
|
|
2042
|
|
300.0
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.752%
|
|
2044
|
|
450.0
|
|
|
450.0
|
|
||
WG Debentures (unsecured)
|
|
3.53%
|
|
2025
|
|
200.0
|
|
|
200.0
|
|
||
|
|
5.90%
|
|
2035
|
|
90.0
|
|
|
90.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.71%
|
|
2046
|
|
200.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
PGL First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds (secured)
(1)
|
|
2.21%
|
|
2016
|
|
—
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
8.00%
|
|
2018
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.63%
|
|
2019
|
|
75.0
|
|
|
75.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.90%
|
|
2030
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
1.875%
|
|
2033
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.00%
|
|
2033
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.30%
|
|
2035
|
|
—
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.98%
|
|
2042
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.96%
|
|
2043
|
|
220.0
|
|
|
220.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.21%
|
|
2044
|
|
200.0
|
|
|
200.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.65%
|
|
2046
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
|
3.65%
|
|
2046
|
|
150.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
NSG First Mortgage Bonds (secured)
(2)
|
|
3.43%
|
|
2027
|
|
28.0
|
|
|
28.0
|
|
||
|
|
3.96%
|
|
2043
|
|
54.0
|
|
|
54.0
|
|
||
We Power Subsidiary Notes (secured, nonrecourse)
|
|
4.91%
|
(3)
|
2017-2030
|
|
106.7
|
|
|
112.1
|
|
||
|
|
5.209%
|
(4)
|
2017-2030
|
|
204.8
|
|
|
215.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.673%
|
(4)
|
2017-2031
|
|
170.9
|
|
|
178.3
|
|
||
|
|
6.00%
|
(3)
|
2017-2033
|
|
126.1
|
|
|
130.5
|
|
||
|
|
6.09%
|
(4)
|
2030-2040
|
|
275.0
|
|
|
275.0
|
|
||
|
|
5.848%
|
(4)
|
2031-2041
|
|
215.0
|
|
|
215.0
|
|
||
WECC Notes (unsecured)
|
|
6.94%
|
|
2028
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
Integrys Senior Notes (unsecured)
|
|
8.00%
|
|
2016
|
|
—
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
||
|
|
4.17%
|
|
2020
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
||
Integrys Junior Notes (unsecured)
|
|
3.05%
|
(5)
|
2066
|
|
114.9
|
|
|
269.8
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
75
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Long-term debt (continued)
|
|
Interest Rate
|
|
Year Due
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Integrys Junior Notes (unsecured)
|
|
6.00%
|
|
2073
|
|
400.0
|
|
|
400.0
|
|
||
Other Notes (secured, nonrecourse)
|
|
4.81%
|
|
2030
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Obligations under capital leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.6
|
|
|
59.9
|
|
||
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,352.0
|
|
|
9,314.6
|
|
||
Integrys acquisition fair value adjustment
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.3
|
|
|
41.1
|
|
||
Unamortized debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
(38.1
|
)
|
|
(37.8
|
)
|
||
Unamortized discount, net and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31.8
|
)
|
|
(36.1
|
)
|
||
Total long-term debt, including current portion
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,315.4
|
|
|
9,281.8
|
|
||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
(157.2
|
)
|
|
(157.7
|
)
|
||
Total long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,158.2
|
|
|
9,124.1
|
|
||
Total long-term capitalization
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
18,118.4
|
|
|
$
|
17,809.3
|
|
(1)
|
PGL's First Mortgage Bonds are subject to the terms and conditions of PGL's First Mortgage Indenture dated January 2, 1926, as supplemented. Under the terms of the Indenture, substantially all property owned by PGL is pledged as collateral for these outstanding debt securities.
|
(2)
|
NSG's First Mortgage Bonds are subject to the terms and conditions of NSG's First Mortgage Indenture dated April 1, 1955, as supplemented. Under the terms of the Indenture, substantially all property owned by NSG is pledged as collateral for these outstanding debt securities.
|
(3)
|
We Power senior notes, secured by a collateral assignment of the leases between PWGS and WE related to PWGS 1 and PWGS 2.
|
(4)
|
We Power senior notes, secured by a collateral assignment of the leases between ERGSS and WE related to ER 1 and ER 2.
|
(5)
|
Variable interest rate reset quarterly. The rate was
3.05%
as of December 31, 2016. Prior to December 1, 2016, fixed rate of
6.11%
.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
76
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
Wisconsin segment – Consists of WE, WG, and WPS, which are engaged primarily in the generation of electricity and the distribution of electricity and natural gas in Wisconsin. WE's electric and WPS's electric and natural gas operations in the state of Michigan are also included in this segment.
|
•
|
Illinois segment – Consists of PGL and NSG, which are engaged primarily in the distribution of natural gas in Illinois.
|
•
|
Other states segment – Consists of MERC and MGU, which are engaged primarily in the distribution of natural gas in Minnesota and Michigan, respectively.
|
•
|
Electric transmission segment – Consists of our approximate
60%
ownership interest in ATC, a federally regulated electric transmission company.
|
•
|
We Power segment – Consists of We Power, which is principally engaged in the ownership of electric power generating facilities for long-term lease to WE.
|
•
|
Corporate and other segment – Consists of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the PELLC holding company, Wispark, Bostco, WECC, WBS, PDL, Wisvest and ITF. The sale of ITF was completed in the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, we sold certain assets of Wisvest.
See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information
on these sales.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
77
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
Fuel and purchased power costs were recovered from customers on a one-for-one basis by our Wisconsin wholesale electric operations and our Michigan retail electric operations.
|
•
|
Our retail electric rates in Wisconsin are established by the PSCW and include base amounts for fuel and purchased power costs. The electric fuel rules set by the PSCW allow us to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, under or over-collections of actual fuel and purchased power costs that exceed a
2%
price variance from the costs included in the rates charged to customers. Our electric utilities monitor the deferral of under-collected costs to ensure that it does not cause them to earn a greater ROE than authorized by the PSCW.
|
•
|
WE received payments from MISO under an SSR agreement for its PIPP units through February 1, 2015. We recorded revenue for these payments to recover costs for operating and maintaining these units. See
Note 22, Regulatory Environment
, for more information.
|
•
|
The rates for all of our natural gas utilities included one-for-one recovery mechanisms for natural gas commodity costs. We defer any difference between actual natural gas costs incurred and costs recovered through rates as a current asset or liability. The deferred balance is returned to or recovered from customers at intervals throughout the year.
|
•
|
The rates of PGL and NSG included riders for cost recovery of both environmental cleanup costs and energy conservation and management program costs.
|
•
|
MERC's rates included a conservation improvement program rider for cost recovery of energy conservation and management program costs as well as a financial incentive for meeting energy savings goals.
|
•
|
The rates of PGL and NSG, and the residential rates of WE and WG, included riders or other mechanisms for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense based on the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and the amounts recovered in rates.
|
•
|
The rates of PGL, NSG, MERC, and MGU included decoupling mechanisms. These mechanisms differ by state and allow utilities to recover or refund differences between actual and authorized margins. MGU's decoupling mechanism was discontinued after December 31, 2015.
See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information
.
|
•
|
PGL's rates included a cost recovery mechanism for SMP costs.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
78
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Natural gas in storage
|
|
$
|
223.1
|
|
|
$
|
284.1
|
|
Materials and supplies
|
|
206.5
|
|
|
219.2
|
|
||
Fossil fuel
|
|
158.0
|
|
|
183.7
|
|
||
Total
|
|
$
|
587.6
|
|
|
$
|
687.0
|
|
*
|
The rates shown for 2015 are for a partial year as a result of the acquisition of Integrys. The full year rate would be approximately double the rate shown.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
79
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
2016
|
||
|
|
Average AFUDC Retail Rate
|
|
Average AFUDC Wholesale Rate
|
WE
|
|
8.45%
|
|
2.73%
|
WPS
|
|
7.72%
|
|
3.00%
|
WG
|
|
8.33%
|
|
N/A
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
AFUDC – Debt
|
|
$
|
10.9
|
|
|
$
|
8.6
|
|
|
$
|
2.3
|
|
AFUDC – Equity
|
|
$
|
25.1
|
|
|
$
|
20.1
|
|
|
$
|
5.6
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
80
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
81
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Non-qualified stock options granted
|
|
794,764
|
|
|
516,475
|
|
|
899,500
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Estimated fair value per non-qualified stock option
|
|
$
|
5.14
|
|
|
$
|
5.29
|
|
|
$
|
4.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Assumptions used to value the options:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
0.4% – 2.2%
|
|
|
0.1% – 2.1%
|
|
|
0.1% – 3.0%
|
|
|||
Dividend yield
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
3.7
|
%
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|||
Expected volatility
|
|
18.1
|
%
|
|
18.0
|
%
|
|
18.0
|
%
|
|||
Expected life (years)
|
|
6.1
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
82
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
83
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Consideration Paid
|
||||||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts)
|
|
Stock
|
|
Cash
|
|
Total
|
||||||
Integrys common shares outstanding at June 29, 2015
|
|
79,963,091
|
|
|
79,963,091
|
|
|
|
||||
Exchange ratio
|
|
1.128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Wisconsin Energy Corporation shares issued for Integrys shares *
|
|
90,187,884
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Closing price of Wisconsin Energy Corporation common shares on June 29, 2015
|
|
$45.16
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Fair value of common stock issued
|
|
$
|
4,072.9
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
4,072.9
|
|
||
Cash paid per share of Integrys shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
$18.58
|
|
|
||||||
Fair value of cash paid for Integrys shares *
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,486.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,486.2
|
|
||
Consideration attributable to settlement of equity awards, net of tax
|
|
|
|
$
|
24.0
|
|
|
$
|
24.0
|
|
||
Total purchase price
|
|
$
|
4,072.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,510.2
|
|
|
$
|
5,583.1
|
|
*
|
Fractional shares of
10,483
totaling
$0.5 million
were paid in cash.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
84
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
*
|
Includes equity method goodwill related to Integrys's investment in ATC.
See Note 4, Investment in American Transmission Company, for more information
.
|
•
|
WE and WG are each subject to an earnings sharing mechanism for
three
years beginning January 1, 2016. Under the earnings sharing mechanisms, if either company earns above its authorized return,
50%
of the first
50
basis points of additional utility earnings will be shared with customers. For WE, the additional utility earnings will be used to reduce the company’s transmission escrow. For WG, additional utility earnings will be used to reduce the costs of the Western Gas Lateral that would otherwise be included in rates. All utility earnings above the first
50
basis points will be used to reduce the transmission escrow for WE and reduce the costs of the Western Gas Lateral that would otherwise be included in rates for WG. For the year ended December 31, 2016, WE and WG recorded a combined
$24.4 million
of expense related to these earnings sharing mechanisms.
|
•
|
Any future electric generation projects affecting Wisconsin ratepayers submitted by us or our subsidiaries will first consider the extent to which existing intercompany resources can meet energy and capacity needs. In September 2015, WPS and WE filed a joint integrated resource plan with the PSCW for their combined loads, which indicated that no new generation is currently needed.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
85
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts)
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||
Unaudited pro forma financial information
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
7,727.1
|
|
|
$
|
9,135.4
|
|
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
873.5
|
|
|
$
|
869.9
|
|
Earnings per share (Basic)
|
|
$
|
2.77
|
|
|
$
|
2.76
|
|
Earnings per share (Diluted)
|
|
$
|
2.75
|
|
|
$
|
2.74
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2015
|
||
Wisconsin
|
|
$
|
11.1
|
|
Illinois
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
Other states
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
Corporate and other
|
|
12.8
|
|
|
Total severance expense
|
|
$
|
24.9
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
86
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
87
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2015
|
||
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues
|
|
$
|
34.9
|
|
Materials, supplies, and inventories
|
|
18.4
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment
|
|
37.2
|
|
|
Other long-term assets
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
96.8
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
12.9
|
|
Accrued payroll and benefits
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
Pension and OPEB obligations
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
Total liabilities
*
|
|
$
|
21.6
|
|
*
|
Included in other current liabilities on our balance sheet.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,380.9
|
|
|
$
|
424.1
|
|
|
$
|
402.7
|
|
Add: Earnings from equity method investment
|
|
146.5
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|
66.0
|
|
|||
Add: Capital contributions
|
|
42.3
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
|||
Add: Acquisition of Integrys's investment in ATC
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
541.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Add: Equity method goodwill from the acquisition of Integrys
(1)
|
|
10.4
|
|
|
395.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Less: Distributions
|
|
135.1
|
|
(2)
|
85.1
|
|
|
57.5
|
|
|||
Less: Other
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|||
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,443.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,380.9
|
|
|
$
|
424.1
|
|
(1)
|
Represents the purchase price allocated to Integrys's investment in ATC in excess of the recorded value.
|
(2)
|
Of this amount,
$35.2 million
was recorded as a receivable at December 31, 2016.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Charges to ATC for services and construction
|
|
$
|
18.5
|
|
|
$
|
15.4
|
|
|
$
|
8.1
|
|
Charges from ATC for network transmission services
|
|
357.3
|
|
|
289.2
|
|
|
231.4
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
88
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Services provided to ATC
|
|
$
|
2.2
|
|
|
$
|
1.0
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Services received from ATC
|
|
28.7
|
|
|
28.3
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Income statement data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Revenues
|
|
$
|
650.8
|
|
|
$
|
615.8
|
|
|
$
|
635.0
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
322.5
|
|
|
319.3
|
|
|
307.4
|
|
|||
Other expense
|
|
95.5
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|
88.9
|
|
|||
Net income
|
|
$
|
232.8
|
|
|
$
|
200.4
|
|
|
$
|
238.7
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
||||
Balance sheet data
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets
|
|
$
|
75.8
|
|
|
$
|
80.5
|
|
Noncurrent assets
|
|
4,312.9
|
|
|
3,948.3
|
|
||
Total assets
|
|
$
|
4,388.7
|
|
|
$
|
4,028.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current liabilities
|
|
$
|
495.1
|
|
|
$
|
330.3
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
1,865.3
|
|
|
1,790.7
|
|
||
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
|
271.5
|
|
|
245.0
|
|
||
Shareholders' equity
|
|
1,756.8
|
|
|
1,662.8
|
|
||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
4,388.7
|
|
|
$
|
4,028.8
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Cash (paid) for interest, net of amount capitalized
|
|
$
|
(411.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(329.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(241.4
|
)
|
Cash received (paid) for income taxes, net
|
|
39.7
|
|
|
(9.3
|
)
|
|
(22.0
|
)
|
|||
Significant non-cash transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accounts payable related to construction costs
|
|
170.1
|
|
|
177.1
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|||
Restricted cash used to purchase investments held in the rabbi trust
|
|
59.2
|
|
|
60.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Amortization of deferred revenue
|
|
24.7
|
|
|
39.9
|
|
|
55.7
|
|
|||
Note receivable received related to the sale of AMP Trillium*
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Capital assets received related to the sale of AMP Trillium *
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
ITF owned a
30%
interest in AMP.
See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information
on the sale of ITF.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
89
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
See Note
|
||||
Regulatory assets
(1) (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Unrecognized pension and OPEB costs
(3)
|
|
$
|
1,252.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,306.4
|
|
|
17
|
Environmental remediation costs
(4)
|
|
702.7
|
|
|
697.0
|
|
|
18
|
||
Income tax related items
(5)
|
|
285.1
|
|
|
248.3
|
|
|
|
||
Electric transmission costs
|
|
234.1
|
|
|
191.5
|
|
|
22
|
||
SSR
|
|
188.1
|
|
|
86.1
|
|
|
22
|
||
AROs
|
|
179.2
|
|
|
173.0
|
|
|
9
|
||
We Power generation
(6)
|
|
54.1
|
|
|
45.4
|
|
|
|
||
Energy efficiency programs
(7)
|
|
36.7
|
|
|
48.7
|
|
|
|
||
Derivatives
|
|
17.9
|
|
|
70.4
|
|
|
1(t)
|
||
Other, net
|
|
188.3
|
|
|
234.9
|
|
|
|
||
Total regulatory assets
|
|
$
|
3,138.3
|
|
|
$
|
3,101.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance Sheet Presentation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets
(8)
|
|
$
|
50.4
|
|
|
$
|
37.1
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets
|
|
3,087.9
|
|
|
3,064.6
|
|
|
|
||
Total regulatory assets
|
|
$
|
3,138.3
|
|
|
$
|
3,101.7
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Based on prior and current rate treatment, we believe it is probable that our utilities will continue to recover from customers the regulatory assets in the table.
|
(2)
|
As of
December 31, 2016
, we had
$32.7 million
of regulatory assets not earning a return and
$204.0 million
of regulatory assets earning a return based on short-term interest rates. The regulatory assets not earning a return relate to certain environmental remediation costs, the recovery of which depends on the timing of the actual expenditures.
|
(3)
|
Represents the unrecognized future pension and OPEB costs resulting from actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit and OPEB plans. We are authorized recovery of this regulatory asset over the average remaining service life of each plan.
|
(4)
|
As of
December 31, 2016
, we had not yet made cash expenditures for
$633.6 million
of these environmental remediation costs.
|
(5)
|
Represents adjustments related to deferred income taxes, which are recovered in rates as the temporary differences that generated the income tax benefit reverse.
|
(6)
|
Represents amounts recoverable from customers related to WE's costs of the generating units leased from We Power, including subsequent capital additions.
|
(7)
|
Represents amounts recoverable from customers related to programs at the utilities designed to meet energy efficiency standards.
|
(8)
|
Short-term regulatory assets are recorded in accounts receivable and unbilled revenues on our balance sheets.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
90
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
See Note
|
||||
Regulatory liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Removal costs
(1)
|
|
$
|
1,262.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,209.6
|
|
|
|
Mines deferral
(2)
|
|
70.2
|
|
|
31.6
|
|
|
|
||
Energy costs refundable through rate adjustments
(3)
|
|
88.7
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
|
|
||
Unrecognized pension and OPEB costs
(4)
|
|
63.0
|
|
|
26.3
|
|
|
17
|
||
Derivatives
|
|
41.1
|
|
|
12.6
|
|
|
1(t)
|
||
Uncollectible expense
(5)
|
|
36.1
|
|
|
31.8
|
|
|
|
||
Other, net
|
|
35.4
|
|
|
37.2
|
|
|
|
||
Total regulatory liabilities
|
|
$
|
1,597.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,426.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance Sheet Presentation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Other current liabilities
|
|
$
|
33.4
|
|
|
$
|
33.8
|
|
|
|
Regulatory liabilities
|
|
1,563.8
|
|
|
1,392.2
|
|
|
|
||
Total regulatory liabilities
|
|
$
|
1,597.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,426.0
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Represents amounts collected from customers to cover the cost of future removal of property, plant, and equipment.
|
(2)
|
Represents the deferral of revenues less the associated cost of sales related to sales to the mines, which were not included in the 2015 rate order. We intend to request that this deferral be applied for the benefit of Wisconsin retail electric customers in a future rate proceeding.
|
(3)
|
Represents energy costs that will be refunded to customers in the future.
|
(4)
|
Represents the unrecognized future pension and OPEB costs resulting from actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit and OPEB plans. We will amortize this regulatory liability into net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service life of each plan.
|
(5)
|
Represents amounts refundable to customers related to our uncollectible expense tracking mechanisms and riders. These mechanisms allow us to recover or refund the difference between actual uncollectible write-offs and the amounts recovered in rates.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Utility property, plant, and equipment
|
|
$
|
24,185.1
|
|
|
$
|
22,803.7
|
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
|
7,609.7
|
|
|
7,358.2
|
|
||
Net
|
|
16,575.4
|
|
|
15,445.5
|
|
||
CWIP
|
|
320.0
|
|
|
672.7
|
|
||
Net utility property, plant, and equipment
|
|
16,895.4
|
|
|
16,118.2
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Non-utility and other property, plant, and equipment
|
|
3,520.3
|
|
|
3,482.2
|
|
||
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
|
604.9
|
|
|
560.9
|
|
||
Net
|
|
2,915.4
|
|
|
2,921.3
|
|
||
CWIP
|
|
104.7
|
|
|
150.2
|
|
||
Net non-utility and other property, plant, and equipment
|
|
3,020.1
|
|
|
3,071.5
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total property, plant, and equipment
|
|
$
|
19,915.5
|
|
|
$
|
19,189.7
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
91
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
We Power
|
|
WPS
|
||||||||||||
(in millions, except for percentages and MWs)
|
|
Elm Road Generating Station Units 1 and 2
|
|
Weston Unit 4
|
|
Columbia Energy Center Units 1 and 2
(2)
|
|
Edgewater Unit 4
|
||||||||
Ownership
|
|
83.34
|
%
|
|
70.0
|
%
|
|
31.8
|
%
|
|
31.8
|
%
|
||||
Share of rated capacity (MWs)
(1)
|
|
1,056.8
|
|
|
373.5
|
|
|
334.4
|
|
|
98.0
|
|
||||
In-service date
|
|
2010 and 2011
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
1975 and 1978
|
|
|
1969
|
|
||||
Property, plant, and equipment
|
|
$
|
2,430.8
|
|
|
$
|
596.3
|
|
|
$
|
417.9
|
|
|
$
|
45.8
|
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
|
$
|
(331.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
(170.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
(128.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
(31.7
|
)
|
CWIP
|
|
$
|
9.4
|
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
|
$
|
41.2
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
(1)
|
Based on expected capacity ratings for summer
2017
. The summer period is the most relevant for capacity planning purposes. This is a result of continually reaching demand peaks in the summer months, primarily due to air conditioning demand.
|
(2)
|
Columbia Energy Center (Columbia) is jointly owned by Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL), Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), and WPS. In October 2016, WPL received an order from the PSCW approving amendments to the Columbia joint operating agreement between the parties allowing WPS and MGE to forgo certain capital expenditures at Columbia. As a result, WPL will incur these capital expenditures in exchange for a proportional increase in its ownership share of Columbia. Based upon the additional capital expenditures WPL expects to incur through June 1, 2020, WPS's ownership interest would decrease to
27.5%
.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Balance as of January 1
|
|
$
|
571.2
|
|
|
$
|
43.6
|
|
|
$
|
42.3
|
|
Integrys subsidiaries
|
|
—
|
|
|
491.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Accretion
|
|
28.3
|
|
|
14.5
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|||
Additions and revisions to estimated cash flows
|
|
—
|
|
|
35.5
|
|
*
|
—
|
|
|||
Liabilities settled
|
|
(41.8
|
)
|
|
(13.4
|
)
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|||
Balance as of December 31
|
|
$
|
557.7
|
|
|
$
|
571.2
|
|
|
$
|
43.6
|
|
*
|
During 2015, an ARO of
$16.1 million
was recorded for fly-ash landfills located at generation facilities owned by WE and WPS. An ARO of
$9.0 million
was also recorded during 2015 for the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities rule passed by the EPA in April 2015. In addition, AROs increased
$10.4 million
in 2015 due to revisions made to estimated cash flows primarily for changes in the weighted average cost to retire natural gas distribution pipe at PGL and NSG.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
92
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
Illinois
|
|
Other States
|
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||||||||||
Goodwill balance as of January 1
|
|
$
|
2,109.5
|
|
|
$
|
441.9
|
|
|
$
|
731.2
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
182.8
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,023.5
|
|
|
$
|
441.9
|
|
Adjustment to Integrys purchase price allocation
|
|
(5.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
27.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
22.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||
Acquisition of Integrys
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,667.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
731.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
182.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,581.6
|
|
||||||||
Goodwill balance as of December 31 *
|
|
$
|
2,104.3
|
|
|
$
|
2,109.5
|
|
|
$
|
758.7
|
|
|
$
|
731.2
|
|
|
$
|
183.2
|
|
|
$
|
182.8
|
|
|
$
|
3,046.2
|
|
|
$
|
3,023.5
|
|
*
|
We had
no
accumulated impairment losses related to our goodwill as of
December 31, 2016
.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Stock options
|
|
$
|
3.5
|
|
|
$
|
3.3
|
|
|
$
|
3.7
|
|
Restricted stock
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|||
Performance units
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
13.0
|
|
|
15.4
|
|
|||
Stock-based compensation expense
|
|
$
|
18.0
|
|
|
$
|
23.3
|
|
|
$
|
21.9
|
|
Related tax benefit
|
|
$
|
7.2
|
|
|
$
|
9.3
|
|
|
$
|
8.8
|
|
Stock Options
|
|
Number of Options
|
|
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
|
|
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
(in years)
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in millions)
|
|||||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2016
|
|
5,984,664
|
|
|
$
|
33.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Granted
|
|
794,764
|
|
|
$
|
52.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Exercised
|
|
(1,644,353
|
)
|
|
$
|
25.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Forfeited
|
|
(12,300
|
)
|
|
$
|
52.98
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016
|
|
5,122,775
|
|
|
$
|
38.95
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
$
|
100.9
|
|
Exercisable as of December 31, 2016
|
|
3,710,836
|
|
|
$
|
35.38
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
$
|
86.4
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
93
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Restricted Shares
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
|
|||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2016
|
|
229,018
|
|
|
$
|
46.78
|
|
Granted
|
|
146,941
|
|
|
$
|
53.69
|
|
Released
|
|
(141,224
|
)
|
|
$
|
46.14
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(14,689
|
)
|
|
$
|
54.39
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016
|
|
220,046
|
|
|
$
|
51.30
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
94
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Shares
|
|
Cost
|
|
Shares
|
|
Cost
|
|
Shares
|
|
Cost
|
||||||||||
Under share repurchase programs
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
18.6
|
|
|
To fulfill exercised stock options and restricted stock awards
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
108.0
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
74.7
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
|
104.6
|
|
||||
Total
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
$
|
108.0
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
$
|
74.7
|
|
|
$
|
2.7
|
|
|
$
|
123.2
|
|
Date Declared
|
|
Date Payable
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Period
|
January 21, 2016
|
|
March 1, 2016
|
|
$0.4950
|
|
First quarter
|
April 21, 2016
|
|
June 1, 2016
|
|
$0.4950
|
|
Second quarter
|
July 21, 2016
|
|
September 1, 2016
|
|
$0.4950
|
|
Third quarter
|
October 20, 2016
|
|
December 1, 2016
|
|
$0.4950
|
|
Fourth quarter
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
95
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
Shares Authorized
|
|
Shares Outstanding
|
|
Redemption Price Per Share
|
|
Total
|
||||||
WEC Energy Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$.01 par value Preferred Stock
|
|
15,000,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
WE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$100 par value, Six Per Cent. Preferred Stock
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
44,498
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
||
$100 par value, Serial Preferred Stock
|
|
2,286,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
3.60% Series
|
|
|
|
260,000
|
|
|
$
|
101
|
|
|
26.0
|
|
||
$25 par value, Serial Preferred Stock
|
|
5,000,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
WPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$100 par value, Preferred Stock
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
PGL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$100 par value, Cumulative Preferred Stock
|
|
430,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
NSG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$100 par value, Cumulative Preferred Stock
|
|
160,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
(in millions, except percentages)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Commercial paper
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Amount outstanding at December 31
|
|
$
|
860.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,095.0
|
|
Average interest rate on amounts outstanding at December 31
|
|
0.96
|
%
|
|
0.68
|
%
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
96
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
Maturity
|
|
2016
|
||
WEC Energy Group
|
|
December 2020
|
|
$
|
1,050.0
|
|
WE
|
|
December 2020
|
|
500.0
|
|
|
WPS
|
|
December 2020
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
WG
|
|
December 2020
|
|
350.0
|
|
|
PGL
|
|
December 2020
|
|
350.0
|
|
|
Total short-term credit capacity
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,500.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit issued inside credit facilities
|
|
|
|
$
|
19.1
|
|
Commercial paper outstanding
|
|
|
|
860.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Available capacity under existing agreements
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,620.7
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
97
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
Payments
|
||
2017
|
|
$
|
154.5
|
|
2018
|
|
836.1
|
|
|
2019
|
|
357.7
|
|
|
2020
|
|
684.4
|
|
|
2021
|
|
336.2
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
6,953.5
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
9,322.4
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
98
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Long-term power purchase commitment
|
|
$
|
140.3
|
|
|
$
|
140.3
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
(109.5
|
)
|
|
(103.9
|
)
|
||
Total leased facilities
|
|
$
|
30.8
|
|
|
$
|
36.4
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
Payments
|
||
2017
|
|
$
|
13.9
|
|
2018
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
2019
|
|
15.5
|
|
|
2020
|
|
16.4
|
|
|
2021
|
|
17.2
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
Total minimum lease payments
|
|
85.3
|
|
|
Less: Estimated executory costs
|
|
(39.9
|
)
|
|
Net minimum lease payments
|
|
45.4
|
|
|
Less: Interest
|
|
(15.8
|
)
|
|
Present value of net minimum lease payments
|
|
29.6
|
|
|
Less: Due currently
|
|
(2.7
|
)
|
|
Long-term obligations under capital lease
|
|
$
|
26.9
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
99
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Current tax expense
|
|
$
|
72.7
|
|
|
$
|
15.1
|
|
|
$
|
33.6
|
|
Deferred income taxes, net
|
|
498.7
|
|
|
420.4
|
|
|
329.2
|
|
|||
Investment tax credit, net
|
|
(4.9
|
)
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|||
Total income tax expense
|
|
$
|
566.5
|
|
|
$
|
433.8
|
|
|
$
|
361.7
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Effective
|
|
|
|
Effective
|
|
|
|
Effective
|
|||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Tax Rate
|
|
Amount
|
|
Tax Rate
|
|
Amount
|
|
Tax Rate
|
|||||||||
Expected tax at statutory federal tax rates
|
|
$
|
526.4
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
375.5
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
332.5
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
State income taxes net of federal tax benefit
|
|
72.8
|
|
|
4.8
|
%
|
|
73.1
|
|
|
6.8
|
%
|
|
50.5
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|||
Production tax credits
|
|
(15.7
|
)
|
|
(1.1
|
)%
|
|
(17.4
|
)
|
|
(1.6
|
)%
|
|
(17.4
|
)
|
|
(1.8
|
)%
|
|||
AFUDC
–
Equity
|
|
(8.8
|
)
|
|
(0.6
|
)%
|
|
(7.1
|
)
|
|
(0.7
|
)%
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|
(0.2
|
)%
|
|||
Investment tax credit restored
|
|
(4.9
|
)
|
|
(0.3
|
)%
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
(0.2
|
)%
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|
(0.2
|
)%
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
(3.3
|
)
|
|
(0.2
|
)%
|
|
11.4
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
(0.1
|
)%
|
|||
Total income tax expense
|
|
$
|
566.5
|
|
|
37.6
|
%
|
|
$
|
433.8
|
|
|
40.4
|
%
|
|
$
|
361.7
|
|
|
38.0
|
%
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Future tax benefits
|
|
$
|
430.4
|
|
|
$
|
382.8
|
|
Employee benefits and compensation
|
|
222.0
|
|
|
229.9
|
|
||
Deferred revenues
|
|
207.2
|
|
|
219.9
|
|
||
Property-related
|
|
54.5
|
|
|
59.5
|
|
||
Other
|
|
230.6
|
|
|
177.1
|
|
||
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
1,144.7
|
|
|
1,069.2
|
|
||
Valuation allowance
|
|
(15.0
|
)
|
|
(17.1
|
)
|
||
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
1,129.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,052.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Property-related
|
|
$
|
4,979.3
|
|
|
$
|
4,451.5
|
|
Investment in transmission affiliate
|
|
476.9
|
|
|
420.4
|
|
||
Employee benefits and compensation
|
|
401.6
|
|
|
428.9
|
|
||
Deferred transmission costs
|
|
93.1
|
|
|
76.7
|
|
||
Other
|
|
325.4
|
|
|
296.9
|
|
||
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
6,276.3
|
|
|
5,674.4
|
|
||
Deferred tax liability, net
|
|
$
|
5,146.6
|
|
|
$
|
4,622.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
100
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016
(in millions)
|
|
Gross Value
|
|
Deferred Tax Effect
|
|
Valuation Allowance
|
|
Earliest Year of Expiration
|
||||||
Future tax benefits as of December 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Federal net operating loss
|
|
$
|
407.6
|
|
|
$
|
142.7
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
2031
|
Federal foreign tax credit
|
|
—
|
|
|
13.5
|
|
|
(13.5
|
)
|
|
2017
|
|||
Other federal tax credit
|
|
—
|
|
|
241.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2025
|
|||
Charitable contribution
|
|
9.4
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
2016
|
|||
State net operating loss
|
|
482.6
|
|
|
24.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2024
|
|||
State tax credit
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2016
|
|||
Balance as of December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
899.6
|
|
|
$
|
430.4
|
|
|
$
|
(15.0
|
)
|
|
|
2015
(in millions)
|
|
Gross Value
|
|
Deferred Tax Effect
|
|
Valuation Allowance
|
|
Earliest Year of Expiration
|
||||||
Future tax benefits as of December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Federal net operating loss
|
|
$
|
412.3
|
|
|
$
|
144.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
2031
|
Federal foreign tax credit
|
|
—
|
|
|
15.2
|
|
|
(15.2
|
)
|
|
2017
|
|||
Other federal tax credit
|
|
—
|
|
|
207.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2025
|
|||
Charitable contribution
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|
2016
|
|||
State net operating loss
|
|
185.9
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2024
|
|||
State tax credit
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2016
|
|||
Balance as of December 31, 2015
|
|
$
|
602.9
|
|
|
$
|
382.8
|
|
|
$
|
(17.1
|
)
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Balance as of January 1
|
|
$
|
9.5
|
|
|
$
|
7.2
|
|
Acquired legacy Integrys unrecognized tax benefits
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
||
Additions for tax positions of prior years
|
|
6.7
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
||
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
||
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(1.1
|
)
|
||
Reductions due to statute of limitations
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||
Settlements during the period
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
||
Balance as of December 31
|
|
$
|
14.5
|
|
|
$
|
9.5
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
101
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Jurisdiction
|
|
Years
|
Federal
|
|
2013–2016
|
Illinois
|
|
2013–2016
|
Michigan
|
|
2012–2016
|
Minnesota
|
|
2014–2016
|
Wisconsin
|
|
2011–2016
|
|
|
Total Amounts Committed
|
|
Expiration
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
at December 31, 2016
|
|
Less Than 1 Year
|
|
1 to 3 Years
|
|
Over 3 Years
|
||||||||
Guarantees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Standby letters of credit
(1)
|
|
$
|
29.4
|
|
|
$
|
27.9
|
|
|
$
|
1.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Surety bonds
(2)
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Other guarantees
(3)
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
||||
Total guarantees
|
|
$
|
47.9
|
|
|
$
|
38.7
|
|
|
$
|
2.1
|
|
|
$
|
7.1
|
|
(1)
|
At our request or the request of our subsidiaries, financial institutions have issued standby letters of credit for the benefit of third parties that have extended credit to our subsidiaries. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets.
|
(2)
|
Primarily for workers compensation self-insurance programs and obtaining various licenses, permits, and rights-of-way. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets.
|
(3)
|
Consists of
$7.6 million
related to other indemnifications, for which a liability of
$7.1 million
related to workers compensation coverage was recorded on our balance sheets.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
102
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Pension Costs
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Obligation at January 1
|
|
$
|
3,083.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,505.5
|
|
|
$
|
842.0
|
|
|
$
|
397.7
|
|
Obligation assumed from acquisition
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,594.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
493.0
|
|
||||
Service cost
|
|
45.4
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|
26.1
|
|
|
20.7
|
|
||||
Interest cost
|
|
130.8
|
|
|
94.3
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
|
26.7
|
|
||||
Participant contributions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
16.4
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
||||
Plan amendments
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(18.9
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Actuarial loss (gain)
|
|
71.7
|
|
|
14.6
|
|
|
(36.5
|
)
|
|
(74.0
|
)
|
||||
Benefit payments
|
|
(269.1
|
)
|
|
(156.0
|
)
|
|
(49.1
|
)
|
|
(36.2
|
)
|
||||
Federal subsidy on benefits paid
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
||||
Plan curtailment
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
||||
Obligation at December 31
|
|
$
|
3,058.8
|
|
|
$
|
3,083.0
|
|
|
$
|
818.4
|
|
|
$
|
842.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Change in fair value of plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Fair value at January 1
|
|
$
|
2,755.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,444.6
|
|
|
$
|
749.8
|
|
|
$
|
333.5
|
|
Assets received from acquisition
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,420.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
442.1
|
|
||||
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
199.4
|
|
|
(62.1
|
)
|
|
51.5
|
|
|
(15.6
|
)
|
||||
Employer contributions
|
|
23.8
|
|
|
107.7
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
13.3
|
|
||||
Participant contributions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
16.4
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
||||
Benefit payments
|
|
(269.1
|
)
|
|
(156.0
|
)
|
|
(49.1
|
)
|
|
(36.2
|
)
|
||||
Fair value at December 31
|
|
$
|
2,709.2
|
|
|
$
|
2,755.1
|
|
|
$
|
773.5
|
|
|
$
|
749.8
|
|
Funded status at December 31
|
|
$
|
(349.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(327.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(44.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(92.2
|
)
|
|
|
Pension Costs
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||
Other long-term assets
|
|
$
|
74.4
|
|
|
$
|
74.1
|
|
|
$
|
29.7
|
|
|
$
|
50.1
|
|
Pension and OPEB obligations *
|
|
424.0
|
|
|
402.0
|
|
|
74.6
|
|
|
142.3
|
|
||||
Total net liabilities
|
|
$
|
(349.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(327.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(44.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(92.2
|
)
|
*
|
Includes
$0.8 million
of pension and
$0.4 million
of OPEB obligations classified as liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2015. These amounts are included in other current liabilities on our balance sheets.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Projected benefit obligation
|
|
$
|
1,667.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,706.6
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
|
1,549.5
|
|
|
1,560.5
|
|
||
Fair value of plan assets
|
|
1,242.9
|
|
|
1,304.6
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
103
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Pension Costs
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net actuarial loss (gain)
|
|
$
|
12.0
|
|
|
$
|
11.4
|
|
|
$
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.6
|
)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
12.0
|
|
|
$
|
11.4
|
|
|
$
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net regulatory assets
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net actuarial loss
|
|
$
|
1,240.7
|
|
|
$
|
798.1
|
|
|
$
|
25.8
|
|
|
$
|
23.7
|
|
Prior service costs (credits)
|
|
10.5
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
(87.9
|
)
|
|
(3.3
|
)
|
||||
Total
|
|
$
|
1,251.2
|
|
|
$
|
802.8
|
|
|
$
|
(62.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
20.4
|
|
(1)
|
Amounts related to the nonregulated entities are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
|
(2)
|
Amounts related to the utilities and WBS are recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities.
|
(in millions)
|
|
Pension Costs
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||
Net actuarial loss
|
|
$
|
87.2
|
|
|
$
|
5.8
|
|
Prior service costs (credits)
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
(11.2
|
)
|
||
Total 2017
–
estimated amortization
|
|
$
|
90.2
|
|
|
$
|
(5.4
|
)
|
|
|
Pension Costs
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||||||||
Service cost
|
|
$
|
45.4
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
10.1
|
|
|
$
|
26.1
|
|
|
$
|
20.7
|
|
|
$
|
8.5
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
130.8
|
|
|
94.3
|
|
|
68.1
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
|
26.7
|
|
|
17.8
|
|
||||||
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
(195.9
|
)
|
|
(155.6
|
)
|
|
(98.6
|
)
|
|
(52.7
|
)
|
|
(39.6
|
)
|
|
(23.7
|
)
|
||||||
Plan settlement
|
|
16.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Plan curtailment
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
(9.4
|
)
|
|
(6.4
|
)
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss
|
|
82.9
|
|
|
68.5
|
|
|
36.7
|
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
||||||
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$
|
83.1
|
|
|
$
|
39.5
|
|
|
$
|
18.4
|
|
|
$
|
9.5
|
|
|
$
|
5.3
|
|
|
$
|
2.0
|
|
|
|
Pension
|
|
OPEB
|
||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
Discount rate
|
|
4.16%
|
|
4.46%
|
|
4.14%
|
|
4.38%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
3.60%
|
|
4.00%
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Assumed medical cost trend rate
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
7.00%
|
|
7.50%
|
Ultimate trend rate
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
5.00%
|
|
5.00%
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
2021
|
|
2021
|
|
|
Pension Costs
|
||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
Discount rate
|
|
4.35%
|
|
4.11%
|
|
5.00%
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
7.12%
|
|
7.37%
|
|
7.25%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
3.75%
|
|
4.00%
|
|
4.00%
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
104
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
Discount rate
|
|
4.38%
|
|
4.09%
|
|
4.95%
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
7.25%
|
|
7.54%
|
|
7.50%
|
Assumed medical cost trend rate (Pre 65/Post 65)
|
|
7.50%
|
|
7.50%
|
|
7.50%
|
Ultimate trend rate
|
|
5.00%
|
|
5.00%
|
|
5.00%
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
|
2021
|
|
2021
|
|
2021
|
(in millions)
|
|
1% Increase
|
|
1% Decrease
|
||||
Effect on total of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost
|
|
$
|
8.5
|
|
|
$
|
(6.9
|
)
|
Effect on health care component of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
49.6
|
|
|
(39.5
|
)
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
105
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Pension Plan Assets
|
|
OPEB Assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Asset Class
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
3.7
|
|
|
$
|
58.0
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
61.7
|
|
|
$
|
28.8
|
|
|
$
|
3.4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
32.2
|
|
Equity securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
United States Equity
|
|
273.9
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
274.0
|
|
|
34.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
34.3
|
|
||||||||
International Equity
|
|
54.1
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
54.7
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
||||||||
Fixed income securities: *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
United States Bonds
|
|
—
|
|
|
861.3
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
862.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
137.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
137.9
|
|
||||||||
International Bonds
|
|
—
|
|
|
75.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
75.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
||||||||
Private Equity and Real Estate
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14.6
|
|
|
14.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
||||||||
|
|
$
|
331.7
|
|
|
$
|
995.9
|
|
|
$
|
15.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,343.0
|
|
|
$
|
66.6
|
|
|
$
|
150.3
|
|
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
|
$
|
218.2
|
|
Investments measured at net asset value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,366.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
555.3
|
|
||||||||||||
Total
|
|
$
|
331.7
|
|
|
$
|
995.9
|
|
|
$
|
15.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,709.2
|
|
|
$
|
66.6
|
|
|
$
|
150.3
|
|
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
|
$
|
773.5
|
|
*
|
This category represents investment grade bonds of United States and foreign issuers denominated in United States dollars from diverse industries.
|
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Pension Plan Assets
|
|
OPEB Assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Asset Class
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
17.0
|
|
|
$
|
29.6
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
46.6
|
|
|
$
|
10.5
|
|
|
$
|
1.0
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
11.5
|
|
Equity securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
United States Equity
|
|
132.6
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
136.0
|
|
|
24.6
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
24.7
|
|
||||||||
International Equity
|
|
103.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
103.9
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
||||||||
Fixed income securities: *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
United States Bonds
|
|
11.4
|
|
|
797.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
808.7
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
122.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
122.3
|
|
||||||||
International Bonds
|
|
—
|
|
|
80.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
80.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
||||||||
Private Equity and Real Estate
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
||||||||
|
|
$
|
264.9
|
|
|
$
|
910.6
|
|
|
$
|
5.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,181.0
|
|
|
$
|
56.8
|
|
|
$
|
131.2
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
188.4
|
|
Investments measured at net asset value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,574.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
561.4
|
|
||||||||||||
Total
|
|
$
|
264.9
|
|
|
$
|
910.6
|
|
|
$
|
5.5
|
|
|
$
|
2,755.1
|
|
|
$
|
56.8
|
|
|
$
|
131.2
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
749.8
|
|
*
|
This category represents investment grade bonds of United States and foreign issuers denominated in United States dollars from diverse industries.
|
|
|
Private Equity and Real Estate
|
|
United States Bonds
|
||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Pension
|
|
OPEB
|
|
Pension
|
||||||
Beginning balance at January 1, 2016
|
|
$
|
5.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Realized and unrealized gains
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Purchases
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|||
Ending balance at December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
14.6
|
|
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
|
$
|
0.8
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
106
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Private Equity and Real Estate
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Pension
|
|
OPEB
|
||||
Beginning balance at January 1, 2015
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Purchases
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
||
Ending balance at December 31, 2015
|
|
$
|
5.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
Pension Costs
|
|
OPEB Costs
|
||||
2017
|
|
$
|
215.7
|
|
|
$
|
41.8
|
|
2018
|
|
217.1
|
|
|
49.6
|
|
||
2019
|
|
226.5
|
|
|
49.0
|
|
||
2020
|
|
233.1
|
|
|
50.9
|
|
||
2021
|
|
230.0
|
|
|
53.1
|
|
||
2022-2026
|
|
1,031.5
|
|
|
278.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due By Period
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Date Contracts Extend Through
|
|
Total Amounts Committed
|
|
2017
|
|
2018
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
Later Years
|
||||||||||||||
Electric utility:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Nuclear
|
|
2033
|
|
$
|
9,599.8
|
|
|
$
|
415.3
|
|
|
$
|
420.1
|
|
|
$
|
445.4
|
|
|
$
|
475.1
|
|
|
$
|
501.1
|
|
|
$
|
7,342.8
|
|
Purchased power
|
|
2027
|
|
693.3
|
|
|
111.3
|
|
|
75.9
|
|
|
66.2
|
|
|
66.3
|
|
|
63.9
|
|
|
309.7
|
|
|||||||
Coal supply and transportation
|
|
2019
|
|
455.0
|
|
|
269.4
|
|
|
140.3
|
|
|
45.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||
Natural gas utility supply and transportation
|
|
2028
|
|
1,229.4
|
|
|
341.7
|
|
|
285.5
|
|
|
237.5
|
|
|
159.7
|
|
|
78.6
|
|
|
126.4
|
|
|||||||
Total
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,977.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,137.7
|
|
|
$
|
921.8
|
|
|
$
|
794.4
|
|
|
$
|
701.1
|
|
|
$
|
643.6
|
|
|
$
|
7,778.9
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
107
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ending December 31
|
|
Payments
(in millions)
|
||
2017
|
|
$
|
9.9
|
|
2018
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
2019
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
2020
|
|
5.3
|
|
|
2021
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
Later years
|
|
60.1
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
95.5
|
|
•
|
the development of additional sources of renewable electric energy supply;
|
•
|
the addition of improvements for water quality matters such as treatment technologies to meet regulatory discharge limits and improvements to our cooling water intake systems;
|
•
|
the addition of emission control equipment to existing facilities to comply with ambient air quality standards and federal clean air rules;
|
•
|
the protection of wetlands and waterways, threatened and endangered species, and cultural resources associated with utility construction projects;
|
•
|
the retirement of old coal-fired power plants and conversion to modern, efficient, natural gas generation and super-critical pulverized coal generation;
|
•
|
the beneficial use of ash and other products from coal-fired and biomass generating units; and
|
•
|
the remediation of former manufactured gas plant sites.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
108
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
109
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
110
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
111
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Regulatory assets
|
|
$
|
702.7
|
|
|
$
|
697.0
|
|
Reserves for future remediation
|
|
633.4
|
|
|
628.0
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
112
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
the installation of emission control technology, including ReACT™ on Weston 3,
|
•
|
changed operating conditions (including refueling, repowering, and/or retirement of units),
|
•
|
limitations on plant emissions,
|
•
|
beneficial environmental projects totaling
$6.0 million
, and
|
•
|
a civil penalty of
$1.2 million
.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
113
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
the installation of emission control technology, including scrubbers at the Columbia plant,
|
•
|
changed operating conditions (including refueling, repowering, and/or retirement of units),
|
•
|
limitations on plant emissions,
|
•
|
beneficial environmental projects, with WPS's portion totaling
$1.3 million
, and
|
•
|
WPS's portion of a civil penalty and legal fees totaling
$0.4 million
.
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
||||||||
Derivative assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
$
|
10.1
|
|
|
$
|
24.2
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
34.3
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
||||
FTRs
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
||||
Coal contracts
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
||||
Total derivative assets
|
|
$
|
10.3
|
|
|
$
|
26.2
|
|
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
$
|
41.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Investments held in rabbi trust
|
|
$
|
103.9
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
103.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Derivative liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
||||
Coal contracts
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
||||
Total derivative liabilities
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
2.1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2.4
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
||||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
||||||||
Derivative assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
$
|
1.6
|
|
|
$
|
1.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
||||
FTRs
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
||||
Coal contracts
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
||||
Total derivative assets
|
|
$
|
2.8
|
|
|
$
|
3.5
|
|
|
$
|
3.6
|
|
|
$
|
9.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Investments held in rabbi trust
|
|
$
|
39.8
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
39.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Derivative liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
$
|
16.5
|
|
|
$
|
25.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
41.8
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
||||
Coal contracts
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.3
|
|
||||
Total derivative liabilities
|
|
$
|
21.4
|
|
|
$
|
37.6
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
59.0
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
114
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Balance at the beginning of the period
|
|
$
|
3.6
|
|
|
$
|
7.0
|
|
|
$
|
3.5
|
|
Realized and unrealized (losses) gains
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Purchases
|
|
15.2
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
15.6
|
|
|||
Sales
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Settlements
|
|
(13.3
|
)
|
|
(11.9
|
)
|
|
(12.1
|
)
|
|||
Acquisition of Integrys
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Transfers out of level 3
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Balance at the end of the period
|
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
$
|
3.6
|
|
|
$
|
7.0
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Carrying Amount
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Carrying Amount
|
|
Fair Value
|
||||||||
Preferred stock
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
28.8
|
|
|
$
|
30.4
|
|
|
$
|
27.3
|
|
Long-term debt, including current portion *
|
|
$
|
9,285.8
|
|
|
$
|
9,818.2
|
|
|
$
|
9,221.9
|
|
|
$
|
9,681.0
|
|
*
|
The carrying amount of long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations of
$29.6 million
and
$59.9 million
at
December 31, 2016
and
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Derivative Assets
|
|
Derivative Liabilities
|
|
Derivative Assets
|
|
Derivative Liabilities
|
||||||||
Other current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
$
|
31.4
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
2.6
|
|
|
$
|
38.5
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
||||
FTRs
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Coal contracts
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
6.7
|
|
||||
Total other current
|
|
$
|
38.2
|
|
|
$
|
1.9
|
|
|
$
|
8.8
|
|
|
$
|
49.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Other long-term
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
$
|
2.9
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
3.3
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
||||
Coal contracts
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
5.6
|
|
||||
Total other long-term
|
|
$
|
3.4
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
1.1
|
|
|
$
|
10.0
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
41.6
|
|
|
$
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
9.9
|
|
|
$
|
59.0
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
115
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
December 31, 2014
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Volume
|
|
Gains (Losses)
|
|
Volume
|
|
Gains (Losses)
|
|
Volume
|
|
Gains
|
||||||
Natural gas contracts
|
|
151.1 Dth
|
|
$
|
(59.6
|
)
|
|
86.2 Dth
|
|
$
|
(50.5
|
)
|
|
40.5 Dth
|
|
$
|
7.3
|
|
Petroleum products contracts
|
|
14.7 gallons
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
7.8 gallons
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|
9.2 gallons
|
|
0.5
|
|
|||
FTRs
|
|
33.7 MWh
|
|
13.3
|
|
|
27.3 MWh
|
|
6.7
|
|
|
26.1 MWh
|
|
12.7
|
|
|||
Total
|
|
|
|
$
|
(49.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(45.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
20.5
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Derivative Assets
|
|
Derivative Liabilities
|
|
Derivative Assets
|
|
Derivative Liabilities
|
||||||||
Gross amount recognized on the balance sheet
|
|
$
|
41.6
|
|
|
$
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
9.9
|
|
|
$
|
59.0
|
|
Gross amount not offset on the balance sheet *
|
|
(4.9
|
)
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
(22.5
|
)
|
||||
Net amount
|
|
$
|
36.7
|
|
|
$
|
1.9
|
|
|
$
|
6.9
|
|
|
$
|
36.5
|
|
*
|
Includes cash collateral received of
$4.4 million
at December 31, 2016, and cash collateral posted of
$19.5 million
at
December 31, 2015
.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
116
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A net bill increase related to non-fuel costs for WE's retail electric customers of approximately
$2.7 million
(
0.1%
) in 2015. This amount reflected WE's receipt of SSR payments from MISO that were higher than WE anticipated when it filed its rate request in May 2014, as well as an offset of
$26.6 million
related to a refund of prior fuel costs and the remainder of the proceeds from a Treasury Grant that WE received in connection with its biomass facility. The majority of this
$26.6 million
was returned to customers in the form of bill credits in 2015.
|
•
|
A rate increase for WE's retail electric customers of
$26.6 million
(
0.9%
) in 2016 related to the expiration of the bill credits provided to customers in 2015.
|
•
|
A rate decrease of
$13.9 million
(
-0.5%
) in 2015 related to a forecasted decrease in fuel costs.
|
•
|
A rate decrease of
$10.7 million
(
-2.4%
) for WE's natural gas customers in 2015, with
no
rate adjustment in 2016.
|
•
|
A rate increase of approximately
$0.5 million
(
2.0%
) for WE's Downtown Milwaukee (Valley) steam utility customers in 2015, with
no
rate adjustment in 2016.
|
•
|
A rate increase of approximately
$1.2 million
(
7.3%
) for WE's Milwaukee County steam utility customers in 2015, with
no
rate adjustment in 2016. As a result of the sale of the MCPP, WE no longer has any Milwaukee County steam utility customers.
See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information
about the sale of the MCPP.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
117
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
A net bill increase related to non-fuel costs for WE's retail electric customers of approximately
$70.0 million
(
2.6%
) in 2013. This amount reflected an offset of approximately
$63.0 million
(
2.3%
) for bill credits related to the proceeds of the Treasury Grant, including associated tax benefits. Absent this offset, the retail electric rate increase for non-fuel costs was approximately
$133.0 million
(
4.8%
) in 2013.
|
•
|
An electric rate increase for WE's electric customers of approximately
$28.0 million
(
1.0%
) in 2014, and a
$45.0 million
(
-1.6%
) reduction in bill credits.
|
•
|
Recovery of a forecasted increase in fuel costs of approximately
$44.0 million
(
1.6%
) in 2013.
|
•
|
A rate decrease of approximately
$8.0 million
(
-1.9%
) for WE's natural gas customers in 2013, with
no
rate adjustment in 2014. The WE rates reflected a
$6.4 million
reduction in bad debt expense.
|
•
|
An increase of approximately
$1.3 million
(
6.0%
) for WE's Downtown Milwaukee (Valley) steam utility customers in 2013 and another
$1.3 million
(
6.0%
) in 2014.
|
•
|
An increase of approximately
$1.0 million
(
7.0%
) in 2013 and
$1.0 million
(
6.0%
) in 2014 for WE's Milwaukee County steam utility customers.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
118
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
119
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
120
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
AFUDC
–
Equity
|
|
$
|
25.1
|
|
|
$
|
20.1
|
|
|
$
|
5.6
|
|
Gain on repurchase of notes
|
|
23.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Gain on asset sales
|
|
19.6
|
|
|
22.9
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
15.9
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|||
Other income, net
|
|
$
|
80.8
|
|
|
$
|
58.9
|
|
|
$
|
13.4
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
121
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
•
|
The Wisconsin segment includes the electric and natural gas utility operations of WE, WG, and WPS, including WE's and WPS's electric and natural gas operations in the state of Michigan that were transferred to UMERC effective January 1, 2017.
|
•
|
The Illinois segment includes the natural gas utility and non-utility operations of PGL and NSG.
|
•
|
The other states segment includes the natural gas utility and non-utility operations of MERC and MGU.
|
•
|
The electric transmission segment includes our approximate
60%
ownership interest in ATC, a for-profit, electric transmission company regulated by the FERC and certain state regulatory commissions.
|
•
|
The We Power segment includes our nonregulated entity that owns and leases generating facilities to WE.
|
•
|
The corporate and other segment includes the operations of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the Peoples Energy, LLC holding company, Wispark, Bostco, Wisvest, WECC, WBS, PDL, and ITF. The sale of ITF was completed in the first quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, we sold certain assets of Wisvest.
See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information
on these sales.
|
|
|
Regulated Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016
(in millions)
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
Illinois
|
|
Other States
|
|
Electric Transmission
|
|
Total Regulated
Operations
|
|
We Power
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
|
Reconciling
Eliminations
|
|
WEC Energy Group Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||
External revenues
|
|
$
|
5,805.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,242.2
|
|
|
$
|
376.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7,424.1
|
|
|
$
|
24.9
|
|
|
$
|
23.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7,472.3
|
|
Intersegment revenues
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
423.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(423.6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
2,025.4
|
|
|
485.1
|
|
|
110.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,620.6
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
(15.8
|
)
|
|
(423.6
|
)
|
|
2,185.5
|
|
|||||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
496.6
|
|
|
134.0
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
651.7
|
|
|
68.3
|
|
|
42.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
762.6
|
|
|||||||||
Operating income (loss)
|
|
1,027.0
|
|
|
239.6
|
|
|
49.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,316.5
|
|
|
375.6
|
|
|
(10.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,682.1
|
|
|||||||||
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
146.5
|
|
|
146.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
146.5
|
|
|||||||||
Interest expense
|
|
180.9
|
|
|
38.9
|
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
228.3
|
|
|
62.1
|
|
|
120.9
|
|
|
(8.6
|
)
|
|
402.7
|
|
|||||||||
Capital expenditures
|
|
910.9
|
|
|
293.2
|
|
|
59.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,263.6
|
|
|
62.3
|
|
|
97.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,423.7
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets *
|
|
21,730.7
|
|
|
5,714.6
|
|
|
995.1
|
|
|
1,476.9
|
|
|
29,917.3
|
|
|
2,777.1
|
|
|
778.0
|
|
|
(3,349.2
|
)
|
|
30,123.2
|
|
*
|
Total assets at
December 31, 2016
reflect an elimination of
$2,029.5 million
for all lease activity between We Power and WE.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
122
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Regulated Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015
(in millions)
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
Illinois
|
|
Other States
|
|
Electric Transmission
|
|
Total Regulated
Operations
|
|
We Power
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
|
Reconciling
Eliminations
|
|
WEC Energy Group Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||
External revenues
|
|
$
|
5,186.1
|
|
|
$
|
503.4
|
|
|
$
|
149.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
5,838.8
|
|
|
$
|
40.0
|
|
|
$
|
47.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
5,926.1
|
|
Intersegment revenues
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
405.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(410.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
1,741.0
|
|
|
219.6
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,010.6
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
103.7
|
|
|
(409.3
|
)
|
|
1,709.3
|
|
|||||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
408.6
|
|
|
63.3
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
481.9
|
|
|
67.5
|
|
|
12.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
561.8
|
|
|||||||||
Operating income (loss)
|
|
884.2
|
|
|
78.1
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
968.3
|
|
|
373.4
|
|
|
(91.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,250.5
|
|
|||||||||
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
|||||||||
Interest expense
|
|
157.1
|
|
|
19.9
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
182.1
|
|
|
63.4
|
|
|
91.0
|
|
|
(5.1
|
)
|
|
331.4
|
|
|||||||||
Capital expenditures
|
|
950.3
|
|
|
194.4
|
|
|
34.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,179.4
|
|
|
53.4
|
|
|
33.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,266.2
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets *
|
|
21,113.5
|
|
|
5,462.9
|
|
|
918.0
|
|
|
1,381.0
|
|
|
28,875.4
|
|
|
2,779.0
|
|
|
1,132.5
|
|
|
(3,431.7
|
)
|
|
29,355.2
|
|
*
|
Total assets at
December 31, 2015
reflect an elimination of
$2,105.3 million
for all lease activity between We Power and WE.
|
|
|
Regulated Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014
(in millions)
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
Illinois
|
|
Other States
|
|
Electric Transmission
|
|
Total Regulated
Operations
|
|
We Power
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
|
Reconciling
Eliminations
|
|
WEC Energy Group Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||
External revenues
|
|
$
|
4,932.1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4,932.1
|
|
|
$
|
55.7
|
|
|
$
|
9.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4,997.1
|
|
Intersegment revenues
|
|
9.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9.2
|
|
|
383.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(392.6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||||
Other operation and maintenance
|
|
1,462.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,462.7
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
33.0
|
|
|
(387.7
|
)
|
|
1,112.4
|
|
|||||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
323.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
323.2
|
|
|
66.7
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
391.4
|
|
|||||||||
Operating income (loss)
|
|
770.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
770.2
|
|
|
368.0
|
|
|
(26.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,112.1
|
|
|||||||||
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
66.0
|
|
|
66.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
66.0
|
|
|||||||||
Interest expense
|
|
127.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
127.6
|
|
|
64.6
|
|
|
48.8
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|
240.3
|
|
|||||||||
Capital expenditures
|
|
715.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
715.0
|
|
|
41.0
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
761.2
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets *
|
|
14,403.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
424.1
|
|
|
14,827.9
|
|
|
2,789.9
|
|
|
253.3
|
|
|
(2,966.1
|
)
|
|
14,905.0
|
|
*
|
Total assets at
December 31, 2014
reflect an elimination of
$2,172.9 million
for all lease activity between We Power and WE.
|
(in millions, except per share amounts)
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
Total
|
||||||||||
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
2,194.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,602.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,712.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,963.0
|
|
|
$
|
7,472.3
|
|
Operating income
|
|
589.3
|
|
|
332.1
|
|
|
399.0
|
|
|
361.7
|
|
|
1,682.1
|
|
|||||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
346.2
|
|
|
181.4
|
|
|
217.0
|
|
|
194.4
|
|
|
939.0
|
|
|||||
Earnings per share *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Basic
|
|
$
|
1.10
|
|
|
$
|
0.57
|
|
|
$
|
0.69
|
|
|
$
|
0.62
|
|
|
$
|
2.98
|
|
Diluted
|
|
1.09
|
|
|
0.57
|
|
|
0.68
|
|
|
0.61
|
|
|
2.96
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
1,387.9
|
|
|
$
|
991.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,698.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,848.3
|
|
|
$
|
5,926.1
|
|
Operating income
|
|
358.8
|
|
|
165.8
|
|
|
345.7
|
|
|
380.2
|
|
|
1,250.5
|
|
|||||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
195.8
|
|
|
80.9
|
|
|
182.5
|
|
|
179.3
|
|
|
638.5
|
|
|||||
Earnings per share *
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
|
$
|
0.36
|
|
|
$
|
0.58
|
|
|
$
|
0.57
|
|
|
$
|
2.36
|
|
Diluted
|
|
0.86
|
|
|
0.35
|
|
|
0.58
|
|
|
0.57
|
|
|
2.34
|
|
*
|
Earnings per share for the individual quarters do not total the year ended earnings per share amount because of changes to the average number of shares outstanding and changes in incremental issuable shares throughout the year.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
123
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
124
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
125
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
126
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Plan Type
|
|
Number of Securities
to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants, and Rights
(a)
|
|
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants, and Rights
(b)
|
|
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Shares Reflected in Column (a))
(c)
|
|
||||
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders
|
|
5,122,775
|
|
|
$
|
38.95
|
|
|
28,250,754
|
|
*
|
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
5,122,775
|
|
|
$
|
38.95
|
|
|
28,250,754
|
|
|
*
|
Includes shares available for future issuance under our 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective May 5, 2011, all of which could be granted as awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units, restricted stock, or other stock based awards.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
127
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
128
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
1.
|
Financial Statements and Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Included in Part II of This Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description
|
|
Page in 10-K
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
2.
|
Financial Statement Schedules Included in Part IV of This Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or notes thereto.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
Exhibits and Exhibit Index
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
129
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating expenses
|
|
$
|
7.0
|
|
|
$
|
42.2
|
|
|
$
|
26.8
|
|
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
|
|
996.5
|
|
|
695.7
|
|
|
635.0
|
|
|||
Other income, net
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|||
Interest expense
|
|
90.0
|
|
|
71.2
|
|
|
53.1
|
|
|||
Income before income taxes
|
|
902.2
|
|
|
605.5
|
|
|
557.9
|
|
|||
Income tax benefit
|
|
36.8
|
|
|
33.0
|
|
|
30.4
|
|
|||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
939.0
|
|
|
$
|
638.5
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
130
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
939.0
|
|
|
$
|
638.5
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Gains on settlement, net of tax of $7.6
|
|
—
|
|
|
11.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Reclassification of gains to net income, net of tax
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
(0.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Cash flow hedges, net
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Defined benefit plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Pension and OPEB costs arising during the period, net of tax
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Amortization of pension and OPEB costs included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Defined benefit plans, net
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) from subsidiaries, net of tax
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
(4.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Comprehensive income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
937.3
|
|
|
$
|
642.8
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
131
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
At December 31
|
|
|
|
|
||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
Accounts receivable from related parties
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
13.2
|
|
||
Notes receivable from related parties
|
|
76.4
|
|
|
123.2
|
|
||
Prepaid taxes
|
|
47.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
Other
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
||
Current assets
|
|
127.5
|
|
|
139.9
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Investments in subsidiaries
|
|
11,155.4
|
|
|
10,792.6
|
|
||
Other
|
|
134.7
|
|
|
254.0
|
|
||
Long-term assets
|
|
11,290.1
|
|
|
11,046.6
|
|
||
Total assets
|
|
$
|
11,417.6
|
|
|
$
|
11,186.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Liabilities and Equity
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Short-term debt
|
|
$
|
321.8
|
|
|
$
|
307.9
|
|
Accounts payable to related parties
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
||
Notes payable to related parties
|
|
241.3
|
|
|
119.0
|
|
||
Accrued taxes
|
|
—
|
|
|
75.6
|
|
||
Other
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
17.5
|
|
||
Current liabilities
|
|
576.6
|
|
|
521.7
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Long-term debt
|
|
1,890.0
|
|
|
1,887.2
|
|
||
Other
|
|
21.2
|
|
|
122.8
|
|
||
Long-term liabilities
|
|
1,911.2
|
|
|
2,010.0
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Common shareholders' equity
|
|
8,929.8
|
|
|
8,654.8
|
|
||
Total liabilities and equity
|
|
$
|
11,417.6
|
|
|
$
|
11,186.5
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
132
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net income attributed to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
939.0
|
|
|
$
|
638.5
|
|
|
$
|
588.3
|
|
Reconciliation to cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
|
|
(996.5
|
)
|
|
(695.7
|
)
|
|
(635.0
|
)
|
|||
Dividends from subsidiaries
|
|
734.4
|
|
|
538.8
|
|
|
720.0
|
|
|||
Deferred income taxes
|
|
23.2
|
|
|
30.9
|
|
|
60.1
|
|
|||
Change in –
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Prepaid taxes
|
|
(47.6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Other current assets
|
|
13.0
|
|
|
(9.3
|
)
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
|||
Accrued taxes
|
|
(75.6
|
)
|
|
175.7
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|||
Other current liabilities
|
|
(5.6
|
)
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
5.1
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
6.3
|
|
|
(18.4
|
)
|
|
(8.1
|
)
|
|||
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
590.6
|
|
|
657.3
|
|
|
734.2
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Business acquisition
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,486.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Capital contributions to subsidiaries
|
|
(55.8
|
)
|
|
(135.3
|
)
|
|
(225.5
|
)
|
|||
Short-term notes receivable from related parties, net
|
|
46.8
|
|
|
(91.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Purchase of subsidiary's common stock
|
|
(66.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses
|
|
—
|
|
|
20.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
5.0
|
|
|||
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
(75.8
|
)
|
|
(1,691.8
|
)
|
|
(220.5
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Exercise of stock options
|
|
41.6
|
|
|
30.1
|
|
|
50.3
|
|
|||
Purchase of common stock
|
|
(108.0
|
)
|
|
(74.7
|
)
|
|
(123.2
|
)
|
|||
Dividends paid on common stock
|
|
(624.9
|
)
|
|
(455.4
|
)
|
|
(352.0
|
)
|
|||
Issuance of long-term debt
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,200.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Change in short-term debt
|
|
13.9
|
|
|
307.9
|
|
|
(72.0
|
)
|
|||
Short-term notes payable to related parties, net
|
|
162.3
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(11.2
|
)
|
|
16.7
|
|
|||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
(514.9
|
)
|
|
998.5
|
|
|
(476.7
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
(36.0
|
)
|
|
37.0
|
|
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
37.3
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
|
$
|
1.3
|
|
|
$
|
37.3
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
133
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
WE
|
|
$
|
455.0
|
|
|
$
|
240.0
|
|
|
$
|
390.0
|
|
WG
|
|
75.0
|
|
|
30.0
|
|
|
33.0
|
|
|||
We Power
|
|
197.9
|
|
|
262.8
|
|
|
297.0
|
|
|||
ATC Holding LLC
|
|
6.5
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Total
|
|
$
|
734.4
|
|
|
$
|
538.8
|
|
|
$
|
720.0
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
||
2018
|
|
$
|
300.0
|
|
2020
|
|
400.0
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
1,200.0
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,900.0
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||||||||||
(in millions)
|
|
Carrying Amount
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Carrying Amount
|
|
Fair Value
|
||||||||
Long-term debt
|
|
$
|
1,890.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,906.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,887.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,900.7
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||
Cash (paid) for interest
|
|
$
|
(89.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(68.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(44.4
|
)
|
Cash (paid) received for income taxes, net
|
|
(62.9
|
)
|
|
242.9
|
|
|
95.1
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
134
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
Integrys
|
|
$
|
42.0
|
|
|
$
|
95.1
|
|
Bostco
|
|
18.5
|
|
|
19.6
|
|
||
Wispark
|
|
15.9
|
|
|
8.5
|
|
||
Total
|
|
$
|
76.4
|
|
|
$
|
123.2
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
||||
WBS
|
|
$
|
131.1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
WECC
|
|
109.3
|
|
|
108.4
|
|
||
Wisvest
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
||
Total
|
|
$
|
241.3
|
|
|
$
|
119.0
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
135
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
(in millions)
|
|
Balance at Beginning of Period
|
|
Acquisitions of Businesses
|
|
Expense
(1)
|
|
Deferral
|
|
Net Write-offs
(2)
|
|
Balance at End of Period
|
||||||||||||
December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
113.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
87.4
|
|
|
$
|
(5.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(86.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
108.0
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
74.5
|
|
|
54.3
|
|
|
56.7
|
|
|
8.2
|
|
|
(80.4
|
)
|
|
113.3
|
|
||||||
December 31, 2014
|
|
61.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
49.8
|
|
|
18.4
|
|
|
(54.7
|
)
|
|
74.5
|
|
(1)
|
Net of recoveries.
|
(2)
|
Represents amounts written off to the reserve, net of adjustments to regulatory assets.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
136
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
By
|
/s/ ALLEN L. LEVERETT
|
Date:
|
February 28, 2017
|
Allen L. Leverett
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and President
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
137
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
/s/ ALLEN L. LEVERETT
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Allen L. Leverett, Chief Executive Officer and President and
|
|
|
Director -- Principal Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ SCOTT J. LAUBER
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Scott J. Lauber, Executive Vice President and Chief
|
|
|
Financial Officer -- Principal Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ WILLIAM J. GUC
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
William J. Guc, Vice President and
|
|
|
Controller -- Principal Accounting Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ GALE E. KLAPPA
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Gale E. Klappa, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ JOHN F. BERGSTROM
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
John F. Bergstrom, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ BARBARA L. BOWLES
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Barbara L. Bowles, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ WILLIAM J. BRODSKY
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
William J. Brodsky, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ALBERT J. BUDNEY, JR.
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Albert J. Budney, Jr., Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ PATRICIA W. CHADWICK
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Patricia W. Chadwick, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ CURT S. CULVER
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Curt S. Culver, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ THOMAS J. FISCHER
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Thomas J. Fischer, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ PAUL W. JONES
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Paul W. Jones, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ HENRY W. KNUEPPEL
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Henry W. Knueppel, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ULICE PAYNE, JR.
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Ulice Payne, Jr., Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ MARY ELLEN STANEK
|
|
February 28, 2017
|
Mary Ellen Stanek, Director
|
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
138
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
139
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
140
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017. ** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017.** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
WEC Energy Group Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017. ** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
WEC Energy Group Non-Qualified Retirement Savings Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017. ** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.7*
|
WEC Energy Group Short-Term Performance Plan, as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2016. (Exhibit 10.2 to WEC Energy Group's 12/3/15 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.8*
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation 2014 Rabbi Trust by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and The Northern Trust Company dated February 23, 2015, regarding the trust established to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the liabilities under various nonqualified deferred compensation plans made between Wisconsin Energy Corporation or its subsidiaries and various plan participants. (Exhibit 10.13 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/14 Form 10K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.9*
|
Amended and Restated Senior Officer Employment and Non-Compete Agreement between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Gale E. Klappa, dated as of December 29, 2008. (Exhibit 10.25 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/08 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.10*
|
Amended and Restated Senior Officer Employment and Non-Compete Agreement between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Allen L. Leverett, dated as of December 30, 2008. (Exhibit 10.26 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/08 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.11*
|
Terms of Employment for J. Patrick Keyes. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 09/30/12 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.12*
|
Letter Agreement by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and J. Patrick Keyes, dated as of December 20, 2010. (Exhibit 10.20 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/12 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.13*
|
Amendment to the Letter Agreement by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and J. Patrick Keyes, dated as of August 15, 2011. (Exhibit 10.21 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/12 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.14*
|
Terms of Employment for Susan H. Martin. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/31/12 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.15*
|
Letter Agreement by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Robert Garvin, dated January 31, 2011. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/31/11 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.16*
|
Letter Agreement by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Joseph Kevin Fletcher, dated as of August 17, 2011. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 09/30/11 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.17*
|
WEC Energy Group 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated effective as of January 1, 2016 (Exhibit 10.19 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.18*
|
2005 Terms and Conditions Governing Non-Qualified Stock Option Award under 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/28/04 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.19*
|
Terms and Conditions Governing Non-Qualified Stock Option Award under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 09/30/07 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.20*
|
Terms and Conditions Governing Restricted Stock Awards under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, approved December 1, 2010. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/01/10 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
141
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
|
10.21*
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation Terms and Conditions Governing Director Restricted Stock Award under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 01/19/12 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.22*
|
2016 WEC Energy Group Terms and Conditions Governing Director Restricted Stock Awards under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.24 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.23*
|
Director Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.2 to WEC Energy Group's 12/01/16 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.24*
|
WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan, amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2017. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 12/01/16 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.25*
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions governing awards under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, approved December 4, 2014. (Exhibit 10.2 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/04/14 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.26*
|
2016 WEC Energy Group Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions governing awards under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.27 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.27*
|
Wisconsin Energy Corporation Terms and Conditions Governing Non-Qualified Stock Option Award for option awards under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, approved December 4, 2014. (Exhibit 10.3 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/04/14 Form 8-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.28*
|
2016 WEC Energy Group Terms and Conditions Governing Non-Qualified Stock Option Award for option awards under the 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Exhibit 10.29 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.29*
|
Port Washington I Facility Lease Agreement between Port Washington Generating Station, LLC, as Lessor, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Lessee, dated as of May 28, 2003. (Exhibit 10.7 to W's 06/30/03 Form 10-Q (File No. 001-01245).)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.30*
|
Port Washington II Facility Lease Agreement between Port Washington Generating Station, LLC, as Lessor, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Lessee, dated as of May 28, 2003. (Exhibit 10.8 to WE's 06/30/03 Form 10-Q (File No. 001-01245).)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.31*
|
Elm Road I Facility Lease Agreement between Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC, as Lessor, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Lessee, dated as of November 9, 2004. (Exhibit 10.56 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/04 Form 10-K.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.32*
|
Elm Road II Facility Lease Agreement between Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC, as Lessor, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Lessee, dated as of November 9, 2004. (Exhibit 10.57 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/04 Form 10-K.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.33*
|
Point Beach Nuclear Plant Power Purchase Agreement between FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, dated as of December 19, 2006 (the "PPA"). (Exhibit 10.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/31/08 Form 10-Q.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.34*
|
Letter Agreement between Wisconsin Electric Power Company and FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC dated October 31, 2007, which amends the PPA. (Exhibit 10.45 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 12/31/07 Form 10-K.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.35*
|
Terms and Conditions for July 31, 2015 Special Restricted Stock Award. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 6/30/15 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.36*
|
Integrys Energy Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2016. (Exhibit 10.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/16 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.37*
|
Integrys Energy Group, Inc. Pension Restoration and Supplemental Retirement Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2016. (Exhibit 10.2 to WEC Energy Group's 06/30/16 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.38*
|
PELLC Directors Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated April 7, 2004. (Exhibit 10(c) under File No. 1-5540, PELLC's 06/30/05 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
142
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
|
10.39*
|
Amended and Restated Trust under PELLC Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, Directors Stock and Option Plan, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, dated as of August 13, 2003. (Exhibit 10(a) under File No. 1-5540, PELLC's 09/30/03 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.40*
|
Amendment Number One to the Amended and Restated Trust under PELLC Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, Directors Stock and Option Plan, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, dated as of July 24, 2006. (Exhibit 10(e) under File No. 1-5540, PELLC's 09/30/06 Form 10-Q.)** See Note.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Two asterisks (**) identify management contracts and executive compensation plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
Subsidiaries of the registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
Subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group.
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
Consents of experts and counsel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.1
|
Deloitte & Touche LLP – Milwaukee, WI, Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for WEC Energy Group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.2
|
Deloitte & Touche LLP – Milwaukee, WI, Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for American Transmission Company.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
Additional Exhibits
|
|
|
|
99.1
|
Financial Statements of American Transmission Company.
|
|
|
|
|
101
|
|
Interactive Data File
|
2016 Form 10-K
|
143
|
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INTRODUCTION
|
|
1
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
|
|
2
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 2 SERP BENEFIT
|
|
7
|
|
||
|
2.1
|
Eligibility and Participation
|
|
7
|
|
|
2.2
|
Vesting
|
|
7
|
|
|
2.3
|
SERP Benefit A
|
|
7
|
|
|
2.4
|
SERP Benefit B
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 3 PENSION MAKE-WHOLE BENEFIT
|
|
9
|
|
||
|
3.1
|
Eligibility and Participation
|
|
9
|
|
|
3.2
|
Vesting
|
|
9
|
|
|
3.3
|
Pension Make-Whole Benefit
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 4 TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT
|
|
10
|
|
||
|
4.1
|
Application of Time and Form of Payment Provisions
|
|
10
|
|
|
4.2
|
Time for Distribution
|
|
10
|
|
|
4.3
|
Payment Form
|
|
10
|
|
|
4.4
|
Election Form Requirements
|
|
12
|
|
|
4.5
|
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 5 DEATH BENEFITS
|
|
14
|
|
||
|
5.1
|
Death While In Pay Status or After a Separation from Service
|
|
14
|
|
|
5.2
|
Death Prior to a Separation from Service
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 6 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
|
|
15
|
|
||
|
6.1
|
Beneficiary
|
|
15
|
|
|
6.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
|
|
15
|
|
|
6.3
|
Acknowledgment
|
|
15
|
|
|
6.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
|
|
15
|
|
|
6.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
|
|
15
|
|
|
6.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 7 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
|
|
16
|
|
||
|
7.1
|
Termination
|
|
16
|
|
|
7.2
|
Amendment
|
|
16
|
|
|
7.3
|
Effect of Payment
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 8 ADMINISTRATION
|
17
|
|
|||
|
8.1
|
Plan Administration
|
|
17
|
|
|
8.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
|
|
17
|
|
|
8.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
|
|
18
|
|
|
8.4
|
Agents
|
|
18
|
|
|
8.5
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
|
|
18
|
|
|
8.7
|
Employer Information
|
|
18
|
|
|
8.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 9 CLAIMS PROCEDURES
|
|
19
|
|
||
|
9.1
|
Presentation of Claim
|
|
19
|
|
|
9.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
|
|
19
|
|
|
9.3
|
Right to Review
|
|
20
|
|
|
9.4
|
Decision on Review
|
|
20
|
|
|
9.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
|
|
21
|
|
|
9.6
|
Legal Action
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 10 TRUST
|
|
21
|
|
||
|
10.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
|
|
21
|
|
|
10.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
|
|
21
|
|
|
10.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS
|
|
21
|
|
||
|
11.1
|
Status of Plan
|
|
21
|
|
|
11.2
|
Unsecured General Creditor
|
|
21
|
|
|
11.3
|
Employer's Liability
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.4
|
Nonassignability
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.5
|
Not a Contract of Employment
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.6
|
Furnishing Information
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.7
|
Receipt and Release
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.8
|
Incompetent
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.9
|
Governing Law and Severability
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.10
|
Notices and Communications
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.11
|
Successors
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.12
|
Insurance
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.13
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.14
|
Terms
|
|
24
|
|
|
11.15
|
Headings
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APPENDIX A
|
|
A-1
|
|
1.1
|
"Annual Installment Method" shall mean equal annual installment payments over a
specified number of years that is actuarially equivalent to the immediate life annuity that would have normally been payable to the Participant upon the Participant's benefit commencement date.
To determine the annual installment payments, the Plan will utilize the actuarial assumptions set forth under the RAP for determining lump sum distributions from the RAP.
|
1.2
|
“Base Annual Salary” shall mean the annual cash compensation relating to services performed during a Plan Year, whether or not paid in, or included on the Form W-2 for, such Plan Year, excluding severance payments, non-qualified supplemental pension payments, performance awards, bonuses, commissions, overtime, fringe benefits, relocation expenses, incentive payments, non-monetary awards, directors’ fees and other fees, automobile and other allowances paid to a Participant for employment services rendered (whether or not such allowances are included in the Participant’s gross income), stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or units, dividends, dividend equivalents and any other equity-based award provided under a plan or arrangement of an Employer. Base Annual Salary shall be calculated before it is deferred or contributed by the Participant under a qualified or non-qualified plan of an Employer and shall include amounts not otherwise included in the Participant’s gross income under Code Sections 125, 132(f)(4), 402(e)(3), 402(h) or 403(b) pursuant to plans established by an Employer; provided, however, that all such amounts shall be included in Base Annual Salary only to the extent that, had there been no such plan, the amount would have been payable in cash to the Participant.
|
1.3
|
“Beneficiary” shall mean one or more persons, trusts, estates or other entities designated by the Participant in accordance with Article 6 that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan upon the death of a Participant.
|
1.4
|
“Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
|
1.5
|
“Change in Control” shall mean, with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any one of the following dates, interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).
|
(a)
|
Change in Ownership
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such Person or Group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this paragraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of
|
(b)
|
Change in Effective Control
.
|
(i)
|
The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this subparagraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person or Persons is not considered to cause a Change in Control; or
|
(ii)
|
The date a majority of the members of the Company’s Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company’s Board before the date of the appointment or election.
|
(c)
|
Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this paragraph (c), “gross fair market value” means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transfer of assets is not treated as a Change in Control if the assets are transferred to:
|
(i)
|
An entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the transferring corporation;
|
(ii)
|
A shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock;
|
(iii)
|
An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
A Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company; or
|
(v)
|
An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in clause (iv).
|
(d)
|
“
Person” and “Acting as a Group.
”
|
(i)
|
For purposes of this Section, “Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
(ii)
|
For purposes of this Section, Persons shall be considered to be “Acting as a Group” if they are owners of a corporation that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a Person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be Acting as a Group with the other shareholders only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Persons shall not be considered to be Acting as a Group solely because they purchase or own stock of the same corporation at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering.
|
1.6
|
“Chief Executive Officer” shall mean the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
|
1.7
|
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
|
1.8
|
“Committee” shall mean an internal administrative committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer to administer the Plan in accordance with Article 8.
|
1.9
|
“Company” shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or business. Prior to June 29, 2015, the Company was known as Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
|
1.10
|
“Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
|
1.11
|
“EDCP” shall mean the WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time, or any successor to such plan. Prior to January 1, 2016, the EDCP was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
1.12
|
“Election Form” shall mean the form or forms established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes and submits in accordance with Committee rules to designate a form of payment pursuant to Article 4. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media.
|
1.13
|
“Employer” shall mean the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries (now in existence or hereafter formed or acquired) that have been selected by the Board to participate in the Plan and have adopted the Plan as a sponsor.
|
1.14
|
“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
|
1.15
|
“IRS Limitations” shall mean the limitation on tax-qualified benefits imposed by Code Section 415, Code Section 401(a)(17), or any other limitation on tax-qualified benefits to which a participant may be entitled under a plan sponsored by the Company.
|
1.16
|
“Legacy EDCP” shall mean the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. Prior to January 1, 2005, the Legacy EDCP was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
1.17
|
“Legacy Plan” shall mean the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Prior to January 1, 2005, the Legacy Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
|
1.18
|
“MEZ Plan” shall mean the 2003 Mezzanine Incentive Plan For We Power, LLC, as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2005, and as may be amended from time to time thereafter, or any successor to such plan.
|
1.19
|
“Participant” shall mean an individual selected to participate in the Plan and earn a benefit under either Article 2 or Article 3. A spouse or former spouse of a Participant shall not be treated as a Participant in the Plan, even if the spouse or former spouse has an interest in the Participant’s benefit as a result of applicable law or property settlements resulting from legal separation or divorce.
|
1.20
|
“Pension Eligible Earnings” shall mean a Participant’s established base salary for assigned responsibilities including payments for absences, without regard for any limitations imposed by the Code on benefits or compensation and including any amounts of base salary that would have been paid to the Participant, but were not paid because of deferral elections made by the Participant under a savings or other deferred compensation plan, and including the total of any incentive performance award determined under the STPP or other bonus plan of the Company which has been approved by the Board, Committee or Chief Executive Officer for inclusion into Pension Eligible Earnings for this Plan. Amounts of base salary and annual incentive shall be calculated without regard to any amounts deferred from such base salary or annual incentive compensation. For purposes of this definition, base salary shall be defined with reference to the RAP, as modified above, as in effect from time to time for a Plan Year.
|
1.21
|
“Pension Make-Whole Benefit” shall mean the benefit provided pursuant to Article 3.
|
1.22
|
“Plan” shall mean the WEC Energy Group Supplemental Pension Plan, including any amendments adopted hereto. Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan.
|
1.23
|
“Plan Year” shall mean the calendar year.
|
1.24
|
“RAP” shall mean the WEC Energy Group Retirement Account Plan, as amended from time to time, or any successor to such plan. Prior to January 1, 2016, the RAP was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Retirement Account Plan.
|
1.25
|
“SERP Benefit” shall mean SERP Benefit A and/or SERP Benefit B provided pursuant to Article 2.
|
1.26
|
“SERP Benefit A” means the benefit provided pursuant to Section 2.3.
|
1.27
|
“SERP Benefit B” means the benefit provided pursuant to Section 2.4.
|
1.28
|
“Separation from Service” shall mean the Participant’s termination of employment with all Employers and other entities affiliated with the Company, voluntarily or involuntarily, for any reason other than on account of death, or as otherwise provided by the Department of Treasury in regulations promulgated under Code Section 409A. For purposes of the foregoing, whether an entity is affiliated with the Company shall be determined pursuant to the controlled group rules of Code Section 414, as modified by Code Section 409A. Unless the employment relationship is terminated earlier by the Employer or Participant, the following shall apply for determining a Separation from Service under the Plan:
|
(a)
|
Except as provided in paragraph (b), the Participant’s employment relationship with the Employer shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on a military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months (or longer, if required by statute or contract). If the period of the leave exceeds six months and the Participant’s right to reemployment is not provided either by statute or contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six-month period.
|
(b)
|
Where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of the Participant's position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the Participant's relationship with the Employer shall be treated as continuing intact for a period of 29 months and will be deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such 29‑month period.
|
1.29
|
“STPP” shall mean the WEC Energy Group Short-Term Performance Plan, as amended from time to time, or any successor to such plan. Prior to January 1, 2016, the STPP was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Short-Term Performance Plan.
|
1.30
|
“Trust” shall mean any fund created by a rabbi trust agreement established by the Company referencing the Plan and as amended from time to time.
|
1.31
|
“Vest” or “Vested” shall mean the Participant has a nonforfeitable right to the SERP Benefit and/or Pension Make-Whole Benefit, as the case may be, as determined under Section 2.2 or Section 3.2.
|
2.1
|
Eligibility and Participation
. The Chief Executive Officer, the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board may designate those key employees of the Employer as a Participant for a SERP Benefit, provided that participation in the Plan shall be limited to a select group of management and highly compensated employees of the Employer (as defined in ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1)) whose most recent date of hire, rehire, or transfer from a union position is prior to January 1, 2015. An employee may be designated as a Participant for purposes of SERP Benefit A and/or SERP Benefit B.
|
2.2
|
Vesting
. A Participant shall become Vested in the Participant's SERP Benefit upon the earlier of (i) attaining age 60 while employed with an Employer, (ii) death or (iii) a Change in Control. The Chief Executive Officer, the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board has the authority to Vest a Participant who experiences a Separation from Service before age 60 or incurs a disability. “Disability” shall mean the Participant is eligible for a benefit under the Company’s long-term disability program, as may be in effect from time to time. In the event a Participant forfeits the SERP benefit due to a Separation from Service before becoming Vested, the Participant shall be entitled to a Pension Make-Whole Benefit, if any, pursuant to Article 3.
|
2.3
|
SERP Benefit A
.
SERP Benefit A provides a supplemental pension benefit, the amount of which shall be equal to the greater of (a) or (b), if applicable, subject to (c) below.
|
(a)
|
The benefit formula described in this paragraph (a) is intended to calculate a supplemental cash balance benefit that will be calculated as if it were held in an account (the “Account Balance”) for the Participant’s credit under the RAP. This Account Balance is a lump sum amount that increases each year as additional amounts are credited in two ways: a benefit credit and an interest credit.
|
(i)
|
Benefit Credit
. Beginning as early as 1995, for each Plan Year in which a Participant is eligible to accrue a SERP Benefit A, the Participant’s Account Balance will be credited with a benefit credit equal to (i) the “relevant percentage” of the Participant's Pension Eligible Earnings for the Plan Year less (ii) the amount credited to the Participant’s RAP cash
|
(ii)
|
Interest Credit
. For each Plan Year, the Participant’s Account Balance will receive an interest credit on the Account Balance at the beginning of the year. This interest credit will be the same percentage that has been applied to the RAP for that year. If the Participant did not have an Account Balance at the beginning of the year, the Account Balance will not receive an interest credit at the end of the year. If the Participant has a distribution from the Account Balance, either in whole or in part (under an installment payment or annuity) before December 31, a prorata Interest Credit will be credited for the Plan Year that includes the distribution, determined in the same manner as under the RAP. Interest credits cease with the commencement of payment.
|
(b)
|
The benefit formula described in this paragraph (b) will be calculated for Participants who were actively employed by an Employer on December 31, 1995 and who were covered under the RAP as of such date, thereby entitling them to a grandfathered pension benefit. Such Participants will be eligible to have their SERP Benefit A determined under the grandfathered minimum benefit, as described in Appendix A.
|
(c)
|
The SERP Benefit A provides a benefit for Participants who otherwise would lose benefits under the RAP due to certain limitations for included compensation under the RAP. Effective January 1, 2008, eligible compensation for determining benefits under the RAP for both the cash balance and grandfathered minimum benefit formulas was expanded to include STPP awards. As a result of this change, for certain participants, the total benefit payable as a final retirement benefit from both the RAP and this Plan may be fully payable from the RAP under the formula for the grandfathered minimum benefit. In this case, no further benefit would be payable from this Plan.
|
2.4
|
SERP Benefit B
. SERP Benefit B provides Participants with a life annuity of 10% of the monthly average of the Participant’s Pension Eligible Earnings received from the Employer during whichever period of 36 consecutive months produces the highest monthly average. The monthly average of Pension Eligible Earnings during such 36 month period includes the monthly average of:
|
(a)
|
any performance award determined under the STPP or any other plan as designated by the Board, calculated as of the date of determination as if then paid in full as base salary, and
|
(b)
|
any amounts of base salary that would have been paid to the Participant during such 36-month period but are not paid due to deferral elections made by the Participant under a savings or other deferred compensation plan.
|
3.1
|
Eligibility and Participation
. Participation in the Pension Make-Whole Benefit shall be limited to a select group of management and highly-compensated employees of the Employers whose most recent date of hire, rehire, or transfer from a union position is prior to January 1, 2015. From that group, an employee shall be eligible to participate in the Pension Make-Whole Benefit on the date such employee first becomes eligible to participate in the EDCP. The Chief Executive Officer, the Board or the Compensation Committee shall have the discretionary authority to exclude a Participant from continued participation in the Pension Make-Whole Benefit. Any such exclusion shall become effective as of the first day of the immediately following Plan Year. Such Participant shall remain a Participant until the accrued Pension Make-Whole Benefit is paid in full, unless such Participant becomes designated as eligible to earn a SERP Benefit.
|
3.2
|
Vesting
. Pension Make-Whole Benefits are immediately vested, unless a Participant becomes designated as eligible for a SERP Benefit and Vested in the SERP Benefit. If a Participant becomes eligible to earn a SERP Benefit and becomes Vested in such benefit, no Pension Make-Whole Benefit shall be paid to such Participant in order to avoid any duplication of supplemental pension benefits provided under the Plan.
|
3.3
|
Pension Make-Whole Benefit
. The Pension Make-Whole Benefit provided pursuant to this Article shall equal (a) less (b), subject to (c) below:
|
(a)
|
The pension benefit which would have accrued to the Participant’s credit under the RAP, calculated without regard to IRS Limitations and taking into account:
|
(i)
|
all Base Annual Salary, whether paid and/or deferred to the EDCP,
|
(ii)
|
STPP awards, whether paid and/or deferred to the EDCP;
|
(iii)
|
any other bonus award which has been approved by the Board, Committee or Chief Executive Officer; and
|
(iv)
|
any MEZ Plan award with respect to reaching the 2005 and/or 2008 MEZ Plan milestone, whether paid and/or deferred to the EDCP.
|
(b)
|
The pension benefit which has actually accrued to the credit of the Participant under the RAP.
|
(c)
|
The Pension Make-Whole Benefit provides a benefit for Participants who
otherwise would lose benefits under the RAP due to certain limitations for included compensation under the RAP. Effective January 1, 2008, eligible compensation for determining benefits under the RAP for both the cash balance and grandfathered minimum benefit formulas was expanded to include STPP awards. As a result of this change, for certain participants, the total benefit payable as a final retirement benefit from both the RAP and this Plan may be fully payable from the RAP under the formula for the grandfathered minimum benefit. In this case, no further Pension Make-Whole Benefit would be payable from this Plan.
|
4.1
|
Application of Time and Form of Payment Provisions
.
The provisions of this Article apply to all supplemental pension benefits provided pursuant to Article 2 and Article 3, unless otherwise specified pursuant to a separate written agreement.
|
4.2
|
Time for Distribution
. Distribution of a Participant’s SERP Benefit or Pension Make-Whole Benefit shall be made following the earliest to occur of:
|
(a)
|
The Participant’s Separation from Service; or
|
(b)
|
The Participant’s death.
|
4.3
|
Payment Form
. The form in which a Participant’s benefit shall be paid is dependent upon the Participant’s accrued benefit value determined as of the first day of the month following the distribution event (the “determination date”), even if such payment is delayed for a specified employee pursuant to Section 4.2.
|
(a)
|
Separation from Service or Death
.
|
(i)
|
A Participant whose accrued benefit is $75,000 or less as of the determination date, payment shall be made in a lump sum.
|
(ii)
|
A Participant whose accrued benefit is greater than $75,000
may elect, pursuant to Section 4.4, to receive payment:
|
(A)
|
in any number of installments between five and ten, using the Annual Installment Method to determine the amount of each installment, or
|
(B)
|
in the form of a life annuity.
|
(b)
|
Separation from Service After Change in Control
. A lump sum payment shall be made upon a Separation from Service that occurs within 18 months following a Change in Control. Such lump sum payment shall be in an amount equal to the then present value of all benefits then accrued under this Plan, calculated using (i) an interest rate equal to a 36 consecutive month average, using the rates as of the last business day of each month (the "Month End Rate"), of the five-year United States Treasury Note yields (the "36 Month Average Rate") in effect ending with the Month End Rate immediately prior to the month in which the Separation from Service occurred as such yield is reported in the
Wall Street Journal
or comparable publication, and (ii) the mortality table used for purposes of determining lump sum amounts then in use under the RAP.
|
4.4
|
Election Form Requirements
.
|
(a)
|
Election Timing Generally
. At the times indicated below, a Participant may file with the Committee an Election Form indicating the desired form of payment in the event the Participant’s benefit has a value greater than $75,000.
|
(i)
|
Participants eligible for a SERP Benefit A or Pension Make-Whole Benefit may file an Election Form with the Committee no later than January 30
th
of the Plan Year immediately following the first Plan Year in which the Participant began to accrue either benefit. An Election Form is irrevocable as of January 30 of such Plan Year.
|
(ii)
|
SERP Benefit B Participants must file an Election Form with the Committee before the beginning of the first Plan Year in which a benefit is accrued. An Election Form is irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year in which the benefit first accrues.
|
(b)
|
Changes to Elected Form of Payment
. A Participant may elect to change the form of payment for amounts that are subject to an election that is irrevocable.
|
(i)
|
A Participant who has an installment form of payment in effect may change such election to an annuity payment, provided the annuity commencement date shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
(ii)
|
A Participant who has an annuity payment election in effect may change such election to an installment form of payment, provided that the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the annuity payments would otherwise have commenced.
|
(iii)
|
A Participant who has an installment election in effect may change the number of installments, provided that the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
(c)
|
Elections Pursuant to §409A Transition Relief
. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, on or before December 31, 2008, Participants may make or change payment form elections consistent with transition relief provided by the Department of the Treasury in Notice 2006-79, Notice 2007-86 and proposed regulations promulgated under Code Section 409A. If a Participant makes such an election or change, then the last election validly in effect as of
|
4.5
|
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to make a distribution, or accelerate the time or schedule of payment of a Participant’s vested accrued benefit if payment is required for:
|
(i)
|
FICA, FUTA and/or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state and local taxes with respect to compensation accrued under the Plan. Any such distribution shall not exceed the aggregate of such tax withholding and shall reduce the Participant’s accrued vested benefit to the extent of such distributions; or
|
(ii)
|
payment of state, local or foreign tax obligations arising from participation in the Plan that apply to an amount accrued under the Plan and FUTA resulting from such payment. Any such payment shall not exceed the amount of such taxes due as a result of Plan participation.
|
(b)
|
The Committee or a Plan representative is authorized to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, or to make a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, to the extent necessary to fulfill a domestic relations order (as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B)). Payment to an alternate payee under a domestic relations order shall be made in a lump sum within 90 days after the Committee or Plan representative approves such order.
|
(c)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan if the Plan fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and regulations promulgated thereunder, provided that any such payment does not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure.
|
5.1
|
Death While In Pay Status or After a Separation from Service
.
|
(a)
|
Death After Payment Commencement
.
|
(i)
|
Lump Sum. If the Participant dies after the lump sum payment is made by the Plan, no further payments shall be made from the Plan.
|
(ii)
|
Installment Payments
. If the Participant dies after installment payments begin, but before the entire benefit is paid in full, the Participant’s unpaid benefit payments shall continue to be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary over the remaining number of years as that benefit would have been paid to the Participant had the Participant survived.
|
(iii)
|
Joint and Survivor Annuity
. If payments to the Participant have begun under a joint and survivor annuity and the Participant then dies, the Participant’s spouse shall begin receiving the survivor annuity payments for the spouse's life.
|
(iv)
|
Single Annuity
. If payments to the Participant have begun under a single life annuity and the Participant then dies, all payments shall cease upon the Participant’s death.
|
(b)
|
Death After Separation from Service but Before Payment Commencement
.
|
(i)
|
Lump Sum or Installment Payments
. If payment to the Participant was scheduled to be made in a lump sum or installments, payment to the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be made or begin to be made pursuant to the Participant’s election during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant’s Separation from Service.
|
(ii)
|
Joint and Survivor Annuity
. If payment to the Participant was scheduled to be made in a joint and 50% survivor annuity, the Participant’s spouse shall begin receiving the survivor annuity payments at the time the Participant would have begun receiving payments had the Participant survived.
|
(iii)
|
Single Annuity
. If payment to the Participant was scheduled to be made in a single life annuity, no further payment shall be made following the Participant’s death.
|
5.2
|
Death Prior to a Separation from Service
. If a Participant dies prior to a Separation from Service, the Participant’s benefit shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary in a lump sum by the end of the Plan Year in which the Participant dies or, if later, by the 15
th
day of the third month following the Participant’s death, regardless of whether the Participant is a specified employee.
|
6.1
|
Beneficiary
. Each Participant may, at any time, designate one or more Beneficiaries (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan upon the Participant's death. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of an Employer in which the Participant participates.
|
6.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
. A Participant shall designate a Beneficiary by completing a beneficiary designation form established by the Committee or its delegate, and returning it to the Committee or its designated agent. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format. A Participant may change a Beneficiary designation by completing and otherwise complying with the terms of the beneficiary designation form and the Committee’s rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Committee of a new beneficiary designation form, all Beneficiary designations previously submitted shall be canceled. The Committee shall rely on the last completed beneficiary designation form submitted by the Participant before the Participant's death. In the event of a Participant's divorce, any designation of the Participant's former spouse as a Beneficiary shall be deemed void unless after the divorce the Participant completes a new designation naming such former spouse as a Beneficiary.
|
6.3
|
Acknowledgment
. No Beneficiary designation or change in Beneficiary designation shall be effective until accepted by the Committee or a Plan representative.
|
6.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in this Article 6 or, if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die before complete distribution of the Participant’s benefit (applicable only if an installment payment is in effect), then the Participant's remaining benefits shall be paid to the Participant’s surviving spouse, if none, to the Participant's descendants by right of representation or, if none, to the Participant's next of kin determined pursuant to the laws of the state in which the Company's principal place of business is located as if the Participant had died unmarried and intestate.
|
6.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
. If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments under this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, require the Participant’s Employer to withhold such payments until the matter is resolved to the Committee’s satisfaction.
|
6.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
. The complete payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge all Employers and the Committee from all further obligations under this Plan with respect to the Participant, and the Participant’s Election Form shall terminate upon such full payment of benefits.
|
7.1
|
Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Although each Employer anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that an Employer will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, each Employer reserves the right to discontinue its participation in the Plan and/or to terminate the Plan at any time with respect to all of its Participants, by action of its board of directors or compensation committee. The termination of the Plan shall not reduce the amount of any benefit to which the Participant or Beneficiary is entitled to receive under the Plan as of the termination date. Except as provided in paragraph (b) below, benefits shall be maintained under the Plan until such amounts would otherwise have been distributed in accordance with the terms of the Plan and Participants’ validly filed payment elections.
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, upon termination of the
Plan, the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee reserves the discretion to accelerate distribution of Participants’ benefits (including those Participants in pay status) in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury under Code Section 409A.
|
7.2
|
Amendment
. The Company may, in its sole discretion, amend or modify the Plan at any time, in whole or in part, by action of its Board, Compensation Committee or the Committee; provided, however, that (i) no amendment shall decrease the amount of a Participant’s accrued benefit in existence at the time the amendment or modification is made, and (ii) no amendment shall adversely affect any benefit to which a Participant or Beneficiary has become entitled as of the date of the amendment, in either case, without the Participant's consent. Further, during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (as defined below) and at all times following a Change in Control, no amendment or modification may be made which in any way adversely affects the interests of any Participant with respect to benefits accrued as of the date of the amendment. A “Potential Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if one of the following events occurs:
|
(a)
|
The Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;
|
(b)
|
The Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control;
|
(c)
|
Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of Stock representing 15% or more of either the then outstanding shares of stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding Stock (not including the Stock beneficially owned by such Person or any Stock acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates); or
|
(d)
|
The Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Plan, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.
|
7.3
|
Effect of Payment
. The full payment of the Participant’s benefit under any provision of the Plan shall completely discharge the Plan’s and Employer’s obligations to the Participant and the Participant's Beneficiaries under this Plan.
|
8.1
|
Plan Administration
. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 8 and as specifically referenced in the Plan, the Compensation Committee has delegated administration of the Plan to the Committee. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan. Any individual serving on the Committee who is a Participant shall not vote or act on any matter relating solely to such individual. The Chief Executive Officer may not act on any matter involving such officer’s own participation in the Plan. All references to the Committee shall be deemed to include reference to the Chief Executive Officer.
|
8.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
. The Committee (or the Chief Executive Officer if such individual chooses to so act) shall have full and complete discretionary authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan, and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of the Plan, as may arise in connection with the claims procedures set forth in Article 9 or otherwise with regard to the Plan. The Committee shall have complete control and authority to determine the rights and benefits of all claims, demands and actions arising out of the provisions of the Plan of any Participant or Beneficiary or other person having or claiming to have any interest under the Plan. When making a determination or calculation, the Committee may rely on information furnished by a Participant or the Employer. Benefits under the Plan shall be paid only if the Committee decides in its sole discretion that the Participant or Beneficiary is entitled to them. The
|
8.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
. For purposes of this Plan, the Company shall be the “Administrator” at all times before a Change in Control. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator shall be an independent third party selected by the individual who, at any time before such event, was the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or, if there is no such officer or such officer does not act, by the Company’s then highest ranking officer (the “Appointing Officer”). Upon a Change in Control, the Administrator shall have full and complete discretionary power to determine all questions arising in connection with the administration of the Plan and the interpretation of the Plan and Trust including, but not limited to, benefit entitlement determinations. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Company shall (i) pay all reasonable administrative expenses and fees of the Administrator, (ii) indemnify the Administrator against any costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) of whatever kind and nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrator in connection with the performance of the duties hereunder, except with respect to matters resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrator or its employees or agents, and (iii) supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the benefits of the Participants, including the dates of disability, death or Separation from Service and such other pertinent information as the Administrator may reasonably require. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may be terminated (and a replacement appointed) only by an Appointing Officer. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may not be terminated by the Company.
|
8.4
|
Agents
. In the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to an Employer.
|
8.5
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee or its delegate shall have complete discretion to interpret the Plan and to decide all matters under the Plan. Any such interpretation shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Participants, Beneficiaries and any person claiming under or through any Participant, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that the Committee acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
|
8.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
. All Employers shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee, and any other employee to whom the duties of the Committee may be delegated, and the Administrator, as defined in Section 8.3, against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Committee, any of its members or any such employee or the Administrator.
|
8.7
|
Employer Information
. To enable the Committee and/or Administrator to perform its functions, each Employer shall supply full and timely information to the Committee on
|
8.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
. The benefits provided to a Participant and the Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program for employees of an Employer. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.
|
9.1
|
Presentation of Claim
. Any Participant or Beneficiary (such Participant or Beneficiary being referred to below as a “Claimant”) may deliver to the Committee a written claim for benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within 90 days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims shall be made within 180 days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim shall state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant. A claim shall be considered to have been made when a written communication made by the Claimant or the Claimant’s representative is received by the Committee.
|
9.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
. The Committee shall consider a Claimant’s claim and provide written notice to the Claimant of any denial within a reasonable time, but no later than 90 days after receipt of the claim. If an extension of time beyond the initial 90-day period for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be provided to the Claimant before the initial 90-day period expires indicating the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to render a final decision. In no event shall the period, as extended, exceed 180 days. If the Committee denies, in whole or in part, the claim, the notice shall set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:
|
(i)
|
The specific reasons for the denial of the claim, or any part thereof;
|
(ii)
|
Specific references to pertinent Plan provisions upon which such denial was based;
|
(iii)
|
A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and
|
(iv)
|
An explanation of the claim review procedure set forth in Section 9.3 below, which explanation shall also include a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a denial of the claim upon review.
|
9.3
|
Right to Review
. A Claimant is entitled to appeal any claim that has been denied in whole or in part. To do so, the Claimant must submit a written request for review with the Committee within 60 days after receiving a notice from the Committee that a claim has been denied, in whole or in part. Absent receipt by the Committee of a written request for review within such 60-day period, the claim shall be deemed to be conclusively denied. The Claimant (or the Claimant’s duly authorized representative) may:
|
(a)
|
Review and/or receive copies of, upon request and free of charge, all documents, records and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim;
|
(b)
|
Submit written comments, documents, records or other information relating to the Claimant's claim, which the Committee shall take into account in considering the claim on review, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial review of the claim; and/or
|
(c)
|
Request a hearing, which the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant.
|
9.4
|
Decision on Review
. The Committee shall render its decision on review promptly, and not later than 60 days after it receives a written request for review of the denial, unless a hearing is held or other special circumstances require additional time. In such case, the Committee will notify the Claimant, before the expiration of the initial 60-day period and in writing, of the need for additional time, the reason the additional time is necessary, and the date (no later than 60 days after expiration of the initial 60-day period) by which the Committee expects to render its decision on review. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Committee determines that an extension of the initial 60-day period is required due to the Claimant's failure to submit information necessary for the Committee to decide the claim, the time period by which the Committee must make its determination on review shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the Claimant until the date on which the Claimant responds to the request for additional information. The decision on review shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and shall contain:
|
(a)
|
Specific reasons for the decision;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based;
|
(c)
|
A statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records or other information relevant (within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation Section 2560.503-1(m)(8)) to the Claimant’s claim;
|
(d)
|
A statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a wholly or partially denied claim for benefits; and
|
(e)
|
Such other matters as the Committee deems relevant.
|
9.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
. Any notice or decision by the Committee under this Article 9 may be furnished electronically in accordance with Department of Labor Regulation Section 2520.104b-(1)(c)(i), (iii) and (iv).
|
9.6
|
Legal Action
. Any final decision by the Committee shall be binding on all parties. A Claimant’s compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Article 9 is a mandatory prerequisite to a Claimant’s right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under this Plan. Any such legal action must be initiated no later than 180 days after the Committee renders its final decision. If a final determination of the Committee is challenged in court, such determination shall not be subject to de novo review and shall not be overturned unless proven to be arbitrary and capricious based on the evidence considered by the Committee at the time of such determination.
|
10.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
. The Company may establish a Trust and, if established, each Employer shall contribute such amounts to the Trust from time to time as it deems desirable.
|
10.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Employers, Participants and the creditors of the Employers to the assets transferred to the Trust. Each Employer shall at all times remain liable to carry out its obligations under the Plan.
|
10.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
. Each Employer’s obligations under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce the Employer’s obligations under this Plan.
|
11.1
|
Status of Plan
. The Plan is intended to be a plan that is not qualified within the meaning of Code Section 401(a) and that is unfunded for tax purposes and “is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees” (within the meaning of ERISA). The Plan shall be administered and interpreted in a manner consistent with that intent.
|
11.2
|
Unsecured General Creditor
. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of an Employer, Company or of any other person and nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any employee or any other person such rights. The Plan constitutes a
|
11.3
|
Employer’s Liability
. The amount of an Employer’s liability for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan and any Election Forms, as entered into between the Employer and a Participant. An Employer shall have no obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.
|
11.4
|
Nonassignability
. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non-transferable to the maximum extent allowed by law. No part of the amounts payable shall, before actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor shall any part of the same, to the maximum extent allowed by law, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency or, except as provided in Section 4.5(b), be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.
|
11.5
|
Not a Contract of Employment
. The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between any Employer and the Participant. Such employment is hereby acknowledged to be an “at will” employment relationship that can be terminated at any time for any reason, or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without notice, unless expressly provided in a written employment agreement between an Employer and a Participant. Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of any Employer as an employee, or to interfere with the right of any Employer to discipline or discharge the Participant at any time, with or without cause, or to modify the Base Annual Salary or annual or long-term performance award at any time.
|
11.6
|
Furnishing Information
. A Participant or Beneficiary shall cooperate with the Committee by furnishing any and all information requested by the Committee and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder.
|
11.7
|
Receipt and Release
.
Any payment to any Participant or Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Employer, the Committee and a trustee (if any) under the Plan, and the Committee may require such Participant or Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release to such effect.
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11.8
|
Incompetent
. If the Committee determines in its discretion that a benefit under this Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling disposition of that person's property, the Committee may direct payment of such
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11.9
|
Governing Law and Severability
. To the extent not preempted by ERISA, the provisions of this Plan shall be construed, administered and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. If any provision is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be fully effective.
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11.10
|
Notices and Communications
. All notices, statements, reports and other communications from the Committee to any employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person required or permitted under the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered to, when transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or when mailed overnight or by first-class mail, postage prepaid and addressed to, such employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person at last known address on the Employer’s or Company’s records. All elections, designations, requests, notices, instructions and other communications from a Participant, Beneficiary or other person to the Committee required or permitted under the Plan shall be in such form as is prescribed from time to time by the Committee, and shall be mailed by first-class mail, transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or delivered to such location as shall be specified by the Committee. Such communication shall be deemed to have been given and delivered only upon actual receipt by the Committee at such location.
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11.11
|
Successors
. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Participant’s Employer and its successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant’s designated Beneficiaries.
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11.12
|
Insurance
. An Employer, on its own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in its sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Employer may choose. The Employer or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Employer shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Employer has applied for insurance. The Participant may elect not to be insured.
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11.13
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
. The Employer is aware that upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Board (which might then be composed of new members) or a shareholder of the Employer, or of any successor corporation, might then cause or attempt to cause the Employer or such successor to refuse to comply with its obligations under the Plan and might cause or attempt to cause the Employer to institute, or may institute, litigation seeking to deny Participants the benefits intended
|
11.14
|
Terms
. Whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.
|
11.15
|
Headings
. Headings and subheadings in the Plan are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.
|
(x)
|
is the benefit that would have accrued for such Participant under the provisions of the special formula minimum retirement income grandfather sections (the “Grandfathered Benefit Provisions”) of the WE Retirement Account Plan, if the WE Retirement Account Plan were administered using all Pension Eligible Earnings as defined in this Plan, less the amount of the qualified pension benefit that such Participant would be actually entitled to receive were the Grandfathered Benefit Provisions of the WE Retirement Account Plan applied, and
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(y)
|
is the benefit that would have accrued for such Participant under the provisions of the cash balance formula of the WE Retirement Account Plan, if the WE Retirement Account Plan was administered using all Pension Eligible Earnings as defined in this Plan, less the amount of the qualified benefit that such Participant would be actually entitled to receive under the cash balance formula of the WE Retirement Account Plan were such formula applied.
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Page
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INTRODUCTION
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1
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
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1
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ARTICLE 2 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
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8
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2.1
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Selection by Committee
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8
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2.2
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Participation
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8
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2.3
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Deferral Elections
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8
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2.4
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Form of Payment Elections
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9
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2.5
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Cessation of Participation
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9
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ARTICLE 3 DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
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10
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3.1
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Base Annual Salary
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10
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3.2
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Annual or Long-Term Performance Awards
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10
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3.3
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Restricted Stock
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11
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3.4
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Performance Shares or Units
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11
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3.5
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Dividend Equivalents
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12
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3.6
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Newly-Eligible Employees
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13
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3.7
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Annual Company Contribution Amount
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13
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3.8
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Company Matching Amount
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13
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3.9
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Company Contributions for Former Integrys Employees
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14
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ARTICLE 4 ACCOUNTS
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16
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4.1
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Establishment of Accounts
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16
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4.2
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Vesting
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17
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4.3
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Deemed Investments
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18
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4.4
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Taxes
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20
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ARTICLE 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
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21
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5.1
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Time for Distribution
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21
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5.2
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In-Service Payout
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21
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5.3
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Benefits Upon Retirement
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21
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5.4
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Benefits Upon Separation from Service
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22
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5.5
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Benefits Upon Death
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23
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5.6
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Changes to Form of Payment
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23
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5.7
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Changes to Timing of In-Service Payout
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24
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5.8
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Unforeseeable Emergency
|
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25
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5.9
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Change in Control
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25
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5.10
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Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
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25
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ARTICLE 6 LEAVE OF ABSENCE
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26
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ARTICLE 7 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
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27
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7.1
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Beneficiary
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27
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7.2
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Beneficiary Designation; Change
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27
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7.3
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No Beneficiary Designation
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27
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7.4
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Doubt as to Beneficiary
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27
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7.5
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Discharge of Obligations
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27
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ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
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28
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8.1
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Termination
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28
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8.2
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Amendment
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28
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8.3
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Effect of Payment
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29
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ARTICLE 9 ADMINISTRATION
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29
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9.1
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Plan Administration
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29
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9.2
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Powers, Duties and Procedures
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29
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9.3
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Administration Upon Change In Control
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30
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9.4
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Agents
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30
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9.5
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Binding Effect of Decisions
|
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30
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9.6
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Indemnity of Committee
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30
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9.7
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Employee Information
|
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30
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9.8
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Coordination with Other Benefits
|
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31
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ARTICLE 10 CLAIMS PROCEDURES
|
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31
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10.1
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Presentation of Claim
|
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31
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10.2
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Decision on Initial Claim
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31
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10.3
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Right to Review
|
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31
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10.4
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Decision on Review
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32
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10.5
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Form of Notice and Decision
|
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33
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10.6
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Legal Action
|
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33
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ARTICLE 11 TRUST
|
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33
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11.1
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Establishment of the Trust
|
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33
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11.2
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Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
|
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33
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11.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
|
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33
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ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS
|
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33
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12.1
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Status of Plan
|
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33
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12.2
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Unsecured General Creditor
|
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33
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12.3
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Employer's Liability
|
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34
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12.4
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Nonassignability
|
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34
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12.5
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Not a Contract of Employment
|
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34
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12.6
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Furnishing Information
|
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34
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12.7
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Receipt and Release
|
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34
|
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12.8
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Incompetent
|
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34
|
|
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12.9
|
Governing Law and Severability
|
|
35
|
|
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12.10
|
Notices and Communications
|
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35
|
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12.11
|
Successors
|
|
35
|
|
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12.12
|
Insurance
|
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35
|
|
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12.13
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
|
|
35
|
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12.14
|
Terms
|
|
36
|
|
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12.15
|
Headings
|
|
36
|
|
1.1
|
"Account"
shall mean a bookkeeping account established for the benefit of a Participant under Article 4 utilized solely to measure and determine the amounts credited under the
|
1.2
|
"Age/Service Point Contribution Credits"
shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with section 3.9(b)(ii)(B).
|
1.3
|
"Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award
" shall mean any compensation, in addition to Base Annual Salary relating to services performed during any Plan Year, whether or not paid in such Plan Year or included on the Form W‑2 for such Plan Year, payable to a Participant under an Employer's annual performance award and cash incentive plans, including any long‑term incentive plans as may be in existence from time to time, but excluding severance payments, non‑qualified supplemental pension payments and any stock options or related gains, restricted stock, performance shares or units, dividends, dividend equivalents and any other equity‑based award provided under a plan or arrangement of any Employer.
|
1.4
|
"Annual Company Contribution Amount"
shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with section 3.7.
|
1.5
|
"Annual Deferral Amount"
shall mean the portion of a Participant's Base Annual Salary and/or Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award that a Participant elects to defer in accordance with Article 3 for any one Plan Year.
|
1.6
|
"Annual Installment Method"
shall mean an annual installment payment over a specified number of years as further described in sections 5.3 and 5.4. To determine the value of the Participant's Account balance for calculating an installment payment, the
|
1.7
|
"Base Annual Salary"
shall mean the annual cash compensation relating to services performed during a Plan Year, whether or not paid in, or included on the Form W‑2 for, such Plan Year, excluding severance payments, non‑qualified supplemental pension payments, performance awards, bonuses, commissions, overtime, fringe benefits, relocation expenses, incentive payments, non‑monetary awards, directors' fees and other fees, automobile and other allowances paid to an Eligible Employee for employment services rendered (whether or not such allowances are included in the Eligible Employee's gross income), stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or units, dividends, dividend equivalents and any other equity‑based award provided under a plan or arrangement of an Employer. Base Annual Salary shall be calculated before it is deferred or contributed by the Eligible Employee under a qualified or non‑qualified plan of an Employer and shall include amounts not otherwise included in the Eligible Employee's gross income under Code sections 125, 132(f)(4), 402(e)(3), 402(h) or 403(b) pursuant to plans established by an Employer; provided, however, that all such amounts shall be included in Base Annual Salary only to the extent that the amount would have been payable in cash to the Eligible Employee had there been no such plan.
|
1.8
|
"Beneficiary"
shall mean one or more persons, trusts, estates or other entities designated by the Participant in accordance with Article 7 that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan upon the death of a Participant.
|
1.9
|
"Board"
shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
|
1.10
|
"Change in Control"
shall mean, with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any one of the following dates, interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation section 1.409A‑3(i)(5).
|
(a)
|
Change in Ownership
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such Person or Group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this paragraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair
|
(b)
|
Change in Effective Control
.
|
(i)
|
The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12‑month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this subparagraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person or Persons is not considered to cause a Change in Control; or
|
(ii)
|
The date a majority of the members of the Company's Board is replaced during any 12‑month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company's Board before the date of the appointment or election.
|
(c)
|
Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company's Assets
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12‑month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this paragraph (c), "gross fair market value" means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transfer of assets is not treated as a Change in Control if the assets are transferred to:
|
(i)
|
An entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the transferring corporation;
|
(ii)
|
A shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock;
|
(iii)
|
An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
A Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company; or
|
(v)
|
An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in clause (iv).
|
(d)
|
"Person" and "Acting as a Group
."
|
(i)
|
For purposes of this section, "Person" shall have the meaning set forth in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
(ii)
|
For purposes of this section, Persons shall be considered to be "Acting as a Group" if they are owners of a corporation that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a Person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be Acting as a Group with the other shareholders only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Persons shall not be considered to be Acting as a Group solely because they purchase or own stock of the same corporation at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering.
|
1.11
|
"Chief Executive Officer"
shall mean the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
|
1.12
|
"Code"
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
|
1.13
|
"Committee"
shall mean an internal administrative committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer to administer the Plan in accordance with Article 9.
|
1.14
|
"Company"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company's assets or business. Prior to June 29, 2015, the Company was known as Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
|
1.15
|
"Company Matching Amount"
shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with section 3.8.
|
1.16
|
"Defined Contribution Restoration Credits"
shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with section 3.9(b)(ii)(A).
|
1.17
|
"Election Form"
shall mean the form or forms established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes and submits in accordance with Committee rules to make a deferral election, make or change a payment form election, and/or make or change an investment election. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format.
|
1.18
|
"Eligible Employee"
shall mean an employee of an Employer who satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in Article 2.
|
1.19
|
"Employer"
shall mean the Company, and/or any of its subsidiaries (now in existence or hereafter formed or acquired) that have employees participating in the Plan. The Chief
|
1.20
|
"Ending Valuation Date"
shall mean the last business day of the Plan Year immediately preceding the Plan Year of distribution of a lump sum payment or final installment payment, as the case may be.
|
1.21
|
"ERISA"
shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
|
1.22
|
"Former Integrys Employee"
shall mean an individual who was employed by an affiliate of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. immediately prior to the merger of the Company with Integrys Energy Group, Inc. on June 29, 2015.
|
1.23
|
"401(k) Plan"
shall mean all tax‑qualified defined contribution retirement plans maintained by the Employer that permit employee elective deferral contributions in accordance with Code section 401(k).
|
1.24
|
"In‑Service Payout"
shall mean distribution of all or a portion of an Annual Deferral Amount (including the related Company Matching Amount or RSP Matching Contribution Credit, if any), as of a specified date elected by a Participant.
|
1.25
|
"Measurement Funds"
shall mean the hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan, as provided in section 4.3, to determine the earnings and losses credited to a Participant's Account.
|
1.26
|
"Participant"
shall mean a current or former Eligible Employee who participates in the Plan in accordance with Article 2 and maintains an Account balance hereunder. A spouse or former spouse of a Participant shall not be treated as a Participant in the Plan or have an Account under the Plan, even if the spouse or former spouse has an interest in the Participant's Account as a result of applicable law or property settlements resulting from legal separation or divorce.
|
1.27
|
"Performance Shares"
shall mean unvested shares with respect to Stock the amount of which vests based on achievement of certain performance criteria, all as determined under the applicable plan or arrangement of an Employer.
|
1.28
|
"Performance Share Amount"
shall mean, for any grant of Performance Shares, the amount that would have been distributed to the Participant, but for an election to defer such amount under the Plan.
|
1.29
|
"Performance Units"
shall mean unvested units representing the right to receive a cash payment whereby one unit has a value equal to one share of Stock, the amount of which vests based on achievement of certain performance criteria, all as determined and established pursuant to the applicable plan or arrangement of an Employer.
|
1.30
|
"Performance Unit Amount"
shall mean, for any grant of Performance Units, the amount that would have been distributed to the Participant, but for an election to defer such amount under the Plan.
|
1.31
|
"Plan"
shall mean the WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, including any amendments adopted hereto. Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
1.32
|
"Plan Year"
shall mean the calendar year.
|
1.33
|
"Restricted Stock"
shall mean unvested shares of Stock which is restricted stock selected by the Company's Compensation Committee, approved by the Board in its sole discretion, and awarded to the Participant under any Company stock incentive plan or arrangement.
|
1.34
|
"Restricted Stock Amount"
shall mean, for any grant of Restricted Stock, the amount equal to the value of such Restricted Stock, calculated using the closing price for the Stock as of the day such Restricted Stock would otherwise vest (if a business day) or as of the next following business day.
|
1.35
|
"Retirement," "Retire(s)" or "Retired"
shall mean an Employee's Separation from Service on or after attaining age 55 for any reason other than death.
|
1.36
|
"RSP Matching Contribution Credits"
shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with section 3.9(a).
|
1.37
|
"Separation from Service"
shall mean the Participant's termination of employment with all Employers and other entities affiliated with the Company, voluntarily or involuntarily, for any reason other than on account of death, or as otherwise provided by the Department of Treasury in regulations promulgated under Code section 409A. For purposes of the foregoing, whether an entity is affiliated with the Company shall be determined pursuant to the controlled group rules of Code section 414, as modified by Code section 409A. Unless the employment relationship is terminated earlier by the Employer or the Participant, the following shall apply for determining a Separation from Service under the Plan:
|
(a)
|
Except as provided in paragraph (b), the Participant's employment relationship with the Employer shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on a military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months (or longer, if required by statute or contract). If the period of the leave exceeds six months and the Participant's right to reemployment is not provided either by statute or contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six‑month period.
|
(b)
|
Where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six months, where such impairment causes the
|
1.38
|
"Stock"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc. common stock. Prior to June 29, 2015, "Stock" means Wisconsin Energy Corporation common stock.
|
1.39
|
"Trust"
shall mean any fund created by a rabbi trust agreement established by the Company referencing the Plan, and as amended from time to time.
|
1.40
|
"Unforeseeable Emergency"
shall mean, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from (i) an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant's spouse, the Participant's Beneficiary, or the Participant's dependent (as defined in Code section 152, without regard to Code section 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)); (ii) loss of the Participant's property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance); or (iii) other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant.
|
2.1
|
Selection by Committee
. Participation in the Plan shall be limited to a select group of management and highly compensated employees of the Employer (as defined in ERISA sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1)), as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. From that group, the Committee shall select the Eligible Employees to participate in the Plan. The Committee may limit the types of deferrals (identified in Article 3) an Eligible Employee may make under the Plan. Effective January 1, 2017, Former Integrys Employees who are Eligible Employees shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
|
2.2
|
Participation
. To begin participation in the Plan, an Eligible Employee shall properly complete and timely submit an Election Form in accordance with the Committee's rules. An Eligible Employee shall become a Participant on the first day on which a deferral of an elected amount is first credited to the Participant's Account. The Committee or its delegate may establish from time to time such other enrollment requirements as it determines in its sole discretion are necessary. Such Participant shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account balance is paid in full.
|
2.3
|
Deferral Elections
. Election Forms shall be completed and submitted by the time periods set forth in Article 3 for the particular type of compensation elected for deferral or during such other enrollment period as the Committee determines in accordance with such Article. A Participant may change or revoke a deferral election any time before such election becomes irrevocable, which shall occur as of the applicable deadline specified in Article 3 unless the Committee establishes an earlier deadline. Unless the
|
2.4
|
Form of Payment Elections
. A Participant's Election Form shall specify the form of payment, which shall be paid at the times specified in Article 5.
|
(a)
|
Duration of Election
. The form of payment elected by the Participant shall govern all amounts credited to the Participant's Account for the Plan Year to which the Election Form applies, and earnings or losses on such amounts. The form of payment election shall also apply to each subsequent Plan Year's deferrals, and earnings or losses on such amounts, until changed on either a prospective or retroactive basis by the Participant pursuant to section 5.6.
|
(b)
|
Default Form of Payment
. In the event the Participant has not elected a form of payment, all amounts credited to the Participant's Account for the Plan Year, and earnings or losses on such amounts, shall be paid in a single lump sum. This default form of payment shall apply to each subsequent Plan Year's deferrals, and earnings or losses on such amounts, unless and until the Participant elects a form of payment on a prospective basis or changes the form of payment on a retroactive basis pursuant to section 5.6.
|
(c)
|
Section 409A Transition Period Elections
. Distribution elections made during the Code section 409A transition period that relate to amounts deferred in Plan Years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, as the case may be, shall be honored for such respective amounts, even if such amounts are not credited to a Participant's Account until a later Plan Year.
|
2.5
|
Cessation of Participation
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the sole discretionary authority to exclude a Participant from making further deferrals under the Plan with such exclusion becoming effective as of the first day of the immediately following Plan Year. Such Participant shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account balance is paid in full.
|
(b)
|
Elective deferrals made by a Participant or Beneficiary who receives a distribution due to an Unforeseeable Emergency pursuant to section 5.8 shall be cancelled due to such distribution if the Committee so decides in its discretion. In either event, the Participant (or Beneficiary, as applicable) shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account balance is paid in full.
|
(c)
|
Deferrals of Base Annual Salary made by a Participant who receives a distribution from a 401(k) Plan on account of a financial hardship shall be cancelled (and not merely suspended) for the Plan Year due to such distribution if the 401(k) Plan requires the Participant to cease qualified and non-qualified deferrals as a condition of receiving the distribution. Any deferral election under this Plan that relates to any other type of compensation to be paid within six months following the date of the hardship distribution shall also be cancelled (and not merely
|
(d)
|
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, upon the earlier to occur of a Participant's Separation from Service or death, any outstanding deferral election shall be given effect to the extent any amounts covered by such election are paid after such event. Payment of deferred amounts shall be made pursuant to Article 5.
|
3.1
|
Base Annual Salary
.
|
(a)
|
For each Plan Year, a Participant may elect to defer in any whole percentage up to 50% of the Participant's Base Annual Salary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to elect to defer a fixed dollar amount instead of a percentage of the Participant's Base Annual Salary; however such amount may not exceed 50% of the Participant's Base Annual Salary payable for such Plan Year.
|
(b)
|
A Participant's Election Form with respect to the deferral of Base Annual Salary shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Committee before the beginning of each Plan Year in which the Base Annual Salary is earned.
|
(c)
|
Subject to section 2.3, such deferral elections shall be irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates. Elections for Participants are separate and independent elections from an election to defer compensation under the 401(k) Plan.
|
3.2
|
Annual or Long-Term Performance Awards
.
|
(a)
|
For each Plan Year, a Participant may elect to defer in any whole percentage up to 50% of the Participant's Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to elect to defer a fixed dollar amount instead of a percentage of the Participant's Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award; however, such amount may not exceed 50% of the Participant's Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award payable for such Plan Year.
|
(b)
|
A Participant's Election Form with respect to the deferral of an Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Committee before the beginning of the Plan Year in which the
|
(c)
|
Subject to section 2.3, such deferral elections shall be irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates or the deadline established by the Committee for performance‑based compensation, as the case may be.
|
3.3
|
Restricted Stock
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee, in its sole discretion, may allow Participants to elect to defer a portion of the Participant's Restricted Stock Amount. To the extent permitted by the Committee for any applicable grant of Restricted Stock, a Participant may elect to defer in any whole percentage up to 50% of the Participant's Restricted Stock Amount, subject to such other terms or conditions as set forth in the plan or agreement under which such Restricted Stock was granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to elect to defer a fixed dollar amount instead of a percentage of the Participant's Restricted Stock Amount.
|
(b)
|
A Participant's Election Form with respect to the deferral of Restricted Stock Amounts shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Committee before the beginning of the Plan Year in which the Restricted Stock is awarded, as determined under the terms of the plan or arrangement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the discretion of the Committee, an Election Form may be submitted within 30 days after the Restricted Stock is awarded, provided that the Restricted Stock's first vesting date is at least 12 months after the date the completed Election Form is delivered to and accepted by the Committee (taking into account any automatic vesting provisions upon certain terminations from employment that may occur before such 12 month period).
|
(c)
|
Subject to section 2.3, such deferral elections shall be irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates, or the 30
th
day after the Restricted Stock is awarded, as the case may be.
|
3.4
|
Performance Shares or Units
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee, in its sole discretion, may allow Participants to elect to defer a portion of the Participant's Performance Share or Unit Amount. To the extent permitted by the Committee, a Participant may elect to defer in any whole
|
(b)
|
A Participant's Election Form with respect to the deferral of Performance Share Amounts or Performance Unit Amounts shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Committee at the following times, determined at the Committee's discretion:
|
(i)
|
Before the beginning of the Plan Year in which the Performance Shares or Performance Units are awarded, as determined under the terms of the plan or arrangement; or
|
(ii)
|
A date that occurs no later than six months before the end of the performance period for such Award to the extent that the Committee determines that Performance Shares or Performance Units constitute "performance based compensation" (within the meaning of Code section 409A and regulations issued thereunder). In no event shall an Election Form for performance based compensation be submitted and accepted when such compensation is readily ascertainable (within the meaning of Code section 409A and regulations issued thereunder).
|
(c)
|
Subject to section 2.3, such deferral elections shall be irrevocable as of: (i) the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates, (ii) the 30
th
day after the Performance Share or Unit Award was granted, or (iii) the deadline established by the Committee for performance‑based compensation, as the case may be.
|
3.5
|
Dividend Equivalents
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee, in its sole discretion, may allow Participants to elect to defer a portion of the dividend equivalents on unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units. Prior to January 1, 2010, a Participant could elect to defer up to 100% (in whole percentage) of the dividend equivalents on any unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units under a plan or arrangement of an Employer.
|
(b)
|
If dividend equivalents on Performance Shares and Performance Units were earned and paid annually, a Participant's Election Form with respect to the deferral of such dividend equivalents could be filed with the Committee before the beginning of the Plan Year in which the dividend equivalents to be deferred are otherwise earned and paid.
|
(c)
|
Subject to section 2.3, such deferral elections were irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates.
|
3.6
|
Newly-Eligible Employees
. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if the Committee, in its sole discretion, designates an employee as newly‑eligible to participate in the Plan effective as of any date other than January 1, the newly-Eligible Employee shall be given 30 days from the date the newly-Eligible Employee becomes eligible to participate in the Plan to complete and submit an Election Form with respect to Base Annual Salary and Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award deferrals, and such election shall apply only to amounts paid for services performed after the date on which the election is effective. Newly‑eligible for participation in the Plan shall be determined under the plan aggregation rules of Code section 409A.
|
3.7
|
Annual Company Contribution Amount
. For each Plan Year, an Employer, in its sole discretion, may, but is not required to, credit any amount it desires as an Annual Company Contribution Amount to the Company Contribution Account of one or more Eligible Employees. The Annual Company Contribution Amount credited to a Participant may be smaller or larger than the amount credited to any other Participant, and the amount credited to any Participant for a Plan Year may be zero, even though one or more other Participants receive an Annual Company Contribution Amount for that Plan Year. Crediting of an Annual Company Contribution Amount for one Plan Year does not guarantee an Annual Company Contribution Amount for subsequent Plan Years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any portion of the Annual Company Contribution Amounts credited to a Participant's Company Contribution Account under the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan remains unvested as of December 31, 2004, such Amounts shall be treated as contributed under this Plan, and shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. Participants shall be permitted to make changes to payment form elections previously filed with respect to such amounts pursuant to section 5.6(c).
|
3.8
|
Company Matching Amount
. A Company Matching Amount shall be made for a Participant (other than a Former Integrys Employee) for any month in which Base Annual Salary and/or an Annual Performance Award is credited to a Participant's Account under this Plan. If no Base Annual Salary and/or Annual Performance Award is credited to a Participant's Account in a month, then no Company Matching Amount will be provided for such month.
|
(a)
|
The Company Matching Amount shall be determined by using the "matching contribution formula" under the WEC Energy Group Employee Retirement Savings Plan (the "ERSP") (previously, the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Employee Retirement Savings Plan), regardless of the actual 401(k) Plan, if any, that applies to the Participant. Between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2007 (inclusive), the matching contribution formula under the ERSP is 50% on 6% of eligible compensation. On and after January 1, 2008, the matching contribution formula under the ERSP is 100% on up to 1% of eligible compensation and 50% on the next 6% of eligible compensation. Such matching contribution formula is subject to change under the ERSP. In this regard, any amendment to the ERSP that makes such change shall be incorporated herein by reference effective as of the date of any such change.
|
(b)
|
The formula for a Participant's Company Matching Amount is the applicable matching rate multiplied by "X." For purposes of the formula, X is the difference between (i) and (ii):
|
(i)
|
the result of the matching contribution formula calculated using the Participant's gross compensation for the month that is eligible under the relevant Employer 401(k) Plan determined before any reduction for deferrals of Base Annual Salary and Annual Performance Awards, if applicable, under this Plan and without regard to any Code limitations, and
|
(ii)
|
the Participant's "Deemed Maximum Match" ("DMM"). The DMM for any Participant is equal to the result of the matching contribution formula calculated using the Participant's gross compensation for the month that is eligible for matching under the relevant Employer 401(k) Plan. For purposes of this clause (ii), such Participant's gross compensation shall first be reduced by Base Annual Salary and Annual Performance Award deferrals under this Plan. Further, for each month in which the DMM is calculated, it will be assumed that the Participant is contributing the necessary elective deferral amount to the relevant 401(k) Plan for such month so that the Participant would receive the maximum match under the ERSP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when determining the DMM, the Plan will apply the relevant Code limitations, determined on an annual basis, including maximum Compensation that can be considered under Code section 401(a)(17), and the maximum allowable elective deferral permitted under Code section 402(g).
|
3.9
|
Company Contributions for Former Integrys Employees
.
Former Integrys Employees are eligible to receive the following contribution credits:
|
(a)
|
RSP Matching Contribution Credits
.
|
(i)
|
Eligibility
. A Participant who also participates in the WEC Energy Group Retirement Savings Plan ("RSP") and who makes Base Annual Salary deferrals and/or Annual Performance Award deferrals under this Plan, shall be entitled to an RSP Matching Contribution Credit if the Participant’s election to defer Base Annual Salary and/or an Annual Performance Award under this Plan in any year cause the Participant to receive a smaller matching contribution under the RSP than the matching contribution that the Participant would have received under the RSP for that year if the Participant had instead elected not to defer any portion of the Participant’s Base Annual Salary or Annual Performance Award. The
|
(ii)
|
Amount of Credit
. The RSP Matching Contribution Credit will equal the difference (if any) between:
|
(A)
|
The value of the matching contribution that the Participant would have received under the RSP for the calendar year, based on amounts actually contributed to the RSP, if Base Annual Salary deferrals and Annual Performance Award deferrals made by the Participant under this Plan were instead treated as “compensation” under the RSP for purposes of calculating the Participant’s maximum matching contribution under the RSP; provided that all limits and restrictions otherwise imposed under the RSP, including the maximum compensation limit under section 401(a)(17) of the Code, shall continue to apply; and
|
(B)
|
The value of the matching contribution actually received by the Participant for that year under the RSP.
|
(b)
|
Defined Contribution Restoration and Age/Service Point Contribution Credits
.
|
(i)
|
Eligibility
. A Participant who is eligible to make contributions to the RSP may be eligible to receive an additional credit to his or her Account for each year, in accordance with the rules of this section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant will not be eligible for Defined Contribution Restoration Credits or Age/Service Point Contribution Credits if (A) the Participant has been specifically excluded by the Committee, or (B) the Participant is covered under an employment contract or agreement that excludes the Participant from receiving pension restoration, supplemental retirement or similar restoration benefits or credits, or (C) the Participant is covered under an employment contract or agreement that references the Participant’s participation in the Plan generally but does not specifically provide for the Participant as being eligible for pension restoration, supplemental retirement or similar restoration benefits or credits.
|
(ii)
|
Amount of Credits
.
|
(A)
|
Defined Contribution Restoration Credits
. If the Participant for any year is eligible to make Participant elective deferral or other contributions to the RSP and to receive a matching contribution under the RSP with respect to such amounts, the Participant shall receive a Defined Contribution Restoration Credit under this Plan equal to five percent (5%) of the Participant’s compensation for the year in excess of the Code section 401(a)(17) limitation in effect for such year. For this purpose, the Participant’s compensation shall be the Participant’s compensation as defined in the RSP, except that Base Annual Salary deferrals and Annual Performance Award deferrals made by the Participant under this Plan shall be treated as if they had been paid to the Participant in cash. This credit is to approximately reflect the matching contribution that the Participant could have received under RSP if the Participant had been permitted to make contributions to the RSP without being subject to the limitations under Code sections 401(a)(17), 402(g), 415 or any limitation under the Code. The Defined Contribution Restoration Credit will be determined annually and will be allocated to the Participant’s Account as of December 31 of each year.
|
(B)
|
Age/Service Point Contribution Credit
. If the Participant for any year is eligible for and receives an Age/Service Point Contribution under the RSP and if the Participant’s allocation under the RSP is limited because of the limitations of Code section 401(a)(17) or 415, the Participant shall receive an additional credit under this Plan equal to the difference between (1) the Age/Service Point Contribution that would have been allocated to the Participant for the year under the RSP if the Code section 401(a)(17) and 415 limitations did not apply and if Base Annual Salary deferrals and Annual Performance Award deferrals made by the Participant under this Plan during such year are treated as if they had been paid to the Participant in cash, and (2) the Age/Service Point Contribution to which the Participant is actually entitled for such year under the RSP. The Age/Service Point Contribution Credit will be determined annually and will be allocated to the Participant’s Account no later than the end of the first quarter of the calendar year following the year for which the credit is being determined.
|
4.1
|
Establishment of Accounts
. Bookkeeping accounts shall be established for each Participant to reflect the deferrals of amounts made for the Participant's benefit, together
|
4.2
|
Vesting
. A Participant shall be vested and have a nonforfeitable right to the amounts credited to the Participant's sub-Accounts, adjusted for deemed income, gains and losses attributable thereto, as follows:
|
(a)
|
Company Contribution Account
.
|
(i)
|
Vesting Schedule
. A Participant shall be vested and have a nonforfeitable right to amounts credited, if any, in the Participant's Company Contribution Account in accordance with the vesting schedule, if any, set forth in the Participant's Election Form or other written agreement with such Participant.
|
(ii)
|
Separation from Service
. If a Participant Separates from Service for any reason other than Retirement or death before the last day of a Plan Year, any Annual Company Contribution Amount previously credited for that Plan Year shall be forfeited and become zero, unless the Employer in its sole discretion determines otherwise.
|
(iii)
|
Change in Control
. In the event of a Change in Control, amounts credited to a Participant's Company Contribution Account shall immediately become 100% vested. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting schedule for a Participant's Annual Company Contribution Amounts shall not be accelerated to the extent that the Committee determines that such acceleration would cause the deduction limitations of Code section 280G to become effective. If all of a Participant's Annual Company Contribution Amounts are not vested pursuant to such a determination, the Participant may request independent verification of the Committee's calculations with respect to the application of Code section 280G. In such case, the Committee shall provide to the Participant within 15 business days of such request an opinion (which need not be unqualified) of the Company's independent auditors, which opinion shall state that any limitation in the vested percentage hereunder is necessary to avoid the limits of Code section 280G and contain supporting calculations. The cost of such opinion shall be paid by the Company.
|
(b)
|
Defined Contribution Restoration Account and Age/Service Point Contribution Account
. A Participant will have a vested and non-forfeitable right to the credits made to the Participant's Defined Contribution Restoration Account and/or Age/Service Point Contribution Account, and any deemed investment gains or losses, if the Participant terminates employment with the Company and its
|
(c)
|
Other Accounts
. A Participant shall at all times be 100% vested and have a nonforfeitable right to amounts credited to the Participant's Company Matching Account, RSP Matching Contribution Account, Deferral Account, Dividend Deferral Account, Performance Share Account, Performance Unit Account and Restricted Stock Account.
|
4.3
|
Deemed Investments
. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) below, and in accordance with, and subject to, the rules and procedures that are established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, amounts shall be credited or debited to a Participant's Account in accordance with the following rules. The Committee's discretion includes the right to supersede the specific rights identified below, with or without retroactive effect:
|
(a)
|
Measurement Funds
. Amounts credited to each Participant's Account shall be deemed invested, in accordance with the Participant's directions, in Measurement Funds that are available under the Plan. The hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan shall be those designated by the Committee, from time to time in its discretion, following recommendations by the WEC Energy Group Investment Trust Policy Committee. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) below, a Participant may elect one or both of the following Measurement Funds for the purpose of crediting additional amounts to the Participant's Account: (i) the Prime Rate Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in a hypothetical debt instrument which earns interest at an annualized interest rate equal to the "Prime Rate" as reported each business day by the
Wall Street Journal
, with interest deemed reinvested in additional units of such hypothetical debt instrument), or (ii) a Company Stock Measurement Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in shares of Stock, with dividends deemed reinvested in additional shares of Stock).
|
(b)
|
Special Rule for Restricted Stock and Performance Share Amounts
. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Participant's Restricted Stock Amounts and Performance Share Amounts deferred under the Plan that would have otherwise been distributed in Stock shall be deemed invested in the Company Stock Measurement Fund at all times before distribution from this Plan. Further, the Participant's Restricted Stock and Performance Share Amounts shall be distributed from this Plan in the form of cash.
|
(c)
|
Election of Measurement Funds
. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h), a Participant shall elect on the Participant's initial Election Form Measurement Funds to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to the Participant's Account, unless changed pursuant to rules as the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, from time to time. However, subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) and any rules and procedures established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, the Participant may elect to add or delete one or more Measurement Funds to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to the Participant's Account, or to change the portion of the Account allocated to each previously or newly elected Measurement Fund. Such rules may include, but are not limited to, rules and/or trading policies that govern the timing, frequency, and manner in which elections are made to allocate or reallocate deemed investment amounts among the Measurement Funds, and may be modified at any time and from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion. If an election is made to change a Measurement Fund, it shall become effective and apply thereafter in accordance with the rules of the Committee for all subsequent periods in which the Participant participates in the Plan, unless changed in accordance with the previous provisions. All rights of a Participant or any other person to elect or change the Measurement Funds under this section shall be deemed to have ceased as of the Ending Valuation Date and no adjustment in the value of an Account balance shall be considered for any purpose under the Plan after such Ending Valuation Date. If a Participant fails to elect a Measurement Fund for all or a portion of the Participant's Account, the amounts for which there is no valid election shall be deemed invested in the Prime Rate Fund.
|
(d)
|
Proportionate Allocation
. In making any election described in paragraph (c) above, the Participant shall specify on the Election Form, in increments of 1%, the percentage of the Participant's Account balance to be allocated to a Measurement Fund (as if the Participant was making an investment in that Measurement Fund with that portion of the Participant's Account balance).
|
(e)
|
Crediting or Debiting Method
. The performance of each elected Measurement Fund (either positive or negative) shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, based on the performance of the Measurement Funds themselves. A Participant's Account shall be credited or debited on a periodic basis based on the performance of each Measurement Fund selected by the Participant, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that no adjustment in the value of a Participant's Account balance shall be considered after the Ending Valuation Date.
|
(f)
|
No Actual Investment
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Measurement Funds shall be used for measurement purposes only, and a Participant's election of any Measurement Fund, the allocation of the Participant's Account thereto, the calculation of additional amounts and the crediting or debiting of such amounts to a Participant's Account shall not be considered or construed in any manner as an actual investment of the Participant's Account balance in any such Measurement Fund. If the Employer or the trustee of the Trust, in its sole discretion, decides to invest funds in any or all of the Measurement Funds, no Participant shall have any rights in or to such investments themselves. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant's Account balance shall at all times be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not represent any investment made on the Participant's behalf by the Employer or the trustee; the Participant shall at all times remain an unsecured creditor of the Company.
|
(g)
|
Investment of Trust Assets
. If the Committee deposits amounts in a Trust, the trustee of the Trust shall be authorized, upon written instructions received from the Committee or an investment manager appointed by the Committee, to invest and reinvest the assets of the Trust in accordance with the applicable Trust Agreement, including the disposition of Stock and reinvestment of the proceeds in one or more investment vehicles designated by the Committee.
|
(h)
|
Special Considerations for Participants Subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
. In order for any deferral election under this Plan by a Participant who is an officer subject to the reporting requirements and trading restrictions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 16") to conform to Section 16, the Participant shall consult with the Company's designated individual responsible for Section 16 reporting and compliance before making any election to move any part of the Participant's Account into or out of the Company Stock Measurement Fund. The Company reserves the right to impose such restrictions as it determines necessary, in its sole discretion, on any elections, transactions or other matters under this Plan relating to the Company Stock Measurement Fund to comply with or qualify for exemption under Section 16.
|
4.4
|
Taxes
. A Participant's Employer shall withhold from a Participant's non‑deferred compensation any employment taxes the Employer is required to withhold with respect to amounts deferred under the Plan at the times required under applicable regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury. To the extent not previously withheld,
|
5.1
|
Time for Distribution
. Except as otherwise provided in section 5.8, distribution of a Participant's Account shall be made on the earliest to occur of:
|
(a)
|
The date elected by a Participant under section 5.2 with respect to an In‑Service Payout;
|
(b)
|
The date set forth in section 5.3 with respect to the Participant's Retirement;
|
(c)
|
The date set forth in section 5.4 with respect to the Participant's Separation from Service;
|
(d)
|
The date set forth in section 5.5 with respect to the Participant's death; or
|
(e)
|
The date set forth in section 5.9 with respect to a Separation from Service after a Change in Control.
|
5.2
|
In-Service Payout
. A Participant may irrevocably select, on the Participant's Election Form, a Plan Year to receive a lump‑sum In‑Service Payout of all or part of an Annual Deferral Amount (including Company Matching Amounts or RSP Matching Contribution Credits thereto). The earliest Plan Year in which a Participant can elect an In‑Service Payout is the third Plan Year after the Plan Year in which the deferral actually occurs. For example, an election to defer Base Annual Salary in December 2015 that is actually deferred in 2016 may be distributed no earlier than in 2019. Payment shall be made during the first 90 days of the Plan Year elected for distribution.
|
5.3
|
Benefits Upon Retirement
. Upon a Participant's Retirement, the Participant's Account shall be paid or begin to be paid during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant's Retirement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions made to "specified employees" (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A‑1(i)) upon Retirement shall be paid or begin to be paid no earlier than the first day of the seventh month following the Participant's Retirement, unless the Participant dies during such six‑month period in which case section 5.5 shall apply.
|
(a)
|
A Participant's Account balance shall be paid in a lump sum if:
|
(i)
|
timely elected by the Participant pursuant to the Plan,
|
(ii)
|
the Participant's Account balance at the time of Retirement is $10,000 or less even if the Participant elected an installment payment form, or
|
(iii)
|
no valid payment election is in effect when distribution is to be made.
|
(b)
|
Subject to paragraph (a)(ii) and section 5.9, a Participant may elect to receive payment of the Participant's Account balance in any number of installments up to ten. The amount of each installment shall be determined using the Annual Installment Method.
|
5.4
|
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
. Upon a Participant's Separation from Service for any reason other than Retirement or death, the Participant's Account shall be paid or begin to be paid during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant's Separation from Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions made to "specified employees" (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A‑1(i)) upon such separation shall be paid or begin to be paid no earlier than the first day of the seventh month following the Participant's Separation from Service unless the Participant dies during such six‑month period in which case section 5.5 shall apply. If an Annual Installment Method is in effect, subsequent installment payments shall be made thereafter during the first 90 days of the Plan Year in which the installment is due.
|
(a)
|
A Participant's Account balance shall be paid in a lump sum if:
|
(i)
|
timely elected by the Participant pursuant to the Plan,
|
(ii)
|
the Participant's Account balance at the time of Separation from Service is $25,000 or less even if the Participant elected an installment payment form, or
|
(iii)
|
no valid payment election is in effect when distribution is to be made.
|
(b)
|
Subject to paragraph (a)(ii) and section 5.9, a Participant may elect to receive payment of the Participant's Account balance in five installments. The amount of each installment shall be determined using the Annual Installment Method.
|
5.5
|
Benefits Upon Death
. Upon the Participant's death, the Plan Administrator shall pay to the Participant's Beneficiary a benefit equal to the remaining balance in the Participant's Account. Payment shall be made in accordance with the provisions below.
|
(a)
|
Death While In Pay Status or After a Separation from Service
. If the Participant dies after commencing an installment form of payment, but before the entire benefit is paid in full, the Participant's unpaid installment payments shall continue to be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary over the remaining number of years as that benefit would have been paid to the Participant had the Participant survived. In the event a Participant dies after a Separation from Service, but before actual payment is made or begins, this paragraph shall apply and payment to the Participant's Beneficiary shall be paid or begin to be paid at the same time as if the Participant had survived.
|
(b)
|
Death Prior to a Separation from Service
. If a Participant dies prior to a Separation from Service, the Participant's Account shall be paid or begin to be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant's death, regardless of whether the Participant is a specified employee. Payment shall be made in such form as determined below, taking into account any changes to an elected form of payment pursuant to section 5.6.
|
(i)
|
A Participant's Account balance shall be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum if:
|
(A)
|
timely elected by the Participant pursuant to the Plan,
|
(B)
|
the Participant's Account balance at the time of death is $25,000 or less even if the Participant elected an installment payment form, or
|
(C)
|
no valid payment election is in effect when distribution is to be made.
|
(ii)
|
Subject to clause (i)(B), a Participant may elect payment of the Participant's Account balance upon death in any number of installments up to ten. The amount of each installment shall be determined using the Annual Installment Method.
|
5.6
|
Changes to Form of Payment
.
|
(a)
|
Prospective Changes
. A Participant may select an alternate form of payment for amounts not yet subject to an irrevocable election in accordance with the rules for completing and submitting elections in section 2.3 and Article 3.
|
(b)
|
Retroactive Changes
. A Participant may elect to change the form of payment for amounts that are subject to a deferral election that is irrevocable:
|
(i)
|
A Participant who has elected a lump sum distribution may later change such election to an installment payment, provided the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the lump sum distribution would otherwise have been made.
|
(ii)
|
A Participant who has an installment election in effect may change such election to a lump sum payment, provided the lump sum payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
(iii)
|
A Participant who has an installment election for payment upon Retirement, may change the number of installments, provided that the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
(c)
|
Changes Pursuant to Section 409A Transition Relief
. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, on or before December 31, 2008, Participants may make changes to payment form elections previously filed with respect to amounts deferred under the Plan that relate to Plan Years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 consistent with transition relief provided by the Department of the Treasury in Notice 2006‑79, Notice 2007‑86 and proposed regulations promulgated under Code section 409A. If a Participant makes such a change, then the last election validly in effect as of December 31, 2008 shall be treated as the "initial" election for purposes of applying the rules set forth in paragraph (b).
|
5.7
|
Changes to Timing of In-Service Payout
.
|
(a)
|
Prospective Changes
. A Participant may select a Plan Year to receive a lump‑sum In‑Service Payout for amounts not yet subject to an irrevocable election in accordance with the rules for completing and submitting elections in section 2.3 and Article 3.
|
(b)
|
Retroactive Changes
. Effective January 1, 2017. a Participant may elect to change the Plan Year to receive a lump‑sum In‑Service Payout for amounts that are subject to a deferral election that is irrevocable, provided the payment shall be deferred at least five Plan Years after the Plan Year the lump sum distribution would otherwise have been made.
|
5.8
|
Unforeseeable Emergency
. A Participant may request that all or a portion of the Participant's Account be distributed in a lump sum at any time by submitting a request to the Committee in a form and manner acceptable to the Plan Administrator demonstrating that the Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Emergency, and that the distribution is necessary to alleviate the financial hardship created by the Unforeseeable Emergency.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the sole discretionary authority to determine whether a Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Emergency, which shall be determined based on the relevant facts and circumstances of each case. In making such a determination, no distribution pursuant to this section shall be made to the extent that such Unforeseeable Emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, or by liquidation of the Participant's assets (unless such liquidation itself would cause a severe financial hardship), or by the cessation of deferrals under the Plan. In this regard, all deferral elections scheduled for the remainder of the Plan Year in which such distribution is made shall be cancelled. If a Participant's outstanding deferral election is cancelled, a Participant shall be required to make a new election pursuant to Articles 2 and 3 to resume active participation in the Plan.
|
(b)
|
Upon a finding that the Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Emergency, the Committee shall distribute to the Participant the lesser of (i) the portion of the Participant's Account that is necessary to satisfy the Unforeseeable Emergency, plus taxes attributable thereto or (ii) the Account balance. Distributions made pursuant to this section shall be made within 90 days after the Committee has reviewed and approved the request.
|
5.9
|
Change in Control
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event a Participant incurs a Separation from Service within 18 months after a Change in Control, the Employer shall distribute the Participant's entire Account in a lump sum payment within 90 days after such Separation from Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions made to "specified employees" (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A‑1(i)) upon Separation from Service shall be paid or begin to be paid no earlier than the first day of the seventh month following the Participant's Separation from Service, unless the Participant dies during such six‑month period in which case section 5.5 shall apply.
|
5.10
|
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to make a distribution, or accelerate the time or schedule of payment, from a Participant's Account if payment is required for:
|
(i)
|
FICA, FUTA and/or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state and local taxes with respect to compensation deferred under the Plan. Any such distribution shall not exceed the aggregate of such tax withholding and shall reduce the Participant's Account balance to the extent of such distributions; or
|
(ii)
|
payment of state, local or foreign tax obligations arising from participation in the Plan that apply to an amount deferred under the Plan and FUTA resulting from such payment. Any such payment shall not exceed the amount of such taxes due as a result of Plan participation.
|
(b)
|
The Committee or a Plan representative is authorized to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, or to make a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, to the extent necessary to fulfill a domestic relations order (as defined in Code section 414(p)(1)(B)). Payment to an alternate payee under a domestic relations order shall be made in a lump sum within 90 days after the Committee or Plan representative approves such order.
|
(c)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan if the Plan fails to meet the requirements of Code section 409A and regulations promulgated thereunder, provided that any such payment does not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure.
|
7.1
|
Beneficiary
. Each Participant may, at any time, designate one or more Beneficiaries (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan upon the Participant's death. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of an Employer in which the Participant participates.
|
7.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
. A Participant shall designate a Beneficiary by submitting a Beneficiary designation in a form and manner approved by the Committee or its designated agent. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such designation may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format. A Participant may change a Beneficiary designation in accordance with the Committee's rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Committee of a new Beneficiary designation, all Beneficiary designations previously submitted shall be canceled. The Committee shall rely on the last completed Beneficiary designation submitted by the Participant before the Participant's death. In the event of a Participant's divorce, any designation of the Participant's former spouse as a Beneficiary shall be deemed void unless after the divorce the Participant completes a new designation naming such former spouse as a Beneficiary.
|
7.3
|
No Beneficiary Designation
. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in this Article 7 or, if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die before complete distribution of the Participant's Account, then the remaining benefits in the Participant's Account shall be paid to the Participant's surviving spouse, if none, to the Participant's descendants by right of representation or, if none, to the Participant's next of kin determined pursuant to the laws of the state in which the Company's principal place of business is located as if the Participant had died unmarried and intestate.
|
7.4
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
. If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments under this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, require the Participant's Employer to withhold such payments until the matter is resolved to the Committee's satisfaction.
|
7.5
|
Discharge of Obligations
. The complete payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge all Employers and the Committee from all further obligations under this Plan with respect to the Participant, and the Participant's Election Form shall terminate upon such full payment of benefits.
|
8.1
|
Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Although each Employer anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that an Employer will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, each Employer reserves the right to discontinue its participation in the Plan and/or to terminate the Plan at any time with respect to all of its participating Eligible Employees, by action of its board of directors or compensation committee. Upon the termination of the Plan with respect to any Employer, any elections to defer compensation under the Plan of Participants who are employed by that Employer shall terminate as of the last day of the Plan Year containing the termination date. The termination of the Plan shall not reduce the amount of any benefit the Participant or Beneficiary is entitled to receive under the Plan as of the termination date. Except as provided in paragraph (b) below, Account balances shall be maintained under the Plan until such amounts would otherwise have been distributed in accordance with the terms of the Plan and Participants' validly filed payment elections.
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, upon termination of the Plan, the Board or Compensation Committee of the Company reserves the discretion to accelerate distribution of Participants' Account (including those Participants in pay status pursuant to an installment election) in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury under Code section 409A.
|
8.2
|
Amendment
. The Company may, in its sole discretion, amend or modify the Plan at any time, in whole or in part, by action of its Board, Compensation Committee or the Committee; provided, however, that no amendment shall decrease the amount of any Participant's Account as of the date of the amendment. Further, during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (as defined below) and at all times following a Change in Control, no amendment or modification may be made which in any way adversely affects the interests of any Participant with respect to amounts credited to such Participant's Account as of the date of the amendment. A "Potential Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if one of the following events occurs:
|
(a)
|
The Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;
|
(b)
|
The Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control;
|
(c)
|
Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d‑3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of
|
(d)
|
The Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Plan, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.
|
8.3
|
Effect of Payment
. The full payment of the Participant's Account under any provision of the Plan shall completely discharge the Plan's and Employer's obligations to the Participant and the Participant's Beneficiaries under this Plan and the Participant's Election Forms shall terminate.
|
9.1
|
Plan Administration
. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 9, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan. Any individual serving on the Committee who is a Participant shall not vote or act on any matter relating solely to such individual. The Chief Executive Officer may not act on any matter involving such officer's own participation in the Plan. All references to the Committee shall be deemed to include reference to the Chief Executive Officer.
|
9.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
. The Committee (or the Chief Executive Officer if such individual chooses to so act) shall have full and complete discretionary authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan, and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of the Plan, as may arise in connection with the claims procedures set forth in Article 10 or otherwise with regard to the Plan. The Committee shall have complete control and authority to determine the rights and benefits of all claims, demands and actions arising out of the provisions of the Plan of any Participant or Beneficiary or other person having or claiming to have any interest under the Plan. When making a determination or calculation, the Committee may rely on information furnished by a Participant or the Employer. Benefits under the Plan shall be paid only if the Committee decides in its sole discretion that the Participant or Beneficiary is entitled to them. The Committee or the Chief Executive Officer may delegate such powers and duties as it determines for the efficient administration of the Plan.
|
9.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
. For purposes of this Plan, the Company shall be the "Administrator" at all times before a Change in Control. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator shall be an independent third party selected by the individual who, at any time before such event, was the Company's Chief Executive Officer or, if there is no such officer or such officer does not act, by the Company's then highest ranking officer (the "Appointing Officer"). Upon a Change in Control, the Administrator shall have full and complete discretionary power to determine all questions arising in connection with the administration of the Plan and the interpretation of the Plan and Trust including, but not limited to, benefit entitlement determinations. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Company shall (i) pay all reasonable administrative expenses and fees of the Administrator; (ii) indemnify the Administrator against any costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorney's fees) of whatever kind and nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrator in connection with the performance of the duties hereunder, except with respect to matters resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrator or its employees or agents; and (iii) supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the Account balances of the Participants, including the dates of Retirement, Disability, death or Separation from Service and such other pertinent information as the Administrator may reasonably require. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may be terminated (and a replacement appointed) only by an Appointing Officer. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may not be terminated by the Company.
|
9.4
|
Agents
. In the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to an Employer.
|
9.5
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee or its delegate shall have complete discretion to interpret the Plan and to decide all matters under the Plan. Any such interpretation shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Participants, Beneficiaries and any person claiming under or through any Participant, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that the Committee acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
|
9.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
. All Employers shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee, and any other employee to whom the duties of the Committee may be delegated, and the Administrator, as defined in section 9.3, against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Committee, any of its members or any such employee or the Administrator.
|
9.7
|
Employer Information
. To enable the Committee and/or Administrator to perform its functions, each Employer shall supply full and timely information to the Committee on all matters relating to the compensation of its Participants, the dates of the Retirement,
|
9.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
. The benefits provided to a Participant and the Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program for employees of an Employer. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.
|
10.1
|
Presentation of Claim
. Any Participant or Beneficiary (such Participant or Beneficiary being referred to below as a "Claimant") may deliver to the Committee a written claim for benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within 90 days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims shall be made within 180 days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim shall state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant. A claim shall be considered to have been made when a written communication made by the Claimant or the Claimant's representative is received by the Committee.
|
10.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
. The Committee shall consider a Claimant's claim and provide written notice to the Claimant of any denial within a reasonable time, but no later than 90 days after receipt of the claim. If an extension of time beyond the initial 90‑day period for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be provided to the Claimant before the initial 90‑day period expires indicating the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to render a final decision. In no event shall the period, as extended, exceed 180 days. If the Committee denies, in whole or in part, the claim, the notice shall set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:
|
(a)
|
The specific reasons for the denial of the claim, or any part thereof;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to pertinent Plan provisions upon which such denial was based;
|
(c)
|
A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and
|
(d)
|
An explanation of the claim review procedure set forth in section 10.3 below, which explanation shall also include a statement of the Claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following a denial of the claim upon review.
|
10.3
|
Right to Review
. A Claimant is entitled to appeal any claim that has been denied in whole or in part. To do so, the Claimant must submit a written request for review with
|
(a)
|
Review and/or receive copies of, upon request and free of charge, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant's claim;
|
(b)
|
Submit written comments, documents, records or other information relating to the Claimant's claim, which the Committee shall take into account in considering the claim on review, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial review of the claim; and/or
|
(c)
|
Request a hearing, which the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant.
|
10.4
|
Decision on Review
. The Committee shall render its decision on review promptly, and not later than 60 days after it receives a written request for review of the denial, unless a hearing is held or other special circumstances require additional time. In such case, the Committee will notify the Claimant, before the expiration of the initial 60‑day period and in writing, of the need for additional time, the reason the additional time is necessary, and the date (no later than 60 days after expiration of the initial 60‑day period) by which the Committee expects to render its decision on review. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Committee determines that an extension of the initial 60‑day period is required due to the Claimant's failure to submit information necessary for the Committee to decide the claim, the time period by which the Committee must make its determination on review shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the Claimant until the date on which the Claimant responds to the request for additional information. The decision on review shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and shall contain:
|
(a)
|
Specific reasons for the decision;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based;
|
(c)
|
A statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records or other information relevant (within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation section 2560.503‑1(m)(8)) to the Claimant's claim;
|
(d)
|
A statement of the Claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following a wholly or partially denied claim for benefits; and
|
(e)
|
Such other matters as the Committee deems relevant.
|
10.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
. Any notice or decision by the Committee under this Article 10 may be furnished electronically in accordance with Department of Labor Regulation section 2520.104b‑(1)(c)(i), (iii) and (iv).
|
10.6
|
Legal Action
. Any final decision by the Committee shall be binding on all parties. A Claimant's compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Article 10 is a mandatory prerequisite to a Claimant's right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under this Plan. Any such legal action must be initiated no later than 180 days after the Committee renders its final decision. If a final determination of the Committee is challenged in court, such determination shall not be subject to de novo review and shall not be overturned unless proven to be arbitrary and capricious based on the evidence considered by the Committee at the time of such determination.
|
11.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
. The Company may establish a Trust and, if established, each Employer shall contribute such amounts to the Trust from time to time as it deems desirable.
|
11.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Employers, Participants and the creditors of the Employers to the assets transferred to the Trust. Each Employer shall at all times remain liable to carry out its obligations under the Plan.
|
11.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
. Each Employer's obligations under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce the Employer's obligations under this Plan.
|
12.1
|
Status of Plan
. The Plan is intended to be a plan that is not qualified within the meaning of Code section 401(a) and that is unfunded for tax purposes and "is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees" (within the meaning of ERISA). The Plan shall be administered and interpreted in a manner consistent with that intent.
|
12.2
|
Unsecured General Creditor
. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of an Employer, Company or of any other person and nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any employee or any other person such rights. The Plan constitutes a
|
12.3
|
Employer's Liability
. The liability of an Employer for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan and any Election Forms, as entered into between the Employer and a Participant. An Employer shall have no obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.
|
12.4
|
Nonassignability
. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non‑transferable to the maximum extent allowed by law. No part of the amounts payable shall, before actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor shall any part of the same, to the maximum extent allowed by law, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant's or any other person's bankruptcy or insolvency or, except as provided in section 5.10(b), be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.
|
12.5
|
Not a Contract of Employment
. The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between any Employer and the Participant. Such employment is hereby acknowledged to be an "at will" employment relationship that can be terminated at any time for any reason, or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without notice, unless expressly provided in a written employment agreement between an Employer and a Participant. Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of any Employer as an employee, or to interfere with the right of any Employer to discipline or discharge the Participant at any time, with or without cause, or to modify the Base Annual Salary or Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award at any time.
|
12.6
|
Furnishing Information
. A Participant or Beneficiary shall cooperate with the Committee by furnishing any and all information requested by the Committee and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder.
|
12.7
|
Receipt and Release
. Any payment to any Participant or Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Employer, the Committee and a trustee (if any) under the Plan, and the Committee may require such Participant or Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release to such effect.
|
12.8
|
Incompetent
. If the Committee determines in its discretion that a benefit under this Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling disposition of that person's property, the Committee may direct payment of such
|
12.9
|
Governing Law and Severability
. To the extent not preempted by ERISA, the provisions of this Plan shall be construed, administered and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. If any provision is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be fully effective.
|
12.10
|
Notices and Communications
. All notices, statements, reports and other communications from the Committee to any employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person required or permitted under the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered to, when transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or when mailed overnight or by first‑class mail, postage prepaid and addressed to, such employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person at the last known address on the Employer's or Company's records. All elections, designations, requests, notices, instructions and other communications from a Participant, Beneficiary or other person to the Committee required or permitted under the Plan shall be in such form as is prescribed from time to time by the Committee, and shall be mailed by first‑class mail, transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or delivered to such location as shall be specified by the Committee. Such communication shall be deemed to have been given and delivered only upon actual receipt by the Committee at such location.
|
12.11
|
Successors
. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Participant's Employer and its successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant's designated Beneficiaries.
|
12.12
|
Insurance
. An Employer, on its own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in its sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Employer may choose. The Employer or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Employer shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Employer has applied for insurance. The Participant may elect not to be insured.
|
12.13
|
Legal Fees to Enforce Rights After Change in Control
. The Employer is aware that upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Board (which might then be composed of new members) or a shareholder of the Employer, or of any successor corporation, might then cause or attempt to cause the Employer or such successor to refuse to comply with its obligations under the Plan and might cause or attempt to cause the Employer to institute, or may institute, litigation seeking to deny Participants the benefits intended
|
12.14
|
Terms
. Whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.
|
12.15
|
Headings
. Headings and subheadings in the Plan are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.
|
PURPOSE
|
|
1
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
|
|
1
|
|
||
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1.1
|
"Account Balance"
|
|
1
|
|
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1.2
|
"Deferral Amount"
|
|
2
|
|
|
1.3
|
"Annual Installment Method"
|
|
2
|
|
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1.4
|
"Annual Restricted Stock Amount"
|
|
2
|
|
|
1.5
|
"Annual Stock Option Amount"
|
|
2
|
|
|
1.6
|
"Beneficiary"
|
|
3
|
|
|
1.7
|
"Beneficiary Designation Form"
|
|
3
|
|
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1.8
|
"Board"
|
|
3
|
|
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1.9
|
"Change in Control"
|
|
3
|
|
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1.10
|
"Chairman"
|
|
4
|
|
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1.11
|
"Claimant"
|
|
4
|
|
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1.12
|
"Committee"
|
|
4
|
|
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1.13
|
"Company"
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4
|
|
|
1.14
|
"Deferral Account"
|
|
4
|
|
|
1.15
|
"Director"
|
|
4
|
|
|
1.16
|
"Election Form"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.17
|
"Eligible Stock Option"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.18
|
"In Service Payout"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.19
|
"Inactive Participant"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.20
|
"Measurement Funds"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.21
|
"Participant"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.22
|
"Plan"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.23
|
"Plan Year"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.24
|
"Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.25
|
"Qualifying Gain"
|
|
5
|
|
|
1.26
|
"Restricted Stock"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.27
|
"Restricted Stock Account"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.28
|
"Restricted Stock Amount"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.29
|
"Retirement", "Retire(s)" or "Retired"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.30
|
"Retirement Benefit"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.31
|
"Stock"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.32
|
"Stock Option Account"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.33
|
"Stock Option Amount"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.34
|
"Trust"
|
|
6
|
|
|
1.35
|
"Unforeseeable Financial Emergency"
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION FORM FOR DEFERRAL OF DIRECTORS FEES
|
|
7
|
|
||
|
2.1
|
Deferral of Fees
|
|
7
|
|
|
2.2
|
Termination of Deferral of Fees
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 3 DEFERRAL COMMITMENTS/CREDITING/TAXES
|
|
7
|
|
||
|
3.1
|
Stock Option and Restricted Stock Deferral
|
|
7
|
|
|
3.2
|
Withholding of Fee Deferral Amounts
|
|
8
|
|
|
3.3
|
Stock Option Amount
|
|
8
|
|
|
3.4
|
Restricted Stock Amount
|
|
8
|
|
|
3.5
|
Account Balances of Inactive Participants and Other Participants as of July 1, 2002
|
|
8
|
|
|
3.6
|
Investment of Trust Assets
|
|
8
|
|
|
3.7
|
Sources of Stock
|
|
8
|
|
|
3.8
|
Vesting
|
|
9
|
|
|
3.9
|
Crediting/Debiting of Account Balances
|
|
9
|
|
|
3.10
|
Distributions
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 4 IN SERVICE PAYOUT; UNFORESEEABLE FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES;
|
|
|
|||
|
WITHDRAWAL ELECTION
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
In Service Payout
|
|
12
|
|
|
4.2
|
Other Benefits Take Precedence Over In Service
|
|
13
|
|
|
4.3
|
Withdrawal Payout/Suspensions for Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies
|
|
13
|
|
|
4.4
|
Withdrawal Election
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 5 RETIREMENT BENEFIT
|
|
13
|
|
||
|
5.1
|
Retirement Benefit
|
|
13
|
|
|
5.2
|
Payment of Retirement Benefit
|
|
13
|
|
|
5.3
|
Death Prior to Completion of Retirement Benefit
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 6 PRE-RETIREMENT SURVIVOR BENEFIT
|
|
14
|
|
||
|
6.1
|
Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit
|
|
14
|
|
|
6.2
|
Payment of Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 7 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
|
|
14
|
|
||
|
7.1
|
Beneficiary
|
|
14
|
|
|
7.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
|
|
14
|
|
|
7.3
|
Acknowledgment
|
|
15
|
|
|
7.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
|
|
15
|
|
|
7.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
|
|
15
|
|
|
7.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
|
|
15
|
|
||
|
8.1
|
Termination
|
|
15
|
|
|
8.2
|
Amendment
|
|
16
|
|
|
8.3
|
Effect of Payment
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 9 ADMINISTRATION
|
|
17
|
|
||
|
9.1
|
Committee Duties
|
|
17
|
|
|
9.2
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
|
|
17
|
|
|
9.3
|
Agents
|
|
18
|
|
|
9.4
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
|
|
18
|
|
|
9.5
|
Indemnity of Committee
|
|
18
|
|
|
9.6
|
Company and Participating Subsidiary Information
|
|
18
|
|
|
9.7
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 10 CLAIMS PROCEDURES
|
|
18
|
|
||
|
10.1
|
Presentation of Claim
|
|
18
|
|
|
10.2
|
Notification of Decision
|
|
19
|
|
|
10.3
|
Review of a Denied Claim
|
|
19
|
|
|
10.4
|
Decision on Review
|
|
19
|
|
|
10.5
|
Legal Action
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 11 TRUST
|
|
20
|
|
||
|
11.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
|
|
20
|
|
|
11.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
|
|
20
|
|
|
11.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS
|
|
20
|
|
||
|
12.1
|
Unsecured General Creditor
|
|
20
|
|
|
12.2
|
Liability
|
|
20
|
|
|
12.3
|
Nonassignability
|
|
21
|
|
|
12.4
|
Furnishing Information
|
|
21
|
|
|
12.5
|
Terms
|
|
21
|
|
|
12.6
|
Captions
|
|
21
|
|
|
12.7
|
Governing Law
|
|
21
|
|
|
12.8
|
Notice
|
|
21
|
|
|
12.9
|
Successors
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.10
|
Validity
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.11
|
Incompetent
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.12
|
Court Order
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.13
|
Distribution in the Event of Taxation
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.14
|
Insurance
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.15
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.16
|
Payout Under Special Circumstances
|
|
23
|
|
1.1
|
"Account Balance"
shall mean, with respect to a Participant, a credit on the records of the Company equal to the sum of all deferrals. The Account Balance shall be a bookkeeping entry only and shall be utilized solely as a device for the measurement and determination of the amounts to be paid to a Participant, or his or her designated Beneficiary, pursuant to this Plan.
|
1.2
|
"Deferral Amount"
shall mean that portion of a Participant's fees for services as a Director a Participant elects to have, and is deferred, in accordance with Article 2.
|
1.3
|
"Annual Installment Method"
shall be an annual installment payment over the number of years selected by the Participant, not to exceed 20, in accordance with this Plan, as set forth below. In each case, the Account Balance of the Participant shall be calculated as of the close of business on the last business day of the year. Each annual installment, regardless of the method selected, shall be payable within 60 days after February 1st of each year. The alternative methods allowable are as follows:
|
(a)
|
Fractional Method
. The annual installment shall be calculated by multiplying this balance by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is the remaining number of annual payments due the Participant. By way of example, if the Participant elects a 10 year Annual Installment Method, the first payment shall be 1/10 of the Account Balance, calculated as described in this definition. The following year, the payment shall be 1/9 of the Account Balance, calculated as described in this definition.
|
(b)
|
Percentage or Fixed Dollar Method
. The annual installment shall be calculated by multiplying this balance in the case of the percentage method, by the percentage selected by the Participant and paying out the resulting amount, or in the case of the fixed dollar method, by paying out the fixed dollar amount selected by the Participant, for the number of years selected by the Participant. However, in the event the dollar amount selected is greater than the Account Balance in any given year, the entire Account Balance will be distributed. Further, regardless of the method selected by the Participant, the final installment payment will include 100% of the then remaining Account Balance.
|
(c)
|
Special Installment Method
. Under this alternative method, the Participant selects both the number of years and a specified interest rate, which is then used to calculate a level fixed dollar amount of annual payouts which would exhaust the Account Balance over such number of years, if actual performance of the elected Measurement Funds were identical to the specified interest rate. However, in recognition of the fact that such exact conformity is unlikely, in the event the calculated level fixed dollar amount is greater than the Account Balance in any given year, the entire Account Balance will be distributed. Further, the final installment payment will include 100% of the then remaining Account Balance.
|
1.4
|
"Annual Restricted Stock Amount"
shall mean, with respect to a Participant for any one Plan Year, the portion of the Restricted Stock Amount attributable to Restricted Stock which would otherwise vest during that year and which is deferred in accordance with section 3.1(c) of this Plan.
|
1.5
|
"Annual Stock Option Amount"
shall mean, with respect to a Participant for any one Plan Year, the portion of the Stock Option Amount which is attributable to Eligible Stock Option exercise during that year and which is deferred in accordance with section 3.1(a) and (b) of this Plan.
|
1.6
|
"Beneficiary"
shall mean one or more persons, trusts, estates or other entities, designated in accordance with Article 7, that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan upon the death of a Participant.
|
1.7
|
"Beneficiary Designation Form"
shall mean the form established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes, signs and submits in accordance with rules established by the Committee to designate one or more Beneficiaries.
|
1.8
|
"Board"
shall mean the board of directors of the Company and the Board of any subsidiary of the Company that the Company has authorized to participate in the plan.
|
1.9
|
"Change in Control"
with respect to the Company shall mean the occurrence of any one of the events set forth below:
|
(a)
|
any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates) representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (i) of paragraph (c) below; or
|
(b)
|
the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the date hereof, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two‑thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or
|
(c)
|
there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than (i) a merger or consolidation immediately following which the directors of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the surviving entity or any parent thereof or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates) representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or
|
(d)
|
the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement (or series of related agreements) for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, disregarding any sale or disposition to a company at least a majority of the directors of which were directors of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition; or
|
(e)
|
the Board of Directors of the Company determines in its sole and absolute discretion that there has been a Change in Control of the Company.
|
1.10
|
"Chairman"
shall mean the Chairman of the Board of the Company.
|
1.11
|
"Claimant"
shall have the meaning set forth in section 10.1.
|
1.12
|
"Committee"
shall mean an internal administrative committee appointed by the Chairman to administer the Plan described in Article 9.
|
1.13
|
"Company"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company's assets or business. Prior to June 29, 2015, the Company was known as Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
|
1.14
|
"Deferral Account"
shall mean (i) the sum of all of a Participant's Deferral Amounts, plus (ii) amounts credited in accordance with all the applicable crediting provisions of this Plan that relate to the Participant's Deferral Account, less (iii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to this Plan that relate to his or her Deferral Account.
|
1.15
|
"Director"
solely for purposes of this Plan shall mean any director of the Company or a participating subsidiary who is not also an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. This plan is solely for "outside" Directors. Notwithstanding anything in
|
1.16
|
"Election Form"
shall mean the form established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes, signs and submits to make an election under the Plan. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media.
|
1.17
|
"Eligible Stock Option"
shall mean one or more non‑qualified stock option(s) selected by the Committee in its sole discretion and exercisable under a plan or arrangement of any Company permitting a Participant under this Plan to defer gain with respect to such option.
|
1.18
|
"In Service Payout"
shall mean the payout set forth in section 4.1.
|
1.19
|
"Inactive Participant"
shall mean an individual who at one point was a Participant in the Plan or a predecessor non‑qualified deferred compensation plan and has an undistributed Account Balance, but is no longer eligible to make deferral elections under the Plan.
|
1.20
|
"Measurement Funds"
shall mean the hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan, as provided in section 3.9, to determine the earnings and losses credited to a Participant's Account Balance.
|
1.21
|
"Participant"
shall mean any Director who chooses to participate in the Plan. A spouse or former spouse of a Participant shall not be treated as a Participant in the Plan or have an account balance under the Plan, even if he or she has an interest in the Participant's benefits under the Plan as a result of applicable law or property settlements resulting from legal separation or divorce.
|
1.22
|
"Plan"
shall mean the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. Prior to January 1, 2005, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
1.23
|
"Plan Year"
shall mean a period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year and continuing through December 31 of such calendar year.
|
1.24
|
"Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit"
shall mean the benefit set forth in Article 6.
|
1.25
|
"Qualifying Gain"
shall mean the value accrued upon exercise of an Eligible Stock Option (i) using a Stock‑for‑Stock payment method and (ii) having an aggregate fair market value in excess of the total Stock purchase price necessary to exercise the option. In other words, the Qualifying Gain upon exercise of an Eligible Stock Option equals the total market value of the shares (or share equivalent units) acquired minus the total stock purchase price. For example, assume a Participant elects to defer the Qualifying Gain accrued upon exercise of an Eligible Stock Option to purchase 1000 shares of Stock at an exercise price of $20 per share, when Stock has a current fair market value of $25 per share. Using the Stock‑for‑Stock payment method, the Participant would deliver
|
1.26
|
"Restricted Stock"
shall mean unvested shares of Stock which is restricted stock selected by the Committee in its sole discretion and awarded to the Participant under any Company stock incentive plan or arrangement.
|
1.27
|
"Restricted Stock Account"
shall mean (i) the sum of the Participant's Annual Restricted Stock Amounts, plus (ii) amounts credited/debited in accordance with all the applicable crediting/debiting provisions of this Plan that relate to the Participant's Restricted Stock Account, less (iii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to this Plan that relate to the Participant's Restricted Stock Account.
|
1.28
|
"Restricted Stock Amount"
shall mean, for any grant of Restricted Stock, an amount equal to the value of such Restricted Stock, calculated using the average of the reported high and low prices for the Stock as of the day such Restricted Stock would otherwise vest (if a business day) or as of the next following business day.
|
1.29
|
"Retirement", "Retire(s)" or "Retired"
shall mean, with respect to a Director and solely for the purposes of this Plan, the date when the Director's service as a director for the Company and all of the Company's subsidiaries has ceased for any reason other than death.
|
1.30
|
"Retirement Benefit"
shall mean the benefit set forth in Article 5.
|
1.31
|
"Stock"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc. common stock. Prior to June 29, 2015, "Stock" means Wisconsin Energy Corporation common stock.
|
1.32
|
"Stock Option Account"
shall mean the sum of (i) the Participant's Annual Stock Option Amounts, plus (ii) amounts credited/debited in accordance with all the applicable crediting/debiting provisions of this Plan that relate to the Participant's Stock Option Account, less (iii) all distributions made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary pursuant to this Plan that relate to the Participant's Stock Option Account.
|
1.33
|
"Stock Option Amount"
shall mean, for any Eligible Stock Option, the amount of Qualifying Gains, calculated using the average of the reported high and low prices for the Stock as of the day of exercise (if a business day) or as of the next following business day.
|
1.34
|
"Trust"
shall mean any fund created by a rabbi trust agreement established by the Company, and as amended from time to time.
|
1.35
|
"Unforeseeable Financial Emergency"
shall mean an unanticipated emergency that is caused by an event beyond the control of the Participant that would result in severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from (i) a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of the Participant or a dependent of the Participant, (ii) a loss of the Participant's
|
2.1
|
Deferral of Fees
. The annual fees payable to a Director for any calendar year are currently payable in lump sum in January of each calendar year. All or any portion of such fees may be deferred, provided the Director elects to do so on an Election Form filed with the Committee no later than December 31
st
of the calendar year prior to the calendar year for which such annual fees otherwise become payable. All or any portion of any additional meeting or other fees for a Director's services which have not yet been earned by the performance of such service may be deferred by a Director on an Election Form filed with the Committee, with any such Form to become effective on the first day of the calendar month following receipt of the form.
|
2.2
|
Termination of Deferral of Fees
. A Director may revoke or change his or her election with request to deferral of fees by timely delivering to the Committee in accordance with its rules and procedures a new Election Form before the end of the month preceding the month for which the election will be effective. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, any Election Form or revocation will be given prospective effective only and may not affect prior deferrals.
|
3.1
|
Stock Option and Restricted Stock Deferral
.
|
(a)
|
For each Eligible Stock Option, a Participant may elect to defer up to 100% of his or her Stock Option Amount
. Stock Option Amounts may also be limited by other terms or conditions set forth in the plan or arrangement under which such options are granted.
|
(b)
|
Stock Option Deferral
. For an election to defer Stock Option Amounts to be valid: (i) a separate Election Form must be completed and signed by the Participant with respect to the Eligible Stock Option; (ii) the Election Form must be timely delivered to the Committee and accepted by the Committee at least six months prior to the date the Participant elects to exercise the Eligible Stock Option; (iii) the Election Form shall be irrevocable from and after the date which is six months prior to the date the Participant elects to exercise the Eligible Stock Option; and (iv) the Eligible Stock Option must be exercised using the Stock‑for‑Stock payment method (directly or by attestation).
|
(c)
|
For each grant of Restricted Stock, a Participant may elect to defer up to 100% of his or her Restricted Stock Amounts
. Deferrals of Restricted Stock Amounts may also be limited by other terms or conditions as set forth in the plan or arrangement under which such Restricted Stock granted.
|
3.2
|
Withholding of Fee Deferral Amounts
. For each Plan Year, the amount of fees deferred shall be withheld and credited to the Participants Account Balance as of the date or dates the deferred fees would otherwise have been payable.
|
3.3
|
Stock Option Amount
. Deferred Stock Option Amounts shall be credited to the Participant on the books of the Company at the time Stock would otherwise have been delivered to the Participant pursuant to the Eligible Stock Option exercise, but for the election to defer.
|
3.4
|
Restricted Stock Amount
. Deferred Restricted Stock Amounts shall be credited to the Participant on the books of the Company at the time the Restricted Stock would otherwise vest under the terms of the plan or arrangement pursuant to which the Restricted Stock was granted, but for the election to defer.
|
3.5
|
Account Balances of Inactive Participants and other Participants as of July 1, 2002
. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan, the Account Balance of any Inactive Participant (or beneficiary thereof) who is no longer a Director as of July 1, 2002, and whose Account Balance is in pay status under the terms of this Plan as it existed prior to July 1, 2002 (the "Prior Plan") shall continue to be administered and distributed as provided under the terms of the Prior Plan (unless and to the extent otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in a manner consistent with the terms of the relevant Prior Plan). Further, the Account Balance of any Director who was a participant in the Prior Plan and who continues as a Director on or after July 1, 2002 will remain subject to the distribution method elected under the Prior Plan unless and until a new distribution method has been elected under this Plan and become effective.
|
3.6
|
Investment of Trust Assets
. The Trustee of the Trust shall be authorized, upon written instructions received from the Committee or investment manager appointed by the Committee, to invest and reinvest the assets of the Trust in accordance with the applicable Trust Agreement, including the disposition of Stock and reinvestment of the proceeds in one or more investment vehicles designated by the Committee.
|
3.7
|
Sources of Stock
. If Stock is credited under the Plan in the Trust in connection with a deferral of Stock Option or Restricted Stock Amounts, the shares so credited shall be deemed to have originated, and shall be counted against the number of shares reserved, under such other plan, program or arrangement which awarded the Eligible Stock Option and Restricted Stock.
|
3.8
|
Vesting
. A Participant shall at all times be 100% vested in his or her Deferral Account, Stock Option Account and Restricted Stock Account.
|
3.9
|
Crediting/Debiting of Account Balances
. Subject to section 3.9(f) and (g) below, and accordance with, and subject to, the rules and procedures that are established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, amounts shall be credited or debited to a Participant's Account Balance in accordance with the following rules:
|
(a)
|
Election of Measurement Funds
. Subject to section 3.9(f) and (g) below, a Participant, in connection with his or her initial deferral election in accordance with section 3.2 above, or in connection with the restatement of this Plan effective as of July 1, 2002, shall elect, on the Election Form, Measurement Fund(s) to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to his or her Account Balance, unless changed in accordance with the next sentence. Subject to section 3.9(f) and (g) below, commencing with the Participant's commencement of participation in the Plan and continuing thereafter, the Participant may (but is not required to) elect, by submitting an Election Form to the Committee that is accepted by the Committee, to add or delete Measurement Fund(s) to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to his or her Account Balance, or to change the portion of his or her Account Balance allocated to each previously or newly elected Measurement Fund. If an election is made in accordance with the previous sentence, it shall apply thereafter in accordance with the rules of the Committee for all subsequent periods in which the Participant participates in the Plan, unless changed in accordance with the previous provisions.
|
(b)
|
Proportionate Allocation
. In making any election described in section 3.9(a) above, the Participant shall specify on the Election Form, in increments of one percentage point (1%), the percentage of his or her Account Balance to be allocated to a Measurement Fund (as if the Participant was making an investment in that Measurement Fund with that portion of his or her Account Balance).
|
(c)
|
Measurement Funds
. Amounts credited to each Participant's Account Balance shall be deemed invested, in accordance with the Participant's directions, in Measurement Funds that are available under the Plan. The hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan shall be those designated by the Committee, from time to time in its discretion, following recommendations by the WEC Energy Group Investment Trust Policy Committee. Subject to section 3.9(f) and (g) below, the Participant may elect one or both of the following Measurement Funds for the purpose of crediting additional amounts to his or her Account Balance: (i) the Prime Rate Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in a hypothetical debt instrument which earns interest at an annualized interest rate equal to the "Prime Rate" as reported each business day by the Wall Street Journal, with interest deemed reinvested in additional units of such hypothetical debt instrument); or (ii) a Company Stock Measurement Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in shares of Stock, with dividends deemed reinvested in additional shares of Stock).
|
(d)
|
Crediting or Debiting Method
. The performance of each elected Measurement Fund (either positive or negative) will be determined by the Committee, in its reasonable discretion, based on the performance of the Measurement Funds themselves. A Participant's Account Balance shall be credited or debited on a periodic basis based on the performance of each Measurement Fund selected by the Participant, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Participant's Annual Stock Option Amount(s) shall be credited to his or her Stock Option Account no later than the close of business on the first business day after the day on which the Eligible Stock Option was exercised or otherwise disposed of. The Participant's Annual Restricted Stock Amount shall be credited to his or her Restricted Stock Account no later than the close of business on the first business day after the day on which the Participant would have become vested in and received the Restricted Stock, but for the election to defer.
|
(e)
|
No Actual Investment
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan that may be interpreted to the contrary, the Measurement Funds are to be used for measurement purposes only, and a Participant's election of any such Measurement Fund, the allocation to his or her Account Balance thereto, the calculation of additional amounts and the crediting or debiting of such amounts to a Participant's Account Balance shall not be considered or construed in any manner as an actual investment of his or her Account Balance in any such Measurement Fund. In the event that the Company or the Trustee (as that term is defined in the Trust), in its own discretion, decides to invest funds in any or all of the Measurement Funds, no Participant shall have any rights in or to such investments themselves. Without limiting the foregoing, a Participant's Account Balance shall at all times be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not represent any investment made on his
|
(f)
|
Special Rule for Stock Option and Restricted Stock Accounts
. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan that may be construed to the contrary, the Participant's Stock Option and Restricted Stock Accounts shall be deemed invested in the Company Stock Measurement Fund at all times prior to distribution from this Plan. Further, the Participant's Stock Option Account and Restricted Stock Account shall be distributed from this Plan in the form of cash. In addition, any amounts attributable to Deferral Amounts which, pursuant to a determination of the Board, would otherwise have been paid in Stock and which were permitted to be deferred by the Board upon the condition that they be invested in the Company Stock Measurement Fund shall be treated the same as Stock Option Accounts and Restricted Stock Accounts and shall continue to be held in the Company Stock Measurement Fund notwithstanding any election of the Participant to the contrary and shall be distributed from this Plan in the form of cash.
|
(g)
|
Special Considerations For Participants Subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
. Prior to July 1, 2002, different rules pertained with respect to amounts allocated to the Company Stock Measurement Fund. Any amounts so allocated could not be moved out of such Fund at any time prior to distribution. Such restriction was dropped from the Plan effective as of July 1, 2002. In order that any election by a Participant who is a director subject to the reporting requirements and trading restrictions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 16") will conform to Section 16, such a Participant should consult with the designated individual at the Company responsible for Section 16 reporting and compliance
prior to
making any election to move any part of his or her Account Balance into or out of the Company Stock Measurement Fund. In general, compliance with Section 16 will require that:
|
(i)
|
Any election to move any part of an Account Balance into or out of the Company Stock Measurement Fund (including any election to receive a payout in service under section 4.1, in the event of Unforeseeable Financial Emergency under section 4.3, or under the 10% withdrawal penalty rules of section 4.4), which elections will be deemed made for purposes of these provisions only as of the date of such deemed investment transfers or proposed payouts, should only be effected if made at least six months following the date of the most recent "opposite way" election (as explained below) made by such Participant with respect to this Plan or any plan of the Company or its affiliates that also constituted a "discretionary transaction" within the meaning of Rule 16b‑3(b)(1) under Section 16.
|
(ii)
|
An "opposite way" election means (x) in case of an election by a Participant to move any part of an Account Balance into the Company Stock Measurement Fund, an election that was a disposition of Stock or an interest in a phantom Company Stock fund or similar security, or (y) in case of any election by a Participant to move any part of an Account
|
(iii)
|
Any change of election to an alternative payout period made under section 5.2 by such a Participant may only be given effect if it is approved by the Chairman (or if such change is requested by the Chairman at any time when the Chairman is also a Director participating in this Plan, such change may be given effect only if it is approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board, excluding the Chairman).
|
3.10
|
Distributions
. Any applicable tax withholding or reporting requirements with regard to amounts verified under and paid from this Plan shall be satisfied as determined by the Company in its sole discretion. All lump‑sum payments and final payments of the remaining balance of any Account Balance shall be calculated based upon the value of the Account Balance determined (unless and until the Company chooses another ending valuation date) as of the last business day of the calendar year quarter immediately preceding the date of payment (the "Ending Valuation Date"). All rights on the part of a Participant or any other person to elect or change the Measurement Funds under section 3.9 shall be deemed to have ceased as of such Ending Valuation Date and no adjustment in the value of an Account Balance shall be considered for any purpose after such Ending Valuation Date.
|
4.1
|
In Service Payout
. In connection with and at the time of each election to defer a Deferral Amount, a Participant may irrevocably elect, on a prospective basis only, to receive a future "In Service Payout" from the Plan with respect to such Deferral Amount. The In Service Payout shall be a lump‑sum payment in an amount that is expressed either as a fixed dollar amount or as a percentage of the Deferral Amount plus amounts credited or debited thereto, determined at the time that the In Service Payout becomes payable (rather than the date of a Retirement). Subject to the other terms and conditions of this Plan, each In Service Payout elected shall be paid out during a 90‑day period commencing immediately after the last day of any Plan Year designated by the Participant that is at least two Plan Years after the Plan Year in which the Deferral Amount is actually deferred. By way of example, if a two year In Service Payout is elected for Deferral Amounts that are deferred in the Plan Year commencing January 1, 2003, the two‑year In Service Payout would become payable during a 90‑day period commencing January 1, 2006.
|
4.2
|
Other Benefits Take Precedence Over In Service
. Should an event occur that triggers a benefit under Article 5, 6, or 8, any Deferral Amount, plus amounts credited or debited thereon, that is subject to an In Service Payout election under section 4.1 shall not be paid in accordance with section 4.1 but shall be paid in accordance with the other applicable Article.
|
4.3
|
Withdrawal Payout/Suspensions for Unforeseeable Financial Emergencies
. If the Participant experiences an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, the Participant may petition the Committee to (i) suspend any deferrals required to be made by a Participant and/or (ii) receive a partial or full payout from the Plan. The payout shall not exceed the lesser of the Participant's Account Balance, calculated as if such Participant were receiving a Retirement Benefit, or the amount reasonably needed to satisfy the Unforeseeable Financial Emergency. If, subject to the sole discretion of the Committee, the petition for a suspension and/or payout is approved, suspension shall take effect upon the date of approval and any payout shall be made within 90 days of the date of approval.
|
4.4
|
Withdrawal Election
. A Participant (or, after a Participant's death, his or her Beneficiary) may elect, at any time, to withdraw part or all of his or her Account Balance, calculated as if there had occurred a Retirement as of the day of the election, less a withdrawal penalty equal to 10% of such amount (the net amount shall be referred to as the "Withdrawal Amount"). This election can be made at any time, before or after Retirement or death, and whether or not the Participant (or Beneficiary) is in the process of being paid pursuant to an installment payment schedule. If made before Retirement, or death, a Participant's Withdrawal Amount shall be calculated based on his or her Account Balance as if there had occurred a Retirement as of the day of the election. Any partial withdrawal must be at least equal to $25,000, or such higher amount as the Committee may establish from time to time. The Participant (or his or her Beneficiary) shall make this election by giving the Committee advance written notice of the election in a form determined from time to time by the Committee. The Participant (or his or her Beneficiary) shall be paid the Withdrawal Amount within 90 days of his or her election.
|
5.1
|
Retirement Benefit
. A Participant who Retires shall receive, as a Retirement Benefit, his or her Account Balance.
|
5.2
|
Payment of Retirement Benefit
. A Participant, in connection with his or her commencement of participation in the Plan, shall elect on an Election Form to receive the Retirement Benefit in a lump sum or pursuant to an Annual Installment Method, provided that any such Election Form is submitted at least one year prior to the Participant's Retirement. Any change to an alternative payout is also subject to the rules in section 3.9(g)(iii). The Election Form most recently accepted shall govern the payout of the Retirement Benefit. If a Participant does not make any election with respect to the payment of the Retirement Benefit, then such benefit shall be payable in a lump sum. The lump‑sum payment shall be made, or installment payments shall commence, no later than 90 days after the last day of the Plan Year in which the Participant Retires.
|
5.3
|
Death Prior to Completion of Retirement Benefit.
If a Participant dies after Retirement but before the Retirement Benefit is paid in full, the Participant's unpaid Retirement Benefit payments shall continue and shall be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary (a) over the remaining number of years and in the same amounts as that benefit would have been paid to the Participant had the Participant survived, or (b) in a lump sum, if requested by the Beneficiary and allowed in the sole discretion of the Committee, that is equal to the Participant's unpaid remaining Account Balance.
|
6.1
|
Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit
. The Participant's Beneficiary shall receive a Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit equal to the Participant's Account Balance if the Participant dies before he or she Retires.
|
6.2
|
Payment of Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit
. A Participant, in connection with his or her commencement of participation in the Plan, shall elect on an Election Form whether the Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit shall be received by his or her Beneficiary in a lump sum or pursuant to an Annual Installment Method. The Participant may annually change this election to an allowable alternative payout period by submitting a new Election Form to the Committee, which form is accepted by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Election Form most recently accepted by the Committee prior to the Participant's death shall govern the payout of the Participant's Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit. If a Participant does not make any election with respect to the payment of the Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit, then such benefit shall be paid in a lump sum. Despite the foregoing, if the Participant's Account Balance at the time of his or her death is less than $25,000, payment of the Pre‑Retirement Survivor Benefit may be made, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in a lump sum. The lump‑sum payment shall be made, or installment payments shall commence, no later than 90 days after the last day of the Plan Year in which the Committee is provided with proof that is satisfactory to the Committee of the Participant's death.
|
7.1
|
Beneficiary
. Each Participant shall have the right, at any time, to designate his or her Beneficiary(ies) (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan to a beneficiary upon the death of a Participant. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of a Company in which the Participant participates.
|
7.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
. A Participant shall designate his or her Beneficiary by completing and submitting a Beneficiary Designation Form. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format. A Participant shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by completing, signing and otherwise complying with the terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Committee's rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance
|
7.3
|
Acknowledgment
. No designation or change in designation of a Beneficiary shall be effective until received and acknowledged in writing by the Committee or its designated agent.
|
7.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in sections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 above or, if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die prior to complete distribution of the Participant's benefits, then the remaining benefits in the Participant's Account Balance shall be paid to the Participant's surviving spouse, if none, to the Participant's descendants by right of representation or, if none, to the Participant's next of kin determined pursuant to the laws of the state in which the Company's principal place of business is located as if the Participant had died unmarried and intestate.
|
7.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
. If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments pursuant to this Plan, the Committee shall have the right, exercisable in its discretion, to cause the Company or the participating subsidiary to withhold such payments until this matter is resolved to the Committee's satisfaction.
|
7.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
. The payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge the Company and any participating subsidiary and the Committee from all further obligations under this Plan with respect to the Participant, and that Participant's Election Form(s) shall terminate upon such full payment of benefits.
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8.1
|
Termination
. Although the Company anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that the Company will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, the Company reserves the right to discontinue its sponsorship of the Plan and/or to terminate the Plan at any time or to exclude any participating subsidiary from further participation at any time, by action of the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee. Upon the termination of the Plan by the Company or exclusion of any participating subsidiary, the Election Form(s) of the affected Participants shall terminate. The Company may decide that the Account Balances of the affected participants shall continue to be held under the provisions of this Plan (but with no further deferrals to be made by the affected Participants) until an event occurs which would otherwise cause a payout to be made hereunder. Alternatively, the Company may determine to distribute all Account Balances of affected Participants in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Plan termination. As a third alternative the Employer may determine to proceed
|
8.2
|
Amendment
. The Company has the sole right to amend or modify the Plan and may do so at any time, in whole or in part, by the action of its Board of Directors or Compensation Committee; provided, however, that: (i) no amendment shall be effective to decrease the value of a Participant's Account Balance in existence at the time the amendment or modification is made, and (ii) no amendment shall adversely affect any Participant or Beneficiary who has become entitled to benefits as of the date of the amendment. Further, during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (as defined below) and at all times following a Change in Control, no amendment or modification may be made which in any way adversely affects the interests of any Participant with respect to amounts credited to such Participant's Account Balance as of the date of the amendment. A "Potential Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if the event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have occurred:
|
(a)
|
the Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;
|
(b)
|
the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control;
|
(c)
|
any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 15% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates); or
|
(d)
|
the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.
|
8.3
|
Effect of Payment
. The full payment of the applicable benefit under any provision of the Plan shall completely discharge all obligations to a Participant and his or her designated Beneficiaries under this Plan and the Participant's Election Form(s) shall terminate.
|
9.1
|
Committee Duties
. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 9, this Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan. The Committee (or the Chairman, if such individual chooses to so act) shall also have full and complete discretionary authority to (i) make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise in connection with the claims procedures set forth in Article 10 or otherwise with regard to the Plan. Any individual serving on the Committee who is a Participant shall not vote or act on any matter relating solely to himself or herself. The Chairman may not act on any matter involving such individual's own participation in the Plan. All references to the Committee shall be deemed to include reference to the Chairman. When making a determination or calculation, the Committee shall be entitled to rely on information furnished by a Participant or the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Committee shall have the power, in its sole and absolute discretion, to grant or deny a request from any Participant, Inactive Participant or Beneficiary for acceleration in payment of any Account Balance held with respect to such person. This discretionary power shall reside with the Committee under this section 9.1 and with Administrator under section 9.2.
|
9.2
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
. For purposes of this Plan, the Company shall be the "Administrator" at all times prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control. Upon and after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the "Administrator" shall be an independent third party selected by the individual who, at any time prior to such event, was the Company's Chief Executive Officer or, if there is no such officer or such officer does not act, by the Company's then highest ranking officer (the "Appointing Officer"). Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Administrator shall have full and complete discretionary power to determine all questions arising in connection with the administration of the Plan and the interpretation of the Plan and Trust including, but not limited to benefit entitlement determinations. Upon and after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company must: (1) pay all reasonable administrative expenses and fees of the Administrator; (2) indemnify the Administrator against any costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorney's fees) of whatsoever kind and nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrator in connection with the performance of the Administrator hereunder, except with respect to matters resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrator or its employees or agents; and (3) supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the Account Balances of the Participants, including the dates of Retirement or death of the Participants, and such other pertinent information as the Administrator may reasonably
|
9.3
|
Agents
. In the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to any Company.
|
9.4
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
. The decision or action of the Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.
|
9.5
|
Indemnity of Committee
. The Company and each participating subsidiary shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee, and any other person who is an employee of the Company or a participating subsidiary and to whom the duties of the Committee may be delegated, and the Administrator against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Committee, any of its members, any such employee or the Administrator.
|
9.6
|
Company and Participating Subsidiary Information
. To enable the Committee and/or Administrator to perform its functions, the Company and each participating subsidiary shall supply full and timely information to the Committee and/or Administrator, as the case may be, on all matters relating to the compensation of its Participants, the dates of the Retirement or death of its Participants, and such other pertinent information as the Committee or Administrator may reasonably require.
|
9.7
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
. The benefits provided for a Participant and Participant's Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program available to them. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.
|
10.1
|
Presentation of Claim
. Any Participant or Beneficiary of a deceased Participant (such Participant or Beneficiary being referred to below as a "Claimant") may deliver to the Committee a written claim for a determination with respect to the amounts distributable to such Claimant from the Plan. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within 90 days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims must be made within 180 days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim must state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant.
|
10.2
|
Notification of Decision
. The Committee shall consider a Claimant's claim within a reasonable time, and shall notify the Claimant in writing:
|
(a)
|
that the Claimant's requested determination has been made, and that the claim has been allowed in full; or
|
(b)
|
that the Committee has reached a conclusion contrary, in whole or in part, to the Claimant's requested determination, and such notice must set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:
|
(i)
|
the specific reason(s) for the denial of the claim, or any part of it;
|
(ii)
|
specific reference(s) to pertinent provisions of the Plan upon which such denial was based;
|
(iii)
|
a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and
|
(iv)
|
an explanation of the claim review procedure set forth in section 10.3 below.
|
10.3
|
Review of a Denied Claim
. A Claimant is entitled to request a review of any claim that has been denied in whole or in part. However, in order to obtain such review, the Claimant must submit a written request for review with the Committee within 60 days after receiving a notice from the Committee that a claim has been denied, in whole or in part. Absent receipt by the Committee of a written request for review within such 60‑day period, the claim will be deemed to be conclusively denied. After the timely filing of a request for review, but not later than 30 days after the review procedure began, the Claimant (or the Claimant's duly authorized representative):
|
(a)
|
may review pertinent documents;
|
(b)
|
may submit written comments or other documents; and/or
|
(c)
|
may request a hearing, which the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant.
|
10.4
|
Decision on Review
. The Committee shall render its decision on review promptly, and not later than 60 days after the filing of a written request for review of the denial, unless a hearing is held or other special circumstances require additional time, in which case the Committee's decision must be rendered within 120 days after such date. Such decision must be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and it must contain:
|
(a)
|
specific reasons for the decision;
|
(b)
|
specific reference(s) to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based; and
|
(c)
|
such other matters as the Committee deems relevant.
|
10.5
|
Legal Action
. Any final decision by the Committee shall be binding on all parties. A Claimant's compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Article 10 is a mandatory prerequisite to a Claimant's right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under this Plan. If a final determination of the Committee is challenged in court, such determination shall not be subject to de novo review and shall not be overturned unless proven to be arbitrary and capricious based on the evidence considered by the Committee at the time of such determination.
|
11.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
. The Company shall establish the Trust, and the Company and each participating subsidiary shall contribute such amounts to the Trust from time to time as it deems desirable. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company and each participating subsidiary shall at least annually transfer over to the Trust such assets as the Company determines, in its sole discretion, are necessary so that Trust assets are at least equal to the Account Balances of Participants and Beneficiaries who had become entitled to benefits prior to November 1, 2003.
|
11.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Company and any participating subsidiary , Participants and the creditors of the Company and each participating subsidiary to the assets transferred to the Trust. The Company and each participating subsidiary shall at all times remain liable to carry out their obligations under the Plan.
|
11.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
. The obligations of the Company and each participating subsidiary under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce their obligations under this Plan.
|
12.1
|
Unsecured General Creditor
. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of the Company and each participating subsidiary. For purposes of the payment of benefits under this Plan, any and all of the assets of the Company and each participating subsidiary shall be, and remain, the general, unpledged unrestricted assets of each. The obligation of the Company and each participating subsidiary under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money in the future.
|
12.2
|
Liability
. The liability of the Company and each participating subsidiary for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan and any Election Form(s), as entered into between the Company and a Participant. Neither the Company nor any
|
12.3
|
Nonassignability
. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non‑transferable to the maximum extent allowed by law. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor shall any part of the same, to the maximum extent allowed by law, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant's or any other person's bankruptcy or insolvency or be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.
|
12.4
|
Furnishing Information
. A Participant or his or her Beneficiary will cooperate with the Committee by furnishing any and all information requested by the Committee and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder, including but not limited to‑taking such physical examinations as the Committee may deem necessary.
|
12.5
|
Terms
. Whenever any words are used herein in the masculine, they shall be construed as though they were in the feminine in all cases where they would so apply; and whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.
|
12.6
|
Captions
. The captions of the articles, sections and paragraphs of this Plan are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.
|
12.7
|
Governing Law
. The provisions of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.
|
12.8
|
Notice
. Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Committee under this Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand‑delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the address below:
|
12.9
|
Successors
. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Company and each participating subsidiary and their successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant's designated Beneficiaries.
|
12.10
|
Validity
. In case any provision of this Plan shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had never been inserted herein.
|
12.11
|
Incompetent
. If the Committee determines in its discretion that a benefit under this Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of that person's property, the Committee may direct payment of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent or incapable person. The Committee may require proof of minority, incompetence, incapacity or guardianship, as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any payment of a benefit shall be a payment for the account of the Participant and the Participant's Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.
|
12.12
|
Court Order
. The Committee is authorized to make any payments directed by court order in any action in which the Plan or the Committee has been named as a party. In addition, if a court determines that a spouse or former spouse of a Participant has an interest in the Participant's benefits under the Plan in connection with a property settlement or otherwise, the Committee in its sole discretion, shall have the right, notwithstanding any election made by a Participant, to immediately distribute the spouse's or former spouse's interest in the Participant's benefits under the Plan to that spouse or former spouse.
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12.13
|
Distribution in the Event of Taxation
.
|
(a)
|
In General
. If, for any reason, all or any portion of a Participant's benefits under this Plan becomes taxable to the Participant prior to receipt, a Participant may petition the Committee before a Change in Control, or the third party administrator after a Change in Control, for a distribution of that portion of his or her benefit that has become taxable. Upon the grant of such a petition, which grant shall not be unreasonably withheld (and, after a Change in Control, shall be granted), the Company and each participating subsidiary shall distribute to the Participant immediately available funds in an amount equal to the taxable portion of his or her benefit (which amount shall not exceed a Participant's unpaid Account Balance under the Plan). If the petition is granted, the tax liability distribution shall be made within 90 days of the date when the Participant's petition is granted. Such a distribution shall affect and reduce the benefits to be paid under this Plan.
|
(b)
|
Trust
. If the Trust terminates in accordance with its terms and benefits are distributed from the Trust to a Participant in accordance therewith, the Participant's benefits under this Plan shall be reduced to the extent of such distributions.
|
12.14
|
Insurance
. The Company and any participating subsidiary, on their own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in their sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Trust may choose. The Company and each participating subsidiary or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Company or a participating subsidiary shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Company or any participating subsidiary has applied for insurance. The Participant may elect not to be insured.
|
12.15
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
. The Company and each participating subsidiary is aware that upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company Board or the board of directors of a Participant's participating subsidiary (which might then be composed of new members) or a shareholder of the Company or any successor corporation might then cause or attempt to cause the Company, a participating subsidiary or such successor to refuse to comply with its obligations under the Plan and might cause or attempt to cause the Company or a participating subsidiary to institute, or may institute, litigation seeking to deny Participants the benefits intended under the Plan. In these circumstances, the purpose of the Plan could be frustrated. Accordingly, if, following a Change in Control, it should appear to any Participant that the Company, a participating subsidiary or any successor corporation has failed to comply with any of its obligations under the Plan or any agreement thereunder or, if the Company, such a participating subsidiary or any other person takes any action to declare the Plan void or unenforceable or institutes any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish or to recover from any Participant the benefits intended to be provided, then the Company and such participating subsidiary irrevocably authorize such Participant to retain counsel of his or her choice at the expense of the Company and such participating subsidiary (who shall be jointly and severally liable for all reasonable fees of such counsel) to represent such Participant in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company, the participating subsidiary or any director, officer, shareholder or other person affiliated with the Company, the participating subsidiary or any successor thereto in any jurisdiction.
|
12.16
|
Payout Under Special Circumstances
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, upon the happening of either of the following events, the Account Balances of all Participants, Inactive Participants and Beneficiaries shall be forthwith paid in a single lump sum, except in the case of an event constituting a Change in Control for any individual who has previously filed a special written irrevocable deferral election form
|
(a)
|
the occurrence of a Change in Control; or
|
(b)
|
should at any time Moody's or Standard & Poor's investment rating services classify the senior debt obligations of the Company as less than "investment grade" (which term shall mean senior debt obligations of the Company which are assigned to the top four grades, which as of the date of this document are AAA, AA, A and BBB by Standard & Poor's and Aaa, Aa, A and Baa by Moody's).
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Page
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
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1
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1.1
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"Account"
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1
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1.2
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"Annual Installment Method"
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1
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1.3
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"Beneficiary"
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2
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1.4
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"Board"
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2
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1.5
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"Chairman"
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2
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1.6
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"Change in Control"
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2
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1.7
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"Code"
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3
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1.8
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"Committee"
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3
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1.9
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"Company"
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4
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1.10
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"Director"
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4
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1.11
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"Election Form"
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4
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1.12
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"Ending Valuation Date"
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4
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1.13
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"Fees"
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4
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1.14
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"In-Service Payout"
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4
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1.15
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"Measurement Funds"
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4
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1.16
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"Participant"
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4
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1.17
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"Plan"
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4
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1.18
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"Plan Year"
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4
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1.19
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"Restricted Stock"
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4
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1.20
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"Restricted Stock Amount"
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4
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1.21
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"Separation from Service
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5
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1.22
|
"Stock"
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5
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1.23
|
"Trust"
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5
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1.24
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"Unforeseeable Emergency"
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5
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ARTICLE 2 PARTICIPATION
|
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5
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2.1
|
Participation
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5
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2.2
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Deferral Elections
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5
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2.3
|
Form of Payment Elections
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5
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2.4
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Cessation of Participation
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6
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ARTICLE 3 DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
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6
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3.1
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Deferral of Fees
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6
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3.2
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Restricted Stock
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7
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3.3
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New Directors
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7
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ARTICLE 4 ACCOUNTS
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7
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4.1
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Establishment of Accounts
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7
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4.2
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Vesting
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8
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4.3
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Deemed Investments
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8
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4.4
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Taxes
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10
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ARTICLE 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
|
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10
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5.1
|
Time for Distribution
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10
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5.2
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In-Service Payout
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11
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5.3
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Benefits Upon Separation from Service
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11
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5.4
|
Benefits Upon Death
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11
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5.5
|
Changes to Form of Payment
|
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12
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5.6
|
Unforseeable Emergency
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13
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5.7
|
Change in Control
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14
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5.8
|
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
|
|
14
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ARTICLE 6 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
|
|
14
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6.1
|
Beneficiary
|
|
14
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|
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6.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
|
|
14
|
|
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6.3
|
Acknowledgment
|
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15
|
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6.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
|
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15
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6.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
|
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15
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6.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
|
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15
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ARTICLE 7 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
|
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15
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7.1
|
Termination
|
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15
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7.2
|
Amendment
|
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16
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7.3
|
Effect of Payment
|
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17
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ARTICLE 8 ADMINISTRATION
|
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17
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8.1
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Plan Administration
|
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17
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8.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
|
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17
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8.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
|
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17
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8.4
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Agents
|
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18
|
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8.5
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
|
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18
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8.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
|
|
18
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8.7
|
Company and Participating Subsidiary Information
|
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18
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8.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
|
|
18
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ARTICLE 9 CLAIMS PROCEDURES
|
|
18
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|
||
|
9.1
|
Presentation of Claim
|
|
18
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|
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9.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
|
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19
|
|
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9.3
|
Right to Review
|
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19
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|
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9.4
|
Decision on Review
|
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20
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9.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
|
|
20
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9.6
|
Legal Action
|
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20
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ARTICLE 10 TRUST
|
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21
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|
||
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10.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
|
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21
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10.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
|
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21
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10.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
|
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21
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ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS
|
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21
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|
||
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11.1
|
Unsecured General Creditor
|
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21
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|
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11.2
|
Company's Liability
|
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21
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|
|
11.3
|
Nonassignability
|
|
21
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|
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11.4
|
Not a Contract of Service
|
|
22
|
|
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11.5
|
Furnishing Information
|
|
22
|
|
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11.6
|
Receipt and Release
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.7
|
Incompetent
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.8
|
Governing Law and Severability
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.9
|
Notices and Communications
|
|
22
|
|
|
11.10
|
Successors
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.11
|
Insurance
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.12
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.13
|
Terms
|
|
23
|
|
|
11.14
|
Headings
|
|
23
|
|
1.1
|
"Account"
shall mean a bookkeeping account established for the benefit of a Participant under Article 4 utilized solely to measure and determine the amounts credited under the Plan on behalf of a Participant or Beneficiary.
|
1.2
|
"Annual Installment Method
" shall mean an annual installment payment over a specified number of years as further described in section 5.3. To determine the value of the Participant's Account balance for calculating an installment payment, the Participant's Account balance shall be valued as of the close of business on the last business day of the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year for which payment is to be made. Each annual installment shall be calculated by multiplying this Account balance by a fraction, the
|
1.3
|
"Beneficiary"
shall mean one or more persons, trusts, estates or other entities designated by the Participant in accordance with Article 6 that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan upon the death of a Participant.
|
1.4
|
"Board"
shall mean the board of directors of the Company, and the board of directors of any subsidiary of the Company on which Directors serve.
|
1.5
|
"Chairman"
shall mean the Chairman of the Board of the Company.
|
1.6
|
"Change in Control"
shall mean, with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any one of the following dates, interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation section 1.409A‑3(i)(5).
|
(a)
|
Change in Ownership
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such Person or Group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this paragraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person or Persons is not considered to cause a Change in Control.
|
(b)
|
Change in Effective Control
.
|
(i)
|
The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12‑month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this subparagraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person or Persons is not considered to cause a Change in Control; or
|
(ii)
|
The date a majority of the members of the Company's Board is replaced during any 12‑month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company's Board before the date of the appointment or election.
|
(c)
|
Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company's Assets
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12‑month period ending on the date of the most recent
|
(i)
|
An entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the transferring corporation;
|
(ii)
|
A shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock;
|
(iii)
|
An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
A Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company; or
|
(v)
|
An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in clause (iv).
|
(d)
|
"Person" and "Acting as a Group
."
|
(i)
|
For purposes of this section, "Person" shall have the meaning set forth in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
(ii)
|
For purposes of this section, Persons shall be considered to be "Acting as a Group" if they are owners of a corporation that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a Person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be Acting as a Group with the other shareholders only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Persons shall not be considered to be Acting as a Group solely because they purchase or own stock of the same corporation at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering.
|
1.7
|
"Code"
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
|
1.8
|
"Committee"
shall mean an internal administrative committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company to administer the Plan in accordance with Article 8.
|
1.9
|
"Company"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company's assets or business. Prior to June 29, 2015, the Company was known as Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
|
1.10
|
"Director"
shall mean, solely for purposes of this Plan, any director of the Company or a participating subsidiary who is not also an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. This Plan is solely for "outside" Directors.
|
1.11
|
"Election Form"
shall mean the form or forms established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes, signs and returns to the Committee to make a deferral election, make or change a payment form election, and/or make or change an investment election. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format.
|
1.12
|
"Ending Valuation Date"
shall mean the last business day of the Plan Year immediately preceding the Plan Year of distribution of a lump‑sum payment or final installment payment, as the case may be.
|
1.13
|
"Fees"
shall mean the annual fees, meeting fees and any other fees payable to a Director for services, and shall exclude any income from stock options or other equity‑based awards.
|
1.14
|
"In‑Service Payout"
shall mean distribution, as of a specified date elected by a Participant, of all or a portion of Fees deferred in accordance with Article 3.
|
1.15
|
"Measurement Funds"
shall mean the hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan, as provided in section 4.3, to determine the earnings and losses credited to a Participant's Account.
|
1.16
|
"Participant"
shall mean any Director who elects to participate in the Plan in accordance with Article 2 and maintains an Account balance hereunder. A spouse or former spouse of a Participant shall not be treated as a Participant in the Plan or have an Account under the Plan, even if the spouse or former spouse has an interest in the Participant's Account as a result of applicable law or property settlements resulting from legal separation or divorce.
|
1.17
|
"Plan"
shall mean the WEC Energy Group Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, including any amendments adopted hereto. Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
1.18
|
"Plan Year"
shall mean the calendar year.
|
1.19
|
"Restricted Stock"
shall mean unvested shares of Stock which is restricted stock selected by the Company's Compensation Committee, approved by the Board in its sole discretion, and awarded to the Participant under any Company stock incentive plan or arrangement.
|
1.20
|
"Restricted Stock Amount"
shall mean, for any grant of Restricted Stock, the amount equal to the value of such Restricted Stock, calculated using the average of the reported
|
1.21
|
"Separation from Service"
shall mean the Participant's termination of service with the Company and other entities affiliated with the Company, voluntarily or involuntarily, for any reason other than death, or as otherwise provided by the Department of Treasury in regulations promulgated under Code section 409A. For purposes of the foregoing, whether an entity is affiliated with the Company shall be determined pursuant to the controlled group rules of Code section 414, as modified by Code section 409A.
|
1.22
|
"Stock"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc. common stock. Prior to June 29, 2015, "Stock" means Wisconsin Energy Corporation common stock.
|
1.23
|
"Trust"
shall mean any fund created by a rabbi trust agreement established by the Company referencing the Plan, and as amended from time to time.
|
1.24
|
"Unforeseeable Emergency"
shall mean, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from (i) an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant's spouse, the Participant's Beneficiary, or the Participant's dependent (as defined in Code section 152, without regard to Code section 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)), (ii) loss of the Participant's property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance), or (iii) other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant.
|
2.1
|
Participation
. To begin participation in the Plan, a Director shall properly complete and timely submit an Election Form in accordance with the Committee's rules. A Director shall become a Participant on the first day on which a deferral of an elected amount is first credited to the Participant's Account. The Committee or its delegate may establish from time to time such other enrollment requirements as it determines in its sole discretion are necessary. Such Participant shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account balance is paid in full.
|
2.2
|
Deferral Elections
. Election Forms shall be completed by the time periods set forth in Article 3 for the particular type of compensation elected for deferral or during such other enrollment period as the Committee determines in accordance with such Article. A Participant may change or revoke a deferral election any time before such election becomes irrevocable, which shall occur as of the applicable deadline specified in Article 3 unless the Committee establishes an earlier deadline. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, a new Election Form shall be required for each Plan Year in which a Participant requests to defer a type of compensation eligible for deferral.
|
2.3
|
Form of Payment Elections
. A Participant's Election Form shall specify the form of payment, which shall be paid at the times specified in Article 5.
|
(a)
|
Duration of Election
. The form of payment elected by the Participant shall govern all amounts credited to the Participant's Account for the Plan Year to which the Election Form applies, and earnings or losses on such amounts. The form of payment election shall also apply to each subsequent Plan Year's deferrals, and earnings or losses on such amounts, until changed on either a prospective or retroactive basis by the Participant pursuant to section 5.5.
|
(b)
|
Default Form of Payment
. In the event the Participant has not elected a form of payment, all amounts credited to the Participant's Account for the Plan Year, and earnings or losses on such amounts, shall be paid in a single lump sum. This default form of payment shall apply to each subsequent Plan Year's deferrals, and earnings or losses on such amounts, unless and until the Participant elects a form of payment on a prospective basis or changes the form of payment on a retroactive basis pursuant to section 5.5.
|
(c)
|
Section 409A Transition Period Elections
. Distribution elections made during the Code section 409A transition period that relate to amounts deferred in Plan Years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, as the case may be, shall be honored for such respective amounts, even if such amounts are not credited to a Participant's Account until a later Plan Year or the Participant chose a form of payment that was offered under the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, but not under the Plan.
|
2.4
|
Cessation of Participation
.
|
(a)
|
Elective deferrals made by a Participant or Beneficiary who receives a distribution due to an Unforeseeable Emergency pursuant to section 5.6 will be canceled due to such distribution if the Committee so decides in its discretion. In either event, the Participant (or Beneficiary, as applicable) shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account balance is paid in full.
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, upon the earlier to occur of a Participant's Separation from Service or death, any outstanding deferral election shall be given effect to the extent any amounts covered by such election are paid after such event. Payment of deferred amounts shall be made pursuant to Article 5.
|
3.1
|
Deferral of Fees
. For each Plan Year, a Director may elect to defer all or any Fees. A Participant's Election Form with respect to any Fees shall be filed with the Committee before the beginning of each Plan Year in which such Fees are earned. Subject to section 2.2, such deferral elections shall be irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates.
|
3.2
|
Restricted Stock
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee, in its sole discretion, may allow Participants to elect to defer a portion of the Participant's Restricted Stock Amount. To the extent permitted by the Committee for any grant of Restricted Stock, a Participant may elect to defer up to 100% (in any whole percentage) of the Participant's Restricted Stock Amount, subject to such other terms or conditions as set forth in the plan or agreement under which such Restricted Stock was granted.
|
(b)
|
A Participant's Election Form with respect to the deferral of Restricted Stock Amounts shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Committee before the beginning of the Plan Year in which the Restricted Stock is awarded, as determined under the terms of the plan or arrangement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the discretion of the Committee, an Election Form may be submitted within 30 days after the Restricted Stock is awarded, provided that the Restricted Stock's first vesting date is at least 12 months after the date the completed Election Form is delivered to and accepted by the Committee (taking into account any automatic vesting provisions upon certain terminations from service that may occur before such 12 month period).
|
(c)
|
Subject to section 2.2, such deferral elections shall be irrevocable as of the first day of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates, or the 30th day after the Restricted Stock is awarded, as the case may be.
|
3.3
|
New Directors
.
A newly‑elected Director shall be first eligible to participate in the Plan (as determined in accordance with plan aggregation rules set forth in Code section 409A) as of January 1 immediately following the effective date of the Director's election and may enroll as of that applicable open enrollment period. However, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may deem it advisable to approve an eligibility date other than January 1 for a newly-elected Director and, only in that circumstance, shall a Director be given 30 days from the date the Director becomes first elected as a Director to complete and submit an Election Form with respect to Fees, and such election shall apply only to Fees paid for services performed after the date on which the election is effective.
|
4.1
|
Establishment of Accounts
. Bookkeeping accounts shall be established for each Participant to reflect the deferrals of amounts made for the Participant's benefit, together with adjustments for income, gains or losses attributable thereto, and any payments from the respective sub‑Accounts. Accounts are established solely for the purpose of tracking deferrals made by Participants and any income adjustments thereto. The Accounts shall not be used to segregate assets for payment of any amounts deferred or allocated under the Plan, and shall not constitute or be treated as a trust fund of any kind. Fee deferrals shall be withheld and credited to the Account as of the date or dates on which the Fees would otherwise be paid to the Participant or as soon as administratively feasible. Restricted Stock Amount deferrals shall be credited to the Account as of the date the
|
4.2
|
Vesting
. A Participant shall at all times be 100% vested and have a nonforfeitable right to amounts credited to the Participant's Account, adjusted for deemed income, gains and losses attributable thereto.
|
4.3
|
Deemed Investments
. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) below, and in accordance with, and subject to, the rules and procedures that are established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, amounts shall be credited or debited to a Participant's Account in accordance with the following rules. The Committee's discretion includes the right to supersede the specific rights identified below, with or without retroactive effect:
|
(a)
|
Measurement Funds
. Amounts credited to each Participant's Account shall be deemed invested, in accordance with the Participant's directions, in Measurement Funds that are available under the Plan. The hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan shall be those designated by the Committee, from time to time in its discretion, following recommendations by the WEC Energy Group Investment Trust Policy Committee. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) below, a Participant may elect one or both of the following Measurement Funds for the purpose of crediting additional amounts to the Participant's Account: (i) the Prime Rate Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in a hypothetical debt instrument which earns interest at an annualized interest rate equal to the "Prime Rate" as reported each business day by the Wall Street Journal, with interest deemed reinvested in additional units of such hypothetical debt instrument), or (ii) a Company Stock Measurement Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in shares of Stock, with dividends deemed reinvested in additional shares of Stock).
|
(b)
|
Special Rule for Restricted Stock Amounts
. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Participant's Restricted Stock Amounts deferred under the Plan that would have otherwise been distributed in Stock shall be deemed invested in the Company Stock Measurement Fund at all times before distribution from this Plan. Further, the Participant's Restricted Stock Amounts shall be distributed from this Plan in the form of cash.
|
(c)
|
Election of Measurement Funds
. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h), a Participant shall elect on the Participant's initial Election Form Measurement Funds to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to the Participant's Account, unless changed pursuant to rules as the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, from time to time. However, subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) and any rules and procedures established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, the Participant may elect to add or delete one or more Measurement Funds to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to the Participant's Account, or to change the portion of the Account allocated to each previously or newly elected Measurement Fund. Such rules may include, but are not limited to, rules and/or trading policies that govern the timing, frequency, and manner in which elections are made to allocate or reallocate deemed investment amounts among the Measurement Funds, and may be modified at any time and from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion. If an election is made to change a Measurement Fund, it shall become effective and apply thereafter in accordance with the rules of the Committee for all subsequent periods in which the Participant participates in the Plan, unless changed in accordance with the previous provisions. All rights of a Participant or any other person to elect or change the Measurement Funds under this section shall be deemed to have ceased as of the Ending Valuation Date and no adjustment in the value of an Account balance shall be considered for any purpose under the Plan after such Ending Valuation Date. If a Participant fails to elect a Measurement Fund for all or a portion of the Participant's Account, the amounts for which there is no valid election shall be deemed invested in the Prime Rate Fund.
|
(d)
|
Proportionate Allocation
. In making any election described in paragraph (c) above, the Participant shall specify on the Election Form, in increments of 1%, the percentage of the Participant's Account balance to be allocated to a Measurement Fund (as if the Participant was making an investment in that Measurement Fund with that portion of the Participant's Account balance).
|
(e)
|
Crediting or Debiting Method
. The performance of each elected Measurement Fund (either positive or negative) shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, based on the performance of the Measurement Funds themselves. A Participant's Account shall be credited or debited on a periodic basis based on the performance of each Measurement Fund selected by the Participant, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that no adjustment in
|
(f)
|
No Actual Investment
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Measurement Funds shall be used for measurement purposes only, and a Participant's election of any Measurement Fund, the allocation of the Participant's Account thereto, the calculation of additional amounts and the crediting or debiting of such amounts to a Participant's Account shall not be considered or construed in any manner as an actual investment of the Participant's Account balance in any such Measurement Fund. If the Company or the trustee of the Trust, in its sole discretion, decides to invest funds in any or all of the Measurement Funds, no Participant shall have any rights in or to such investments themselves. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant's Account balance shall at all times be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not represent any investment made on the Participant's behalf by the Company or the trustee; the Participant shall at all times remain an unsecured creditor of the Company.
|
(g)
|
Investment of Trust Assets
. If the Committee deposits amounts in a Trust, the trustee of the Trust shall be authorized, upon written instructions received from the Committee or an investment manager appointed by the Committee, to invest and reinvest the assets of the Trust in accordance with the applicable Trust Agreement, including the disposition of Stock and reinvestment of the proceeds in one or more investment vehicles designated by the Committee.
|
(h)
|
Special Considerations for Participants Subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
. In order for any deferral election under this Plan by a Participant who is a Director subject to the reporting requirements and trading restrictions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 16") to conform to Section 16, the Participant shall consult with the Company's designated individual responsible for Section 16 reporting and compliance before making any election to move any part of the Participant's Account into or out of the Company Stock Measurement Fund. The Company reserves the right to impose such restrictions as it determines necessary, in its sole discretion, on any elections, transactions or other matters under this Plan relating to the Company Stock Measurement Fund to comply with or qualify for exemption under Section 16.
|
4.4
|
Taxes
. Any applicable tax withholding or reporting requirements with regard to amounts paid from this Plan shall be satisfied as determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
|
5.1
|
Time for Distribution
. Except as otherwise provided in section 5.6, distribution of a Participant's Account shall be made on the earliest to occur of:
|
(a)
|
The date elected by a Participant under section 5.2 with respect to an In‑Service Payout;
|
(b)
|
The date set forth in section 5.3 with respect to the Participant's Separation from Service;
|
(c)
|
The date set forth in section 5.4 with respect to the Participant's death; or
|
(d)
|
The date set forth in section 5.7 with respect to a Separation from Service after a Change in Control.
|
5.2
|
In‑Service Payout
. A Participant may irrevocably select, on the Participant's Election Form, a Plan Year to receive a lump‑sum In‑Service Payout of all or part of an annual Fee deferral amount. The earliest Plan Year in which a Participant can elect an In‑Service Payout is the third Plan Year after the Plan Year in which the deferral actually occurs. For example, an election to defer Fees in December 2015 that is actually deferred in 2016 may be distributed no earlier than in 2019. Payment shall be made during the first 90 days of the Plan Year elected for distribution.
|
5.3
|
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
. Upon a Participant's Separation from Service for any reason other than death, the Participant's Account shall be paid or begin to be paid during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant's Separation from Service. Subsequent installment payments shall be made thereafter during the first 90 days of the Plan Year in which the installment is due.
|
(i)
|
in a lump sum, or
|
(ii)
|
in any number of installments up to ten. The amount of each installment shall be determined using the Annual Installment Method.
|
5.4
|
Benefits Upon Death
. Upon the Participant's death, the Plan Administrator shall pay to the Participant's Beneficiary a benefit equal to the remaining balance in the Participant's Account. Payment shall be made in accordance with the provisions below.
|
(a)
|
Death While In Pay Status or After a Separation from Service
. If the Participant dies after commencing an installment form of payment, but before the entire
|
(b)
|
Death Prior to a Separation from Service
. If a Participant dies during a period of service as a Director, the Participant's Account shall be paid or begin to be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant's death. Payment shall be made in such form as determined below, taking into account any changes to an elected form of payment pursuant to section 5.5.
|
(i)
|
A Participant's Account balance shall be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum if:
|
(A)
|
timely elected by the Participant pursuant to the Plan,
|
(B)
|
the Participant's Account balance at the time of death is $25,000 or less even if the Participant elected an installment payment form, or
|
(C)
|
no valid payment election is in effect when distribution is to be made.
|
(ii)
|
Subject to clause (i)(B), a Participant may elect payment of the Participant's Account balance upon death in any number of installments up to ten. The amount of each installment shall be determined using the Annual Installment Method.
|
5.5
|
Changes to Form of Payment
.
|
(a)
|
Prospective Changes
. A Participant may select an alternate form of payment for amounts not yet subject to an irrevocable election in accordance with the rules for completing and submitting elections in section 2.2 and Article 3.
|
(b)
|
Retroactive Changes
. A Participant may elect to change the form of payment for amounts that are subject to a deferral election that is irrevocable:
|
(i)
|
A Participant who has elected a lump‑sum distribution may later change such election to an installment payment, provided the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the lump‑sum distribution would otherwise have been made.
|
(ii)
|
A Participant who has an installment election in effect may change such election to a lump‑sum payment, provided the lump‑sum payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
(iii)
|
A Participant who has an installment election for payment upon Separation from Service, may change the number of installments, provided that the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
(c)
|
Changes Pursuant to Section 409A Transition Relief
. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, on or before December 31, 2008, Participants may make changes to payment form elections previously filed with respect to amounts deferred under the Plan that relate to Plan Years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 consistent with transition relief provided by the Department of the Treasury in Notice 2006‑79, Notice 2007‑86 and proposed regulations promulgated under Code section 409A. If a Participant makes such a change, then the last election validly in effect as of December 31, 2008 shall be treated as the "initial" election for purposes of applying the rules set forth in paragraph (b).
|
5.6
|
Unforeseeable Emergency
. A Participant may request that all or a portion of the Participant's Account be distributed in a lump sum at any time by submitting a written request to the Committee demonstrating that the Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Emergency, and that the distribution is necessary to alleviate the financial hardship created by the Unforeseeable Emergency.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the sole discretionary authority to determine whether a Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Emergency, which shall be determined based on the relevant facts and circumstances of each case. In making such a determination, no distribution pursuant to this section shall be made to the extent that such Unforeseeable Emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, or by liquidation of the Participant's assets (unless such liquidation itself would cause a severe financial hardship), or by the cessation of deferrals under the Plan. In this regard, all deferral elections scheduled for the remainder of the Plan Year in which such distribution is made may be cancelled, as determined by the Committee in its discretion. If the Committee cancels a Participant's outstanding deferral election, a Participant shall be required to make a new election pursuant to Article 2 and Article 3 to resume active participation in the Plan.
|
(b)
|
Upon a finding that the Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Emergency, the Committee shall distribute to the Participant the lesser of (i) the portion of the Participant's Account that is necessary to satisfy the Unforeseeable Emergency, plus taxes attributable thereto or (ii) the Account balance. Distributions made
|
5.7
|
Change in Control
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event a Participant incurs a Separation from Service within 18 months after a Change in Control, the Company shall distribute the Participant's entire Account in a lump‑sum payment within 90 days after such Separation from Service.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to make a distribution, or accelerate the time or schedule of payment, from a Participant's Account if payment is required:
|
(i)
|
Under the withholding provisions of applicable state and local taxes with respect to compensation deferred under the Plan. Any such distribution shall not exceed the aggregate of such tax and shall reduce the Participant's Account balance to the extent of such distributions; or
|
(ii)
|
For payment of state, local or foreign tax obligations arising from participation in the Plan that apply to an amount deferred under the Plan. Any such payment shall not exceed the amount of such taxes due as a result of Plan participation.
|
(b)
|
The Committee or a Plan representative is authorized to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, or to make a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, to the extent necessary to fulfill a domestic relations order (as defined in Code section 414(p)(1)(B)). Payment to an alternate payee under a domestic relations order shall be made in a lump sum within 90 days after the Committee or Plan representative approves such order.
|
(c)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan if the Plan fails to meet the requirements of Code section 409A and regulations promulgated thereunder, provided that any such payment does not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure.
|
6.1
|
Beneficiary
. Each Participant may, at any time, designate one or more Beneficiaries (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan upon the Participant's death. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other Company plan in which the Participant participates.
|
6.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
. A Participant shall designate a Beneficiary by completing a beneficiary designation form established by the Committee or its delegate, and returning it to the Committee or its designated agent. To the extent authorized by the
|
6.3
|
Acknowledgment
. No Beneficiary designation or change in Beneficiary designation shall be effective until accepted by the Committee or a Plan representative.
|
6.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in this Article 6 or, if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die before complete distribution of the Participant's Account, then the remaining benefits in the Participant's Account shall be paid to the Participant's surviving spouse, if none, to the Participant's descendants by right of representation or, if none, to the Participant's next of kin determined pursuant to the laws of the state in which the Company's principal place of business is located as if the Participant had died unmarried and intestate.
|
6.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
. If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments under this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, require the Company or a participating subsidiary to withhold such payments until the matter is resolved to the Committee's satisfaction.
|
6.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
. The complete payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge the Company, each participating subsidiary and the Committee from all further obligations under this Plan with respect to the Participant, and the Participant's Election Form shall terminate upon such full payment of benefits.
|
7.1
|
Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Although the Company anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that the Company will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, the Company reserves the right to discontinue its participation in the Plan and/or to terminate the Plan at any time or to exclude any participating subsidiary from further participation at any time by action of the Company's Board or the Company's Compensation Committee.
Upon the termination of the Plan by the Company or exclusion of any participating subsidiary, any election to defer compensation under the Plan by Participants who are then in service shall terminate as of the last day of the Plan Year containing the termination date. The termination of the Plan
|
(b)
|
Upon termination of the Plan, the Company's Board or the Company's Compensation Committee reserves the discretion to accelerate distribution of Participants' Account (including those Participants in pay status pursuant to an installment election) in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury under Code section 409A.
|
7.2
|
Amendment
. The Company may, in its sole discretion, amend or modify the Plan at any time, in whole or in part, by action of its Board, Compensation Committee or the Committee; provided, however, that no amendment shall decrease the amount of any Participant's Account as of the date of the amendment. Further, during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (as defined below) and at all times following a Change in Control, no amendment or modification may be made which in any way adversely affects the interests of any Participant with respect to amounts credited to such Participant's Account as of the date of the amendment. A "Potential Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if one of the following events occurs:
|
(a)
|
The Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;
|
(b)
|
The Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control;
|
(c)
|
Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d‑3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of Stock representing 15% or more of either the then outstanding shares of stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding Stock (not including the Stock beneficially owned by such Person or any Stock acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates); or
|
(d)
|
The Company's Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Plan, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.
|
7.3
|
Effect of Payment
. The full payment of the Participant's Account under any provision of the Plan shall completely discharge the obligations of the Company and each participating subsidiary to the Participant and the Participant's Beneficiaries under this Plan, and the Participant's Election Forms shall terminate.
|
8.1
|
Plan Administration
. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 8, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan. Any individual serving on the Committee who is a Participant shall not vote or act on any matter relating solely to such individual. The Chairman may not act on any matter involving such individual's own participation in the Plan. All references to the Committee shall be deemed to include reference to the Chairman.
|
8.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
. The Committee (or the Chairman if such individual chooses to so act) shall have full and complete discretionary authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan, and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of the Plan, as may arise in connection with the claims procedures set forth in Article 9 or otherwise with regard to the Plan. The Committee shall have complete control and authority to determine the rights and benefits of all claims, demands and actions arising out of the provisions of the Plan of any Participant or Beneficiary or other person having or claiming to have any interest under the Plan. When making a determination or calculation, the Committee may rely on information furnished by a Participant or the Company. Benefits under the Plan shall be paid only if the Committee decides in its sole discretion that the Participant or Beneficiary is entitled to them. The Committee or the Chairman may delegate such powers and duties as it determines for the efficient administration of the Plan.
|
8.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
. For purposes of this Plan, the Company shall be the "Administrator" at all times before a Change in Control. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator shall be an independent third party selected by the individual who, at any time before such event, was the Company's Chief Executive Officer or, if there is no such officer or such officer does not act, by the Company's then highest ranking officer (the "Appointing Officer"). Upon a Change in Control, the Administrator shall have full and complete discretionary power to determine all questions arising in connection with the administration of the Plan and the interpretation of the Plan and Trust including, but not limited to, benefit entitlement determinations. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Company shall (i) pay all reasonable administrative expenses and fees of the Administrator, (ii) indemnify the Administrator against any costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorney's fees) of whatever kind and nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrator in connection with the performance of the duties hereunder, except with respect to matters resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrator or its employees or agents, and (iii) supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the Account balances of the Participants, including the dates of death or
|
8.4
|
Agents
. In the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Company.
|
8.5
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee or its delegate shall have complete discretion to interpret the Plan and to decide all matters under the Plan. Any such interpretation shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Participants, Beneficiaries and any person claiming under or through any Participant, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that the Committee acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
|
8.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
. The Company and each participating subsidiary shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee, and any other person who is an employee of the Company or a participating subsidiary and to whom the duties of the Committee may be delegated, and the Administrator, as defined in section 8.3, against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Committee, any of its members or any such employee or the Administrator.
|
8.7
|
Company and Participating Subsidiary Information
. To enable the Committee and/or Administrator to perform its functions, the Company and each participating subsidiary shall supply full and timely information to the Committee on all matters relating to the compensation of its Participants, the dates of death or Separation from Service and such other pertinent information as the Committee may reasonably require.
|
8.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
. The benefits provided to a Participant and the Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program in which the Participant is eligible to participate. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.
|
9.1
|
Presentation of Claim
. Any Participant or Beneficiary (such Participant or Beneficiary being referred to below as a "Claimant") may deliver to the Committee a written claim for benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within 90 days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims shall be made within 180 days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim shall state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant. A claim shall be considered to have been made when a written
|
9.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
. The Committee shall consider a Claimant's claim and provide written notice to the Claimant of any denial within a reasonable time, but no later than 90 days after receipt of the claim. If an extension of time beyond the initial 90‑day period for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be provided to the Claimant before the initial 90‑day period expires indicating the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to render a final decision. In no event shall the period, as extended, exceed 180 days. If the Committee denies, in whole or in part, the claim, the notice shall set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:
|
(a)
|
The specific reasons for the denial of the claim, or any part thereof;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to pertinent Plan provisions upon which such denial was based;
|
(c)
|
A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and
|
(d)
|
An explanation of the claim review procedure set forth in section 9.3 below, which explanation shall also include a statement of the Claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following a denial of the claim upon review.
|
9.3
|
Right to Review
. A Claimant is entitled to appeal any claim that has been denied in whole or in part. To do so, the Claimant must submit a written request for review with the Committee within 60 days after receiving a notice from the Committee that a claim has been denied, in whole or in part. Absent receipt by the Committee of a written request for review within such 60‑day period, the claim shall be deemed to be conclusively denied. The Claimant (or the Claimant's duly authorized representative) may:
|
(a)
|
Review and/or receive copies of, upon request and free of charge, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant's claim;
|
(b)
|
Submit written comments, documents, records or other information relating to the Claimant's claim, which the Committee shall take into account in considering the claim on review, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial review of the claim; and/or
|
(c)
|
Request a hearing, which the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant.
|
9.4
|
Decision on Review
. The Committee shall render its decision on review promptly, and not later than 60 days after it receives a written request for review of the denial, unless a hearing is held or other special circumstances require additional time. In such case, the Committee will notify the Claimant, before the expiration of the initial 60‑day period and in writing, of the need for additional time, the reason the additional time is necessary, and the date (no later than 60 days after expiration of the initial 60‑day period) by which the Committee expects to render its decision on review. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Committee determines that an extension of the initial 60‑day period is required due to the Claimant's failure to submit information necessary for the Committee to decide the claim, the time period by which the Committee must make its determination on review shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the Claimant until the date on which the Claimant responds to the request for additional information. The decision on review shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and shall contain:
|
(a)
|
Specific reasons for the decision;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based;
|
(c)
|
A statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records or other information relevant (within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation section 2560.503‑1(m)(8)) to the Claimant's claim;
|
(d)
|
A statement of the Claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following a wholly or partially denied claim for benefits; and
|
(e)
|
Such other matters as the Committee deems relevant.
|
9.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
. Any notice or decision by the Committee under this Article 9 may be furnished electronically in accordance with Department of Labor Regulation section 2520.104b‑(1)(c)(i), (iii) and (iv).
|
9.6
|
Legal Action
. Any final decision by the Committee shall be binding on all parties. A Claimant's compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Article 10 is a mandatory prerequisite to a Claimant's right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under this Plan. Any such legal action must be initiated no later than 180 days after the Committee renders its final decision. If a final determination of the Committee is challenged in court, such determination shall not be subject to de novo review and shall not be overturned unless proven to be arbitrary and capricious based on the evidence considered by the Committee at the time of such determination.
|
10.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
. The Company may establish a Trust and, if established, the Company and each participating subsidiary shall contribute such amounts to the Trust from time to time as it deems desirable.
|
10.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Company and each participating subsidiary, Participants and the creditors of the Company and each participating subsidiary to the assets transferred to the Trust. The Company and each participating subsidiary shall at all times remain liable to carry out their obligations under the Plan.
|
10.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
. The obligations of the Company and each participating subsidiary under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce their obligations under this Plan.
|
11.1
|
Unsecured General Creditor
. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of the Company and each participating subsidiary or any other person, and nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any Director or any other person such rights. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by the Company and each participating subsidiary to make payments in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and Participants and Beneficiaries shall have the status of general unsecured creditors solely of the Company or participating subsidiary making such promise.
|
11.2
|
Company's Liability
. The liability of the Company and each participating subsidiary for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan and any Election Forms, as entered into between the Company and a Participant. Neither the Company nor any participating subsidiary shall have any obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.
|
11.3
|
Nonassignability
. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non‑transferable to the maximum extent allowed by law. No part of the amounts payable shall, before actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor shall any part of the same, to the maximum extent allowed by law, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant's or any other person's bankruptcy or insolvency or,
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11.4
|
Not a Contract of Service
. Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Company or any participating subsidiary.
|
11.5
|
Furnishing Information
. A Participant or Beneficiary shall cooperate with the Committee by furnishing any and all information requested by the Committee and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder.
|
11.6
|
Receipt and Release
. Any payment to any Participant or Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Company and each participating subsidiary, the Committee and a trustee (if any) under the Plan, and the Committee may require such Participant or Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release to such effect.
|
11.7
|
Incompetent
. If the Committee determines in its discretion that a benefit under this Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling disposition of that person's property, the Committee may direct payment of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent or incapable person. The Committee may require proof of minority, incompetence, incapacity or guardianship, as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any payment of a benefit shall be a payment for the Account of the Participant and the Participant's Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.
|
11.8
|
Governing Law and Severability
. To the extent not preempted by ERISA, the provisions of this Plan shall be construed, administered and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. If any provision is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be fully effective.
|
11.9
|
Notices and Communications
. All notices, statements, reports and other communications from the Committee to any employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person required or permitted under the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered to, when transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or when mailed overnight or by first‑class mail, postage prepaid and addressed to, such employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person at the last known address on the Company's records. All elections, designations, requests, notices, instructions and other communications from a Participant, Beneficiary or other person to the Committee required or permitted under the Plan shall be in such form as is prescribed from time to time by the Committee, and shall be mailed by first‑class mail, transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or delivered to such location as shall be specified by the Committee. Such communication shall be deemed to have been given and delivered only upon actual receipt by the Committee at such location.
|
11.10
|
Successors
. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Company and each participating subsidiary and their successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant's designated Beneficiaries.
|
11.11
|
Insurance
. The Company and each participating subsidiary, on their own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in its sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Company or participating subsidiaries may choose. The Company and each participating subsidiary or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Company or a participating subsidiary shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Company or a participating subsidiary has applied for insurance. The Participant may elect not to be insured.
|
11.12
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
. The Company and each participating subsidiary are aware that upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company's Board or the board of directors of a Participant's participating subsidiary (which might then be composed of new members) or a shareholder of the Company, or of any successor corporation, might then cause or attempt to cause the Company, a participating subsidiary or such successor to refuse to comply with its obligations under the Plan and might cause or attempt to cause the Company or a participating subsidiary to institute, or may institute, litigation seeking to deny Participants the benefits intended under the Plan. In these circumstances, the purpose of the Plan could be frustrated. Accordingly, if, following a Change in Control, it should appear to any Participant that the Company, a participating subsidiary or any successor corporation has failed to comply with any of its obligations under the Plan or any agreement thereunder or, if the Company, such a participating subsidiary or any other person takes any action to declare the Plan void or unenforceable or institutes any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish or to recover from any Participant the benefits intended to be provided, then the Company and such participating subsidiary irrevocably authorize such Participant to retain counsel of the Participant's choice at the expense of the Company and such participating subsidiary (who shall be jointly and severally liable for all reasonable fees of such counsel) to represent such Participant in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company, the participating subsidiary or any director, officer, shareholder or other person affiliated with the Company, the participating subsidiary or any successor thereto in any jurisdiction. If paid by the Participant, the Company or such participating subsidiary shall reimburse such legal fees no later than December 31
st
of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred.
|
11.13
|
Terms
. Whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.
|
11.14
|
Headings
. Headings and subheadings in the Plan are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.
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Page
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INTRODUCTION
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1
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
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1
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ARTICLE 2 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
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6
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2.1
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Eligibility and Participation
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6
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2.2
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Cessation of Participation
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7
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ARTICLE 3 CONTRIBUTIONS
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7
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3.1
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Eligibility for Non-qualified Employer Pension Contributions
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7
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3.2
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Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount
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7
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ARTICLE 4 ACCOUNTS
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8
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4.1
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Establishment of Accounts
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8
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4.2
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Vesting
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8
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4.3
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Deemed Investments
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9
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4.4
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Taxes
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11
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ARTICLE 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
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11
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5.1
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Time for Distribution
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11
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5.2
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Payment Forms and Election
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11
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5.3
|
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
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12
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5.4
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Benefits Upon Death
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13
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5.5
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Changes to Form of Payment
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13
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5.6
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Change in Control
|
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14
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5.7
|
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
|
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14
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ARTICLE 6 LEAVE OF ABSENCE
|
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15
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ARTICLE 7 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
|
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15
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7.1
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Beneficiary
|
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15
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7.2
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Beneficiary Designation; Change
|
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15
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7.3
|
Acknowledgment
|
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15
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7.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
|
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16
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7.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
|
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16
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7.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
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ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
|
|
16
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8.1
|
Termination
|
|
16
|
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8.2
|
Amendment
|
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16
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8.3
|
Effect of Payment
|
|
17
|
|
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ARTICLE 9 ADMINISTRATION
|
|
17
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9.1
|
Plan Administration
|
|
17
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9.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
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17
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9.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
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18
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Page
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9.4
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Agents
|
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18
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9.5
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Binding Effect of Decisions
|
|
18
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9.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
|
|
18
|
|
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9.7
|
Employer Information
|
|
19
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|
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9.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
|
|
19
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|
|
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|
|
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ARTICLE 10 CLAIMS PROCEDUREES
|
|
19
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||
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10.1
|
Presentation of Claim
|
|
19
|
|
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10.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
|
|
19
|
|
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10.3
|
Right to Review
|
|
20
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|
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10.4
|
Decision on Review
|
|
20
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|
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10.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
|
|
21
|
|
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10.6
|
Legal Action
|
|
21
|
|
|
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|
|
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ARTICLE 11 TRUST
|
|
21
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|
11.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
|
|
21
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|
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11.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
|
|
21
|
|
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11.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
|
|
21
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|
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|
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|
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|
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS
|
|
21
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|
||
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12.1
|
Status of Plan
|
|
21
|
|
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12.2
|
Unsecured General Creditor
|
|
22
|
|
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12.3
|
Employer's Liability
|
|
22
|
|
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12.4
|
Nonassignability
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.5
|
Not a Contract of Employment
|
|
22
|
|
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12.6
|
Furnishing Information
|
|
22
|
|
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12.7
|
Receipt and Release
|
|
22
|
|
|
12.8
|
Incompetent
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.9
|
Governing Law and Severability
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.10
|
Notices and Communications
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.11
|
Successors
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.12
|
Insurance
|
|
23
|
|
|
12.13
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
|
|
23
|
|
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12.14
|
Terms
|
|
24
|
|
|
12.15
|
Headings
|
|
24
|
|
1.1
|
"Account"
shall mean a bookkeeping account established for the benefit of a Participant under Article 4 utilized solely to measure and determine the amounts credited under the Plan on behalf of a Participant or Beneficiary.
|
1.2
|
"Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount"
shall mean, for any one Plan Year, the amount determined in accordance with Section 3.2.
|
1.3
|
"Annual Installment Method"
shall mean an annual installment payment over a specified number of years. To determine the value of the Participant’s Account balance for calculating an installment payment, the Participant’s Account balance shall be valued as of the close of business on the last business day of the Plan Year preceding the Plan
|
1.4
|
"Base Annual Salary"
shall mean the annual cash compensation relating to services performed during a Plan Year, whether or not paid in, or included on the Form W-2 for, such Plan Year, excluding severance payments, non-qualified supplemental pension payments, performance awards, bonuses, commissions, overtime, fringe benefits, relocation expenses, incentive payments, non-monetary awards, directors’ fees and other fees, automobile and other allowances paid to an Eligible Employee for employment services rendered (whether or not such allowances are included in the Eligible Employee’s gross income), stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or units, dividends, dividend equivalents and any other equity-based award provided under a plan or arrangement of an Employer. Base Annual Salary shall be calculated before it is deferred or contributed by the Eligible Employee under a qualified or non-qualified plan of an Employer and shall include amounts not otherwise included in the Eligible Employee’s gross income under Code Sections 125, 132(f)(4), 402(e)(3), 402(h) or 403(b) pursuant to plans established by an Employer; provided, however, that all such amounts shall be included in Base Annual Salary only to the extent that the amount would have been payable in cash to the Eligible Employee had there been no such plan.
|
1.5
|
"Beneficiary"
shall mean one or more persons, trusts, estates or other entities designated by the Participant in accordance with Article 7 that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan upon the death of a Participant.
|
1.6
|
"Board"
shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
|
1.7
|
"Change in Control"
shall mean, with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any one of the following dates, interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section‑1.409A‑3(i)(5).
|
(a)
|
Change in Ownership
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such Person or Group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this paragraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of
|
(b)
|
Change in Effective Control
.
|
(i)
|
The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this subparagraph, if any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person or Persons is not considered to cause a Change in Control; or
|
(ii)
|
The date a majority of the members of the Company’s Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company’s Board before the date of the appointment or election.
|
(c)
|
Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets
. The date any one Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this paragraph (c), "gross fair market value" means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transfer of assets is not treated as a Change in Control if the assets are transferred to:
|
(i)
|
An entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the transferring corporation;
|
(ii)
|
A shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock;
|
(iii)
|
An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
A Person, or more than one Person Acting as a Group, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company; or
|
(v)
|
An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in clause (iv).
|
(d)
|
"
Person" and "Acting as a Group.
"
|
(i)
|
For purposes of this Section, "Person" shall have the meaning set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
(ii)
|
For purposes of this Section, Persons shall be considered to be "Acting as a Group" if they are owners of a corporation that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a Person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be Acting as a Group with the other shareholders only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Persons shall not be considered to be Acting as a Group solely because they purchase or own stock of the same corporation at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering.
|
1.8
|
"Chief Executive Officer"
shall mean the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
|
1.9
|
"Code"
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
|
1.10
|
"Committee"
shall mean an internal administrative committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer to administer the Plan in accordance with Article 9.
|
1.11
|
"Company"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or business. Prior to June 29, 2015, the Company was known as Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
|
1.12
|
"Company Stock"
shall mean WEC Energy Group, Inc. common stock. Prior to June 29, 2015, "Company Stock" means Wisconsin Energy Corporation common stock.
|
1.13
|
"Compensation Committee"
shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
|
1.14
|
"Disabled Participant"
shall mean a Participant who is receiving benefits under a long-term disability plan sponsored by an Employer. A Participant will cease to be a Disabled Participant upon Separation from Service.
|
1.15
|
"EDCP"
shall mean the WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time, or any successor to such plan. Prior to January 1, 2016, the EDCP was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
1.16
|
"Election Form"
shall mean the form or forms established from time to time by the Committee that a Participant completes and submits in accordance with Committee rules to designate a form of payment pursuant to Section 5.2 and/or make or change an
|
1.17
|
"Eligible Employee"
shall mean an employee of an Employer who is designated as eligible to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 2.1.
|
1.18
|
"Employer"
shall mean the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries (now in existence or hereafter formed or acquired) that have been selected by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer to participate in the Plan and have adopted the Plan as a sponsor.
|
1.19
|
"Ending Valuation Date"
shall mean the last business day of the Plan Year immediately preceding the Plan Year of distribution of a lump sum payment or final installment payment, as the case may be.
|
1.20
|
"ERISA"
shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
|
1.21
|
"401(k) Plan"
shall mean the WEC Energy Group Employee Retirement Savings Plan, as amended from time to time, or any successor to such plan. Prior to January 1, 2016, the 401(k) Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Employee Retirement Savings Plan.
|
1.22
|
"IRS Limitations"
shall mean the limitation on tax-qualified benefits imposed by Code Section 415, Code Section 401(a)(17), or any other limitation on tax-qualified benefits to which a participant may be entitled under a plan sponsored by the Company.
|
1.23
|
"Measurement Funds"
shall mean the hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan, as provided in Section 4.3, to determine the earnings and losses credited to a Participant’s Account.
|
1.24
|
"Participant"
shall mean a current or former Eligible Employee who participates in the Plan in accordance with Article 2 and maintains an Account balance hereunder. A spouse or former spouse of a Participant shall not be treated as a Participant in the Plan or have an Account under the Plan, even if the spouse or former spouse has an interest in the Participant’s Account as a result of applicable law or property settlements resulting from legal separation or divorce.
|
1.25
|
"Plan"
shall mean the WEC Energy Group Non-qualified Retirement Savings Plan, including any amendments adopted hereto. Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Non-qualified Retirement Savings Plan.
|
1.26
|
"Plan Year"
shall mean the calendar year.
|
1.27
|
"Qualified Employer Pension Contribution"
shall mean "qualified employer pension contribution" as defined under the 401(k) Plan.
|
1.28
|
"Separation from Service"
shall mean the Participant’s termination of employment with all Employers and other entities affiliated with the Company, voluntarily or
|
(a)
|
Except as provided in paragraph (b), the Participant’s employment relationship with the Employer shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on a military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months (or longer, if required by statute or contract). If the period of the leave exceeds six months and the Participant’s right to reemployment is not provided either by statute or contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six-month period.
|
(b)
|
Where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of the Participant's position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the Participant’s relationship with the Employer shall be treated as continuing intact for a period of 29 months and will be deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such 29 month period.
|
1.29
|
"STPP"
shall mean the WEC Energy Group Short-Term Performance Plan, as amended from time to time, or any successor to such plan. Prior to January 1, 2016, the STPP was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Short-Term Performance Plan.
|
1.30
|
"Trust"
shall mean any fund created by a rabbi trust agreement established by the Company referencing the Plan, and as amended from time to time.
|
2.1
|
Eligibility and Participation
. Participation in the Plan shall be limited to a select group of management and highly compensated employees of the Employer (as defined in ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1)) hired, rehired or transferred into a non-represented (management) position with the Employer on or after January 1, 2015. From that group, an employee who is eligible for Qualified Employer Pension Contributions under the 401(k) Plan shall be eligible to participate in the Plan (an "Eligible Employee") on the date such employee first becomes eligible to participate in the EDCP; provided that the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer may designate an employee who is hired after the beginning of the Plan Year as eligible to participate in the Plan on the Eligible Employee's date of hire. An Eligible Employee shall become a Participant as of
|
2.2
|
Cessation of Participation
. The Chief Executive Officer, the Board or the Compensation Committee shall have the discretionary authority to exclude a Participant from receiving further contributions under the Plan with such exclusion becoming effective as of the first day of the immediately following Plan Year. Such Participant shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account balance is paid in full.
|
3.1
|
Eligibility for Non-qualified Employer Pension Contributions
. A Participant shall be eligible to receive an Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount for the Plan Year if the Participant satisfies the following requirements:
|
(a)
|
The Participant is employed by an Employer on the last day of the Plan Year; and
|
(b)
|
The Participant completes 1,000 hours of service (as calculated under the 401(k) Plan) during such Plan Year.
|
3.2
|
Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount
.
For each Plan Year, the Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount provided under this Article 3 shall equal (a) less (b), subject to (c) and (d) below:
|
(a)
|
The Qualified Employer Pension Contribution that would have been allocated to the Participant's account under the 401(k) Plan for the Plan Year, calculated without regard to IRS Limitations and taking into account:
|
(i)
|
All Base Annual Salary, whether paid and/or deferred to the EDCP in the Plan Year;
|
(ii)
|
STPP awards, whether paid and/or deferred to the EDCP in the Plan Year; and
|
(iii)
|
Any other bonus award which has been approved by the Board, Committee or Chief Executive Officer of the Company for inclusion in calculating the Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount for the Plan Year.
|
(b)
|
The Qualified Employer Pension Contribution that was actually allocated to the Participant's account under the 401(k) Plan.
|
(c)
|
The Qualified Employer Pension Contribution shall be determined by using the formula under the 401(k) Plan applicable to the Participant with the adjustments outlined in paragraph (a) above. On and after January 1, 2015, the Qualified Employer Pension Contribution formula under the 401(k) Plan is 6% of eligible compensation. Such Qualified Employer Pension Contribution formula is subject to change under the 401(k) Plan. In this regard, any amendment to the 401(k) Plan that makes such change shall be incorporated herein by reference effective as of the date of any such change.
|
(d)
|
During any period while a Participant is a Disabled Participant, the Participant's Base Annual Salary shall be determined by imputing compensation to the Disabled Participant using the rate of Base Annual Salary paid to the Participant immediately before becoming a Disabled Participant.
|
4.1
|
Establishment of Accounts
. Bookkeeping accounts shall be established for each Participant to reflect the contributions made for the Participant’s benefit, together with adjustments for income, gains or losses attributable thereto, and any payments from the Plan. Accounts are established solely for the purpose of tracking contributions made by an Employer and any income adjustments thereto. The Accounts shall not be used to segregate assets for payment of any amounts allocated under the Plan, and shall not constitute or be treated as a trust fund of any kind.
|
4.2
|
Vesting
. A Participant shall become 100% vested and have a nonforfeitable right to the amounts credited to the Participant's Account, adjusted for deemed income, gains and losses attributable thereto, upon the earliest to occur of the following:
|
(a)
|
Completion of three years of vesting service as determined under the 401(k) Plan for vesting in the Qualified Employer Pension Contribution;
|
(b)
|
The occurrence of a Change in Control; or
|
(c)
|
The Participant's death or attainment of age 59-1/2 (the normal retirement age under the 401(k) Plan) while employed by an Employer.
|
4.3
|
Deemed Investments
. Subject to paragraph (g) below, and in accordance with, and subject to, the rules and procedures that are established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, amounts shall be credited or debited to a Participant’s Account in accordance with the following rules. The Committee’s discretion includes the right to supersede the specific rights identified below, with or without retroactive effect:
|
(a)
|
Measurement Funds
. Amounts credited to each Participant’s Account shall be deemed invested, in accordance with the Participant’s directions, in Measurement Funds that are available under the Plan. The hypothetical investment funds available under the Plan shall be those designated by the Committee, from time to time in its discretion, following recommendations by the WEC Energy Group Investment Trust Policy Committee.
Subject to paragraph (g) below, a Participant may elect one or both of the following Measurement Funds for the purpose of crediting additional amounts to the Participant's Account: (i) the Prime Rate Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in a hypothetical debt instrument which earns interest at an annualized interest rate equal to the "Prime Rate" as reported each business day by the
Wall Street Journal
, with interest deemed reinvested in additional units of such hypothetical debt instrument), or (ii) a Company Stock Measurement Fund (described as a mutual fund that is 100% invested in shares of Company Stock, with dividends deemed reinvested in additional shares of Company Stock).
|
(b)
|
Election of Measurement Funds
. Subject to paragraphs (g), a Participant shall elect Measurement Funds to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to the Participant's Account, unless changed pursuant to rules as the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, from time to time. However, subject to paragraphs (g) and any rules and procedures established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion, the Participant may elect to add or delete one or more Measurement Funds to be used to determine the additional amounts to be credited to the Participant's Account, or to change the portion of the Account allocated to each previously or newly elected Measurement Fund. Such rules may include, but are not limited to, rules and/or trading policies that govern the timing, frequency, and manner in which elections are made to allocate or reallocate
|
(c)
|
Proportionate Allocation
. In making any election described in paragraph (b) above, the Participant shall specify on the Election Form, in increments of 1%, the percentage of the Participant's Account balance to be allocated to a Measurement Fund (as if the Participant was making an investment in that Measurement Fund with that portion of the Participant's Account balance).
|
(d)
|
Crediting or Debiting Method
. The performance of each elected Measurement Fund (either positive or negative) shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, based on the performance of the Measurement Funds themselves. A Participant’s Account shall be credited or debited on a periodic basis based on the performance of each Measurement Fund selected by the Participant, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that no adjustment in the value of a Participant’s Account balance shall be considered after the Ending Valuation Date.
|
(e)
|
No Actual Investment
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Measurement Funds shall be used for measurement purposes only, and a Participant’s election of any Measurement Fund, the allocation of the Participant's Account thereto, the calculation of additional amounts and the crediting or debiting of such amounts to a Participant’s Account shall not be considered or construed in any manner as an actual investment of the Participant's Account balance in any such Measurement Fund. If the Employer or the trustee of the Trust, in its sole discretion, decides to invest funds in any or all of the Measurement Funds, no Participant shall have any rights in or to such investments themselves. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant’s Account balance shall at all times be a bookkeeping entry only and shall not represent any investment made on the Participant's behalf by the Employer or the trustee; the Participant shall at all times remain an unsecured creditor of the Company.
|
(f)
|
Investment of Trust Assets
. If the Committee deposits amounts in a Trust, the trustee of the Trust shall be authorized, upon written instructions received from the Committee or an investment manager appointed by the Committee, to invest and reinvest the assets of the Trust in accordance with the applicable Trust
|
(g)
|
Special Considerations for Participants Subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
. In order for any election under this Plan by a Participant who is an officer subject to the reporting requirements and trading restrictions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Section 16") to conform to Section 16, the Participant shall consult with the Company’s designated individual responsible for Section 16 reporting and compliance before making any election to move any part of the Participant's Account into or out of the Company Stock Measurement Fund. The Company reserves the right to impose such restrictions as it determines necessary, in its sole discretion, on any elections, transactions or other matters under this Plan relating to the Company Stock Measurement Fund to comply with or qualify for exemption under Section 16.
|
4.4
|
Taxes
. A Participant’s Employer shall withhold from a Participant’s non-deferred compensation any employment taxes the Employer is required to withhold with respect to amounts deferred under the Plan at the times required under applicable regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury. To the extent not previously withheld, the Employer, or the trustee of the Trust, shall withhold from any payments made to a Participant under this Plan all federal, state and local income, employment and other taxes required to be withheld by the Employer, or the trustee of the Trust, in connection with such payments, in amounts and in a manner to be determined in the sole discretion of the Employer or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be.
|
5.1
|
Time for Distribution
. Distribution of a Participant’s Account shall be made on the earliest to occur of:
|
(a)
|
The date set forth in Section 5.3 with respect to the Participant’s Separation from Service;
|
(b)
|
The date set forth in Section 5.4 with respect to the Participant’s death; or
|
(c)
|
The date set forth in Section 5.6 with respect to a Separation from Service after a Change in Control.
|
5.2
|
Payment Forms and Election
. A Participant may elect the form of payment for amounts credited to the Participant's Account by completing and timely submitting an Election Form in accordance with the Committee's rules.
|
(a)
|
Payment Forms
. A Participant may elect to receive payment in the form of a lump sum or installments of two to ten years. The amount of each installment shall be determined using the Annual Installment Method. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant's Account balance is $75,000 or less at the time of Separation from Service, the Participant's Account shall be paid in a lump sum.
|
(b)
|
Timing of Election
. A Participant must complete and submit an Election Form for a Plan Year before the beginning of the Plan Year to which the Election Form relates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Committee, in its sole discretion, designates an employee as newly‑eligible to participate in the Plan effective as of any date other than January 1, the newly-Eligible Employee shall complete and submit an Election Form prior to the date the Eligible Employee begins participating in the Plan. Newly‑eligible for participation in the Plan shall be determined under the plan aggregation rules of Code Section 409A.
|
(c)
|
Duration of Election
. The form of payment elected by the Participant shall govern all contributions credited to the Participant's Account for the Plan Year to which the Election Form applies, and earnings or losses on such amounts. The form of payment election shall also apply to each subsequent Plan Year's contributions, and earnings or losses on such amounts, until changed on either a prospective or retroactive basis by the Participant pursuant to section 5.5.
|
(d)
|
Default Form of Payment
. In the event the Participant has not elected a form of payment, or the Participant's eligibility date under section 2.1 prevents the Participant from making an election prior to the deadline for submitting an Election Form in paragraph (b) above, all amounts contributions to the Participant's Account for the Plan Year, and earnings or losses on such amounts, shall be paid in a single lump sum. This default form of payment shall apply to each subsequent Plan Year's contributions and earnings or losses on such amounts, unless and until the Participant elects a form of payment on a prospective basis or changes the form of payment on a retroactive basis pursuant to section 5.5.
|
5.3
|
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
. Upon a Participant’s Separation from Service, the Participant’s Account shall be paid or begin to be paid during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant’s Separation from Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions made to "specified employees" (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A‑1(i)) upon such separation shall be paid or begin to be paid no earlier than the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s Separation from Service unless the Participant dies during such six-month period in which case Section 5.4 shall apply. If an Annual Installment Method is in effect, subsequent installment payments shall be made thereafter during the first 90 days of the Plan Year in which the installment is due. Payment shall be made in such form as determined under Section 5.2, taking into account any changes to an elected form of payment pursuant to Section 5.5.
|
5.4
|
Benefits Upon Death
. Upon the Participant’s death, the Plan Administrator shall pay to the Participant’s Beneficiary a benefit equal to the remaining balance in the Participant’s Account. Payment shall be made in accordance with the provisions below.
|
(a)
|
Death While In Pay Status or After a Separation from Service
. If the Participant dies after commencing an installment form of payment, but before the entire benefit is paid in full, the Participant’s unpaid installment payments shall continue to be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary over the remaining number of years as that benefit would have been paid to the Participant had the Participant survived. In the event a Participant dies after a Separation from Service, but before actual payment is made or begins, this paragraph shall apply and payment to the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be paid or begin to be paid at the same time as if the Participant had survived.
|
(b)
|
Death Prior to a Separation from Service
. If a Participant dies prior to a Separation from Service, the Participant’s Account shall be paid or begin to be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary during the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year of the Participant’s death, regardless of whether the Participant is a specified employee. Payment shall be made in such form as determined under Section 5.2, taking into account any changes to an elected form of payment pursuant to Section 5.5.
|
5.5
|
Changes to Form of Payment
.
|
(a)
|
Prospective Changes
. A Participant may select an alternate form of payment for contributions made to the Participant's Account for future Plan Years in accordance with the rules for completing and submitting Election Forms in Section 5.2.
|
(b)
|
Retroactive Changes
. A Participant may elect to change the form of payment for amounts in the Participant's Account as follows:
|
(i)
|
A Participant who has elected a lump sum distribution may later change such election to an installment payment, provided the first installment payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the lump sum distribution would otherwise have been made.
|
(ii)
|
A Participant who has an installment election in effect may change such election to a lump sum payment, provided the lump sum payment shall be deferred to a date that is at least five years after the date the initial installment payment would otherwise have commenced.
|
5.6
|
Change in Control
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event a Participant incurs a Separation from Service within 18 months after a Change in Control, the Employer shall distribute the Participant’s entire Account in a lump sum payment within 90 days after such Separation from Service.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions made to "specified employees" (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i)) upon Separation from Service shall be paid or begin to be paid no earlier than the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s Separation from Service, unless the Participant dies during such six-month period in which case Section 5.4 shall apply.
|
5.7
|
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
.
|
(a)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to make a distribution, or accelerate the time or schedule of payment, from a Participant’s Account if payment is required for:
|
(i)
|
FICA, FUTA and/or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state and local taxes with respect to compensation deferred under the Plan. Any such distribution shall not exceed the aggregate of such tax withholding and shall reduce the Participant’s Account balance to the extent of such distributions; or
|
(ii)
|
payment of state, local or foreign tax obligations arising from participation in the Plan that apply to an amount deferred under the Plan and FUTA resulting from such payment. Any such payment shall not exceed the amount of such taxes due as a result of Plan participation.
|
(b)
|
The Committee or a Plan representative is authorized to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, or to make a payment under the Plan to an individual other than the Participant, to the extent necessary to fulfill a domestic relations order (as defined in Code Section 414(p)(1)(B)). Payment to an alternate payee under a domestic relations order shall be made in a lump sum within 90 days after the Committee or Plan representative approves such order.
|
(c)
|
The Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan if the Plan fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and regulations promulgated thereunder, provided that any such payment does not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure.
|
7.1
|
Beneficiary
. Each Participant may, at any time, designate one or more Beneficiaries (both primary as well as contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan upon the Participant's death. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of an Employer in which the Participant participates.
|
7.2
|
Beneficiary Designation; Change
. A Participant shall designate a Beneficiary by completing a beneficiary designation form established by the Committee or its delegate, and returning it to the Committee or its designated agent. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format. A Participant may change a Beneficiary designation by completing and otherwise complying with the terms of the beneficiary designation form and the Committee’s rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Committee of a new beneficiary designation form, all Beneficiary designations previously submitted shall be canceled. The Committee shall rely on the last completed beneficiary designation form submitted by the Participant before the Participant's death. In the event of a Participant's divorce, any designation of the Participant's former spouse as a Beneficiary shall be deemed void unless after the divorce the Participant completes a new designation naming such former spouse as a Beneficiary.
|
7.3
|
Acknowledgment
. No Beneficiary designation or change in Beneficiary designation shall be effective until accepted by the Committee or a Plan representative.
|
7.4
|
No Beneficiary Designation
. If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in this Article 7 or, if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant or die before complete distribution of the Participant’s Account, then the remaining benefits in the Participant’s Account shall be paid to the Participant's surviving spouse, if none, to the Participant's descendants by right of representation or, if none, to the Participant's next of kin determined pursuant to the laws of the state in which the Company's principal place of business is located as if the Participant had died unmarried and intestate.
|
7.5
|
Doubt as to Beneficiary
. If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments under this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, require the Participant’s Employer to withhold such payments until the matter is resolved to the Committee’s satisfaction.
|
7.6
|
Discharge of Obligations
. The complete payment of benefits under the Plan to a Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge all Employers and the Committee from all further obligations under this Plan with respect to the Participant, and the Participant’s Election Form shall terminate upon such full payment of benefits.
|
8.1
|
Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Although each Employer anticipates that it will continue the Plan for an indefinite period of time, there is no guarantee that an Employer will continue the Plan or will not terminate the Plan at any time in the future. Accordingly, each Employer reserves the right to discontinue its participation in the Plan and/or to terminate the Plan at any time with respect to all of its participating Eligible Employees, by action of its board of directors or compensation committee. The termination of the Plan shall not reduce the amount of any benefit the Participant or Beneficiary is entitled to receive under the Plan as of the termination date. Except as provided in paragraph (b) below, Account balances shall be maintained under the Plan until such amounts would otherwise have been distributed in accordance with the terms of the Plan and Participants’ validly filed payment elections.
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, upon termination of the Plan, the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee reserves the discretion to accelerate distribution of Participants’ Account (including those Participants in pay status pursuant to an installment election) in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury under Code Section 409A.
|
8.2
|
Amendment
. The Company may, in its sole discretion, amend or modify the Plan at any time, in whole or in part, by action of its Board, Compensation Committee or the Committee; provided, however, that no amendment shall decrease the amount of any Participant’s Account as of the date of the amendment. Further, during the pendency of a Potential Change in Control (as defined below) and at all times following a Change in Control, no amendment or modification may be made which in any way adversely affects
|
(a)
|
The Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;
|
(b)
|
The Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control;
|
(c)
|
Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of Company Stock representing 15% or more of either the then outstanding shares of stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding Company Stock (not including the Company Stock beneficially owned by such Person or any Company Stock acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates); or
|
(d)
|
The Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Plan, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.
|
8.3
|
Effect of Payment
. The full payment of the Participant’s Account under any provision of the Plan shall completely discharge the Plan’s and Employer’s obligations to the Participant and Beneficiaries under this Plan and the Participant’s Election Forms shall terminate.
|
9.1
|
Plan Administration
. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 9, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan. Any individual serving on the Committee who is a Participant shall not vote or act on any matter relating solely to himself or herself.
|
9.2
|
Powers, Duties and Procedures
.
The Committee shall have full and complete discretionary authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan, and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of the Plan, as may arise in connection with the claims procedures set forth in Article 10 or otherwise with regard to the Plan. The Committee shall have complete control and authority to determine the rights and benefits of all claims, demands and actions arising out of the provisions of the Plan of any Participant or
|
9.3
|
Administration Upon Change In Control
. For purposes of this Plan, the Company shall be the "Administrator" at all times before a Change in Control. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator shall be an independent third party selected by the individual who, at any time before such event, was the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or, if there is no such officer or such officer does not act, by the Company’s then highest ranking officer (the "Appointing Officer"). Upon a Change in Control, the Administrator shall have full and complete discretionary power to determine all questions arising in connection with the administration of the Plan and the interpretation of the Plan and Trust including, but not limited to, benefit entitlement determinations. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Company shall (i) pay all reasonable administrative expenses and fees of the Administrator, (ii) indemnify the Administrator against any costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) of whatever kind and nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrator in connection with the performance of the duties hereunder, except with respect to matters resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrator or its employees or agents, and (iii) supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan, the Trust, the Participants and their Beneficiaries, the Account balances of the Participants, including the dates of death or Separation from Service and such other pertinent information as the Administrator may reasonably require. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may be terminated (and a replacement appointed) only by an Appointing Officer. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may not be terminated by the Company.
|
9.4
|
Agents
. In the administration of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit (including acting through a duly appointed representative) and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to an Employer.
|
9.5
|
Binding Effect of Decisions
. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee or its delegate shall have complete discretion to interpret the Plan and to decide all matters under the Plan. Any such interpretation shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Participants, Beneficiaries and any person claiming under or through any Participant, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that the Committee acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
|
9.6
|
Indemnity of Committee
. All Employers shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee, and any other employee to whom the duties of the Committee may be delegated, and the Administrator, as defined in Section 9.3, against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or
|
9.7
|
Employer Information
. To enable the Committee and/or Administrator to perform its functions, each Employer shall supply full and timely information to the Committee on all matters relating to the compensation of its Participants, the dates of the death or Separation from Service and such other pertinent information as the Committee may reasonably require.
|
9.8
|
Coordination with Other Benefits
. The benefits provided to a Participant and the Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program for employees of an Employer. The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede, modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be expressly provided.
|
10.1
|
Presentation of Claim
. Any Participant or Beneficiary (such Participant or Beneficiary being referred to below as a "Claimant") may deliver to the Committee a written claim for benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be made within 90 days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other claims shall be made within 180 days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim shall state with particularity the determination desired by the Claimant. A claim shall be considered to have been made when a written communication made by the Claimant or the Claimant’s representative is received by the Committee.
|
10.2
|
Decision on Initial Claim
. The Committee shall consider a Claimant’s claim and provide written notice to the Claimant of any denial within a reasonable time, but no later than 90 days after receipt of the claim. If an extension of time beyond the initial 90-day period for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be provided to the Claimant before the initial 90-day period expires indicating the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Committee expects to render a final decision. In no event shall the period, as extended, exceed 180 days. If the Committee denies, in whole or in part, the claim, the notice shall set forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant:
|
(a)
|
The specific reasons for the denial of the claim, or any part thereof;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to pertinent Plan provisions upon which such denial was based;
|
(c)
|
A description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and
|
(d)
|
An explanation of the claim review procedure set forth in Section 10.3 below, which explanation shall also include a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a denial of the claim upon review.
|
10.3
|
Right to Review
. A Claimant is entitled to appeal any claim that has been denied in whole or in part. To do so, the Claimant must submit a written request for review with the Committee within 60 days after receiving a notice from the Committee that a claim has been denied, in whole or in part. Absent receipt by the Committee of a written request for review within such 60-day period, the claim shall be deemed to be conclusively denied. The Claimant (or the Claimant’s duly authorized representative) may:
|
(a)
|
Review and/or receive copies of, upon request and free of charge, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim;
|
(b)
|
Submit written comments, documents, records or other information relating to the Claimant's claim, which the Committee shall take into account in considering the claim on review, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial review of the claim; and/or
|
(c)
|
Request a hearing, which the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant.
|
10.4
|
Decision on Review
. The Committee shall render its decision on review promptly, and not later than 60 days after it receives a written request for review of the denial, unless a hearing is held or other special circumstances require additional time. In such case, the Committee will notify the Claimant, before the expiration of the initial 60-day period and in writing, of the need for additional time, the reason the additional time is necessary, and the date (no later than 60 days after expiration of the initial 60-day period) by which the Committee expects to render its decision on review. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Committee determines that an extension of the initial 60-day period is required due to the Claimant’s failure to submit information necessary for the Committee to decide the claim, the time period by which the Committee must make its determination on review shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the Claimant until the date on which the Claimant responds to the request for additional information. The decision on review shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and shall contain:
|
(a)
|
Specific reasons for the decision;
|
(b)
|
Specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based;
|
(c)
|
A statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records or other information relevant (within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulation Section 2560.503-1(m)(8)) to the Claimant’s claim;
|
(d)
|
A statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following a wholly or partially denied claim for benefits; and
|
(e)
|
Such other matters as the Committee deems relevant.
|
10.5
|
Form of Notice and Decision
. Any notice or decision by the Committee under this Article 10 may be furnished electronically in accordance with Department of Labor Regulation Section 2520.104b-(1)(c)(i), (iii) and (iv).
|
10.6
|
Legal Action
. Any final decision by the Committee shall be binding on all parties. A Claimant’s compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Article 10 is a mandatory prerequisite to a Claimant’s right to commence any legal action with respect to any claim for benefits under this Plan. Any such legal action must be initiated no later than 180 days after the Committee renders its final decision. If a final determination of the Committee is challenged in court, such determination shall not be subject to de novo review and shall not be overturned unless proven to be arbitrary and capricious based on the evidence considered by the Committee at the time of such determination.
|
11.1
|
Establishment of the Trust
. The Company may establish a Trust and, if established, each Employer shall contribute such amounts to the Trust from time to time as it deems desirable.
|
11.2
|
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
. The provisions of the Plan shall govern the rights of a Participant to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan. The provisions of the Trust shall govern the rights of the Employers, Participants and the creditors of the Employers to the assets transferred to the Trust. Each Employer shall at all times remain liable to carry out its obligations under the Plan.
|
11.3
|
Distributions From the Trust
. Each Employer’s obligations under the Plan may be satisfied with Trust assets distributed pursuant to the terms of the Trust, and any such distribution shall reduce the Employer’s obligations under this Plan.
|
12.1
|
Status of Plan
. The Plan is intended to be a plan that is not qualified within the meaning of Code Section 401(a) and that is unfunded for tax purposes and "is maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees" (within the meaning of ERISA). The Plan shall be administered and interpreted in a manner consistent with that intent.
|
12.2
|
Unsecured General Creditor
. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interests or claims in any property or assets of an Employer, Company or of any other person and nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any employee or any other person such rights. The Plan constitutes a mere promise by the Company or Employer to make payments in accordance with the terms of the Plan and Participants and Beneficiaries shall have the status of general unsecured creditors solely of the Employer employing the Participant.
|
12.3
|
Employer’s Liability
. The liability of an Employer for the payment of benefits shall be defined only by the Plan and any Election Forms, as entered into between the Employer and a Participant. An Employer shall have no obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.
|
12.4
|
Nonassignability
. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate, alienate or convey in advance of actual receipt, the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are expressly declared to be, unassignable and non-transferable to the maximum extent allowed by law. No part of the amounts payable shall, before actual payment, be subject to seizure, attachment, garnishment or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor shall any part of the same, to the maximum extent allowed by law, be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency or, except as provided in Section 5.7(b), be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.
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12.5
|
Not a Contract of Employment
. The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between any Employer and the Participant. Such employment is hereby acknowledged to be an "at will" employment relationship that can be terminated at any time for any reason, or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without notice, unless expressly provided in a written employment agreement between an Employer and a Participant. Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of any Employer as an employee, or to interfere with the right of any Employer to discipline or discharge the Participant at any time, with or without cause, or to modify the Base Annual Salary or other compensation at any time.
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12.6
|
Furnishing Information
. A Participant or Beneficiary shall cooperate with the Committee by furnishing any and all information requested by the Committee and take such other actions as may be requested in order to facilitate the administration of the Plan and the payments of benefits hereunder.
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12.7
|
Receipt and Release
.
Any payment to any Participant or Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Employer, the Committee and a trustee (if any) under the Plan, and the Committee may require such Participant or Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release to such effect.
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12.8
|
Incompetent
. If the Committee determines in its discretion that a benefit under this Plan is to be paid to a minor, a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling disposition of that person's property, the Committee may direct payment of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent or incapable person. The Committee may require proof of minority, incompetence, incapacity or guardianship, as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any payment of a benefit shall be a payment for the Account of the Participant and the Participant's Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.
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12.9
|
Governing Law and Severability
. To the extent not preempted by ERISA, the provisions of this Plan shall be construed, administered and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. If any provision is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be fully effective.
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12.10
|
Notices and Communications
. All notices, statements, reports and other communications from the Committee to any employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person required or permitted under the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered to, when transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or when mailed overnight or by first-class mail, postage prepaid and addressed to, such employee, Participant, Beneficiary or other person at the last known address on the Employer’s or Company’s records. All elections, designations, requests, notices, instructions and other communications from a Participant, Beneficiary or other person to the Committee required or permitted under the Plan shall be in such form as is prescribed from time to time by the Committee, and shall be mailed by first-class mail, transmitted via facsimile or other electronic media or delivered to such location as shall be specified by the Committee. Such communication shall be deemed to have been given and delivered only upon actual receipt by the Committee at such location.
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12.11
|
Successors
. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Participant’s Employer and its successors and assigns and the Participant and the Participant’s designated Beneficiaries.
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12.12
|
Insurance
. An Employer, on its own behalf or on behalf of the trustee of the Trust, and, in its sole discretion, may apply for and procure insurance on the life of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Employer may choose. The Employer or the trustee of the Trust, as the case may be, shall be the sole owner and beneficiary of any such insurance. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies, and at the request of the Employer shall submit to medical examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Employer has applied for insurance. The Participant may elect not to be insured.
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12.13
|
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
. The Employer is aware that upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Board (which might then be composed of new members) or a shareholder of the Employer, or of any successor corporation,
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12.14
|
Terms
. Whenever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.
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12.15
|
Headings
. Headings and subheadings in the Plan are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.
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Subsidiary *
|
|
State of Incorporation or Organization
|
|
Percent Ownership
|
Wisconsin Electric Power Company
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
ATC Management Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
26.24%
|
American Transmission Company LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
23.04%
|
Bostco LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin Gas LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATC Holding LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
ATC Holdco, Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
68%
|
American Transmission Company LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
3.20%
|
|
|
|
|
|
W.E. Power, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
Elm Road Services, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
Port Washington Generating Station, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wisvest LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wispark LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin Energy Capital Corporation
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEC Business Services LLC
|
|
Delaware
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Integrys Holding, Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
27.1%
|
Wisconsin River Power Company
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
50%
|
WPS Investments, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
10.37%
|
American Transmission Company LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
34.07%
|
ATC Management Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
32%
|
ATC Management Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
2%
|
WPS Investments, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
89.63%
|
American Transmission Company LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
34.07%
|
Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation
|
|
Delaware
|
|
100%
|
Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
|
|
Delaware
|
|
100%
|
Peoples Energy, LLC
|
|
Illinois
|
|
100%
|
The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
|
|
Illinois
|
|
100%
|
North Shore Gas Company
|
|
Illinois
|
|
100%
|
Peoples Energy Ventures, LLC
|
|
Delaware
|
|
100%
|
WPS Power Development, LLC
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
WPS Visions, Inc.
|
|
Wisconsin
|
|
100%
|
Penvest, Inc.
|
|
Michigan
|
|
100%
|
*
|
Omits the names of certain subsidiaries, which if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a "significant subsidiary" as of
December 31, 2016
. Indirectly owned subsidiaries are listed under the subsidiaries through which WEC Energy Group, Inc. holds ownership.
|
1.
|
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of WEC Energy Group, Inc.;
|
2.
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
3.
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
4.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
|
a)
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
b)
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
c)
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
d)
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
|
5.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
|
a)
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
b)
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
|
1.
|
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of WEC Energy Group, Inc.;
|
2.
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
3.
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
4.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
|
a)
|
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
b)
|
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
c)
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
d)
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
|
5.
|
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
|
a)
|
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
b)
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|