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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________________ to ___________________

Commission
File Number
 
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address; and Telephone Number
 
IRS Employer
Identification No.
 
 
WECENERGYGROUP10KLOGOA01.JPG
 
 
001-09057
 
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
 
39-1391525
 
 
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
231 West Michigan Street
P. O. Box 1331
Milwaukee, WI 53201
414-221-2345
 
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act :
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
 
New York Stock Exchange

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

None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes [X]    No [ ]

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

Yes [ ]    No [X]




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

Yes [X]    No [ ]

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

Yes [X]    No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 
Large accelerated filer [X]
Accelerated filer [ ]
 
 
Non-accelerated filer [ ]
Smaller reporting company [ ]
 

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

Yes [ ]    No [X]

The aggregate market value of the common stock of WEC Energy Group, Inc. held by non-affiliates was $20.6 billion based upon the reported closing price of such securities as of June 30, 2016 .

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date ( January 31, 2017 ):

Common Stock, $.01 par value, 315,587,523 shares outstanding

Documents incorporated by reference :

Portions of WEC Energy Group, Inc.'s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on May 4, 2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

 



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WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below:
Subsidiaries and Affiliates
 
 
ATC
 
American Transmission Company LLC
Bostco
 
Bostco LLC
DATC
 
Duke-American Transmission Company
ERGSS
 
Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC
Integrys
 
Integrys Holding, Inc. (previously known as Integrys Energy Group, Inc.)
ITF
 
Integrys Transportation Fuels, LLC
MERC
 
Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
MGU
 
Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation
NSG
 
North Shore Gas Company
PDL
 
WPS Power Development LLC
PELLC
 
Peoples Energy, LLC
PGL
 
The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
UMERC
 
Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation
WBS
 
WEC Business Services LLC
WE
 
Wisconsin Electric Power Company
We Power
 
W.E. Power, LLC
WECC
 
Wisconsin Energy Capital Corporation
WG
 
Wisconsin Gas LLC
Wispark
 
Wispark LLC
Wisvest
 
Wisvest LLC
WPS
 
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
WRPC
 
Wisconsin River Power Company
 
 
 
Federal and State Regulatory Agencies
EPA
 
United States Environmental Protection Agency
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
ICC
 
Illinois Commerce Commission
MDEQ
 
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
MPSC
 
Michigan Public Service Commission
MPUC
 
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
PSCW
 
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
SEC
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
WDNR
 
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
 
 
 
Accounting Terms
AFUDC
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
ARO
 
Asset Retirement Obligation
ASC
 
Accounting Standards Codification
ASU
 
Accounting Standards Update
CWIP
 
Construction Work in Progress
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
LIFO
 
Last-In, First-Out
OPEB
 
Other Postretirement Employee Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Environmental Terms
Act 141
 
2005 Wisconsin Act 141
CAA
 
Clean Air Act
CO 2
 
Carbon Dioxide
CSAPR
 
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
GHG
 
Greenhouse Gas
MATS
 
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
NAAQS
 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NOV
 
Notice of Violation
NOx
 
Nitrogen Oxide
SO 2
 
Sulfur Dioxide
 
 
 
Measurements
 
 
Dth
 
Dekatherm (One Dth equals one million Btu)
MDth
 
One thousand Dekatherms
MW
 
Megawatt (One MW equals one million Watts)
MWh
 
Megawatt-hour
 
 
 
Other Terms and Abbreviations
6.11% Junior Notes
 
Integrys's 2006 6.11% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2066
ALJ
 
Administrative Law Judge
ARRs
 
Auction Revenue Rights
CNG
 
Compressed Natural Gas
Compensation Committee
 
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
ERGS
 
Elm Road Generating Station
ER 1
 
Elm Road Generating Station Unit 1
ER 2
 
Elm Road Generating Station Unit 2
Exchange Act
 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FTRs
 
Financial Transmission Rights
GCRM
 
Gas Cost Recovery Mechanism
LMP
 
Locational Marginal Price
MCPP
 
Milwaukee County Power Plant
Merger Agreement
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2014, between Integrys Energy Group, Inc. and Wisconsin Energy Corporation
MISO
 
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MISO Energy Markets
 
MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market
NYMEX
 
New York Mercantile Exchange
OCPP
 
Oak Creek Power Plant
OC 5
 
Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 5
OC 6
 
Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 6
OC 7
 
Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 7
OC 8
 
Oak Creek Power Plant Unit 8
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan
 
WEC Energy Group 1993 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2016
PIPP
 
Presque Isle Power Plant
Point Beach
 
Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant
PWGS
 
Port Washington Generating Station
PWGS 1
 
Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1
PWGS 2
 
Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2
ROE
 
Return on Equity
RTO
 
Regional Transmission Organization

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SMP
 
Gas System Modernization Program
SMRP
 
System Modernization and Reliability Project
SSR
 
System Support Resource
Supreme Court
 
United States Supreme Court
Treasury Grant
 
Section 1603 Renewable Energy Treasury Grant
VAPP
 
Valley Power Plant


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

In this report, we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of terms such as "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goals," "guidance," "intends," "may," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "projects," "seeks," "should," "targets," "will," or variations of these terms.

Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning management's expectations and projections regarding earnings, completion of capital projects, sales and customer growth, rate actions and related filings with regulatory authorities, environmental and other regulations and associated compliance costs, legal proceedings, dividend payout ratios, effective tax rate, pension and OPEB plans, fuel costs, sources of electric energy supply, coal and natural gas deliveries, remediation costs, liquidity and capital resources, and other matters.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described in Item 1A. Risk Factors and those identified below:

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;

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;

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;

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;

The timely completion of capital projects within budgets, as well as the recovery of the related costs through rates;

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;

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;

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;

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;

Costs and effects of litigation, administrative proceedings, investigations, settlements, claims, and inquiries;

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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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;

Changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom we have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading markets and fuel suppliers and transporters;

The 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;

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;

The investment performance of our employee benefit plan assets, as well as unanticipated changes in related actuarial assumptions, which could impact future funding requirements;

Factors affecting the employee workforce, including loss of key personnel, internal restructuring, work stoppages, and collective bargaining agreements and negotiations with union employees;

Advances in technology that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets;

The timing, costs, and anticipated benefits associated with the remaining integration efforts relating to the Integrys acquisition;
 
The risk associated with the values of goodwill and other intangible assets and their possible impairment;

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;

The timing and outcome of any audits, disputes, and other proceedings related to taxes;

The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and

Other considerations disclosed elsewhere herein and in other reports we file with the SEC or in other publicly disseminated written documents.

We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

A. INTRODUCTION

In this report, when we refer to "us," "we," "our," or "ours," we are referring to WEC Energy Group, Inc. The term "utility" refers to the regulated activities of the electric and natural gas utility companies, while the term "non-utility" refers to the activities of the electric and natural gas utility companies that are not regulated, as well as We Power. The term "nonregulated" refers to activities at WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, the PELLC holding company, Wispark, Bostco, Wisvest, WECC, WBS, PDL, and ITF (prior to the sale of this business in the first quarter of 2016). References to "Notes" are to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

For more information about our business operations, including financial and geographic information about each reportable business segment, see Note 24, Segment Information , and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations.

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

We were incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1981 and became a diversified holding company in 1986. We maintain our principal executive offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our wholly owned subsidiaries provide regulated natural gas and electricity, as well as nonregulated renewable energy. Another subsidiary, ITF, provided CNG products and services prior to its sale in the first quarter of 2016. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information on this sale. We have an approximately 60% equity interest in ATC (an electric transmission company operating in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). At December 31, 2016 , we had six reportable segments which are discussed below. For additional information about our reportable segments, see Note 24, Segment Information .

Acquisition

On June 29, 2015, Wisconsin Energy Corporation acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Integrys and changed its name to WEC Energy Group, Inc. For additional information on this acquisition, see Note 2, Acquisitions .

Available Information

Our annual and periodic filings with the SEC are available, free of charge, on our website, www.wecenergygroup.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC.

You may obtain materials we filed with or furnished to the SEC at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. To obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, you may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also view information filed or furnished electronically with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov .

B. UTILITY ENERGY OPERATIONS

Wisconsin Segment

Electric Utility Operations

For the periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our electric utility operations included operations of WE for all periods and operations for WPS beginning July 1, 2015, due to the acquisition of Integrys and its subsidiaries. WE, which is the largest electric utility in the state of Wisconsin, generates and distributes electric energy to customers located in southeastern Wisconsin (including the metropolitan Milwaukee area), east central Wisconsin, and northern Wisconsin, and serves an iron ore mine owned by Tilden Mining Company (Tilden) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For more information on the mine, see the discussion below under the heading "Large Electric Retail Customers." WPS generates and distributes electric energy to customers located in northeastern Wisconsin.


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Through December 31, 2016, WE and WPS serviced electric customers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Effective January 1, 2017, WE and WPS transferred their electric customers and electric distribution assets located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to UMERC, a new stand-alone utility. More information about UMERC is included at the end of the Wisconsin Segment section, under the heading "Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation." The operations of UMERC will continue to be reported as a part of the Wisconsin segment.

Operating Revenues

The following table shows electric utility operating revenues, including steam operations, for the past three years:
 
 
Year Ended December 31
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015 (1)
 
2014
Operating revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
$
1,620.7

 
$
1,398.5

 
$
1,199.3

Small commercial and industrial (2)
 
1,418.1

 
1,235.7

 
1,054.3

Large commercial and industrial (2)
 
949.5

 
858.8

 
640.7

Other
 
29.8

 
26.9

 
23.0

Total retail revenues (2)
 
4,018.1

 
3,519.9

 
2,917.3

Wholesale
 
231.2

 
181.4

 
131.9

Resale
 
247.1

 
248.7

 
264.1

Steam
 
27.2

 
41.0

 
44.1

Other operating revenues  (3)
 
104.5

 
77.5

 
87.8

Total operating revenues (2)
 
$
4,628.1

 
$
4,068.5

 
$
3,445.2


(1)  
Includes the operations of WPS beginning July 1, 2015, as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.

(2)  
Includes distribution sales for customers who have purchased power from an alternative electric supplier in Michigan.

(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."

Electric Sales

Our electric energy deliveries included supply and distribution sales to retail and wholesale customers and distribution sales to those customers who switched to an alternative electric supplier. In 2016 , retail electric revenues accounted for 86.8% of total electric operating revenues, while wholesale and resale electric revenues accounted for 10.3% of total electric operating revenues. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Wisconsin Segment Contribution to Operating Income for information on MWh sales by customer class.

Our electric utilities are authorized to provide retail electric service in designated territories in the state of Wisconsin, as established by indeterminate permits and boundary agreements with other utilities, and in certain territories in the state of Michigan pursuant to franchises granted by municipalities.

Our electric utilities buy and sell wholesale electric power by participating in the MISO Energy Markets. The cost of our individual generation offered into the MISO Energy Markets, compared to our competitors, affects how often our generating units are dispatched and how we buy and sell power. For more information, see Item 1. Business – D. Regulation.

Steam Sales

WE has a steam utility that generates, distributes, and sells steam supplied by VAPP to customers in metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Steam is used by customers for processing, space heating, domestic hot water, and humidification. Annual sales of steam fluctuate from year to year based on system growth and variations in weather conditions. In April 2016, we sold the MCPP steam generation and distribution assets, located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. MCPP primarily provided steam to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center hospitals and other campus buildings. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information .


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Electric Sales Forecast

Our service territory experienced increased weather-normalized retail electric sales in 2016 due to both positive customer growth as well as the retirement of some customer generation as a result of EPA regulations. However, we currently forecast retail electric sales volumes, excluding the Tilden mine located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to remain relatively flat over the next five years, assuming normal weather. The associated electric peak demand is expected to grow at a rate of approximately 0.1% over the next five years, also assuming normal weather. The expected decline in retail electric sales volumes is due in part to the closing of a large industrial customer at the end of 2016 and continued energy conservation by our customers.

Customers
 
 
Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Electric customers – end of year
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
1,421.7

 
1,414.1

 
1,015.0

Small commercial and industrial
 
171.1

 
171.1

 
115.4

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric customers – average
 
1,593.1

 
1,584.4

 
1,130.7

Steam customers – average
 
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.4


Large Electric Retail Customers

We provide electric utility service to a diversified base of customers in such industries as paper, governmental, food products, foundry, mining, health services, printing, and retail. In February 2015, our largest retail electric customers, two iron ore mines located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, returned as customers after choosing an alternative electric supplier in September 2013. For more information on alternative electric suppliers, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Industry Restructuring. WE entered into a contract with each of the mines to provide full requirements electric service through December 31, 2019. Since 2015, we have been deferring, and expect to continue to defer, the revenue less costs of sales from the mine sales and will apply these amounts for the benefit of Wisconsin retail electric customers in a future rate proceeding.

In 2016, one of the iron ore mines closed, and the related contract for full requirements electric service was terminated. In August 2016, we entered into a new agreement with the owner of the remaining mine under which it will purchase electric power from UMERC for 20 years. The agreement also calls for UMERC to construct and operate certain natural gas-fired generation located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The remaining iron ore mine will continue to receive full requirements electric service from WE under the existing contract, as discussed above, until UMERC's proposed generation solution in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan begins commercial operation. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information , as well as the discussion under the heading "Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation" below.

Wholesale Customers

We provide wholesale electric service to various customers, including electric cooperatives, municipal joint action agencies, other investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and energy marketers. Wholesale sales accounted for 7.4% , 6.0%, and 5.3% of total electric energy sales during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Wholesale revenues accounted for 5.0% , 4.5% , and 3.8% of total electric operating revenues during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

Resale

The majority of our sales for resale are sold to one RTO, MISO, at market rates based on availability of our generation and RTO demand. Resale sales accounted for 17.5% , 20.9%, and 18.5% of total electric energy sales during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Resale revenues accounted for 5.3% , 6.1% , and 7.7% of total electric operating revenues during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Retail fuel costs are reduced by the amount that revenue exceeds the costs of sales derived from these opportunity sales.


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Electric Generation and Supply Mix

Our electric supply strategy is to provide our customers with energy from plants using a diverse fuel mix that is expected to maintain a stable, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity. Through our participation in the MISO Energy Markets, we supply a significant amount of electricity to our customers from power plants that we own. We supplement our internally generated power supply with long-term power purchase agreements, including the Point Beach power purchase agreement discussed under the heading "Power Purchase Commitments," and through spot purchases in the MISO Energy Markets. We also sell excess capacity into the MISO Energy Markets when it is economical, which reduces net fuel costs by offsetting costs of purchased power.

Our rated capacity by fuel type as of December 31 is shown below. For more information on our electric generation facilities, see Item 2. Properties.
 
 
Rated Capacity in MW (1)
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Coal
 
4,933

 
4,955

 
3,707

Natural gas:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined cycle
 
1,697

 
1,636

 
1,082

Steam turbine (2)
 
320

 
305

 
118

Natural gas/oil peaking units (3)
 
1,413

 
1,412

 
962

Renewables (4)
 
273

 
269

 
155

Total rated capacity
 
8,636

 
8,577

 
6,024


(1)  
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.

(2)  
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.

(3)  
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.

(4)  
Includes hydroelectric, biomass, and wind generation.

The table below indicates our sources of electric energy supply as a percentage of sales for the three years ended December 31, as well as estimates for 2017 :
 
 
Estimate
 
Actual
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Company-owned generation units:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coal
 
51.3
%
 
45.7
%
 
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
%


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Coal-Fired Generation

Our coal-fired generation consists of eight operating plants with a rated capacity of 4,933  MW as of December 31, 2016 . For more information about our operating plants, see Item 2. Properties.

Natural Gas-Fired Generation

Our natural gas-fired generation consists of nine operating plants, including peaking units, with a rated capacity of 3,250  MW as of December 31, 2016 . For more information about our operating plants, see Item 2. Properties.

Oil-Fired Generation

Fuel oil is used for combustion turbines at certain of our natural gas-fired plants as well as for ignition and flame stabilization at one of our coal-fired plants. Our oil-fired generation had a rated capacity of 180  MW as of December 31, 2016 . We also have natural gas-fired peaking units with a rated capacity of 1,221 MW, which have the ability to burn oil if natural gas is not available due to delivery constraints. For more information about our operating plants, see Item 2. Properties.

Renewable Generation

In order to comply with renewable energy legislation in Wisconsin and Michigan, our electric utilities meet a portion of their electric generation supply with various renewable energy resources.

Hydroelectric

Our hydroelectric generating system consists of 30 operating plants with a total installed capacity of 171 MW and a rated capacity of 150  MW as of December 31, 2016 . All of our hydroelectric facilities follow FERC guidelines and/or regulations.

Wind

We have six wind sites, consisting of 280 turbines, with an installed capacity of 447 MW and a rated capacity of 73 MW as of December 31, 2016 .

Biomass

We have a biomass-fueled power plant at a Rothschild, Wisconsin paper mill site. Wood waste and wood shavings are used to produce a rated capacity of approximately 50  MW of electric power as well as steam to support the paper mill's operations. Fuel for the power plant is supplied by both the paper mill and through contracts with biomass suppliers.

Electric System Reliability

The PSCW requires us to maintain a planning reserve margin above our projected annual peak demand forecast to help ensure reliability of electric service to our customers. These planning reserve requirements are consistent with the MISO calculated planning reserve margin. In 2008, the PSCW established a 14.5% reserve margin requirement for long-term planning (planning years two through ten). For short-term planning (planning year one), the PSCW requires Wisconsin utilities to follow the planning reserve margin established by MISO. MISO has a 15.2% reserve margin requirement for the planning year from June 1, 2016 , through May 31, 2017 . Although MISO's short-term reserve margin changes from year-to-year, fluctuations are typically less than 0.5%. The MPSC does not have minimum guidelines for future supply reserves.

We had adequate capacity through company-owned generation units and power purchase contracts to meet the MISO calculated planning reserve margin during 2016 and expect to have adequate capacity to meet the planning reserve margin requirements during 2017 . However, extremely hot weather, unexpected equipment failure or unavailability across the 15-state MISO footprint could require us to call upon load management procedures. Load management procedures allow for the reduction of energy use through agreements with customers to directly shut off their equipment or through interruptible service, where customers agree to reduce their load in the case of an emergency interruption.


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Fuel and Purchased Power Costs

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. For more information about the fuel rules, see Item 1. Business – D. Regulation.

Our average fuel and purchased power costs per MWh by fuel type were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
 
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


We purchase coal under long-term contracts, which helps with price stability. Coal and associated transportation services have continued to see volatility in pricing due to changing domestic and world-wide demand for coal and the impacts of diesel costs, which are incorporated into fuel surcharges on rail transportation. Certain of our coal transportation contracts contain fuel cost adjustments that are tied to changes in diesel fuel and crude oil prices. Currently, diesel fuel contracts are not actively traded. Therefore, we use financial heating oil contracts to mitigate risk related to diesel fuel prices.

We purchase natural gas for our plants on the spot market from natural gas marketers, utilities, and producers, and we arrange for transportation of the natural gas to our plants. We have firm and interruptible transportation, as well as balancing and storage agreements, intended to support our plants' variable usage.

WE and WPS both have a PSCW-approved hedging program that allows them to hedge up to 75% of their potential risks related to fuel surcharge exposure. WE and WPS also have a program that allows them to hedge up to 75% of their estimated natural gas use for electric generation in order to help manage their natural gas price risk. These hedging programs are generally implemented on a 36-month forward-looking basis. The results of all of these programs are reflected in the average costs of natural gas and purchased power.

Coal Supply

We diversify the coal supply for our electric generating facilities and jointly-owned plants by purchasing coal from several mines in Wyoming, as well as from various other states. For 2017 , approximately 76% of our total projected coal requirements of approximately 14 million tons are contracted under fixed-price contracts. See Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information on amounts of coal purchases and coal deliveries under contract.

The annual tonnage amounts contracted for the next three years are as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Annual Tonnage
2017
 
10,664

2018
 
7,968

2019
 
4,032


Coal Deliveries

All of our 2017 coal requirements are expected to be shipped by our owned or leased unit trains under existing transportation agreements. The unit trains transport the coal for electric generating facilities from mines in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and Montana. The coal is transported by train to our rail-served electric-generating facilities and to dock storage in Superior, Wisconsin, until needed by our lake vessel-served facilities. Additional small volume agreements may also be used to supplement the normal coal supply for our facilities.

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Midcontinent Independent System Operator Costs

In connection with its status as a FERC approved RTO, MISO developed and operates the MISO Energy Markets, which include its bid-based energy market and ancillary services market. We are participants in the MISO Energy Markets. For more information on MISO, see Item 1. Business – D. Regulation.

Power Purchase Commitments

We enter into short and long-term power purchase commitments to meet a portion of our anticipated electric energy supply needs. As of December 31, 2016 , our power purchase commitments with unaffiliated parties for the next five years are 1,444 MW per year. This amount includes 1,033 MW per year related to a long-term power purchase agreement for electricity generated by Point Beach.

Other Matters

Seasonality

Our electric utility sales are impacted by seasonal factors and varying weather conditions. We sell more electricity during the summer months because of the residential cooling load. We continue to upgrade our electric distribution system, including substations, transformers, and lines, to meet the demand of our customers. Our generating plants performed as expected during the warmest periods of the summer, and all power purchase commitments under firm contract were received. During this period, WE did not require public appeals for conservation, and it did not interrupt or curtail service to non-firm customers who participate in load management programs. In addition, WPS did not require any public appeals for conservation, and it did not interrupt or curtail service to non-firm customers who participate in load management programs for capacity reasons. However, WPS did have service curtailments for economic interruptions. Economic interruptions are declared during times in which the price of electricity in the regional market significantly exceeds the cost of operating the company's peaking generation. During this time, interruptible customers can choose to continue using electricity at a price which exceeds the tariff rate.

Competition

Our electric utilities face competition from various entities and other forms of energy sources available to customers, including self-generation by large industrial customers and alternative energy sources. Our electric utilities compete with other utilities for sales to municipalities and cooperatives as well as with other utilities and marketers for wholesale electric business.

For more information on competition in our service territories, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Industry Restructuring.

Environmental Matters

For information regarding environmental matters, especially as they relate to coal-fired generating facilities, see Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies .

Natural Gas Utility Operations

For the periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Wisconsin natural gas utility operations include WG's and WE's natural gas operations for all periods and WPS's natural gas operations, including in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, beginning July 1, 2015, due to the acquisition of Integrys and its subsidiaries.

Effective January 1, 2017, WPS natural gas customers and natural gas distribution assets located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were transferred to UMERC. More information about UMERC is included at the end of the Wisconsin segment section, under the heading Upper Michigan Resources Corporation.

We are authorized to provide retail natural gas distribution service in designated territories in the state of Wisconsin, as established by indeterminate permits and boundary agreements with other utilities. We also transport customer-owned natural gas. Together our natural gas distribution utilities are the largest in Wisconsin, and we operate throughout the state, including the City of Milwaukee and surrounding areas, northeastern Wisconsin, and in large areas of both central and western Wisconsin.

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Natural Gas Utility Operating Statistics

The following table shows certain natural gas utility operating statistics at our Wisconsin segment for the past three years:
 
 
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.

Natural Gas Deliveries

Our gas therm deliveries include customer-owned transported natural gas. Transported natural gas accounted for approximately 43.9% of the total volumes delivered during 2016 , 41.8% during 2015 , and 36.1% during 2014 . Our peak daily send-out during 2016 was 23.5 million therms on January 18, 2016 .

Large Natural Gas Customers

We provide natural gas utility service to a diversified base of industrial customers who are largely within our electric service territory. Major industries served include governmental, food products, education, real estate, and metals. Fuel used for WE's electric generation represents our largest transportation customer. Natural gas therms delivered to WE for electric generation represented 15.3% of total volumes delivered during each of 2016 and 2015, and 9.3% during 2014.

Natural Gas Sales Forecast

Our combined service territories in Wisconsin experienced growth in weather-normalized retail natural gas deliveries (excluding natural gas deliveries for electric generation) in 2016 due to positive customer growth, an improving economy, and favorable natural gas prices. We currently forecast retail natural gas delivery volumes to grow at a rate between flat and 0.5% over the next five years, assuming normal weather. The forecast projects positive customer growth being offset by energy efficiency.

Natural Gas Supply, Pipeline Capacity and Storage

We have been able to meet our contractual obligations with both our suppliers and our customers. For more information on our natural gas utility supply and transportation contracts, see Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies .


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Pipeline Capacity and Storage

The interstate pipelines serving Wisconsin originate in major natural gas producing areas of North America: the Oklahoma and Texas basins, western Canada, and the Rocky Mountains. We have contracted for long-term firm capacity from a number of these sources. This strategy reflects management's belief that overall supply security is enhanced by geographic diversification of the supply portfolio.

Due to the daily and seasonal variations in natural gas usage in Wisconsin, we have also contracted for substantial underground storage capacity, primarily in Michigan. We target storage inventory levels at approximately 35% of forecasted winter demand; November through March is considered the winter season. Storage capacity, along with our natural gas purchase contracts, enables us to manage significant changes in daily demand and to optimize our overall natural gas supply and capacity costs. We generally inject natural gas into storage during the spring and summer months when demand is lower and withdraw it in the winter months. As a result, we can contract for less long-line pipeline capacity during periods of peak usage than would otherwise be necessary and can purchase natural gas on a more uniform daily basis from suppliers year-round. Each of these capabilities enables us to reduce our overall costs.

We hold daily transportation and storage capacity entitlements with interstate pipeline companies as well as other service providers under varied-length long-term contracts.

In January 2017, we signed an agreement for the acquisition of a natural gas storage facility in Michigan that would provide approximately one-third of the storage needs for our Wisconsin natural gas utilities. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on this transaction.

Term Natural Gas Supply

We have contracts for firm supplies with terms of 3–5 months with suppliers for natural gas acquired in the Chicago, Illinois market hub and in the producing areas discussed above. The pricing of the term contracts is based upon first of the month indices.

Combined with our storage capability, management believes that the volume of natural gas under contract is sufficient to meet our forecasted firm peak-day and seasonal demand. Our Wisconsin natural gas utilities' forecasted design peak-day throughput is 31.2 million therms for the 2016 through 2017 heating season.

Secondary Market Transactions

Pipeline and storage capacity and natural gas supplies under contract can be resold in secondary markets. As local distribution companies, our Wisconsin natural gas utilities must contract for capacity and supply sufficient to meet the firm peak-day demand of their customers. Peak or near peak demand days generally occur only a few times each year. The secondary markets facilitate higher utilization of contracted capacity and supply during those times when the full contracted capacity and supply are not needed by the utility, helping to mitigate the fixed costs associated with maintaining peak levels of capacity and natural gas supply. Through pre-arranged agreements and day-to-day electronic bulletin board postings, interested parties can purchase this excess capacity and supply. The proceeds from these transactions are passed through to customers, subject to our approved GCRMs. During 2016 , we continued to participate in the secondary markets. For information on the GCRMs, see Note 1(d), Revenues and Customer Receivables.

Spot Market Natural Gas Supply

We expect to continue to make natural gas purchases in the spot market as price and other circumstances dictate. We have supply relationships with a number of sellers from whom we purchase natural gas in the spot market.

Hedging Natural Gas Supply Prices

WE and WG have PSCW approval to hedge up to 60% of planned winter demand and up to 15% of planned summer demand using a mix of NYMEX-based natural gas options and futures contracts. WPS has PSCW approval to hedge up to 67% of planned winter demand using a combination of planned withdrawals from storage and NYMEX financial instruments. These approvals allow these companies to pass 100% of the hedging costs (premiums and brokerage fees) and proceeds (gains and losses) to customers through their respective GCRMs. Hedge targets (volumes) are provided annually to the PSCW as part of each company's three-year natural gas supply plan and risk management filing.

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To the extent that opportunities develop and physical supply operating plans are supportive, WE, WG, and WPS also have PSCW approval to utilize NYMEX-based natural gas derivatives to capture favorable forward-market price differentials. These approvals provide for 100% of the related proceeds to accrue to these companies' respective GCRMs.

Seasonality

Since the majority of our customers use natural gas for heating, customer use is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Accordingly, we are subject to some variations in earnings and working capital throughout the year as a result of changes in weather.

Our working capital needs are met by cash generated from operations and debt (both long-term and short-term). The seasonality of natural gas revenues causes the timing of cash collections to be concentrated from January through June. A portion of the winter natural gas supply needs is typically purchased and stored from April through November. Also, planned capital spending on our natural gas distribution facilities is concentrated in April through November. Because of these timing differences, the cash flow from customers is typically supplemented with temporary increases in short-term borrowings (from external sources) during the late summer and fall. Short-term debt is typically reduced over the January through June period.

Competition

Competition in varying degrees exists between natural gas and other forms of energy available to consumers. A number of our large commercial and industrial customers are dual-fuel customers that are equipped to switch between natural gas and alternative fuels. We are allowed to offer lower-priced natural gas sales and transportation services to dual-fuel customers. Under natural gas transportation agreements, customers purchase natural gas directly from natural gas marketers and arrange with interstate pipelines and us to have the natural gas transported to their facilities. We earn substantially the same operating income whether we sell and transport natural gas to customers or only transport their natural gas.

Our ability to maintain our share of the industrial dual-fuel market depends on our success and the success of third-party natural gas marketers in obtaining long-term and short-term supplies of natural gas at competitive prices compared to other sources and in arranging or facilitating competitively priced transportation service for those customers that desire to buy their own natural gas supplies.

Federal and state regulators continue to implement policies to bring more competition to the natural gas industry. While the natural gas utility distribution function is expected to remain a highly regulated, monopoly function, the sale of the natural gas commodity and related services are expected to remain subject to competition from third parties for large commercial and industrial customers.

Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation

In December 2016, both the MPSC and the PSCW approved the operation of UMERC as a stand-alone utility in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. UMERC became operational effective January 1, 2017, and WE and WPS transferred customers and property, plant, and equipment as of that date. WE transferred approximately 27,500 retail electric customers and 50 electric distribution-only customers to UMERC, along with approximately 2,500 miles of electric distribution lines. WPS transferred approximately 9,000 retail electric customers and 5,300 natural gas customers to UMERC, along with approximately 600 miles of electric distribution lines and approximately 100 miles of natural gas distribution mains. WE and WPS also transferred related electric distribution substations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and all property rights for the distribution assets to UMERC. The estimated net book value of the property, plant, and equipment transferred to UMERC from WE and WPS as of January 1, 2017, was $83 million and $19 million, respectively. This transaction was a non-cash equity transfer between entities under common control, and therefore, did not result in a gain or loss recognized.

UMERC obtains its energy through the MISO Energy Markets and meets its market obligations through power purchase agreements with WE and WPS. The new utility has also proposed a long-term generation solution for electric reliability in the region. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information . The Tilden Mining Company will remain a customer of WE until this new generation begins commercial operation.


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Illinois Segment

Our Illinois segment includes the natural gas utility operations of PGL and NSG. PGL and NSG, both Illinois corporations, began operations in 1855 and 1900, respectively. We acquired PGL and NSG as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015. Our customers are located in Chicago and the northern suburbs of Chicago.

Illinois Utilities Operating Statistics

The following table shows certain Illinois utility operating statistics since the acquisition of Integrys.
 
 
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.

Natural Gas Supply, Pipeline Capacity and Storage

We manage portfolios of natural gas supply contracts, storage services, and pipeline transportation services designed to meet varying customer use patterns with safe, reliable natural gas supplies at the best value.

Our natural gas supply requirements are met through a combination of fixed-price purchases, index-priced purchases, contracted and owned storage, peak-shaving facilities, and natural gas supply call options. We contract for fixed-term firm natural gas supply each year to meet the demand of firm system sales customers. To supplement natural gas supply and manage risk, we purchase additional natural gas supply on the monthly and daily spot markets.

For more information on our natural gas utility supply and transportation contracts, see Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies .

We contract with local distribution companies and interstate pipelines to purchase firm transportation services. We believe that having multiple pipelines that serve our natural gas service territory benefits our customers by improving reliability, providing access to a diverse supply of natural gas, and fostering competition among these service providers. These benefits can lead to favorable conditions for our Illinois utilities when negotiating new agreements for transportation and storage services. Our Illinois utilities further reduce their supply cost volatility through the use of financial instruments, such as commodity futures, swaps, and options as part of their hedging programs. They hedge between 25% and 50% of natural gas purchases, with a target of 37.5%.

We own a 38.3 Bcf storage field (Manlove Field in central Illinois) and contract with various other underground storage service providers for additional storage services. Storage allows us to manage significant changes in daily natural gas demand and to purchase steady levels of natural gas on a year-round basis, which provides a hedge against supply cost volatility. We also own a natural gas pipeline system that connects Manlove Field to Chicago and eight major interstate pipelines. These assets are directed primarily to serving rate-regulated retail customers and are included in our regulatory rate base. We also use a portion of these company-owned storage and pipeline assets as a natural gas hub, which consists of providing transportation and storage services in interstate commerce to our wholesale customers. Customers deliver natural gas to us for storage through an injection into the storage reservoir, and we return the natural gas to the customers under an agreed schedule through a withdrawal from the storage

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reservoir. Title to the natural gas does not transfer to us. We recognize service fees associated with the natural gas hub services provided to wholesale customers. These service fees reduce the cost of natural gas and services charged to retail customers in rates.

We had adequate capacity to meet all firm natural gas demand obligations during 2016 and expect to have adequate capacity to meet all firm demand obligations during 2017. Our Illinois utilities' forecasted design peak-day throughput is 24.4 million therms for the 2016 through 2017 heating season.

Gas System Modernization Program

PGL is continuing work on the SMP, a project that began in 2011 under which PGL is replacing approximately 2,000 miles of Chicago's aging natural gas pipeline infrastructure. PGL currently recovers these costs through a surcharge on customer bills pursuant to an ICC approved Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider, which is in effect through 2023. For information on investigations related to the SMP, see Note 22, Regulatory Environment .

Seasonality

Since the majority of our customers use natural gas for heating, customer use is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Accordingly, we are subject to variations in earnings and working capital throughout the year as a result of changes in weather.

Our Illinois utilities' working capital needs are met by cash generated from operations and debt (both long-term and short-term). The seasonality of natural gas revenues causes the timing of cash collections to be concentrated from January through June. A portion of the winter natural gas supply needs is typically purchased and stored from April through November. Also, planned capital spending on our natural gas distribution facilities is concentrated in April through November. Because of these timing differences, the cash flow from customers is typically supplemented with temporary increases in short-term borrowings (from external sources) during the late summer and fall. Short-term debt is typically reduced over the January through June period.

Competition

Although our Illinois utilities' rates are regulated by the ICC, we still face varying degrees of competition from other entities and other forms of energy available to consumers. Absent extraordinary circumstances, potential competitors are not allowed to construct competing natural gas distribution systems in our service territory due to a judicial doctrine known as the "first in the field." In addition, we believe it would be impractical to construct competing duplicate distribution facilities due to the high cost of installation.

Since 2002, all our Illinois utilities' natural gas customers have had the opportunity to choose a natural gas supplier other than us. As a result, we offer natural gas transportation service to enable customers to directly manage their energy costs. Transportation customers purchase natural gas directly from third-party natural gas suppliers and use our distribution system to transport the natural gas to their facilities. We still earn a distribution charge for transporting the natural gas for these customers. As such, the loss of revenue associated with the cost of natural gas that our transportation customers purchase from third-party suppliers has little impact on our net income, as it is offset by an equal reduction to natural gas costs.

An interstate pipeline may seek to provide transportation service directly to end users, which would bypass our natural gas transportation service. However, we have a bypass rate approved by the ICC, which allows us to negotiate rates with customers that are potential bypass candidates to help ensure that such customers use our transportation service.

Other States Segment

Our other states segment includes the natural gas utility operations of MERC and MGU. We acquired the natural gas distribution operations of MERC and MGU, located in Minnesota and Michigan, respectively, on June 29, 2015, with the acquisition of Integrys. MERC serves customers in various cities and communities throughout Minnesota, and MGU serves customers in the southern portion of lower Michigan.


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Other States Utilities Operating Statistics

The following table shows certain other states utility operating statistics since the acquisition of Integrys.
 
 
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.

Natural Gas Supply, Pipeline Capacity and Storage

We manage portfolios of natural gas supply contracts, storage services, and pipeline transportation services designed to meet varying customer use patterns with safe, reliable natural gas supplies at the best value.

Our natural gas supply requirements are met through a combination of fixed-price purchases, index-priced purchases, contracted and owned storage, peak-shaving facilities, and natural gas supply call options. We contract for fixed-term firm natural gas supply each year to meet the demand of firm system sales customers. To supplement natural gas supply and manage risk, we purchase additional natural gas supply on the monthly and daily spot markets.

For more information on our natural gas utility supply and transportation contracts, see Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies .

We own a storage field (Partello in Michigan) and contract with various other underground storage service providers for additional storage services. Storage allows us to manage significant changes in daily natural gas demand and to purchase steady levels of natural gas on a year-round basis, which provides a hedge against supply cost volatility. We contract with local distribution companies and interstate pipelines to purchase firm transportation services. We believe that having multiple pipelines that serve our natural gas service territory benefits our customers by improving reliability, providing access to a diverse supply of natural gas, and fostering competition among these service providers. These benefits can lead to favorable conditions for our other states utilities when negotiating new agreements for transportation and storage services. Our other states utilities further reduce their supply cost volatility through the use of financial instruments, such as commodity futures, swaps, and options as part of their hedging programs. MERC hedges up to 30% of planned winter demand using NYMEX financial instruments. MGU hedges up to 20% of its planned annual purchases using NYMEX financial instruments.

Combined with our storage capability, management believes that the volume of gas under contract is sufficient to meet our forecasted firm peak-day and seasonal demand. Forecasted design peak-day throughput for our other states utilities segment is 8.7 million therms for the 2016 through 2017 heating season.

Seasonality

Since the majority of our customers use natural gas for heating, customer use is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months. Accordingly, we are subject to variations in earnings and working capital throughout the year as a result of changes in weather.


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Our other states utilities' working capital needs are met by cash generated from operations and debt (both long-term and short-term). The seasonality of natural gas revenues causes the timing of cash collections to be concentrated from January through June. A portion of the winter natural gas supply needs is typically purchased and stored from April through November. Also, planned capital spending on our natural gas distribution facilities is concentrated in April through November. Because of these timing differences, the cash flow from customers is typically supplemented with temporary increases in short-term borrowings (from external sources) during the late summer and fall. Short-term debt is typically reduced over the January through June period.

Competition

Although our other states utilities' rates are regulated by the MPUC and MSPC, we still face varying degrees of competition from other entities and other forms of energy available to consumers. Many large commercial and industrial customers have the ability to switch between natural gas and alternative fuels. Due to the volatility of energy commodity prices, we have seen customers with dual fuel capability switch to alternative fuels for short periods of time, then switch back to natural gas as market rates change.

MERC commercial and industrial customers and all MGU customers have the opportunity to choose a natural gas supplier other than us. We offer natural gas transportation service and also offer interruptible natural gas sales to enable customers to better manage their energy costs. Transportation customers purchase natural gas directly from third-party natural gas suppliers and use our distribution systems to transport the natural gas to their facilities. We still earn a distribution charge for transporting the natural gas for these customers. As such, the loss of revenue associated with the cost of natural gas that our transportation customers purchase from third-party suppliers has little impact on our net income, as it is offset by an equal reduction to natural gas costs. Customers continue to switch between firm system supply, interruptible system supply, and transportation service each year as the economics and service options change.

Electric Transmission Segment

American Transmission Company 

ATC is a regional transmission company that owns, maintains, monitors, and operates electric transmission systems in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. ATC is expected to provide comparable service to all customers, including WE and WPS, and to support effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. ATC is regulated by the FERC for all rate terms and conditions of service and is a transmission-owning member of MISO. MISO maintains operational control of ATC's transmission system, and WE and WPS are non-transmission owning members and customers of MISO. As of December 31, 2016 , our ownership interest in ATC was approximately 60%. In addition, we own approximately 68% of ATC Holdco, LLC, a separate entity formed in December 2016 to invest in transmission related projects outside of ATC's traditional footprint. As of December 31, 2016, operations were not significant. In April 2011, ATC and Duke Energy announced the creation of a joint venture, DATC, that will seek opportunities to acquire, build, own, and operate new electric transmission infrastructure in North America to address increasing demand for affordable, reliable transmission capacity. In April 2013, DATC acquired a 72% interest in California's Path 15 transmission line. DATC continues to evaluate new projects and opportunities, along with participating in the competitive bidding process on projects it considers viable. However, in January 2017, a subsidiary of ATC Holdco, LLC and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative entered into a joint operating agreement, ATC Southwest, to develop transmission projects in Arizona and the southwestern United States. These projects are located in the service territories of several different RTOs around the country. See Note 4, Investment in American Transmission Company, for more information .
 
ATC is currently named in a complaint filed with the FERC requesting a reduction in the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Other Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints, for more information.

C. NON-UTILITY OPERATIONS

We Power Segment

We Power, through wholly owned subsidiaries, designed and built approximately 2,350 MW of generation in Wisconsin. This generation is made up of capacity from the ERGS units, ER 1 and ER 2, which were placed in service in February 2010 and January 2011, respectively, and the PWGS units, PWGS 1 and PWGS 2, which were placed in service in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively. Two unaffiliated entities collectively own approximately 17%, or approximately 211 MW, of ER 1 and ER 2. All four of

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these units are being leased to WE under long-term leases (the ERGS units have 30-year leases and the PWGS units have 25-year leases), and are positioned to provide a significant portion of our future generation needs.

Because of the significant investment necessary to construct these generating units, we constructed the plants under Wisconsin's Leased Generation Law, which allows a non-utility affiliate to construct an electric generating facility and lease it to the public utility. The law allows a public utility that has entered into a lease approved by the PSCW to recover fully in its retail electric rates that portion of any payments under the lease that the PSCW has allocated to the public utility's Wisconsin retail electric service, and all other costs that are prudently incurred in the public utility's operation and maintenance of the electric generating facility allocated to the utility's Wisconsin retail electric service. In addition, the PSCW may not modify or terminate a lease it has approved under the Leased Generation Law except as specifically provided in the lease or the PSCW's order approving the lease. This law effectively created regulatory certainty in light of the significant investment being made to construct the units. All four units were constructed under leases approved by the PSCW.
 
We are recovering our costs of these units, including subsequent capital additions, through lease payments that are billed from We Power to WE and then recovered in WE's rates as authorized by the PSCW, the MPSC, and the FERC. Under the lease terms, our return is calculated using a 12.7% ROE and the equity ratio is assumed to be 55% for the ERGS units and 53% for the PWGS units.

Corporate and Other Segment

The corporate and other segment includes the operations of the WEC Energy Group holding company, the Integrys holding company, and the PELLC holding company, as well as the operations of Wispark, Bostco, Wisvest (prior to the sale of these assets in the first quarter of 2016), WECC, WBS, PDL, and ITF (prior to the sale of this business in the first quarter of 2016). See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information on the sale of Wisvest's assets and ITF.

Bostco and Wispark develop and invest in real estate, and combined they had $69.0 million in real estate holdings at December 31, 2016 . Wispark has developed several business parks and other commercial real estate projects, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin.

Wisvest was originally formed to develop, own, and operate electric generating facilities and to invest in other energy-related entities. However, Wisvest discontinued its development activity several years ago. In April 2016, we sold the chilled water generation and distribution assets of Wisvest, which provided chilled water services to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information. Wisvest no longer has significant operations.

WECC was originally formed to invest in non-utility projects, such as low income housing developments. However, due to a focus on our regulated utility business, WECC sold many of its non-utility investments and no longer has significant operations.

WBS is a wholly owned centralized service company that provides administrative and general support services to our regulated utilities. WBS also provides certain administrative and support services to our nonregulated entities.

PDL owns distributed renewable solar projects. During 2016, PDL sold its natural gas-fired cogeneration facility and its landfill gas facility. These facilities were not significant to our operations. PDL's solar facilities rely on solar irradiance, a renewable energy resource. There is no market price risk associated with the fuel supply of these solar projects. However, production at these facilities can be intermittent due to the variability of solar irradiance.

D. REGULATION

We are a holding company and are subject to the requirements of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 (PUHCA 2005). We also have various subsidiaries that meet the definition of a holding company under PUHCA 2005 and are also subject to its requirements.

Pursuant to the non-utility asset cap provisions of Wisconsin's public utility holding company law, the sum of certain assets of all non-utility affiliates in a holding company system may not exceed 25% of the assets of all public utility affiliates. However, among other items, the law exempts energy-related assets, including the generating plants constructed by We Power, from being counted against the asset cap provided that they are employed in qualifying businesses. We report to the PSCW annually our compliance with this law and provide supporting documentation to show that our non-utility assets are below the non-utility asset cap.


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Regulated Utility Operations

In addition to the specific regulations noted above and below, our utilities are also subject to regulations, where applicable, of the EPA, the WDNR, the MDEQ, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Rates

Our utilities' rates were regulated by the various commissions shown in the table below as of December 31, 2016. These commissions have general supervisory and regulatory powers over public utilities in their respective jurisdictions.
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.

Embedded within WE's and WPS’s electric rates is an amount to recover fuel and purchased power costs. The Wisconsin retail fuel rules require a utility to defer, for subsequent rate recovery or refund, any under-collection or over-collection of fuel and purchased power costs that are outside of the utility's symmetrical fuel cost tolerance, which the PSCW typically sets at plus or minus 2% of the utility's approved fuel and purchased power cost plan. The deferred fuel and purchased power costs are subject to an excess revenues test. If the utility's ROE in a given year exceeds the ROE authorized by the PSCW, the recovery of under-collected fuel and purchased power costs would be reduced by the amount by which the utility's return exceeds the authorized amount.

Prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs are recovered dollar-for-dollar from our Michigan retail electric customers and our Wisconsin wholesale electric customers. Our natural gas utilities operate under GCRMs as approved by their respective state regulator. Generally, the GCRMs allow for a dollar-for-dollar recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs.

For a summary of the significant mechanisms our utility subsidiaries had in place in 2016 that allowed them to recover or refund changes in prudently incurred costs from rate case-approved amounts, see Note 1(d), Revenues and Customer Receivables .

In May 2015, the PSCW approved the acquisition of Integrys on the condition that WE and WG each be subject to an earnings sharing mechanism for three years beginning January 1, 2016 . See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on these earnings sharing mechanisms.


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For information on how rates are set for our regulated entities, see Note 22, Regulatory Environment . Orders from our respective regulators can be viewed at the following websites:
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/

The material and information contained on these websites are not intended to be a part of, nor are they incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table compares our utility operating revenues by regulatory jurisdiction for each of the three years ended December 31:
 
 
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.

Electric Transmission, Capacity, and Energy Markets

In connection with its status as a FERC approved RTO, MISO developed bid-based energy markets, which were implemented on April 1, 2005. In January 2009, MISO enhanced the energy market by including an ancillary services market. In the MISO ancillary services market, we buy/sell regulation and contingency reserves from/to the market. The MISO ancillary services market has been able to reduce overall ancillary services costs in the MISO footprint, and has enabled MISO to assume significant balancing area responsibilities such as frequency control and disturbance control.

In MISO, base transmission costs are currently being paid by load-serving entities located in the service territories of each MISO transmission owner. The FERC has previously confirmed the use of the current transmission cost allocation methodology. Certain additional costs for new transmission projects are allocated throughout the MISO footprint.

As part of MISO, a market-based platform was developed for valuing transmission congestion premised upon the LMP system that has been implemented in certain northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. The LMP system includes the ability to hedge transmission congestion costs through ARRs and FTRs. ARRs are allocated to market participants by MISO, and FTRs are purchased through auctions. A new allocation and auction were completed for the period of June 1, 2016, through May 31, 2017. The resulting ARR valuation and the secured FTRs are expected to mitigate our transmission congestion risk for that period.

Beginning June 1, 2013, MISO instituted an annual zonal resource adequacy requirement to ensure there is sufficient generation capacity to serve the MISO market. To meet this requirement, capacity resources could be acquired through MISO's annual capacity auction, bilateral contracts for capacity, or provided from generating or demand response resources. Our capacity requirements during 2016 were fulfilled using our own capacity resources.

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Other Electric Regulations

WE and WPS are subject to the Federal Power Act and the corresponding regulations developed by certain federal agencies. The Energy Policy Act amended the Federal Power Act in 2005 to, among other things, make electric utility industry consolidation more feasible, authorize the FERC to review proposed mergers and the acquisition of generation facilities, change the FERC regulatory scheme applicable to qualifying cogeneration facilities, and modify certain other aspects of energy regulations and Federal tax policies applicable to us. Additionally, the Energy Policy Act created an Electric Reliability Organization to be overseen by the FERC, which established mandatory electric reliability standards and has the authority to levy monetary sanctions for failure to comply with these standards.

As of December 31, 2016, WPS and WE were subject to Act 141 in Wisconsin and Public Acts 295 and 342 in Michigan, which contain certain minimum requirements for renewable energy generation. See Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information . Due to the transfer of WPS's electric and natural gas distribution assets and customers located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to UMERC on January 1, 2017, WPS is no longer subject to Public Acts 295 and 342 in Michigan. WE will continue to be subject to the Michigan Acts, along with UMERC, as long as the Tilden Mining Company remains 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 on the formation of UMERC.

All of our hydroelectric facilities follow FERC guidelines and/or regulations.

Other Natural Gas Regulations

Almost all of the natural gas we distribute is transported to our distribution systems by interstate pipelines. The pipelines' transportation and storage services, including PGL's natural gas hub, are regulated by the FERC under the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. In addition, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the state commissions are responsible for monitoring and enforcing requirements governing our natural gas utilities' safety compliance programs for our pipelines under the United States Department of Transportation regulations. These regulations include 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 191 (Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline; Annual Reports, Incident Reports, and Safety-Related Condition Reports), 49 CFR Part 192 (Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards), and 49 CFR Part 195 (Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline).

We are required to provide natural gas service and grant credit (with applicable deposit requirements) to customers within our service territories. We are generally not allowed to discontinue natural gas service during winter moratorium months to residential heating customers who do not pay their bills. Federal and certain state governments have programs that provide for a limited amount of funding for assistance to low-income customers of the utilities.

Non-Utility Operations

The generation facilities constructed by wholly owned subsidiaries of We Power are being leased on a long-term basis to WE. Environmental permits necessary for operating the facilities are the responsibility of the operating entity, WE. We Power received determinations from the FERC that upon the transfer of the facilities by lease to WE, We Power's subsidiaries would not be deemed public utilities under the Federal Power Act and thus would not be subject to the FERC's jurisdiction.

E. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation by state and federal environmental agencies governing air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste management, environmental remediation, and management of natural resources. Costs associated with complying with these requirements are significant. Additional future environmental regulations or revisions to existing laws, including for example, additional regulation of GHG emissions, coal combustion products, air emissions, or wastewater discharges, could significantly increase these environmental compliance costs.

Anticipated expenditures for environmental compliance and remediation issues for the next three years are included in the estimated capital expenditures described in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Requirements. For a discussion of matters related to manufactured gas plant sites and air and water quality, see Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies .

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F. EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2016 , we had the following number of employees:
 
 
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



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As of December 31, 2016 , we had employees represented under labor agreements with the following bargaining units:
 
 
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.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We are subject to a variety of risks, many of which are beyond our control, that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information included in this report and other documents filed by us with the SEC from time to time, when making an investment decision.

Risks Related to Legislation and Regulation

Our business is significantly impacted by governmental regulation.

We are subject to significant state, local, and federal governmental regulation, including regulation by the various utility commissions in the states where we serve customers. This regulation significantly influences our operating environment and may affect our ability to recover costs from utility customers. Many aspects of our operations are regulated, including, but not limited to: the rates we charge our retail electric, natural gas, and steam customers; wholesale power service practices; electric reliability requirements and accounting; participation in the interstate natural gas pipeline capacity market; standards of service; issuance of securities; short-term debt obligations; construction and operation of facilities; transactions with affiliates; and billing practices. Our significant level of regulation imposes restrictions on our operations and causes us to incur substantial compliance costs. Failure to comply with any applicable rules or regulations may lead to customer refunds, penalties, and other payments, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The rates, including adjustments determined under riders, we are allowed to charge our customers for retail and wholesale services have the most significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Rate regulation is based on providing an opportunity to recover prudently incurred costs and earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. However, our ability to obtain rate adjustments in the future is dependent on regulatory action, and there is no assurance that our regulators will consider all of our costs to have been prudently incurred. In addition, our rate proceedings may not always result in rates that fully recover our costs or provide for a reasonable ROE. We defer certain costs and revenues as regulatory assets and liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by our regulators. Future recovery of regulatory assets is not assured, and is subject to review and approval by our regulators. If recovery of regulatory assets is not approved or is no longer deemed probable, these costs would be recognized in current period expense and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

We believe we have obtained the necessary permits, approvals, authorizations, certificates, and licenses for our existing operations, have complied with all of their associated terms, and that our businesses are conducted in accordance with applicable laws. These permits, approvals, authorizations, certificates, and licenses may be revoked or modified by the agencies that granted them if facts develop that differ significantly from the facts assumed when they were issued. In addition, discharge permits and other approvals and licenses are often granted for a term that is less than the expected life of the associated facility. Licenses and permits may require periodic renewal, which may result in additional requirements being imposed by the granting agency. In addition, existing regulations may be revised or reinterpreted by federal, state, and local agencies, or these agencies may adopt new laws and regulations that apply to us. We cannot predict the impact on our business and operating results of any such actions by these agencies. Changes in regulations, interpretations of regulations, or the imposition of new regulations could influence our operating environment, may result in substantial compliance costs, or may require us to change our business operations.

If we are unable to obtain, renew, or comply with these governmental permits, approvals, authorizations, certificates, or licenses, or if we are unable to recover any increased costs of complying with additional requirements or any other associated costs in customer rates in a timely manner, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We may face significant costs to comply with existing and future environmental laws and regulations.

Our operations are subject to numerous federal and state environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, air emissions (including CO 2, methane, mercury, SO 2 , and NOx), water quality, wastewater discharges, and management of hazardous, toxic, and solid wastes and substances. We incur significant costs to comply with these environmental requirements, including costs associated with the installation of pollution control equipment, environmental monitoring, emissions fees, and permits at our facilities. In addition, if we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations, even if caused by factors beyond our control, that failure may result in the assessment of civil or criminal penalties and fines.

The EPA adopted and implemented (or is in the process of implementing) regulations governing the emission of NOx, SO 2 , fine particulate matter, mercury, and other air pollutants under the CAA through the NAAQS, the MATS rule, the Clean Power Plan, the

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CSAPR, and other air quality regulations. In addition, the EPA finalized regulations under the Clean Water Act that govern cooling water intake structures at our power plants and revised the effluent guidelines for steam electric generating plants. The EPA has also adopted a final rule that would expand traditional federal jurisdiction over navigable waters and related wetlands for permitting and other regulatory matters; however, this rule has been stayed. We continue to assess the potential cost of complying, and to explore different alternatives in order to comply, with these and other environmental regulations. In addition, as a result of the new Federal Executive Administration taking office in January 2017 and other factors, there is uncertainty as to what capital expenditures or additional costs may ultimately be required to comply with existing and future environmental laws and regulations.

Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised or new laws or regulations may be adopted at the federal or state level that could result in significant additional expenditures for our generation units or distribution systems, including, without limitation, costs to further limit GHG emissions from our operations; operating restrictions on our facilities; and increased compliance costs. In addition, the operation of emission control equipment and compliance with rules regulating our intake and discharge of water could increase our operating costs and reduce the generating capacity of our power plants. Any such regulation may also create substantial additional costs in the form of taxes or emission allowances and could affect the availability and/or cost of fossil fuels.

As a result, certain of our coal-fired electric generating facilities may become uneconomical to maintain and operate, which could result in some of these units being retired early or converted to an alternative type of fuel. For example, we expect to retire the remaining Pulliam coal-fired units in the next several years. If generation facility owners in the Midwest, including us, retire a significant number of older coal-fired generation facilities, a potential reduction in the region's capacity reserve margin below acceptable risk levels may result. This could impair the reliability of the grid in the Midwest, particularly during peak demand periods. A reduction in available future capacity could also adversely affect our ability to serve our customers' needs.

Our electric and natural gas utilities are also subject to significant liabilities related to the investigation and remediation of environmental impacts at certain of our current and former facilities and at third-party owned sites. We accrue liabilities and defer costs (recorded as regulatory assets) incurred in connection with our former manufactured gas plant sites. These costs include all costs incurred to date that we expect to recover, management's best estimates of future costs for investigation and remediation, and related legal expenses, and are net of amounts recovered by or that may be recovered from insurance or other third parties. Due to the potential for imposition of stricter standards and greater regulation in the future, as well as the possibility that other potentially responsible parties may not be financially able to contribute to cleanup costs, conditions may change or additional contamination may be discovered, our remediation costs could increase, and the timing of our capital and/or operating expenditures in the future may accelerate or could vary from the amounts currently accrued.

In the event we are not able to recover all of our environmental expenditures and related costs from our customers in the future, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Further, increased costs recovered through rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, has increased generally throughout the United States. In particular, personal injury, property damage, and other claims for damages alleged to have been caused by environmental impacts and alleged exposure to hazardous materials have become more frequent. In addition to claims relating to our current facilities, we may also be subject to potential liability in connection with the environmental condition of facilities that we previously owned and operated, regardless of whether the liabilities arose before, during, or after the time we owned or operated these facilities. If we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations or cause (or caused) harm to the environment or persons, that failure or harm may result in the assessment of civil penalties and damages against us. The incurrence of a material environmental liability or a material judgment in any action for personal injury or property damage related to environmental matters could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may face significant costs to comply with the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal, state, regional, and international authorities have undertaken efforts to limit GHG emissions. In 2015, the EPA issued the Clean Power Plan, which is a final rule that regulates GHG emissions from existing generating units, as well as a proposed federal plan as an alternative to state compliance plans. The EPA also issued final performance standards for modified and reconstructed generating units, as well as for new fossil-fueled power plants. With the January 2017 change in the Federal Executive Administration, the legal and regulatory future of federal GHG regulations, including the Clean Power Plan, faces increased uncertainty. We are continuing to analyze the GHG emission profile of our electric generation resources and to work with other stakeholders to determine the potential impacts to our operations of the Clean Power Plan, any successor rule, and federal GHG

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regulations in general. In October 2015, numerous states (including Wisconsin and Michigan), trade associations, and private parties filed lawsuits challenging the Clean Power Plan, including a request to stay the implementation of the final rule pending the outcome of these legal challenges. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the stay request, but in February 2016, the Supreme Court stayed the effectiveness of the Clean Power Plan rules until disposition of the litigation in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and to the extent that further appellate review is sought, at the Supreme Court. In addition, in February 2016, the Governor of Wisconsin issued Executive Order 186, which prohibits state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, or other state entities from developing or promoting the development of a state plan. The Clean Power Plan or its successor is not expected to result in significant additional compliance costs, including capital expenditures, but may impact how we operate our existing fossil-fueled power plants and biomass facility.

There is no guarantee that we will be allowed to fully recover costs incurred to comply with the Clean Power Plan or other federal regulations, or that cost recovery will not be delayed or otherwise conditioned. The Clean Power Plan and any other related regulations that may be adopted in the future, at either the federal or state level, may cause our environmental compliance spending to differ materially from the amounts currently estimated. In December 2016, Michigan enacted Act 342, which requires additional renewable energy requirements beyond 2015. The new legislation retains the 10% renewable energy portfolio requirement for years 2016 through 2018, increases the requirement to 12.5% for years 2019 through 2020, and increases the requirement to 15.0% for 2021. These regulations, as well as changes in the fuel markets and advances in technology, could make some of our electric generating units uneconomic to maintain or operate, and could affect unit retirement and replacement decisions. These regulations could also adversely affect our future results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

In addition, our natural gas delivery systems and natural gas storage fields may generate fugitive gas as a result of normal operations and as a result of excavation, construction, and repair. Fugitive gas typically vents to the atmosphere and consists primarily of methane. CO 2 is also a byproduct of natural gas consumption. As a result, future regulation of GHG emissions could increase the price of natural gas, restrict the use of natural gas, and adversely affect our ability to operate our natural gas facilities. A significant increase in the price of natural gas may increase rates for our natural gas customers, which could reduce natural gas demand.

We may be negatively impacted by changes in federal income tax policy.

We are impacted by United States federal income tax policy. Both the new Federal Executive Administration and the Republicans in the House of Representatives have made public statements in support of comprehensive tax reform, including significant changes to corporate income tax laws. These proposed changes include, among other things, a reduction in the corporate income tax rate, the immediate deductibility of 100% of capital expenditures, and the elimination of the interest expense deduction. We are currently unable to predict whether these reform discussions will result in any significant changes to existing tax laws, or if any such changes would have a cumulative positive or negative impact on us. However, it is possible that changes in the United States federal income tax laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. For example, any changes that eliminate the interest expense deduction, particularly to the extent applicable to existing indebtedness at our holding company and non-utility operations, could have a negative impact on our financial condition. In addition, the immediate deductibility of capital expenditures could have the effect of reducing growth in our regulated rate base, which could negatively impact our results of operations.

Our electric utilities could be subject to higher costs and penalties as a result of mandatory reliability standards.

Our electric utilities are subject to mandatory reliability and critical infrastructure protection standards established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and enforced by the FERC. The critical infrastructure protection standards focus on controlling access to critical physical and cyber security assets. Compliance with the mandatory reliability standards could subject our electric utilities to higher operating costs. If our electric utilities were ever found to be in noncompliance with the mandatory reliability standards, they could be subject to sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties.

Provisions of the Wisconsin Utility Holding Company Act limit our ability to invest in non-utility businesses and could deter takeover attempts by a potential purchaser of our common stock that would be willing to pay a premium for our common stock.

Under the Wisconsin Utility Holding Company Act, we remain subject to certain restrictions that have the potential of limiting our diversification into non-utility businesses. Under the Act, the sum of certain assets of all non-utility affiliates in a holding company system generally may not exceed 25% of the assets of all public utility affiliates in the system, subject to certain exceptions.

In addition, the Act precludes the acquisition of 10% or more of the voting shares of a holding company of a Wisconsin public utility unless the PSCW has first determined that the acquisition is in the best interests of utility customers, investors, and the public. This

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provision and other requirements of the Act may delay or reduce the likelihood of a sale or change of control of WEC Energy Group. As a result, stockholders may be deprived of opportunities to sell some or all of their shares of our common stock at prices that represent a premium over market prices.

Risks Related to the Operation of Our Business

Our operations are subject to risks arising from the reliability of our electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, natural gas infrastructure facilities, and other facilities, as well as the reliability of third-party transmission providers.

Our financial performance depends on the successful operation of our electric generation and natural gas and electric distribution facilities. The operation of these facilities involves many risks, including operator error and the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes. Potential breakdown or failure may occur due to severe weather; catastrophic events (i.e., fires, earthquakes, explosions, tornadoes, floods, droughts, pandemic health events, etc.); significant changes in water levels in waterways; fuel supply or transportation disruptions; accidents; employee labor disputes; construction delays or cost overruns; shortages of or delays in obtaining equipment, material, and/or labor; performance below expected levels; operating limitations that may be imposed by environmental or other regulatory requirements; terrorist attacks; or cyber security intrusions. Any of these events could lead to substantial financial losses.

Because our electric generation facilities are interconnected with third-party transmission facilities, the operation of our facilities could also be adversely affected by events impacting their systems. Unplanned outages at our power plants may reduce our revenues or cause us to incur significant costs if we are required to operate our higher cost electric generators or purchase replacement power to satisfy our obligations, and could result in additional maintenance expenses.

Insurance, warranties, performance guarantees, or recovery through the regulatory process may not cover any or all of these lost revenues or increased expenses, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to various conditions that can result in fluctuations in energy sales to customers, including customer growth and general economic conditions in our service areas, varying weather conditions, and energy conservation efforts.

Our results of operations and cash flows are affected by the demand for electricity and natural gas, which can vary greatly based upon:

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.

As part of our planning process, we estimate the impacts of changes in customer growth and general economic conditions, weather, and customer energy conservation efforts, but risks still remain. Any of these matters, as well as any regulatory delay in adjusting rates as a result of reduced sales from effective conservation measures or the adoption of new technologies, could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.


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We are actively involved with several significant capital projects, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect project costs and completion of construction projects.

Our business requires substantial capital expenditures for investments in, among other things, capital improvements to our electric generating facilities, electric and natural gas distribution infrastructure, natural gas storage, and other projects, including projects for environmental compliance. In addition, WBS has various capital projects that are primarily related to the development of software applications used to support our utilities.

Achieving the intended benefits of any large construction project is subject to many uncertainties, some of which we will have limited or no control over, that could adversely affect project costs and completion time. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to adhere to established budgets and time frames; the availability of labor or materials at estimated costs; the ability of contractors to perform under their contracts; strikes; adverse weather conditions; potential legal challenges; changes in applicable laws or regulations; other governmental actions; continued public and policymaker support for such projects; and events in the global economy. In addition, certain of these projects require the approval of our regulators. If construction of commission-approved projects should materially and adversely deviate from the schedules, estimates, and projections on which the approval was based, our regulators may deem the additional capital costs as imprudent and disallow recovery of them through rates.

To the extent that delays occur, costs become unrecoverable, or we otherwise become unable to effectively manage and complete our capital projects, our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Advances in technology could make our electric generating facilities less competitive.

Research and development activities are ongoing for new technologies that produce power or reduce power consumption. These technologies include renewable energy, customer-oriented generation, energy storage, and energy efficiency. We generate power at central station power plants to achieve economies of scale and produce power at a competitive cost. There are distributed generation technologies that produce power, including fuel cells, microturbines, wind turbines, and solar cells, which have become more cost competitive. It is possible that legislation or regulations could be adopted supporting the use of these technologies. There is also a risk that advances in technology will continue to reduce the costs of these alternative methods of producing power to a level that is competitive with that of central station power production. If these technologies become cost competitive and achieve economies of scale, our market share could be eroded, and the value of our generating facilities could be reduced. Advances in technology could also change the channels through which our electric customers purchase or use power, which could reduce our sales and revenues or increase our expenses.

Our operations are subject to risks beyond our control, including but not limited to, cyber security intrusions, terrorist attacks, acts of war, or unauthorized access to personally identifiable information.

We face the risk of terrorist attacks and cyber intrusions, both threatened and actual, against our generation facilities, electric and natural gas distribution infrastructure, our information and technology systems, and network infrastructure, including that of third parties on which we rely, any of which could result in a full or partial disruption of our ability to generate, transmit, purchase, or distribute electricity or natural gas or cause environmental repercussions. Any operational disruption or environmental repercussions could result in a significant decrease in our revenues or significant reconstruction or remediation costs, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

We operate in an industry that requires the use of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure, which control an interconnected system of generation, distribution, and transmission systems shared with third parties. A successful physical or cyber security intrusion may occur despite our security measures or those that we require our vendors to take, which include compliance with reliability standards and critical infrastructure protection standards. Successful cyber security intrusions, including those targeting the electronic control systems used at our generating facilities and electric and natural gas transmission, distribution, and storage systems, could disrupt our operations and result in loss of service to customers. These intrusions may cause unplanned outages at our power plants, which may reduce our revenues or cause us to incur significant costs if we are required to operate our higher cost electric generators or purchase replacement power to satisfy our obligations, and could result in additional maintenance expenses. The risk of such intrusions may also increase our capital and operating costs as a result of having to implement increased security measures for protection of our information technology and infrastructure.

We face on-going threats to our assets and technology systems. Despite the implementation of strong security measures, all assets and systems are potentially vulnerable to disability, failures, or unauthorized access due to human error or physical or cyber security

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intrusions. If our assets or systems were to fail, be physically damaged, or be breached and were not recovered in a timely manner, we may be unable to perform critical business functions, and sensitive and other data could be compromised.

Our business requires the collection and retention of personally identifiable information of our customers, stockholders, and employees, who expect that we will adequately protect such information. Security breaches may expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of confidential and proprietary information. A significant theft, loss, or fraudulent use of personally identifiable information may lead to potentially large costs to notify and protect the impacted persons, and/or could cause us to become subject to significant litigation, costs, liability, fines, or penalties, any of which could materially and adversely impact our results of operations as well as our reputation with customers, stockholders and regulators, among others. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs associated with governmental actions in response to such intrusions or to strengthen our information and electronic control systems. We may also need to obtain additional insurance coverage related to the threat of such intrusions.

The costs of repairing damage to our facilities, protecting personally identifiable information, and notifying impacted persons, as well as related legal claims, may not be recoverable in rates, may exceed the insurance limits on our insurance policies, or, in some cases, may not be covered by insurance.

Transporting, distributing, and storing natural gas involves numerous risks that may result in accidents and other operating risks and costs.

Inherent in natural gas distribution activities are a variety of hazards and operational risks, such as leaks, accidental explosions, including third party damages, and mechanical problems, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, these risks could result in serious injury to employees and non-employees, loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of operations, and substantial losses to us. The location of natural gas pipelines and storage facilities near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers, and industrial sites, could increase the level of damages resulting from these risks. These activities may subject us to litigation or administrative proceedings from time to time, which could result in substantial monetary judgments, fines, or penalties against us, or be resolved on unfavorable terms.

We are a holding company and rely on the earnings of our subsidiaries to meet our financial obligations.

As a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to meet our financial obligations and pay dividends on our common stock is dependent upon the ability of our subsidiaries to pay amounts to us, whether through dividends or other payments. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities that have no obligation to pay any of our obligations or to make any funds available for that purpose or for the payment of dividends on our common stock. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay amounts to us depends on their earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, and general financial condition, as well as regulatory limitations. Prior to distributing cash to us, our subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied, including, among others, debt service and preferred stock dividends. In addition, each subsidiary's ability to pay amounts to us depends on any statutory, regulatory, and/or contractual restrictions and limitations applicable to such subsidiary, which may include requirements to maintain specified levels of debt or equity ratios, working capital, or other assets. Our utility subsidiaries are regulated by various state utility commissions, which generally possess broad powers to ensure that the needs of the utility customers are being met.

We may fail to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce.

We operate in an industry that requires many of our employees to possess unique technical skill sets. Events such as an aging workforce without appropriate replacements, the mismatch of skill sets to future needs, or the unavailability of contract resources may lead to operating challenges or increased costs. These operating challenges include lack of resources, loss of knowledge, and a lengthy time period associated with skill development. In addition, current and prospective employees may determine that they do not wish to work for us. Failure to hire and obtain replacement employees, including the ability to transfer significant internal historical knowledge and expertise to the new employees, may adversely affect our ability to manage and operate our business. If we are unable to successfully attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Failure of our counterparties to meet their obligations, including obligations under power purchase agreements, could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

We are exposed to the risk that counterparties to various arrangements who owe us money, electricity, natural gas, or other commodities or services will not be able to perform their obligations. Should the counterparties to these arrangements fail to

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perform, we may be required to replace the underlying commitment at current market prices or we may be unable to meet all of our customers' electric and natural gas requirements unless or until alternative supply arrangements are put in place. In such event, we may incur losses, and our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity could be adversely affected.

We have entered into several power purchase agreements with non-affiliated companies, and continue to look for additional opportunities to enter into these agreements. Revenues are dependent on the continued performance by the purchasers of their obligations under the power purchase agreements. Although we have a comprehensive credit evaluation process and contractual protections, it is possible that one or more purchasers could fail to perform their obligations under the power purchase agreements. If this were to occur, we would expect that any operating and other costs that were initially allocated to a defaulting customer's power purchase agreement would be reallocated among our retail customers. To the extent there is any regulatory delay in adjusting rates, a customer default under a power purchase agreement could have a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

We may not be able to use tax credits, net operating losses, and/or charitable contribution carryforwards.

We have significantly reduced our consolidated federal and state income tax liability in the past through tax credits, net operating losses, and charitable contribution deductions available under the applicable tax codes. We have not fully used the allowed tax credits, net operating losses, and charitable contribution deductions in our previous tax filings. We may not be able to fully use the tax credits, net operating losses, and charitable contribution deductions available as carryforwards if our future federal and state taxable income and related income tax liability is insufficient to permit their use. In addition, any future disallowance of some or all of those tax credits, net operating losses, or charitable contribution carryforwards as a result of legislation or an adverse determination by one of the applicable taxing jurisdictions could materially affect our tax obligations and financial results.

The acquisition of Integrys may not achieve its anticipated results, and we may be unable to integrate operations as expected.
 
The Merger Agreement was entered into with the expectation that the acquisition would result in various benefits, including, among other things, cost savings and operating efficiencies. Achieving the anticipated benefits of the acquisition is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether the businesses of the two companies can continue to be integrated in an efficient, effective, and timely manner.

It is possible that the remaining integration efforts could take longer and be more costly than anticipated, and could result in the loss of valuable employees; the disruption of ongoing businesses, processes, and systems; or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures, practices, policies, and compensation arrangements, any of which could adversely affect our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction as and when expected. Although we expect that the elimination of certain duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses of the two companies, will offset the incremental transaction-related costs over time, we may not achieve this net benefit in the near term, or at all. Failure to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition could result in increased costs or decreases in the amount of expected revenues and could adversely affect our future business, financial condition, operating results, and prospects.

We have recorded goodwill that could become impaired and adversely affect financial results.

We assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or circumstances occur that would indicate a potential for impairment. If goodwill is deemed to be impaired, we may be required to incur material non-cash charges that could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

Risks Related to Economic and Market Volatility

Our business is dependent on our ability to successfully access capital markets.

We rely on access to credit and capital markets to support our capital requirements, including expenditures for our utility infrastructure and to comply with future regulatory requirements, to the extent not satisfied by the cash flow generated by our operations. We have historically secured funds from a variety of sources, including the issuance of short-term and long-term debt securities. Successful implementation of our long-term business strategies, including capital investment, is dependent upon our ability to access the capital markets, including the banking and commercial paper markets, on competitive terms and rates. In addition, we rely on committed bank credit agreements as back-up liquidity, which allows us to access the low cost commercial paper markets.


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Our or our subsidiaries' access to the credit and capital markets could be limited, or our or our subsidiaries' cost of capital significantly increased, due to any of the following risks and uncertainties:

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.

If any of these risks or uncertainties limit our access to the credit and capital markets or significantly increase our cost of capital, it could limit our ability to implement, or increase the costs of implementing, our business plan, which, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition, and could limit our ability to sustain our current common stock dividend level.

A downgrade in our or any of our subsidiaries' credit ratings could negatively affect our or our subsidiaries' ability to access capital at reasonable costs and/or require the posting of collateral.

There are a number of factors that impact our and our subsidiaries' credit ratings, including, but not limited to, capital structure, regulatory environment, the ability to cover liquidity requirements, and other requirements for capital. We or any of our subsidiaries could experience a downgrade in ratings if the rating agencies determine that the level of business or financial risk of us, our utilities, or the utility industry has deteriorated. Changes in rating methodologies by the rating agencies could also have a negative impact on credit ratings.

Any downgrade by the rating agencies could:

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.

Fluctuating commodity prices could negatively impact our electric and natural gas utility operations.

Our operating and liquidity requirements are impacted by changes in the forward and current market prices of natural gas, coal, electricity, renewable energy credits, and ancillary services.

Our electric utilities burn natural gas in several of their electric generation plants and as a supplemental fuel at several coal-fired plants. In many instances the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. The cost of natural gas may increase because of disruptions in the supply of natural gas due to a curtailment in production or distribution, international market conditions, the demand for natural gas, and the availability of shale gas and potential regulations affecting its accessibility.

For Wisconsin retail electric customers, our utilities bear the risk for the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs within a symmetrical 2% fuel tolerance band compared to the forecast of fuel and purchased power costs established in their respective rate structures. Our natural gas utilities receive dollar-for-dollar recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs.

Changes in commodity prices could result in:

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.


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We may not be able to obtain an adequate supply of coal, which could limit our ability to operate our coal-fired facilities and engage in opportunity sales.

We are dependent on coal for much of our electric generating capacity. Although we generally carry sufficient coal inventory at our generating facilities to protect against an interruption or decline in supply, there can be no assurance that the inventory levels will be adequate. While we have coal supply and transportation contracts in place, we cannot assure that the counterparties to these agreements will be able to fulfill their obligations to supply coal to us or that we will be able to take delivery of all the coal volume contracted for. The suppliers under these agreements may experience financial or operational problems that inhibit their ability to fulfill their obligations to us, or we may experience operational problems or constraints that prevent us from taking delivery. In addition, suppliers under these agreements may not be required to supply coal to us under certain circumstances, such as in the event of a natural disaster. Furthermore, demand for coal can impact its availability and cost. If we are unable to obtain our coal requirements under our coal supply and transportation contracts, we may be required to purchase coal at higher prices or we may be forced to reduce generation at our coal-fired units and replace this lost generation through additional power purchases in the MISO Energy Markets. There is no guarantee that we would be able to fully recover any increased costs in rates or that recovery would not otherwise be delayed, either of which could adversely affect our cash flows.

Our electric generation frequently exceeds our customer load. When this occurs, we generally sell the excess generation into the MISO Energy Markets. If we do not have an adequate supply of coal for our coal-fired units or are unable to run our lower cost units, we may lose the ability to engage in these opportunity sales, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

The use of derivative contracts could result in financial losses.

We use derivative instruments such as swaps, options, futures, and forwards to manage commodity price exposure. We could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market value of these contracts or if a counterparty fails to perform. These risks are managed through risk management policies, which might not work as planned and cannot entirely eliminate the risks associated with these activities. In addition, although the hedging programs of our utilities must be approved by the various state commissions, derivative contracts entered into for hedging purposes might not offset the underlying exposure being hedged as expected, resulting in financial losses. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the value of these financial instruments can involve management's judgment or use of estimates. Changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts.

Restructuring in the regulated energy industry and competition in the retail and wholesale markets could have a negative impact on our business and revenues.

The regulated energy industry continues to experience significant structural changes. Increased competition in the retail and wholesale markets, which may result from restructuring efforts, could have a significant adverse financial impact on us.

Certain jurisdictions in which we operate, including Michigan and Illinois, have adopted retail choice. Under Michigan law, our retail customers may choose an alternative electric supplier to provide power supply service. The law limits customer choice to 10% of our Michigan retail load. The iron ore mine located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is excluded from this cap. When a customer switches to an alternative electric supplier, we continue to provide distribution and customer service functions for the customer. Although Illinois has adopted retail choice, there is currently little or no impact on the net income of our Illinois utilities as they still earn a distribution charge for transporting the natural gas for these customers. It is uncertain whether retail choice might be implemented in Wisconsin or Minnesota.

The FERC continues to support the existing RTOs that affect the structure of the wholesale market within these RTOs. In connection with its status as a FERC approved RTO, MISO implemented bid-based energy markets that are part of the MISO Energy Markets. The MISO Energy Markets rules require that all market participants submit day-ahead and/or real-time bids and offers for energy at locations across the MISO region. MISO then calculates the most efficient solution for all of the bids and offers made into the market that day and establishes an LMP that reflects the market price for energy. As a participant in the MISO Energy Markets, we are required to follow MISO's instructions when dispatching generating units to support MISO's responsibility for maintaining stability of the transmission system. MISO also implemented an ancillary services market for operating reserves that schedules energy and ancillary services at the same time as part of the energy market, allowing for more efficient use of generation assets in the MISO market. These market designs continue to have the potential to increase the costs of transmission, the costs associated with inefficient generation dispatching, the costs of participation in the MISO Energy Markets, and the costs associated with estimated payment settlements.


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The FERC rules related to transmission are designed to facilitate competition in the wholesale electricity markets among regulated utilities, non-utility generators, wholesale power marketers, and brokers by providing greater flexibility and more choices to wholesale customers, including initiatives designed to encourage the integration of renewable sources of supply. In addition, along with transactions contemplating physical delivery of energy, financial laws and regulations impact hedging and trading based on futures contracts and derivatives that are traded on various commodities exchanges, as well as over-the-counter. Technology changes in the power and fuel industries also have significant impacts on wholesale transactions and related costs. We currently cannot predict the impact of these and other developments or the effect of changes in levels of wholesale supply and demand, which are driven by factors beyond our control.

We may experience poor investment performance of benefit plan holdings due to changes in assumptions and market conditions.

We have significant obligations related to pension and OPEB plans. If we are unable to successfully manage our benefit plan assets and medical costs, our cash flows, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely impacted.

Our cost of providing these plans is dependent upon a number of factors, including actual plan experience, changes made to the plans, and assumptions concerning the future. Types of assumptions include earnings on plan assets, discount rates, the level of interest rates used to measure the required minimum funding levels of the plans, future government regulation, estimated withdrawals by retirees, and our required or voluntary contributions to the plans. Plan assets are subject to market fluctuations and may yield returns that fall below projected return rates. In addition, medical costs for both active and retired employees may increase at a rate that is significantly higher than we currently anticipate. Our funding requirements could be impacted by a decline in the market value of plan assets, changes in interest rates, changes in demographics (including the number of retirements), or changes in life expectancy assumptions.

We may be unable to obtain insurance on acceptable terms or at all, and the insurance coverage we do obtain may not provide protection against all significant losses.

Our ability to obtain insurance, as well as the cost and coverage of such insurance, could be affected by developments affecting our business; international, national, state, or local events; and the financial condition of insurers. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available at all or at rates or terms similar to those presently available to us. In addition, our insurance may not be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all hazards or liabilities to which we may be subject. Any losses for which we are not fully insured or that are not covered by insurance at all could materially adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We own our principal properties outright, except the major portion of our electric utility distribution lines, steam utility distribution mains, and natural gas utility distribution mains and services are located, for the most part, on or under streets and highways, and on land owned by others and are generally subject to granted easements, consents, or permits.

A. REGULATED

Electric Facilities

The following table summarizes information on our electric generation facilities, including owned and jointly owned facilities, as of December 31, 2016 :
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.

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(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.

As of December 31, 2016 , we operated approximately 37,400  pole-miles of overhead distribution lines and 31,200 miles of underground distribution cable, as well as approximately 500  distribution substations and 492,770  line transformers.

Natural Gas Facilities

At December 31, 2016 , our natural gas properties were located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and consisted of the following:

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.

Our natural gas distribution system included distribution mains and transmission mains connected to the pipeline transmission systems of ANR Pipeline Company, Guardian Pipeline L.L.C., Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, Northern Natural Pipeline Company, Great Lakes Transmission Company, Viking Gas Transmission, and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. Our liquefied natural gas storage plants convert and store, in liquefied form, natural gas received during periods of low consumption.

PGL owns and operates a reservoir in central Illinois (Manlove Field), and a natural gas pipeline system that connects Manlove Field to Chicago with eight major interstate pipelines. The underground storage reservoir also serves NSG under a contractual arrangement. PGL uses its natural gas storage and pipeline assets as a natural gas hub in the Chicago area.

We also own office buildings, natural gas regulating and metering stations, and major service centers, including garage and warehouse facilities, in certain communities we serve. Where distribution lines and services, and natural gas distribution mains and services occupy private property, we have in some, but not all instances, obtained consents, permits, or easements for these installations from the apparent owners or those in possession of those properties, generally without an examination of ownership records or title.


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Steam Facilities

As of December 31, 2016 , the steam system supplied by the VAPP consisted of approximately 40 miles of both high pressure and low pressure steam piping, approximately four miles of walkable tunnels, and other pressure regulating equipment.

General

Substantially all of PGL's and NSG's properties are subject to the lien of the respective company's mortgage indenture for the benefit of bondholders.

B. CORPORATE AND OTHER

As of December 31, 2016 , the corporate and other segment facilities consisted of energy asset facilities owned by PDL.

The energy asset facilities owned by PDL include a portfolio of residential solar facilities and a portfolio of commercial and industrial solar facilities. The solar facilities consist of distributed solar projects ranging from small residential roof top systems up to commercial and industrial solar systems of 4.5 MWs in size. The total capacity of these solar projects is 27.6 MWs. The majority of the solar facilities are wholly owned by subsidiaries of PDL while one is jointly owned by PDL and Duke Energy Generation Services. PDL's portion of the jointly owned solar capacity is 0.4 MWs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The following should be read in conjunction with Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies , and Note 22, Regulatory Environment , in this report for additional information on material legal proceedings and matters related to us and our subsidiaries.

In addition to those legal proceedings discussed below, we are currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the results of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Environmental Matters

Sheboygan River Matter

We were contacted by the United States Department of Justice in March 2016 to commence discussions between WPS and the federal natural resource trustees to resolve WPS's alleged liability for natural resources damages (NRD) in the Sheboygan River related to the former Camp Marina manufactured gas plant site. WPS was originally notified about this claim in September 2012, but the WDNR chose not to be a party to the NRD claim negotiation in February 2014. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has co-equal trusteeship with the WDNR over the impacted Sheboygan River natural resources and is now pursuing the NRD claim. Substantial remediation of the uplands at the legacy Sheboygan Camp Marina manufactured gas plant site has already occurred. We received a proposed settlement offer in December 2016 from the Department of Justice, and the terms of the settlement offer, if accepted, will not have a material impact on our financial statements. 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The names, ages, and positions of our executive officers at December 31, 2016 are listed below along with their business experience during the past five years. All officers are appointed until they resign, die, or are removed pursuant to our Bylaws. There are no family relationships among these officers, nor is there any agreement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was selected.

Allen L. Leverett.    Age 50.
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.

J. Kevin Fletcher.    Age 58.
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.

Robert M. Garvin.    Age 50.
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.

William J. Guc.    Age 47.
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.

J. Patrick Keyes.    Age 51.
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.

Scott J. Lauber.    Age 51.
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.

Susan H. Martin.    Age 64.
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.

Charles R. Matthews.    Age 60.
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.

Tom Metcalfe.    Age 49.
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.


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James A. Schubilske.    Age 51.
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.

Joan M. Shafer.    Age 63.
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.

Mary Beth Straka.    Age 52.
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.

Certain executive officers also hold officer and/or director positions at our other significant subsidiaries.


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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Number of Common Stockholders

As of January 31, 2017 , based upon the number of WEC Energy Group stockholder accounts (including accounts in our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan), we had approximately 55,000 registered stockholders.

Common Stock Listing and Trading

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "WEC."

Dividends and Common Stock Prices

Common Stock Dividends of WEC Energy Group

Cash dividends on our common stock, as declared by our Board of Directors, are normally paid on or about the first day of March, June, September, and December of each year. We review our dividend policy on a regular basis. Subject to any regulatory restrictions or other limitations on the payment of dividends, future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other factors, earnings, financial condition, and other requirements. For information regarding restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends, see Note 11, Common Equity .

On January 19, 2017, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend to $0.5200 per share effective with the first quarter of 2017 dividend payment, which equates to an annual dividend of $2.08 per share. In addition, the Board of Directors affirmed our dividend policy that continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 65.0–70.0% of earnings.

Range of WEC Energy Group Common Stock Prices and Dividends
 
 
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



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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER STATISTICS
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 .


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS

Introduction

We are a diversified holding company with natural gas and electric utility operations (serving customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota), an approximately 60% equity ownership interest in ATC (a federally regulated electric transmission company), and non-utility electric operations through our We Power business. See Note 24, Segment Information , for information on our reportable business segments.

Corporate Strategy

Our goal is to continue to create long-term value for our shareholders and our customers by focusing on the following:

Reliability

We have made significant reliability-related investments in recent years, and plan to continue making significant capital investments to strengthen and modernize the reliability of our generation and distribution networks. Below are a few examples of reliability projects that are currently underway.

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.

Operating Efficiency

We continually look for ways to optimize the operating efficiency of our company. For example, we received approval from the PSCW to make changes at ERGS to enable the facility to burn coal from the Powder River Basin located in the western United States. The coal plant was originally designed to burn coal mined from the eastern United States. This project is creating flexibility and has enabled the plant to operate at lower costs, placing it in a better position to be called upon in the MISO Energy Markets, resulting in lower fuel costs for our customers.

Post merger, we continue to focus on integrating and improving business processes and consolidating our IT infrastructure. We expect the emphasis we are placing on these integration efforts to continue to drive operational efficiency and to put us in position to effectively support plans for future growth.

Financial Discipline

A strong adherence to financial discipline is essential to meeting our earnings projections and maintaining a strong balance sheet, stable cash flows, attractive dividends, and quality credit ratings.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

We follow an asset management strategy that focuses on investing in and acquiring assets consistent with our strategic plans, as well as disposing of assets, including property, plant, and equipment and entire business units, that are no longer strategic to operations, are not performing as intended, or have an unacceptable risk profile.
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.

Our primary investment opportunities are in three areas: our regulated utility business, our investment in ATC, and our generation plants within our We Power segment. Over the next five years, we expect capital contributions to ATC and ATC Holdco to be approximately $350 million. Capital investments will be funded utilizing these capital contributions, in addition to cash generated from operations and debt. We currently forecast that our share of ATC's and ATC Holdco's projected capital expenditures over the next five years will be $1.4 billion inside the traditional ATC footprint and $300 million outside of the traditional ATC footprint.

Excluding ATC, we expect total capital expenditures for our retail utilities to be approximately $9.7 billion over the next five years. Ongoing projects are discussed in more detail within Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Exceptional Customer Care

Our approach is driven by an intense focus on delivering exceptional customer care every day. We strive to provide the best value for our customers by embracing constructive change, leveraging our capabilities and expertise, and using creative solutions to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.

One example of how we obtain feedback from our customers is through our "We Care" calls, where employees of our utility subsidiaries contact customers after a completed service call. This program began many years ago at We Energies (the trade name of WE and WG), and is now being rolled out to the Integrys utilities. Customer satisfaction is a priority, and making "We Care" calls is one of the main methods we use to gauge our performance in order to improve customer satisfaction.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Earnings

The following table compares our consolidated results:
 
 
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



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WEC Energy Group, Inc.



2016 Compared with 2015

Earnings increased $300.5 million in 2016 , driven by a $201.7 million increase in earnings due to the inclusion of a full year of Integrys's results for 2016, compared to six months of Integrys's results for 2015. Integrys was acquired on June 29, 2015. See Note 2, Acquisitions , for more information.

The most significant factor driving the remaining $98.8 million increase in earnings was a $104.1 million pre-tax ($80.1 million after tax) decrease in acquisition costs in 2016.

2015 Compared with 2014

Earnings increased $50.2 million in 2015, driven by a $30.1 million net increase in earnings due to the inclusion of Integrys's results for the last six months of 2015, partially offset by acquisition costs recorded by us and our subsidiaries. Also contributing to the increase was a $20.8 million pre-tax gain ($12.5 million after tax) from the sale of Minergy LLC and its remaining financial assets in June 2015.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The discussions below address the operating income contribution of each of our segments and include financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as electric margins and natural gas margins, which are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. Electric margin (electric revenues less fuel and purchased power costs) and natural gas margin (natural gas revenues less cost of natural gas sold) are non-GAAP financial measures because they exclude other operation and maintenance expense, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenue taxes.

We believe that electric and natural gas margins provide a more meaningful basis for evaluating utility operations than operating revenues since the majority of prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs, as well as prudently incurred natural gas costs, are passed through to customers in current rates. As a result, management uses electric and natural gas margins internally when assessing the operating performance of our segments as these measures exclude the majority of revenue fluctuations caused by changes in these expenses. Similarly, the presentation of electric and natural gas margins herein is intended to provide supplemental information for investors regarding our operating performance.

Our electric margins and natural gas margins may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.  Furthermore, these measures are not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of our segment operating performance.  Operating income for each of the last three fiscal years for each of our segments is presented in the “Consolidated Earnings” table above.

Each applicable segment operating income discussion below includes a table that provides the calculation of electric margins and natural gas margins, as applicable, along with a reconciliation to segment operating income.


2016 Form 10-K
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Wisconsin Segment Contribution to Operating Income

For the periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Wisconsin operations included operations of WE and WG for all periods, and operations of WPS beginning July 1, 2015, due to the acquisition of Integrys and its subsidiaries on June 29, 2015.
 
 
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


The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance:
 
 
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
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.




The following tables provide information on delivered volumes by customer class and weather statistics:
 
 
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 Compared with 2015

Electric Utility Margins

Electric utility margins at the Wisconsin segment increased $455.8 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase was primarily driven by a $386.4 million margin contribution from WPS during the first six months of 2016, compared with no margin contribution from WPS for the first six months of 2015.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The significant factors impacting the remaining $69.4 million increase in electric utility margins at the Wisconsin segment were:

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 .

These increases were partially offset by a $12.9 million decrease in wholesale margins driven by a reduction in capacity sales year-over-year at WE in addition to a reduction in sales volumes at WPS for the second half of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. Certain wholesale customers have provisions in their contracts, which allowed them to reduce the amount of energy we provided to them.

Natural Gas Utility Margins

Natural gas utility margins at the Wisconsin segment increased $74.3 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase in natural gas utiilty margins was driven by a $63.6 million margin contribution from WPS during the first six months of 2016, compared with no margin contribution from WPS for the first six months of 2015.

The most significant factor impacting the remaining $10.7 million increase in natural gas utility margins at the Wisconsin segment was an $18.1 million net increase from both WG's rate order effective January 1, 2016, and a partially offsetting negative impact from WPS's rate order during the last six months of 2016. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information . This net increase was partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease related to lower sales volumes during 2016, primarily driven by warmer winter weather. As measured by heating degree days, 2016 was 6.2% warmer than 2015 in the Milwaukee area.

Operating Income

Operating income at the Wisconsin segment increased $142.8 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase was driven by the $530.1 million increase in margins discussed above, partially offset by $387.3 million of higher operating expenses (which include other operation and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenues taxes). Higher operating expenses were driven by $321.6 million of operating expenses from WPS during the first six months of 2016, compared with no operating expenses from WPS for the first six months of 2015.

The significant factors impacting the remaining $65.7 million increase in operating expenses at the Wisconsin segment were:

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.
 
These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by a $16.4 million positive impact at WE from the sale of the MCPP in April 2016, including a gain on sale and lower operating costs in 2016. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information .


2016 Form 10-K
45

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



2015 Compared with 2014

Electric Utility Margins

Electric utility margins at the Wisconsin segment increased $482.1 million during 2015, compared with 2014. The increase was primarily driven by a $399.1 million margin contribution from WPS during the last six months of 2015, compared with no margin contribution from WPS during 2014.

The remaining $83.0 million increase in electric margins at WE was driven by:

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.

Natural Gas Utility Margins

Natural gas utility margins at the Wisconsin segment increased $22.1 million during 2015, compared with 2014. The increase was related to a $57.9 million margin contribution from WPS during the last six months of 2015, compared with no margin contribution from WPS during 2014. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in natural gas margins at WE and WG of $35.8 million in 2015.

The most significant factor impacting the $35.8 million lower natural gas utility margins at WE and WG was a $42.7 million decrease in sales volumes in 2015, largely related to warmer weather during the heating season as well as lower weather-normalized use per customer. As measured by heating degree days, 2015 was 15.1% warmer than 2014. This decrease in margins was partially offset by a $6.4 million net increase in margins as a result of the impact of the WE and WG PSCW rate orders, effective January 1, 2015. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information .

Operating Income

Operating income at the Wisconsin segment increased $114.0 million during 2015, compared with 2014. The increase was driven by the $504.2 million increase in margins discussed above, partially offset by $390.2 million of higher operating expenses (which include other operation and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, and property and revenues taxes). Higher operating expenses were driven by $334.2 million of operating expenses from WPS during the last six months of 2015, compared with no operating expenses from WPS during 2014.

2016 Form 10-K
46

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




The significant factors impacting the remaining $56.0 million of higher operating expenses at WE and WG were:

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.

These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by:

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.

Illinois Segment Contribution to Operating Income
 
 
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


The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance:
 
 
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.




The following tables provide information on delivered volumes by customer class and weather statistics:
 
 
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.

We did not have any operations in Illinois until our acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015. Since the majority of PGL and NSG customers use natural gas for heating, operating income is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months.

Natural Gas Utility Margins

Natural gas utility margins at the Illinois segment increased $506.8 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase was primarily driven by a $467.8 million margin contribution from the Illinois segment during the first six months of 2016, compared to no margin contribution from this segment for the first six months of 2015.

The significant factors impacting the remaining $39.0 million increase in natural gas utility margins at the Illinois segment were:

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 Income

Operating income at the Illinois segment increased $161.5 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase was primarily driven by the $506.8 million increase in margin discussed above, partially offset by:

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.



Other States Segment Contribution to Operating Income
 
 
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


The following table shows a breakdown of other operation and maintenance:
 
 
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.

The following tables provide information on delivered volumes by customer class and weather statistics:
 
 
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.

We did not have any operations in this segment until our acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015. Since the majority of MERC and MGU customers use natural gas for heating, operating income is sensitive to weather and is generally higher during the winter months.

Natural Gas Utility Margins

Natural gas utility margins at the other states segment increased $121.8 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase was primarily driven by a $110.4 million margin contribution from the other states segment during the first six months of 2016, compared to no margin contribution from this segment for the first six months of 2015.


2016 Form 10-K
49

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The significant factors impacting the remaining $11.4 million increase in natural gas utility margins at the other states segment were:

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.

Operating Income

Operating income at the other states segment increased $43.9 million during 2016, compared with 2015. The increase was driven by the $121.8 million increase in margins discussed above, partially offset by $77.9 million of higher operating expenses. Higher operating expenses were driven primarily by $76.3 million of operating expenses from the other states segment during the first six months of 2016, compared with no operating expenses during the first six months of 2015.

We Power Segment Contribution to Operating Income
 
 
Year Ended December 31
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Operating income
 
$
375.6

 
$
373.4

 
$
368.0


2016 Compared with 2015

Operating income at the We Power segment increased $2.2 million , or 0.6% , when compared to 2015. This increase was primarily related to higher revenues in connection with capital additions to the plants it owns and leases to WE.

2015 Compared with 2014

Operating income at the We Power segment increased $5.4 million , or 1.5% , when compared to 2014 . This increase was primarily related to higher revenues in connection with capital additions to the plants it owns and leases to WE.

Corporate and Other Segment Contribution to Operating Income
 
 
Year Ended December 31
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Operating loss
 
$
(10.0
)
 
$
(91.2
)
 
$
(26.1
)

2016 Compared with 2015

The operating loss at the corporate and other segment decreased $81.2 million when compared to 2015 , driven by a reduction in costs as a result of the acquisition of Integrys. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information regarding costs associated with the acquisition.

2015 Compared with 2014

The operating loss at the corporate and other segment increased $65.1 million when compared to 2014, driven by costs associated with the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015.


2016 Form 10-K
50

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Electric Transmission Segment Operations
 
 
Year Ended December 31
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
 
$
146.5

 
$
96.1

 
$
66.0


2016 Compared with 2015

Earnings from our ownership interest in ATC increased $50.4 million when compared to 2015 , primarily driven by the increase in our ownership interest from 26.2% to approximately 60% as a result of the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015. In addition, lower equity earnings in 2015 were driven by an ALJ initial decision in December 2015 related to the ATC ROE reviews, which was later affirmed by a FERC order in 2016. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Other Matters – American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints below for more information on these decisions.

2015 Compared with 2014

Earnings from our ownership interest in ATC increased $30.1 million when compared to 2014 , primarily driven by the increase in our ownership interest from 26.2% to approximately 60% as a result of the acquisition of Integrys. This increase was partially offset by lower earnings recognized by ATC, as ATC further reduced earnings in 2015 related to an anticipated refund to customers resulting from a complaint filed with the FERC requesting a lower ROE for certain transmission owners.

Consolidated Other Income, Net
 
 
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


2016 Compared with 2015

Other income, net increased by $21.9 million when compared to 2015 . This increase was primarily due to the repurchase of a portion of Integrys's 6.11% Junior Notes at a discount in February 2016, as well as higher AFUDC due to the inclusion of AFUDC from the Integrys companies post acquisition. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, for more information on the repurchase. Partially offsetting this increase was a $19.6 million gain recorded in April 2016 from the sale of the chilled water generation and distribution assets of Wisvest, compared with a $20.8 million gain from the sale of Minergy LLC and its remaining financial assets in June 2015, as well as excise tax credits recognized by ITF in 2015. ITF was sold in the first quarter of 2016. See Note 3, Dispositions, for more information on our asset sales.

2015 Compared with 2014

Other income, net increased by $45.5 million when compared to 2014 . This increase was primarily due to the $20.8 million gain from the sale of Minergy LLC and its remaining financial assets in June 2015, as well as higher AFUDC – Equity due to the inclusion of AFUDC from the Integrys companies post acquisition.

Consolidated Interest Expense
 
 
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.



2016 Compared with 2015

Interest expense increased $71.3 million , or 21.5% , when compared to 2015 . The increase was primarily driven by $68.5 million of interest expense from Integrys and its subsidiaries during the first six months of 2016, compared to no interest expense from these companies during the same period in 2015. Additionally, we issued $1.2 billion of long-term debt in June 2015 to finance a portion of the cash consideration for the acquisition of Integrys. This was offset, in part, by the repurchase of a portion of the 6.11% Junior Notes in February 2016. These notes were replaced with lower-interest rate short-term debt.

2015 Compared with 2014

Interest expense increased $91.1 million , or 37.9%, when compared to 2014 , primarily due to higher debt levels. We assumed approximately $3.0 billion of debt from Integrys and its subsidiaries upon the closing of the acquisition on June 29, 2015. Additionally, we issued $1.2 billion of long-term debt in June 2015 to finance a portion of the cash consideration for the acquisition of Integrys.

Consolidated Income Tax Expense
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Effective tax rate
 
37.6
%
 
40.4
%
 
38.0
%

2016 Compared with 2015

Our effective tax rate was 37.6% in 2016 compared to 40.4% in 2015 . This decrease was primarily related to a charge in 2015 to remeasure our state deferred income taxes as a result of the acquisition of Integrys. See Note 15, Income Taxes, for more information . We expect our 2017 annual effective tax rate to be between 37.0% and 38.0%.

2015 Compared with 2014

Our effective tax rate was 40.4% in 2015 compared to 38.0% in 2014 . This increase in our effective tax rate was primarily related to a charge in 2015 to remeasure our state deferred income taxes as a result of the acquisition of Integrys.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31:
(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


Operating Activities

2016 Compared with 2015

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $809.9 million during 2016. This increase was driven by $466.6 million of net cash flows from the operating activities of Integrys during the first six months of 2016, since Integrys was acquired on June 29, 2015. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information .


2016 Form 10-K
52

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The remaining $343.3 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was driven by:

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.

These increases in net cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by a $210.8 million decrease in cash related to lower overall collections from customers. Collections from customers decreased primarily because of lower commodity prices and warmer weather during the 2016 heating season.

2015 Compared with 2014

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $94.7 million during 2015, driven by a $141.6 million increase related to net cash flows from the operating activities of Integrys during the last six months of 2015.

The $46.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from the legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation companies was driven by:

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.

These decreases in net cash provided by operating activities from the legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation companies were partially offset by a $592.4 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 2015 heating season.

Investing Activities

2016 Compared with 2015

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $1,247.4 million during 2016, driven by:

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 .

These decreases in net cash used in investing activities were partially offset by:

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 .

2015 Compared with 2014

Net cash used in investing activities increased $1,760.7 million during 2015, driven by:

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.

These increases in cash used for investing activities were partially offset by:

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.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures by segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
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 Compared with 2015

The decrease in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Wisconsin segment during 2016 was driven by lower capital expenditures as a result of the November 2015 completion of both WG's Western Gas Lateral project, which improved the reliability of WG's natural gas distribution network in the western part of Wisconsin, and WE's coal to natural gas conversion project at VAPP. Also contributing to the decrease were lower payments at WE for environmental compliance projects and electric distribution upgrades. The inclusion of WPS for all of 2016, as compared with only the last six months of 2015, substantially offset these lower capital expenditures. WPS's capital expenditures of $154.1 million during the first six months of 2016 related to the ReACT TM emission control technology project at Weston Unit 3, a combustion turbine project at the Fox Energy Center, and the SMRP, a project to underground and upgrade certain electric distribution facilities in northern Wisconsin.

The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the Illinois segment during 2016 was due to the inclusion of PGL and NSG for all of 2016, compared with only the last six months of 2015. Capital expenditures at the Illinois segment were driven primarily by the SMP at PGL.

The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the other states segment during 2016 was due to the inclusion of MERC and MGU for all of 2016, compared with only the last six months of 2015. MERC's and MGU's capital expenditures of $22.7 million during the first six months of 2016 primarily related to natural gas distribution systems and mains.

The increase in cash paid for capital expenditures at the corporate and other segment during 2016 was driven by a project to implement a new enterprise resource planning system and an information technology project created to improve the billing, call center, and credit collection functions of the Integrys subsidiaries.


2016 Form 10-K
54

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Requirements – Capital Expenditures and Significant Capital Projects for more information.

2015 Compared with 2014

The increase in capital expenditures at the Wisconsin segment during 2015 was primarily due to the inclusion of WPS as a result of the Integrys acquisition on June 29, 2015. Significant projects included in WPS's 2015 capital expenditures were the ReACT TM emission control technology project at Weston Unit 3 and the SMRP. The Wisconsin segment also included increased expenditures in 2015 related to WG's Western Gas Lateral project. These increases were partially offset by lower capital expenditures in 2015 for WE's conversion of the fuel source for VAPP from coal to natural gas, as most of the capital expenditures related to this project were incurred in 2014.

The Illinois segment includes capital expenditures from PGL and NSG as a result of the Integrys acquisition on June 29, 2015. In 2015, PGL incurred significant capital expenditures related to the SMP.

The other states segment includes capital expenditures from MERC and MGU as a result of the Integrys acquisition on June 29, 2015.

Financing Activities

2016 Compared with 2015

Net cash related to financing activities decreased $2,057.5 million during 2016 , driven by:

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.

These decreases in net cash related to financing activities were partially offset by a $52.7 million increase in cash due to the redemption of all of WPS's preferred stock during 2015.

2015 Compared with 2014

Net cash related to financing activities increased $1,618.0 million during 2015, driven by:

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.

These increases in net cash related to financing activities were partially offset by:

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.

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A $52.7 million decrease in cash due to the redemption of all of WPS's preferred stock during 2015.

Significant Financing Activities

For more information on our financing activities, see Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit , and Note 14, Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations .


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Capital Resources and Requirements

Capital Resources

Liquidity

We anticipate meeting our capital requirements for our existing operations through internally generated funds and short-term borrowings, supplemented by the issuance of intermediate or long-term debt securities, depending on market conditions and other factors.

We currently have access to the capital markets and have been able to generate funds internally and externally to meet our capital requirements. Our ability to attract the necessary financial capital at reasonable terms is critical to our overall strategic plan. We currently believe that we have adequate capacity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future through our existing borrowing arrangements, access to capital markets, and internally generated cash.

WEC Energy Group, WE, WG, WPS, and PGL maintain bank back-up credit facilities, which provide liquidity support for each company's obligations with respect to commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. We review our bank back-up credit facility needs on an ongoing basis and expect to be able to maintain adequate credit facilities to support our operations. See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit , for more information about these credit facilities.

The following table shows our capitalization structure as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , as well as an adjusted capitalization structure that we believe is consistent with how the rating agencies currently view our 2007 6.25% Series A Junior Subordinated Notes due 2067 (6.25% Junior Notes):
 
 
2016
 
2015
(in millions)
 
Actual
 
Adjusted
 
Actual
 
Adjusted
Common equity
 
$
8,929.8

 
$
9,179.8

 
$
8,654.8

 
$
8,904.8

Preferred stock of subsidiary
 
30.4

 
30.4

 
30.4

 
30.4

Long-term debt (including current maturities)
 
9,315.4

 
9,065.4

 
9,281.8

 
9,031.8

Short-term debt
 
860.2

 
860.2

 
1,095.0

 
1,095.0

Total capitalization
 
$
19,135.8

 
$
19,135.8

 
$
19,062.0

 
$
19,062.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt
 
$
10,175.6

 
$
9,925.6

 
$
10,376.8

 
$
10,126.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of debt to total capitalization
 
53.2
%
 
51.9
%
 
54.4
%
 
53.1
%

Included in long-term debt on our balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , is $500.0 million principal amount of 6.25% Junior Notes. The adjusted presentation attributes $250.0 million of the 6.25% Junior Notes to common equity and $250.0 million to long-term debt. As a result of Integrys’s repurchase and retirement of some of its 6.11% Junior Notes, we were informed by one rating agency that it will no longer attribute equity credit to Integrys’s remaining junior subordinated notes, consisting of $114.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.11% Junior Notes, and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.00% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2073. Therefore, the Integrys junior subordinated notes are no longer being adjusted in the table above. For additional information on the repurchase of the 6.11% Junior Notes, see Note 14, Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations .

The adjusted presentation of our consolidated capitalization structure is presented as a complement to our capitalization structure presented in accordance with GAAP. Management evaluates and manages our capitalization structure, including our total debt to total capitalization ratio, using the GAAP calculation as adjusted by the rating agency treatment of the 6.25% Junior Notes. Therefore, we believe the non-GAAP adjusted presentation reflecting this treatment is useful and relevant to investors in understanding how management and the rating agencies evaluate our capitalization structure.

For a summary of the interest rate, maturity, and amount outstanding of each series of our long-term debt on a consolidated basis, see our capitalization statements.

As described in Note 11, Common Equity , certain restrictions exist on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us. We do not expect these restrictions to have any material effect on our operations or ability to meet our cash obligations.


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At December 31, 2016 , we were in compliance with all covenants related to outstanding short-term and long-term debt. We expect to be in compliance with all such debt covenants for the foreseeable future. See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit , for more information about our credit facilities and other short-term credit agreements. See Note 14, Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations , for more information about our long-term debt.

Working Capital

As of December 31, 2016 , our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by approximately $262.9 million . We do not expect this to have any impact on our liquidity since we believe we have adequate back-up lines of credit in place for ongoing operations. We also can access the capital markets to finance our construction programs and to refinance current maturities of long-term debt, if necessary.

Credit Rating Risk

We do not have any credit agreements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. However, we have certain agreements in the form of commodity contracts and employee benefit plans that could require collateral or a termination payment in the event of a credit rating change to below BBB- at S&P Global Ratings and/or Baa3 at Moody's Investors Service. We also have other commodity contracts that, in the event of a credit rating downgrade, could result in a reduction of our unsecured credit granted by counterparties.

In addition, access to capital markets at a reasonable cost is determined in large part by credit quality. Any credit ratings downgrade could impact our ability to access capital markets.

Subject to other factors affecting the credit markets as a whole, we believe our current ratings should provide a significant degree of flexibility in obtaining funds on competitive terms. However, these security ratings reflect the views of the rating agency only. An explanation of the significance of these ratings may be obtained from the rating agency. Such ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency.

Capital Requirements

Contractual Obligations

We have the following contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2016 :
 
 
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.


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(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.

The table above does not include liabilities related to the accounting treatment for uncertainty in income taxes because we are not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to the amount and period of related future payments at this time. For additional information regarding these liabilities, refer to Note 15, Income Taxes .

AROs in the amount of $557.7 million are not included in the above table. Settlement of these liabilities cannot be determined with certainty, but we believe the majority of these liabilities will be settled in more than five years.

Obligations for utility operations have historically been included as part of the rate-making process and therefore are generally recoverable from customers.

Capital Expenditures and Significant Capital Projects

We have several capital projects that will require significant capital expenditures over the next three years and beyond. All projected capital requirements are subject to periodic review and may vary significantly from estimates, depending on a number of factors. These factors include environmental requirements, regulatory restraints and requirements, changes in tax laws and regulations, acquisition and development opportunities, market volatility, and economic trends. Our estimated capital expenditures for the next three years are as follows:
(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


WPS is continuing work on the SMRP. This project includes converting more than 1,000 miles of overhead distribution power lines to underground in northern Wisconsin and adding distribution automation equipment on 400 miles of lines. WPS expects to invest approximately $45 million annually through 2018. Subject to regulatory review, Phase II of the SMRP will expand the scope and cost of the original SMRP and will consist of over 900 miles of underground circuit installation. WPS expects to invest approximately $200 million between 2018 and 2021 related to Phase II. WE, WPS, and WG will also continue to upgrade their electric and natural gas distribution systems to enhance reliability.

In connection with the formation of UMERC, we entered into an agreement with Tilden Mining Company under which it will purchase electric power from UMERC for 20 years. The agreement calls for UMERC to construct and operate approximately 180 MW of natural gas-fired generation located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $265 million ($275 million including AFUDC). See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information about UMERC and this new generation.

In January 2017, we signed an agreement for the acquisition of a natural gas storage facility in Michigan for $225 million that would provide approximately one-third of the storage needs for our Wisconsin natural gas utilities. In addition, we expect to incur approximately $5 million of acquisition related costs. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on this transaction.

PGL is continuing work on the SMP, a project under which PGL is replacing approximately 2,000 miles of Chicago's aging natural gas pipeline infrastructure. PGL currently recovers these costs through a surcharge on customer bills pursuant to an ICC approved Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider, which is in effect through 2023. PGL's projected average annual investment through 2019 is between $280 million and $300 million.

We expect to provide capital contributions to ATC (not included in the above table) of approximately $226 million from 2017 through 2019.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Common Stock Matters

For information related to our common stock matters, see Note 11, Common Equity .

On January 19, 2017, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend to $0.52 per share effective with the first quarter of 2017 dividend payment, which equates to an annual dividend of $2.08 per share. In addition, the Board of Directors affirmed our dividend policy that continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 65-70% of earnings.

Investments in Outside Trusts

We use outside trusts to fund our pension and certain OPEB obligations. These trusts had investments of approximately $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2016 . These trusts hold investments that are subject to the volatility of the stock market and interest rates. We contributed $28.7 million, $121.0 million, and $13.9 million to our pension and OPEB plans in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. In January 2017, we contributed $100.0 million to the pension plans. Future contributions to the plans will be dependent upon many factors, including the performance of existing plan assets and long-term discount rates. For additional information, see Note 17, Employee Benefits .

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as a part of our normal course of business, including financial guarantees and letters of credit that support construction projects, commodity contracts, and other payment obligations. We believe that these agreements do not have, and are not reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. For additional information, see Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit , Note 16, Guarantees , and Note 21, Variable Interest Entities .

FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Market Risks and Other Significant Risks

We are exposed to market and other significant risks as a result of the nature of our businesses and the environments in which those businesses operate. These risks, described in further detail below, include but are not limited to:

Regulatory Recovery

Our utilities account for their regulated operations in accordance with accounting guidance under the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC. Our rates are determined by various regulatory commissions. See Item 1. Business – D. Regulation for more information on these commissions.

Regulated entities are allowed to defer certain costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the regulated entity believes the recovery of those costs is probable. We record regulatory assets pursuant to specific orders or by a generic order issued by our regulators. Recovery of these deferred costs in future rates is subject to the review and approval by those regulators. We assume the risks and benefits of ultimate recovery of these items in future rates. If the recovery of these deferred costs, including those referenced below, is not approved by our regulators, the costs would be charged to income in the current period. In general, our regulatory assets are recovered over a period of between one to six years. Regulators can impose liabilities on a prospective basis for amounts previously collected from customers and for amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers. We record these items as regulatory liabilities. As of December 31, 2016 , our regulatory assets were $3,138.3 million , and our regulatory liabilities were $1,597.2 million .

We expect to request or have requested recovery of the costs related to the following projects discussed in recent or pending rate proceedings, orders, and investigations involving our utilities:

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.


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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.

See Note 22, Regulatory Environment , for more information regarding recent and pending rate proceedings, orders, and investigations involving our utilities.

Commodity Costs
 
In the normal course of providing energy, we are subject to market fluctuations in the costs of coal, natural gas, purchased power, and fuel oil used in the delivery of coal. We manage our fuel and natural gas supply costs through a portfolio of short and long-term procurement contracts with various suppliers for the purchase of coal, natural gas, and fuel oil. In addition, we manage the risk of price volatility through natural gas and electric hedging programs.

Embedded within our utilities' rates are amounts to recover fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs. Our utilities have recovery mechanisms in place that allow them to recover or refund all or a portion of the changes in prudently incurred fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs from rate case-approved amounts. See Item 1. Business – D. Regulation for more information on these mechanisms.

Higher commodity costs can increase our working capital requirements, result in higher gross receipts taxes, and lead to increased energy efficiency investments by our customers to reduce utility usage and/or fuel substitution. Higher commodity costs combined with slower economic conditions also expose us to greater risks of accounts receivable write-offs as more customers are unable to pay their bills. See Note 1(d), Revenues and Customer Receivables, for more information on riders and other mechanisms that allow for cost recovery or refund of uncollectible expense.

Weather

Our utilities' rates are based upon estimated normal temperatures. Our electric utility margins are unfavorably sensitive to below normal temperatures during the summer cooling season, and to some extent, to above normal temperatures during the winter heating season. Our natural gas utility margins are unfavorably sensitive to above normal temperatures during the winter heating season. PGL, NSG, and MERC have decoupling mechanisms in place that help reduce the impacts of weather. Decoupling mechanisms differ by state and allow utilities to recover or refund certain differences between actual and authorized margins. A summary of actual weather information in our utilities' service territories during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , as measured by degree days, may be found in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations.

Interest Rates

We are exposed to interest rate risk resulting from our short-term and long-term borrowings and projected near-term debt financing needs. We manage exposure to interest rate risk by limiting the amount of our variable rate obligations and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. When it is advantageous to do so, we enter into long-term fixed rate debt. We may also enter into derivative financial instruments, such as swaps, to mitigate interest rate exposure.

Based on the variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of one percentage point would have increased annual interest expense by $9.8 million and $11.0 million in 2016 and

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2015, respectively. This sensitivity analysis was performed assuming a constant level of variable rate debt during the period and an immediate increase in interest rates, with no other changes for the remainder of the period.

Marketable Securities Return

We use various trusts to fund our pension and OPEB obligations. These trusts invest in debt and equity securities. Changes in the market prices of these assets can affect future pension and OPEB expenses. Additionally, future contributions can also be affected by the investment returns on trust fund assets. We believe that the financial risks associated with investment returns would be partially mitigated through future rate actions by our various utility regulators.

The fair value of our trust fund assets and expected long-term returns were approximately:
(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
%

Fiduciary oversight of the pension and OPEB trust fund investments is the responsibility of an Investment Trust Policy Committee. The Committee works with external actuaries and investment consultants on an ongoing basis to establish and monitor investment strategies and target asset allocations. Forecasted cash flows for plan liabilities are regularly updated based on annual valuation results. Target asset allocations are determined utilizing projected benefit payment cash flows and risk analyses of appropriate investments. The targeted asset allocations are intended to reduce risk, provide long-term financial stability for the plans, and maintain funded levels which meet long-term plan obligations while preserving sufficient liquidity for near-term benefit payments. Investment strategies utilize a wide diversification of asset types and qualified external investment managers.

We consult with our investment advisors on an annual basis to help us forecast expected long-term returns on plan assets by reviewing actual historical returns and calculating expected total trust returns using the weighted-average of long-term market returns for each of the major target asset categories utilized in the fund.

Economic Conditions

We have electric and natural gas utility operations that serve customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. As such, we are exposed to market risks in the regional Midwest economy. In addition, any economic downturn or disruption of national or international markets could adversely affect the financial condition of our customers and demand for their products, which could affect their demand for our products.

Inflation

We continue to monitor the impact of inflation, especially with respect to the costs of medical plans, fuel, transmission access, construction costs, and regulatory and environmental compliance in order to minimize its effects in future years through pricing strategies, productivity improvements, and cost reductions. We do not believe the impact of general inflation will have a material impact on our future results of operations.

For additional information concerning risk factors, including market risks, see the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information at the beginning of this report and Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Industry Restructuring

Electric Utility Industry

The regulated energy industry continues to experience significant changes. The FERC continues to support large RTOs, which affects the structure of the wholesale market. To this end, MISO implemented the MISO Energy Markets, including the use of LMP to value electric transmission congestion and losses. Increased competition in the retail and wholesale markets, which may result from restructuring efforts, could have a significant and adverse financial impact on us. It is uncertain when retail choice might be implemented, if at all, in Wisconsin. However, Michigan has adopted a limited retail choice program.


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Restructuring in Wisconsin

Electric utility revenues in Wisconsin are regulated by the PSCW. The PSCW has been focused on electric reliability infrastructure issues for the state of Wisconsin in recent years. The PSCW continues to maintain the position that the question of whether to implement electric retail competition in Wisconsin should ultimately be decided by the Wisconsin legislature. No such legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin to date.

Restructuring in Michigan

Under Michigan law, our retail customers may choose an alternative electric supplier to provide power supply service. Some of our small retail customers have switched to an alternative electric supplier. As of December 31, 2016, the law limited customer choice to 10% of our Michigan retail load. Due to the December 2016 passage of Michigan Act 341, this cap could potentially be reduced in future years. The iron ore mine in our service territory and certain load increases by facilities already using an alternative electric supplier are excluded from this cap, if various conditions are met. When a customer switches to an alternative electric supplier, we continue to provide distribution and customer service functions for the customer.

Natural Gas Utility Industry

We offer natural gas transportation services to our customers that elect to purchase natural gas from an alternative retail natural gas supplier. Since these transportation customers continue to use our distribution systems to transport the natural gas to their facilities, we earn distribution revenues from them. As such, the loss of revenue associated with the natural gas that transportation customers purchase from an alternative retail natural gas supplier has little impact on our net income, since it is offset by an equal reduction to natural gas costs.

Restructuring in Wisconsin

The PSCW previously instituted generic proceedings to consider how its regulation of natural gas distribution utilities should change to reflect a competitive environment in the natural gas industry. To date, the PSCW has made a policy decision to provide customer classes with workably competitive market choices the option to choose an alternative retail natural gas supplier. The PSCW has also adopted standards for transactions between a utility and its natural gas marketing affiliates. All of our Wisconsin customer classes have workably competitive market choices and, therefore, can purchase natural gas directly from either an alternative retail natural gas supplier or their local natural gas utility. Currently, we are unable to predict the impact of potential future industry restructuring on our results of operations or financial position.

Restructuring in Illinois

Since 2002, PGL and NSG have provided their customers with the option to choose an alternative retail natural gas supplier. We are not required by the ICC or state law to make this option available to customers, but since this option is currently provided to our Illinois customers, we would need ICC approval to eliminate it.

Restructuring in Minnesota

MERC has provided its commercial and industrial customers with the option to choose an alternative retail natural gas supplier since 2006. We are not required by the MPUC or state law to make this option available to customers, but since this option is currently provided to our Minnesota commercial and industrial customers, we would need MPUC approval to eliminate it.

Restructuring in Michigan

The option to choose an alternative retail natural gas supplier has been provided to WPS's Michigan customers since the late 1990s and MGU's customers since 2005. We are not required by the MPSC or state law to make this option available to customers, but since this option is currently provided to our Michigan customers, we would need MPSC approval to eliminate it.

Environmental Matters

See Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies , for a discussion of certain environmental matters affecting us, including rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, land quality, and climate change.

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Other Matters

American Transmission Company Allowed Return on Equity Complaints

In November 2013, a group of MISO industrial customer organizations filed a complaint with the FERC requesting to reduce the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, from 12.2% to 9.15%. In October 2014, the FERC issued an order to hear the complaint on ROE and set a refund effective date retroactive to November 2013. In December 2015, the ALJ issued an initial decision recommending that ATC and all other MISO transmission owners be authorized to collect a base ROE of 10.32%, as well as the 0.5% incentive adder approved by the FERC in January 2015 for MISO transmission owners. The incentive adder only applies to revenues collected after January 6, 2015. In September 2016, the FERC issued a final order related to this complaint affirming the use of the ROEs stated in the ALJ's initial decision, effective as of the order date, on a going-forward basis. The order also requires ATC to provide refunds, with interest, for the 15-month refund period from November 13, 2013, through February 11, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, ATC had started to provide refunds to WE and WPS for transmission costs paid during the refund period, and we expect the refund process to be completed by July 2017. As these refunds are received, WE and WPS reduce the regulatory assets recorded under the PSCW-approved escrow accounting for transmission expense.

In February 2015, a second complaint was filed with the FERC requesting a reduction in the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 8.67%, with a refund effective date retroactive to February 12, 2015. In June 2016, the ALJ issued an initial decision recommending that ATC and all other MISO transmission owners be authorized to collect a base ROE of 9.7%, as well as the 0.5% incentive adder approved for MISO transmission owners. The ALJ's initial decision is not binding on the FERC and applies to revenues collected from February 12, 2015, through May 11, 2016. We are not certain when a FERC order related to this matter will be issued.

MISO transmission owners have filed various appeals related to several of the FERC orders with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals as well as requests for rehearing.

The decrease in ATC's ROE resulting from the FERC's final order will have a negative impact on our equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future.

Bonus Depreciation Provisions

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 was signed into law on December 18, 2015. This act extended 50% bonus depreciation to assets placed in service during 2015 through 2017, 40% bonus depreciation to assets placed in service during 2018, and 30% bonus depreciation to assets placed in service during 2019. Bonus depreciation is an additional amount of tax deductible depreciation that is awarded above what would normally be available. Due to the resulting increase in federal tax depreciation, we did not make federal income tax payments for 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with GAAP requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance as well as the use of estimates. The application of these policies necessarily involves judgments regarding future events, including the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges, and anticipated recovery of costs. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact the financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions. In addition, the financial and operating environment may also have a significant effect, not only on the operation of our business, but on our results reported through the application of accounting measures used in preparing the financial statements and related disclosures, even if the nature of the accounting policies applied have not changed.

The following is a list of accounting policies that are most significant to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.


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Goodwill Impairment

We completed our annual goodwill impairment tests for all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of July 1, 2016. No impairments were recorded as a result of these tests. For all of our reporting units, the fair value calculated in step one of the test was greater than carrying value. The fair value of each reporting unit was calculated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach.

For the income approach, we used internal forecasts to project cash flows. Any forecast contains a degree of uncertainty, and changes in these cash flows could significantly increase or decrease the fair value of a reporting unit. Since all of our reporting units are regulated, a fair recovery of and return on costs prudently incurred to serve customers is assumed. An unfavorable outcome in a rate case could cause the fair values of our reporting units to decrease.

Key assumptions used in the income approach include ROEs, long-term growth rates used to determine terminal values at the end of the discrete forecast period, and discount rates. The discount rate is applied to estimated future cash flows and is one of the most significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the income approach. As interest rates rise, the calculated fair values will decrease. The discount rate is based on the weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit, taking into account both the after-tax cost of debt and cost of equity. The terminal year ROE for each utility is driven by its current allowed ROE. The terminal growth rate is based primarily on a combination of historical and forecasted statistics for real gross domestic product and personal income for each utility service area.

For the market approach, we used an equal weighting of the guideline public company method and the guideline merged and acquired company method. The guideline public company method uses financial metrics from similar publicly traded companies to determine fair value. The guideline merged and acquired company method calculates fair value by analyzing the actual prices paid for recent mergers and acquisitions in the industry. We applied multiples derived from these two methods to the appropriate operating metrics for our reporting units to determine fair value.

The underlying assumptions and estimates used in the impairment tests were made as of a point in time. Subsequent changes in these assumptions and estimates could change the results of the tests.

The fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values by a substantial amount. Based on these results, our reporting units are not at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test.

Our reporting units had the following goodwill balances at July 1, 2016:
(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
%

See Note 10, Goodwill, for more information .

Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits

The costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and OPEB, described in Note 17, Employee Benefits , are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience.

Pension and OPEB costs are impacted by actual employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Pension and OPEB costs may also be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, mortality and discount rates, and expected health care cost trends. Changes made to the plan provisions may also impact current and future pension and OPEB costs.

Pension and OPEB plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity and fixed income market returns, as well as changes in general interest rates, may result in increased or decreased benefit costs in future periods. We believe that such changes in costs would be recovered or refunded at our utilities through the ratemaking process.

2016 Form 10-K
65

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




The following table shows how a given change in certain actuarial assumptions would impact the projected benefit obligation and the reported net periodic pension cost. Each factor below reflects an evaluation of the change based on a change in that assumption only.
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
)

The following table shows how a given change in certain actuarial assumptions would impact the accumulated OPEB obligation and the reported net periodic OPEB cost. Each factor below reflects an evaluation of the change based on a change in that assumption only.
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
)

The discount rates are selected based on hypothetical bond portfolios consisting of noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), noncollateralized, high-quality corporate bonds across the full maturity spectrum. The bonds are generally rated "Aa" with a minimum amount outstanding of $50.0 million. From the hypothetical bond portfolios, a single rate is determined that equates the market value of the bonds purchased to the discounted value of the plans' expected future benefit payments.

We establish our expected return on assets based on consideration of historical and projected asset class returns, as well as the target allocations of the benefit trust portfolios. The assumed long-term rate of return on pension plan assets was 7.12% in 2016 , 7.37% in 2015 , and 7.25% in 2014 . The actual rate of return on pension plan assets, net of fees, was 7.75%, (3.85)%, and 6.17%, in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

In selecting assumed health care cost trend rates, past performance and forecasts of health care costs are considered. For more information on health care cost trend rates and a table showing future payments that we expect to make for our pension and OPEB, see Note 17, Employee Benefits .

Regulatory Accounting

Our utility operations follow the guidance under the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC. Our financial statements reflect the effects of the ratemaking principles followed by the various jurisdictions regulating us. Certain items that would otherwise be immediately recognized as revenues and expenses are deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by our regulators. Future recovery of regulatory assets is not assured and is generally subject to review by regulators in rate proceedings for matters such as prudence and reasonableness. Once approved, the regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized into earnings over the rate recovery period. If recovery or refund of costs is not approved or is no longer considered probable, these regulatory assets or liabilities are recognized in current period earnings. Management regularly assesses whether these regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of future recovery or refund by considering factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, earnings from our electric and natural gas utility operations, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation.

The application of the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC would be discontinued if all or a separable portion of our utility operations no longer met the criteria for application. Our regulatory assets and liabilities would be written off as a charge to income as an unusual or infrequently occurring item in the period in which discontinuation occurred. As of December 31, 2016 , we had $3,138.3 million in regulatory assets and $1,597.2 million in regulatory liabilities. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information .

2016 Form 10-K
66

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




Unbilled Revenues

We record utility operating revenues when energy is delivered to our customers. However, the determination of energy sales to individual customers is based upon the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of their last meter reading are estimated and corresponding unbilled revenues are calculated. This unbilled revenue is estimated each month based upon actual generation and throughput volumes, recorded sales, estimated customer usage by class, weather factors, estimated line losses, and applicable customer rates. Significant fluctuations in energy demand for the unbilled period or changes in the composition of customer classes could impact the accuracy of the unbilled revenue estimate. Total utility operating revenues during 2016 of approximately $7.4 billion included accrued utility revenues of $509.8 million as of December 31, 2016 .

Income Tax Expense

We are required to estimate income taxes for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate as part of the process of preparing financial statements. This process involves estimating current income tax liabilities together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation, for income tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our balance sheets. We also assess the likelihood that our deferred income tax assets will be recovered through future taxable income. To the extent we believe that realization is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance, which is offset by an adjustment to the provision for income taxes in the income statements.

Uncertainty associated with the application of tax statutes and regulations and the outcomes of tax audits and appeals requires that judgments and estimates be made in the accrual process and in the calculation of effective tax rates. Only income tax benefits that meet the "more likely than not" recognition threshold may be recognized or continue to be recognized. Unrecognized tax benefits are re-evaluated quarterly and changes are recorded based on new information, including the issuance of relevant guidance by the courts or tax authorities and developments occurring in the examinations of our tax returns.

Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred income tax assets. The assumptions involved are supported by historical data, reasonable projections, and interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations across multiple taxing jurisdictions. Significant changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 1(n), Income Taxes , and Note 15, Income Taxes , for a discussion of accounting for income taxes.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity, and Capital Resources – Market Risks and Other Significant Risks, as well as Note 1(s), Fair Value Measurements ,
Note 1(t), Derivative Instruments , and Note 16, Guarantees , for information concerning potential market risks to which we are exposed.


2016 Form 10-K
67

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

A. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
WEC Energy Group, Inc.:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of capitalization of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, statements of equity, and statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 28, 2017


2016 Form 10-K
68

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



A. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
WEC Energy Group, Inc.:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “ Company”) as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules.

/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 28, 2017


2016 Form 10-K
69

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



B. CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

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


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


2016 Form 10-K
70

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

C. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


2016 Form 10-K
71

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

D. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

2016 Form 10-K
72

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

E. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


2016 Form 10-K
73

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

F. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 
 
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


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


2016 Form 10-K
74

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

G. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

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.
              
PGL has used certain First Mortgage Bonds to secure tax exempt interest rates. The Illinois Finance Authority has issued Tax Exempt Bonds, and the proceeds from the sale of these bonds were loaned to PGL. In return, PGL issued equal principal amounts of certain collateralized First Mortgage Bonds.

(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% .


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


2016 Form 10-K
76

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

H. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1— SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) General Information —On June 29, 2015, Wisconsin Energy Corporation acquired Integrys and changed its name to WEC Energy Group, Inc. WEC Energy Group serves approximately 1.6 million electric customers and 2.8 million natural gas customers, and it owns approximately 60% of ATC. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on this acquisition.

As used in these notes, the term "financial statements" refers to the consolidated financial statements. This includes the income statements, statements of comprehensive income, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, statements of equity, and statements of capitalization, unless otherwise noted.

Our financial statements include the accounts of WEC Energy Group, a diversified energy holding company, and the accounts of our subsidiaries in the following reportable segments:

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.

Our financial statements also reflect our proportionate interests in certain jointly owned utility facilities. See Note 8, Jointly Owned Facilities, for more information . The cost method of accounting is used for investments when we do not have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Investments in companies not controlled by us, but over which we have significant influence regarding the operating and financial policies of the investee, are accounted for using the equity method.

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP. We make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

(b) Balance Sheet Presentation — To be consistent with the current year presentation, we changed our December 31, 2015 balance sheet from a utility format to a traditional format. This change revised the order of certain balance sheet line items, but it did not result in any change to the classification of amounts between line items.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents —Cash and cash equivalents include marketable debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less.

(d) Revenues and Customer Receivables —We recognize revenues related to the sale of energy on the accrual basis and include estimated amounts for services provided but not yet billed to customers.

We present revenues net of pass-through taxes on the income statements.


2016 Form 10-K
77

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Below is a summary of the significant mechanisms our utility subsidiaries had in place that allowed them to recover or refund changes in prudently incurred costs from rate case-approved amounts:

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.

Revenues are also impacted by other accounting policies related to PGL's natural gas hub and our electric utilities' participation in the MISO Energy Markets. Amounts collected from PGL's wholesale customers that use the natural gas hub are credited to natural gas costs, resulting in a reduction to retail customers' charges for natural gas and services. Our electric utilities sell and purchase power in the MISO Energy Markets, which operate under both day-ahead and real-time markets. We record energy transactions in the MISO Energy Markets on a net basis for each hour. If our electric utilities were a net seller in a particular hour, the net amount was reported as operating revenues. If our electric utilities were a net purchaser in a particular hour, the net amount was recorded as cost of sales on our income statements.

We provide regulated electric service to customers in Wisconsin and Michigan and regulated natural gas service to customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. The geographic concentration of our customers did not contribute significantly to our overall exposure to credit risk. We periodically review customers' credit ratings, financial statements, and historical payment performance and require them to provide collateral or other security as needed. Credit risk exposure at WE, WG, PGL, and NSG is mitigated by their recovery mechanisms for uncollectible expense discussed above. As a result, we did not have any significant concentrations of credit risk at December 31, 2016 . In addition, there were no customers that accounted for more than 10% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 .


2016 Form 10-K
78

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



(e) Materials, Supplies, and Inventories Our inventory as of December 31 consisted of:
(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


PGL and NSG price natural gas storage injections at the calendar year average of the costs of natural gas supply purchased. Withdrawals from storage are priced on the LIFO cost method. Inventories stated on a LIFO basis represented approximately 18% of total inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The estimated replacement cost of natural gas in inventory at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , exceeded the LIFO cost by $92.9 million and $15.2 million , respectively. In calculating these replacement amounts, PGL and NSG used a Chicago city-gate natural gas price per Dth of $3.63  at December 31, 2016 , and $2.48 at December 31, 2015 .

Substantially all other natural gas in storage, materials and supplies, and fossil fuel inventories are recorded using the weighted-average cost method of accounting.

(f) Investments Held in Rabbi Trust — Integrys has a rabbi trust that is used to fund participants' benefits under the Integrys deferred compensation plan and certain Integrys non-qualified pension plans. All assets held within the rabbi trust are restricted as they can only be withdrawn from the trust to make qualifying benefit payments. The trust holds investments that are classified as trading securities for accounting purposes. As we do not intend to sell the investments in the near term, they are included in other long-term assets on our balance sheets. The net unrealized gains and losses included in earnings related to the investments held at the end of the period were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

(g) Regulatory Assets and Liabilities —The economic effects of regulation can result in regulated companies recording costs and revenues that have been or are expected to be allowed in the rate-making process in a period different from the period in which the costs or revenues would be recognized by a nonregulated company. When this occurs, regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet. Regulatory assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs or liabilities that have been deferred and are expected to be recovered through rates charged to customers. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers in future rates or amounts that are collected in rates for future costs. Recovery or refund of regulatory assets and liabilities is based on specific periods determined by the regulators or occurs over the normal operating period of the assets and liabilities to which they relate. If at any reporting date a previously recorded regulatory asset is no longer probable of recovery, the regulatory asset is reduced to the amount considered probable of recovery with the reduction charged to expense in the reporting period the determination is made. See Note 6, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, for more information .

(h) Property, Plant, and Equipment We record property, plant, and equipment at cost. Cost includes material, labor, overhead, and both debt and equity components of AFUDC. Additions to and significant replacements of property are charged to property, plant, and equipment at cost; minor items are charged to maintenance expense. The cost of depreciable utility property less salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation when property is retired.

We record straight-line depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of utility property using depreciation rates approved by the applicable regulators. Annual utility composite depreciation rates are shown below:
Annual Utility Composite Depreciation Rates
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
WE
 
3.00%
 
3.01%
 
2.93%
WPS *
 
2.58%
 
1.30%
 
N/A
WG
 
2.34%
 
2.36%
 
2.69%
PGL *
 
3.31%
 
1.67%
 
N/A
NSG *
 
2.44%
 
1.22%
 
N/A
MERC *
 
2.53%
 
1.26%
 
N/A
MGU *
 
2.63%
 
1.32%
 
N/A

*  
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.



We depreciate our We Power assets over the estimated useful life of the various property components. The components have useful lives of between 10 to 45 years for PWGS 1 and PWGS 2 and 10 to 55 years for ER 1 and ER 2.

We capitalize certain costs related to software developed or obtained for internal use and record these costs to amortization expense over the estimated useful life of the related software, which ranges from 3 to 15 years. If software is retired prior to being fully amortized, the difference is recorded as a loss on the income statement.

(i) Allowance for Funds Used During Construction AFUDC is included in utility plant accounts and represents the cost of borrowed funds (AFUDC – Debt) used during plant construction, and a return on stockholders' capital (AFUDC – Equity) used for construction purposes. AFUDC – Debt is recorded as a reduction of interest expense, and AFUDC – Equity is recorded in other income, net.

The majority of AFUDC is recorded at WE, WPS, and WG. Approximately 50% of WE's, WPS's, and WG's retail jurisdictional CWIP expenditures are subject to the AFUDC calculation. The AFUDC calculation for WBS uses the WPS AFUDC retail rate, while the other utilities AFUDC rates are determined by their respective state commissions, each with specific requirements. Based on these requirements, the other utilities and WBS did not record significant AFUDC for 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . Average AFUDC rates are shown below:
 
 
2016
 
 
Average AFUDC Retail Rate
 
Average AFUDC Wholesale Rate
WE
 
8.45%
 
2.73%
WPS
 
7.72%
 
3.00%
WG
 
8.33%
 
N/A

Our regulated utilities recorded the following AFUDC for the years ended December 31:
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
AFUDC – Debt
 
$
10.9

 
$
8.6

 
$
2.3

AFUDC – Equity
 
$
25.1

 
$
20.1

 
$
5.6


(j) Asset Impairment —Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are subject to an annual impairment test. Interim impairment tests are performed when impairment indicators are present. Intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis. Other long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the asset. The carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset in comparison to the fair value of the asset.

Due to the acquisition of Integrys, we changed the date of our annual goodwill impairment test from August 31 to July 1. The carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill is considered not recoverable if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. An impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value. See Note 10, Goodwill, for more information .

The carrying amounts of cost and equity method investments are assessed for impairment by comparing the fair values of these investments to their carrying amounts, if a fair value assessment was completed, or by reviewing for the presence of impairment indicators. If an impairment exists and it is determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the investment's fair value.

(k) Deferred Revenue As part of the construction of We Power's electric generating units, we capitalized interest during construction. As allowed under the lease agreements, we were able to collect the carrying costs during the construction of these generating units from our utility customers. The carrying costs that we collected during construction have been recorded as deferred revenue on our balance sheets and we are amortizing the deferred carrying costs to revenue over the individual lease terms.

(l) Asset Retirement Obligations —We recognize, at fair value, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and normal operation of the assets. An ARO liability is recorded, when

2016 Form 10-K
80

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



incurred, for these obligations as long as the fair value can be reasonably estimated, even if the timing or method of settling the obligation is unknown. The associated retirement costs are capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and are depreciated over the useful life of the asset. The ARO liabilities are accreted to their present values each period using the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates associated with the expected settlement dates of the AROs. These rates are determined when the obligations are incurred. Subsequent changes resulting from revisions to the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as an increase or a decrease to the carrying amount of the liability and the associated retirement costs. For our regulated entities, we recognize regulatory assets or liabilities for the timing differences between when we recover an ARO in rates and when we recognize the associated retirement costs. See Note 9, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information .

(m) Environmental Remediation Costs —We are subject to federal and state environmental laws and regulations that in the future may require us to pay for environmental remediation at sites where we have been, or may be, identified as a potentially responsible party. Loss contingencies may exist for the remediation of hazardous substances at various potential sites, including coal combustion product landfill sites and manufactured gas plant sites. See Note 9, Asset Retirement Obligations, for more information regarding coal combustion product landfill sites and Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies , for more information regarding manufactured gas plant sites.

We record environmental remediation liabilities when site assessments indicate remediation is probable and we can reasonably estimate the loss or a range of losses. The estimate includes both our share of the liability and any additional amounts that will not be paid by other potentially responsible parties or the government. When possible, we estimate costs using site-specific information but also consider historical experience for costs incurred at similar sites. Remediation efforts for a particular site generally extend over a period of several years. During this period, the laws governing the remediation process may change, as well as site conditions, potentially affecting the cost of remediation.

Our utilities have received approval to defer certain environmental remediation costs, as well as estimated future costs, through a regulatory asset. The recovery of deferred costs is subject to the applicable state Commission's approval.

We review our estimated costs of remediation annually for our manufactured gas plant sites and coal combustion product landfill sites. We adjust the liabilities and related regulatory assets, as appropriate, to reflect the new cost estimates. Any material changes in cost estimates are adjusted throughout the year.

(n) Income Taxes —We follow the liability method in accounting for income taxes. Accounting guidance for income taxes requires the recording of deferred assets and liabilities to recognize the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns and the adjustment of deferred tax balances to reflect tax rate changes. We are required to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets would expire before being realized. If we conclude that certain deferred tax assets are likely to expire before being realized, a valuation allowance would be established against those assets. GAAP requires that, if we conclude in a future period that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets would be realized before expiration, we reverse the related valuation allowance in that period. Any change to the allowance, as a result of a change in judgment about the realization of deferred tax assets, is reported in income tax expense.

Investment tax credits associated with regulated operations are deferred and amortized over the life of the assets. We file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Accordingly, we allocate Federal current tax expense benefits and credits to our subsidiaries based on their separate tax computations. See Note 15, Income Taxes, for more information .

We recognize interest and penalties accrued, related to unrecognized tax benefits, in income tax expense in our income statements.

(o) Guarantees — We follow the guidance of the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC, which requires that the guarantor recognize, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. See Note 16, Guarantees, for more information .

(p) Employee Benefits —The costs of pension and OPEB are expensed over the periods during which employees render service. These costs are allocated among our subsidiaries based on current employment status and actuarial calculations, as applicable. Our regulators allow recovery in rates for the utilities' net periodic benefit cost calculated under GAAP. See Note 17, Employee Benefits, for more information .

(q) Stock-Based Compensation — In accordance with the shareholder approved Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, we provide long-term incentives through our equity interests to our non-employee directors, officers, and other key employees. The plan provides for the

2016 Form 10-K
81

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



granting of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, and other stock-based awards. Awards may be paid in common stock, cash, or a combination thereof. The number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the plan is 34.3 million .

We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Awards classified as equity awards are measured based on their grant-date fair value. Awards classified as liability awards are recorded at fair value each reporting period based on our estimate of the final expected value of the awards.

Stock Options

We grant non-qualified stock options that vest on a cliff-basis after a three -year period. The exercise price of a stock option under the plan cannot be less than 100% of our common stock's fair market value on the grant date. Historically, all stock options have been granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. Options may not be exercised within six months of the grant date except in the event of a change in control. Options expire no later than 10 years from the date of the grant.

Our stock options are classified as equity awards. The fair value of our stock options was calculated using a binomial option-pricing model. The following table shows the estimated fair value per stock option granted along with the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation models:
 
 
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


The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury interest rate with a term consistent with the expected life of the stock options. The dividend yield was based on our current dividend rate and historical stock prices. Expected volatility and expected life assumptions were based on our historical experience.

Restricted Shares

Restricted shares have a three -year vesting period, and generally, one-third of the award vests on each anniversary of the grant date. Our restricted shares are classified as equity awards.

Performance Units

Officers and other key employees are granted performance units under the WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan. Under the plan, the ultimate number of units that will be awarded is dependent on our total shareholder return (stock price appreciation plus dividends) as compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies over a three -year period, and beginning in 2017, other performance metrics as determined by the Compensation Committee. Under the terms of the award, participants may earn between 0% and 175% of the performance unit award, as adjusted pursuant to the terms of the plan. All grants are settled in cash and are accounted for as liability awards accordingly. Stock-based compensation costs are recorded over the three -year performance period.

See Note 11, Common Equity, for more information on our stock-based compensation plans.

(r) Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing our net income attributed to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in a similar manner, but includes the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive securities. Such dilutive securities include in-the-money stock options. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 excluded 181,709 and 516,475 stock options, respectively, that had an anti-dilutive effect. There were no securities that had an anti-dilutive effect for the year ended December 31, 2014.

2016 Form 10-K
82

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




(s) Fair Value Measurements —Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).

Fair value accounting rules provide a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, but are not quoted prices included within Level 1. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using external inputs within models or other valuation methods.

Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methods that result in management's best estimate of fair value. Level 3 instruments include those that may be more structured or otherwise tailored to customers' needs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We use a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical measure for valuing certain derivative assets and liabilities. We primarily use a market approach for recurring fair value measurements and attempt to use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

When possible, we base the valuations of our derivative assets and liabilities on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. These valuations are classified in Level 1. The valuations of certain contracts not classified as Level 1 may be based on quoted market prices received from counterparties and/or observable inputs for similar instruments. Transactions valued using these inputs are classified in Level 2. Certain derivatives are categorized in Level 3 due to the significance of unobservable or internally-developed inputs.

Derivatives were transferred between levels of the fair value hierarchy primarily due to observable pricing becoming available. We recognize transfers at their value as of the end of the reporting period.

Due to the short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents, net accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, accounts payable, and short-term borrowings, the carrying amount of each such item approximates fair value. The fair value of our preferred stock is estimated based on the quoted market value for the same issue, or by using a dividend discount model. The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based upon the quoted market value for the same issue, similar issues, or upon the quoted market prices of United States Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for the issuing company's bond rating and the present value of future cash flows. The fair values of long-term debt and preferred stock are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

See Note 19, Fair Value Measurements, for more information .

(t) Derivative Instruments —We use derivatives as part of our risk management program to manage the risks associated with the price volatility of purchased power, generation, and natural gas costs for the benefit of our customers and shareholders. Our approach is non-speculative and designed to mitigate risk. Regulated hedging programs are approved by our state regulators.

We record derivative instruments on our balance sheets as assets or liabilities measured at fair value unless they qualify for the normal purchases and sales exception, and are so designated. We continually assess our contracts designated as normal and will discontinue the treatment of these contracts as normal if the required criteria are no longer met. Changes in the derivative's fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met or we receive regulatory treatment for the derivative. For most energy-related physical and financial contracts in our regulated operations that qualify as derivatives, our regulators allow the effects of fair value accounting to be offset to regulatory assets and liabilities.

We classify derivative assets and liabilities as current or long-term on our balance sheets based on the maturities of the underlying contracts. Realized gains and losses on derivative instruments are primarily recorded in cost of sales on the income statements. Cash flows from derivative activities are presented in the same category as the item being hedged within operating activities on our statements of cash flows.

2016 Form 10-K
83

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




Derivative accounting rules provide the option to present certain asset and liability derivative positions net on the balance sheets and to net the related cash collateral against these net derivative positions. We elected not to net these items. On our balance sheets, cash collateral provided to others is reflected in other current assets, and cash collateral received is reflected in other current liabilities. See Note 20, Derivative Instruments, for more information .

(u) Customer Deposits and Credit Balances —When utility customers apply for new service, they may be required to provide a deposit for the service.

Utility customers can elect to be on a budget plan. Under this type of plan, a monthly installment amount is calculated based on estimated annual usage. During the year, the monthly installment amount is reviewed by comparing it to actual usage. If necessary, an adjustment is made to the monthly amount. Annually, the budget plan is reconciled to actual annual usage. Payments in excess of actual customer usage are recorded within current liabilities on our balance sheets.
 
NOTE 2— ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition of Integrys

On June 29, 2015, Wisconsin Energy Corporation acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Integrys and changed its name to WEC Energy Group, Inc. Integrys is a provider of regulated natural gas and electricity, as well as nonregulated renewable energy products and services. Integrys also provided CNG products and services prior to the sale of ITF in the first quarter of 2016. Integrys holds a 34% interest in ATC, a for-profit transmission company regulated by the FERC. The acquisition of Integrys has provided increased scale, operating efficiencies, and the potential for long-term cost savings through a combination of lower capital and operating costs.

Purchase Price

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Integrys’s shareholders received 1.128 shares of Wisconsin Energy Corporation common stock and $18.58 in cash per share of Integrys common stock. The total consideration transferred was based on the closing price of Wisconsin Energy Corporation common stock on June 29, 2015, and was calculated as follows:
 
 
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.

All Integrys unvested stock-based compensation awards became fully vested upon the close of the acquisition and were either paid to award recipients in cash, or the value of the awards was deferred into a deferred compensation plan. In addition, all vested but unexercised Integrys stock options were paid in cash. In accordance with accounting guidance for business combinations, the acceleration of the vesting was recorded as an acquisition-related expense.

Allocation of Purchase Price

The Integrys assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured at estimated fair value in accordance with the accounting guidance under the Business Combinations Topic in the FASB ASC. Substantially all of Integrys's operations are subject to the rate-setting authority of federal and state regulatory commissions. These operations are accounted for following the accounting guidance under the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC. The underlying assets and liabilities of ATC are also regulated by the FERC.

2016 Form 10-K
84

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Integrys's assets and liabilities that are subject to rate-setting provisions provide revenues derived from costs, including a return on investment of assets less liabilities included in rate base. As such, the fair values of these assets and liabilities equal their carrying values. Accordingly, neither the assets and liabilities acquired, nor the pro forma financial information, reflect any adjustments related to these amounts.

The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill. The goodwill reflects the value paid for the increased scale and efficiencies as a result of the combination. The goodwill recognized is not deductible for income tax purposes, and as such, no deferred taxes have been recorded related to goodwill. See Note 10, Goodwill , for the allocation of goodwill to our reportable segments.

During the first six months of 2016, adjustments were made to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, primarily in connection with the sale of ITF and reserves recorded for likely settlements of certain legal and regulatory matters. The table below shows the final allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
(in millions)
 
 
Current assets
 
$
1,060.1

Property, plant, and equipment, net
 
7,107.4

Goodwill
 
2,604.3

Other long-term assets *
 
2,830.5

Current liabilities
 
(1,320.7
)
Long-term debt
 
(2,943.6
)
Other long-term liabilities
 
(3,703.8
)
Preferred stock of subsidiary
 
(51.1
)
Total purchase price
 
$
5,583.1


*
Includes equity method goodwill related to Integrys's investment in ATC. See Note 4, Investment in American Transmission Company, for more information .

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires that an acquirer recognize and disclose adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during an acquisition measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted for any interim and annual financial statements that had not yet been issued. We early adopted ASU 2015-16 in the fourth quarter of 2015. Adoption had no impact on our financial statements.

Conditions of Approval
 
The acquisition was subject to the approvals of various government agencies, including the FERC, Federal Communications Commission, PSCW, ICC, MPSC, and MPUC. Approvals were obtained from all agencies subject to several conditions.

The PSCW order includes the following conditions:

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.



The ICC order includes a base rate freeze for PGL and NSG effective for two years after the close of the acquisition. This base rate freeze does not impact PGL's or NSG's ability to adjust rates through various riders or GCRMs.

We do not believe that the conditions set forth in the various regulatory orders approving the acquisition will have a material impact on our operations or financial results.

Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results and amortization of purchase price adjustments as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved or our future consolidated results.

The pro forma financial information does not reflect any potential cost savings from operating efficiencies resulting from the acquisition and does not include certain acquisition-related costs.
 
 
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


Impact of Acquisition

As a result of the acquisition, our ownership of ATC increased to approximately 60% . We have made commitments with respect to our voting rights of the combined ownership of ATC, which are included as enforceable conditions in the FERC and PSCW orders approving the acquisition. Under GAAP, these commitments do not allow for the consolidation of ATC in our financial statements and the 60% ownership is accounted for as an equity method investment subsequent to the close of the acquisition. See Note 4, Investment in American Transmission Company, for more information .

In connection with the acquisition, WEC Energy Group and its subsidiaries recorded pre-tax acquisition costs of $3.5 million , $107.6 million , and $12.5 million during 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. These costs consisted of employee-related expenses, professional fees, and other miscellaneous costs. They are primarily recorded in the other operation and maintenance line item on the income statements.

Included in the 2015 acquisition costs was $24.9 million of severance expense that resulted from employee reductions related to the post-acquisition integration. Severance expense incurred during 2016 was not significant. The 2015 severance expense was recorded in the following segments:
(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


Severance payments of $7.5 million and $16.9 million were made during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The severance accruals on our our balance sheets were not significant at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 include revenues attributable to Integrys of $1,416.8 million . Included in our net income for the year ended December 31, 2015, is net income attributable to Integrys of $65.9 million .


2016 Form 10-K
86

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Acquisition of a Natural Gas Storage Facility in Michigan

In January 2017, we signed an agreement for the acquisition of a natural gas storage facility in Michigan for $225 million that would provide approximately one-third of the storage needs for our Wisconsin natural gas utilities. In addition, we expect to incur approximately $5 million of acquisition related costs. A request has been filed with the PSCW for a declaratory ruling related to the recovery of this investment. PSCW approval and closing of this transaction are expected to occur by the third quarter of 2017.

NOTE 3— DISPOSITIONS

Wisconsin Segment

Sale of Milwaukee County Power Plant

In April 2016, we sold the MCPP steam generation and distribution assets, located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. MCPP primarily provided steam to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center hospitals and other campus buildings. During the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of $10.9 million ( $6.5 million after tax), which was included in other operation and maintenance on our income statements. The assets included in the sale were not material and, therefore, were not presented as held for sale. The results of operations of this plant remained in continuing operations through the sale date as the sale did not represent a shift in our corporate strategy and did not have a major effect on our operations and financial results.

Corporate and Other Segment

Sale of Certain Assets of Wisvest

In April 2016, as part of the MCPP sale transaction, we sold the chilled water generation and distribution assets of Wisvest, which are used to provide chilled water services to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center hospitals and other campus buildings. During the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of $19.6 million ( $11.8 million after tax), which was included in other income, net on our income statements. The assets included in the sale were not material and, therefore, were not presented as held for sale. The results of operations associated with these assets remained in continuing operations through the sale date as the sale did not represent a shift in our corporate strategy and did not have a major effect on our operations and financial results.

Sale of Integrys Transportation Fuels

Through a series of transactions in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016, we sold ITF, a provider of CNG fueling services and a single-source provider of CNG fueling facility design, construction, operation, and maintenance. There was no gain or loss recorded on the sales, as ITF's assets and liabilities were adjusted to fair value through purchase accounting. The sale of ITF met the criteria to qualify as held for sale at December 31, 2015, but did not meet the requirements to qualify as a discontinued operation. The results of operations of ITF remained in continuing operations through the sale date as the sale of ITF did not represent a shift in our corporate strategy and did not have a major effect on our operations and financial results. The pre-tax profit or loss of this component was not material through the sale date in 2016.


2016 Form 10-K
87

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The following table shows the carrying values of the major classes of assets and liabilities included as held for sale on our balance sheet at December 31:
(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.

NOTE 4— INVESTMENT IN AMERICAN TRANSMISSION COMPANY

Due to the acquisition of Integrys, our ownership of ATC increased from 26.2% to approximately 60% . ATC is a for-profit, transmission-only company regulated by the FERC and certain state regulatory commissions. We have one representative on ATC's ten -member board of directors. Each member of the board has only one vote. Due to voting requirements, no individual board member has more than 10% of the voting control. The following table shows changes to our investment in ATC during the years ended December 31:
(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.

We pay ATC for transmission and other related services it provides. In addition, we provide a variety of operational, maintenance, and project management work for ATC, which are reimbursed by ATC. We are required to pay the cost of needed transmission infrastructure upgrades for new generation projects while the projects are under construction. ATC reimburses us for these costs when the new generation is placed in service.

The following table summarizes our significant related party transactions with ATC during the years ended December 31:
(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.



As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , our balance sheets included the following receivables and payables related to ATC:
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Accounts receivable
 
 
 
 
Services provided to ATC
 
$
2.2

 
$
1.0

Accounts payable
 
 
 
 
Services received from ATC
 
28.7

 
28.3


Summarized financial data for ATC is included in the tables below:
(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


NOTE 5— SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(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.

At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , restricted cash of $33.6 million and $118.4 million , respectively, was recorded within other long-term assets on our balance sheets. The majority of this amount was held in the Integrys rabbi trust and represents a portion of the required funding that was triggered by the announcement of the Integrys acquisition. Withdrawals of restricted cash from the rabbi trust for qualifying payments are shown as an investing activity on the statements of cash flows. Decreases in restricted cash due to the purchase of restricted investments held in the rabbi trust are reflected as non-cash transactions on the statements of cash flows and are included in the table above.


2016 Form 10-K
89

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



NOTE 6— REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The following regulatory assets were reflected on our balance sheets as of December 31:
(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.



The following regulatory liabilities were reflected on our balance sheets as of December 31:
(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.

NOTE 7— PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following utility and non-utility and other assets at December 31:
(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


NOTE 8— JOINTLY OWNED FACILITIES

We Power and WPS hold joint ownership interests in certain electric generating facilities. They are entitled to their share of generating capability and output of each facility equal to their respective ownership interest. They pay their ownership share of additional construction costs and have supplied their own financing for all jointly owned projects. We Power and WPS record their proportionate share of significant jointly owned electric generating facilities as property, plant, and equipment on the balance sheets.


2016 Form 10-K
91

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



We Power leases its ownership interest in ER 1 and ER 2 to WE, and WE operates these units. WE and WPS record their respective share of fuel inventory purchases and operating expenses, unless specific agreements have been executed to limit their maximum exposure to additional costs. WE's and WPS's proportionate share of direct expenses for the joint operation of these plants is recorded in operating expenses in the income statements.

Information related to jointly owned facilities at December 31, 2016 was as follows:
 
 
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% .

NOTE 9— ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Our utilities have recorded AROs primarily for the removal of natural gas distribution mains and service pipes (including asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]); asbestos abatement at certain generation and substation facilities, office buildings, and service centers; the removal and dismantlement of generation facilities; the dismantling of wind generation projects; the disposal of PCB-contaminated transformers; the closure of fly-ash landfills at certain generation facilities; and the removal of above ground storage tanks. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established by our utilities to record the differences between ongoing expense recognition under the ARO accounting rules and the ratemaking practices for retirement costs authorized by the applicable regulators. AROs have also been recorded by PDL for the removal of solar equipment components. On our balance sheets, AROs are recorded within other long-term liabilities.

The following table shows changes to our AROs during the years ended December 31:
(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.



NOTE 10— GOODWILL

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. The following table shows changes to our goodwill balances by segment during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 :
 
 
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 .

Due to the acquisition of Integrys, we changed the date of our annual goodwill impairment test from August 31 to July 1. In the third quarter of 2016, annual impairment tests were completed at all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of July 1, 2016. No impairments resulted from these tests.

NOTE 11— COMMON EQUITY

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes our pre-tax stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit for the years ended December 31:
(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-based compensation costs capitalized during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were not significant.

Stock Options

The following is a summary of our stock option activity during 2016 :
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


The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options in the above table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had they exercised all of their options on  December 31, 2016 . This is calculated as the difference between our closing stock price on  December 31, 2016 , and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $55.4 million , $36.1 million , and $50.5 million , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises for the same periods was approximately $22.2 million , $14.5 million , and $19.9 million , respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was not significant.


2016 Form 10-K
93

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



During the first quarter of 2017 , the Compensation Committee awarded 552,215 non-qualified stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $58.31 and a weighted-average grant date fair value of $7.45 per option to certain of our officers and other key employees under its normal schedule of awarding long-term incentive compensation.

Restricted Shares

The following restricted stock activity occurred during 2016 :
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


The intrinsic value of restricted stock released was $7.7 million , $3.7 million , and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from released restricted shares for the same years was $3.1 million , $1.3 million , and $1.0 million , respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 , approximately $5.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock was expected to be recognized over the next 1.9 years on a weighted-average basis.

During the first quarter of 2017 , the Compensation Committee awarded 82,622 restricted shares to certain of our directors, officers, and other key employees under its normal schedule of awarding long-term incentive compensation. The grant date fair value of these awards was $58.10 per share.

Performance Units

In 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the Compensation Committee awarded 297,305 ; 195,365 ; and 233,735 performance units, respectively, to officers and other key employees under the WEC Energy Group Performance Unit Plan.

Performance units with an intrinsic value of $19.1 million , $13.2 million , and $14.8 million were settled during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the distribution of performance units for the same years was approximately $6.8 million , $4.8 million , and $5.3 million , respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 , approximately $10.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to performance units was expected to be recognized over the next 1.4 years on a weighted-average basis.

During the first quarter of 2017 , we settled performance units with an intrinsic value of $6.1 million . The actual tax benefit realized from the distribution of these awards was $1.8 million . In January 2017, the Compensation Committee also awarded 237,650 performance units to certain of our officers and other key employees under its normal schedule of awarding long-term incentive compensation.

Restrictions

Our ability as a holding company to pay common stock dividends primarily depends on the availability of funds received from our utility subsidiaries and our non-utility subsidiary, We Power. Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements impose certain restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans, or advances. All of our utility subsidiaries, with the exception of MGU, are prohibited from loaning funds to us, either directly or indirectly.

In accordance with their most recent rate orders, WE, WG, and WPS may not pay common dividends above the test year forecasted amounts reflected in their respective rate cases, if it would cause their average common equity ratio, on a financial basis, to fall below their authorized levels of 51% , 49.5% , and 51% , respectively. A return of capital in excess of the test year amount can be paid by each company at the end of the year provided that their respective average common equity ratios do not fall below the authorized levels.

2016 Form 10-K
94

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




WE may not pay common dividends to us under WE's Restated Articles of Incorporation if any dividends on its outstanding preferred stock have not been paid. In addition, pursuant to the terms of WE's 3.60% Serial Preferred Stock, WE's ability to declare common dividends would be limited to 75% or 50% of net income during a twelve month period if its common stock equity to total capitalization, as defined in the preferred stock designation, is less than 25% and 20% , respectively.

NSG's long-term debt obligations contain provisions and covenants restricting the payment of cash dividends and the purchase or redemption of its capital stock.
WEC Energy Group and Integrys have the option to defer interest payments on their junior subordinated notes, from time to time, for one or more periods of up to 10 consecutive years per period. During any period in which they defer interest payments, they may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, repurchase or acquire, their respective common stock.

See Note 13, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit , for discussion of certain financial covenants related to short-term debt obligations.

As of December 31, 2016 , the restricted net assets of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries and our equity in undistributed earnings of investees accounted for by the equity method totaled approximately $6.3 billion . This amount exceeds 25% of our consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2016.

We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any dividend payments in the foreseeable future.

Share Repurchase Program

We have instructed our independent agents to purchase shares on the open market to fulfill obligations under various stock-based employee benefit and compensations plans and to provide shares to participants in our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan. As a result, no new shares of common stock were issued in 2016, 2015, or 2014, other than for the Integrys acquisition. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information .

In December 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of up to $300.0 million of our common stock through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions from January 1, 2014, through the end of 2017. On June 22, 2014, in connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors terminated this share repurchase program. The following table identifies shares purchased during the year ended December 31 :
 
 
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


Common Stock Dividends

During the year ended December 31, 2016 , our Board of Directors declared common stock dividends which are summarized below:
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

On January 19, 2017, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend to $0.52 per share effective with the first quarter of 2017 dividend payment, which equates to an annual dividend of $2.08 per share. In addition, the Board of Directors affirmed our dividend policy that continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 65 - 70% of earnings.


2016 Form 10-K
95

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



NOTE 12— PREFERRED STOCK

The following table shows preferred stock authorized and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 :
(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


NOTE 13— SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT

The following table shows our short-term borrowings and their corresponding weighted-average interest rates as of December 31:
(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
%

Our average amount of commercial paper borrowings based on daily outstanding balances during 2016 , was $882.3 million with a weighted-average interest rate during the period of 0.66% .

WEC Energy Group, WE, WPS, WG, and PGL have entered into bank back-up credit facilities to maintain short-term credit liquidity which, among other terms, require them to maintain, subject to certain exclusions, a minimum total funded debt to capitalization ratio of less than 70.0% , 65.0% , 65.0% , 65.0% , and 65.0% , respectively. As of December 31, 2016, all companies were in compliance with their respective ratio.

As of December 31, 2016 , we had $1,620.7 million of available capacity under our bank back-up credit facilities and $860.2 million of commercial paper outstanding that was supported by the credit facilities.


2016 Form 10-K
96

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The information in the table below relates to our revolving credit facilities used to support our commercial paper borrowing program, including remaining available capacity under these facilities as of December 31 :
(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


Each of these facilities has a renewal provision for two one-year extensions, subject to lender approval.

The bank back-up credit facilities contain customary covenants, including certain limitations on the respective companies' ability to sell assets. The credit facilities also contain customary events of default, including payment defaults, material inaccuracy of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, bankruptcy proceedings, certain judgments, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 defaults, and change of control. In addition, pursuant to the terms of our credit agreement, we must ensure that certain of our subsidiaries comply with several of the covenants contained therein.

NOTE 14— LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

See our statements of capitalization for details on our long-term debt.

Wisconsin Gas LLC

In September 2016, WG issued $200.0 million of 3.71% Debentures due September 30, 2046. The net proceeds were used to repay short-term debt.

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company

In December 2016, PGL issued $150.0 million of 3.65% Series DDD Bonds due December 15, 2046. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and the refinancing of short-term debt.
In November 2016, PGL issued $50.0 million of 3.65% Series CCC Bonds due December 15, 2046. The net proceeds were used to repay at maturity PGL's $50.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of 2.21% First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds,
Series XX.

In June 2016, PGL issued commercial paper to redeem at par, its $50.0 million of 4.30% Series RR First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds that were due in 2035.

W.E. Power, LLC

During 2017, $5.6 million of We Power's outstanding $106.7 million of 4.91% secured notes will mature. As a result, this balance was included in the current portion of long-term debt on our balance sheet at December 31, 2016.

During 2017, $4.6 million of We Power's outstanding $126.1 million of 6.00% secured notes will mature. As a result, this balance was included in the current portion of long-term debt on our balance sheet at December 31, 2016.

During 2017, $10.8 million of We Power's outstanding $204.8 million of 5.209% secured notes will mature. As a result, this balance was included in the current portion of long-term debt on our balance sheet at December 31, 2016.

2016 Form 10-K
97

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




During 2017, $8.5 million of We Power's outstanding $170.9 million of 4.673% secured notes will mature. As a result, this balance was included in the current portion of long-term debt on our balance sheet at December 31, 2016.

Integrys Holding, Inc.

In June 2016, Integrys's $50.0 million of 8.00% unsecured senior notes matured and were repaid with contributions from WEC Energy Group, which were funded by commercial paper issued by WEC Energy Group.

In February 2016, Integrys repurchased and retired $154.9 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.11% Junior Notes for a purchase price of $128.6 million , plus accrued and unpaid interest, through a modified “dutch auction” tender offer. The gain associated with this repurchase was included in other income, net on our income statement. In connection with this transaction, Integrys issued approximately $66.4 million of additional common stock to WEC Energy Group in satisfaction of its obligations under a replacement capital covenant relating to the 6.11% Junior Notes. Effective December 1, 2016, the remaining $114.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.11% Junior Notes bears interest at the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.12% and will reset quarterly.

Bonds and Notes

The following table shows the future maturities of our long-term debt outstanding (excluding obligations under capital leases) as of December 31, 2016:
(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


We amortize debt premiums, discounts, and debt issuance costs over the life of the debt and we include the costs in interest expense.

As of December 31, 2016, WE was the obligor under a series of tax-exempt pollution control refunding bonds with an outstanding principal amount of $80.0 million . In August 2009, WE terminated a letter of credit that provided credit and liquidity support for the bonds, which resulted in a mandatory tender of the bonds. WE purchased the bonds at par plus accrued interest to the date of purchase. As of December 31, 2016, the repurchased bonds were still outstanding, but were not reported in our long-term debt since they were held by WE. Depending on market conditions and other factors, WE may change the method used to determine the interest rate on this bond series and have it remarketed to third parties. A related bond series that had an outstanding principal amount of $67.0 million matured on August 1, 2016.

In connection with our outstanding 2007 6.25% Series A Junior Subordinated Notes ( 6.25% Junior Notes), we executed a Replacement Capital Covenant dated May 11, 2007 (RCC), which we amended on June 29, 2015, for the benefit of persons that buy, hold, or sell a specified series of our long-term indebtedness (covered debt). Our 6.20% Senior Notes due April 1, 2033 have been designated as the covered debt under the RCC. The RCC provides that we may not redeem, defease, or purchase, and that our subsidiaries may not purchase, any 6.25% Junior Notes on or before May 15, 2037, unless, subject to certain limitations described in the RCC, we have received a specified amount of proceeds from the sale of qualifying securities.

Effective May 2017, the $500 million of 6.25% Junior Notes will bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 211.25 basis points and will reset quarterly.

In connection with Integrys’s outstanding 6.11% Junior Notes, Integrys executed a Replacement Capital Covenant dated December 1, 2006, as replaced by a new Replacement Capital Covenant on December 1, 2010 (Integrys RCC) for the benefit of persons that buy, hold, or sell a specified series of its long-term indebtedness (covered debt). Integrys’s 4.17% Senior Notes due November 1, 2020, have been designated as the covered debt under the Integrys RCC. The Integrys RCC provides that Integrys may not redeem, defease,

2016 Form 10-K
98

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



or purchase, and that its subsidiaries may not purchase, any 6.11% Junior Notes on or before December 1, 2036, unless, subject to certain limitations described in the Integrys RCC, Integrys has received a specified amount of proceeds from the sale of qualifying securities.

Effective August 2023, Integrys's $400.0 million of 2013 6.00% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2073 will bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 322 basis points and will reset quarterly.

Certain long-term debt obligations contain financial and other covenants. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which could result in the acceleration of outstanding debt obligations.

Obligations Under Capital Leases

In 1997, WE entered into a 25 -year power purchase contract with an unaffiliated independent power producer. The contract, for 236  MW of firm capacity from a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility, includes zero minimum energy requirements. When the contract expires in 2022, WE may, at its option and with proper notice, renew for another 10 years or purchase the generating facility at fair value or allow the contract to expire. We account for this contract as a capital lease and recorded the leased facility and corresponding obligation under the capital lease at the estimated fair value of the plant's electric generating facilities. We are amortizing the leased facility on a straight-line basis over the original 25 -year term of the contract.

We treat the long-term power purchase contract as an operating lease for rate-making purposes and we record our minimum lease payments as cost of sales on our income statements. We paid a total of $37.6 million and $36.2 million in lease payments during 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We record the difference between the minimum lease payments and the sum of imputed interest and amortization costs calculated under capital lease accounting as a deferred regulatory asset on our balance sheets. Due to the timing and the amounts of the minimum lease payments, the regulatory asset increased to approximately $78.5 million during 2009, at which time the regulatory asset began to be reduced to zero over the remaining life of the contract. The total obligation under the capital lease was $29.6 million as of December 31, 2016 , and will decrease to zero over the remaining life of the contract.

The following is a summary of our capitalized leased facilities as of December 31:
(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


Future minimum lease payments under our capital lease and the present value of our net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:
(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.



NOTE 15— INCOME TAXES

Income Tax Expense

The following table is a summary of income tax expense for the years ended December 31:
(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


Statutory Rate Reconciliation

The provision for income taxes for each of the years ended December 31 differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable United States statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
 
 
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
 %

Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities

The components of deferred income taxes as of December 31 are as follows:
(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


Consistent with rate-making treatment, deferred taxes in the table above are offset for temporary differences that have related regulatory assets and liabilities.


2016 Form 10-K
100

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The components of net deferred tax assets associated with federal and state tax benefit carryforwards as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized in the tables below:
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
)
 
 

Valuation allowances of $15.0 million have been established for certain tax benefit carryforwards obtained in the Integrys acquisition based on our projected ability to realize such benefits by offsetting future tax liabilities. This is primarily the result of the extension of bonus depreciation. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient tax liabilities prior to expiration of the tax benefit carryforwards.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

We previously adopted accounting guidance related to uncertainty in income taxes. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
(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


The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, excludes deferred tax assets related to uncertainty in income taxes of $6.6 million and $6.2 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate for continuing operations was $7.9 million and $2.2 million , respectively.

We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015, and 2014, we recognized $0.2 million , zero , and $0.3 million of accrued interest in our income statements, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , we recognized no penalties in our income statements. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , we had $0.8 million of interest accrued and no penalties accrued on our balance sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , we had $0.7 million of interest accrued and $0.1 million of penalties accrued on our balance sheets.

2016 Form 10-K
101

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




We do not anticipate any significant increases or decreases in the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

We file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and state tax returns based on income in our major state operating jurisdictions of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. We also file tax returns in other state and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. As of December 31, 2016, we were subject to examination by state or local tax authorities for the 2011 through 2016 tax years in our major state operating jurisdictions as follows:
Jurisdiction
 
Years
Federal
 
2013–2016
Illinois
 
2013–2016
Michigan
 
2012–2016
Minnesota
 
2014–2016
Wisconsin
 
2011–2016

NOTE 16— GUARANTEES

The following table shows our outstanding guarantees:
 
 
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.

NOTE 17— EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits

We and our subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of our employees, as well as several unfunded nonqualified retirement plans. In addition, we and our subsidiaries offer multiple OPEB plans to employees. The benefits for a portion of these plans are funded through irrevocable trusts, as allowed for income tax purposes. We also offer medical, dental, and life insurance benefits to active employees and their dependents. We expense the costs of these benefits as incurred.

Generally, former Wisconsin Energy Corporation employees who started with the company after 1995 receive a benefit based on a percentage of their annual salary plus an interest credit, while employees who started before 1996 receive a benefit based upon years of service and final average salary. New Wisconsin Energy Corporation management employees hired after December 31, 2014 receive a 6% annual company contribution to their 401(k) savings plan instead of being enrolled in the defined benefit plans.

For former Integrys employees, the defined benefit pension plans are closed to all new hires. In addition, the service accruals for the defined benefit pension plans were frozen for non-union employees as of January 1, 2013. These employees receive an annual company contribution to their 401(k) savings plan, which is calculated based on age, wages, and full years of vesting service as of December 31 each year.


2016 Form 10-K
102

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



We use a year-end measurement date to measure the funded status of all of our pension and OPEB plans. Due to the regulated nature of our business, we have concluded that substantially all of the unrecognized costs resulting from the recognition of the funded status of our pension and OPEB plans qualify as a regulatory asset.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in our plans' benefit obligations and fair value of assets:
 
 
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
)

The amounts recognized on our balance sheets at December 31 related to the funded status of the benefit plans were as follows:
 
 
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.

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $2,939.9 million and $2,936.4 million as of December 31, 2016, and 2015 , respectively.

The following table shows information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. Amounts presented are as of December 31:
(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.



The following table shows the amounts that have not yet been recognized in our net periodic benefit cost as of December 31:
 
 
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.

The following table shows the estimated amounts that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost during 2017:
(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
)

The components of net periodic benefit cost (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets) for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 
 
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


The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations for the plans were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
 
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

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for the plans were as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
 
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

We consult with our investment advisors on an annual basis to help us forecast expected long-term returns on plan assets by reviewing historical returns as well as calculating expected total trust returns using the weighted-average of long-term market returns for each of the major target asset categories utilized in the fund. For 2017 , the expected return on assets assumption is 7.11% for the pension plans and 7.25% for the OPEB plans.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported by us for health care plans. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have had the following effects:
(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
)

Plan Assets

Current pension trust assets and amounts which are expected to be contributed to the trusts in the future are expected to be adequate to meet pension payment obligations to current and future retirees.

The Investment Trust Policy Committee oversees investment matters related to all of our funded benefit plans. The Committee works with external actuaries and investment consultants on an on-going basis to establish and monitor investment strategies and target asset allocations. Forecasted cash flows for plan liabilities are regularly updated based on annual valuation results. Target allocations are determined utilizing projected benefit payment cash flows and risk analyses of appropriate investments. They are intended to reduce risk, provide long-term financial stability for the plans and maintain funded levels which meet long-term plan obligations while preserving sufficient liquidity for near-term benefit payments.

The Wisconsin Energy Corporation pension trust target asset allocations are 35% equity investments, 55% fixed income investments, and 10% private equity and real estate investments. The Integrys pension trust target asset allocation is 60% equity investments and 40% fixed income investments. The Wisconsin Energy Corporation OPEB trusts' target asset allocations are 60% equity investments and 40% fixed income investments. The two largest OPEB trusts for Integrys have target asset allocations of 50% equity investments and 50% fixed income, and 45% equity investments and 55% fixed income, respectively. Equity securities include investments in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies primarily located in the United States. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage and other asset backed securities, commercial paper, and United States Treasuries.

Pension and OPEB plan investments are recorded at fair value. See Note 1(s), Fair Value Measurements, for more information regarding the fair value hierarchy and the classification of fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used. Following our adoption of ASU 2015-07 on January 1, 2016, the assets that are not subject to leveling are investments that are valued using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. We have applied this approach retrospectively to the 2015 table for comparability.
 

2016 Form 10-K
105

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



The following tables provide the fair values of our investments by asset class:
 
 
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.

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of pension and OPEB plan assets categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
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


Cash Flows

In January 2017, we contributed $100.0 million to the pension plans. We expect to contribute an additional $13.2 million to the pension plans and $0.1 million to the OPEB plans in 2017 , dependent upon various factors affecting us, including our liquidity position and possible tax law changes.

The following table shows the payments, reflecting expected future service, that we expect to make for pension and OPEB:
(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


Savings Plans

We sponsor 401(k) savings plans which allow employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax and/or after-tax income in accordance with plan-specified guidelines. A percentage of employee contributions are matched by us through a contribution into the employee's savings plan account, up to certain limits. Certain employees participate in a defined contribution pension plan, in which amounts are contributed to the employee's savings plan account based on the employee's wages, age, and years of service. Total costs incurred under all of these plans were $44.3 million in 2016, $48.0 million in 2015, and $14.2 million in 2014.

NOTE 18— COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We and our subsidiaries have significant commitments and contingencies arising from our operations, including those related to unconditional purchase obligations, operating leases, environmental matters, and enforcement and litigation matters.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

We routinely enter into long-term purchase and sale commitments for various quantities and lengths of time. Our natural gas utilities have obligations to distribute and sell natural gas to their customers, and our electric utilities have obligations to distribute and sell electricity to their customers. The utilities expect to recover costs related to these obligations in future customer rates.

The following table shows our minimum future commitments related to these purchase obligations as of December 31, 2016 , including those of our subsidiaries.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.



Operating Leases

We lease property, plant, and equipment under various terms. The operating leases generally require us to pay property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs associated with the leased property. Many of our leases contain one of the following options upon the end of the lease term: (a) purchase the property at the current fair market value, or (b) exercise a renewal option, as set forth in the lease agreement.

Rental expense attributable to operating leases was $15.1 million , $12.7 million , and $4.8 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases are payable as follows:
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


Environmental Matters

Consistent with other companies in the energy industry, we face significant ongoing environmental compliance and remediation obligations related to current and past operations. Specific environmental issues affecting us include, but are not limited to, current and future regulation of air emissions such as SO 2 , NOx, fine particulates, mercury, and GHGs; water discharges; disposal of coal combustion products such as fly ash; and remediation of impacted properties, including former manufactured gas plant sites.

We have continued to pursue a proactive strategy to manage our environmental compliance obligations, including:

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.

Air Quality

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule  

In July 2011, the EPA issued the CSAPR, which replaced a previous rule, the Clean Air Interstate Rule. The purpose of the CSAPR was to limit the interstate transport of NOx and SO 2 that contribute to fine particulate matter and ozone nonattainment in downwind states through a proposed allowance allocation and trading plan. After several lawsuits and related appeals, in October 2014, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision that allowed the EPA to begin implementing CSAPR on January 1, 2015. The emissions budgets of Phase I of the rule applied in 2015 and 2016, while the Phase II emissions budgets discussed below apply to 2017 and beyond.

In December 2015, the EPA published its proposed update to the CSAPR for the 2008 ozone NAAQS and issued the final rule in September 2016. Starting in 2017, this rule requires reductions in the ozone season (May 1 through September 30) NOx emissions from power plants in 23 states in the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. The EPA updated Phase II CSAPR NOx ozone season

2016 Form 10-K
108

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



budgets for electric generating units in the affected states. In the final rule, the EPA significantly increased the NOx ozone season budget from the proposed rule for Wisconsin starting in 2017. We believe we are well positioned to meet the rule requirements and do not expect to incur significant costs to comply with this rule.

Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards

The EPA issued a revised 1-Hour SO 2 NAAQS that became effective in August 2010. The EPA issued a final rule in August 2015 describing the implementation requirements and established a compliance timeline for the revised standard. The final rule affords state agencies some latitude in rule implementation. A nonattainment designation could have negative impacts for a localized geographic area, including additional permitting requirements for new or existing sources in the area.

In March 2015, a federal court entered a consent decree between the EPA and the Sierra Club and others agreeing to specific actions related to implementing the revised standard for areas containing large sources emitting above a certain threshold level of SO 2 . The consent decree required the EPA to complete attainment designations for certain areas with large sources by no later than July 2016. SO 2 emissions from PIPP are above the consent decree emission threshold, which means that the Marquette area required action earlier than would otherwise have been required under the revised NAAQS. However, we were able to show through modeling that the area should be designated as attainment. In July 2016, the EPA finalized its recommendation and published a notice in the Federal Register designating Marquette County, Michigan as unclassified/attainment, effective September 2016.

In June 2016, we provided modeling to the WDNR that shows the area around the Weston Power Plant to be in compliance. Based upon the submittal, the WDNR provided final modeling to the EPA demonstrating the area around the Weston Power Plant to be in compliance. We expect that the EPA will consider the WDNR's recommendation and finalize its recommended designation in August 2017, for finalization by the end of 2017.

We believe our fleet overall is well positioned to meet the new regulation and do not expect to incur significant costs to comply with this regulation.

8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

The EPA completed its review of the 2008 8-hour ozone standard in November 2014, and announced a proposal to tighten (lower) the NAAQS. In October 2015, the EPA released the final rule, which lowered the limit for ground-level ozone. This is expected to cause nonattainment designations for some counties in Wisconsin with potential future impacts for our fossil-fueled power plant fleet. For nonattainment areas, the state of Wisconsin will have to develop a state implementation plan to bring the areas back into attainment. We will be required to comply with this state implementation plan no earlier than 2020 and are in the process of reviewing and determining potential impacts resulting from this rule. We believe we are well positioned to meet the rule requirements and do not expect to incur significant costs to comply with this rule.

Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants

In December 2011, the EPA issued the final MATS rule, which imposed stringent limitations on emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants from coal and oil-fired electric generating units beginning in April 2015. In addition, both Wisconsin and Michigan have state mercury rules that require a 90% reduction of mercury; however, these rules are not in effect as long as MATS is in place. In June 2015, the Supreme Court ruled on a challenge to the MATS rule and remanded the case back to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, ruling that the EPA failed to appropriately consider the cost of the regulation. The MATS rule remains in effect until the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals takes action on the EPA's April 2016 updated cost evaluation.

We believe that the WE and WPS fleets are well positioned to comply with the final MATS rule and do not expect to incur any significant additional costs to comply with this regulation. The addition of a dry sorbent injection system for further control of mercury and acid gases at PIPP was placed into service in March 2016, allowing PIPP to be in compliance with MATS. Construction and testing of the ReACT TM multi-pollutant control system at Weston Unit 3 is complete, and the unit is currently in compliance with both MATS and the WPS Consent Decree emission requirements.

Climate Change

In 2015, the EPA issued the Clean Power Plan, a final rule regulating GHG emissions from existing generating units, a proposed federal plan and model trading rules as alternatives or guides to state compliance plans, and final performance standards for

2016 Form 10-K
109

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



modified and reconstructed generating units and new fossil-fueled power plants. In October 2015, following publication of the final rule for existing fossil-fueled generating units, numerous states (including Wisconsin and Michigan), trade associations, and private parties filed lawsuits challenging the final rule, including a request to stay the implementation of the final rule pending the outcome of these legal challenges. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the stay request, but in February 2016, the Supreme Court stayed the effectiveness of the Clean Power Plan until disposition of the litigation in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and to the extent that further appellate review is sought, at the Supreme Court. In addition, in February 2016, the Governor of Wisconsin issued Executive Order 186, which prohibits state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, or other state entities from developing or promoting the development of a state plan. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case in September 2016.

The final rule for existing fossil-fueled generating units seeks to achieve state-specific GHG emission reduction goals by 2030, and would have required states to submit plans by September 2016. The goal of the final rule is to reduce nationwide GHG emissions by 32% from 2005 levels. The rule is seeking GHG emission reductions in Wisconsin and Michigan of 41% and 39% , respectively, below 2012 levels by 2030. Interim goals starting in 2022 would require states to achieve about two-thirds of the 2030 required reduction. The building blocks used by the EPA to determine each state's emission reduction requirements include a combination of improving power plant efficiency, increasing reliance on combined cycle natural gas units, and adding new renewable energy resources. We continue to evaluate possible reduction opportunities and actions that preserve fuel diversity, lower costs for our customers, and contribute towards long-term GHG reductions, given the uncertain future of the Clean Power Plan and current fuel and technology markets. Our evaluation to date indicates that the Clean Power Plan, as well as current fuel markets and advances in technology, are not expected to result in significant additional compliance costs, including capital expenditures, but could impact how we operate our existing fossil-fueled power plants and biomass facility.

However, the timelines for the 2022 through 2029 interim goals and the 2030 final goal for states, as well as all other aspects of the rule, likely will be changed due to the stay and subsequent legal proceedings. With the new Federal Executive Administration as of January 2017, the Clean Power Plan, or its successor, could be significantly changed from the final rule of October 2015. Notwithstanding the potential changes to the Clean Power Plan, addressing climate change is an integral component of our strategic planning process. We continue to reshape our portfolio of electric generation facilities with investments that will improve our environmental performance, including reduced GHG intensity of our operating fleet. As the regulation of GHG emissions takes shape, our plan is to work with our industry partners, environmental groups, and the State of Wisconsin, with a goal of reducing CO 2 emissions by approximately 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. We continue to evaluate numerous options in order to meet our CO 2 reduction goal, such as increased utilization of existing natural gas combined cycle units, co-firing or switching to natural gas in existing coal-fired units, reduced operation or retirement of existing coal-fired units, addition of new renewable energy resources (wind, solar), and consideration of supply and demand-side energy efficiency and distributed generation.

Draft Federal Plan and Model Trading Rules (Model Rules) were also published in October 2015 for use in developing state plans or for use in states where a plan is not submitted or approved. In December 2015, the state of Wisconsin submitted petitions for reconsideration of the EPA's final standards for existing, as well as for new, modified, and reconstructed generating units. A petition for reconsideration of the EPA's final standards for existing generating units was also submitted jointly by the Wisconsin utilities. Among other things, the petitions narrowly asked the EPA to consider revising the state goal for existing units to reflect the 2013 retirement of the Kewaunee Power Station, which could lower the state's CO 2 equivalent reduction goal by about 10% . In May 2016, the EPA denied the state of Wisconsin's petition for reconsideration related to new, modified, and reconstructed generating units, except that the EPA deferred the portion related to the treatment of biomass. The EPA has not issued decisions yet regarding the above referenced petitions for reconsideration of the final EPA standards for existing generating units. In December 2016, the EPA withdrew the draft Model Rules and accompanying draft documents from the review process and made working drafts available to the public. They are not final documents, are not signed by the Administrator, and will not be published in the Federal Register. The EPA’s docket will remain open, with the potential for completing the agency’s work on these materials and finalizing them at a later date.

We are required to report our CO 2 equivalent emissions from our electric generating facilities under the EPA Greenhouse Gases Reporting Program. For 2015 , we reported aggregated CO 2 equivalent emissions of approximately 31.0 million metric tonnes to the EPA. Based upon our preliminary analysis of the data, we estimate that we will report CO 2 equivalent emissions of approximately 29.6 million metric tonnes to the EPA for 2016 . The level of CO 2 and other GHG emissions vary from year to year and are dependent on the level of electric generation and mix of fuel sources, which is determined primarily by demand, the availability of the generating units, the unit cost of fuel consumed, and how our units are dispatched by MISO.

We are also required to report CO 2 equivalent amounts related to the natural gas that our natural gas utilities distribute and sell. For 2015 , we reported aggregated CO 2 equivalent emissions of approximately 27.2 million metric tonnes to the EPA. Based upon our

2016 Form 10-K
110

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



preliminary analysis of the data, we estimate that we will report CO 2 equivalent emissions of approximately 26.7 million metric tonnes to the EPA for 2016 .

Water Quality

Clean Water Act Cooling Water Intake Structure Rule

In August 2014, the EPA issued a final regulation under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act, which requires that the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures at existing power plants reflect the Best Technology Available (BTA) for minimizing adverse environmental impacts from both impingement (entrapping organisms on water intake screens) and entrainment (drawing organisms into water intake). The rule became effective in October 2014, and applies to all of our existing generating facilities with cooling water intake structures, except for the ERGS units, which were permitted under the rules governing new facilities.

Facility owners must select from seven compliance options available to meet the impingement mortality (IM) reduction standard. The rule requires state permitting agencies to make BTA determinations, subject to EPA oversight, for IM reduction over the next several years as facility permits are reissued. Based on our assessment, we believe that existing technologies at our generating facilities, except for Pulliam Units 7 and 8 and Weston Unit 2, satisfy the IM BTA requirements. We plan to evaluate the available IM options for Pulliam Units 7 and 8. We also expect that limited studies will be required to support the future WDNR BTA determinations for Weston Unit 2. Based on preliminary discussions with the WDNR, we anticipate that the WDNR will not require physical modifications to the Weston Unit 2 intake structure to meet the IM BTA requirements based on low capacity use of the unit.

BTA determinations must also be made by the WDNR and MDEQ to address entrainment mortality (EM) reduction on a site-specific basis taking into consideration several factors. We have received an EM BTA determination by the WDNR, with EPA concurrence, for our intake modification at VAPP. BTA determinations for EM will be made in future permit reissuances for Pulliam Units 7 and 8, Weston Units 2 through 4, PWGS, Pleasant Prairie Power Plant, PIPP, and OC 5 through OC 8. 

During 2017 and 2018, we will continue to complete studies and evaluate options to address the EM BTA requirements at our plants. With the exception of Pleasant Prairie Power Plant and Weston Units 3 and 4 (which all have existing cooling towers that meet EM BTA requirements) and VAPP, we cannot yet determine what, if any, intake structure or operational modifications will be required to meet the new EM BTA requirements at our facilities. We also expect that limited studies to support WDNR BTA determinations will be conducted at the Weston facility. Based on preliminary discussions with the WDNR, we anticipate that the WDNR will not require physical modifications to the Weston Unit 2 intake structure to meet the EM BTA requirements based on low capacity use of the unit. Based on discussions with the MDEQ, if we provide information about unit retirements with our next National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit application and then submit a signed certification by August 2017 stating that PIPP will be retired no later than the end of the next permit cycle (assumed to be October 1, 2022), then the EM BTA requirements will be waived. Entrainment studies are currently being conducted at Pulliam Units 7 and 8 and were recently completed at PIPP. See UMERC discussion in Note 22, Regulatory Environment , regarding the potential retirement of PIPP.

We believe our fleet overall is well positioned to meet the new regulation and do not expect to incur significant costs to comply with this regulation.

Steam Electric Effluent Guidelines

The EPA's final steam electric effluent guidelines rule took effect in January 2016 and applies to discharges of wastewater from our power plant processes in Wisconsin and Michigan. This rule is being litigated in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and may result in changes to the discharge requirements. The WDNR and MDEQ will continue to modify the state rules as necessary and incorporate the new requirements into our facility permits, which are renewed every five years . We expect the new requirements to be phased in between 2018 and 2023 as our permits are renewed. Our power plant facilities already have advanced wastewater treatment technologies installed that meet many of the discharge limits established by this rule. However, these standards will require additional wastewater treatment retrofits as well as installation of other equipment to minimize process water use. The final rule phases in new or more stringent requirements related to limits of arsenic, mercury, selenium, and nitrogen in wastewater discharged from wet scrubber systems. New requirements for wet scrubber wastewater treatment will require additional zero liquid discharge or other advanced treatment capital improvements for the Oak Creek site and Pleasant Prairie facilities. The rule also requires dry fly ash handling, which is already in place at all of our power plants. Dry bottom ash transport systems are required by the new rule, and modifications will be required at OC 7, OC 8, the Pleasant Prairie units, Pulliam Units 7 and 8, and

2016 Form 10-K
111

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Weston Unit 3. We are beginning preliminary engineering for compliance with the rule and estimate a total cost range of $80 million to $110 million for these advanced treatment and bottom ash transport systems. A similar system would be required at PIPP if we were not expecting to retire the plant. See UMERC discussion in Note 22, Regulatory Environment , regarding the potential retirement of PIPP.

Land Quality

Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation

We have identified sites at which our utilities or a predecessor company owned or operated a manufactured gas plant or stored manufactured gas. We have also identified other sites that may have been impacted by historical manufactured gas plant activities. Our natural gas utilities are responsible for the environmental remediation of these sites, some of which are in the EPA Superfund Alternative Approach Program. We are also working with various state jurisdictions in our investigation and remediation planning. These sites are at various stages of investigation, monitoring, remediation, and closure.

In addition, we are coordinating the investigation and cleanup of some of these sites subject to the jurisdiction of the EPA under what is called a "multisite" program. This program involves prioritizing the work to be done at the sites, preparation and approval of documents common to all of the sites, and use of a consistent approach in selecting remedies. At this time, we cannot estimate future remediation costs associated with these sites beyond those described below.

The future costs for detailed site investigation, future remediation, and monitoring are dependent upon several variables including, among other things, the extent of remediation, changes in technology, and changes in regulation. Historically, our regulators have allowed us to recover incurred costs, net of insurance recoveries and recoveries from potentially responsible parties, associated with the remediation of manufactured gas plant sites. Accordingly, we have established regulatory assets for costs associated with these sites.

We have established the following regulatory assets and reserves related to manufactured gas plant sites as of December 31:
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Regulatory assets
 
$
702.7

 
$
697.0

Reserves for future remediation
 
633.4

 
628.0


Renewables, Efficiency, and Conservation

Wisconsin Legislation

In 2005, Wisconsin enacted Act 141, which established a goal that 10% of all electricity consumed in Wisconsin be generated by renewable resources by December 31, 2015. WE and WPS have achieved renewable energy percentages of 8.27% and 9.74% , respectively, and met their compliance requirements by constructing various wind parks, a biomass facility, and by also relying on renewable energy purchases. WE and WPS continue to review their renewable energy portfolios and acquire cost-effective renewables as needed to meet their requirements on an ongoing basis. The PSCW administers the renewable program related to Act 141, and each utility funds the program based on 1.2% of its annual operating revenues.

Michigan Legislation

In 2008, Michigan enacted Act 295, which required 10% of the state's energy to come from renewables by 2015 and energy optimization (efficiency) targets up to 1% annually by 2015. In December 2016, Michigan revised this legislation with Act 342, which requires additional renewable energy requirements beyond 2015. The new legislation retains the 10% renewable energy portfolio requirement for years 2016 through 2018, increases the requirement to 12.5% for years 2019 through 2020, and increases the requirement to 15.0% for 2021. WE and WPS were in compliance with these requirements as of December 31, 2016 . The revised legislation continues to allow recovery of costs incurred to meet the standards and provides for ongoing review and revision to assure the measures taken are cost-effective.


2016 Form 10-K
112

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Enforcement and Litigation Matters

We and our subsidiaries are involved in legal and administrative proceedings before various courts and agencies with respect to matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, management believes that appropriate reserves have been established and that final settlement of these actions will not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Paris Generating Station Units 1 and 4 Construction Permit

In December 2013, Act 91 was signed into law in Wisconsin, creating a process by which the EPA and WDNR were able to revise the regulations and emissions rates applicable to Paris Generating Station Units 1 and 4. Act 91, along with a new construction permit, allowed those units to restart after a temporary outage. In October 2014, the Sierra Club filed for a contested case hearing with the WDNR challenging this permit. In February 2013, the Sierra Club also filed for a contested case hearing with the WDNR in connection with the administrative order issued in this matter, which was granted. The Sierra Club has withdrawn the contested case hearing request, thereby concluding this matter.

Consent Decrees

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Consent Decree – Weston and Pulliam

In November 2009, the EPA issued a NOV to WPS, which alleged violations of the CAA's New Source Review requirements relating to certain projects completed at the Weston and Pulliam plants from 1994 to 2009. WPS entered into a Consent Decree with the EPA resolving this NOV. This Consent Decree was entered by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in March 2013.

The final Consent Decree includes:

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 .

The Consent Decree also contains requirements to refuel, repower, and/or retire certain Weston and Pulliam units. Effective June 1, 2015, WPS retired Weston Unit 1 and Pulliam Units 5 and 6. In March 2016, WPS submitted a proposed revision to the EPA to update requirements reflecting the conversion of Weston Unit 2 from coal to natural gas fuel, and also proposed revisions to the list of beneficial environmental projects required by the Consent Decree. These proposed revisions were approved by the EPA in May 2016. The revisions to the environmental projects are not expected to materially impact the overall costs noted above.

WPS received approval from the PSCW in its 2015 rate order to defer and amortize the undepreciated book value of the retired plant related to Weston Unit 1 and Pulliam Units 5 and 6 starting June 1, 2015, and concluding by 2023. Therefore, in June 2015, WPS recorded a regulatory asset of $11.5 million for the undepreciated book value. In addition, WPS received approval from the PSCW in its rate orders to recover prudently incurred costs as a result of complying with the terms of the Consent Decree, with the exception of the civil penalty.

Also, in May 2010, WPS received from the Sierra Club a Notice of Intent to file a civil lawsuit based on allegations that WPS violated the CAA at the Weston and Pulliam plants. WPS entered into a Standstill Agreement with the Sierra Club by which the parties agreed to negotiate as part of the EPA NOV process, rather than litigate. The Standstill Agreement ended in October 2012, but no further action has been taken by the Sierra Club as of December 31, 2016 . It is unknown whether the Sierra Club will take further action in the future.

Joint Ownership Power Plants Consent Decree – Columbia and Edgewater

In December 2009, the EPA issued a NOV to Wisconsin Power and Light, the operator of the Columbia and Edgewater plants, and the other joint owners of these plants, including Madison Gas and Electric, WE (former co-owner of an Edgewater unit), and WPS. The NOV alleged violations of the CAA's New Source Review requirements related to certain projects completed at those plants. WPS,

2016 Form 10-K
113

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



along with Wisconsin Power and Light, Madison Gas and Electric, and WE entered into a Consent Decree with the EPA resolving this NOV. This Consent Decree was entered by the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in June 2013. WE paid an immaterial portion of the assessed penalty but has no further obligations under the Consent Decree.

The final Consent Decree includes:

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 .

The Consent Decree contains a requirement to, among other things, refuel, repower, or retire Edgewater Unit 4, of which WPS is a joint owner, by no later than December 31, 2018. In the first quarter of 2015, management of the joint owners recommended that Edgewater Unit 4 be retired in December 2018. However, a final decision on how to address the requirement for this unit has not yet been made by the joint owners, as early retirement is contingent on various operational and market factors, and other alternatives to retirement are still available.

NOTE 19— FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following tables summarize our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
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.




The derivative assets and liabilities listed in the tables above include options, swaps, futures, physical commodity contracts, and other instruments used to manage market risks related to changes in commodity prices. They also include FTRs, which are used to manage electric transmission congestion costs in the MISO Energy Markets. See Note 20, Derivative Instruments, for more information .

The following table summarizes the changes to derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy at December 31 :
(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


Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 derivatives are deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities. Therefore, these fair value measurements have no impact on earnings. Realized gains and losses on these instruments flow through cost of sales on the income statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table shows the financial instruments included on our balance sheets that are not recorded at fair value at December 31 :
 
 
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, 2015 , respectively.

NOTE 20— DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The following table shows our derivative assets and derivative liabilities:
 
 
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.



Our estimated notional sales volumes and realized gains (losses) were as follows:
 
 
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


The following table shows derivative assets and derivative liabilities if derivative instruments by counterparty were presented net on our balance sheets:
 
 
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 .

At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we had posted cash collateral of $16.4 million and $42.3 million , respectively, in our margin accounts. At December 31, 2016, we had also received cash collateral of $4.4 million in our margin accounts. We had not received any cash collateral at December 31, 2015 . Certain of our derivative and non-derivative commodity instruments contain provisions that could require "adequate assurance" in the event of a material change in our creditworthiness, or the posting of additional collateral for instruments in net liability positions, if triggered by a decrease in credit ratings. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with specific credit risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million and $23.8 million , respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had not posted any cash collateral related to the credit risk-related contingent features of these commodity instruments. If all of the credit risk-related contingent features contained in derivative instruments in a net liability position had been triggered at December 31, 2016, we would not have been required to post any collateral. At December 31, 2015 , we would have been required to post collateral of $18.0 million .

During 2015, we settled several forward interest rate swap agreements entered into to mitigate interest risk associated with the issuance of $1.2 billion of long-term debt related to the acquisition of Integrys. As these agreements qualified for cash flow hedging accounting treatment, the proceeds of $19.0 million received upon settlement of these agreements were deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and are being amortized as a decrease to interest expense over the periods in which the interest costs are recognized in earnings.

During 2016 , we reclassified $2.2 million of forward interest rate swap agreement settlements deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income as a reduction to interest expense. We estimate that during the next twelve months, $2.2 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as a reduction to interest expense.

NOTE 21— VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This ASU focuses on the consolidation analysis for companies that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. It emphasizes the risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest and amends the guidance for assessing how related party relationships affect the consolidation analysis of variable interest entities. We adopted the standard upon its effective date in the first quarter of 2016, and our adoption resulted in no changes to our disclosures or financial statement presentation.

The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the entity's assets and liabilities. In addition, certain disclosures are required for significant interest holders in variable interest entities.

We assess our relationships with potential variable interest entities, such as our coal suppliers, natural gas suppliers, coal transporters, natural gas transporters, and other counterparties related to power purchase agreements, investments, and joint ventures. In making this assessment, we consider, along with other factors, the potential that our contracts or other arrangements

2016 Form 10-K
116

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



provide subordinated financial support, the obligation to absorb the entity's losses, the right to receive residual returns of the entity, and the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance.

American Transmission Company

We own approximately 60% of ATC, a for-profit, electric transmission company regulated by the FERC and certain state regulatory commissions. We have determined that ATC is a variable interest entity but that consolidation is not required since we are not ATC's primary beneficiary. As a result of our limited voting rights, we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact ATC's economic performance. We account for ATC as an equity method investment. See Note 4, Investment in American Transmission Company, for more information .

The significant assets and liabilities related to ATC recorded on our balance sheets included our equity investment and accounts payable. At December 31, 2016 , and 2015 , our equity investment was $1,443.9 million and $1,380.9 million , respectively, which approximates our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with ATC. In addition, we had $28.7 million and $28.3 million of accounts payable due to ATC at December 31, 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, for network transmission services.

Purchased Power Agreement

We have identified a purchased power agreement that represents a variable interest. This agreement is for 236  MW of firm capacity from a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility, and we account for it as a capital lease. The agreement includes no minimum energy requirements over the remaining term of approximately five years . We have examined the risks of the entity, including operations, maintenance, dispatch, financing, fuel costs, and other factors, and have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity. We do not hold an equity or debt interest in the entity, and there is no residual guarantee associated with the purchased power agreement.

We have approximately $85.3 million of required payments over the remaining term of this agreement. We believe that the required lease payments under this contract will continue to be recoverable in rates. Total capacity and lease payments under this contract for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , were $54.2 million , $53.6 million , and $53.0 million , respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the capacity payments under the contract.

NOTE 22— REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Wisconsin Electric Power Company

2015 Wisconsin Rate Order

In May 2014, WE applied to the PSCW for a biennial review of costs and rates. In December 2014, the PSCW approved the following rate adjustments, effective January 1, 2015:

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.

The authorized ROE for WE was set at 10.2% , and its common equity component remained at an average of 51% . The PSCW order reaffirmed the deferral of WE's transmission costs, and it verified that 2015 and 2016 fuel costs should continue to be monitored

2016 Form 10-K
117

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



using a 2% tolerance window. The PSCW approved a change in rate design for WE, which included higher fixed charges to better match the related fixed costs of providing service. The PSCW order also authorized escrow accounting for SSR revenues because of the uncertainty of the actual revenues WE will receive under the PIPP SSR agreements. Under escrow accounting, WE records SSR revenues of $90.7 million a year. If actual SSR payments from MISO exceed $90.7 million a year, the difference is deferred and returned to customers, with interest, in a future rate case. If actual SSR payments from MISO are less than $90.7 million a year, the difference is deferred and will be recovered from customers with interest, in a future rate case.

In January 2015, certain parties appealed a portion of the PSCW's final decision adopting WE's specific rate design changes, including new charges for customer-owned generation within its service territory. The Dane County Circuit Court, in its November 2015 order, ruled that there was not enough evidence provided in WE's rate case to support a demand charge for customer-owned generation. As a result, this demand charge did not take effect on January 1, 2016. No other rates approved by the PSCW in the rate case were impacted by the Dane County Circuit Court order.

Earnings Sharing Agreement

In May 2015, the PSCW approved the acquisition of Integrys subject to the condition of an earnings sharing mechanism for WE. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on this earnings sharing mechanism.

2013 Wisconsin Rate Order  

In March 2012, WE initiated a rate proceeding with the PSCW. In December 2012, the PSCW approved the following rate adjustments, effective January 1, 2013:

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.

Based on the PSCW order, the authorized ROE for WE remained at 10.4% . In addition, the PSCW approved escrow accounting treatment for the Treasury Grant. The PSCW also determined the construction costs for the ERGS units were prudently incurred, and it approved the recovery of the majority of these costs in rates.

Wisconsin Gas LLC

2015 Wisconsin Rate Order

In May 2014, WG applied to the PSCW for a biennial review of costs and rates. In December 2014, the PSCW approved rate increases of $17.1 million ( 2.6% ) in 2015 and $21.4 million ( 3.2% ) in 2016 for WG's natural gas customers. These rate adjustments were effective January 1, 2015. The authorized ROE for WG was set at 10.3% . The PSCW also authorized an increase in WG's common equity component to an average of 49.5% .

Earnings Sharing Agreement

In May 2015, the PSCW approved the acquisition of Integrys subject to the condition of an earnings sharing mechanism for WG . See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on this earnings sharing mechanism.


2016 Form 10-K
118

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



2013 Wisconsin Rate Order  

In March 2012, WG initiated a rate proceeding with the PSCW. In December 2012, the PSCW approved a rate decrease of approximately $34.0 million ( -5.5% ) for WG’s natural gas customers in 2013, with no rate adjustment in 2014. The WG rates reflected a $43.8 million reduction in bad debt expense. The rate adjustments were effective January 1, 2013, and the authorized ROE for WG remained at 10.5% .

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

2016 Wisconsin Rate Order

In April 2015, WPS initiated a rate proceeding with the PSCW. In December 2015, the PSCW issued a final written order for WPS, effective January 1, 2016. The order, which reflects a 10.0% ROE and a common equity component average of 51.0% , authorized a net retail electric rate decrease of $7.9 million ( -0.8% ) and a net retail natural gas rate decrease of $6.2 million ( -2.1% ). The decrease in retail electric rates was due to lower monitored fuel costs in 2016 compared to 2015. Absent the adjustment for electric fuel costs, WPS would have realized an electric rate increase. Based on the order, the PSCW allowed WPS to escrow ATC and MISO network transmission expenses through 2016. In addition, future SSR payments will continue to be escrowed until a future rate proceeding. The order directed WPS to defer as a regulatory asset or liability the differences between actual transmission expenses and those included in rates. In addition, the PSCW approved a deferral for ReACT™, which required WPS to defer the revenue requirement of ReACT™ costs above the authorized $275.0 million level through 2016. Fuel costs will continue to be monitored using a 2% tolerance window.

In March 2016, WPS requested extensions from the PSCW through 2017 for the deferral of the revenue requirement of ReACT™ costs above the authorized $275.0 million level as well as escrow accounting of ATC and MISO network transmission expenses. In April 2016, WPS also requested to extend through 2017 the previously approved deferral of the revenue requirement difference between the Real Time Market Pricing and the standard tariffed rates for any of WPS's current large commercial and industrial customers who entered into a service agreement with WPS under Real Time Market Pricing prior to April 15, 2016. These requests were approved by the PSCW in June 2016. The amounts deferred related to these items as of December 31, 2016 , were not material.

2015 Wisconsin Rate Order

In April 2014, WPS initiated a rate proceeding with the PSCW. In December 2014, the PSCW issued a final written order for WPS, effective January 1, 2015. It authorized a net retail electric rate increase of $24.6 million and a net retail natural gas rate decrease of $15.4 million , reflecting a 10.20% ROE. The order authorized a common equity component average of 50.28% . The PSCW approved a change in rate design for WPS, which included higher fixed charges to better match the related fixed costs of providing service. In addition, the order continued to exclude a decoupling mechanism that was terminated beginning January 1, 2014.

The primary driver of the increase in retail electric rates was higher costs of fuel for electric generation of approximately $42.0 million . In addition, 2015 rates included approximately $9.0 million of lower refunds to customers related to decoupling over-collections. In 2015 rates, WPS refunded approximately $4.0 million to customers related to 2013 decoupling over-collections compared with refunding approximately $13.0 million to customers in 2014 rates related to 2012 decoupling over-collections. Absent these adjustments for electric fuel costs and decoupling refunds, WPS would have realized an electric rate decrease. In addition, WPS received approval from the PSCW to defer and amortize the undepreciated book value associated with Pulliam Units 5 and 6 and Weston Unit 1 starting with the actual retirement date, June 1, 2015, and concluding by 2023. See Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information . The PSCW allowed WPS to escrow ATC and MISO network transmission expenses for 2015 and 2016. As a result, WPS deferred as a regulatory asset the difference between actual transmission expenses and those included in rates until a future rate proceeding. Finally, the PSCW ordered that 2015 fuel costs should continue to be monitored using a 2% tolerance window.

The retail natural gas rate decrease was driven by the approximate $16.0 million year-over-year negative impact of decoupling refunds to and collections from customers. In 2015 rates, WPS refunded approximately $8.0 million to customers related to 2013 decoupling over-collections compared with recovering approximately $8.0 million from customers in 2014 rates related to 2012 decoupling under-collections. Absent the adjustment for decoupling refunds to and collections from customers, WPS would have realized a retail natural gas rate increase.

2016 Form 10-K
119

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




2015 Michigan Rate Order

In October 2014, WPS initiated a rate proceeding with the MPSC. In April 2015, the MPSC issued a final written order for WPS, effective April 24, 2015, approving a settlement agreement. The order authorized a retail electric rate increase of $4.0 million to be implemented over three years to recover costs for the 2013 acquisition of the Fox Energy Center as well as other capital investments associated with the Crane Creek wind farm and environmental upgrades at generation plants. The rates reflected a 10.2% ROE and a common equity component average of 50.48% . The increase reflected the continued deferral of costs associated with the Fox Energy Center until the second anniversary of the order. The increase also reflected the deferral of Weston Unit 3 ReACT™ environmental project costs. On the second anniversary of the order, WPS will discontinue the deferral of Fox Energy Center costs and will begin amortizing this deferral along with the deferral associated with the termination of a tolling agreement related to the Fox Energy Center. WPS also received approval from the MPSC to defer and amortize the undepreciated book value of the retired plant associated with Pulliam Units 5 and 6 and Weston Unit 1 starting with the actual retirement date, June 1, 2015, and concluding by 2023. As a result of the formation of UMERC, WPS transferred the deferrals mentioned above, as well as its customers and property, plant, and equipment located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the new utility, effective January 1, 2017. Therefore, the terms and conditions of this rate order are now applicable to UMERC. UMERC will not seek an increase to legacy WPS retail electric base rates that would become effective prior to January 1, 2018.

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company and North Shore Gas Company

Base Rate Freeze

In June 2015, the ICC approved the acquisition of Integrys subject to the condition that PGL and NSG will not seek increases of their base rates that would become effective earlier than two years after the close of the acquisition.

Illinois Investigations

In March 2015, the ICC opened a docket, naming PGL as respondent, to investigate the veracity of certain allegations included in anonymous letters that the ICC staff received regarding PGL's SMP. This matter is still pending.

In December 2015, the ICC ordered a series of stakeholder workshops to evaluate PGL's SMP. This ICC action did not impact PGL's ongoing work to modernize and maintain the safety of its natural gas distribution system, but it instead provided the ICC with an opportunity to analyze long-term elements of the program through the stakeholder workshops. The workshops commenced in January 2016 and were completed in March 2016. The ICC staff submitted a report on the workshop process in May 2016. In July 2016, the ICC initiated a proceeding to review, among other things, the planning, reporting, and monitoring of the program, including what the target end date for the program should be. This proceeding is expected to result in a final order by the ICC in 2017. We are currently unable to determine what, if any, long-term impact there will be on PGL's SMP.

2015 Illinois Rate Order

In February 2014, PGL and NSG initiated a rate proceeding with the ICC. In January 2015, the ICC issued a final written order for PGL and NSG, effective January 28, 2015. The order authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $74.8 million for PGL and $3.7 million for NSG. In February 2015, the ICC issued an amendatory order that revised the increases to $71.1 million for PGL and $3.5 million for NSG, effective February 26, 2015, to reflect the extension of bonus depreciation in 2014. The rates for PGL reflected a 9.05% ROE and a common equity component average of 50.33% . The rates for NSG reflected a 9.05% ROE and a common equity component average of 50.48% . The rate order allowed PGL and NSG to continue the use of their decoupling mechanisms and uncollectible expense true-up mechanisms. In addition, PGL recovers a return on certain investments and depreciation expense through the Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider, and accordingly, such costs are not subject to PGL's rate order.

PGL's Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider allows for the recovery of costs incurred related to investments in qualifying infrastructure plant. This rider is subject to an annual reconciliation whereby costs are reviewed for accuracy and prudence. No schedule has been set for the 2015 reconciliation. The ALJ has placed the 2014 reconciliation on stay, pending resolution of several open matters 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
120

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation

2016 Minnesota Rate Case

In September 2015, MERC initiated a rate proceeding with the MPUC. In October 2016, the MPUC issued a final written order for MERC, which is expected to be effective in the first quarter of 2017. The order authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $6.8 million ( 3.0% ). The rates reflect a 9.11% ROE and a common equity component average of 50.32% . The order approved MERC's request to continue the use of its currently authorized decoupling mechanism for another three years . The final approved rate increase was lower than the interim rates collected from customers during 2016. Therefore, as of December 31, 2016 , we estimate that $3.0 million will be refunded to MERC's customers during 2017.

2015 Minnesota Rate Case

In September 2013, MERC initiated a rate proceeding with the MPUC. In October 2014, the MPUC issued a final written order for MERC, effective April 1, 2015. The order authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $7.6 million . The rates reflected a 9.35% ROE and a common equity component average of 50.31% . The order approved a deferral of customer billing system costs, for which recovery was requested in MERC's 2016 rate case. A decoupling mechanism with a 10% cap remains in effect for MERC's residential and small commercial and industrial customers. The final approved rate increase was lower than the interim rates collected from customers during 2014. Therefore, MERC refunded $4.7 million to customers in 2015.

Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation

2016 Michigan Rate Order

In June 2015, MGU initiated a rate proceeding with the MPSC. In December 2015, the MPSC issued a final written order, approving a settlement agreement for MGU. The order, which reflects a 9.9% ROE and a common equity component average of 52.0% , authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $3.4 million ( 2.4% ), effective January 1, 2016. Based on the settlement agreement, MGU discontinued the use of its decoupling mechanism after December 31, 2015. In addition, since bonus depreciation was in effect in 2016, MGU established a regulatory liability for the resulting cost savings and must refund the liability in its next general rate case.

Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation

In December 2016, both the MPSC and the PSCW approved the operation of UMERC as a stand-alone utility in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and it became operational effective January 1, 2017. This utility holds the electric and natural gas distribution assets previously held by WE and WPS located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

In August 2016, we entered into an agreement with the Tilden Mining Company (Tilden) under which it will purchase electric power from UMERC for its iron ore mine for 20 years The agreement also calls for UMERC to construct and operate approximately 180 MW of natural gas-fired generation located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. On January 30, 2017, UMERC filed an application with the MPSC for a certificate of necessity to begin construction of the proposed generation. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $265 million ( $275 million with AFUDC), 50% of which is expected to be recovered from Tilden, with the remaining 50% expected to be recovered from utility customers located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Subject to regulatory approval of both the agreement with Tilden and the construction of the proposed generation, the new units are expected to begin commercial operation in 2019 and should allow for the retirement of PIPP no later than 2020. Tilden will remain a customer of WE until this new generation begins commercial operation.

NOTE 23— OTHER INCOME, NET

Total other income, net was as follows for the years 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


2016 Form 10-K
121

WEC Energy Group, Inc.




NOTE 24— SEGMENT INFORMATION

At December 31, 2016 , we reported six segments, which are described below.

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.

All of our operations and assets are located within the United States. The following tables show summarized financial information related to our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 .
 
 
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.

NOTE 25— QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
(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.




Due to various factors, including the acquisition of Integrys on June 29, 2015, the quarterly results of operations are not necessarily comparable.

NOTE 26— NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board issued their joint revenue recognition standard, ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Several amendments were issued subsequent to the standard to clarify the guidance. The core principle of the guidance is to recognize revenue in an amount that an entity is entitled to receive in exchange for goods and services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and the related cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

We intend to adopt this standard for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018, as required, and plan to use the modified retrospective method of adoption. This method will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment that will be recorded on the balance sheet as of the beginning of 2018, as if the standard had always been in effect. Disclosures in 2018 will include a reconciliation of results under the new revenue guidance compared with what would have been reported in 2018 under the old revenue recognition guidance in order to help facilitate comparability with the prior periods.

We are currently reviewing our contracts with customers and related financial disclosures to evaluate the impact of the amended guidance on our existing revenue recognition policies and procedures. We consider tariff sales at our regulated utilities, excluding the revenue component related to alternative revenue programs, to be in the scope of the new standard. We have evaluated the nature of these revenues and do not expect that there will be a significant shift in the timing or pattern of revenue recognition for such sales. However, in our evaluation, we are also monitoring unresolved implementation issues for our industry, including the impacts of the new guidance on our ability to recognize revenue for certain contracts where collectability is uncertain and the accounting for contributions in aid of construction (CIAC). We currently account for CIAC funds received from customers and/or developers outside of revenue, as a reduction to property, plant, and equipment. The final resolution of these issues could impact our current accounting policies and revenue recognition.

Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Classification and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and will be recorded with a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective. This guidance requires equity investments, including other ownership interests such as partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures, and limited liability companies, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. It also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values and amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. This ASU does not apply to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our financial statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and will be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The main provision of this ASU is that lessees will be required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for most leases, including those classified as operating leases under GAAP.  We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our financial statements.

Stock-Based Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Under this ASU, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement, the tax effects of exercised or vested awards are treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur, and excess tax benefits are recognized in the current period regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable. On the cash flow statement, excess tax benefits are classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity, and cash paid by an employer when directly

2016 Form 10-K
124

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



withholding shares for tax purposes is classified as a financing activity. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017, and do not believe it will have a significant impact on our financial statements.

Financial Instruments Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. This ASU introduces a new impairment model known as the current expected credit loss model. The ASU requires a financial asset measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Previously, recognition of the full amount of credit losses was generally delayed until the loss was probable of occurring. We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our financial statements.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and will be applied using a retrospective transition method. There are eight main provisions of this ASU for which current GAAP either is unclear or does not include specific guidance. We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our financial statements.

Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Under this ASU, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-the period and end-of-the period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on our financial statements.



2016 Form 10-K
125

WEC Energy Group, Inc.



ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our and our subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation, our management concluded that our and our subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016 .

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2016 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

For Deloitte & Touche LLP's Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, attesting to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, see Section A of Item 8.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


2016 Form 10-K
126

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT

The information under "Proposal 1: Election of Directors – Terms Expiring in 2018", "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance", "Board of Directors – Stockholder Nominees and Proposals – What is the process used to identify director nominees and how do I recommend a nominee to the Corporate Governance Committee?", "Board of Directors – Board Committees – Are the Audit and Oversight, Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees comprised solely of independent directors?", "Board of Directors – Board Committees – Are all the members of the Audit Committee financially literate and does the committee have an 'audit committee financial expert'?", and "Committees of the Board of Directors – Audit and Oversight" in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 4, 2017 (the " 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein by reference. Also see "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this report.

We have adopted a written code of ethics, referred to as our Code of Business Conduct, that all of our directors, executive officers, and employees, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer, must comply with. We have posted our Code of Business Conduct on our website, www.wecenergygroup.com. We have not provided any waiver to the Code for any director, executive officer, or other employee. Any amendments to, or waivers for directors and executive officers from, the Code of Business Conduct will be disclosed on our website or in a current report on Form 8-K.

Our website, www.wecenergygroup.com, also contains our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of our Audit and Oversight, Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees.

Our Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and committee charters are also available without charge to any stockholder of record or beneficial owner of our common stock by writing to the corporate secretary, Susan H. Martin, at our principal business office, 231 West Michigan Street, P.O. Box 1331, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis", "Executive Compensation Tables", "Director Compensation", "Committees of the Board of Directors – Compensation", "Compensation Committee Report", "Risk Analysis of Compensation Policies and Practices", and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The security ownership information called for by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to this information included under "WEC Energy Group Common Stock Ownership" in the 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016 :
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.


Table of Contents

 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information under "Board of Directors – Board Independence – Who are the independent directors?", "Board of Directors – Board Independence – What are the Board's standards of independence?", "Board of Directors – Board Committees – Are the Audit and Oversight, Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees comprised solely of independent directors?", "Corporate Governance – Does the Company have policies and procedures in place to review and approve related party transactions?", and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. A full description of the guidelines our Board uses to determine director independence is located in Appendix A of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which can be found on our website, www.wecenergygroup.com.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information regarding the fees paid to, and services performed by, our independent auditors and the pre-approval policy of our audit and oversight committee under "Independent Auditors' Fees and Services" in the 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


2016 Form 10-K
128

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.


2016 Form 10-K
129

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED
PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

A. INCOME STATEMENTS

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


The accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

B. STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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


The accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

C. BALANCE SHEETS

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


The accompanying notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

D. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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


The accompanying Notes to Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED
PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

E. NOTES TO PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

For Parent Company only presentation, investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method. The condensed Parent Company financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes of WEC Energy Group, Inc. appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NOTE 2—CASH DIVIDENDS RECEIVED FROM SUBSIDIARIES

Dividends received from our subsidiaries during the years ended December 31 were as follows:
(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


NOTE 3—LONG-TERM DEBT

The following table shows the future maturities of our long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2016 :
(in millions)
 
 
2018
 
$
300.0

2020
 
400.0

Thereafter
 
1,200.0

Total
 
$
1,900.0


WECC is our subsidiary and has $50.0 million of long-term notes outstanding. In a Support Agreement between WECC and us, we agreed to make sufficient liquid asset contributions to WECC to permit WECC to service its debt obligations as they become due.

The following table shows the financial instruments included on our balance sheets that are not recorded at fair value as of December 31 :
 
 
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


The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term notes receivable, accounts payable, and short-term borrowings approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based upon the quoted market value for the same issue, similar issues, or upon the quoted market prices of United States Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for our bond rating and the present value of future cash flows.

NOTE 4—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(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


During 2016, we settled a $40.0 million short-term note payable to our subsidiary, Wisvest, through a non-cash capital contribution.


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134

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

NOTE 5—SHORT-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTIES

The following table shows our outstanding short-term notes receivable from related parties as of December 31:
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
Integrys
 
$
42.0

 
$
95.1

Bostco
 
18.5

 
19.6

Wispark
 
15.9

 
8.5

Total
 
$
76.4

 
$
123.2


NOTE 6—SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES

The following table shows our outstanding short-term notes payable to related parties as of December 31:
(in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
WBS
 
$
131.1

 
$

WECC
 
109.3

 
108.4

Wisvest
 
0.9

 
10.6

Total
 
$
241.3

 
$
119.0



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135

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

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.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ ALLEN L. LEVERETT
Date:
February 28, 2017
Allen L. Leverett
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President


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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/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
 
 

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138

WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
(Commission File No. 001-09057)

EXHIBIT INDEX
to
Annual Report on Form 10-K
For the year ended December 31, 2016

The following exhibits are filed or furnished with or incorporated by reference in the report with respect to WEC Energy Group. (An asterisk (*) indicates incorporation by reference pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 12b-32.)
Number
 
Exhibit
2
 
Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation, or Succession
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.1*
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2014, by and between Wisconsin Energy Corporation (n/k/a WEC Energy Group, Inc.) and Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (Exhibit 2.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 06/22/14 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.2*
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2014, between Integrys Energy Group, Inc. and Exelon Generation Company, LLC., as amended on October 31, 2014. (Exhibit 2 under File No. 1-11337, Integrys Energy Group's 09/30/14 Form 10-Q.)
 
 
 
 
3
 
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1*
Restated Articles of Incorporation of WEC Energy Group, Inc., as amended effective May 21, 2012. (Exhibit 3.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 06/30/12 Form 10-Q.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2*
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of WEC Energy Group, Inc., as amended. (Exhibit 3.1 to WEC Energy Group's 06/29/15 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3*
Bylaws of WEC Energy Group, Inc., as amended to October 20, 2016. (Exhibit 3.1 to WEC Energy Group's 10/20/16 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
4
 
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.1*
Reference is made to Article III of the Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of WEC Energy Group, Inc. (Exhibits 3.1 and 3.3 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/16 Form 10-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.2*
Replacement Capital Covenant, dated May 11, 2007, by Wisconsin Energy Corporation for the benefit of certain debtholders named therein. (Exhibit 4.2 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 05/08/07 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.3*
Amendment to Replacement Capital Covenant, dated as of June 29, 2015. (Exhibit 4.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 06/29/15 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indentures and Securities Resolutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.4*
Indenture for Debt Securities of Wisconsin Electric Power Company (the "Wisconsin Electric Indenture"), dated December 1, 1995. (Exhibit (4)-1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/31/95 Form 10-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.5*
Securities Resolution No. 1 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated December 5, 1995. (Exhibit (4)-2 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/31/95 Form 10-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.6*
Securities Resolution No. 3 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated May 27, 1998. (Exhibit (4)-1 under File No. 1-1245, WE’s 06/30/98 Form 10-Q.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.7*
Securities Resolution No. 5 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2003. (Exhibit 4.47 filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Wisconsin Electric's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-101054), filed May 6, 2003.)
 
 
 
 

2016 Form 10-K
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WEC Energy Group, Inc.


Table of Contents

Number
 
Exhibit
 
 
4.8*
Securities Resolution No. 7 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2006. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 11/02/06 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.9*
Securities Resolution No. 10 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of December 8, 2009. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/08/09 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.10*
Securities Resolution No. 11 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of September 7, 2011. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 09/07/11 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.11*
Securities Resolution No. 12 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2012. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 12/05/12 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.12*
Securities Resolution No. 13 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of June 10, 2013. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 06/10/13 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.13*
Securities Resolution No. 14 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2014. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 05/12/14 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.14*
Securities Resolution No. 15 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of May 14, 2015. (Exhibit 4.1 to WE's 05/14/15 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.15*
Securities Resolution No. 16 of Wisconsin Electric under the Wisconsin Electric Indenture, dated as of November 13, 2015. (Exhibit 4.1 under File No. 1-1245, WE's 11/13/15 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.16*
Indenture for Debt Securities of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (the "Wisconsin Energy Indenture"), dated as of March 15, 1999, between WEC Energy Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to First National Bank of Chicago), as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.46 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 03/25/99 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.17*
Securities Resolution No. 4 of Wisconsin Energy Corporation under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2003. (Exhibit 4.12 filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-69592), filed March 20, 2003.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.18*
Securities Resolution No. 5 of Wisconsin Energy Corporation under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of May 8, 2007. (Exhibit 4.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 05/08/07 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.19*
Securities Resolution No. 6 of WEC Energy Group under the Wisconsin Energy Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2015. (Exhibit 4.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 06/04/15 Form 8-K.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.20*
Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1998, between Wisconsin Public Service Corporation ("WPS") and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A., National Association) (Exhibit 4A to Form 8-K filed December 18, 1998); First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1998, between WPS and Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A., National Association (Exhibit 4C to Form 8-K filed December 18, 1998); Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2006, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 30, 2006); Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 16, 2007); Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2012, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 29, 2012); Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2013, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank Nation Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed November 18, 2013); Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 4, 2015, by and between WPS and U.S. Bank National Association (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed December 4, 2015). All references to periodic reports are to those of WPS (File No. 1-3016).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain agreements and instruments with respect to unregistered long-term debt not exceeding 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have been omitted as permitted by related instructions. The Registrant agrees pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of all such agreements and instruments.
 
 
 
 
10
 
Material Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
WEC Energy Group Supplemental Pension Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017.** See Note.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.2*
Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2016. (Exhibit 10.2 to WEC Energy Group's 12/31/15 Form 10-K.)** See Note.

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.

Exhibit 10.1


WEC ENERGY GROUP
SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN
Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017





TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
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


i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont)

 
 
 
 
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



ii



WEC ENERGY GROUP
SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Plan was established effective January 1, 2005 and is known as the "WEC Energy Group Supplemental Pension Plan." Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan.
The Plan is maintained by WEC Energy Group, Inc. (the “Company”) to attract and retain key employees by providing such employees with supplemental pension benefits. The Plan consolidates provisions applicable to supplemental pension benefits under the Legacy Plan and pension make-whole benefits under the Legacy EDCP, STPP and MEZ Plan. As such, beginning January 1, 2005, all supplemental pension benefits accrued pursuant to the Legacy Plan formula and all pension make-whole benefits accrued pursuant to the Legacy EDCP, STPP and MEZ Plan formulas are provided under this Plan. Pension make-whole benefits earned under the Legacy EDCP, STPP and MEZ Plans as of December 31, 2004 were immediately vested and are considered "grandfathered" within the meaning of Code Section 409A.
The Plan is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A, and any guidance and regulations issued thereunder. The Plan shall be interpreted and administered consistent with this intent and shall apply to all amounts credited under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005. Such amounts include any amounts previously earned but not vested as of December 31, 2004 under the Legacy Plan, which the Company froze effective December 31, 2004. The terms and conditions of the Legacy Plan govern any Legacy Plan benefits derived from compensation paid and credited to the Legacy Plan before January 1, 2005, provided the benefits were otherwise vested as of December 31, 2004. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, payment elections made at the end of the Code Section 409A transition period apply to benefits derived from compensation paid in 2005 and later and supersede any payment election or election to defer made during such period, in accordance with Code Section 409A relief provided in Notice 2006‑79, Notice 2007‑86 and proposed regulations promulgated under Code Section 409A .
The Plan was amended and restated on January 1, 2015 to exclude from participation any nonrepresented (management) employee hired, rehired, or transferred from a union position on or after January 1, 2015 since these employees are not eligible to participate in the RAP. Instead, these employee are allocated a qualified employer pension contribution under the WEC Energy Group Employee Retirement Savings Plan (previously, the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Employee Retirement Savings Plan) and eligible employees receive supplemental benefits under the WEC Energy Group Non-Qualified Retirement Savings Plan (previously, the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Non‑qualified Retirement Savings Plan). Effective as of January 1, 2016, the Plan was restated to reflect the change in the name of the Company and Plan and to clarify certain administrative provisions. Effective as of January 1, 2017, the Plan was restated to clarify eligibility provisions for the Pension Make-Whole Benefit.





ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS

Whenever used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
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

2



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 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).

3



(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.

4



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.

5



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.

6



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.
ARTICLE 2
SERP BENEFIT
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.
The Chief Executive Officer, the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have the discretion to exclude a Participant from continued participation in the SERP Benefit with such exclusion becoming effective as of the first day of the immediately following Plan Year. In such event, the Participant shall be eligible to receive a Pension Make-Whole Benefit in lieu of any SERP Benefit that accrued before such exclusion to avoid any duplication of benefits under the Plan.
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

7



balance account for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant experiences a Separation from Service during the Plan Year, the Participant’s benefit credit will equal the relevant percentage of the Participant’s Pension Eligible Earnings through the Participant’s Separation from Service less the amount credited to the Participant's RAP cash balance account for the same time period.
For purposes of the above, the relevant percentage will be the same percentage as is determined under the RAP for the Plan Year of determination except that to be eligible for a relevant percentage of more than the minimum guaranteed benefit credit as determined under the RAP, the Participant must be actively employed on December 31 of that year.
(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:

8



(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.
Effective as of January 1, 2005, no new individuals are eligible to earn a SERP B Benefit. The provisions relating to SERP Benefit B shall only apply to those Participants who were designated as eligible to earn a SERP Benefit B before January 1, 2005.
ARTICLE 3
PENSION MAKE-WHOLE BENEFIT
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.

9



(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.
ARTICLE 4
TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT
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.
Payment shall be paid or begin to be paid by the end of the Plan Year in which the distribution event occurs or, if later, by the 15 th day of the third month following the event. If an Annual Installment Method is in effect, the second installment payment shall be made within the first 90 days of the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which the first installment payment was made and subsequent installment payments shall be made thereafter during the first 90 days of the Plan Year in which the installment is due.
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, distributions made to “specified employees” (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A‑(a)) upon a Separation from Service for any reason other than death shall be paid or begin to be paid as of the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s Separation from Service. If a monthly annuity is payable, the monthly payments otherwise scheduled to be made pending such six-month delay will be aggregated and paid in a lump sum payment as of the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s Separation from Service. No interest shall be payable on any amounts delayed due to the Participant’s status as a specified employee.
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.

10



(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.
A Participant electing to receive payment in the form of a life annuity may select among actuarially equivalent life annuities, the forms of which shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Actuarial equivalence shall be determined using the factors then in effect under the RAP. Such annuity selection may be made at the time distribution of the Participant's benefit is to begin without such selection being treated as a subsequent change in election pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). In the event a Participant elected a life annuity but does not make a selection as to the specific annuity form, payment shall be made in the form of a single life annuity for unmarried Participants or a joint and 50% survivor annuity for married Participants.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no valid Election Form is in effect upon the distribution event, then payment shall be made in (1) a lump sum if the value of a Participant’s accrued benefit falls within the payment tier described in clause (i) and (2) five installments using the Annual Installment Method to determine the amount of each installment if the value of a Participant’s accrued benefit falls within the payment tier described in clause (ii).
(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.

11



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.
Any such election changes pursuant to this paragraph shall be completed in accordance with Committee rules and must be made at least 12 months before the event triggering distribution occurs. Therefore, if the event triggering distribution occurs before such 12 month period has elapsed, then the election to change the payment form shall not take effect.
(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

12



December 31, 2008 shall be treated as the “initial” election. Participants whose SERP Benefit A vested and began to be paid on and after January 1, 2005 and before January 1, 2009, received either the default payment form of a joint and survivor annuity payment or an actuarial equivalent form of annuity payment, as provided under the Legacy Plan’s form of payment provisions. In addition, a Participant who began to be paid any portion of the Participant's Pension Make-Whole Benefit that is subject to Code Section 409A on and after January 1, 2005 and before January 1, 2009, received payment of such benefit in the form selected pursuant to the Participant's timely filed election(s), or if none, in a lump sum, as provided under the Legacy Plan.
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.

13



ARTICLE 5
DEATH BENEFITS
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 .
In the event a Participant dies after a Separation from Service and before payment of the Participant's benefit is scheduled to be made, whether a benefit is paid to a Beneficiary will depend on the form of payment the Participant was scheduled to receive, determined as follows:
(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.

14



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.
ARTICLE 6
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
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.

15



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.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
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;

16



(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.
Except as otherwise noted, the capitalized terms in the above definition have the same meaning as set forth in Section 1.5. The Company’s power to amend or modify the Plan includes the power to suspend or freeze participation in the Plan, provided such suspension or freeze does not cause a prohibited acceleration of compensation under Code Section 409A. In such circumstance, the Company may, in its sole discretion, rescind such modification at any time, provided such action is taken consistent with Code Section 409A. Such action may be taken by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee or the Committee.
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.
ARTICLE 8
ADMINISTRATION
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

17



Committee or the Chief Executive Officer 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 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

18



all matters relating to the compensation of its Participants, the dates of the disability, 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 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.
ARTICLE 9
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
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.

19



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.
If a Claimant requests to review and/or receive copies of relevant information pursuant to paragraph (a) above before filing a written request for review, the 60-day period for submitting the written request for review will be tolled during the period beginning on the date the Claimant makes such request and ending on the date the Claimant reviews or receives such relevant information.
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;

20



(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.
ARTICLE 10
TRUST
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.
ARTICLE 11
MISCELLANEOUS
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

21



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.
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.
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

22



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.
11.9
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

23



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 Employer or any successor corporation has failed to comply with any of its obligations under the Plan or any agreement thereunder or, if the Employer 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 Employer irrevocably authorizes such Participant to retain counsel of the Participant's choice at the expense of the Employer (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 Employer or any director, officer, shareholder or other person affiliated with the Employer or any successor thereto in any jurisdiction. If paid by the Participant, the Employer shall reimburse such legal fees no later than December 31 st of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred.
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.
35235232v2


24



APPENDIX A
GRANDFATHERED MINIMUM BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS WHO ON DECEMBER 31, 1995 WERE BOTH ACTIVELY EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY AND COVERED UNDER THE WE RETIREMENT ACCOUNT PLAN
A Participant who was actively employed by the Company on December 31, 1995 and who was then covered by the WE Retirement Account Plan and who continued as an active employee of the Company until commencement of benefits under the WE Retirement Account Plan, shall be eligible for the Benefit A Grandfather Alternative. The Benefit A Grandfather Alternative will be equal to the greater of (x) or (y), where:
(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
(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.
Credited service and Pension Eligible Earnings after December 31, 2010, will not be used to calculate this Benefit A Grandfather Alternative, but existing early retirement reductions based upon the Participant’s age and service applicable to the Grandfathered Benefit Provisions will continue in accordance with the terms of the WE Retirement Account Plan.
An example of the Benefit A Grandfather Alternative is as follows:
Assume the Participant actually receives a cash payment at retirement from the WE Retirement Account Plan of $380,000. At the time the Participant receives that benefit, calculations are made to convert the formula (x) benefit above into a lump sum amount that is the actuarial equivalent of a life annuity for the life of the Participant commencing at the later of age 60 or the Participant’s age at benefit commencement. This is accomplished in three steps. First, the portion of the formula (x) benefit calculated using all Pension Eligible Earnings is multiplied by the early retirement reduction factor as determined under the WE Retirement Account Plan. Secondly, the resulting benefit is converted into a lump sum actuarial equivalent ($1,450,000 in the illustration below) of the life annuity form described above, with actuarial equivalency determined for this purpose by using the interest rate and mortality table referenced in Article VII (with such interest rate to be that in effect on the last business day on the month prior to payment). Thirdly, the value of the lump sum to

A-1



which the Participant would actually be entitled under the WE Retirement Account were the Grandfathered Benefit Provisions applied is subtracted ($350,000 in the illustration below) to obtain the formula (x) net lump sum amount ($1,100,000 in the illustration below). Calculations are also made under formula (y) which compare the lump sum account balance that would have been generated for the Participant using all Pension Eligible Earnings under the regular cash balance formula of the WE Retirement Account Plan ($520,000 in the illustration below) with the actual lump sum account balance that would be payable to the Participant were the regular cash balance formula applied ($380,000 in the illustration below). The following comparisons result:
WE Retirement Account Plan:
Cash Balance Formula        $380,000
Grandfather Formula         350,000
SERP Benefit A Grandfather Alternative, calculated under:
Cash Balance Formula        $ 520,000
Grandfather Formula             1,450,000
Actual SERP Benefit A Grandfather is $1,100,000, which is the greater of

2(a) - 1(a) [$140,000] or 2(b) - 1(b) [$1,100,000].


A-2
Exhibit 10.3

WEC ENERGY GROUP
EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017


    




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
Page

 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 2 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
 
8

 
2.1
Selection by Committee
 
8

 
2.2
Participation
 
8

 
2.3
Deferral Elections
 
8

 
2.4
Form of Payment Elections
 
9

 
2.5
Cessation of Participation
 
9

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 3 DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
 
10

 
3.1
Base Annual Salary
 
10

 
3.2
Annual or Long-Term Performance Awards
 
10

 
3.3
Restricted Stock
 
11

 
3.4
Performance Shares or Units
 
11

 
3.5
Dividend Equivalents
 
12

 
3.6
Newly-Eligible Employees
 
13

 
3.7
Annual Company Contribution Amount
 
13

 
3.8
Company Matching Amount
 
13

 
3.9
Company Contributions for Former Integrys Employees
 
14

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 4 ACCOUNTS
 
16

 
4.1
Establishment of Accounts
 
16

 
4.2
Vesting
 
17

 
4.3
Deemed Investments
 
18

 
4.4
Taxes
 
20

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
 
21

 
5.1
Time for Distribution
 
21

 
5.2
In-Service Payout
 
21

 
5.3
Benefits Upon Retirement
 
21

 
5.4
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
 
22

 
5.5
Benefits Upon Death
 
23

 
5.6
Changes to Form of Payment
 
23

 
5.7
Changes to Timing of In-Service Payout
 
24

 
5.8
Unforeseeable Emergency
 
25

 
5.9
Change in Control
 
25

 
5.10
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
 
25

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 6 LEAVE OF ABSENCE
 
26

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 7 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
 
27

 
7.1
Beneficiary
 
27


i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont)

 
 
 
 
 
 
7.2
Beneficiary Designation; Change
 
27

 
7.3
No Beneficiary Designation
 
27

 
7.4
Doubt as to Beneficiary
 
27

 
7.5
Discharge of Obligations
 
27

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
 
28

 
8.1
Termination
 
28

 
8.2
Amendment
 
28

 
8.3
Effect of Payment
 
29

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 9 ADMINISTRATION
 
29

 
9.1
Plan Administration
 
29

 
9.2
Powers, Duties and Procedures
 
29

 
9.3
Administration Upon Change In Control
 
30

 
9.4
Agents
 
30

 
9.5
Binding Effect of Decisions
 
30

 
9.6
Indemnity of Committee
 
30

 
9.7
Employee Information
 
30

 
9.8
Coordination with Other Benefits
 
31

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 10 CLAIMS PROCEDURES
 
31

 
10.1
Presentation of Claim
 
31

 
10.2
Decision on Initial Claim
 
31

 
10.3
Right to Review
 
31

 
10.4
Decision on Review
 
32

 
10.5
Form of Notice and Decision
 
33

 
10.6
Legal Action
 
33

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 11 TRUST
 
33

 
11.1
Establishment of the Trust
 
33

 
11.2
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
 
33

 
11.3
Distributions From the Trust
 
33

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS
 
33

 
12.1
Status of Plan
 
33

 
12.2
Unsecured General Creditor
 
33

 
12.3
Employer's Liability
 
34

 
12.4
Nonassignability
 
34

 
12.5
Not a Contract of Employment
 
34

 
12.6
Furnishing Information
 
34

 
12.7
Receipt and Release
 
34

 
12.8
Incompetent
 
34

 
12.9
Governing Law and Severability
 
35

 
12.10
Notices and Communications
 
35

 
12.11
Successors
 
35

 
12.12
Insurance
 
35

 
12.13
Legal Fees To Enforce Rights After Change in Control
 
35

 
 
 
 
 

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont)

 
12.14
Terms
 
36

 
12.15
Headings
 
36



iii



WEC ENERGY GROUP
EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Plan was established effective January 1, 2005 and is known as the "WEC Energy Group Executive Deferred Compensation Plan." Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Plan is maintained by WEC Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company") to provide benefits to a select group of management and highly compensated employees who contribute materially to the continued growth, development and future business success of the Employers. The Plan shall be unfunded for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
The Plan is intended to comply with the provisions of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and any guidance and regulations issued thereunder. The Plan shall be interpreted and administered consistent with this intent and shall apply to all amounts deferred under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005. Such amounts include any amounts previously earned and deferred but not vested as of December 31, 2004 under the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which the Company froze effective December 31, 2004, and is considered a "grandfathered" plan within the meaning of Code section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Code section 409A transition period in effect from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008, the Company permitted distribution elections and changes consistent with IRS transition relief, the elections and changes of which are otherwise documented via completed election forms.
The Plan was amended and restated effective as of September 8, 2009 to generally require Participants to elect a percentage of various compensation items to be deferred to the Plan for each Plan Year, rather than allowing Participants to elect to defer a fixed dollar amount. The Plan was further amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2015, to reflect administrative changes and reference a new rabbi trust established by the Company. Effective as of January 1, 2016, the Plan was again restated to reflect the change in the name of the Company and Plan, to update information on Measurement Funds and to clarify other administrative provisions. Effective January 1, 2017, the Plan was restated to provide for participation by Former Integrys Employees, to add contributions credits for those employees, to update the definition of Employer and to allow election changes for In-Service Payouts.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
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



Plan on behalf of a Participant or Beneficiary. A Participant's Account may include one or more of the following sub‑Accounts, as more fully described in Article 4.
(a)      Company Contribution Account,
(b)      Company Matching Account,
(c)      Deferral Account,
(d)      Dividend Deferral Account,
(e)      Performance Share Account,
(f)      Performance Unit Account, and
(g)      Restricted Stock Account.
The Account of a Former Integrys Employee may include one or more of the following additional sub-Accounts:
(h)      RSP Matching Contribution Account,
(i)      Defined Contribution Restoration Account, and
(j)      Age/Service Point Contribution Account.
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

2



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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when determining the Account balance for calculating the first installment payment for a Participant who is a "specified employee" within the meaning of Code section 409A subject to a payment delay pursuant to section 5.3 or 5.4, the Participant's Account balance shall be valued as of the close of business on the last business day of the calendar quarter preceding the date the first payment is scheduled to occur. Each annual installment shall be calculated by multiplying the Account balance determined above, as the case may be, by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is the remaining number of annual payments due to the Participant. For example, if a 10‑year Annual Installment Method is specified, the first payment shall be 1/10 of the Account balance, valued as described herein. The following Plan Year, the payment shall be 1/9 of the Account balance, valued as described herein.
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

3



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 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).

4



(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

5



Executive Officer or the Board, in its discretion, may exclude one or more subsidiaries from participating in the Plan.
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.

6




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

7



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.
1.38
"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.
ARTICLE 2
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
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

8



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.
2.4
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

9



suspended). After the cancellation of a deferral election under this paragraph, a Participant may elect to defer Base Annual Salary to be paid in subsequent Plan Years and other types of compensation to be paid more than six months following the date of the hardship distribution in accordance with the requirements of Article 3, and the rules of Code section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder with respect to "initial deferral elections."
(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.
ARTICLE 3
DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
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

10



Award is earned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Committee determines that an Annual or Long‑Term Performance Award constitutes "performance based compensation" (within the meaning of Code section 409A and regulations issued thereunder), the Committee may permit a Participant to submit an Election Form on or before a date that occurs no later than six months before the end of the performance period. 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 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

11



percentage up to 50% of the Participant's Performance Share or Unit Amount, as the case may be, subject to such other terms or conditions as set forth in the plan or arrangement under which such Performance Shares were 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 Performance Share or Unit Amount.
(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.

12




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.

13




(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).
If the relevant 401(k) Plan does not operate on the calendar year, the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine how the Participant's Company Matching Amount shall be calculated. The Committee may modify the method of calculating the Company Matching Amount, as it determines necessary, in its sole discretion.
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

14



RSP Matching Contribution Credit will be determined annually and will be allocated to the Participant’s Account as of December 31 of each year.
(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.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, a Participant will not be eligible for RSP Matching 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.

(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.

15




(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.
ARTICLE 4
ACCOUNTS
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

16



with adjustments for income, gains or losses attributable thereto, and any payments from the Plan. Accounts are established solely for the purpose of tracking deferrals made by Participants or contributions made by an Employer 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.
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

17



Affiliates after having completed at least three (3) years of service. If the Participant terminates employment prior to completing three (3) years of service, the credits made to the Participant's Defined Contribution Restoration Account and/or Age/Service Point Contribution Account, together with all deemed investment gains or losses, shall be forfeited.
(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).
Prior to January 1, 2015, additional Measurement Funds selected the Committee were available under the Plan. Investment allocations in place on December 31, 2014 for discontinued Measurement Funds shall remain in effect until changed by the Participant. However, such investment allocations shall not apply to any deferrals or contributions credited under the Plan after December 31, 2014. A Participant may change the allocation of the Participant's Account from the discontinued Measurement Funds to either the Prime Rate Fund or the Company Stock Measurement Fund in accordance with paragraph (c) below; no other changes are permitted. Once a Participant elects to change the allocation of amounts from discontinued Measurement Funds to the Prime Rate Fund or the Company Stock Measurement Fund, such amounts cannot be reallocated to the discontinued Measurement Funds.

18




Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) below, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, discontinue, substitute or add a Measurement Fund, subject to advance notice to Participants if the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such notice is necessary. The Committee also may suspend ( i.e. , freeze) an existing Measurement Fund at any time, subject to advance notice if the Committee determines necessary, thereby freezing the Measurement Fund as to the crediting of additional deemed investments subsequent to the effective date of the suspension.
(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).

19




(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,

20



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.
ARTICLE 5
DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
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.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in no event shall the distribution of any Account be accelerated to a time earlier than which it would otherwise have been paid, whether by amendment of the Plan, exercise of the Committee's discretion or otherwise, except as permitted by section 5.10 or Treasury Regulations issued pursuant to Code section 409A.
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.

21



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 below, taking into account any changes to an elected form of payment pursuant to section 5.6.
(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.
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.
(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.

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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:

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(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.
Any such election changes pursuant to this paragraph shall be completed in accordance with Committee rules and must be made at least 12 months before the event triggering distribution occurs. Therefore, if the event triggering distribution occurs before such 12 month period has elapsed, then the election to change the payment form shall not take effect. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph (b) to the contrary, the five‑year delay described above shall not apply to changes in the form of payment upon death.
(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.

24




Any such election changes pursuant to this paragraph shall be completed in accordance with Committee rules, must be made no less than 12 months prior to the Plan Year for the In-Service Payout ( e.g. , no later than January 1, 2018 to defer an In-Service Payout payable for the 2019 Plan Year) and cannot take effect until at least 12 months after the election change is 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:

25




(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.
ARTICLE 6
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
If a Participant is authorized by an Employer to take a paid or unpaid bona fide leave of absence for any reason, the employment relationship is treated as continuing intact and deferral elections shall remain in force if the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract. If the Participant is on a leave of absence during the time for filing Election Forms, the Participant shall be permitted to complete an Election Form for the upcoming Plan Year. Upon return from leave, deferrals shall occur pursuant to the Election Form in effect for that Plan Year. If no election was made for the Plan Year in which the Participant returns from leave, no deferral shall be withheld.
If the leave of absence exceeds six months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the Participant shall be deemed to have incurred a Separation from Service as of the first date immediately following such six‑month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 up to 29 months, unless

26



earlier terminated by the Employer or Participant. In this event, the Participant's Account shall be distributed pursuant to section 5.3 or 5.4, as applicable.
ARTICLE 7
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
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.

27




ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
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

28



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.
Except as otherwise noted, the capitalized terms in the above definition have the same meaning as set forth in section 1.10. The Company's power to amend or modify the Plan includes the power to suspend or freeze participation in the Plan, provided such suspension or freeze does not cause a prohibited acceleration of compensation under Code section 409A. In such circumstance, the Company may, in its sole discretion, reinstitute the ability of any Participant or group of Participants to make deferrals under Article 3 at any time, provided such action is taken consistent with Code section 409A. Such action may be taken by the Board, the Company's Compensation Committee or the Committee.
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.
ARTICLE 9
ADMINISTRATION
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.

29




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,

30



disability, 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.
ARTICLE 10
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
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

31



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.
If a Claimant requests to review and/or receive copies of relevant information pursuant to paragraph (a) above before filing a written request for review, the 60‑day period for submitting the written request for review will be tolled during the period beginning on the date the Claimant makes such request and ending on the date the Claimant reviews or receives such relevant information.
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;

32




(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.
ARTICLE 11
TRUST
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.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
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

33



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 5.10(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

34



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.
12.9
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

35



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 Employer or any successor corporation has failed to comply with any of its obligations under the Plan or any agreement thereunder or, if the Employer 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 Employer irrevocably authorizes such Participant to retain counsel of the Participant's choice at the expense of the Employer (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 Employer or any director, officer, shareholder or other person affiliated with the Employer or any successor thereto in any jurisdiction. If paid by the Participant, the Employer shall reimburse such legal fees no later than December 31st of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred.
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.


36
Exhibit 10.4


LEGACY WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
DIRECTORS' DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017

1



TABLE OF CONTENTS

PURPOSE
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
 
1

 
1.1
"Account Balance"
 
1

 
1.2
"Deferral Amount"
 
2

 
1.3
"Annual Installment Method"
 
2

 
1.4
"Annual Restricted Stock Amount"
 
2

 
1.5
"Annual Stock Option Amount"
 
2

 
1.6
"Beneficiary"
 
3

 
1.7
"Beneficiary Designation Form"
 
3

 
1.8
"Board"
 
3

 
1.9
"Change in Control"
 
3

 
1.10
"Chairman"
 
4

 
1.11
"Claimant"
 
4

 
1.12
"Committee"
 
4

 
1.13
"Company"
 
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




Table of Contents
(continued)

 
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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ii

Table of Contents
(continued)

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



iii



LEGACY WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
DIRECTORS' DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan") is to provide a method of paying directors' compensation which assisted Wisconsin Energy Corporation, the predecessor of WEC Energy Group, Inc., and its former subsidiaries in attracting and retaining as members of their Boards of Directors persons whose abilities, experience and judgment could contribute to the continued progress of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Except as provided in the next sentence, any amounts that are earned, deferred and vested under the Plan as of December 31, 2004 are "grandfathered" (within the meaning of, and as determined in accordance with, Code section 409A and the Treasury Regulations thereunder). Therefore, such grandfathered amounts are not subject to Code section 409A and shall continue to be governed by the terms set forth herein. Effective as of January 1, 2005, the Company renamed the Plan the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company also established the WEC Energy Group Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (previously, the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan) (the "DDCP") as a new nonqualified deferred compensation plan and as a replacement plan for the portion of the Plan that maintained account balances during the Code section 409A transition period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008 and that are subject to provisions of Code section 409A. As a result, no new non‑employee directors shall participate in the Plan effective as of January 1, 2005, but shall begin participation in the DDCP if otherwise eligible pursuant to the terms of the DDCP.
The Plan was restated effective as of May 1, 2004. The Plan was again amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2017, to reflect the change in the name of the Company, to reference any rabbi trust established by the Company, to modify administrative provisions when no valid beneficiary designation exists, to limit the Measurement Funds available under the Plan and to make other minor changes to administrative provisions which do not constitute material modifications to the Plan under Code section 409A.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context, the following phrases or terms shall have the following indicated meanings:
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




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.

2




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

3




(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.
For purposes of this Change in Control definition, the terms set forth below shall have the following meanings:
" Beneficial Owner " shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d‑3 under the Exchange Act.
" Exchange Act " shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
" Person " shall have the meaning given in section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its affiliates, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the stock 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

4



the Plan to the contrary, effective as of January 1, 2005, no new directors shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
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

5



800 shares of Stock (worth $20,000) to exercise the Eligible Stock Option and receive, in return, 800 shares of Stock plus a Qualifying Gain (in this case, in the form of an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money or property in the future) equal to $5,000 ( i.e. , the current value of the remaining 200 shares of Stock).
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

6



property due to casualty, or (iii) such other extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant, all as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.
ARTICLE 2
ELECTION FORM FOR DEFERRAL OF DIRECTOR FEES
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.
ARTICLE 3
DEFERRAL COMMITMENTS/CREDITING/TAXES
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.

7




For an election to defer Restricted Stock Amounts to be valid: (i) a separate Election Form must be completed and signed by the Participant, with respect to the Restricted Stock to which such amounts relate; (ii) such Election Form must be timely delivered to the Committee and accepted by the Committee at least six months prior to the date such Restricted Stock vests under the terms of the plan or arrangement pursuant to which it was granted and (iii) the Election Form shall be irrevocable from and after the date which is six months prior to the date such Restricted Stock vests under the terms of the plan or arrangement pursuant to which it was 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.

8




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).

9




Prior to January 1, 2017, additional Measurement Funds selected the Committee were available under the Plan. Investment allocations in place on December 31, 2016 for discontinued Measurement Funds shall remain in effect until changed by the Participant. A Participant may change the allocation of the Participant's Account Balance from the discontinued Measurement Funds to either the Prime Rate Fund or the Company Stock Measurement Fund in accordance with paragraph (a) above; no other changes are permitted. Once a Participant elects to change the allocation of amounts from discontinued Measurement Funds to the Prime Rate Fund or the Company Stock Measurement Fund, such amounts cannot be reallocated to the discontinued Measurement Funds.
Subject to section 3.9(f) and (g) below, as necessary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, discontinue, substitute or add a Measurement Fund, subject to advance notice to Participants if the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such notice is necessary. The Committee also may suspend ( i.e. , freeze) an existing Measurement Fund at any time, subject to advance notice if the Committee determines necessary, thereby freezing the Measurement Fund as to the crediting of additional deemed investments subsequent to the effective date of the suspension.
(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

10



or her behalf by the Company or the Trust; the Participant shall at all times remain an unsecured creditor of the Company.
(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

11



Balance out of the Company Stock Measurement Fund, an election that was an acquisition of Stock or an interest in a phantom Company Stock fund or similar security.
(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).
The Company reserves the right to impose such restrictions as it determines to be appropriate, in is sole discretion, on any elections, dispositions or other matters under this Plan relating to the Company Stock Measurement Fund in order to comply with or qualify for exemption under Section 16.
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.
ARTICLE 4
IN SERVICE PAYOUT; UNFORESEEABLE FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES;
WITHDRAWAL ELECTION
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.

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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.
ARTICLE 5
RETIREMENT BENEFIT
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.

13




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.
ARTICLE 6
PRE‑RETIREMENT SURVIVOR BENEFIT
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.
ARTICLE 7
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
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

14



by the Committee of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be canceled. The Committee shall be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the Participant and accepted by the Committee prior to his or her 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 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.
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
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

15



with distribution of Account Balances of the affected Participants as if they had experienced a Retirement on the date of Plan termination or, if Plan termination occurs after the date upon which a Participant was eligible to Retire, then with respect to that Participant as if he or she had Retired on the date of Plan termination. However, if the Company terminates the Plan after a Change in Control, the Company shall be required to pay such benefits in a lump sum, except as otherwise provided in section 12.16. The termination of the Plan shall not adversely affect any Participant or Beneficiary who has become entitled to the payment of any benefits under the Plan as of the date of termination; provided however, that the Company shall have the right to accelerate installment payments without a premium or prepayment penalty by paying the Account Balance in a lump sum or using fewer years (provided that the present value of all payments that will have been received by a Participant at any given point of time under the different payment schedule shall equal or exceed the present value of all payments that would have been received at that point in time under the original payment schedule).
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.
The capitalized terms in the above definition have the same meaning as in the "Change in Control" definition set forth in section 1.9 of the Plan.

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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.
ARTICLE 9
ADMINISTRATION
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

17



require. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may be terminated (and a replacement appointed) only by either individual who was or could have been an Appointing Officer. Upon and after a Change in Control, the Administrator may not be terminated by the Company.
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.
ARTICLE 10
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
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.

18




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

19




(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.
ARTICLE 11
TRUST
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.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
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

20



participating subsidiary shall have any obligation to a Participant under the Plan except as expressly provided in the Plan.
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:
Corporate Secretary
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
231 West Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification.

21




Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to a Participant under this Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand‑delivered, or sent by mail, to the last known address of the Participant.
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.
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.

22




(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

23



with the Company electing not to receive such an immediate lump sum but to instead be paid on another basis:
(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).


24
Exhibit 10.5


WEC ENERGY GROUP
DIRECTORS' DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017

1




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
Page

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
 
1

 
1.1
"Account"
 
1

 
1.2
"Annual Installment Method"
 
1

 
1.3
"Beneficiary"
 
2

 
1.4
"Board"
 
2

 
1.5
"Chairman"
 
2

 
1.6
"Change in Control"
 
2

 
1.7
"Code"
 
3

 
1.8
"Committee"
 
3

 
1.9
"Company"
 
4

 
1.10
"Director"
 
4

 
1.11
"Election Form"
 
4

 
1.12
"Ending Valuation Date"
 
4

 
1.13
"Fees"
 
4

 
1.14
"In-Service Payout"
 
4

 
1.15
"Measurement Funds"
 
4

 
1.16
"Participant"
 
4

 
1.17
"Plan"
 
4

 
1.18
"Plan Year"
 
4

 
1.19
"Restricted Stock"
 
4

 
1.20
"Restricted Stock Amount"
 
4

 
1.21
"Separation from Service
 
5

 
1.22
"Stock"
 
5

 
1.23
"Trust"
 
5

 
1.24
"Unforeseeable Emergency"
 
5

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 2 PARTICIPATION
 
5

 
2.1
Participation
 
5

 
2.2
Deferral Elections
 
5

 
2.3
Form of Payment Elections
 
5

 
2.4
Cessation of Participation
 
6

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 3 DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
 
6

 
3.1
Deferral of Fees
 
6

 
3.2
Restricted Stock
 
7

 
3.3
New Directors
 
7

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 4 ACCOUNTS
 
7

 
4.1
Establishment of Accounts
 
7

 
4.2
Vesting
 
8

 
4.3
Deemed Investments
 
8

 
4.4
Taxes
 
10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents
(continued)

ARTICLE 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
 
10

 
5.1
Time for Distribution
 
10

 
5.2
In-Service Payout
 
11

 
5.3
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
 
11

 
5.4
Benefits Upon Death
 
11

 
5.5
Changes to Form of Payment
 
12

 
5.6
Unforseeable Emergency
 
13

 
5.7
Change in Control
 
14

 
5.8
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
 
14

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 6 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
 
14

 
6.1
Beneficiary
 
14

 
6.2
Beneficiary Designation; Change
 
14

 
6.3
Acknowledgment
 
15

 
6.4
No Beneficiary Designation
 
15

 
6.5
Doubt as to Beneficiary
 
15

 
6.6
Discharge of Obligations
 
15

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 7 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
 
15

 
7.1
Termination
 
15

 
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
 
17

 
8.4
Agents
 
18

 
8.5
Binding Effect of Decisions
 
18

 
8.6
Indemnity of Committee
 
18

 
8.7
Company and Participating Subsidiary Information
 
18

 
8.8
Coordination with Other Benefits
 
18

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 9 CLAIMS PROCEDURES
 
18

 
9.1
Presentation of Claim
 
18

 
9.2
Decision on Initial Claim
 
19

 
9.3
Right to Review
 
19

 
9.4
Decision on Review
 
20

 
9.5
Form of Notice and Decision
 
20

 
9.6
Legal Action
 
20

 
 
 
 
 
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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ii

Table of Contents
(continued)

ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS
 
21

 
11.1
Unsecured General Creditor
 
21

 
11.2
Company's Liability
 
21

 
11.3
Nonassignability
 
21

 
11.4
Not a Contract of Service
 
22

 
11.5
Furnishing Information
 
22

 
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



iii



WEC ENERGY GROUP
DIRECTORS' DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Plan was established effective January 1, 2005 and is known as the "WEC Energy Group Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan." Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Plan is maintained by WEC Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company") as a method of paying directors' compensation that will aid the Company and its participating subsidiaries, if any, in attracting and retaining as members of their Boards of Directors persons whose abilities, experience and judgment can contribute to the continued progress of the Company and such subsidiaries. The Plan shall be unfunded for tax purposes.
The Plan is intended to comply with the provisions of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and any guidance and regulations issued thereunder. The Plan shall be interpreted and administered consistent with this intent and shall apply to all amounts deferred under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005. Such amounts include any amounts previously earned and deferred but not vested as of December 31, 2004 under the Legacy Wisconsin Energy Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, which the Company froze effective December 31, 2004, and is considered a "grandfathered" plan within the meaning of Code section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Code section 409A transition period in effect from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008, the Company permitted distribution elections and changes consistent with IRS transition relief, the elections and changes of which are otherwise documented via completed election forms.
The Plan was amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2015, to reflect administrative changes and reference a new rabbi trust established by the Company. Effective as of January 1, 2016, the Plan was restated to reflect the change in the name of the Company and Plan and to clarify other administrative provisions. Effective as of January 1, 2017, the Plan was again restated to limit the Measurement Funds available under the Plan.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
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



numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is the remaining number of annual payments due to the Participant. For example, if a 10‑year Annual Installment Method is specified, the first payment shall be 1/10 of the Account balance, valued as described herein. The following Plan Year, the payment shall be 1/9 of the Account balance, valued as described herein.
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

2



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.
1.7
"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.

3




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

4



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.
1.21
"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.
ARTICLE 2
PARTICIPATION
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.

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.
ARTICLE 3
DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
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.

6




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.
ARTICLE 4
ACCOUNTS

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

7



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.
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).
Prior to January 1, 2017, additional Measurement Funds selected the Committee were available under the Plan. Investment allocations in place on December 31, 2016 for discontinued Measurement Funds shall remain in effect until changed by the Participant. However, such investment allocations shall not apply to any deferrals or contributions credited under the Plan after December 31, 2016. A Participant may change the allocation of the Participant's Account from the discontinued Measurement Funds to either the Prime Rate Fund or the Company Stock Measurement Fund in accordance with paragraph (c) below; no other changes are permitted. Once a Participant elects to change the allocation of amounts from discontinued Measurement Funds to the Prime Rate Fund or the Company Stock Measurement Fund, such amounts cannot be reallocated to the discontinued Measurement Funds.
Subject to paragraphs (b) and (h) below, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, discontinue, substitute or add a Measurement Fund, subject to advance notice to Participants if the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such notice is necessary. The Committee also may suspend ( i.e. , freeze) an existing Measurement Fund at any time, subject to advance notice if the Committee determines necessary, thereby freezing the Measurement Fund as to the crediting

8



of additional deemed investments subsequent to the effective date of the suspension.
(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

9



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 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.
ARTICLE 5
DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
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;

10




(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.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in no event shall the distribution of any Account be accelerated to a time earlier than which it would otherwise have been paid, whether by amendment of the Plan, exercise of the Committee's discretion or otherwise, except as permitted by section 5.8 or Treasury Regulations issued pursuant to Code section 409A.
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.
Subject to section 5.7 and taking into account any changes to an elected form of payment pursuant to section 5.5, a Participant may elect to receive payment of the Participant's Account balance:
(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.
Notwithstanding any election to receive payment in installments, if the Participant's Account Balance at the time of the Participant's Separation from Service is $10,000 or less, the Participant's Account Balance will be paid in a lump sum. In addition, if no valid payment election is in effect when distribution is to be made, then the Participant's Account balance shall be paid in a lump sum.
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

11



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 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.

12




(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.
Any such election changes pursuant to this paragraph shall be completed in accordance with Committee rules and must be made at least 12 months before the event triggering distribution occurs. Therefore, if the event triggering distribution occurs before such 12 month period has elapsed, then the election to change the payment form shall not take effect. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph (b) to the contrary, the five‑year delay described above shall not apply to changes in the form of payment upon death.
(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

13



pursuant to this section shall be made within 90 days after the Committee or Plan representative has reviewed and approved the request.
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.
5.8      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:
(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.
ARTICLE 6
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
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

14



Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format. A Participant may change a Beneficiary designation 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 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 and accepted by the Committee 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 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.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
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

15



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)
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.
Except as otherwise noted, the capitalized terms in the above definition have the same meaning as set forth in section 1.6. The Company's power to amend or modify the Plan includes the power to suspend or freeze participation in the Plan, provided such suspension or freeze does not cause a prohibited acceleration of compensation under Code section 409A. In such circumstance, the Company may, in its sole discretion, reinstitute the ability of any Participant or group of Participants to make deferrals under Article 3 at any time, provided such action is taken consistent with Code section 409A. Such action may be taken by the Board, the Company's Compensation Committee or the Committee.

16




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.
ARTICLE 8
ADMINISTRATION
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

17



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 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.
ARTICLE 9
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
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

18



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:
(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.
If a Claimant requests to review and/or receive copies of relevant information pursuant to paragraph (a) above before filing a written request for review, the 60‑day period for submitting the written request for review will be tolled during the period beginning on the

19



date the Claimant makes such request and ending on the date the Claimant reviews or receives such relevant information.
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.

20



ARTICLE 10
TRUST
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.
ARTICLE 11
MISCELLANEOUS
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,

21



except as provided in section 5.8(b), be transferable to a spouse as a result of a property settlement or otherwise.
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.

22



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.

23
Exhibit 10.6


WEC ENERGY GROUP
NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
Page

 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 2 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
 
6

 
2.1
Eligibility and Participation
 
6

 
2.2
Cessation of Participation
 
7

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 3 CONTRIBUTIONS
 
7

 
3.1
Eligibility for Non-qualified Employer Pension Contributions
 
7

 
3.2
Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount
 
7

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 4 ACCOUNTS
 
8

 
4.1
Establishment of Accounts
 
8

 
4.2
Vesting
 
8

 
4.3
Deemed Investments
 
9

 
4.4
Taxes
 
11

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 5 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
 
11

 
5.1
Time for Distribution
 
11

 
5.2
Payment Forms and Election
 
11

 
5.3
Benefits Upon Separation from Service
 
12

 
5.4
Benefits Upon Death
 
13

 
5.5
Changes to Form of Payment
 
13

 
5.6
Change in Control
 
14

 
5.7
Discretion to Accelerate Distribution
 
14

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 6 LEAVE OF ABSENCE
 
15

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 7 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
 
15

 
7.1
Beneficiary
 
15

 
7.2
Beneficiary Designation; Change
 
15

 
7.3
Acknowledgment
 
15

 
7.4
No Beneficiary Designation
 
16

 
7.5
Doubt as to Beneficiary
 
16

 
7.6
Discharge of Obligations
 
16

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
 
16

 
8.1
Termination
 
16

 
8.2
Amendment
 
16

 
8.3
Effect of Payment
 
17

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 9 ADMINISTRATION
 
17

 
9.1
Plan Administration
 
17

 
9.2
Powers, Duties and Procedures
 
17

 
9.3
Administration Upon Change In Control
 
18


i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont)


 
 
 
 
Page

 
9.4
Agents
 
18

 
9.5
Binding Effect of Decisions
 
18

 
9.6
Indemnity of Committee
 
18

 
9.7
Employer Information
 
19

 
9.8
Coordination with Other Benefits
 
19

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 10 CLAIMS PROCEDUREES
 
19

 
10.1
Presentation of Claim
 
19

 
10.2
Decision on Initial Claim
 
19

 
10.3
Right to Review
 
20

 
10.4
Decision on Review
 
20

 
10.5
Form of Notice and Decision
 
21

 
10.6
Legal Action
 
21

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 11 TRUST
 
21

 
11.1
Establishment of the Trust
 
21

 
11.2
Interrelationship of the Plan and the Trust
 
21

 
11.3
Distributions From the Trust
 
21

 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS
 
21

 
12.1
Status of Plan
 
21

 
12.2
Unsecured General Creditor
 
22

 
12.3
Employer's Liability
 
22

 
12.4
Nonassignability
 
22

 
12.5
Not a Contract of Employment
 
22

 
12.6
Furnishing Information
 
22

 
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

 
12.14
Terms
 
24

 
12.15
Headings
 
24



ii




WEC ENERGY GROUP
NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Plan was established effective January 1, 2015 and is known as the "WEC Energy Group Non-qualified Retirement Savings Plan." Prior to January 1, 2016, the Plan was known as the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Non-qualified Retirement Savings Plan.
The Plan is maintained by WEC Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company") to provide benefits to a select group of management and highly compensated employees who contribute materially to the continued growth, development and future business success of the Employers. The Plan shall be unfunded for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
The Company froze eligibility under the RAP for non-represented (management) employees who were hired, rehired, or transferred from a union to non-represented position on or after January 1, 2015. In lieu of participating in the RAP, those employees will be eligible for Qualified Employer Pension Contributions under the 401(k) Plan. This Plan provides supplemental retirement benefits to a select group of management and highly compensated employees who are eligible for those Qualified Employer Pension Contributions.
The Plan is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A, and any guidance and regulations issued thereunder. The Plan shall be interpreted and administered consistent with this intent.
Effective January 1, 2016, the Plan was amended and restated to reflect the change in the name of the Company and Plan, to add accruals for Disabled Participants, to modify provisions relating to form of payment elections, to update information on Measurement Funds and to clarify other administrative provisions. Effective as of January 1, 2017, the Plan was amended and restated to clarify eligibility provisions.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
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





Year for which payment is to be made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when determining the Account balance for calculating the first installment payment for a Participant who is a "specified employee" within the meaning of Code Section 409A subject to a payment delay pursuant to Section 5.3 or 5.6, the Participant’s Account balance shall be valued as of the close of business on the last business day of the calendar quarter preceding the date the first payment is scheduled to occur. Each annual installment shall be calculated by multiplying the Account balance determined above, as the case may be, by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is the remaining number of annual payments due to the Participant. For example, if a 5-year Annual Installment Method is specified, the first payment shall be 1/5 of the Account balance, valued as described herein. The following Plan Year, the payment shall be 1/4 of the Account balance, valued as described herein.
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

2




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 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).

3




(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

4




investment election. To the extent authorized by the Committee, such form may be electronic or set forth in some other media or format.
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

5




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 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.
ARTICLE 2
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
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

6




the date specified above and remain a Participant in the Plan until the Participant's Account is paid in full.
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.
ARTICLE 3
CONTRIBUTIONS
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.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant who is a Disabled Participant or terminates employment prior to the last day of the Plan Year by reason of death, attainment of age 59 1/2, or attainment of age 55 with 10 years of vesting service (as calculated under the 401(k) Plan on an elapsed time basis) shall be eligible to receive an Annual Non-qualified Employer Pension Contribution Amount for the 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.

7




(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.
ARTICLE 4
ACCOUNTS
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.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting schedule for a Participant’s Account 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 the Participant’s Account is 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

8




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.
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).
Subject to paragraph (g) below, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, discontinue, substitute or add a Measurement Fund, subject to advance notice to Participants if the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such notice is necessary. The Committee also may suspend ( i.e. , freeze) an existing Measurement Fund at any time, subject to advance notice if the Committee determines necessary, thereby freezing the Measurement Fund as to the crediting of additional deemed investments subsequent to the effective date of the suspension.
(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

9




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.
(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

10




Agreement, including the disposition of Company Stock and reinvestment of the proceeds in one or more investment vehicles designated by the Committee.
(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.
ARTICLE 5
DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNT
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.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, in no event shall the distribution of any Account be accelerated to a time earlier than which it would otherwise have been paid, whether by amendment of the Plan, exercise of the Committee’s discretion or otherwise, except as permitted by Section 5.7 or Treasury regulations issued pursuant to Code Section 409A.
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.

11




(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.

12




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.
Any such election changes pursuant to this paragraph shall be completed in accordance with Committee rules and must be made at least 12 months before the event triggering distribution occurs. Therefore, if the event triggering distribution occurs before such 12 month period has elapsed, then the election to change the payment form shall not take effect. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.5

13




to the contrary, the five-year delay described above shall not apply to changes in the form of payment upon death.
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.

14




ARTICLE 6
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
If a Participant is authorized by an Employer to take a paid or unpaid bona fide leave of absence for any reason, the employment relationship is treated as continuing intact if the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract.
If the leave of absence exceeds six months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the Participant shall be deemed to have incurred a Separation from Service as of the first date immediately following such six-month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 up to 29 months, unless earlier terminated by the Employer or Participant. In this event, the Participant’s Account shall be distributed pursuant to Section 5.3.
ARTICLE 7
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
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.

15




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.
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
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

16




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 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.
Except as otherwise noted, the capitalized terms in the above definition have the same meaning as set forth in Section 1.7. The Company’s power to amend or modify the Plan includes the power to suspend or freeze participation in the Plan, provided such suspension or freeze does not cause a prohibited acceleration of compensation under Code Section 409A.
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.
ARTICLE 9
ADMINISTRATION
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

17




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 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 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

18




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 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.
ARTICLE 10
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
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

19




(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.
If a Claimant requests to review and/or receive copies of relevant information pursuant to paragraph (a) above before filing a written request for review, the 60-day period for submitting the written request for review will be tolled during the period beginning on the date the Claimant makes such request and ending on the date the Claimant reviews or receives such relevant information.
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;

20




(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.
ARTICLE 11
TRUST
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.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
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.

21




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.
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.
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.

22




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.
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,

23




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 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 Employer or any successor corporation has failed to comply with any of its obligations under the Plan or any agreement thereunder or, if the Employer 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 Employer irrevocably authorizes such Participant to retain counsel of the Participant's choice at the expense of the Employer (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 Employer or any director, officer, shareholder or other person affiliated with the Employer or any successor thereto in any jurisdiction. If paid by the Participant, the Employer shall reimburse such legal fees no later than December 31 st of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred.
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.


24

Exhibit 21.1

WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
SUBSIDIARIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016

The following table includes the subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group, a diversified holding company incorporated in the state of Wisconsin, as well as the percent of ownership, as of December 31, 2016 :
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.


Exhibit 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-199561 and 333-204556 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-213589, 333-161151, and 333-177572 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 28, 2017 , relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of WEC Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2016 .


/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 28, 2017



Exhibit 23.2




CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-199561 and 333-204556 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-213589, 333-161151, and 333-177572 on Form S-8 of WEC Energy Group, Inc. of our report dated February 8, 2017, relating to the financial statements of American Transmission Company LLC, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of WEC Energy Group, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016 .


/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 28, 2017


Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a),
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Allen L. Leverett, certify that:
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.

Date:  February 28, 2017

/s/ ALLEN L. LEVERETT
Allen L. Leverett
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)



Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a),
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Scott J. Lauber, certify that:
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.

Date:  February 28, 2017

/s/ SCOTT J. LAUBER
Scott J. Lauber
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)



Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of WEC Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2017 (the "Report"), I, Allen L. Leverett, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ ALLEN L. LEVERETT  
Allen L. Leverett
Chief Executive Officer and President
February 28, 2017



Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of WEC Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2017 (the "Report"), I, Scott J. Lauber, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ SCOTT J. LAUBER
Scott J. Lauber
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 28, 2017



AMERICAN TRANSMISSION COMPANY LLC Financial Statements and Independent Auditors’ Report As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014


 
2 American Transmission Company LLC Table of Contents Independent Auditors’ Report………………………………..………………...……………….………...... 3 Financial Statements Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014…………….. 4 Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 ……..…………….…………….………….…... 5 Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014………….... 6 Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014………………………………………………………………………………………….……………… 7 Notes to Financial Statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 ……………………….………………………………………..…. 8-33 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations…... 34-53 Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks ……………….……………………………..……..………. 53-54


 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT To the Board of Directors of ATC Management Inc., Corporate Manager of American Transmission Company LLC Waukesha, Wisconsin We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of American Transmission Company LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related statements of operations, members’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Transmission Company LLC as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 8, 2017 3


 
4 American Transmission Company LLC Statements of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Operating Revenues Transmission Serv ice Revenue $649,136 $614,277 $633,550 Other Operating Revenue 1,670 1,559 1,483 Total Operating Revenues 650,806 615,836 635,033 Operating Expenses Operations and Maintenance 157,791 162,840 162,902 Depreciation and Amortization 141,724 133,265 124,074 Taxes Other than Income 23,002 23,216 20,475 Total Operating Expenses 322,517 319,321 307,451 Operating Income 328,289 296,515 327,582 Other Income, Net Other Income (Expense), Net 177 (584) (1,881) Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiary 3,048 1,760 1,998 Total Other Income, Net 3,225 1,176 117 Earnings Before Interest and Members' Income Taxes 331,514 297,691 327,699 Net Interest Expense 98,758 97,250 88,970 Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes $232,756 $200,441 $238,729


 
5 American Transmission Company LLC Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. (In Thousands) December 31, December 31, ASSETS 2016 2015 Property, Plant and Equipment Transmission Plant $4,941,372 $4,655,719 General Plant 161,289 122,745 Less- Accumulated Depreciation (1,193,603) (1,100,828) 3,909,058 3,677,636 Construction Work in Progress 359,458 229,824 Net Property , Plant and Equipment 4,268,516 3,907,460 Current Assets Accounts Receivable 66,430 59,694 Prepaid Expenses 5,486 6,707 Current Portion of Regulatory Assets 395 10,772 Other Current Assets 3,479 3,347 Total Current Assets 75,790 80,520 Regulatory and Other Assets Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary 41,625 37,077 Regulatory Assets - 393 Other Assets 2,752 3,335 Total Regulatory and Other Assets 44,377 40,805 Total Assets $4,388,683 $4,028,785 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Capitalization Members’ Equity (See Note 3 for redemption provisions) $1,756,760 $1,662,828 Long-term Debt 1,865,302 1,790,718 Total Capitalization 3,622,062 3,453,546 Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 28,115 16,947 Distribution Payable to Members 54,680 - Accrued Interest 24,327 23,947 Other Accrued Liabilities 53,890 50,424 Current Portion of Regulatory Liabilities 71,473 12,617 Short-term Debt 262,641 226,313 Total Current Liabilities 495,126 330,248 Regulatory and Other Long-term Liabilities Regulatory Liabilities 250,056 236,551 Other Long-term Liabilities 21,439 8,440 Total Regulatory and Other Long-term Liabilities 271,495 244,991 Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 7) - - Total Capitalization and Liabilities $4,388,683 $4,028,785


 
6 American Transmission Company LLC Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes $232,756 $200,441 $238,729 Adjustments to Reconcile Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes to Net Cash Prov ided by Operating Activ ities- Depreciation and Amortization 141,724 133,265 124,074 Bond Discount and Debt Issuance Cost Amortization 603 582 537 Equity Earnings in Unconsolidated Subsidiary Investment (3,048) (1,760) (1,998) Change in- Accounts Receivable (6,446) (3,710) 9,795 Other Current Assets 11,859 (4,134) 5,325 Accounts Payable 4,652 69 (2,545) Accrued Liabilities 56,945 (713) 3,735 Regulatory Liabilities (6,170) 71,918 12,759 Other, Net 3,174 (7,020) (2,550) Total Adjustments 203,293 188,497 149,132 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 436,049 388,938 387,861 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Capital Expenditures for Property , Plant and Equipment (463,069) (339,159) (334,731) Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (1,500) - (1,600) Insurance Proceeds Received for Damaged Property , Plant and Equipment - - 646 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (464,569) (339,159) (335,685) Cash Flows from Financing Activities Distribution of Earnings to Members (154,144) (174,815) (204,125) Issuance of Membership Units for Cash 70,000 20,000 50,000 Issuance (Repayment) of Short-term Debt, Net 36,335 106,390 (160,541) Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs 73,974 98,099 249,752 Repayment of Long-term Debt - (100,000) - Advances Received Under Interconnection Agreements 2,010 - - Advances Received for Construction 345 440 12,797 Other, Net - 10 38 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 28,520 (49,876) (52,079) Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents - (97) 97 Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period - 97 - Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period $ - $ - $ 97 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information Cash Paid for Interest (Net of Amounts Capitalized) $92,952 $92,529 $85,556 Significant Non-cash Investing or Financing Transactions- Accruals and Payables Related to Construction Costs $48,481 $36,208 $24,771


 
7 American Transmission Company LLC Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. (In Thousands) Members’ Equity as of December 31, 2013 $1,532,598 Membership Units Outstanding at December 31, 2013 84,614 Issuance of Membership Units $ 50,000 Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes 238,729 Distribution of Earnings to Members (204,125) Members’ Equity as of December 31, 2014 $1,617,202 Membership Units Outstanding at December 31, 2014 87,588 Issuance of Membership Units $ 20,000 Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes 200,441 Distribution of Earnings to Members (174,815) Members’ Equity as of December 31, 2015 $1,662,828 Membership Units Outstanding at December 31, 2015 88,740 Issuance of Membership Units $ 70,000 Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes 232,756 Distribution of Earnings to Members (154,144) Distribution Payable to Members (54,680) Members’ Equity as of December 31, 2016 $1,756,760 Membership Units Outstanding at December 31, 2016 92,662


 
8 American Transmission Company LLC Notes to Financial Statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (1) Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) General American Transmission Company LLC (the “Company”) was organized, as a limited liability company under the Wisconsin Limited Liability Company Act, as a single-purpose, for-profit electric transmission company. The Company’s purpose is to plan, construct, operate, own and maintain electric transmission facilities in order to provide an adequate and reliable transmission system that meets the needs of all users on the system and provides transmission service to support equal access to a competitive, wholesale, electric energy market. The Company currently owns and operates the electric transmission system, under the direction of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as to rates, terms of service and financing, and by state regulatory commissions as to other aspects of business, including the construction of electric transmission assets. The Company’s five largest customers are also members and account for approximately 80 percent of the Company’s operating revenues. The rates for these transmission services are subject to review and approval by FERC. In addition, several members provide operational, maintenance and construction services to the Company. The agreements under which these services are provided are subject to review and approval by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). See Note (8) for details of the various transactions between the Company and its members. The Company evaluated potential subsequent events through February 8, 2017, the date these statements were available to be issued. (b) Corporate Manager The Company is managed by a corporate manager, ATC Management Inc. (“Management Inc.”). The Company and Management Inc. have common ownership and operate as a single functional unit. Under the Company’s operating agreement, Management Inc. has complete discretion over the business of the Company and provides all management services to the Company at cost. The Company itself has no employees and no governance structure separate from Management Inc. The Company’s operating agreement establishes that all expenses of Management Inc. incurred on behalf of the Company are the responsibility of the Company. These expenses consist primarily of payroll, benefits, payroll-related taxes and other employee-related expenses. All such expenses are recorded in the Company’s accounts as if they were direct expenses of the Company.


 
9 As of December 31, the following net payables to Management Inc. were included in the Company’s balance sheets (in thousands): Amounts included in other accrued liabilities are primarily payroll- and benefit-related accruals. Amounts included in other long-term liabilities relate primarily to certain long-term compensation arrangements covering Management Inc. employees, as described in Note (2). The payable to Management Inc. is partially offset by a $16.4 million and $15.1 million receivable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for income taxes paid on Management Inc.’s behalf by the Company. The income taxes paid are due to temporary differences relating to the tax deductibility of certain employee-related costs. As these temporary differences reverse in future years, Management Inc. will receive cash tax benefits and will then repay the advances from the Company. (c) Revenue Recognition Under the authority of the MISO Open Access Transmission, Energy and Operating Reserve Markets Tariff (“MISO Tariff”), which is regulated by FERC, the Company provides wholesale electric transmission service to eligible entities within its service area. The Company charges for these services under FERC-approved rates. The MISO Tariff specifies the general terms and conditions of service on the Company’s transmission system and establishes the rates and amounts to be paid for those services. The Company does not take ownership of the electricity that it transmits. The Company’s FERC-approved formula rate tariff (“Company’s Tariff”) for the revenue requirement determined under Attachment O of the MISO Tariff includes a true-up provision that meets the requirements of an alternative revenue program as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations.” Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue for providing transmission system access to its customers during the rate year based on the revenue requirement formula in the Company’s Tariff. Annually, the Company prepares a forecast for the upcoming rate year of total operating expenses, projected rate base resulting from planned construction and other capital expenditures, and projected revenues to be received from MISO and other sources. From this forecast, the Company computes an annual projected total revenue requirement for the rate year. Based on the criteria in the MISO Tariff, the Company also calculates its regional cost-sharing revenue requirements which, in addition to other forecasted revenues from MISO and other sources, are subtracted from the total revenue requirement to determine the Company’s annual network revenue requirement. The annual network revenue requirement is billed to, and collected from, network transmission customers in monthly installments throughout the rate year. Subsequent to the rate year, the Company compares actual results from the rate year to the forecast to determine any under- or over-collection of revenue from network and regional customers. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, the Company accrues or defers revenues that are higher or lower, respectively, than the amounts collected during the rate year. An accumulated over- collected true-up balance is classified as a regulatory liability and an accumulated under-collected true-up balance is classified as a regulatory asset in the balance sheets. The Company is required to refund any 2016 2015 Other Accrued Liabilities $11,971 $15,054 Other Long-term Liabilities 2,932 490 Net Amount Payable to Management Inc. $14,903 $15,544


 
10 over-collected network amounts, plus interest, within two years subsequent to the rate year, with the option to accelerate all or a portion of any such refund, and is permitted to include any under-collected network amounts, plus interest, in annual network billings two years subsequent to the rate year. Under these true- up provisions, the Company collected from network customers, inclusive of interest, through their monthly bills, a net amount of $2.6 million in 2016 and refunded to network customers, inclusive of interest, through their monthly bills, $9.9 million in 2015, and a net amount of $10.4 million in 2014. The Company also has FERC-approved true-up provisions for MISO regional cost-sharing revenues to refund over collections or receive under collections in the second year subsequent to the rate year. The Company refunded, inclusive of interest, net amounts of $4.7 million and $3.9 million to regional customers in 2016 and 2015, respectively, and collected, inclusive of interest, a net amount of $2.8 million from regional customers in 2014. See Note 1(h) for more information on the Company’s true-up provisions. The Company records a reserve for revenue subject to refund when such refund is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company is currently operating under a settlement agreement approved by FERC in 2004. The Company may elect to change, or intervenors may request a change to, the Company’s revenue requirement formula at any time. A change to the revenue requirement formula could result in reduced rates and have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. If no filings are made by either the Company or other parties, the current terms of the settlement agreement will continue in effect. The Company is currently involved in two complaints filed at FERC pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (“Section 206”) by customer and public power groups located within the MISO service area. The primary complaint of these groups is that the base return on equity (ROE) for MISO transmission owners, including the Company, is no longer just and reasonable. On September 28, 2016, FERC issued an order on the first complaint reducing the base ROE to 10.32 percent for MISO transmission owners, including the Company. This base ROE is effective September 28, 2016 and for future periods until FERC rules in the second complaint, at which time the base ROE ordered by FERC in the second complaint will prospectively become the authorized base ROE for the Company. Further details related to these complaints are discussed in Note 7(a). (d) Transmission and General Plant and Related Depreciation Transmission plant is recorded at the original cost of construction which includes materials, construction overhead and outside contractor costs. Additions to, and significant replacements of, transmission assets are charged to property, plant and equipment at cost; replacements of minor items are charged to maintenance expense. The cost of transmission plant is charged to accumulated depreciation when an asset is retired. The provision for depreciation of transmission assets is an integral part of the Company’s cost of service under FERC-approved rates. Depreciation rates include estimates for future removal costs and salvage value. Amounts collected in depreciation rates for future removal costs are included in regulatory liabilities in the balance sheets, as described in Note 1(h). Costs that the Company incurs to remove an asset when


 
11 not under a legal obligation to do so are charged against the regulatory liability. Depreciation expense on transmission assets, including a provision for removal costs, as a percentage of average transmission plant was 2.75 percent in 2016 and 2.74 percent in both 2015 and 2014. The Company completed a depreciation study during 2016 and filed with FERC on October 27, 2016 for an adjustment to its depreciation rates based on the findings of the study. FERC approved the Company’s revised rates in docket ER17-191 issued on December 15, 2016, effective January 1, 2017. General plant, which includes buildings, office furniture and equipment, and computer hardware and software, is recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded at straight-line rates over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which currently range from five to 60 years. (e) Asset Retirement Obligations Consistent with ASC Topic 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations,” the Company records a liability at fair value for a legal asset retirement obligation (ARO) in the period in which it is incurred. When a new legal obligation is recorded, the costs of the liability are capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, the Company recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities, as described in Note 1(h), for the timing differences between when it recovers the ARO in rates and when it recognizes these costs under ASC Topic 410. At the end of the asset's useful life, the Company settles the obligation for its recorded amount and records the gain or loss in the appropriate regulatory account. The Company has recognized AROs primarily related to asbestos, lead-based paint and polychlorinated biphenyls contained in its electrical equipment. AROs are recorded as other long-term liabilities in the balance sheets. The following table describes all changes to AROs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): The 2016 revision to estimated cash flows was primarily due to changes in regulatory requirements by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources which resulted in increased requirements for the Company related to testing for lead-based paint on transmission structures. 2016 2015 Asset Retirement Obligations at January 1 $7,839 $7,552 Accretion 389 375 Liabilities Recognized 39 - Revision to Estimated Cash Flows 8,029 - Liabilities Settled (116) (88) Asset Retirement Obligations at December 31 $16,180 $7,839


 
12 (f) Interconnection Agreements The Company has entered into interconnection agreements with entities planning to build generation facilities. The Company will construct the interconnection facilities and the generator will finance and bear all financial risk of constructing the interconnection facilities under these agreements. The Company will own and operate the interconnection facilities when the generation facilities become operational and will reimburse the generator for construction costs plus interest. The Company has no obligation to reimburse the generator for costs incurred during construction if the generation facilities do not become operational. In cases in which the Company is contractually obligated to construct the interconnection facilities, the Company receives cash advances for construction costs from the generators. During construction, the Company includes actual costs incurred in construction work in progress (CWIP) and records liabilities for the cash advances from the generators, along with accruals for interest. The accruals for interest are capitalized and included in CWIP. The construction costs and accrued interest related to interconnection agreements that are included in CWIP are not included as a component of the Company’s rate base until the generation facilities become operational and the Company has reimbursed the generator. At December 31, 2016 there was $0.9 million included in CWIP related to generator interconnection agreements. The Company had no active projects related to these agreements at December 31, 2015. Similarly, other long-term liabilities included liabilities for generator advances, inclusive of accrued interest, of $2.3 million at December 31, 2016 and there were no outstanding liabilities for generator advances at December 31, 2015. (g) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company intends to maintain a zero cash balance by issuing short-term debt on a daily basis to cover its cash payments. Therefore, the Company had no cash or cash equivalents on the balance sheets at December 31, 2016 or 2015. (h) Regulatory Accounting The Company’s accounting policies conform to ASC Topic 980. Accordingly, assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process are recorded that would otherwise not be recorded under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for non-regulated companies. Certain costs are recorded as regulatory assets as incurred and are recognized in the statements of operations at the time they are reflected in rates. As such, regulatory assets are not included as a component of rate base and do not earn a current return. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that have been collected in current rates to recover costs that are expected to be incurred, or refunded to customers, in future periods. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, an accumulated over-collected revenue true-up balance is classified as a regulatory liability in the balance sheets and an accumulated under-collected revenue true-up balance is classified as a regulatory asset in the balance sheets.


 
13 The Company recognizes a regulatory asset or liability for the cumulative difference between amounts recognized for AROs under ASC Topic 410 and amounts recovered through depreciation rates related to these obligations. As of December 31, regulatory assets included the following amounts (in thousands): As of December 31, these amounts were classified in the balance sheets as follows (in thousands): The Company continually assesses whether regulatory assets continue to meet the criteria for probability of future recovery. This assessment includes consideration of factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, recent rate orders to other regulated entities under the same jurisdiction and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation. If the likelihood of future recovery of any regulatory asset becomes less than probable, the affected assets would be written off in the period in which such determination is made. The Company recorded regulatory liabilities of $140 million and $85.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to the MISO transmission owner complaints discussed in Notes 1(c) and 7(a). In accordance with ASC Topic 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits,” the Company recognizes the funded status of its postretirement benefit plan, measured as the amount by which its accumulated postretirement benefit obligation is less than or greater than the fair value of the assets that fund its plan. Since the Company expects to refund these amounts in future rates, a regulatory liability was established for an amount equal to the ASC Topic 715 asset. The Company recognized regulatory liabilities of $4.1 million and $5.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to the over-funded position of its postretirement benefit plan at each year-end. As described in Note 1(d), the Company’s depreciation rates include an estimate for future asset removal costs. The cumulative amounts that have been collected for future asset removal costs which do not represent AROs are reflected as regulatory liabilities. 2016 2015 Revenue True-ups, Including Interest 2014 Multi-Value Project Revenue Collected in 2016 $ - $ 1,490 2014 Scheduling Revenue Collected in 2016 - 4,887 2015 Scheduling Revenue to be Collected in 2017 395 393 Other Network Revenue Collected in 2016 - 4,395 Total Regulatory Assets $395 $11,165 2016 2015 Current Portion of Regulatory Assets $395 $10,772 Regulatory Assets (long term) - 393 Total Regulatory Assets $395 $11,165


 
14 As of December 31, regulatory liabilities included the following amounts (in thousands): As of December 31, these amounts were classified in the balance sheets as follows (in thousands): The increase in the current portion of regulatory liabilities from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 was primarily due to FERC’s ruling on the first ROE complaint discussed in detail in Note 7(a). Refunds related to the first complaint must be completed by July 28, 2017. 2016 2015 Revenue True-ups, Including Interest 2014 Network Revenue Refunded in 2016 $ - $ 1,728 2014 Regional Cost-sharing Revenue Refunded in 2016 - 5,915 2015 Network Revenue to be Refunded in 2017 906 877 2015 Multi-Value Project Revenue to be Refunded in 2017 2,970 2,876 2015 Regional Cost-sharing Revenue to be Refunded in 2017 2,921 2,828 2016 Network Revenue to be Refunded in 2017 and 2018 7,478 - 2016 Regional Cost-sharing Revenue to be Refunded in 2018 1,929 - 2016 Multi-Value Project Revenue to be Refunded in 2018 590 - 2016 Scheduling Revenue to be Refunded in 2018 2,421 - Other Regional Cost-sharing Revenue Refunded in 2016 - 4,974 Return on Equity Refund Liability 139,678 85,380 Recognition of Over-funded Post Retirement Benefit Plan 4,085 5,714 Non-ARO Removal Costs Collected in Rates 157,448 137,940 1,103 936 Total Regulatory Liabilities $321,529 $249,168 Cumulative Difference between ARO Costs Collected in Rates and ARO Recognition under ASC Topic 410 2016 2015 Current Portion of Regulatory Liabilities $ 71,473 $ 12,617 Regulatory Liabilities (long term) 250,056 236,551 Total Regulatory Liabilities $321,529 $249,168


 
15 (i) Other Assets As of December 31, other assets included the following (in thousands): Deferred project costs are expenditures directly attributable to the construction of transmission assets. These costs are recorded as other assets in the balance sheets until all required regulatory approvals are obtained and construction begins, at which time the costs are transferred to CWIP. In accordance with its 2004 FERC-approved settlement agreement, the Company is allowed to expense and recover in rates, in the year incurred, certain preliminary survey and investigation costs related to study and planning work performed in the early stages of construction projects. Other costs, such as advance equipment purchases, continue to be deferred as described above. Approximately $5.5 million, $8.3 million and $15.5 million of preliminary survey and investigation costs were included in operations and maintenance expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Additional amounts reported as Other Assets in the balance sheets consist primarily of unamortized credit facility fees, non-current portion of prepaid expenses, and cash deposits. On January 1, 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASC Topic 835) issued by FASB in April 2015. ASU 2015-03 changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the guidance in ASU 2015- 03, the Company retrospectively reports unamortized debt issuance costs in the balance sheets as a direct reduction to the related long-term debt, rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs continues to be reported as interest expense in the statements of operations and the statements of cash flows remain unchanged. Upon adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company restated its December 31, 2015 balance sheet with reductions to both Other Assets and Long-term Debt of $9.3 million related to the change in presentation of unamortized debt issuance costs per the guidance. At December 31, 2016, the Company reported $9.7 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as a reduction to Long-term Debt in the balance sheet. (j) Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews the carrying values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable under ASC Topic 360, ”Property, Plant and Equipment.” Impairment would be determined based upon a comparison of the undiscounted future operating cash flows to be generated during the remaining life of the assets to their carrying amounts. An impairment loss would be measured as the amount that an asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. As long as its assets continue to be recovered through the ratemaking process, the Company believes that such impairment is unlikely. 2016 2015 Deferred Project Costs $ 815 $ 551 Other 1,937 2,784 Total Other Assets $2,752 $3,335


 
16 (k) Income Taxes The Company is a limited liability company that has elected to be treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state statutes. The Company’s members (except certain tax-exempt members) report their share of the Company’s earnings, gains, losses, deductions and tax credits on their respective federal and state income tax returns. Earnings before members’ income taxes reported in the statements of operations are the net income of the Company. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include a provision for federal or state income tax expense. See Note (6) for further discussion of income taxes. (l) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to apply policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used for items such as depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment, removal costs associated with asset retirements, tax provisions included in rates, actuarially-determined benefit costs, accruals for construction costs and operations and maintenance expenses. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determined, the recorded estimates are revised. Consequently, operating results can be affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates. (m) New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606). The new recognition and measurement rules introduced by ASU 2014-09 will replace nearly all existing revenue guidance, including most industry-specific guidance, and will, with a few exceptions, apply to all contracts with customers. Under the guidance in ASU 2014-09, the selling entity is required to perform the following recognition and measurement steps in order to recognize revenue: 1) Identify the contract with a customer 2) Identify the separate performance obligations within a contract 3) Determine the transaction price 4) Allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, typically on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices of each distinct good or service 5) Recognize revenue when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied, either over a period of time or at a point in time. In July 2015, FASB voted in favor of a one-year delay in the implementation of ASU 2014-09. A final ASU was issued by FASB in August 2015 making ASU 2014-09 effective for the Company for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019 and interim reporting periods within 2019; but the Company may, at its discretion, adopt ASU 2014-09 effective for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2018, and interim reporting periods within 2018, in order to align its accounting methods with those of its


 
17 members who are public companies. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts of the new standard but does not believe it will have a material impact to its current revenue recognition and measurement practices. In February 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (ASC Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the analysis requirements when evaluating whether or not certain types of entities must be consolidated. There was no material change to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of the Company’s January 1, 2016 adoption of ASU 2015-02. In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASC Topic 835). As discussed in Notes 1(i) and 4(c), the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016. ASU 2015-03 changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the guidance in ASU 2015-03, the Company retrospectively reports unamortized debt issuance costs in the balance sheets as a direct reduction to the related long-term debt, rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs continues to be reported as interest expense in the statements of operations and the statements of cash flows remain unchanged. In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASC Topic 350), which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. Under the guidance in ASU 2015-05, if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the Company would account for the software license portion of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses, whereas if the arrangement does not include a software license, the Company would account for the arrangement consistent with a service contract. The Company elected to adopt and apply ASU 2015-05 on a prospective basis beginning on January 1, 2016. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2015-05 did not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In May 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (ASC Topic 820). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient under ASC Topic 820. ASU 2015-07 requires retrospective application and is effective for the Company for years beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. ASU 2015-07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 and applied retrospectively. There was no effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC Topic 840), which requires transition of most leases to the balance sheet and eliminates the prior tests used in determining lease classifications. ASU 2016-02 becomes effective for the Company on a retrospective basis for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2020 and interim periods beginning in 2021. However, the Company may, at its discretion, adopt ASU 2016-02 on a retrospective basis for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019, and interim periods within 2019. The Company is evaluating the impacts of ASU 2016-02. In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (ASC Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). ASU 2016- 15 provides guidance on eight cash flow items that have historically caused diversity in practice due to either unclear or non-existing guidance under the current guidelines. ASU 2016-15 becomes effective for


 
18 the Company on a retrospective basis for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019 and interim periods beginning in 2020, with early adoption permitted. However, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to have an impact on the Company’s cash flows. (2) Benefits Management Inc. sponsors several benefit plans for its employees. These plans include certain postretirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits (“postretirement healthcare benefits”). The weighted-average assumptions related to the postretirement medical benefits, as of the measurement date, are as follows: The components of Management Inc.’s postretirement healthcare benefit (credit) costs for 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): The decreases in service and interest cost and the increase in amortization of prior service credit during 2016 compared to 2015 are related to 2015 plan amendments that reduced the Company’s expected future costs and changes in the assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015. To recognize the funded status of its postretirement healthcare benefit plans in accordance with ASC Topic 715, Management Inc. recorded long-term assets of $4.1 million and $5.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, the Company had the following amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate 4.42% 4.57% 4.12% Medical Cost T rend: Immediate Range 6.00% 6.10% 6.60% Ultimate Range 4.50% 4.50% 4.00% Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 2016 2015 2014 Service Cost $ 822 $ 1,447 $ 1,111 Interest Cost 893 1,173 1,049 Amortization of Prior Service Credit (1,324) (569) (569) Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss (Gain) (37) 276 (11) Expected Return on Plan Assets (1,342) (1,291) (1,200) Net Periodic Postretirement (Credit) Cost $ (988) $ 1,036 $ 380


 
19 and included in regulatory liabilities, which will be refunded as an offset to operating expense in future rates, at December 31 (in thousands): The assumed medical cost trend rates are critical assumptions in determining the service and interest cost and accumulated postretirement healthcare benefit obligation for the Company’s medical and dental plans. A one- percent change in the medical cost trend rates, holding all other assumptions constant, would have the following effects for 2016 (in thousands): In 2017, the Company will recognize a $1.3 million prior service credit in its net periodic postretirement healthcare benefit cost. The funded status of the Company’s postretirement healthcare benefit plans as of December 31 is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 Prior Service Credit $(7,616) $(8,941) Accumulated Loss 3,531 3,227 Regulatory Liability for Amounts to be Refunded in Future Rates $(4,085) $(5,714) One-Percent One-Percent Increase Decrease Effect on Total of Service and Interest Cost Components $ 426 $ (317) Effect on Postretirement Benefit Obligation at the End of the Year 4,697 (3,568) 2016 2015 Change in Projected Benefit Obligation: Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation at January 1 $19,795 $28,695 Amendments - (6,493) Service Cost 822 1,447 Interest Cost 893 1,173 Benefits Paid (290) (597) Actuarial Losses (Gains) 385 (4,430) Benefit Obligation at December 31 $21,605 $19,795 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1 $25,509 $25,715 Employer Contributions - 973 Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets (Net of Expenses) 1,460 (905) Net Benefits Paid (1,259) (274) Fair Value at December 31 $25,710 $25,509 Funded Status at December 31 $ 4,105 $ 5,714


 
20 The benefit obligation at December 31, 2016, increased primarily due to the service and interest costs shown above and changes in the assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation. The changes in assumptions that increased the benefit obligation include the use of a lower discount rate, updated census data and updated claims costs reflecting recent plan experience. The use of updated mortality assumptions based on mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries partially reduced the increase to the benefit obligation. The Company does not anticipate contributing to the plan for postretirement healthcare benefit obligations during 2017. The Company anticipates net retiree healthcare benefit payments for the next 10 years to be as follows (in thousands): To fund postretirement healthcare benefit obligations, the Company periodically contributes to its Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust. The VEBA trust, along with the 401(h) trust previously established by the Company to fund postretirement healthcare benefits, are discretionary trusts with a long-term investment objective to preserve and enhance the post inflation value of the trusts’ assets, subject to cash flow requirements, while maintaining an acceptable level of volatility. The composition of the fair value of total plan assets held in the trusts as of December 31, along with targeted allocation percentages for each major category of plan assets in the trusts, is as follows: The Company appoints a trustee to maintain investment discretion over trust assets. The trustee is responsible for holding and investing plan assets in accordance with the terms of the Company’s trust agreement, including investing within the targeted allocation percentages. 2017 $ 541 2018 581 2019 561 2020 527 2021 605 2022-2026 3,943 Total $6,758 2016 2015 Target Range U.S. Equities 34.8% 34.1% 32.5% +/- 5% Non-U.S. Equities 31.8% 32.3% 32.5% +/- 5% Fixed Income 33.4% 33.6% 35.0% +/- 5% 100% 100% 100%


 
21 The asset classes designated above and described below serve as guides for the selection of individual investment vehicles by the trustee:  U.S. Equities – Strategy of achieving long-term growth of capital and dividend income through investing primarily in common stock of companies in the U.S. stock market with the Wilshire 5000 Index (or a comparable broad U.S. stock index) as the investment benchmark.  Non-U.S. Equities – Strategy of achieving long-term growth of capital and dividend income through investing primarily in common stock of companies in the non-U.S. stock markets with the Morgan Stanley Capital Index All Country World ex-U.S Index (or a comparable broad non-U.S. stock index) as the investment benchmark.  Fixed Income – Strategy of achieving total return from current income and capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities with the Barclays Capital Aggregate Index (or a comparable broad bond index) as the investment benchmark. The objective of the investment vehicles is to minimize risk of large losses by effective diversification. The investment vehicles will attempt to rank better than the median vehicle in their respective peer group. However, these investments are intended to be viewed over the long term; during the short term, there will be fluctuations in rates of return characteristic of the securities markets. The Company measures its plan assets at fair value according to the hierarchy set forth in ASC Topic 820. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC Topic 820 are: Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company’s postretirement healthcare benefit plans have the ability to access. Level 2 Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Inputs to the valuation methodology include:  Quoted prices for similar assets in active markets  Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset  Inputs that are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable and not corroborated by market data. The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There have been no changes to the methodologies used at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used for investments measured at fair value:  Money Market Fund: Valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates the fair value of the net asset value of the shares held by the plan at year-end.


 
22  Mutual Funds: Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plan at year-end. The following table contains, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s postretirement healthcare benefit account investments at fair value as of December 31 (in thousands): During 2016 and 2015, the Company had no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 measurements and no transfers into or out of Level 3 measurements. Measurements for the Company’s Level 2 inputs are based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for these assets. Management Inc. sponsors a defined contribution money-purchase pension plan, in which substantially all employees participate, and makes contributions to the plan for each participant based on several factors. Contributions made by Management Inc. to the plan and charged to expense totaled $3.6 million, $3.5 million and $3.3 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Management Inc. also provides a deferred compensation plan for certain employees. The plan allows for the elective deferral of a portion of an employee’s base salary and incentive compensation and also contains a supplemental retirement and 401(k) component. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, $18.5 million and $18.1 million, respectively, were included in other long-term liabilities related to this deferred compensation plan. Deferred amounts are taxable to the employee when paid, but the Company recognizes compensation expense in the period earned. Amounts charged to expense, including interest accruals, were $1.1 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. (3) Members’ Equity The Company’s members include investor-owned utilities, municipalities, municipal electric companies and electric cooperatives. Distribution of earnings to members is at the discretion of Management Inc. The operating agreement of the Company established a target for distribution of 80 percent of annual earnings before members’ income taxes. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company distributed $154 million, $175 million and $204 million, respectively, of its earnings to its members. In December 2016, the board of directors of Management Inc. approved a 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money Market Fund $ - $465 $ - $ 465 Mutual Funds 25,245 - - 25,245 Total $25,245 $465 $ - $25,710 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money Market Fund $ - $232 $ - $ 232 Mutual Funds 25,277 - - 25,277 Total $25,277 $232 $ - $25,509


 
23 distribution for the fourth quarter of 2016, in the amount of $54.7 million, that was paid on January 31, 2017, bringing the total distributions related to 2016 earnings to 80 percent of earnings before members’ income taxes. Each of the Company’s members has the right to require the Company to redeem all or a portion of its membership interests, so long as such interests have been outstanding for at least 12 months. However, the Company is not required to effect the redemption by non-managing members if Management Inc., in its sole discretion as the corporate manager, elects to purchase, in lieu of redemption, such membership interests for either a specified amount of cash or a specified number of shares of its common stock. After such purchase, Management Inc. shall be deemed the owner of such membership interests. During 2016, the Company issued 3,921,491 units to members in exchange for $70 million in cash. During 2015 and 2014 the Company issued members 1,152,328 units for $20 million in cash and 2,974,510 units for $50 million in cash, respectively. Management Inc. has issued shares of its common stock to each of the Company’s members or their affiliates in proportion to their ownership interests in the Company. Holders of Management Inc. common stock have the rights of shareholders under Wisconsin law, including the right to elect directors of the corporate manager. (4) Debt (a) Credit Facility The Company has a $400 million, five-year revolving credit facility, which expires on June 12, 2020. The facility provides backup liquidity to the Company’s commercial paper program. The Company has not borrowed under the revolving credit facility. However, interest rates on outstanding borrowings under the facility would be based on a floating rate plus a margin. The applicable margin, which is based on the Company’s debt ratings of A+/A+/A2, is currently 0.8 percent. The revolving credit facility contains restrictive covenants, including restrictions on liens, certain mergers, sales of assets, acquisitions, investments, transactions with affiliates, change of control, conditions on prepayment of other debt and the requirement of the Company to meet certain financial reporting obligations. The revolving credit facility provides for certain customary events of default, including a targeted total-debt-to-total-capitalization ratio that is not permitted to exceed 65 percent at any given time. The Company was not in violation of any financial covenants under its credit facility during the periods included in these financial statements. The Company had no outstanding balance under its credit facility as of December 31, 2016 or 2015. (b) Commercial Paper The Company currently has a $400 million unsecured, private placement, commercial paper program. Investors are limited to qualified institutional buyers and institutional accredited investors. Maturities may be up to 364 days from date of issue, with proceeds to be used for working capital and other capital expenditures. Pricing is par, less a discount or, if interest-bearing, at par. The Company had $262 million of


 
24 commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2016 at an average rate of 0.77 percent and $226 million of commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2015 at an average rate of 0.40 percent. Commercial paper is included in short-term debt in the balance sheets. As defined by the commercial paper program, no customary events of default took place during the periods covered by the accompanying financial statements. (c) Long-term Debt The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term debt outstanding as of December 31 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Senior Notes at stated rate of 7.02%, due August 31, 2032 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 100,000 100,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 5.59%, due December 1, 2035 100,000 100,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 5.91%, due August 1, 2037 250,000 250,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 5.58%, due April 30, 2018 200,000 200,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 5.40%, due May 15, 2019 150,000 150,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.59%, due February 1, 2022 100,000 100,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 5.72%, due April 1, 2040 50,000 50,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.17%, due March 14, 2026 75,000 75,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.27%, due March 14, 2026 75,000 75,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 5.17%, due March 14, 2041 150,000 150,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.37%, due April 18, 2042 150,000 150,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 3.74%, due January 22, 2029 50,000 50,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.67%, due January 22, 2044 50,000 50,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 3.35%, due December 11, 2024 75,000 75,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 3.60%, due December 11, 2029 29,000 29,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.31%, due December 11, 2044 47,000 47,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 3.45%, due April 14, 2025 50,000 50,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 3.70%, due April 14, 2030 21,000 21,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 4.41%, due April 14, 2045 28,000 28,000 Senior Notes at stated rate of 3.97%, due January 26, 2047 75,000 - Other Long-term Notes Payable 36 29 Total Long-term Debt $1,875,036 $1,800,029 Less: Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs (9,734) (9,311) Long-term Debt, Net of Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs $1,865,302 $1,790,718 Senior Notes at stated rate of 6.79%, due on dates ranging from August 31, 2024 to August 31, 2043


 
25 The senior notes rank equivalent in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future unsubordinated, unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The senior notes contain restrictive covenants, which include restrictions on liens, certain mergers and sales of assets, and the requirement of the Company to meet certain financial reporting obligations. The senior notes also provide for certain customary events of default, none of which occurred during the periods covered by the accompanying financial statements. Future maturities of the Company’s senior notes are as follows (in millions): The senior notes contain an optional redemption provision whereby the Company is required to make the note holders whole on any redemption prior to maturity. The notes may be redeemed at any time, at the Company’s discretion, at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued interest or the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest from the redemption date to the maturity date discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the then-existing Treasury rate plus 30 to 50 basis points, plus any accrued interest. During October 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with a group of investors, through a private placement offering, to issue $150 million of 30-year, unsecured 3.97 percent senior notes to be funded in two tranches. Closing of the transaction and funding of the first $75 million of notes took place on November 15, 2016 with interest due semiannually on January 26 and July 26, beginning on July 26, 2017. The notes will mature on January 26, 2047. Funding of the remaining $75 million took place on January 26, 2017. These notes will also pay interest semiannually on January 26 and July 26, beginning on July 26, 2017, and will mature on January 26, 2047. During November 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with a group of investors, through a private placement offering, to issue $250 million of senior notes to be funded in two tranches. Closing of the notes and funding of the first $151 million took place on December 11, 2014 with interest due semiannually on June 11 and December 11, beginning on June 11, 2015. The $151 million is comprised of $75 million of 10-year, unsecured 3.35 percent senior notes; $29 million of 15-year, unsecured 3.60 percent senior notes; and $47 million of 30-year, unsecured 4.31 percent senior notes. The notes will mature on December 11, 2024, 2029 and 2044, respectively. 2017 $ - 2018 200 2019 150 2020 - 2021 - Thereafter 1,525 $1,875


 
26 Funding of the remaining $99 million took place on April 14, 2015 and is comprised of $50 million of 10-year, unsecured 3.45 percent senior notes; $21 million of 15-year, unsecured 3.70 percent senior notes; and $28 million of 30-year, unsecured 4.41 percent senior notes. Interest is due semiannually on April 14 and October 14, beginning on October 14, 2015, and the notes will mature on April 14, 2025, 2030 and 2045, respectively. The Company used the proceeds of these notes to repay $100 million of long-term debt that matured on April 15, 2015. As discussed in Notes 1(i) and 1(m), the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016. Under the guidance in ASU 2015-03, the Company retrospectively reports unamortized debt issuance costs in the balance sheets as a direct reduction to the related long-term debt, rather than as an asset. Upon adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company restated its December 31, 2015 balance sheet with reductions to both Other Assets and Long-term Debt of $9.3 million related to the change in presentation of unamortized debt issuance costs per the guidance. At December 31, 2016, the Company reported $9.7 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as a reduction to Long-term Debt in the balance sheet. (5) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of such financial instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based upon quoted market values for the same or similar issuances or upon the quoted market prices of U.S. Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for the Company’s credit ratings. The carrying amount, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, and the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt at December 31 are as follows (in millions): (6) Income Taxes The Company is allowed to recover in rates, as a component of its cost of service, the amount of income taxes that are the responsibility of its members. Accordingly, the Company includes a provision for its members’ federal and state current and deferred income tax expenses and amortization of the excess deferred tax reserves and deferred investment tax credits in its regulatory financial reports and rate filings. For purposes of determining the Company’s revenue requirement under FERC-approved rates, rate base is reduced by an amount equivalent to members’ net accumulated deferred income taxes, including excess deferred income tax reserves. Such amounts were approximately $681 million, $614 million and $568 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are primarily related to accelerated tax depreciation and other plant-related differences. The 2016, 2015 and 2014 revenues include recovery of $111 million, $107 million and $103 million, respectively, of income tax expense. 2016 2015 Carrying Amount $ 1,875 $ 1,800 Estimated Fair Value 2,097 2,030


 
27 On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (“2014 Tax Act”) was signed in to law extending bonus depreciation from previous legislation through 2014. The 2014 Tax Act allowed a transitional 50 percent bonus depreciation for self-constructed assets that had started construction before December 31, 2014, and are placed in service by December 31, 2015. On December 18, 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (“2015 Tax Act”) was passed by Congress extending the 50 percent bonus depreciation through 2017 and allowing bonus depreciation on qualified assets of 40 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019. The 2015 Tax Act allows for a transitional 30 percent bonus depreciation for self-constructed assets that start construction before December 31, 2019, and are placed in service by December 31, 2020. ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” provides guidance on recognition thresholds and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, including whether an entity is taxable in a particular jurisdiction. This guidance applies to all entities, including pass-through entities such as the Company. The Company does not consider any of its tax positions to be uncertain, including the Company’s position that it qualifies as a pass-through entity in the federal and Wisconsin tax jurisdictions. Additionally, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and was assessed no material amounts of interest or penalties during 2016, 2015 or 2014. The Company is no longer subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for tax years prior to 2013 or any state jurisdiction for tax years prior to 2012. In the event the Company would be assessed interest or penalties by a taxing authority related to income taxes, interest would be recorded in interest expense and penalties would be recorded in other expense in the statements of operations. (7) Commitments and Contingencies (a) MISO Return on Equity Complaints As mentioned above, the Company is currently involved in two Section 206 complaints filed at FERC by customer and public power groups located within the MISO service area. The primary complaint of these groups is that the base ROE for MISO transmission owners, including the Company, is no longer just and reasonable. The first complaint covers the period from November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015. The administrative law judge (ALJ) issued an initial decision on the first complaint with a base ROE recommendation of 10.32 percent. On September 28, 2016, FERC issued a final order on the first complaint affirming the ALJ’s base ROE recommendation of 10.32 percent. The second complaint covers the period from February 12, 2015 through May 11, 2016. The ALJ issued an initial decision on the second complaint in June 2016, recommending a base ROE of 9.7 percent. FERC is expected to rule on this proceeding by mid-2017 and is not bound by the ALJ decision. FERC could set the base ROE higher or lower than the ALJ recommendation. The base ROE ordered by FERC in the first complaint is effective prospectively as the authorized base ROE for the Company until FERC rules in the second complaint. At that time the base ROE ordered by FERC in the second complaint will be effective prospectively from the date of the order. During February 2016, the complainants filed a joint motion with FERC for partial summary disposition and interim relief (the “Motion”). The Motion requested that FERC extend the MISO transmission owners’ base


 
28 ROE of 10.32% recommended by the ALJ in the first complaint prospectively from May 11, 2016 until such time as FERC rules in the second complaint. FERC has not ruled on the Motion. Based on a request made by the Company and other MISO transmission owners, FERC approved a 50 basis-point incentive ROE adder for participation in MISO, effective January 6, 2015. Inclusion of the adder in the Company’s overall ROE was confirmed as the resulting ROE is within the zone of reasonableness established in the first ROE complaint proceeding. Therefore, beginning on September 28, 2016, the Company’s allowed rate of return on equity is 10.82 percent, inclusive of the 50 basis-point adder. FERC accepted the transmission owners’ request to defer collection of the adder pending the outcome of the first complaint proceeding. Collection of the adder will partially offset the refund resulting from the first complaint proceeding and any refund that may be ordered related to the second complaint. The Company and other MISO transmission owners are working with MISO on the process to issue the net refund related to the first complaint. On October 28, 2016 FERC granted the request of the Company and other MISO transmission owners for an extension of time to complete refunds and issue refund reports to July 28, 2017. The Company began refunding these amounts to customers in January 2017 and expects to complete its refunds related to the first complaint by the end of June 2017. Additionally, the Company believes it is probable that a refund will be required upon ultimate resolution of the second complaint. The Company has recorded regulatory liabilities, inclusive of interest, of $140 million and $85.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to these complaints. The Company also recorded reductions to operating revenue of $50.1 million, $63.8 million and $18.3 million in the statements of operations at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to this liability. The Company is unable to make a better estimate of probable losses or estimate the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the amount recorded. FERC’s ultimate decision in the second complaint could have a material impact to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. (b) Operating Leases The Company leases both office and data center space under non-cancelable operating leases. Amounts incurred were approximately $6.5 million annually during 2016, 2015 and 2014. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in millions): 2017 $ 6.5 2018 6.4 2019 5.8 2020 5.8 2021 5.8 Thereafter 28.1 $58.4


 
29 (c) MISO Revenue Distribution Periodically, the Company receives adjustments to revenues that were allocated to it by MISO in prior periods. Some of these adjustments may result from disputes filed by transmission customers. The Company does not expect any such adjustments to have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows since adjustments of this nature are typically offset by its true-up provision in the revenue requirement formula. (d) Interconnection Agreements The Company has entered into interconnection agreements with entities planning to build generation facilities. The Company will construct the facilities and the generator will finance and bear all financial risk of constructing the interconnection facilities under these agreements. The Company will own and operate the interconnection facilities when the generation facilities become operation and will reimburse the generator for construction costs plus interest. The Company has no obligation to reimburse the generator for costs incurred during construction if the generation facilities do not become operational. The current estimate of the Company’s commitments under these agreements, if the generation facilities become operational, is approximately $5.6 million at completion, with expected completion at the end of 2017 and repayment in early 2018. In addition, there may be transmission service requests that require the Company to construct additional, or modify existing, transmission facilities to accommodate such requests. Whether such additions or upgrades to the Company’s transmission system are required depends on the state of the transmission system at the time the transmission service is requested. The Company has not reimbursed any amounts to generators under these agreements during the periods covered by these financial statements and does not expect to reimburse any amounts to generators in 2017 under such agreements. (e) Potential Adverse Legal Proceedings The Company has been, and will likely in the future become, party to lawsuits, potentially including suits that may involve claims for which it may not have sufficient insurance coverage. The Company’s liability related to utility activities is limited by FERC-approved provisions of the MISO Tariff that limit potential damages to direct damages caused by the Company’s gross negligence or intentional misconduct. (f) Environmental Matters In the future, the Company may become party to proceedings pursuant to federal and/or state laws or regulations related to the discharge of materials into the environment. Such proceedings may involve property the Company acquired from the contributing utilities. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreements executed with the contributing utilities beginning January 1, 2001, the contributing utilities will indemnify the Company for 25 years from such date for any environmental liability resulting from the previous ownership of the property.


 
30 (8) Related-Party Transactions (a) Membership Interests To maintain its targeted debt-to-capitalization ratio, the Company was authorized by Management Inc.’s board of directors to request up to $155 million of additional capital through voluntary additional capital calls (VACCs) during 2017, including $40 million it received in January 2017. The Company received a total of $70 million, $20 million and $50 million through VACCs in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the VACC for 2017 was primarily due to higher expected capital spending than the previous years. The participating members receive additional membership units at the current book value per unit at the time of each contribution. Contributions from capital calls are recognized when received. (b) Corporate Restructuring A new sister entity, ATC Development LLC (“Development LLC”), was created in 2016 to formally separate the Company's development activities from its operations in its traditional footprint. Those owners of the Company who wish to participate in investments outside the traditional footprint will be able to do so through Development LLC, while the remaining owners will have the opportunity to continue to invest only in the traditional footprint. Effective in 2016, the Company no longer bears the costs of such external development activities; Management Inc. now charges such costs to Development LLC, which is not a subsidiary of either the Company or Management, Inc. The Company incurred $5.6 million in 2015 and $4.7 million in 2014 for such costs which were not recovered through the Company’s rate formula. The Company expects to transfer its interest in DATC, discussed in Note 8(c) below, to Development LLC in 2017. This transfer requires FERC approval, for which the Company expects to file during the first quarter of 2017. (c) Duke-American Transmission Company LLC The Company and Duke Energy hold equal equity ownership in Duke-American Transmission Company LLC (DATC), which was created to seek opportunities to acquire, build, own and operate new transmission projects that meet potential customers’ capacity and voltage requirements and future needs. DATC continues to evaluate new projects and opportunities, and participates in the competitive bidding process on projects it considers to be viable. DATC owns the Zephyr Power Transmission Project (“Zephyr”) and is continuing the design and development of the proposed transmission line, which would deliver wind energy generated in eastern Wyoming to California and the southwestern United States. DATC acquired Zephyr from a subsidiary of Pathfinder Renewable Wind Energy LLC (“Pathfinder”). The 500 kilovolt (kV) high-voltage direct-current transmission line, which will be approximately 525 miles long, has an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. Pathfinder is developing a wind power project on more than 100,000 acres near Chugwater, Wyoming, and has committed to use at least 2,100 megawatts (MW) of the Zephyr project’s 3,000 MW capacity. If certain milestones materialize under the project agreement, DATC would be required to pay regulatory phase project costs up to a current, budgeted amount of approximately $119 million; however, DATC has the right to terminate its involvement in the project in January 2019, and will have additional opportunities for


 
31 termination in the future. DATC has received FERC approval to charge negotiated rates consistent with FERC approvals for Zephyr’s previous owners. The area of Path 15 is an 84-mile stretch containing three existing 500 kV transmission lines in central California. Path 15, as used in these financial statements, refers to the third of the three 500 kV transmission lines in the corridor. DATC owns 72 percent of the transmission rights of Path 15, which it purchased from Atlantic Power Corporation in April 2013 for approximately $56 million cash and the assumption of approximately $137 million of debt. Pacific Gas & Electric has an 18 percent interest in the transmission rights to Path 15 through its ownership and operation of the connecting Los Banos and Gates substations. The remaining 10 percent interest in the transmission rights to Path 15 is owned by the Western Area Power Administration, which operates and maintains the line. Path 15 has a FERC-approved negotiated settlement for an annual revenue requirement of $25.9 million for the rate period of 2014 through 2016. Path 15 expects to file its next rate case in February 2017 utilizing 2016 as the test year. On July 18, 2013, DATC secured a $30 million, five-year credit facility from U.S. Bank N.A. As a stipulation of that facility, the Company and Duke Energy executed a guarantee agreement on that same date with U.S. Bank N.A. to each guarantee 50 percent of the obligations under the credit facility agreement. Currently, there is no outstanding balance under the credit facility. The balance in the Company’s investment in DATC was $41.6 million and $37.1 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. (d) Operations and Maintenance, Project Services and Common Facilities Agreements The Company operates under Operation and Maintenance Agreements whereby certain contributing utilities, municipalities and cooperatives provide operational, maintenance and construction services to the Company at a fully-allocated cost. The Company and certain of its affiliates may perform engineering and construction services for each other, subject to the restrictions and reporting requirements specified in orders that have been approved by the PSCW. To prevent cross-subsidization between affiliated entities, the PSCW ordered that services be performed at a fully-allocated cost of the party providing services, and reported annually to the PSCW. Some operation and maintenance agreements require the Company to utilize a minimum level of service. The amount of services utilized by the Company has exceeded the minimum in each year. Under these agreements, the Company was billed approximately $38.0 million in both 2016 and 2015 and $32.8 million in 2014. Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities include amounts payable to members of the Company of $3.8 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (e) Transmission Service Accounts receivable includes amounts due from the Company’s members of $45.9 million and $44.8 million primarily related to transmission service at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Revenues from the


 
32 Company’s members were approximately 90 percent of the Company’s transmission service revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. (f) Management Inc. As discussed in Note 1(b), Management Inc. manages the Company. Management Inc. charged the Company approximately $111 million, $106 million and $101 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily for employee-related expenses. These amounts were charged to the applicable operating expense accounts, or capitalized as CWIP or other assets, as appropriate. The amounts are recorded in the Company's accounts in the same categories in which the amounts would have been recorded had the Company incurred the costs directly. (g) Interconnection Agreements As discussed in Notes 1(f) and 7(d), the Company has interconnection agreements related to the capital improvements required to connect new generation equipment to the grid. Some of these agreements are with members or affiliates of members of the Company. Liabilities at December 31, 2016 included $0.9 million of amounts received related to these agreements from entities that are also members of the Company. No amounts were included in liabilities at December 31, 2015 as there were no active projects under these agreements. The Company made no reimbursements to such members during the periods covered by these financial statements and does not expect to make any such reimbursements during 2017.


 
33 (9) Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) Because of seasonal factors impacting the Company’s business, particularly the maintenance and construction programs, and the timing of when the Company recorded the revenue refund liability related to the MISO transmission owner base ROE complaints, discussed above in Note 7(a), quarterly results are not necessarily comparable. In general, due to the Company’s rate formula, revenues and operating income will increase throughout the year, as the Company’s rate base increases through expenditures for CWIP. (In Thousands) Three Months Ended 2016 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total Operating Revenues $164,240 $154,225 $158,126 $174,215 $650,806 Operating Expenses 79,065 81,698 80,271 81,483 322,517 Operating Income 85,175 72,527 77,855 92,732 328,289 Other Income, Net 127 1,308 1,128 662 3,225 Interest Expense, Net 24,208 24,882 24,624 25,044 98,758 Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes $ 61,094 $ 48,953 $ 54,359 $ 68,350 $232,756 2015 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total Operating Revenues $152,357 $165,171 $164,515 $133,793 $615,836 Operating Expenses 79,951 80,326 78,059 80,985 319,321 Operating Income 72,406 84,845 86,456 52,808 296,515 Other Income (Expense), Net 62 (81) 585 610 1,176 Interest Expense, Net 24,483 24,172 23,655 24,940 97,250 Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes $ 47,985 $ 60,592 $ 63,386 $ 28,478 $200,441


 
34 American Transmission Company LLC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Executive Overview The management of ATC Management Inc. (“Management Inc.”), corporate manager of American Transmission Company LLC (the “Company”), believes the following discussion provides information that is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to those statements. The Company and Management Inc. have common ownership and operate as a single functional unit. All employees who serve the Company are employees of Management Inc. The Company pays the expenses of Management Inc. incurred on behalf of the Company. Management Inc. has issued shares of its common stock to each of the Company’s members or their affiliates in proportion to their ownership interests in the Company. Holders of Management Inc. common stock have the rights of shareholders under Wisconsin law, including the right to elect directors of the corporate manager. The Company’s purpose is to plan, construct, operate, own and maintain electric transmission facilities in order to provide an adequate and reliable transmission system that meets the needs of all users on the system and provides transmission service to support equal access to a competitive, wholesale, electric energy market. The Company currently owns and operates the electric transmission system in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since it was established, the Company has invested and placed into service $4.1 billion in transmission projects within its service area. Management believes that it is necessary to continue to strengthen and expand the Company’s transmission system to deliver electricity to its current customer base. Further expansion of the Company’s transmission system will relieve constraints, allow additional generation capacity to be connected to the system, enhance wholesale competition and permit entry by new competitors in electricity generation. While the Company’s initial focus was to expand import capability and improve the reliability of the transmission infrastructure, the Company continues to seek partnerships and review opportunities to build new transmission beyond its current service area. The Company is a transmission-owning member of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) and is required to seek MISO’s direction for certain operational actions it plans to perform within its system. The Company is also required to coordinate planning activities for new projects or system upgrades with MISO, and certain projects may require review and approval by MISO before implementation. MISO has operational control over the Company’s system and directs the manner in which the Company performs transmission system operations. MISO also monitors and controls congestion, approves transmission maintenance outages and negotiates with generators on the timing of generator maintenance outages. Under the authority of the MISO Open Access Transmission, Energy and Operating Reserve Markets Tariff (“MISO Tariff”), which is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Company provides wholesale electric transmission service to eligible entities within its service area. The MISO Tariff specifies the general terms and conditions of service on the Company’s transmission system and establishes the rates and amounts to be paid for those services. The Company does not take ownership of the electricity that it transmits.


 
35 The Company’s revenue requirement is designed to reimburse it for all reasonable operating expenses, as well as to provide a return on assets employed in the provision of transmission services. In accordance with FERC policy, the Company’s revenue requirement also includes an estimate of income taxes payable by the Company’s taxable members on the equity portion of the return on rate base. The Company’s rate base consists of the original cost of assets in service, reduced by accumulated depreciation and deferred income taxes associated with those assets, in addition to other components authorized by the MISO Tariff. The weighted-average cost of capital, or return rate, applied to rate base is intended to cover the cost of debt financing and provide equity holders a reasonable return on their investment. On September 28, 2016, FERC issued an order which effectively reduced the Company’s return on equity (ROE) from 12.2 percent to 10.82 percent, effective on that date. Further discussion related to the MISO return on equity complaint resulting in this decrease is included in the Pending Regulatory Matters section below. The Company’s FERC-approved formula rate tariff (“Company’s Tariff”) allows the Company to use a hypothetical 50 percent debt, 50 percent equity capital structure and calculate and collect its revenue requirement on a forecasted basis, subject to true-up. Additionally, the Company’s Tariff allows the Company to include construction work in progress for new transmission in rate base, and expense preliminary survey and investigation (PSI) costs for new transmission in the current year. Annually, the Company prepares a forecast for the upcoming rate year of total operating expenses, projected rate base resulting from planned construction and other capital expenditures, and projected revenues to be received from MISO and other sources. From this forecast, the Company computes an annual projected total revenue requirement for the rate year. Based on the criteria in the MISO Tariff, the Company also calculates its regional cost-sharing revenue requirements which, in addition to other forecasted revenues from MISO and other sources, are subtracted from the total revenue requirement to determine the Company’s annual network revenue requirement. The annual network revenue requirement is billed to, and collected from, network transmission customers in monthly installments throughout the rate year. Subsequent to the rate year, the Company compares actual results from the rate year to the forecast to determine any under- or over-collection of revenue from network and regional customers. In accordance with the requirements of an alternative revenue program as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Financial Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations,” the Company accrues or defers revenues that are higher or lower, respectively, than the amounts collected during the rate year. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, the Company classifies an accumulated over-collected true-up balance as a regulatory liability and an accumulated under-collected true-up balance as a regulatory asset in the balance sheets. The Company is required to refund any over-collected amounts, plus interest, within two years subsequent to the rate year, with the option to accelerate all or a portion of any such refund, and is permitted to include any under-collected amounts, plus interest, in annual network billings two years subsequent to the rate year. During 2016, the Company collected from network customers, through their monthly bills, a net amount of $2.6 million, inclusive of interest. The Company also has FERC-approved true-up provisions for MISO regional cost-sharing revenues to refund over collections or receive under collections in the second year subsequent to the rate year. During 2016, the Company refunded a net amount of $4.7 million, inclusive of interest, to regional customers related to prior years under these true-up provisions. The Company records a reserve for revenue subject to refund when such refund is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company is currently operating under a settlement agreement approved by FERC in 2004. The Company may elect to change, or intervenors may request a change to, the Company’s revenue requirement formula at any time. A change to the revenue requirement formula could result in reduced rates and have an adverse effect on


 
36 the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. If no filings are made by either the Company or other parties, the current terms of the settlement agreement will continue in effect. Pending Regulatory Matters MISO Return on Equity Complaints The Company is currently involved in two complaints filed at FERC pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act by customer and public power groups located within the MISO service area. The primary complaint of these groups is that the base ROE for MISO transmission owners, including the Company, is no longer just and reasonable. The first complaint covers the period from November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015. The administrative law judge (ALJ) issued an initial decision on the first complaint with a base ROE recommendation of 10.32 percent. On September 28, 2016, FERC issued a final order on the first complaint affirming the ALJ’s base ROE recommendation of 10.32 percent. The second complaint covers the period from February 12, 2015 through May 11, 2016. The ALJ issued an initial decision on the second complaint in June 2016, recommending a base ROE of 9.7 percent. FERC is expected to rule on this proceeding by mid-2017 and is not bound by the ALJ decision. FERC could set the base ROE higher or lower than the ALJ recommendation. The base ROE ordered by FERC in the first complaint is effective prospectively as the authorized base ROE for the Company until FERC rules in the second complaint. At that time the base ROE ordered by FERC in the second complaint will be effective prospectively from the date of the order. During February 2016, the complainants filed a joint motion with FERC for partial summary disposition and interim relief (the “Motion”). The Motion requested that FERC extend the MISO transmission owners’ base ROE of 10.32% recommended by the ALJ in the first complaint prospectively from May 11, 2016 until such time as FERC rules in the second complaint. FERC has not ruled on the Motion. Based on a request made by the Company and other MISO transmission owners, FERC approved a 50 basis-point incentive ROE adder for participation in MISO, effective January 6, 2015. Inclusion of the adder in the Company’s overall ROE was confirmed as the resulting ROE is within the zone of reasonableness established in the first ROE complaint proceeding. Therefore, beginning on September 28, 2016, the Company’s allowed rate of return on equity is 10.82 percent, inclusive of the 50 basis-point adder. FERC accepted the transmission owners’ request to defer collection of the adder pending the outcome of the first complaint proceeding. Collection of the adder will partially offset the refund resulting from the first complaint proceeding and any refund that may be ordered related to the second complaint. The Company and other MISO transmission owners are working with MISO on the process to issue the net refund related to the first complaint. On October 28, 2016 FERC granted the request of the Company and other MISO transmission owners for an extension of time to complete refunds and issue refund reports to July 28, 2017. The Company began refunding these amounts to customers in January 2017 and expects to complete its refunds related to the first complaint by the end of June 2017. Additionally, the Company believes it is probable that a


 
37 refund will be required upon ultimate resolution of the second complaint. The Company has recorded regulatory liabilities, inclusive of interest, of $140 million and $85.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to these complaints. The Company also recorded reductions to operating revenue of $50.1 million, $63.8 million, and $18.3 million in the statements of operations at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to this liability. The Company is unable to make a better estimate of probable losses or estimate the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the amount recorded. FERC’s ultimate decision in the second complaint could have a material impact to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. FERC Income Tax Policy On July 1, 2016, the D.C. Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals (the “Court”) issued an order on appeal of a series of FERC orders related to a rate proceeding involving a pipeline company. The case involved complaints filed by the pipeline’s customers regarding issues related to its tariff, including FERC’s assessment of the pipeline’s recovery of income taxes as a component of the pipeline’s cost of service. The pipeline was formed as a non-taxable limited partnership. In its cost of service, FERC has allowed the pipeline to recover the income taxes paid by the partnership's partner-investors on their respective shares of partnership earnings. Specifically, the complainants claim that because FERC’s ratemaking methodology already ensures a sufficient after-tax rate of return to attract investment capital, and partnership pipelines do not incur entity-level income taxes, FERC’s tax allowance policy permits partners in a partnership pipeline to “double-recover” their income taxes. The Court found that FERC has not adequately justified, in the record, its tax allowance policy in its May 4, 2005 Policy Statement on Income Taxes and vacated FERC’s orders on the issue, remanding it to FERC for further consideration and proceedings. On December 15, 2016, FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding how to address any double recovery of income tax costs resulting from FERC’s current income tax allowance and rate of return policies. The NOI proposes to allow regulated entities to earn a sufficient return that does not result in the double recovery of investor-level tax costs for partnerships. Although the Company does not believe that it double recovers income taxes under the current policy, a change to the current FERC income tax policy could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, revenues, results of operations and cash flows. Accordingly, the Company continues to closely monitor developments in this case. Depreciation Study The Company completed a depreciation study during 2016 and filed with the FERC on October 27, 2016 for an adjustment to its depreciation rates based on the findings of the study. FERC approved the Company’s revised rates on December 15, 2016, effective January 1, 2017. The depreciation study determined estimated useful lives to range from five to 70 years which are reflected in the revised rates. The Company estimates that its annual depreciation expense for 2017 will increase by approximately $0.9 million as a result of implementing the adjusted rates.


 
38 Results of Operations Revenues The Company’s operating revenues for 2016, 2015, and 2014, which include reductions each year for the revenue refund liability related to the MISO transmission owner base ROE complaints, discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters, are outlined in the following table: Network and other revenues related to regional and multi-value projects for September 28, 2016 through the end of 2016 were adjusted to reflect the reduced ROE ordered by FERC in the first ROE complaint, discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters. The revenue requirement for each year represents the total amount that the Company is entitled to collect from all revenue sources, which include the following: Network Service Revenue consists of charges paid by the Company’s network customers to reserve transmission capacity on the Company’s system. The annual network revenue requirement is divided among all of the Company’s network customers based on their historic usage of the system, known as load-ratio share. The charges for an individual customer are billed in even monthly installments during the year and are not dependent upon actual usage. Thus, the Company’s network service billings during a given year will not vary once the revenue requirement and rates are determined for each year. In the event new network customers join the Company’s network during the year, the load-ratio share and monthly charges of each customer are adjusted prospectively. Although network service is provided under the MISO Tariff, the Company bills and collects its own network service revenue, subject to true-up as discussed above in the Executive Overview, under a billing agreement with MISO. Regional Cost-Sharing Revenue is related to projects that meet the criteria for cost-sharing under MISO’s Regional Expansion Criteria and Benefits (RECB) plan. Revenue related to RECB projects is calculated according to the appropriate MISO methodology and excluded from the Company’s network service billings. Instead, such revenues are billed, on behalf of the Company, by MISO across its footprint according to its FERC-approved cost allocation methodology. Regional cost-sharing revenues are also trued up on an annual basis. Multi-Value Projects (MVP) Revenue is related to projects that meet the criteria for MVP cost-sharing under MISO’s Tariff. Upon meeting certain criteria, these projects are eligible to have 100 percent of their costs allocated regionally. MVPs are designed to support energy policy mandates, provide multiple economic benefits, or provide a combination of reliability and economic benefits, and revenue related to such projects is calculated according to (In Thousands) 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014 2016 2015 2014 Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Network Serv ice Revenue $526,287 $500,653 $516,335 $ 25,634 5.1% $(15,682) (3.0)% Regional Cost-Sharing Revenue 88,365 82,718 82,681 5,647 6.8% 37 0.0% Multi-Value Projects Revenue 10,666 6,586 9,438 4,080 61.9% (2,852) (30.2)% Point-to-Point Revenue 7,733 8,168 9,063 (435) (5.3)% (895) (9.9)% Other Transmission Serv ice Revenue 16,085 16,152 16,033 (67) (0.4)% 119 0.7% Transmission Serv ice Revenue 649,136 614,277 633,550 34,859 5.7% (19,273) (3.0)% Other Operating Revenue 1,670 1,559 1,483 111 7.1% 76 5.1% Total Operating Revenues $650,806 $615,836 $635,033 $34,970 5.7% $(19,197) (3.0)%


 
39 the appropriate MISO methodology. Similar to regional cost-sharing revenues, MISO bills these amounts on behalf of the Company, across the MISO footprint according to its FERC-approved cost allocation methodology. As a result, the Company excludes these amounts from its network service billings. Like network and RECB revenues, MVP revenues are trued up on an annual basis. Point-to-Point Revenue relates to charges for delivering energy from specific points on the transmission system to other specific points on the transmission system. All point-to-point transactions are administered and billed by MISO; the Company receives a portion of the revenue from each transaction based on the MISO revenue allocation methodology. The point-to-point service revenue that the Company will realize each year depends on the length, duration and other terms of the firm contracts MISO has for point-to-point service and the volume of electricity transmitted as non-firm service. Variations in point-to-point service revenues do not affect the Company’s results of operations, however, because, under the true-up mechanism described above, any over- collection or under-collection as measured against the Company’s point-to-point service revenue projected in the current revenue requirement would be a component of any true-up adjustment recorded for network service revenue. Other Transmission Service Revenue consists of control area service revenue, such as scheduling, system control and dispatch services. Other Operating Revenue is derived from other transmission-related services provided to third parties that are not provided under regulated tariffs and rental of certain transmission and administrative property and equipment by third parties.


 
40 Revenue Requirement and True-up The revenue requirement calculations for 2016, 2015 and 2014, excluding the revenue refund liability related to the MISO transmission owner base ROE complaints, discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters, are outlined in the table below: The Company continues to make significant investments in the transmission system, constructing new transmission lines, as well as rebuilding existing lines and replacing aging equipment, in order to improve the reliable performance of the system. This ongoing construction activity results in additional rate base upon which the Company is allowed to earn a return. Accordingly, average net plant in rate base increased approximately $273 million during 2016. Partially offsetting this increase in rate base was an increase in average deferred income taxes of approximately $67.1 million, which are included as an offset to the Company’s rate base. As such, average rate base increased approximately $205 million. During April 2015, the Company issued $99 million of long-term debt and used the proceeds to repay $100 million of higher interest long-term debt. Additionally, the Company had a lower proportion of higher interest long-term debt to total debt and greater monthly average short-term debt issuances issued at higher rates in 2016 than 2015. These changes resulted in a 10 basis point net decrease in the debt rate component of the weighted-average rate of return for 2016 compared to 2015. As discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters, FERC’s September 28, 2016 order in the first MISO ROE complaint decreased the equity rate component of the weighted-average rate of return during 2016 compared to 2015. These decreases in the components of the overall weighted-average rate of return and the increase in average annualized rate base resulted in a 3.2 percent increase in return on rate base for 2016 compared to 2015. During 2015, the Company’s average net plant in rate base increased approximately $189 million primarily as a result of its construction program described above. Partially offsetting this increase in rate base was an increase in 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014 (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Return on Rate Base Average Rate Base $3,255,119 $3,050,267 $2,907,879 $204,852 6.7% $142,388 4.9% Weighted-Average Rate of Return 8.21% 8.49% 8.47% (0.28)% 0.02% Return on Rate Base 267,396 259,008 246,303 8,388 3.2% 12,705 5.2% Provision for Income Taxes 111,462 107,445 103,489 4,017 3.7% 3,956 3.8% Total Return and Income Taxes 378,858 366,453 349,792 12,405 3.4% 16,661 4.8% Recoverable Operating Expenses Recoverable Operations and Maintenance Expenses 157,322 156,848 159,109 474 0.3% (2,261) (1.4)% Depreciation and Amortization 141,724 133,265 124,074 8,459 6.3% 9,191 7.4% Taxes Other than Income 23,002 23,104 20,406 (102) (0.4)% 2,698 13.2% Total Recoverable Operating Expenses 322,048 313,217 303,589 8,831 2.8% 9,628 3.2% Total Revenue Requirement 700,906 679,670 653,381 21,236 3.1% 26,289 4.0% Less: Total Revenue Billed 713,116 685,753 659,197 27,363 4.0% 26,556 4.0% True-up Refund $ (12,210) $ (6,083) $ (5,816) $ (6,127) $(267)


 
41 average deferred income taxes of approximately $46.6 million. Due to these and other factors, average rate base increased approximately $142 million. During December 2014, the Company issued $151 million of long-term debt which was primarily used to reduce the amount of short-term debt outstanding. The long-term debt, which was issued at a higher rate than the short- term debt, increased the debt rate component of the weighted-average rate of return during 2015 compared to 2014. Partially offsetting this increase was the April 2015 issuance of $99 million of long-term debt used to repay $100 million of higher interest long-term debt. The net increase in the weighted-average rate of return and the increase in average rate base resulted in a 5.2 percent increase in return on rate base in 2015 compared to 2014. The provision for income taxes collected in rates generally increases in proportion to the increase in equity return on rate base. The Company’s equity return on rate base was 3.6 percent and 4.9 percent during 2016 and 2015, respectively. Partially offsetting the increase in 2015 was an additional $1.3 million of excess deferred income taxes that the Company amortized during the year, which reduced the amount of income taxes the Company collected from its customers through its rate formula. Recoverable operating expenses increased 2.8 percent during 2016 compared to 2015, and 3.2 percent during 2015 compared to 2014, described in detail below. The above changes resulted in overall increases of 3.1 percent in the Company’s 2016 revenue requirement as compared to 2015, and 4.0 percent in the Company’s 2015 revenue requirement as compared to 2014. Earnings Overview The Company’s earnings and operating income for 2016, 2015 and 2014 are shown in the table below: The increases in operating income and earnings before members’ income taxes for 2016 compared to 2015 were primarily due to the increase in the Company’s return on rate base discussed above and decreased amounts recorded to the revenue refund liability the Company recorded related to the MISO transmission owner base ROE complaints, discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters. Also contributing to the increases were decreased expenses recorded by the Company related to business development activities. Throughout 2016, the Company has no longer included business development expenses in its operating income or earnings before members’ income taxes. Such costs are now billed to the newly-created ATC development entity discussed below in Related-Party Transactions. The decrease in operating income in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the revenue refund liability the Company recorded related to the MISO transmission owner base ROE complaints, discussed above in Pending 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014 (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Operating Income $328,289 $296,515 $327,582 $31,774 10.7% $(31,067) (9.5)% Earnings Before Members' Income Taxes $232,756 $200,441 $238,729 $32,315 16.1% $(38,288) (16.0)%


 
42 Regulatory Matters, and increased costs related to the Company’s business development activities. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in the Company’s return on rate base, discussed above. In addition to the 2015 decrease in operating income compared to 2014, earnings before members’ income taxes decreased due to an increase in interest expense which is not recoverable through the Company’s rate formula discussed below. Operating Expenses The Company’s operating expenses for 2016, 2015 and 2014 are outlined in the table below: The net decrease in operations and maintenance expenses during 2016 compared to 2015 was mainly related to the following areas:  The Company is no longer including expenses related to business development activities in its operations and maintenance expenses as it has begun billing such costs to the newly-created ATC development entity discussed below in Related-Party Transactions. Accordingly, operations and maintenance costs related to the Company’s business development activities, which were not recovered through the Company’s rate formula, decreased $5.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015.  Certain construction costs that are not related to the addition of new units of transmission property are accounted for as maintenance expense; such costs decreased by $1.9 million. Partially offsetting the above decreases were the following increases in 2016:  Employee-related costs increased $3.4 million, which was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits.  Maintenance costs had a net increase of $0.8 million primarily related to vegetation management activities on transmission right-of-ways which was partially offset by reduced requirements for corrective maintenance activities.  Information technology costs increased $0.7 million mainly due to software installations and upgrades, software licensing fees, and telecommunication costs.  Net other fees and expenses increased $0.3 million. 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014 (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Operations and Maintenance $152,319 $154,558 $147,428 $ (2,239) (1.4)% $ 7,130 4.8% Preliminary Survey and Investigation (PSI) 5,472 8,282 15,474 (2,810) (33.9)% (7,192) (46.5)% Total Operations and Maintenance 157,791 162,840 162,902 (5,049) (3.1)% (62) (0.0)% Depreciation and Amortization 141,724 133,265 124,074 8,459 6.3% 9,191 7.4% Taxes Other than Income 23,002 23,216 20,475 (214) (0.9)% 2,741 13.4% Total Operating Expenses $322,517 $319,321 $307,451 $3,196 1.0% $11,870 3.9%


 
43 The net increase in operations and maintenance expenses during 2015 compared to 2014 was mainly related to the following areas:  Employee-related costs increased $2.8 million, which was primarily due to a lower portion of capitalized labor, increased staffing for system protection and information technology, and increased post-retirement healthcare costs.  Costs related to the Company’s business development activities, which are not recovered through the Company’s rate formula, increased $2.3 million.  Asset maintenance costs increased $1.3 million primarily related to transformer repair work, transmission line inspections, vegetation management activities and bushing replacements across a portion of the system. These costs were partially offset by a decrease in substation maintenance activities such as snow plowing and corrective maintenance due to favorable weather conditions during 2015.  Information technology costs increased $0.7 million, primarily related to software maintenance and telecommunication costs.  Fees paid for jointly-owned substation facilities increased $0.3 million due to the Company’s increased transmission investment at those facilities. The above increases were partially offset by a higher allocation of administrative and general costs to capital during 2015, resulting in an estimated $0.5 million decrease to operations and maintenance costs. The decrease in PSI costs incurred by the Company during 2016 compared to 2015 was mainly related to decreases in the Badger Coulee project, the Wisconsin portion of the Bay Lake project, and various transmission line projects. Both Badger Coulee and the Wisconsin portion of Bay Lake received regulatory approval in 2015. In 2016, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) issued a new set of rules related to project approval requirements in Wisconsin. The new rules provide for filing exemptions if certain criteria are met for projects that would otherwise require a Certificate of Authority (CA) or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the PSCW. The Company met the filing exemption criteria on some of its projects and, as a result, recorded lower amounts of PSI during 2016 compared to 2015. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in the Wisconsin – Illinois Reliability project and Cardinal – Hickory Creek. Further details related to the Cardinal – Hickory Creek, Badger Coulee, and Bay Lake projects are discussed in the Major Projects update section below. The decrease in PSI costs incurred by the Company during 2015 compared to 2014 was mainly related to the Cardinal – Hickory Creek, Badger Coulee, Bay Lake, Branch River, and various line rebuild projects. Depreciation and amortization expense increased during each year presented in these financial statements, mainly due to additional assets placed in service as a result of the Company’s construction program discussed above. The 2016 decrease in taxes other than income compared to 2015 was primarily due to decreased gross receipts tax and prepaid environmental impact fees, partially offset by increased property taxes in the state of Michigan. Taxes other than income taxes increased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to increases in property taxes in the state of Michigan.


 
44 Interest Expense Components of the Company’s net interest expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014 are shown below: Interest expense on long-term debt increased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to the issuance of $151 million of senior notes in December 2014, partially offset by the refinancing of $100 million of senior notes with lower interest senior notes in April 2015. These debt issuances are discussed below in Capital Resources and Requirements. Interest expense on commercial paper increased during 2016 due to a higher volume of commercial paper issued at higher rates during 2016 compared to 2015. Interest expense on commercial paper decreased during 2015 primarily due to a lower volume of commercial paper issuances compared to 2014. Other interest expense, which is not recoverable through the Company’s rate formula, increased during both 2016 and 2015 primarily due to accrued interest on the revenue refund liability the Company recorded related to the MISO transmission owner base ROE complaints, discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters. The 2016 increase was partially offset by decreased interest expense on revenue over-collections in accordance with the Company’s true-up provision in its tariff while increased interest expense on these revenue over-collections contributed to the increase in 2015. Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash Flows Net cash provided by operating activities was $436 million during 2016 compared to $389 million during 2015 and $388 million during 2014. The increases in both 2016 and 2015 were primarily related to increases in cash collected from customers related to the increase in the Company’s revenue requirement and increases in recoverable operating expenses, described above. The Company billed and collected amounts from its customers during 2015 and for the first nine months of 2016 based on its prior FERC-authorized ROE of 12.2 percent. Effective September 28, 2016, the Company began billing and collecting amounts at the new FERC-authorized ROE of 10.82 percent. As discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters, the Company and other MISO transmission owners are working with MISO on the process to issue the net refund related to the first complaint. The Company began refunding these amounts to customers in January 2017 and expects to complete its refunds related to the first complaint by the end of June 2017. The increase in 2015 was primarily related to increases in 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014 (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Increase (Decrease) Percentage Change Interest Expense on Long-term Debt $92,524 $92,498 $87,811 $26 0.0% $4,687 5.3% Interest Expense on Commercial Paper 1,412 362 447 1,050 290.1% (85) (19.0)% Other Interest Expense 4,822 4,390 712 432 9.8% 3,678 516.6% Interest on Interconnection Agreements 21 - - 21 0.0% - N/A Capitalized Interest on Interconnection Agreements (21) - - (21) 0.0% - N/A Net Interest Expense $98,758 $97,250 $88,970 $1,508 1.6% $8,280 9.3%


 
45 cash collected from customers, partially offset by increases in the amount of cash paid for operating expenses and interest, discussed above. During 2016 net cash used in investing activities was $465 million compared to $339 million during 2015 and $336 million during 2014. These changes were primarily related to the Company’s construction activity and investment in Duke American Transmission Company LLC (DATC), discussed below in the Capital Requirements and Requirements section. Further details on a few of the Company’s larger transmission projects are discussed in the Major Projects section below. Changes in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities during 2016, 2015 and 2014 are outlined in the following table: Since its inception, the Company has distributed 80 percent of its earnings before members’ income taxes to its owners and intends to continue to do so in the future. Actual cash distributions made to members in each calendar year relate to earnings for the twelve months ended September 30 each year. The distribution to earnings to members declined during 2015 and 2016 due to the revenue refund liabilities recorded related to the ROE complaints. Partially offsetting the decreases in distributions caused by the revenue refund liability was the Company’s growth in earnings each year resulting from its investments in rate base, discussed above. The change in cash provided by issuance of member units is a function of funding requirements for construction and investments in DATC. During 2016 and 2014 the Company issued $75 million and $251 million of long-term debt, respectively, and used the proceeds to pay down short-term debt balances. The Company issued $99 million of long-term debt during 2015 and used the proceeds to repay $100 million of long-term debt that matured on April 15, 2015. Advances received for construction were related to contributions the Company received to aid construction of various projects driven by customer need. These contributions offset the costs the Company incurs and places into rate base related to these projects. During 2014 these advances were primarily related to cash the Company received from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation related to construction of the Zoo Interchange project in Milwaukee. This project was completed at the end of 2014. Therefore, no further advances were received related to this project during 2015. 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014 (In Thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Change Change Distribution of Earnings to Members $(154,144) $(174,815) $(204,125) $ 20,671 $29,310 Issuance of Membership Units for Cash 70,000 20,000 50,000 50,000 (30,000) Issuance (Repayment) of Short-term Debt, Net 36,335 106,390 (160,541) (70,055) 266,931 Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs 73,974 98,099 249,752 (24,125) (151,653) Repayment of Long-term Debt - (100,000) - 100,000 (100,000) Advances Received Under Interconnection Agreements 2,010 - - 2,010 - Advances Received for Construction 345 440 12,797 (95) (12,357) Other, Net - 10 38 (10) (28) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities $ 28,520 $(49,876) $ (52,079) $ 78,396 $ 2,203


 
46 Major Projects The Badger Coulee transmission line project (“Badger Coulee”) is owned by five utilities and cooperatives: the Company, Northern States Power Company (NSP) which is an affiliate of Xcel Energy Services, Inc., Dairyland Power Cooperative, WPPI Energy, and SMMPA Wisconsin, LLC. The Company holds a 50 percent interest in Badger Coulee, which has an estimated total cost of $580 million. The project is a 180-mile, 345 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line connecting the Company’s facilities near Madison, Wisconsin to a substation owned by NSP near La Crosse, Wisconsin. Badger Coulee was approved by MISO in 2011 and designated as an MVP under the terms of the MISO tariff. Therefore, the costs of the project will be shared across the entire MISO region. The project received a CPCN from the PSCW in April 2015. The Town of Holland, Wisconsin filed an appeal of the PSCW’s order, which is currently pending before the Circuit Court of La Crosse County, Wisconsin. While the aim of the appeal is to reverse the approval of the project, and further appeals to higher courts are likely, the Company believes that the PSCW’s order will ultimately be affirmed. There has been no stay of the PSCW’s order and the project is currently under construction. The Cardinal – Hickory Creek project (“Cardinal – Hickory Creek”) is being developed jointly by the Company, ITC Midwest LLC (“ITC Midwest”) which is an operating company of Fortis Inc., and Dairyland Power Cooperative. The Company holds a 45.5 percent interest in the project. Cardinal – Hickory Creek is a planned 125-mile, 345 kV electric transmission line which would connect the Company’s Cardinal substation near Madison, Wisconsin to facilities to be constructed by ITC Midwest near Dubuque, Iowa. Like Badger Coulee, Cardinal – Hickory Creek has also been designated as an MVP, with its costs to be shared across the entire MISO region. The project will require a CPCN from the PSCW, similar approval from the Iowa Utilities Board and certain federal approvals. The Company’s Bay Lake Project (“Bay Lake”) will reinforce the electrical transmission grid in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin. The Michigan portion of Bay Lake was approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2014 with an estimated cost of $120 million. It includes a 58-mile, 138 kV line between the Holmes substation in Menominee County, Michigan and the Old Mead Road substation in Escanaba, Michigan which was placed in service in August 2016. The Wisconsin portion will include a 345 kV line and a 138 kV line, each approximately 45 miles in length, between the North Appleton substation in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area to the Morgan substation in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin portion of the project was approved by the PSCW in May 2015 with an estimated cost of $328 million and the Company has begun construction. Much of Bay Lake has been designated as a regionally cost-shared project under MISO’s RECB plan. Capital Resources and Requirements The Company has plans for approximately $480 million in new transmission construction projects and other capital spending in 2017. During the fourth quarter of 2016 the Company released its new ten-year transmission assessment and expects that it could incur between $3.6 billion and $4.4 billion in capital expenditures over the next ten years. These estimates are based on the Company’s current capital forecast and projected ten-year transmission planning and needs assessment, much of which remains subject to regulatory approval and continuing analysis of system needs. Wisconsin and surrounding states have introduced renewable portfolio standards which target higher future levels of generation from renewable resources. As the utilities in and surrounding the Company’s transmission system implement plans to address existing or future state and federal renewable goals, there may be significant additional transmission construction required to support such plans.


 
47 Future retirements of generation units in response to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards could also result in additional transmission requirements. The Company and Duke Energy hold equal equity ownership in DATC, which was created to seek opportunities to acquire, build, own and operate new transmission projects that meet potential customers’ capacity and voltage requirements and future needs. DATC continues to evaluate new projects and opportunities, and participates in the competitive bidding process on projects it considers to be viable. DATC owns the Zephyr Power Transmission Project (“Zephyr”) and is continuing the design and development of the proposed transmission line, which would deliver wind energy generated in eastern Wyoming to California and the southwestern United States. DATC acquired Zephyr from a subsidiary of Pathfinder Renewable Wind Energy LLC (“Pathfinder”). The 500 kV, high-voltage, direct-current transmission line, which will be approximately 525 miles long, has an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. Pathfinder is developing a wind power project on more than 100,000 acres near Chugwater, Wyoming, and has committed to use at least 2,100 megawatts (MW) of the Zephyr project's 3,000 MW capacity. If certain milestones materialize under the project agreement, DATC would be required to pay regulatory phase project costs up to a current, budgeted amount of approximately $119 million; however, DATC has the right to terminate its involvement in the project in January 2019, and will have additional opportunities for termination in the future. DATC has received FERC approval to charge negotiated rates consistent with FERC approvals for Zephyr’s previous owners. The area of Path 15 is an 84-mile stretch containing three existing 500 kV transmission lines in central California. Path 15, as used in these financial statements, refers to the third of the three 500 kV transmission lines in the corridor. DATC owns 72 percent of the transmission rights of Path 15, which it purchased from Atlantic Power Corporation in April 2013 for approximately $56 million cash and the assumption of approximately $137 million of debt. Pacific Gas & Electric has an 18 percent interest in the transmission rights to Path 15 through its ownership and operation of the connecting Los Banos and Gates substations. The remaining 10 percent interest in the transmission rights to Path 15 is owned by the Western Area Power Administration, which operates and maintains the line. Path 15 has a FERC-approved negotiated settlement for an annual revenue requirement of $25.9 million for the rate period of 2014 through 2016. Path 15 expects to file its next rate case in February 2017 utilizing 2016 as the test year. On July 18, 2013, DATC secured a $30 million, five-year credit facility from U.S. Bank N.A. As a stipulation of that facility, the Company and Duke Energy executed a guarantee agreement on that same date with U.S. Bank N.A. to each guarantee 50 percent of the obligations under the credit facility agreement. Currently, there is no outstanding balance under the credit facility. The ability to construct transmission assets is dependent upon the Company obtaining extensive regulatory approvals, including siting, from the PSCW and other regulatory bodies. Management believes regulatory and siting issues pose the key risks to completing and placing transmission assets in service because unlike the Company’s rates, which are under the jurisdiction of FERC, state regulatory bodies have jurisdiction over construction. Proceedings related to permit approvals provide a forum for public opposition, which can cause delays, prevent the Company from obtaining the approvals needed to construct transmission facilities, or in some instances, could lead to the cancellation of a project after construction has commenced and the Company has incurred costs. Generally, costs that the Company has incurred for uncompleted projects have not been significant; however, there is potential for higher costs to be incurred related to larger projects. The MISO Tariff contains provisions to recover costs if the project was included in MISO’s Transmission Expansion Plan, required


 
48 by MISO, or otherwise approved by MISO. If recovery is not realized through the MISO Tariff, the Company will seek recovery of such costs through its FERC-regulated rate formula; however, there is no guarantee that such recovery will be allowed by FERC. If recovery is not realized through the MISO Tariff, or recovered through rates, these costs would be charged against earnings. The Company is required to seek approval from FERC to issue short- and long-term notes, debt securities and equity interests. Likewise, the Company must also receive FERC authorization to issue member equity interests and Management Inc. shares. Effective for a two-year period beginning July 1, 2016, the Company is authorized by FERC to issue, subject to certain restrictions, short- and long-term notes and debt securities such that the aggregate balance does not exceed $2.9 billion outstanding at any one time. The Company is also authorized to issue member interests and Management Inc. shares in an aggregate amount such that the balance does not exceed $2.4 billion outstanding at any one time. Pursuant to this authorization, the Company must report to FERC all issuances, guarantees, or assumptions of liabilities within 30 days. The Company has completed all filings as required. In the short term, the Company intends to finance construction with commercial paper offerings. As its $400 million commercial paper borrowing capacity is utilized, the Company plans to refinance outstanding commercial paper through long-term debt offerings in the private placement and/or public debt markets, which it believes remain accessible at attractive rates and terms. Information regarding the Company’s short-term borrowings for the periods ended December 31 is as follows (in millions): The timing and amount of construction requirements have a significant impact on the Company’s liquidity and cash requirements. Based on its ten-year capital expenditure forecast, management anticipates that, under the Company’s tariff, its credit ratings will remain at investment grade and the Company will continue to have access to the capital it needs to continue to fund business activities, including its investment in DATC, while also maintaining compliance with its debt covenants. Management intends to target a total-debt-to-total-capitalization ratio of 50 to 55 percent, consistent with the maintenance of an “A” credit rating and tier one commercial paper ratings. Three Months Twelve Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Maximum Amount of Total Short-term Debt Outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances) $328 $236 $328 $236 Average Amount of Total Short-term Debt Outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances) $269 $201 $246 $151 Weighted-average Interest Rates 0.65% 0.29% 0.55% 0.23%


 
49 As of December 31, 2016 the Company’s debt was rated as outlined in the table below: On December 9, 2016 Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) downgraded the Company’s previous A1 issuer rating due to the recent order by FERC which lowered the Company’s base return on equity as discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters. The Company does not expect its current A2 rating to affect its ability to access the tier one commercial paper markets. If the Company cannot maintain its current credit rating, future financing costs could increase, future financing flexibility could be reduced, future access to capital could be difficult and future ability to finance capital expenditures demanded by the market could be impaired. On November 4, 2016 Fitch Ratings affirmed the Company’s debt ratings, as shown in the table above, citing the Company’s stable earnings and cash flow profile. Management cannot provide assurance that the Company will be able to secure the additional sources of financing needed to fund the significant capital requirements associated with its ten-year capital expenditure forecast. If financing is unavailable, the Company may be forced to defer portions of its construction program, which would negatively impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, some expenditures may not result in assets on which the Company will earn a return, as discussed above. As a backup to its commercial paper program, the Company has a $400 million, five-year revolving credit facility, which expires on June 12, 2020. While the Company does not intend to borrow under the revolving credit facility, interest rates on outstanding borrowings under the facility would be based on a floating rate plus a margin. The revolving credit facility contains restrictive covenants, including restrictions on liens, certain mergers, sales of assets, acquisitions, investments, transactions with affiliates, change of control, conditions on prepayment of other debt and the requirement of the Company to meet certain financial reporting obligations. The revolving credit facility provides for certain customary events of default, including a targeted total-debt-to-total-capitalization ratio that is not permitted to exceed 65 percent at any given time. The Company was not in violation of any financial covenants under its debt agreements during the periods included in these financial statements. It is the Company’s intent and past practice to increase the commercial paper program with any corresponding increase in its revolving credit facility. During October 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with a group of investors, through a private placement offering, to issue $150 million of 30-year, unsecured 3.97 percent senior notes to be funded in two tranches. Closing of the transaction and funding of the first $75 million of notes took place on November 15, 2016 with interest due semiannually on January 26 and July 26, beginning on July 26, 2017. The notes will mature on January 26, 2047. Funding of the remaining $75 million of notes occurred on January 26, 2017. These notes will also pay interest semiannually on January 26 and July 26, beginning on July 26, 2017, and will mature on January 26, 2047. Fitch Moody's Standard & Poors Commercial Paper F-1 P-1 A-1 Senior Unsecured/Issuer A+ A2 A+


 
50 The Company maintains its targeted debt-to-capitalization ratio through reinvested earnings and additional voluntary equity infusions from its members. The Company believes that its members will continue to fund its equity needs. Accordingly, the Company requested a voluntary capital call of $70 million, which it received in quarterly installments throughout 2016. Due to projected increases in construction for 2017, the Company has been authorized by Management Inc.’s board of directors to request up to $155 million of additional capital through voluntary additional capital calls during 2017. The Company’s operating agreement provides that the board of directors of its corporate manager, Management Inc., will determine the timing and amount of distributions to be made to the Company’s members. In this agreement, the corporate manager also declared its intent, subject to certain restrictions, to distribute an amount equal to 80 percent of the Company’s earnings before members’ income taxes. The Company’s operating agreement also provides that it may not pay, and no member is entitled to receive, any distribution that would generally cause the Company to be unable to pay its debts as they become due. Cash available for distribution for any period consists of cash from operations after provision for capital expenditures, debt service and reserves established by Management Inc. The Company has distributed 80 percent of its earnings before taxes to its members in each year since inception. Long-term Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments The Company’s contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2016, representing cash obligations that are considered to be firm commitments, are as follows (in thousands): The Company currently contracts with several vendors and utility providers for certain operations and maintenance services. Certain of the agreements contain minimum purchase requirements, as further discussed below. The Company met these obligations in all prior years and management believes it will continue to meet these obligations in the future. Related-Party Transactions In accordance with the Company’s operating agreement, a corporate manager, Management Inc., manages the Company and has complete discretion over the Company’s business. The Company and Management Inc. have common ownership and operate as a single functional unit. Accordingly, Management Inc. provides all management services to the Company at cost. The Company itself has no employees. The operating agreement states that all expenses of Management Inc. incurred on behalf of the Company are the responsibility of the Company. These expenses consist primarily of payroll, benefits, payroll-related taxes and other employee expenses, and are recorded in the Company’s accounts as if they were direct charges of the Company. Payment Due Within Due After Total 1 Year 2 – 3 Years 4 – 5 Years 5 Years Senior Notes $1,875,000 $ - $350,000 $ - $1,525,000 Interest Payments on Senior Notes 1,455,959 93,615 160,143 150,513 1,051,688 Interconnection Agreements 5,582 - 5,582 - - Operating Leases 58,411 6,448 12,193 11,627 28,143 Total Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments $3,394,952 $100,063 $527,918 $162,140 $2,604,831


 
51 The Company operates under Operation and Maintenance Agreements whereby certain contributing utilities, municipalities and cooperatives provide operational, maintenance and construction services to the Company at a fully-allocated cost. The Company and certain of its affiliates may perform engineering and construction services for each other, subject to restrictions and reporting requirements specified in orders that have been approved by the PSCW. To prevent cross-subsidization between affiliated entities, the PSCW ordered that services be performed at a fully- allocated cost of the party providing services, and reported annually to the PSCW. A new sister entity, ATC Development LLC (“Development LLC”), was created in 2016 to formally separate the Company's development activities from its operations in its traditional footprint. Those owners of the Company who wish to participate in investments outside the traditional footprint will be able to do so through Development LLC, while the remaining owners will have the opportunity to continue to invest only in the traditional footprint. Effective in 2016, the Company no longer bears the costs of such external development activities; Management Inc. now charges such costs to Development LLC, which is not a subsidiary of either the Company or Management, Inc. The Company incurred $5.6 million in 2015 and $4.7 million in 2014 for such costs which were not recovered through the Company’s rate formula. The Company expects to transfer its interest in DATC, discussed above in Capital Resources and Requirements, to Development LLC in 2017. This transfer requires FERC approval, for which the Company expects to file during the first quarter of 2017. Regulatory and Operating Environment MISO is the tariff administrator for all of its transmission-owning members. MISO and the Company made a joint filing with FERC that created a separate pricing zone for the Company within the MISO Tariff. The Company’s rates for service are administered under the MISO Tariff; however, the Company periodically files with FERC for approval of changes to the formula that determines its revenue requirements. Under the provisions of the MISO Tariff, Network Integrated Transmission Service (NITS) provided by the Company is separately invoiced from charges incurred in the MISO energy markets. As a means to insulate transmission revenues from exposure to market risk associated with the MISO energy markets, all revenues for transmission service rendered under the provisions of the MISO Tariff are held in a trust which is an operating account for the benefit of the transmission owners. This account is separate from any other funds. Revenues derived by the Company for NITS, which comprise greater than 80 percent of the Company’s total revenue, are further insulated from market risk because the Company invoices and collects these amounts directly from its customers. As a result, the majority of the Company’s revenues are not collected by MISO or the trust. The Company has a number of projects that have met the criteria established under the provisions of the MISO Tariff to have regional cost-sharing rate treatment. While the formula for determining the revenue requirement for projects subject to regional cost-sharing is different from the formula used for determining the Company’s network revenue requirement, it recovers the Company’s costs associated with such projects. It is likely that a larger portion of the Company’s future revenues will be derived from transmission customers outside of the Company’s service area, as the Company continues construction of projects that qualified for regional cost-sharing. However, the Company expects that it will continue to earn its allowed return on its assets under these cost allocation arrangements.


 
52 FERC is required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to implement mandatory electric transmission reliability standards, which are to be enforced by an electric reliability organization. Effective June 2007, FERC approved the mandatory adoption of certain reliability standards, along with enforcement actions for violators of those standards, including fines of up to $1 million per day per violation, which would not be recoverable through the Company’s revenue requirement and would be charged against earnings. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) was assigned the responsibility of developing and enforcing these mandatory reliability standards. Through delegation agreements, NERC has authorized regional entities to provide regulatory oversight and monitoring of the Company’s reliability standards compliance program. Currently, both Midwest Reliability Organization and ReliabilityFirst Corporation are authorized by NERC to provide regulatory oversight of the Company. The Company administers a reliability standards compliance program, which is intended to assure compliance, and continually assesses its transmission system assets and operations against the mandatory reliability standards promulgated by NERC and those of the regional entities. The Company believes that it meets the applicable reliability standards in all material respects, although further investment in its transmission system and an increase in operations and maintenance activities will likely be required to maintain compliance, sustain and improve reliability, and assure conformance with any new reliability standards that may be issued by NERC and made mandatory through FERC approval. On November 24, 2015, the Division of Audits and Accounting (DAA) within the Office of Enforcement of FERC notified the Company that it was commencing a periodic financial audit of the Company. Certain employees of Management Inc. met with FERC DAA staff in December 2015 and June 2016, and ongoing substantive audit field work continues. At this time, the Company is unable to predict whether any findings will result from this audit. Legal Matters The Company has been, and will likely in the future become, party to lawsuits, potentially including suits that may involve claims for which it may not have sufficient insurance coverage. The Company’s liability related to utility activities is limited by FERC-approved provisions of the MISO Tariff that limit potential damages to direct damages caused by the Company’s gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Environmental Matters In the future, the Company may become party to proceedings pursuant to federal and/or state laws or regulations related to the discharge of materials into the environment. Such proceedings may involve property the Company acquired from the contributing utilities. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreements executed with the contributing utilities beginning January 1, 2001, the contributing utilities will indemnify the Company for 25 years from such date for any environmental liability resulting from the previous ownership of the property. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain estimates, which involves judgments regarding future events. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact the financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions.


 
53 Regulatory Accounting The Company operates under rates established in the Company’s Tariff, which are designed to recover the cost of service and provide a reasonable return to its owners. Under regulatory accounting, assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process are recorded that would otherwise not be recorded under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for non-regulated companies. Certain costs are recorded as regulatory assets as incurred and are recognized in the statements of operations at the time they are reflected in rates. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that have been collected in current rates to recover costs that are expected to be incurred, or refunded to customers, in future periods. As discussed above in Pending Regulatory Matters, the Company recorded a regulatory liability to reflect the probable reduction in its ROE. On September 28, 2016 FERC issued an order in the first complaint proceeding effectively reducing the Company’s overall ROE from 12.2 percent to 10.82 percent. Although FERC has ruled in the first ROE complaint, approximately $82 million of the $140 million refund liability is based on estimates which could be materially different than the actual outcome of the proceeding. The Company charges depreciation expense to build a reserve for the future cost to remove certain assets. This accrual is charged against depreciation expense in the statements of operations. These amounts are based on historical estimates, which the Company reviewed during a depreciation study in 2016. The Company will continue to review such estimates as it conducts future depreciation studies and expects the next study to occur in 2021. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $0.4 million in regulatory assets and $322 million in regulatory liabilities. Property, Plant and Equipment The Company develops estimates of capital, cost of removal and expense components for its construction projects and focuses on consistent application of capitalization policies in accordance with the FERC Uniform System of Accounts. As such, it allocates these costs based on estimates established during the planning phase of the projects. These estimates are reviewed and updated during the project and finalized upon completion of the projects. Although these estimates cause variation in the timing and amounts allocated between capital, cost of removal and expense, the Company strives to minimize variation between statement of operations and balance sheet accounts. Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its variable rate exposure and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. Under the terms of the Company’s settlement agreement, variable- rate interest exposure is mitigated because interest on borrowed funds is included as a component of the Company’s capital structure used to determine its return on rate base in its revenue requirement formula. To the extent that lenders who hold commitments in the Company’s credit agreement become unable to meet those obligations, the Company intends to pursue other options to maintain its short-term borrowing capacity. These options may include requesting higher commitments from the remaining lenders in the Company’s existing credit agreement or adding additional lenders to the Company’s existing credit agreement. To the extent that any of these options result in increased borrowing costs, the Company believes such costs would be recoverable as a component of its revenue requirement.


 
54 The Company has a significant concentration of major customers; its five largest customers generate approximately 80 percent of its operating revenue on an ongoing basis. The Company closely monitors the business and credit risk associated with its major customers. These major customers all have investment-grade debt ratings.