UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(X) |
Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 |
|
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 |
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter; State of Incorporation; Address and Telephone Number |
IRS Employer Identification No. |
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1-14756 |
Ameren Corporation |
43-1723446 |
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(Missouri Corporation) |
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1901 Chouteau Avenue |
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St. Louis, Missouri 63103 |
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(314) 621-3222 |
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1-2967 |
Union Electric Company |
43-0559760 |
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(Missouri Corporation) |
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1901 Chouteau Avenue |
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St. Louis, Missouri 63103 |
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(314) 621-3222 |
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1-3672 |
Ameren Illinois Company |
37-0211380 |
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(Illinois Corporation) |
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300 Liberty Street |
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Peoria, Illinois 61602 |
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(309) 677-5271 |
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333-56594 |
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
37-1395586 |
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(Illinois Corporation) |
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1901 Chouteau Avenue |
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St. Louis, Missouri 63103 |
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(314) 621-3222 |
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
The following security is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange:
Registrant |
Title of each class |
|
Ameren Corporation |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Registrant |
Title of each class |
|
Union Electric Company |
Preferred Stock, cumulative, no par value, stated value $100 per share | |
Ameren Illinois Company |
Preferred Stock, cumulative, $100 par value per share Depository Shares, each representing one-fourth of a share of 6.625% Preferred Stock, cumulative, $100 par value per share |
Ameren Energy Generating Company does not have securities registered under either Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Indicate by checkmark if each registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Ameren Corporation |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Union Electric Company |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Illinois Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) |
Indicate by checkmark if each registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Ameren Corporation |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Union Electric Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Illinois Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) |
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrants: (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Ameren Corporation |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Union Electric Company |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Illinois Company |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) |
Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of each registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Ameren Corporation |
(X) |
|
Union Electric Company |
(X) | |
Ameren Illinois Company |
(X) | |
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
(X) |
Indicate by checkmark whether each 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Ameren Corporation |
Yes | (X | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Union Electric Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Illinois Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | ( | ) |
Indicate by checkmark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Large
Accelerated Filer |
Accelerated Filer |
Non-accelerated
Filer |
Smaller
Company |
|||||
Ameren Corporation |
(X) | ( ) | ( ) | ( ) | ||||
Union Electric Company |
( ) | ( ) | (X) | ( ) | ||||
Ameren Illinois Company |
( ) | ( ) | (X) | ( ) | ||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
( ) | ( ) | (X) | ( ) |
Indicate by checkmark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
Ameren Corporation |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Union Electric Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Illinois Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) | ||||||||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Yes | ( | ) | No | (X | ) |
As of June 30, 2010, Ameren Corporation had 239,131,488 shares of its $0.01 par value common stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of these shares of common stock (based upon the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date) held by nonaffiliates was $5,684,155,470. The shares of common stock of the other registrants were held by affiliates as of June 30, 2010.
The number of shares outstanding of each registrants classes of common stock as of January 31, 2011, was as follows:
Ameren Corporation |
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share: 240,544,989 | |
Union Electric Company |
Common stock, $5 par value per share, held by Ameren Corporation (parent company of the registrant): 102,123,834 |
|
Ameren Illinois Company |
Common stock, no par value, held by Ameren Corporation (parent company of the registrant): 25,452,373 |
|
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Common stock, no par value, held by Ameren Energy Resources Company, LLC (parent company of the registrant and subsidiary of Ameren Corporation): 2,000 |
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement of Ameren Corporation and portions of the definitive information statements of Union Electric Company and Ameren Illinois Company for the 2011 annual meetings of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
OMISSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
Ameren Energy Generating Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format allowed under that General Instruction.
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by Ameren Corporation, Union Electric Company, Ameren Illinois Company and Ameren Energy Generating Company. Each registrant hereto is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this annual report that relates to such registrant. Each registrant hereto is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information.
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements should be read with the cautionary statements and important factors included on pages 3, 4 and 5 of this report under the heading Forward-looking Statements. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including those statements that are identified by the use of the words anticipates, estimates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, projects, and similar expressions.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
We use the words our, we or us with respect to certain information that relates to all Ameren Companies, as defined below. When appropriate, subsidiaries of Ameren are named specifically as we discuss their various business activities.
2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement A comprehensive settlement of issues in Illinois arising out of the end of ten years of frozen electric rates, effective January 2, 2007. The settlement, which became effective in 2007, was designed to avoid new rate rollback and freeze legislation and legislation that would impose a tax on electric generation in Illinois. The settlement addressed the issue of power procurement, and it included a comprehensive rate relief and customer assistance program.
2009 Illinois Credit Agreement Amerens and AICs $800 million senior secured credit agreement, which terminated on September 10, 2010.
2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement Amerens, UEs and Gencos $1.15 billion credit agreement, which terminated on September 10, 2010. Collectively, this agreement and the 2009 Supplemental Credit Agreement are referred to herein as the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreements.
2009 Supplemental Credit Agreement Amerens, UEs and Gencos $150 million supplemental credit agreement to the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement. This agreement expired in July 2010.
2010 Credit Agreements The 2010 Genco Credit Agreement, the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement, and the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement, collectively.
2010 Genco Credit Agreement On September 10, 2010, Ameren and Genco entered into a $500 million multiyear senior unsecured revolving credit facility. This agreement expires on September 10, 2013.
2010 Illinois Credit Agreement On September 10, 2010, Ameren and AIC entered into an $800 million multiyear senior unsecured credit agreement. This agreement expires on September 10, 2013.
2010 Missouri Credit Agreement On September 10, 2010, Ameren and UE entered into an $800 million multiyear senior unsecured revolving credit facility. This agreement expires on September 10, 2013, subject to UEs borrowing sublimit extensions.
AERG AmerenEnergy Resources Generating Company, a CILCO subsidiary until October 1, 2010, that operates a merchant electric generation business in Illinois. On October 1, 2010, AERG stock was distributed to Ameren and subsequently contributed by Ameren to Resources Company, which resulted in AERG becoming a subsidiary of Resources Company.
AFS Ameren Energy Fuels and Services Company, a Resources Company subsidiary that procured fuel and natural gas and managed the related risks for the Ameren Companies prior to January 1, 2011. Effective January 1, 2011, the functions previously performed by AFS are performed within the Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois and Merchant Generation business segments.
AIC Ameren Illinois Company, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary that operates a rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution business in Illinois. This
business consists of the combined rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution businesses operated by CIPS, CILCO and IP before the AIC Merger. References to AIC prior to the AIC Merger refer collectively to the rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution businesses of CIPS, CILCO and IP. Immediately after the AIC Merger, AIC distributed the common stock of AERG to Ameren Corporation. AERG is treated as a discontinued operation within AICs financial statements. AIC operates its business in Illinois as Ameren Illinois.
AIC Merger On October 1, 2010, CILCO and IP merged with and into CIPS, with the surviving corporation renamed Ameren Illinois Company.
Ameren Ameren Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. In references to financing activities, acquisition activities, or liquidity arrangements, Ameren is defined as Ameren Corporation, the parent.
Ameren Companies The individual registrants within the Ameren consolidated group.
Ameren Illinois A financial reporting segment consisting of AICs rate-regulated businesses. AIC also operates its business in Illinois as Ameren Illinois.
Ameren Missouri A financial reporting segment consisting of UEs rate-regulated businesses. UE also operates its business in Missouri as Ameren Missouri.
Ameren Services Ameren Services Company, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary that provides support services to Ameren and its subsidiaries.
AMIL The MISO balancing authority area operated by Ameren, which includes the load of AIC and the generating assets of Genco (excluding EEI and Gencos Elgin CT facility) and AERG.
AMMO The MISO balancing authority area operated by Ameren, which includes the load and generating assets of UE.
AMT Alternative minimum tax.
ARO Asset retirement obligations.
ATX Ameren Transmission Company, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary dedicated to electric transmission infrastructure investment.
ATXI Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary that is engaged in the construction and operation of electric transmission assets in Illinois.
Baseload The minimum amount of electric power delivered or required over a given period of time at a steady rate.
Btu British thermal unit, a standard unit for measuring the quantity of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
CAIR Clean Air Interstate Rule.
Capacity factor A percentage measure that indicates how much of an electric power generating units capacity was used during a specific period.
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CATR Clean Air Transport Rule.
CILCO Central Illinois Light Company, a former Ameren Corporation subsidiary that operated a rate-regulated electric transmission and distribution business, a merchant electric generation business through AERG, and a rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution business, all in Illinois, before the AIC Merger. CILCO owned all of the common stock of AERG and included AERG within its consolidated financial statements. Immediately after the AIC Merger, AIC distributed the common stock of AERG to Ameren Corporation. AERG is treated as a discontinued operation within AICs financial statements.
CILCORP CILCORP Inc., a former Ameren Corporation subsidiary that operated as a holding company for CILCO and its merchant generation subsidiary. On March 4, 2010, CILCORP merged with and into Ameren.
CIPS Central Illinois Public Service Company, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary, renamed Ameren Illinois Company at the effective date of the AIC Merger, that operates a rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution business, all in Illinois.
CO 2 Carbon dioxide.
COLA Combined nuclear plant construction and operating license application.
Cooling degree-days The summation of positive differences between the mean daily temperature and a 65-degree Fahrenheit base. This statistic is useful for estimating electricity demand by residential and commercial customers for summer cooling.
CT Combustion turbine electric generation equipment used primarily for peaking capacity.
Development Company Ameren Energy Development Company, which was a Resources Company subsidiary and parent of Genco, Marketing Company, AFS, and Medina Valley. It was eliminated in an internal reorganization in February 2008.
DOE Department of Energy, a U.S. government agency.
DRPlus Ameren Corporations dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan.
Dth (dekatherm) One million Btus of natural gas.
EEI Electric Energy, Inc., an 80%-owned Genco subsidiary that operates merchant electric generation facilities and FERC-regulated transmission facilities in Illinois. Before February 29, 2008, EEI was 40% owned by UE and 40% owned by Development Company. On February 29, 2008, UEs 40% ownership interest and Development Companys 40% ownership interest were transferred to Resources Company. Effective January 1, 2010, in an internal reorganization, Resources Company contributed its 80% ownership interest in EEI to its subsidiary, Genco. The remaining 20% ownership interest is owned by Kentucky Utilities Company, a nonaffiliated entity.
EPA Environmental Protection Agency, a U.S. government agency.
Equivalent availability factor A measure that indicates the percentage of time an electric power generating unit was available for service during a period.
ERISA Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
ESP Early Site Permit.
Exchange Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
FAC A fuel and purchased power cost recovery mechanism that allows UE to recover, through customer rates, 95% of changes in fuel (coal, coal transportation, natural gas for generation, and nuclear) and purchased power costs, net of off-system revenues, including MISO costs and revenues, greater or less than the amount set in base rates, without a traditional rate proceeding.
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board, a rulemaking organization that establishes financial accounting and reporting standards in the United States.
FERC The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a U.S. government agency.
Fitch Fitch Ratings, a credit rating agency.
FTRs Financial transmission rights, financial instruments that entitle the holder to pay or receive compensation for certain congestion-related transmission charges between two designated points.
Fuelco Fuelco LLC, a limited liability company that provides nuclear fuel management and services to its members. The members are UE, Luminant, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
GAAP Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Genco Ameren Energy Generating Company, a Resources Company subsidiary that operates a merchant electric generation business in Illinois and Missouri and holds an 80% ownership interest in EEI.
Gigawatthour One thousand megawatthours.
Heating degree-days The summation of negative differences between the mean daily temperature and a 65- degree Fahrenheit base. This statistic is useful as an indicator of demand for electricity and natural gas for winter space heating by residential and commercial customers.
IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a labor union.
ICC Illinois Commerce Commission, a state agency that regulates Illinois utility businesses, including ATXI and AIC.
Illinois Customer Choice Law Illinois Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997, which provided for electric utility restructuring; it was designed to introduce competition into the retail supply of electric energy in Illinois.
Illinois EPA Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, a state government agency.
IP Illinois Power Company, a former Ameren Corporation subsidiary that operated a rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution business, all in Illinois, before the AIC Merger.
IPA Illinois Power Agency, a state government agency that has broad authority to assist in the procurement of electric power for residential and nonresidential customers.
ISRS Infrastructure system replacement surcharge, which is a cost recovery mechanism in Missouri that allows UE to recover gas infrastructure replacement costs from utility customers without filing a traditional rate case.
IUOE International Union of Operating Engineers, a labor union.
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Kilowatthour A measure of electricity consumption equivalent to the use of 1,000 watts of power over one hour.
LIUNA Laborers International Union of North America, a labor union.
MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technology.
Marketing Company Ameren Energy Marketing Company, a Resources Company subsidiary that markets power for Genco, AERG, EEI and Medina Valley.
Medina Valley AmerenEnergy Medina Valley Cogen LLC, a Resources Company subsidiary, which owns a 40-megawatt gas-fired electric generation plant.
Megawatthour One thousand kilowatthours.
Merchant Generation A financial reporting segment consisting primarily of the operations or activities of Resources Company, including Genco, Gencos 80% ownership interest in EEI, AERG, Medina Valley and Marketing Company.
MGP Manufactured gas plant.
MISO Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., an RTO.
MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market A market that uses market-based pricing, which takes into account transmission congestion and line losses, to compensate market participants for power and ancillary services.
Missouri Environmental Authority Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority of the state of Missouri, a governmental body authorized to finance environmental projects by issuing tax-exempt bonds and notes.
Mmbtu One million Btus.
Money pool Borrowing agreements among Ameren and its subsidiaries to coordinate and provide for certain short-term cash and working capital requirements. Separate money pools maintained for rate-regulated and non-rate-regulated business are referred to as the utility money pool and the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool, respectively.
Moodys Moodys Investors Service Inc., a credit rating agency.
MoPSC Missouri Public Service Commission, a state agency that regulates Missouri utility businesses, including UE.
MPS Multi-Pollutant Standard, an agreement, as amended, reached in 2006 among Genco, AERG, EEI and the Illinois EPA, which was codified in Illinois environmental regulations.
MTM Mark-to-market.
MW Megawatt.
Native load Wholesale customers and end-use retail customers, whom we are obligated to serve by statute, franchise, contract, or other regulatory requirement.
NCF&O National Congress of Firemen and Oilers, a labor union.
NO x Nitrogen oxide.
Noranda Noranda Aluminum, Inc.
NPNS Normal purchases and normal sales.
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a U.S. government agency.
NSPS New Source Performance Standards, a provision under the Clean Air Act.
NSR New Source Review provisions of the Clean Air Act, which include Nonattainment New Source Review and Prevention of Significant Deterioration regulations.
NYMEX New York Mercantile Exchange.
NYSE New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
OATT Open Access Transmission Tariff.
OCI Other comprehensive income (loss) as defined by GAAP.
Off-system revenues Revenues from other than native load sales.
OTC Over-the-counter.
PGA Purchased Gas Adjustment tariffs, which allow the passing through of the actual cost of natural gas to utility customers.
PJM PJM Interconnection LLC.
PUHCA 2005 The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, effective February 8, 2006.
Regulatory lag The effect of adjustments to retail electric and natural gas rates being based on historic cost and revenue levels. Rate increase requests can take up to 11 months to be acted upon by the MoPSC and the ICC. As a result, revenue increases authorized by regulators will lag behind changing costs and revenue when based on historical periods.
Resources Company Ameren Energy Resources Company, LLC, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary that consists of non-rate-regulated operations, including Genco, Gencos 80% ownership interest in EEI, AERG, Marketing Company and Medina Valley. On October 1, 2010, AERG stock was distributed to Ameren, which then contributed it to Resources Company, thereby making AERG a subsidiary of Resources Company.
RFP Request for proposal.
RTO Regional Transmission Organization.
S&P Standard & Poors Ratings Services, a credit rating agency that is a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
SEC Securities and Exchange Commission, a U.S. government agency.
SERC SERC Reliability Corporation, one of the regional electric reliability councils organized for coordinating the planning and operation of the nations bulk power supply.
SO 2 Sulfur dioxide.
UA United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, a labor union.
UE Union Electric Company, an Ameren Corporation subsidiary that operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution business, and a rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution business in Missouri, doing business as Ameren Missouri.
VIE Variable-interest entity.
Statements in this report not based on historical facts are considered forward-looking and, accordingly, involve
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risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk Factors and elsewhere in this report and in our other filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:
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regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, including changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, such as the outcome of the pending UE electric rate proceeding and the AIC electric and natural gas rate proceeding; the court appeals and regulatory proceedings related to UEs 2009 and 2010 electric rate orders and the court appeals related to AICs 2010 electric and natural gas rate order; and future regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions that seek to limit or reverse rate increases; |
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the effects of, or changes to, the Illinois power procurement process; |
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changes in laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and tax policies; |
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changes in laws or regulations that adversely affect the ability of electric distribution companies and other purchasers of wholesale electricity to pay their suppliers, including UE and Marketing Company; |
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the effects of increased competition in the future due to, among other things, deregulation of certain aspects of our business at both the state and federal levels, and the implementation of deregulation, such as occurred when the electric rate freeze and power supply contracts expired in Illinois at the end of 2006; |
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the effects on demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in energy efficiency and distributed generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption; |
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increasing capital expenditure and operating expense requirements and our ability to recover these costs in a timely fashion in light of regulatory lag; |
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the effects of participation in, or potential withdrawal from, MISO; |
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the cost and availability of fuel such as coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities, including the ability to recover the costs for such commodities; |
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the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and the use of financial and derivative instruments; |
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the level and volatility of future prices for power in the Midwest; |
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business and economic conditions, including their impact on interest rates, bad debt expense, and demand for our products; |
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disruptions of the capital markets or other events that make the Ameren Companies access to necessary capital, including short-term credit and liquidity, impossible, more difficult, or more costly; |
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our assessment of our liquidity; |
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the impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance and the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance; |
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actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions; |
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the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers; |
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the impact of system outages; |
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generation, transmission, and distribution asset construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery; |
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the extent to which UE prevails in its claims against insurers in connection with its Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric plant incident; |
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the extent to which UE is permitted by its regulators to recover in rates (i) certain of the Taum Sauk rebuild costs not covered by insurance and (ii) investments made in connection with a proposed second unit at its Callaway nuclear plant; |
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impairments of long-lived assets, intangible assets, or goodwill; |
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operation of UEs nuclear power facility, including planned and unplanned outages, and decommissioning costs; |
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the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; |
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the impact of current environmental regulations on utilities and power generating companies and the expectation that more stringent requirements, including those related to greenhouse gases, other emissions, and energy efficiency, will be enacted over time, which could limit or terminate the operation of certain of our generating units, increase our costs, result in an impairment of our assets, reduce our customers demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect; |
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the impact of complying with renewable energy portfolio requirements in Missouri; |
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labor disputes, work force reductions, future wage and employee benefits costs, including changes in discount rates and returns on benefit plan assets; |
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the inability of our counterparties and affiliates to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit facilities, and financial instruments; |
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the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by the Ameren Companies facilities or required to satisfy energy sales made by the Ameren Companies; |
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legal and administrative proceedings; and |
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acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or intentionally disruptive acts. |
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Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.
PART I
ITEM 1. | BUSINESS. |
Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company under PUHCA 2005 administered by FERC. Ameren was formed in 1997 by the merger of UE and CIPSCO Inc. Ameren acquired CILCORP in 2003 and IP in 2004. Amerens primary assets are the common stock of its subsidiaries, including UE, AIC and Genco. Amerens subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. These subsidiaries operate, as the case may be, rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution businesses, rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution businesses, and merchant generation businesses in Missouri and Illinois. Dividends on Amerens common stock and the payment of other expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Below is a summary description of UE, AIC and Genco. A more detailed description can be found in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
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UE operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution business, and a rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution business in Missouri. |
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AIC operates a rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution business in Illinois. |
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Genco operates a merchant electric generation business in Illinois and Missouri. |
As part of an internal reorganization, Resources Company transferred its 80% ownership interest in EEI to Genco, through a capital contribution, on January 1, 2010.
On October 1, 2010, after receiving all necessary approvals, Ameren, CIPS, CILCO, IP, AERG and Resources Company completed a two-step corporate internal reorganization. The first step of the reorganization was the AIC Merger. The second step of the reorganization involved the distribution of AERG stock from AIC to Ameren (the AERG distribution) and the subsequent contribution by Ameren of the AERG stock to Resources Company. For additional information regarding the corporate reorganization, see Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
The following table presents our total employees at December 31, 2010:
Ameren (a) |
9,474 | |||
UE |
4,372 | |||
AIC |
2,752 | |||
Genco |
695 |
(a) | Total for Ameren includes Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
As of January 1, 2011, the IBEW, the IUOE, the LIUNA, the NCF&O and the UA labor unions collectively represented about 59% of Amerens total employees. They represented 64% of the employees at UE, 67% at AIC, and 67% at Genco. All collective bargaining agreements that expired in 2010 were renegotiated and ratified. The collective bargaining agreements have three- to five-year terms, and expire between 2011 and 2013. Several collective bargaining agreements between Ameren subsidiaries and the IBEW, IUOE, the LIUNA, NCF&O and the UA labor unions, covering approximately 925 employees, expire throughout 2011.
For additional information about the development of our businesses, our business operations, and factors affecting our operations and financial position, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, of this report and Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Ameren has three reportable segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Merchant Generation. See Note 18 Segment Information under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information on reporting segments.
Rates
The rates that UE and AIC are allowed to charge for their utility services significantly influence the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of these companies and Ameren. The electric and natural gas utility industry is highly regulated. The utility rates charged to UE and AIC customers are determined, in large part, by governmental entities, including the MoPSC, the ICC, and FERC. Decisions by these entities are influenced by many factors, including the cost of providing service, the prudency of expenditures, the quality of service, regulatory staff knowledge and experience, economic conditions, public policy, and social and political views. Decisions made by these governmental entities regarding rates are largely outside of UEs and AICs control. These decisions, as well as the regulatory lag involved in filing and getting new rates approved, could have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of Ameren, UE and AIC. Rate orders are also subject to appeal and stay requests, which create additional uncertainty as to the rates UE and AIC are ultimately allowed to charge for their services.
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The ICC regulates rates and other matters for AIC and AITX. The MoPSC regulates rates and other matters for UE. The FERC regulates UE, AIC, Genco, and AITX as to their ability to charge market-based rates for the sale and transmission of energy in interstate commerce and various other matters discussed below under General Regulatory Matters.
About 46% of Amerens electric and 15% of its gas operating revenues were subject to regulation by the MoPSC in the year ended December 31, 2010. About 31% of Amerens electric and 85% of its gas operating revenues were subject to regulation by the ICC in the year ended December 31, 2010. Wholesale revenues for UE, Genco and AERG are subject to FERC regulation, but not subject to direct MoPSC or ICC regulation.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Electric
About 98% of UEs electric operating revenues were subject to regulation by the MoPSC in the year ended December 31, 2010. Beginning March 1, 2009, UEs retail electric rates include a FAC that allows billing adjustments for changes in prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs. On May 28, 2010, the MoPSC issued an order approving an increase for UE in annual revenues for electric service of approximately $230 million. This order allowed UE to continue to use the regulatory tracking mechanisms for vegetation management and infrastructure costs and pension and postretirement benefit costs. See below for cost recovery of energy efficiency programs. UEs 2009 and 2010 electric rate orders are still subject to court appeals.
On September 3, 2010, UE filed a request with the MoPSC to increase its annual revenues for electric service by approximately $263 million. Approximately $110 million of the request relates to recovery of the cost of installing and operating two scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant. Also included in this requested increase is a $73 million anticipated increase in normalized net fuel costs above the net fuel costs included in base rates previously authorized by the MoPSC in its May 2010 electric rate order. Absent initiation of this general rate proceeding, 95% of this amount would have been reflected in rate adjustments implemented under UEs FAC. Capital additions relating to enhancements at the rebuilt Taum Sauk facility were also included in the increase request. As a part of its filing, UE also requested that the MoPSC approve the implementation of an infrastructure investment tracking mechanism as well as enhanced energy efficiency cost recovery. UE also requested continued use of its existing FAC, vegetation management and infrastructure cost tracker, and the regulatory tracking mechanism for pension and postretirement benefit costs the MoPSC previously authorized in earlier electric rate orders. In February 2011, the MoPSC staff responded to the UE request for an electric service rate increase. The MoPSC staff recommended an increase to UEs annual revenues of between $45 million and $99 million based on a return on equity of 8.25% to
9.25%. Included in this recommendation was approximately $50 million of increases in normalized net fuel costs and $32 million of asset disallowances relating to the Sioux plant scrubbers. Other parties also made recommendations through testimony filed in this case.
FERC regulates the rates charged and the terms and conditions for electric transmission services. Each RTO separately files a regional transmission tariff for approval by FERC. All transmission service within that RTO is then subjected to that tariff. As a member of MISO, UEs transmission rate is calculated in accordance with the MISO tariff rate formula. The transmission rate is updated in June of each year based on UEs filing with FERC. This rate is charged directly to wholesale customers. This rate is not directly charged to Missouri retail customers because in Missouri the MoPSC includes transmission-related costs in setting bundled retail rates.
Natural Gas
All of UEs natural gas operating revenues were subject to regulation by the MoPSC in the year ended December 31, 2010. In January 2011, the MoPSC approved a stipulation and agreement that allows UE to increase annual natural gas revenues by $9 million resolving a June 2010 rate increase request. The new rates became effective on February 20, 2011. As part of the stipulation and agreement, UE agreed not to file a separate natural gas rate increase request before December 31, 2012; however, UE can file a combined natural gas and electric rate case before that date. Further, this agreement does not prevent UE from filing to recover infrastructure replacement costs through an ISRS during this moratorium. The return on equity to be used by UE for purposes of an ISRS tariff filing is 10%.
If certain criteria are met, UEs natural gas rates may be adjusted without a traditional rate proceeding. PGA clauses permit prudently incurred natural gas costs to be passed directly to the consumer. The ISRS also permits prudently incurred natural gas infrastructure replacement costs to be passed directly to the consumer.
For additional information on Missouri rate matters, including UEs 2011 natural gas rate order, UEs pending electric rate case, and UEs 2009 and 2010 electric rate orders and related court appeals and regulatory proceedings, see Results of Operations and Outlook in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk under Part II, Item 7A, and Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
All of AICs electric and natural gas operating revenues were subject to regulation by the ICC or FERC in the year ended December 31, 2010.
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Under the Illinois Customer Choice Law, all electric customers in Illinois may choose their own electric energy provider. However, AIC is required to serve as the provider of last resort (POLR) for electric customers within its territory who have not chosen an alternative retail electric supplier. AICs obligation to provide full requirements electric service, including power supply, as a POLR varies by customer size. AIC is not required to offer fixed-priced electric service to customers with electric demands of 400 kilowatts or greater, as the market for service to this group of customers has been declared competitive. Power procurement costs incurred by AIC are passed directly to its customers through a cost recovery mechanism.
In April 2010, the ICC issued a rate order for AIC, which was amended in May 2010, that approved a net increase in annual revenues for electric delivery service of $35 million and a net decrease in annual revenues for natural gas delivery service of $20 million. The rate changes became effective in May 2010. The ICC order confirmed the previously approved 80% allocation of fixed non-volumetric residential and commercial natural gas customer charges, and approved a higher percentage of recovery of fixed non-volumetric electric residential and commercial customer charges. The percentage of costs to be recovered through fixed non-volumetric electric residential and commercial customer and meter charges increased from 27% to 40%. AIC and certain intervenors were granted a rehearing with the ICC. In November 2010, the ICC approved an order on the rehearing issues, which authorized an increase in annual revenues of $25 million, in addition to the net $15 million increase authorized in the ICCs May 2010 amended rate order. The overall annual delivery service revenue increase as a result of these orders is $40 million. The rate changes relating to the rehearing issues became effective on November 19, 2010.
AIC filed a request with the ICC in February 2011 to increase its annual revenues for electric and natural gas delivery service by $60 million and $51 million, respectively. In an attempt to limit regulatory lag, AIC is using a future test year, 2012, in this rate request. Additionally, AIC is requesting a rider mechanism for its pension costs and the continuation of existing riders described below, including cost recovery mechanisms for energy efficiency costs. The requested pension cost rider mechanism would allow AIC to recover from or refund to customers any difference between pension expense incurred and the amount allowed in rates annually without a formal regulatory proceeding.
AIC has a tariff rider to recover the costs of asbestos-related litigation claims, subject to the following terms: 90% of cash expenditures in excess of the amount included in base electric rates are recovered from a trust fund established when Ameren acquired IP. At December 31, 2010, the trust fund balance was $23 million, including accumulated interest. If cash expenditures are less than the amount in base rates, AIC will contribute 90% of the difference to the fund. Once the trust fund is depleted, 90% of allowed cash expenditures in excess of base rates will be recovered through charges assessed to customers under
the tariff rider. Following the AIC Merger, this rider is only applicable for claims that occurred within IPs historical service territory. Similarly, the rider will seek recovery only from customers within IPs historical service territory.
In 2009, a new law became effective in Illinois that allows electric and natural gas utilities to recover through a rate adjustment the difference between their actual bad debt expense and the bad debt expense included in their base rates. In February 2010, the ICC approved AICs electric and natural gas rate adjustment tariffs to recover bad debt expense not recovered in base rates.
If certain criteria are met, AICs natural gas rates may be adjusted without a traditional rate proceeding. PGA clauses permit prudently incurred natural gas costs to be passed directly to the consumer.
FERC regulates the rates charged and the terms and conditions for electric transmission services. Each RTO separately files a regional transmission tariff for approval by FERC. All transmission service within that RTO is then subjected to that tariff. As a member of MISO, AICs transmission rate is calculated in accordance with the MISO tariff rate formula. The transmission rate is updated in June of each year based on AICs filings with FERC filings. This rate is charged directly to wholesale customers and alternative retail electric suppliers. For retail customers who have not chosen an alternative retail electric supplier, the transmission rate is collected through a rider mechanism.
For additional information on Illinois rate matters, including AICs currently pending electric and natural gas rate cases, see Results of Operations and Outlook in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk under Part II, Item 7A, and Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Merchant Generation
Merchant Generation revenues are determined by market conditions and contractual arrangements. We expect the Merchant Generation fleet of assets to have 6,263 megawatts of capacity available for the 2011 peak summer electrical demand. As discussed below, Genco and AERG sell all of their power and capacity to Marketing Company through power supply agreements. Marketing Company attempts to optimize the value of those assets and mitigate risks through a variety of hedging techniques, including wholesale sales of capacity and energy, retail sales in the non-rate-regulated Illinois market, spot market sales primarily in MISO and PJM, and financial transactions. Marketing Company enters into long-term and short-term contracts. Marketing Companys counterparties include cooperatives, municipalities, commercial and industrial customers, power marketers, MISO, PJM and investor-owned utilities, such as AIC. For additional information on Marketing Companys hedging activities and Marketing Companys sales to AIC, see Outlook in Managements
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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7 and Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 14 Related Party Transactions under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
General Regulatory Matters
UE and AIC must receive FERC approval to issue short-term debt securities and to conduct certain acquisitions, mergers and consolidations involving electric utility holding companies having a value in excess of $10 million. In addition, these Ameren utilities must receive authorization from the applicable state public utility regulatory agency to issue stock and long-term debt securities (with maturities of more than 12 months) and to conduct mergers, affiliate transactions, and various other activities. Genco and AERG are subject to FERCs jurisdiction when they issue any securities.
Under PUHCA 2005, FERC and any state public utility regulatory agencies may access books and records of Ameren and its subsidiaries that are determined to be relevant to costs incurred by Amerens rate-regulated subsidiaries with respect to jurisdictional rates. PUHCA 2005 also permits the MoPSC and the ICC to request that FERC review cost allocations by Ameren Services to other Ameren companies.
Operation of UEs Callaway nuclear plant is subject to regulation by the NRC. Its facility operating license expires on June 11, 2024. UE intends to submit a license extension application with the NRC to extend the plants operating license to 2044. UEs Osage hydroelectric plant and UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric plant, as licensed projects under the Federal Power Act, are subject to FERC regulations affecting, among other things, the general operation and maintenance of the projects. The license for UEs Osage hydroelectric plant expires on March 30, 2047. In June 2008, UE filed a relicensing application with FERC to operate its Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility for another 40 years. The existing FERC license expired on June 30, 2010. On July 2, 2010, UE received a license extension that allows Taum Sauk to continue operations until FERC issues a new license. UE conducted studies using current field data and submitted the study results to multiple state and federal agencies in February 2011. UE anticipates filing the study results with FERC in the spring of 2011. A FERC order is expected after a review of the study results is completed; however, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the order. Taum Sauk returned to service in April 2010 after the plant was rebuilt following the breach of its upper reservoir in December 2005. UEs Keokuk plant and its dam, in the Mississippi River between Hamilton, Illinois, and Keokuk, Iowa, are operated under authority granted by an Act of Congress in 1905.
For additional information on regulatory matters, see Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report, which include a discussion about the December 2005 breach of the upper reservoir at UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric plant.
Environmental Matters
Certain of our operations are subject to federal, state, and local environmental statutes or regulations relating to the safety and health of personnel, the public, and the environment. These environmental statutes and regulations include requirements for identification, generation, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, recordkeeping, labeling, reporting, and emergency response in connection with hazardous and toxic materials; safety and health standards; and environmental protection requirements, including standards and limitations relating to the discharge of air and water pollutants and the management of waste and byproduct materials. Failure to comply with those statutes or regulations could have material adverse effects on us. We could be subject to criminal or civil penalties by regulatory agencies or we could be ordered by the courts to pay private parties. Except as indicated in this report, we believe that we are in material compliance with existing statutes and regulations.
In addition to existing laws and regulations governing our facilities, the EPA is developing numerous new environmental regulations that will have a significant impact on the electric utility industry. These regulations could be particularly burdensome for certain companies, including Ameren, UE and Genco, that operate coal-fired power plants. Significant new rules already proposed or promulgated within the past year include the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions, lowering the existing ozone ambient air quality standard; the CATR, which would require further reduction of SO 2 and NO x emissions from power plants; and a regulation governing coal ash impoundments. Within the next year, the EPA is also expected to propose new regulations under the Clean Water Act that could require significant capital expenditures, such as new water intake structures or cooling towers at our power plants, and a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants, such as mercury and acid gases from power plants. Such new regulations may be challenged with lawsuits, so the timing of their ultimate implementation is uncertain. Although many details of these future regulations are unknown, the combined effect of the new and proposed environmental regulations may result in significant capital expenditures or increased operating costs over the next five to eight years for Ameren, UE and Genco. Actions required to ensure that our facilities and operations are in compliance with environmental laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive. As a result, these regulations could require us to close or to significantly alter the operation of our generating facilities, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
For additional discussion of environmental matters, including NO x , SO 2 , and mercury emission reduction requirements, global climate change, remediation efforts, UEs receipt in January 2010 of a Notice of Violation from the EPA alleging violations of the Clean Air Acts NSR and Title V Programs, and the complaint filed by the EPA
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against UE in January 2011 alleging violation of the Clean Air Act and Missouri law in performing projects at UEs Rush Island coal-fired generating facility, see Liquidity and Capital Resources in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
TRANSMISSION AND SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER
Ameren owns an integrated transmission system that comprises the transmission assets of UE, AIC and ATXI. Ameren also operates two balancing authority areas, AMMO (which includes UE) and AMIL (which includes AIC, ATXI, Genco, excluding EEI and Gencos Elgin CT facility, and AERG). During 2010, the peak demand in AMMO was 8,797 MW and in AMIL was 9,166 MW. The Ameren transmission system directly connects with 15 other balancing authority areas for the exchange of electric energy.
UE, AIC and ATXI are transmission-owning members of MISO. Transmission service on the Ameren transmission systems is provided pursuant to the terms of the MISO OATT on file with FERC. EEI operates its own balancing authority area and its own transmission facilities in southern Illinois. The EEI transmission system is directly connected to MISO, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Louisville Gas and Electric Company. EEIs generating units are dispatched separately from those of UE, Genco and AERG.
On August 2, 2010, Ameren announced the formation of ATX. ATX intends to build projects initially within Illinois and Missouri, with the potential for expanding to other areas in the future. ATXs initial investments are expected to be the Grand Rivers projects, the first of which involves building a 345 kilovolt line across the state of Illinois, from the Missouri border to the Indiana border. The investment could total more than $1.3 billion through 2021, with a potential investment of $265 million from 2011 to 2015.
The Ameren Companies and EEI are members of SERC. SERC is responsible for the bulk electric power supply system in many states, including all or portions of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Florida, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Texas. As a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, owners and operators of the bulk electric power system are subject to mandatory reliability standards promulgated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and its regional entities, such as SERC, and enforced by FERC. The Ameren Companies must follow these standards, which are in place to require that proper functions are performed to ensure the reliability of the bulk electric power system.
See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
UEs electric supply is obtained primarily from its own generation. Factors that could cause UE to purchase power
include, among other things, absence of sufficient owned generation, plant outages, the fulfillment of renewable energy requirements, the failure of suppliers to meet their power supply obligations, extreme weather conditions, and the availability of power at a cost lower than the cost of generating it.
UE continues to evaluate its longer-term needs for new baseload and peaking electric generation capacity. UEs integrated resource plan filed with the MoPSC in February 2011 included the expectation that new baseload generation capacity would be required between 2020 and 2030. Because of the significant time required to plan, acquire permits for, and build a baseload power plant, UE continues to study future plant alternatives, as well as energy efficiency programs that could help defer new plant construction. To prepare for the long-term need for baseload capacity, and to prepare for potentially more stringent environmental regulation of coal-fired power plants, which could lead to the retirement of current baseload assets, UE is taking steps to preserve options to meet future demand. These steps include seeking improvements in regulatory treatment of energy efficiency investments, evaluating potential sites for natural gas-fired generation, and pursuing an ESP for an additional unit at its existing nuclear plant site, subject to passage of state legislation that would ensure rate recovery of the ESP costs once the ESP has been approved by the NRC. In December 2010 and January 2011, the Missouri Energy Partnership Act was separately introduced in both the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives. The purpose of this legislation is to maintain an option for nuclear power in the state of Missouri, recover the costs of the ESP for a period up to 20 years, and provide appropriate consumer protections. This legislation remains pending as of the date of this report.
See also Outlook in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, and Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
AIC is required to obtain from market sources all electric supply requirements for customers, except those customers in markets declared competitive, who do not purchase electric supply from third-party suppliers. The power procurement costs incurred by AIC are passed directly to its customers through a cost recovery mechanism.
As part of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, a new competitive power procurement process led by the IPA was implemented beginning in January 2009. The IPA administers a RFP process that procures AICs expected supply obligation. Since the start of this process, the ICC has approved the outcomes of multiple electric power procurement RFPs for energy, capacity and renewable energy credits covering different time periods.
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A portion of the electric power supply required for AIC to satisfy its distribution customers requirements is purchased in the RFP process administered by the IPA from Marketing Company on behalf of Genco, AERG and EEI. In addition, as part of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, AIC entered into financial contracts with Marketing Company (for the benefit of Genco and AERG) to lock in energy prices for 400 to 1,000 megawatts annually of its round-the-clock power requirements during the period June 1, 2008, through December 31, 2012, at the market prices relevant at that time. These financial contracts do not include capacity, are not load-following products, and do not involve the physical delivery of energy.
See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters, Note 14 Related Party Transactions and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information on power procurement in Illinois.
Merchant Generation
Genco and AERG have entered into power supply agreements with Marketing Company whereby Genco and AERG sell, and Marketing Company purchases, all the capacity available from Gencos and AERGs generation fleets and the associated energy. These power supply agreements continue through December 31, 2022, and from year to year thereafter unless either party elects to
terminate the agreement by providing the other party with no less than six months advance written notice. EEI and Marketing Company have entered into a power supply agreement for EEI to sell all of its capacity and energy to Marketing Company. This agreement expires on May 31, 2016. All of Gencos, AERGs and EEIs generating facilities compete for the sale of energy and capacity in the competitive energy markets through Marketing Company. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
On September 28, 2010, Resources Company announced that it signed a cooperative agreement with the DOE that could lead to repowering a unit at Gencos Meredosia plant. This would create the worlds first full-scale, oxy-combustion coal-fired plant designed for permanent CO 2 capture and storage. Ameren and two independent companies will assess the project in phases to validate the projects scope, cost, schedule and commercial viability. If the first phases are successful and the project has received regulatory approval, Ameren and its partners will initiate the construction necessary to repower the plant.
The following table presents the source of electric generation by fuel type, excluding purchased power, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
Coal | Nuclear | Natural Gas | Hydroelectric | Oil | ||||||||||||||||
Ameren: (a) |
||||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
85 | % | 12 | % | 1 | % | 2 | % | (b | )% | ||||||||||
2009 |
83 | 13 | 1 | 3 | (b | ) | ||||||||||||||
2008 |
85 | 12 | 1 | 2 | (b | ) | ||||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri (UE): |
||||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
77 | % | 19 | % | 1 | % | 3 | % | - | % | ||||||||||
2009 |
75 | 21 | (b | ) | 4 | - | ||||||||||||||
2008 |
77 | 19 | 1 | 3 | (b | ) | ||||||||||||||
Merchant Generation: |
||||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
98 | % | - | % | 2 | % | - | % | (b | )% | ||||||||||
2009 |
99 | - | 1 | - | (b | ) | ||||||||||||||
2008 |
99 | - | 1 | - | (b | ) | ||||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
99 | % | - | % | 1 | % | - | % | (b | )% | ||||||||||
2009 |
100 | - | (b | ) | - | (b | ) | |||||||||||||
2008 |
99 | - | 1 | - | (b | ) |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Less than 1% of total fuel supply. |
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The following table presents the cost of fuels for electric generation for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
Cost of Fuels (Dollars per million Btus) | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||
Coal (a) |
$ | 1.848 | $ | 1.654 | $ | 1.572 | (b) | |||||
Nuclear |
0.701 | 0.620 | 0.493 | |||||||||
Natural gas (c) |
6.539 | 8.685 | 10.503 | |||||||||
Weighted average all fuels (d) |
$ | 1.803 | $ | 1.591 | $ | 1.573 | (b) | |||||
Ameren Missouri (UE): |
||||||||||||
Coal (a) |
$ | 1.675 | $ | 1.534 | $ | 1.426 | ||||||
Nuclear |
0.701 | 0.620 | 0.493 | |||||||||
Natural gas (c) |
6.199 | 8.544 | 10.264 | |||||||||
Weighted average all fuels (d) |
$ | 1.563 | $ | 1.386 | $ | 1.340 | ||||||
Merchant Generation: |
||||||||||||
Coal (a) |
$ | 2.063 | $ | 1.813 | $ | 1.746 | (b) | |||||
Natural gas (c) |
6.972 | 8.796 | 10.764 | |||||||||
Weighted average all fuels (d) |
$ | 2.169 | $ | 1.934 | $ | 1.919 | (b) | |||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||
Coal (a) |
$ | 2.112 | $ | 1.869 | $ | 1.786 | ||||||
Natural gas (c) |
7.881 | 13.159 | 15.857 | |||||||||
Weighted average all fuels (d) |
$ | 2.206 | $ | 1.957 | $ | 1.896 |
(a) | The fuel cost for coal represents the cost of coal, costs for transportation, which includes railroad diesel fuel additives, and cost of emission allowances. |
(b) | Excludes impact of the Genco coal supply contract settlement under which Genco received a lump-sum payment of $60 million in July 2008 from a coal mine owner. See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report. |
(c) | The fuel cost for natural gas represents the cost of natural gas and firm and variable costs for transportation, storage, balancing, and fuel losses for delivery to the plant. In addition, the fixed costs for firm transportation and firm storage capacity are included in the calculation of fuel cost for the generating facilities. |
(d) | Represents all costs for fuels used in our electric generating facilities, to the extent applicable, including coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil, propane, tire chips, paint products, and handling. Oil, paint, propane, and tire chips are not individually listed in this table because their use is minimal. |
Coal
Ameren, UE and Genco have agreements in place to purchase a portion of their coal needs and to transport it to electric generating facilities through 2019. Ameren, UE and Genco expect to enter into additional contracts to purchase coal from time to time. Coal supply agreements typically have an initial term of up to five years, with about 20% of the contracts expiring annually. UE has an ongoing need for coal to serve its native load customers and pursues a price hedging strategy consistent with this requirement. Merchant Generations forward coal requirements are dependent on the volume of power sales that have been contracted. As such, Merchant Generation strives to achieve increased margin certainty by aligning its fuel purchases with its power sales. Ameren burned 39 million tons (UE 22 million, Genco 13 million) of coal in 2010. See Part II, Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of this report for additional information about coal supply contracts.
About 97% of Amerens coal (UE 97%, Genco 97%) is purchased from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. The remaining coal is typically purchased from the Illinois Basin. Ameren, UE and Genco have a goal to maintain coal inventory consistent with their risk management policies. Inventory may be adjusted because of changes in burn or uncertainties of supply due to
potential work stoppages, delays in coal deliveries, equipment breakdowns, and other factors. In the past, deliveries from the Powder River Basin have occasionally been restricted because of rail maintenance, weather, and derailments. As of December 31, 2010, coal inventories for Ameren, UE and Genco were at targeted levels. However, in 2011 Merchant Generation is targeting a reduction in its coal inventory, relative to previous levels. Disruptions in coal deliveries could cause Ameren, UE and Genco to pursue a strategy that could include reducing sales of power during low-margin periods, buying higher-cost fuels to generate required electricity, and purchasing power from other sources.
Nuclear
The steps in the process to provide nuclear fuel generally involve the mining and milling of uranium ore to produce uranium concentrates, the conversion of uranium concentrates to uranium hexafluoride gas, the enrichment of that gas, and the fabrication of the enriched uranium hexafluoride gas into usable fuel assemblies. UE has entered into uranium, uranium conversion, enrichment, and fabrication contracts to procure the fuel supply for its Callaway nuclear plant.
Fuel assemblies for the 2011 fall refueling at UEs Callaway nuclear plant are scheduled for manufacture and
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delivery to the plant during May to July 2011. UE also has agreements or inventories to price-hedge approximately 98%, 84%, and 71% of Callaways 2011, 2013, and 2014 refueling requirements, respectively. UE has uranium (concentrate and hexafluoride) inventories and supply contracts sufficient to meet all of its uranium and conversion requirements through at least 2014. UE has enriched uranium inventories and enrichment supply contracts sufficient to satisfy enrichment requirements through 2013. Fuel fabrication services are under contract through 2014. UE expects to enter into additional contracts to purchase nuclear fuel. As a member of Fuelco, UE can join with other member companies to increase its purchasing power, enhance diversification and pursue opportunities for volume discounts. The Callaway nuclear plant normally requires refueling at 18-month intervals. The last refueling was completed in May 2010. There is no refueling scheduled for 2012 and 2015. The nuclear fuel markets are competitive, and prices can be volatile; however, we do not anticipate any significant problems in meeting our future supply requirements.
Natural Gas Supply
To maintain gas deliveries to gas-fired generating units throughout the year, especially during the summer peak demand, Amerens portfolio of natural gas supply resources includes firm transportation capacity and firm no-notice storage capacity leased from interstate pipelines. UE and Genco primarily use the interstate pipeline systems of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, Trunkline Gas Company, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, and Mississippi River Transmission Corporation to transport natural gas to generating units. In addition to physical transactions, Ameren uses financial instruments, including some in the NYMEX futures market and some in the OTC financial markets, to hedge the price paid for natural gas.
UEs and Gencos natural gas procurement strategy is designed to ensure reliable and immediate delivery of natural gas to their generating units. This is accomplished by optimizing transportation and storage options and minimizing cost and price risk through various supply and price-hedging agreements that allow access to multiple gas pools, supply basins, and storage services. As of December 31, 2010, UE had price-hedged about 30% and Genco had price-hedged 84% of its expected natural gas supply requirements for generation in 2011.
Renewable Energy
Illinois and Missouri have enacted laws requiring electric utilities to include renewable energy resources in their portfolios. Illinois requires renewable energy resources to equal or exceed 2% of the total electricity that each electric utility supplies to its eligible retail customers as of June 1, 2008, increasing to 15% by June 1, 2015, and to 25% by June 1, 2025. AIC has procured renewable energy credits under the IPA-administered procurement process to
meet the renewable energy portfolio requirement through May 2011. In December 2010, AIC entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with renewable energy suppliers and will begin purchasing power under the agreement starting in June 2012, to help supplement these requirements. Approximately 50% of the 2012 renewable energy requirement will be met through this agreement. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, for additional information about the Illinois power procurement process.
In Missouri, utilities are required to purchase or generate from renewable energy sources electricity equaling at least 2% of native load sales, with that percentage increasing to at least 15% by 2021, subject to a 1% limit on customer rate impacts. At least 2% of each renewable energy portfolio requirement must be derived from solar energy. UE expects to satisfy the nonsolar requirement through 2017 with existing renewable generation in its current fleet along with a 15-year, 102-MW power purchase agreement with a wind farm operator in Iowa that became effective in 2009 and the landfill gas project discussed below. Currently, UE expects to meet the solar energy requirement through the purchase of solar-generated renewable energy credits.
In September 2009, UE announced an agreement with a landfill owner to install CTs at a landfill site in St. Louis County, Missouri, which is expected to generate approximately 15MW of electricity by burning methane gas collected from the landfill. Site preparation for the CTs began in 2010 and construction will begin in 2011. The CTs are expected to begin generating power in 2012. UE signed a 20-year supply agreement with the landfill owner to purchase methane gas.
Energy Efficiency
Amerens regulated utilities have implemented energy efficiency programs to educate and help their customers become more efficient users of energy. A law in Missouri allows electric utilities to recover costs related to MoPSC-approved energy efficiency programs. The law could, among other things, allow UE to earn a return on its energy efficiency programs equivalent to the return UE could earn with supply-side capital investments, such as new power plants. UE introduced multiple energy efficiency programs in 2009 and 2010. UE has set up a website at www.uefficiency.com in order to provide more information to its customers regarding energy efficiency.
AIC is participating in the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, a program that supports energy efficiency, promotes renewable energy, and provides educational opportunities. In 2008, the ICC issued orders approving AICs electric energy efficiency plan as well as cost recovery mechanisms by which program costs are being recovered from customers. AIC has set up a website at www.actonenergy.com in order to provide more information to its customers regarding energy efficiency.
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NATURAL GAS SUPPLY FOR DISTRIBUTION
UE and AIC are responsible for the purchase and delivery of natural gas to their gas utility customers. UE and AIC develop and manage a portfolio of gas supply resources. These include firm gas supply under term agreements with producers, interstate and intrastate firm transportation capacity, firm storage capacity leased from interstate pipelines, and on-system storage facilities to maintain gas deliveries to customers throughout the year and especially during peak demand. UE and AIC primarily use the Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, the Trunkline Gas Company, the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, the Mississippi River Transmission Corporation, the Northern Border Pipeline Company and the Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation interstate pipeline systems to transport natural gas to their systems. In addition to physical transactions, financial instruments, including those entered into in the NYMEX futures market and in the OTC financial markets, are used to hedge the price paid for natural gas. See Part II, Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of this report for additional information about natural gas supply contracts. Prudently incurred natural gas purchase costs are passed on to customers of UE and AIC in Missouri and Illinois under PGA clauses, subject to prudency reviews by the MoPSC and the ICC. As of December 31, 2010, UE had price-hedged 90%, and AIC had price-hedged 89%, of its expected natural gas supply requirements for distribution in 2011.
For additional information on our fuel and purchased power supply, see Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources and Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, of this report. Also see Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk under Part II, Item 7A, of this report, Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments, Note 10 Callaway Nuclear Plant, Note 14 Related Party Transactions, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8.
We are facing issues common to the electric and natural gas utility industry and the merchant electric generation industry. These issues include:
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continually developing and complex environmental laws, regulations and issues, including air and water-quality standards, mercury regulations, and increasingly likely greenhouse gas limitations and ash management requirements; |
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political and regulatory resistance to higher rates, especially in a difficult economic environment; |
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the potential for changes in laws, regulation, and policies at the state and federal level, including those resulting from election cycles; |
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access to, and uncertainty in, the capital and credit markets; |
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the potential for more intense competition in generation, supply and distribution, including new technologies; |
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pressure on customer growth and usage in light of current economic conditions and energy efficiency initiatives; |
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the potential for reregulation in some states, including Illinois, which could cause electric distribution companies to build or acquire generation facilities and to purchase less power from electric generating companies such as Genco, AERG and EEI; |
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changes in the structure of the industry as a result of changes in federal and state laws, including the formation of merchant generating and independent transmission entities and RTOs; |
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increases, decreases and volatility in power prices due to the balance of supply and demand and marginal fuel costs; |
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the availability of fuel and increases or decreases in fuel prices; |
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the availability of qualified labor and material, and rising costs; |
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regulatory lag; |
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decreased free cash flows due to rising infrastructure investments and the regulatory framework; |
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public concern about the siting of new facilities; |
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aging infrastructure and the need to construct new power generation, transmission and distribution facilities; |
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proposals for programs to encourage or mandate energy efficiency and renewable sources of power; |
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public concerns about nuclear plant operation and decommissioning and the disposal of nuclear waste; and |
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consolidation of electric and natural gas companies. |
We are monitoring these issues. Except as otherwise noted in this report, we are unable to predict what impact, if any, these issues will have on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. For additional information, see Risk Factors under Part I, Item 1A, and Outlook and Regulatory Matters in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, and Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
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The following tables present key electric and natural gas operating statistics for Ameren for the past three years:
Electric Operating Statistics Year Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Electric Sales kilowatthours (in millions): |
||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
14,640 | 13,413 | 13,904 | |||||||||
Commercial |
15,002 | 14,510 | 14,690 | |||||||||
Industrial |
8,656 | 7,037 | 9,256 | |||||||||
Other |
1,429 | 1,655 | 785 | |||||||||
Native load subtotal |
39,727 | 36,615 | 38,635 | |||||||||
Off-system sales |
8,496 | 12,447 | 10,457 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
48,223 | 49,062 | 49,092 | |||||||||
Ameren Illinois: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
||||||||||||
Power supply and delivery service |
12,341 | 11,089 | 11,667 | |||||||||
Commercial |
||||||||||||
Power supply and delivery service |
4,419 | 5,235 | 6,095 | |||||||||
Delivery service only |
8,051 | 6,797 | 6,147 | |||||||||
Industrial |
||||||||||||
Power supply and delivery service |
1,389 | 514 | 1,442 | |||||||||
Delivery service only |
11,147 | 10,712 | 11,300 | |||||||||
Other |
545 | 546 | 555 | |||||||||
Native load subtotal |
37,892 | 34,893 | 37,206 | |||||||||
Merchant Generation: |
||||||||||||
Nonaffiliate energy sales |
30,788 | 25,673 | 26,395 | |||||||||
Affiliate native energy sales |
949 | 3,529 | 6,055 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
31,737 | 29,202 | 32,450 | |||||||||
Eliminate affiliate sales |
(949 | ) | (3,529 | ) | (6,055 | ) | ||||||
Eliminate Ameren Illinois/Merchant Generation common customers |
(5,016 | ) | (5,566 | ) | (4,939 | ) | ||||||
Ameren total |
111,887 | 104,062 | 107,754 | |||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues (in millions): |
||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 1,193 | $ | 982 | $ | 948 | ||||||
Commercial |
1,004 | 881 | 838 | |||||||||
Industrial |
399 | 314 | 372 | |||||||||
Other |
147 | 122 | 108 | |||||||||
Native load subtotal |
$ | 2,743 | $ | 2,299 | $ | 2,266 | ||||||
Off-system sales |
287 | 401 | 490 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 3,030 | $ | 2,700 | $ | 2,756 | ||||||
Ameren Illinois: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
||||||||||||
Power supply and delivery service |
$ | 1,270 | $ | 1,094 | $ | 1,112 | ||||||
Commercial |
||||||||||||
Power supply and delivery service |
425 | 521 | 616 | |||||||||
Delivery service only |
143 | 103 | 77 | |||||||||
Industrial |
||||||||||||
Power supply and delivery service |
66 | 22 | 102 | |||||||||
Delivery service only |
38 | 36 | 30 | |||||||||
Other |
119 | 189 | 305 | |||||||||
Native load subtotal |
$ | 2,061 | $ | 1,965 | $ | 2,242 | ||||||
Merchant Generation: |
||||||||||||
Nonaffiliate energy sales |
$ | 1,442 | $ | 1,340 | $ | 1,389 | ||||||
Affiliate native energy sales |
231 | 385 | 441 | |||||||||
Other |
20 | (15 | ) | 106 | ||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 1,693 | $ | 1,710 | $ | 1,936 | ||||||
Eliminate affiliate revenues |
(263 | ) | (435 | ) | (547 | ) | ||||||
Ameren total |
$ | 6,521 | $ | 5,940 | $ | 6,387 |
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Electric Operating Statistics Year Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Electric Generation megawatthours (in millions): |
||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri |
48.1 | 48.7 | 49.3 | |||||||||
Merchant Generation: |
||||||||||||
Genco |
22.0 | 20.5 | 24.6 | |||||||||
AERG |
7.5 | 6.8 | 6.7 | |||||||||
Medina Valley |
0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
29.6 | 27.5 | 31.5 | |||||||||
Ameren total |
77.7 | 76.2 | 80.8 | |||||||||
Price per ton of delivered coal (average) |
$ | 32.91 | $ | 29.85 | $ | 26.90 | (a) | |||||
Source of energy supply: |
||||||||||||
Coal |
65.7 | % | 67.0 | % | 70.1 | % | ||||||
Nuclear |
8.9 | 10.8 | 9.5 | |||||||||
Hydroelectric |
1.6 | 2.0 | 1.8 | |||||||||
Gas |
1.0 | 0.6 | 0.8 | |||||||||
Purchased Wind |
0.3 | 0.1 | - | |||||||||
Purchased Other |
22.5 | 19.5 | 17.8 | |||||||||
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
Gas Operating Statistics Year Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Gas Sales (millions of Dth) |
||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
7 | 7 | 8 | |||||||||
Commercial |
4 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
Industrial |
1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
12 | 12 | 13 | |||||||||
Ameren Illinois: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
60 | 60 | 65 | |||||||||
Commercial |
23 | 26 | 28 | |||||||||
Industrial |
7 | 7 | 11 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
90 | 93 | 104 | |||||||||
Other: |
||||||||||||
Industrial |
1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||
Eliminate affiliate sales |
- | - | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Ameren total |
103 | 108 | 120 | |||||||||
Natural Gas Operating Revenues (in millions) |
||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 100 | $ | 106 | $ | 121 | ||||||
Commercial |
43 | 47 | 54 | |||||||||
Industrial |
10 | 10 | 12 | |||||||||
Other |
13 | 7 | 14 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 166 | $ | 170 | $ | 201 | ||||||
Ameren Illinois: |
||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 649 | $ | 646 | $ | 819 | ||||||
Commercial |
223 | 259 | 338 | |||||||||
Industrial |
44 | 38 | 119 | |||||||||
Other |
37 | 72 | (11 | ) | ||||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 953 | $ | 1,015 | $ | 1,265 | ||||||
Other: |
||||||||||||
Industrial |
$ | 4 | $ | 15 | $ | 26 | ||||||
Subtotal |
$ | 4 | $ | 15 | $ | 26 | ||||||
Eliminate affiliate revenues |
(6 | ) | (5 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||
Ameren total |
$ | 1,117 | $ | 1,195 | $ | 1,482 |
15
Gas Operating Statistics Year Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Peak day throughput (thousands of Dth): |
||||||||||||
UE |
167 | 163 | 158 | |||||||||
AIC |
1,227 | 1,353 | 1,280 | |||||||||
Total peak day throughput |
1,394 | 1,516 | 1,438 |
(a) | Includes impact of the Genco coal settlement under which Genco received a lump-sum payment of $60 million in July 2008 from a coal mine owner. See Note 1 Summary of Significant Account Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report. |
The Ameren Companies make available free of charge through Amerens website (www.ameren.com) their annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Amerens eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) documents, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably possible after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These documents are also available through an Internet website maintained by the SEC (www.sec.gov). Ameren also uses its website (www.ameren.com) as a channel of distribution of material information relating to the Ameren Companies. Financial and other material information regarding the Ameren Companies is routinely posted and accessible at Amerens website.
The Ameren Companies also make available free of charge through Amerens website (www.ameren.com) the charters of Amerens board of directors audit and risk committee, human resources committee, nominating and corporate governance committee, finance committee, nuclear oversight and environmental committee, and public policy committee; the corporate governance guidelines; a policy regarding communications to the board of directors; a policy and procedures with respect to related-person transactions; a code of ethics for principal executive and senior financial officers; a code of business conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees; and a director nomination policy that applies to the Ameren Companies. The information on Amerens website, or any other website referenced in this report, is not incorporated by reference into this report.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS. |
Investors should review carefully the following risk factors and the other information contained in this report. The risks that the Ameren Companies face are not limited to those in this section. There may be additional risks and uncertainties (either currently unknown or not currently believed to be material) that could adversely affect the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of the Ameren Companies. See Forward-looking Statements above and Outlook in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, of this report.
We are subject to extensive regulation of our businesses, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
We are subject to, or affected by, extensive federal and state regulation. This extensive regulatory framework, some but not all of which is more specifically identified in the following risk factors, regulates, among other matters, the electric and natural gas industries; rate and cost structure of utilities; operation of nuclear power facilities; construction and operation of generation, transmission and distribution facilities; acquisition, disposal, depreciation and amortization of assets and facilities; transmission reliability; and present or prospective wholesale and retail competition. We must address in our business planning and management of operations the effects of existing and proposed laws and regulations and potential changes in the regulatory framework, including initiatives by federal and state legislatures, RTOs, utility regulators, and taxing authorities. Significant changes in the nature of the regulation of our businesses could require changes to our business planning and management of our businesses and could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. Failure to obtain adequate rates or regulatory approvals in a timely manner, failure to obtain necessary licenses or permits from regulatory authorities, new or changed laws, regulations, standards, interpretations, or other legal requirements, or increased compliance costs could adversely impact our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The electric and natural gas rates that UE and AIC are allowed to charge are determined through regulatory proceedings, which are subject to appeal, and are subject to legislative actions, which are largely outside of their control. Any events that prevent UE or AIC from recovering their respective costs or from earning appropriate returns on their investments could have a material adverse effect on results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The rates that UE and AIC are allowed to charge for their utility services significantly influence the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of these companies and Ameren. The electric and natural gas utility industry is highly regulated. The utility rates charged to UE and AIC customers are determined, in large part, by governmental entities, including the MoPSC, the ICC, and FERC. Decisions by these entities are influenced by many factors, including the cost of providing service, the
16
prudency of expenditures, the quality of service, regulatory staff knowledge and experience, economic conditions, public policy, and social and political views. Decisions made by these governmental entities regarding rates are largely outside of UEs and AICs control. Regulatory lag involved in filing and getting new rates approved could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. Rate orders are also subject to appeal and stay requests, which create additional uncertainty as to the rates UE and AIC will ultimately be allowed to charge for their services.
UE and AIC electric and natural gas utility rates are typically established in regulatory proceedings that take up to 11 months to complete. Rates established in those proceedings for UE are primarily based on historical costs and revenues. Rates established in those proceedings for AIC may be based on historical or estimated future costs and revenues. Thus, the rates a utility is allowed to charge may or may not match its costs at any given time. Rates include an allowed return on investments by the regulators. Although rate regulation is premised on providing a reasonable opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that the applicable regulatory commission will judge all the costs of UE and AIC to have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process in which rates are determined will always result in rates that will produce full recovery of such costs or an adequate return on those investments.
During periods of rising costs and investments or declining retail usage, UE and AIC may not be able to earn the allowed return established by their regulators. This could result in deferral or elimination of planned capital investments. As a result, UE and AIC expect to file rate cases frequently. A period of increasing rates for our customers, especially during weak economic times, could result in additional regulatory and legislative actions, as well as competitive and political pressures, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that require significant capital expenditures or could result in closure of facilities, could increase our operating costs, and could adversely influence or limit our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, or expose us to fines and liabilities.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations enforced by federal, state and local authorities. From the beginning phases of siting and development to the ongoing operation of existing or new electric generating, transmission and distribution facilities, natural gas storage facilities, and natural gas transmission and distribution facilities, our activities involve compliance with diverse environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations address emissions, impacts to air, land and water, noise, protected natural and cultural resources (such as wetlands, endangered species and other protected wildlife, and archeological and historical resources), and
chemical and waste handling. Complex and lengthy processes are required to obtain approvals, permits, or licenses for new, existing or modified facilities. Additionally, the use and handling of various chemicals or hazardous materials (including wastes) requires release prevention plans and emergency response procedures.
In addition to existing laws and regulations governing our facilities, the EPA is developing numerous new environmental regulations that will have a significant impact on the electric utility industry. These regulations could be particularly burdensome for certain companies, including Ameren, UE and Genco that operate coal-fired power plants. Significant new rules already proposed or promulgated within the past year include the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions that increase the stringency of the existing ozone ambient air quality standard; the CATR, which would require further reduction of SO 2 and NO x emissions from power plants; and a regulation governing coal ash impoundments. Within the next year, the EPA is also expected to propose new regulations under the Clean Water Act, which could require significant capital expenditures such as new water intake structures or cooling towers at our power plants; NSPS and emission guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions applicable to new and existing electric generating units; and a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants such as mercury and acid gases from power plants. Such new regulations may be challenged with lawsuits, so the timing of their ultimate implementation is uncertain. Although many of the details of these future regulations are unknown, the combined effect of the new and proposed environmental regulations may result in significant capital expenditures and/or increased operating costs over the next five to eight years for Ameren, UE and Genco. Actions required to ensure that our facilities and operations are in compliance with environmental laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive. As a result, these regulations could require us to close or to significantly alter the operation of our generating facilities, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may also result in the imposition of fines, penalties, and injunctive measures.
We are also subject to liability under environmental laws for remediating environmental contamination of property now or formerly owned by us or by our predecessors, as well as property contaminated by hazardous substances that we generated. Such sites include MGP sites and third-party sites, such as landfills. Additionally, private individuals may seek to enforce environmental laws and regulations against us and could allege injury from exposure to hazardous materials.
Ameren also may be subject to risks in connection with changing or conflicting interpretations of existing laws and regulations. The EPA is engaged in an enforcement initiative targeted at coal-fired power plants in the United States to determine whether coal-fired power plants failed to comply
17
with the requirements of the NSR and NSPS provisions under the Clean Air Act when the plants implemented modifications. Failure to comply with the NSR and NSPS provisions under the Clean Air Act can result in increased capital expenditures for the installation of control technology, increased operations and maintenance expenses, and fines or penalties. Ameren and Genco have received requests for information from the EPA pursuant to Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act. In January 2010, UE received a Notice of Violation from the EPA alleging violations of the Clean Air Acts NSR and Title V programs. In the Notice of Violation, the EPA contends that various projects at UEs Labadie, Meramec, Rush Island, and Sioux coal-fired power plant facilities, dating back to the mid-1990s, triggered NSR requirements. In October 2010, the EPA supplemented and amended the Notice of Violation to include additional projects at UEs coal-fired power plant facilities. The amended Notice of Violation followed a series of information requests under Section 114(a). In January 2011, the EPA filed a complaint against UE in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The EPAs complaint alleges that in performing projects at its Rush Island coal-fired generating facility, UE violated provisions of the Clean Air Act and Missouri law. At present, the complaint does not include UEs other coal-fired facilities. Litigation of this matter could take many years to resolve. An outcome in this matter adverse to UE could require substantial capital expenditures and the payment of substantial penalties, neither of which can be determined at this time. Such expenditures could affect unit retirement and replacement decisions and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.
Ameren, UE and Genco have incurred and expect to incur significant costs related to environmental compliance and site remediation. New environmental regulations, voluntary compliance guidelines, enforcement initiatives, or legislation could result in a significant increase in capital expenditures and operating costs, decreased revenues, increased financing requirements, penalties, or closure of facilities for Ameren, UE and Genco. Although costs incurred by UE would be eligible for recovery in rates over time, subject to MoPSC approval in a rate proceeding, there is no similar cost recovery mechanism for Genco or for Amerens Merchant Generation business segment. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact of these matters on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Future limits on greenhouse gas emissions would likely require Ameren, UE and Genco to incur significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, which, if excessive, could result in the closures of coal-fired generating plants, impairment of assets, or otherwise materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Initiatives to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to address climate change have been subject to consideration in the U.S. Congress. In the past two years, legislation has been passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and
proposed in the Senate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from designated sources, including coal-fired electric generation units. Many of these proposals have included economy-wide cap-and-trade programs. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has been identified as a high priority by President Obamas administration.
Potential impacts from climate change legislation could vary, depending upon proposed CO 2 emission limits, the timing of implementation of those limits, the method of distributing any allowances, the degree to which offsets are allowed and available, and provisions for cost-containment measures, such as a safety valve provision that provides a maximum price for emission allowances. Our emissions of greenhouse gases vary among our generating facilities, but coal-fired power plants are significant sources of CO 2 . Amerens analysis shows that if most versions of the recently proposed climate change bills were enacted into law, household costs and rates for electricity could rise significantly. The burden could fall particularly hard on electricity consumers and upon the economy in the Midwest because of the regions reliance on electricity generated by coal-fired power plants. Natural gas emits per kilowatthour about half as much CO 2 as coal emits when burned to produce electricity. Therefore, climate change regulation could cause the conversion of coal-fired power plants to natural gas, or the construction of new natural gas plants to replace coal-fired power plants. As a result, economy-wide shifts to natural gas as a fuel source for electricity generation also could affect the cost of heating for our utility customers and many industrial processes that use natural gas. Higher costs for energy could contribute to reduced demand for electricity and natural gas.
In December 2009, the EPA issued its endangerment finding determining that greenhouse gas emissions, including CO 2 , endanger human health and welfare and that emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles contribute to that endangerment. In March 2010, the EPA issued a determination that greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, such as power plants, would be subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act in 2011. As a result of these actions, we will be required to consider the emissions of greenhouse gas in any air permit application submitted by us or pending after January 1, 2011.
Recognizing the difficulties presented by regulating at once virtually all emitters of greenhouse gases, the EPA finalized in May 2010 regulations known as the Tailoring Rule, that would establish new higher thresholds for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, such as power plants. The Tailoring Rule became effective in January 2011. The rule requires any source that already has an operating permit to have greenhouse-gas-specific provisions added to their permits upon renewal. Currently, all Ameren power plants have operating permits that, when renewed, may be modified to address greenhouse gas emissions. The Tailoring Rule also provides that if projects performed at major sources result in an increase in emissions of greenhouse gases of at least 75,000 tons per year, measured as CO 2 equivalents, such
18
projects could trigger permitting requirements under the NSR/Prevention of Significant Deterioration program and the application of best available control technology, if any, to control greenhouse gas emissions. New major sources also would be required to obtain such a permit and to install the best available control technology if their greenhouse gas emissions exceed the applicable emissions threshold. Separately, in December 2010, the EPA announced it would establish NSPS for greenhouse gas emissions at new and existing fossil-fuel fired power plants. In the announcement, the EPA said it will propose standards for power plants in July 2011 and issue final standards in May 2012. It is uncertain whether reductions to greenhouse gas emissions would be required at our power plants as a result of any of the EPAs new and future rules. Legal challenges to the EPAs greenhouse gas rules have been filed and more challenges are expected. Any federal climate change legislation that is enacted may preempt the EPAs regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including the Tailoring Rule, particularly as it relates to power plant greenhouse gas emissions. The extent to which the Tailoring Rule could have a material impact on our generating facilities depends upon how state agencies apply the EPAs guidelines as to what constitutes the best available control technology for greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, whether physical changes or changes in operations subject to the rule occur at our power plants, and whether federal legislation that preempts the rule is passed.
Future federal and state legislation or regulations that mandate limits on the emission of greenhouse gases would likely result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, which, in turn, could lead to increased liquidity needs and higher financing costs. Moreover, to the extent UE requests recovery of these costs through rates, its regulators might deny some or all of, or defer timely recovery of, these costs. Excessive costs to comply with future legislation or regulations might force Ameren, UE and Genco as well as other similarly situated electric power generators to close some coal-fired facilities and could lead to possible impairment of assets and reduced revenues. As a result, mandatory limits could have a material adverse impact on Amerens, UEs, and Gencos results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The construction of, and capital improvements to, Amerens, UEs and AICs electric and gas utility infrastructure as well as to Amerens and Gencos merchant generation facilities involve substantial risks. These risks include escalating costs, unsatisfactory performance by the projects when completed, the inability to complete projects as scheduled, cost disallowances by regulators and the inability to earn a reasonable return on invested capital, any of which could result in higher costs and the closure of facilities.
Over the next five years, the Ameren Companies will incur significant capital expenditures to comply with existing and known environmental regulations and to make investments in their electric and gas natural utility infrastructure and their merchant generation facilities. The
Ameren Companies estimate that they will incur up to $8.2 billion (UE up to $4.1 billion; AIC up to $2.4 billion; Genco up to $1.0 billion; other up to $700 million) of capital expenditures during the period 2011 through 2015. These expenses include construction expenditures, capitalized interest or allowance for funds used during construction, and compliance with environmental standards. Construction costs as well as the cost of capital have escalated in recent years. They are expected to stay at current levels or to escalate further.
Investments in Amerens regulated operations are expected to be recoverable from ratepayers, but are subject to prudency reviews and regulatory lag. The recoverability of amounts expended in merchant generation operations will depend upon market prices for capacity and energy.
The ability of the Ameren Companies to complete facilities under construction successfully, and to complete future projects within established estimates, is contingent upon many variables and subject to substantial risks. These variables include, but are not limited to, project management expertise and escalating costs for materials, labor, and environmental compliance. Delays in obtaining permits, shortages in materials and qualified labor, suppliers and contractors who do not perform as required under their contracts, changes in the scope and timing of projects, the inability to raise capital on favorable terms, or other events beyond our control that could occur may materially affect the schedule, cost and performance of these projects. With respect to capital spent for pollution control equipment, there is a risk that electric generating plants will not be permitted to continue to operate if pollution control equipment is not installed by prescribed deadlines or does not perform as expected. Should any such construction efforts be unsuccessful, the Ameren Companies could be subject to additional costs and to the loss of their investment in the project or facility. The Ameren Companies may also be required to purchase electricity for their customers until the projects are completed. All of these risks may have a material adverse effect on the Ameren Companies results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Our counterparties may not meet their obligations to us.
We are exposed to the risk that counterparties to various arrangements who owe us money, credit, energy, coal, or other commodities or services will not be able to perform their obligations or, with respect to our credit facilities, will fail to honor their commitments. Should the counterparties to commodity arrangements fail to perform, we might be forced to replace or to sell the underlying commitment at then-current market prices. Should the lenders under our credit facilities fail to perform, the level of borrowing capacity under those arrangements would decrease unless we were able to find replacement lenders to assume the nonperforming lenders commitment. In such an event, we might incur losses, or our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity could otherwise be adversely affected.
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Certain of the Ameren Companies have obligations to other Ameren Companies or other Ameren subsidiaries as a result of transactions involving energy, coal, other commodities and services, and as a result of hedging transactions. If one Ameren entity failed to perform under any of these arrangements, other Ameren entities might incur losses. Their results of operations, financial position, and liquidity could be adversely affected, resulting in the nondefaulting Ameren entity being unable to meet its obligations, including to unrelated third parties.
Increasing costs associated with our defined benefit retirement and postretirement plans, health care plans, and other employee benefits could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
We offer defined benefit retirement and postretirement plans that cover substantially all of our employees. Assumptions related to future costs, returns on investments, interest rates, and other actuarial matters have a significant impact on our earnings and funding requirements. Ameren expects to fund its pension plans at a level equal to the greater of the pension expense or the legally required minimum contribution. Considering Amerens assumptions at December 31, 2010, its investment performance in 2010, and its pension funding policy, Ameren expects to make annual contributions of $75 million to $110 million in each of the next five years, with aggregate estimated contributions of $470 million. We expect UEs, AICs, and Gencos portion of the future funding requirements to be 63%, 28%, and 9%, respectively. These amounts are estimates. They may change with actual investment performance, changes in interest rates, changes in our assumptions, any pertinent changes in government regulations, and any voluntary contributions.
In addition to the costs of our retirement plans, the costs of providing health care benefits to our employees and retirees have increased in recent years. We believe that our employee benefit costs, including costs of health care plans for our employees and former employees, will continue to rise. The increasing costs and funding requirements associated with our defined benefit retirement plans, health care plans, and other employee benefits could increase our financing needs and otherwise materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Our electric generating, transmission and distribution facilities are subject to operational risks that could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The Ameren Companies financial performance depends on the successful operation of electric generating, transmission, and distribution facilities. Operation of electric generating, transmission, and distribution facilities involves many risks, including:
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facility shutdowns due to operator error or a failure of equipment or processes; |
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longer-than-anticipated maintenance outages; |
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older generating equipment may require significant expenditures to keep it operating at peak efficiency; |
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disruptions in the delivery of fuel or lack of adequate inventories; |
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lack of water for cooling plant operations; |
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labor disputes; |
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inability to comply with regulatory or permit requirements, including those relating to environmental contamination; |
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disruptions in the delivery of electricity, including impacts on us or our customers; |
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handling and storage of fossil-fuel combustion byproducts, such as coal ash; |
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unusual or adverse weather conditions, including severe storms, droughts, and floods; |
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a workplace accident that might result in injury or loss of life, extensive property damage, or environmental damage; |
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information security risk, such as a breach of systems where sensitive utility customer data and account information are stored; |
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catastrophic events such as fires, explosions, pandemic health events, or other similar occurrences; |
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limitations on amounts of insurance available to cover losses that might arise in connection with operating our electric generating, transmission, and distribution facilities; and |
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other unanticipated operations and maintenance expenses and liabilities. |
We are subject to federal regulatory compliance and proceedings, which increase our risk of regulatory penalties and other sanctions.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 increased FERCs civil penalty authority for violation of FERC statutes, rules and orders. FERC can now impose penalties of $1 million per violation per day. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Ameren Companies, as owners and operators of bulk power transmission systems and/or electric generation facilities, are subject to mandatory reliability standards. Compliance with these mandatory reliability standards may subject the Ameren Companies to higher operating costs and may result in increased capital expenditures. If the Ameren Companies were found not to be in compliance with these mandatory reliability standards or other FERC statutes, rules and orders, the Ameren Companies may incur substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions, which could adversely affect their results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Our natural gas distribution and storage activities involve numerous risks that may result in accidents and other operating risks and costs that could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Inherent in our natural gas distribution and storage activities are a variety of hazards and operating risks, such as leaks, accidental explosions, and mechanical problems, which could cause substantial financial losses. In addition,
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these risks could result in serious injury to employees and nonemployees, loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution and impairment of our operations, which in turn could lead to substantial losses to us. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The location of distribution lines and storage facilities near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers, industrial sites, and other public gathering places, could increase the level of damages resulting from these risks. The occurrence of any of these events not fully covered by insurance could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Even though agreements have been reached with the state of Missouri and the FERC, the breach of the upper reservoir of UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility could continue to have a material adverse effect on Amerens and UEs results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
In December 2005, there was a breach of the upper reservoir at UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility. This resulted in significant flooding in the local area, which damaged a state park. UE settled with FERC and the state of Missouri all issues associated with the December 2005 Taum Sauk incident.
UE had property and liability insurance coverage for the Taum Sauk incident, subject to certain limits and deductibles. Insurance did not cover some lost electric margins and penalties paid to FERC. UE believes that the total cost for cleanup, damage, and liabilities, excluding costs to rebuild the upper reservoir, is approximately $207 million, which is the amount UE paid as of December 31, 2010.
In June 2010, UE sued an insurance company that was providing UE with liability coverage on the date of the Taum Sauk incident. In the litigation, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, UE claimed the insurance company breached its duty to indemnify UE for the losses experienced from the incident. In January 2011, a federal judge ruled that the parties must first pursue alternative dispute resolution under the terms of their coverage agreement. In February 2011, UE filed an appeal of the January ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth District, which seeks resolution outside of a dispute resolution process.
Until Amerens remaining liability insurance claims and the related litigation are resolved, among other things, we are unable to determine the total impact the breach could have on Amerens and UEs results of operations, financial position, and liquidity beyond those amounts already recognized.
The recoverability of any Taum Sauk facility rebuild costs from customers is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in UEs November 2007 state of
Missouri settlement agreement. In that settlement, UE agreed that it would not attempt to recover from ratepayers costs incurred in the reconstruction, expressly excluding, however, enhancements, costs incurred due to circumstances or conditions that were not at that time reasonably foreseeable and costs that would have been incurred absent the Taum Sauk incident. Certain costs associated with the Taum Sauk facility not recovered from property insurers may be recoverable from UEs electric customers through rates established in rate cases filed subsequent to the in-service date of the rebuilt facility. As of December 31, 2010, UE had capitalized in property and plant Taum Sauk-related costs of $89 million that UE believes qualify for recovery in electric rates under the terms of the November 2007 state of Missouri settlement agreement, and those costs were included in UEs pending electric rate increase request filed in September 2010. The inclusion of such costs in UEs electric rates is subject to review and approval by the MoPSC. Any amounts not recovered in electric rates, or otherwise, could result in charges to earnings, which could be material.
Gencos and AERGs electric generating facilities must compete for the sale of energy and capacity, which exposes them to price risks.
All of Gencos and AERGs generating facilities compete for the sale of energy and capacity in the competitive energy markets.
To the extent that electricity generated by these facilities is not under a fixed-price contract to be sold, the revenues and results of operations of these merchant subsidiaries generally depend on the prices that can be obtained for energy and capacity in Illinois and adjacent markets by Marketing Company.
Market prices for energy and capacity may fluctuate substantially, sometimes over relatively short periods of time, and at other times experience sustained increases or decreases. Demand for electricity and fuel can fluctuate dramatically, creating periods of substantial under- or over-supply. During periods of oversupply, prices might be depressed. Also, at times legislators or regulators with jurisdiction over wholesale and retail energy commodity and transportation rates may impose price limitations, bidding rules, and other mechanisms to address volatility and other issues in these markets.
For power products sold in advance, contract prices are influenced both by market conditions and by the contract terms such as damage provisions, credit support requirements, and the number of available counterparties interested in contracting for the desired forward period. Depending on differences between market factors at the time of contracting versus current conditions, Marketing Companys contract portfolio may have average contract prices greater than or less than current market prices, including at the expiration of the contracts, which could significantly affect Amerens and Gencos results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
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Among the factors that could influence such prices (all of which are beyond our control to a significant degree) are:
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current and future delivered market prices for natural gas, fuel oil, and coal, and related transportation costs; |
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current and forward prices for the sale of electricity; |
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current and future prices for emission allowances that may be required to operate the fossil fuel-fired electric generating facilities in compliance with environmental laws and permits; |
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the extent of additional supplies of electric energy from current competitors or new market entrants; |
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the regulatory and market structures developed for evolving Midwest energy markets; |
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changes enacted by the Illinois legislature, the ICC, the IPA, or other government agencies with respect to power procurement procedures; |
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the potential for reregulation of generation in some states; |
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future pricing for, and availability of, services on transmission systems, and the effect of RTOs and export energy transmission constraints, which could limit our ability to sell energy in our markets; |
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the growth rate in electricity usage as a result of population changes, regional economic conditions, and the implementation of energy-efficiency programs; |
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climate conditions in the Midwest market and major natural disasters; and |
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environmental laws and regulations. |
UEs ownership and operation of a nuclear generating facility creates business, financial, and waste disposal risks.
UEs ownership of the Callaway nuclear plant subjects it to the risks of nuclear generation, which include the following:
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potential harmful effects on the environment and human health resulting from the operation of nuclear facilities and the storage, handling and disposal of radioactive materials; |
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the lack of a permanent waste storage site; |
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limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available to cover losses that might arise in connection with the Callaway nuclear plant or other U.S. nuclear operations; |
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uncertainties with respect to contingencies and assessment amounts if insurance coverage is inadequate; |
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public and governmental concerns over the adequacy of security at nuclear power plants; |
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uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives (UEs facility operating license for the Callaway nuclear plant expires in 2024); |
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limited availability of fuel supply; and |
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costly and extended outages for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance and refueling. |
The NRC has broad authority under federal law to impose licensing and safety requirements for nuclear
generation facilities. In the event of noncompliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved. Revised safety requirements promulgated from time to time by the NRC could necessitate substantial capital expenditures at nuclear plants such as UEs. In addition, if a serious nuclear incident were to occur, it could have a material but indeterminable adverse effect on UEs results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. A major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world could cause the NRC to limit or prohibit the operation or relicensing of any domestic nuclear unit. An incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world also could cause the NRC to impose additional conditions or requirements on the industry, which could increase costs and result in additional capital expenditures.
Our energy risk management strategies may not be effective in managing fuel and electricity procurement and pricing risks, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or increased volatility in our earnings and cash flows.
We are exposed to changes in market prices for natural gas, fuel, electricity, emission allowances, and transmission congestion. Prices for natural gas, fuel, electricity, and emission allowances may fluctuate substantially over relatively short periods of time, and at other times exhibit sustained increases or decreases, and expose us to commodity price risk. We use short-term and long-term purchase and sales contracts in addition to derivatives such as forward contracts, futures contracts, options, and swaps to manage these risks. We attempt to manage our risk associated with these activities through enforcement of established risk limits and risk management procedures. We cannot ensure that these strategies will be successful in managing our pricing risk or that they will not result in net liabilities because of future volatility in these markets.
Although we routinely enter into contracts to hedge our exposure to the risks of demand and changes in commodity prices, we do not hedge the entire exposure of our operations from commodity price volatility. Furthermore, our ability to hedge our exposure to commodity price volatility depends on liquid commodity markets. To the extent that commodity markets are illiquid, we may not be able to execute our risk management strategies, which could result in greater unhedged positions than we would prefer at a given time. To the extent that unhedged positions exist, fluctuating commodity prices can adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Our facilities are considered critical energy infrastructure and may therefore be targets of acts of terrorism.
Like other electric and natural gas utilities and other merchant electric generators, our power generation plants, fuel storage facilities, and transmission and distribution facilities may be targets of terrorist activities that could
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result in disruption of our ability to produce or distribute some portion of our energy products. Any such disruption could result in a significant decrease in revenues or significant additional costs for repair, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Our businesses are dependent on our ability to access the capital markets successfully. We may not have access to sufficient capital in the amounts and at the times needed.
We use short-term and long-term debt as a significant source of liquidity and funding for capital requirements not satisfied by our operating cash flow, including requirements related to future environmental compliance. As a result of rising costs and increased capital and operations and maintenance expenditures, coupled with regulatory lag, we expect to continue to rely on short-term and long-term debt financing. The inability to raise debt or equity capital on favorable terms, or at all, particularly during times of uncertainty in the capital markets, could negatively affect our ability to maintain and to expand our businesses. Our current credit ratings cause us to believe that we will continue to have access to the capital markets. However, events beyond our control, such as a recession or extreme volatility in global debt or equity capital and credit markets, may create uncertainty that could increase our cost of capital or impair or eliminate our ability to access the debt, equity or credit markets, including our ability to draw on bank credit facilities. Any adverse change in the Ameren Companies credit ratings may reduce access to capital and trigger additional collateral postings and prepayments. Such changes may also increase the cost of borrowing and fuel, power and gas supply, among other things, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. Certain of the Ameren Companies rely, in part, on Ameren for access to capital. Circumstances that limit Amerens access to capital, including those relating to its other subsidiaries, could impair its ability to provide those Ameren Companies with needed capital.
Amerens holding company structure could limit its ability to pay common stock dividends and to service its debt obligations.
Ameren is a holding company; therefore, its primary assets are the common stock of its subsidiaries. As a result, Amerens ability to pay dividends on its common stock depends on the earnings of its subsidiaries and the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer funds to Ameren. Similarly, Amerens ability to service its debt obligations is also dependent upon the earnings of operating subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings and other payments, including payments of principal and interest under intercompany indebtedness. The payment of dividends to Ameren by its subsidiaries in turn depends on their results of operations and cash flows and other items affecting retained earnings. Amerens subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any dividends or make any other distributions (except for payments required pursuant to the terms of intercompany borrowing arrangements) to Ameren. Certain of the Ameren Companies financing agreements and articles of incorporation, in addition to certain statutory and regulatory requirements, may impose restrictions on the ability of such Ameren Companies to transfer funds to Ameren in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.
Failure to retain and attract key officers and other skilled professional and technical employees could have an adverse effect on our operations.
Our businesses depend upon our ability to employ and retain key officers and other skilled professional and technical employees. A significant portion of our work force is nearing retirement, including many employees with specialized skills such as maintaining and servicing our electric and natural gas infrastructure and operating our generating units. Our inability to retain and recruit qualified employees could adversely affect our results of operations.
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. |
None.
ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES. |
For information on our principal properties, see the generating facilities table below. See also Liquidity and Capital Resources and Regulatory Matters in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Part II, Item 7, of this report for any discussion of planned additions, replacements or transfers. See also Note 5 Long-term Debt and Equity Financings, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
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The following table shows what our electric generating facilities and capability are anticipated to be at the time of our expected 2011 peak summer electrical demand:
Primary Fuel Source | Plant | Location | Net Kilowatt Capability (a) | |||||
Ameren Missouri (UE): |
||||||||
Coal |
Labadie | Franklin County, Mo. | 2,401,000 | |||||
Rush Island | Jefferson County, Mo. | 1,222,000 | ||||||
Sioux | St. Charles County, Mo. | 968,000 | ||||||
Meramec | St. Louis County, Mo. | 832,000 | ||||||
Total coal |
5,423,000 | |||||||
Nuclear |
Callaway | Callaway County, Mo. | 1,194,000 | |||||
Hydroelectric |
Osage | Lakeside, Mo. | 240,000 | |||||
Keokuk | Keokuk, Ia. | 136,000 | ||||||
Total hydroelectric |
376,000 | |||||||
Pumped-storage |
Taum Sauk | Reynolds County, Mo. | 450,000 | |||||
Oil (CTs) |
Meramec | St. Louis County, Mo. | 58,000 | |||||
Fairgrounds | Jefferson City, Mo. | 54,000 | ||||||
Mexico | Mexico, Mo. | 53,000 | ||||||
Moberly | Moberly, Mo. | 53,000 | ||||||
Moreau | Jefferson City, Mo. | 53,000 | ||||||
Howard Bend | St. Louis County, Mo. | 39,000 | ||||||
Venice | Venice, Ill. | (b | ) | |||||
Total oil |
310,000 | |||||||
Natural gas (CTs) |
Audrain (c) | Audrain County, Mo. | 592,000 | |||||
Venice (d) | Venice, Ill. | 487,000 | ||||||
Goose Creek | Piatt County, Ill. | 426,000 | ||||||
Pinckneyville | Pinckneyville, Ill. | 312,000 | ||||||
Raccoon Creek | Clay County, Ill. | 300,000 | ||||||
Kinmundy (d) | Kinmundy, Ill. | 206,000 | ||||||
Peno Creek (c)(d) | Bowling Green, Mo. | 188,000 | ||||||
Meramec (d) | St. Louis County, Mo. | 48,000 | ||||||
Viaduct | Cape Girardeau, Mo. | 25,000 | ||||||
Kirksville | Kirksville, Mo. | 13,000 | ||||||
Total natural gas |
2,597,000 | |||||||
Total Ameren Missouri (UE) |
10,350,000 | |||||||
Merchant Generation: |
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Genco: |
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Coal |
Newton | Newton, Ill. | 1,186,000 | |||||
Joppa Generating Station (EEI) (e) | Joppa, Ill. | 1,002,000 | ||||||
Coffeen | Coffeen, Ill. | 895,000 | ||||||
Meredosia | Meredosia, Ill. | 203,000 | ||||||
Hutsonville | Hutsonville, Ill. | 151,000 | ||||||
Total coal |
3,437,000 | |||||||
Oil |
Meredosia | Meredosia, Ill. | 166,000 | |||||
Hutsonville (Diesel) | Hutsonville, Ill. | 3,000 | ||||||
Total oil |
169,000 | |||||||
Natural gas (CTs) |
Grand Tower | Grand Tower, Ill. | 511,000 | |||||
Elgin | Elgin, Ill. | 468,000 | ||||||
Gibson City (d) | Gibson City, Ill. | 230,000 | ||||||
Joppa 7B | Joppa, Ill. | 162,000 | ||||||
Columbia (f) | Columbia, Mo. | 108,000 | ||||||
Joppa (EEI) (e) | Joppa, Ill. | 74,000 | ||||||
Total natural gas |
1,553,000 | |||||||
Total Genco |
5,159,000 | |||||||
AERG: |
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Coal |
E.D. Edwards | Bartonville, Ill. | 650,000 | |||||
Duck Creek | Canton, Ill. | 410,000 | ||||||
Total AERG |
1,060,000 | |||||||
Medina Valley: |
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Natural gas |
Medina Valley | Mossville, Ill. | 44,000 | |||||
Total Merchant Generation |
6,263,000 | |||||||
Total Ameren |
16,613,000 |
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(a) | Net Kilowatt Capability is the generating capacity available for dispatch from the facility into the electric transmission grid. |
(b) | This facility is in extended reserve shutdown. |
(c) | There are economic development lease arrangements applicable to these CTs. |
(d) | One of the four CTs at Gibson City has the capability to operate on either oil or natural gas (dual fuel). |
(e) | Genco owns an 80% interest in EEI. This table reflects the full capability of EEIs facilities. |
(f) | In June 2010, Genco completed a sale of 25% of its Columbia CT facility to the city of Columbia, Missouri. Genco received cash proceeds of $18 million from the sale. The city of Columbia also holds two options to purchase additional ownership interests in the facility under two existing power purchase agreements. Columbia can exercise one option, as amended, for an additional 25% of the facility at the end of 2011 for a purchase price of $14.9 million, at the end of 2014 for a purchase price of $9.5 million, or at the end of 2020 for a purchase price of $4 million. The other option can be exercised for another 25% of the facility at the end of 2013 for a purchase price of $15.5 million, at the end of 2017 for a purchase price of $9.5 million, or at the end of 2023 for a purchase price of $4 million. On an annual basis, the city of Columbia purchases a total of 72 megawatts of capacity and energy generated by the facility under the two existing power purchase agreements. If the city of Columbia exercises one of the purchase options described above, the power purchase agreement associated with that option would be terminated. |
The following table presents electric and natural gas utility-related properties for UE and AIC as of December 31, 2010:
UE | AIC | |||||||
Circuit miles of electric transmission lines |
2,944 | 4,535 | ||||||
Circuit miles of electric distribution lines |
33,031 | 45,531 | ||||||
Circuit miles of electric distribution lines underground |
22 | % | 15 | % | ||||
Miles of natural gas transmission and distribution mains |
3,268 | 18,128 | ||||||
Propane-air plants |
1 | - | ||||||
Underground gas storage fields |
- | 12 | ||||||
Billion cubic feet of total working capacity of underground gas storage fields |
- | 25 |
Our other properties include office buildings, warehouses, garages, and repair shops.
With only a few exceptions, we have fee title to all principal plants and other units of property material to the operation of our businesses, and to the real property on which such facilities are located (subject to mortgage liens securing our outstanding first mortgage bonds and credit facility indebtedness and to certain permitted liens and judgment liens). The exceptions are as follows:
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A portion of UEs Osage plant reservoir, certain facilities at UEs Sioux plant, most of UEs Peno Creek and Audrain CT facilities, Gencos Columbia CT facility, Medina Valleys generating facility, certain substations, and most transmission and distribution lines and gas mains are situated on lands occupied under leases, easements, franchises, licenses, or permits. The United States or the state of Missouri may own or may have paramount rights to certain lands lying in the bed of the Osage River or located between the inner and outer harbor lines of the Mississippi River on which certain of UEs generating and other properties are located. |
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The United States, the state of Illinois, the state of Iowa, or the city of Keokuk, Iowa, may own or may have paramount rights with respect to certain lands lying in the bed of the Mississippi River on which a portion of UEs Keokuk plant is located. |
Substantially all of the properties and plant of UE and AIC are subject to the first liens of the indentures securing their mortgage bonds.
UE has conveyed most of its Peno Creek CT facility to the city of Bowling Green, Missouri, and leased the facility back from the city through 2022. Under the terms of this capital lease, UE is responsible for all operation and maintenance for the facility. Ownership of the facility will transfer to UE at the expiration of the lease, at which time the property and plant will become subject to the lien of any outstanding UE first mortgage bond indenture.
UE operates a CT facility located in Audrain County, Missouri. UE has rights and obligations as lessee of the CT facility under a long-term lease with Audrain County. The lease term will expire on December 1, 2023. Under the terms of this capital lease, UE is responsible for all operation and maintenance for the facility. Ownership of the facility will transfer to UE at the expiration of the lease, at which time the property and plant will become subject to the lien of any outstanding UE first mortgage bond indenture.
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. |
We are involved in legal and administrative proceedings before various courts and agencies with respect to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts of money. We believe that the final disposition of these proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed in this report, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Risk of loss is mitigated, in some cases, by insurance or contractual or statutory indemnification. We believe that we have established appropriate reserves for potential losses. Material legal and administrative proceedings, which are discussed in Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters, and Note 15 Commitment and Contingencies under part II, Item 8, of this report and incorporated herein by reference, include the following:
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appeal of the MoPSC January 2009 and May 2010 electric rate orders; |
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an electric rate case proceeding for UE pending before the MoPSC; |
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the MoPSC staffs FAC prudence review pending before the MoPSC; |
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appeal of the MoPSC rules implementing the Missouri renewable energy portfolio requirement; |
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appeal of certain aspects of the ICCs 2010 rate orders; |
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electric and natural gas rate proceedings for AIC pending before the ICC; |
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the EPAs Clean Air Act-related litigation filed against UE and NSR investigations at Genco and AERG; |
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remediation matters associated with MGP and waste disposal sites of the Ameren Companies; |
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litigation associated with the breach of the upper reservoir at UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility; and |
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asbestos-related litigation associated with Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco. |
ITEM 4. | [REMOVED AND RESERVED]. |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS (ITEM 401(b) OF REGULATION S-K):
The executive officers of the Ameren Companies, including major subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2010, (except as otherwise noted) are listed below,
along with their ages as of December 31, 2010, all positions and offices held with the Ameren Companies, tenure as officer, and business background for at least the last five years. Some executive officers hold multiple positions within the
AMEREN CORPORATION:
Name | Age | Positions and Offices Held | ||
Thomas R. Voss |
63 | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director | ||
Voss joined UE in 1969. He was elected senior vice president of UE, CIPS, and Ameren Services in 1999, of Genco in 2001, of CILCO in 2003, and of IP in 2004. In 2003, Voss was elected president of Genco; he relinquished his presidency of this company in 2004. In 2006, he was elected executive vice president of UE, CIPS, CILCO and IP. In 2007, Voss was elected chairman, president, and chief executive officer of UE. He relinquished his positions at CIPS, CILCO and IP in 2007. In 2009, Voss was elected president and chief executive officer of Ameren; at that time, he relinquished his other positions. In 2010, the Ameren board of directors elected Voss to the position of chairman of the board. He has been a member of the Ameren board since 2009. | ||||
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
44 | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
Lyons joined Ameren, UE, CIPS, Genco, and Ameren Services in 2001 as controller. He was elected controller of CILCO in 2003. He was also elected vice president of Ameren, UE, CIPS, Genco, CILCO, and Ameren Services in 2003 and vice president and controller of IP in 2004. In 2007, his positions at UE were changed to vice president and principal accounting officer. In 2008, Lyons was elected senior vice president and principal accounting officer of the Ameren Companies. In 2009, Lyons was also elected chief financial officer of the Ameren Companies. With the AIC Merger in 2010, Lyons remained senior vice president, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer at AIC. | ||||
Gregory L. Nelson |
53 |
Senior Vice President and General Counsel (Effective March 2, 2011) |
||
Nelson joined UE in 1995 as a manager in the tax department and assumed a similar position with Ameren Services in 1998. Nelson was elected vice president and tax counsel of Ameren Services in 1999 and vice president of UE, CIPS, CILCO and Genco in 2003 and of IP in 2004. In 2010, Nelson was elected vice president, tax and deputy general counsel of Ameren Services and remained vice president of UE, CIPS, CILCO, IP and Genco. With the AIC Merger in 2010, Nelson remained vice president at AIC. Effective March 2, 2011, Nelson will assume the positions of senior vice president and general counsel of Ameren, UE, AIC, Genco and Ameren Services. | ||||
Jerre E. Birdsong |
56 | Vice President and Treasurer | ||
Birdsong joined UE in 1977 and was elected treasurer of UE in 1993. He was elected treasurer of Ameren, CIPS, and Ameren Services in 1997 and of Genco in 2000. In addition to being treasurer, in 2001 he was elected vice president at Ameren, UE, CIPS, Ameren Services and Genco. Additionally, he was elected vice president and treasurer of CILCO in 2003 and of IP in 2004. With the AIC Merger in 2010, Birdsong, remained vice president and treasurer at AIC. |
26
SUBSIDIARIES:
27
Officers are generally elected or appointed annually by the respective board of directors of each company, following the election of board members at the annual meetings of shareholders. No special arrangement or understanding exists between any of the above-named executive officers and the Ameren Companies nor, to our knowledge, with any other person or persons pursuant to which any executive officer was selected as an officer. There are no family relationships among the officers. Except for Karen C. Foss, all of the above-named executive officers have been employed by an Ameren company for more than five years in executive or management
PART II
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. |
Amerens common stock is listed on the NYSE (ticker symbol: AEE). Ameren common shareholders of record totaled 66,808 on January 31, 2011. The following table presents the price ranges, closing prices, and dividends declared per Ameren common share for each quarter during 2010 and 2009.
High | Low | Close | Dividends Declared | |||||||||||||
AEE 2010 Quarter Ended: |
||||||||||||||||
March 31 |
$ | 28.27 | $ | 24.14 | $ | 26.08 | 38 1 / 2 | ¢ | ||||||||
June 30 |
26.92 | 23.09 | 23.77 | 38 1 / 2 | ||||||||||||
September 30 |
28.99 | 23.45 | 28.40 | 38 1 / 2 | ||||||||||||
December 31 |
29.89 | 27.65 | 28.19 | 38 1 / 2 | ||||||||||||
AEE 2009 Quarter Ended: |
||||||||||||||||
March 31 |
$ | 35.35 | $ | 19.51 | $ | 23.19 | 38 1 / 2 | ¢ | ||||||||
June 30 |
25.25 | 21.75 | 24.89 | 38 1 / 2 | ||||||||||||
September 30 |
27.66 | 23.09 | 25.28 | 38 1 / 2 | ||||||||||||
December 31 |
28.67 | 23.78 | 27.95 | 38 1 / 2 |
There is no trading market for the common stock of UE, AIC and Genco. Ameren holds all outstanding common stock of UE and AIC; Resources Company holds all outstanding common stock of Genco.
The following table sets forth the quarterly common stock dividend payments made by Ameren and its subsidiaries during 2010 and 2009:
(In millions) |
2010 Quarter Ended |
2009 Quarter Ended |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Registrant | December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
UE |
$ | 59 | $ | 60 | $ | 58 | $ | 58 | $ | 5 | $ | 71 | $ | 47 | $ | 52 | ||||||||||||||||
AIC |
33 | 33 | 34 | 33 | 86 | 12 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
- | - | - | - | - | - | 20 | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonregistrants |
- | - | - | - | - | - | 15 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 92 | $ | 93 | $ | 92 | $ | 91 | $ | 91 | $ | 83 | $ | 82 | $ | 82 |
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On February 9, 2011, the board of directors of Ameren declared a quarterly dividend on Amerens common stock of 38.5 cents per share. The common share dividend is payable March 31, 2011, to stockholders of record on March 9, 2011.
For a discussion of restrictions on the Ameren Companies payment of dividends, see Liquidity and Capital Resources in Managements
Purchase of Equity Securities
The following table presents Ameren Corporations purchases of equity securities reportable under Item 703 of Regulation S-K:
Period |
(a) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units)
|
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) |
(c) Total Number of
Shares
Announced Plans or Programs |
(d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar Value)
May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
||||||||||||
October 1 October 31, 2010 |
948 | $ | 29.23 | - | - | |||||||||||
November 1 November 30, 2010 |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
December 1 December 31, 2010 |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total |
948 | $ | 29.23 | - | - |
(a) | The shares of Ameren common stock were purchased by Ameren in open-market transactions pursuant to Amerens 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan in satisfaction of Amerens obligation to distribute shares of common stock for vested performance units. Ameren does not have any publicly announced equity securities repurchase plans or programs. |
The following table presents AICs purchases of equity securities reportable under Item 703 of Regulation S-K:
Period |
(a) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units)
|
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) |
(c) Total Number of
Shares
Announced Plans or Programs |
(d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar Value)
May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
||||||||||||
October 1 October 31, 2010 |
- | $ | - | - | - | |||||||||||
November 1 November 30, 2010 |
68 | 73.66 | - | - | ||||||||||||
December 1 December 31, 2010 |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total |
68 | $ | 73.66 | - | - |
(a) | The shares of CIPS preferred stock were purchased by AIC as a result of CIPS preferred stockholders exercising their dissenters rights under Illinois law. |
UE and Genco did not purchase equity securities reportable under Item 703 of Regulation S-K during the period from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.
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Performance Graph
The following graph shows Amerens cumulative total shareholder return during the five years ended December 31, 2010. The graph also shows the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 Index and the Edison Electric Institute Index (EEI Index), which comprises most investor-owned electric utilities in the United States. The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2005, in Ameren common stock and in each of the indices shown, and it assumes that all of the dividends were reinvested.
December 31, | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 100 | $ | 110.11 | $ | 116.65 | $ | 76.30 | $ | 68.13 | $ | 72.80 | ||||||||||||
S&P 500 Index |
100 | 115.79 | 122.15 | 76.95 | 97.31 | 111.97 | ||||||||||||||||||
EEI Index |
100 | 120.76 | 140.76 | 104.30 | 115.47 | 123.60 |
Ameren management cautions that the stock price performance shown in the graph above should not be considered indicative of potential future stock price performance.
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ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. |
For the years ended December 31, (In millions, except per share amounts) |
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues (a) |
$ | 7,638 | $ | 7,135 | $ | 7,869 | $ | 7,562 | $ | 6,895 | ||||||||||
Operating income (a) (b) |
916 | 1,416 | 1,362 | 1,359 | 1,188 | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation (a) |
139 | 612 | 605 | 618 | 547 | |||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends |
368 | 338 | 534 | 527 | 522 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share basic and diluted (a) |
0.58 | 2.78 | 2.88 | 2.98 | 2.66 | |||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends per share |
1.54 | 1.54 | 2.54 | 2.54 | 2.54 | |||||||||||||||
As of December 31: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 23,515 | $ | 23,702 | $ | 22,671 | $ | 20,752 | $ | 19,662 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities |
6,853 | 7,111 | 6,554 | 5,689 | 5,285 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption |
- | - | - | 16 | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Total Ameren Corporation stockholders equity |
7,730 | 7,856 | 6,963 | 6,752 | 6,583 | |||||||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 3,197 | $ | 2,874 | $ | 2,960 | $ | 2,961 | $ | 2,823 | ||||||||||
Operating income |
711 | 566 | 514 | 590 | 620 | |||||||||||||||
Net income available to common stockholder |
364 | 259 | 245 | 336 | 343 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends to parent |
235 | 175 | 264 | 267 | 249 | |||||||||||||||
As of December 31: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 12,504 | $ | 12,219 | $ | 11,529 | $ | 10,903 | $ | 10,290 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities |
3,949 | 4,018 | 3,673 | 3,208 | 2,934 | |||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
4,153 | 4,057 | 3,562 | 3,601 | 3,153 | |||||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 3,014 | $ | 2,984 | $ | 3,508 | $ | 3,380 | $ | 3,353 | ||||||||||
Operating income |
498 | 363 | 191 | 195 | 272 | |||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
212 | 133 | 41 | 56 | 124 | |||||||||||||||
Net income available to common stockholder |
248 | 241 | 87 | 114 | 137 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends to parent |
133 | 98 | 60 | 101 | 115 | |||||||||||||||
As of December 31: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets (c) |
$ | 7,406 | $ | 8,298 | $ | 8,023 | $ | 7,101 | $ | 6,778 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities |
1,657 | 1,847 | 1,850 | 1,618 | 1,368 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption |
- | - | - | 16 | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
2,576 | 3,072 | 2,655 | 2,635 | 2,612 | |||||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 1,126 | $ | 1,148 | $ | 1,422 | $ | 1,298 | $ | 1,359 | ||||||||||
Operating income (b) |
62 | 324 | 551 | 468 | 346 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Energy Generating Company |
(39 | ) | 160 | 286 | 230 | 150 | ||||||||||||||
Dividends to parent |
- | 43 | 221 | 199 | 223 | |||||||||||||||
As of December 31: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,611 | $ | 2,920 | $ | 2,592 | $ | 2,288 | $ | 2,150 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities |
824 | 823 | 774 | 474 | 474 | |||||||||||||||
Subordinated intercompany notes (current) |
- | 176 | 145 | 172 | 206 | |||||||||||||||
Total Ameren Energy Generating Company stockholders equity |
998 | 1,004 | 868 | 857 | 740 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Includes goodwill and other asset impairment pretax charges of $589 million and $170 million recorded at Ameren and Genco, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2010. |
(c) | Includes total assets from discontinued operations of $1,117 million, $1,081 million, $865 million, and $635 million at December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. |
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
Ameren Executive Summary
Operations
During 2010, disciplined cost management, strong customer sales and rate relief allowed Ameren to overcome the financial impact of weak wholesale power prices and higher fuel and related transportation costs. Ameren also returned its newly rebuilt Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility to service; installed major environmental controls at two coal-fired plants; simplified its corporate structure by merging its Illinois delivery utilities into a single company and by moving AERG under Resources Company, where Amerens other Merchant Generation assets reside; launched plans for growing its transmission business; and improved its safety and customer satisfaction performance.
In 2010, UE and AIC were authorized to increase rates. UE obtained approval from the MoPSC in May 2010 to increase electric rates by $230 million annually and then in February 2011 to increase natural gas rates by $9 million annually. These rate increases have been necessary to recover the cost of infrastructure investments, higher fuel costs, and other operating expenses. In November 2010, AIC received an order on rehearing from the ICC on issues arising from the ICCs amended order of May 2010. The rehearing order authorized an additional $25 million annual rate increase, bringing the total annual revenue increase to $40 million.
Ongoing litigation exists surrounding appeals of certain aspects of UEs two most recent electric rate orders. In February 2011, the Missouri Office of Public Counsel (MoOPC) made a filing with the MoPSC in which the MoOPC argued that a December 20, 2010 stay, granted by the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri (Circuit Court), of UEs 2010 electric rate increase, as it applies to four industrial customers, should apply to all UE customers. UE disagrees with the MoOPCs argument. On December 20, 2010, the Circuit Court found that four industrial customers appealing UEs 2010 electric rate increase could pay the portions of their bills, representing increases from previously approved levels, into the Circuit Courts registry pending resolution of these appeals. This effectively stayed the rate increases for those parties. UE disagrees with the Circuit Courts ruling granting these industrial customers a stay. At this time, UE does not believe any aspect of the 2009 and 2010 electric rate increases authorized by the 2009 and 2010 Missouri electric rate orders are probable of refund to UEs customers.
UE and AIC also have pending rate cases. In September 2010, UE filed for a $263 million annual electric rate increase. On February 8, 2011, other parties filed their initial testimony. The staff of the MoPSC recommended a rate increase of $45 million to $99 million. A key reason that the staffs recommendation is considerably lower than
UEs request is the staffs use of a return on equity range of 8.25% to 9.25%, compared to UEs request of 10.9%. While UE strongly disagrees with elements of the MoPSCs staff and other parties initial recommendations, this case is still in its early stages with a decision not expected until July 2011. On February 18, 2011, AIC filed an electric and natural gas delivery rate case with the ICC requesting a $111 million aggregate increase in annual revenues. This request is based on a future test year ending December 31, 2012, with an ICC decision expected in January 2012. The use of a future test year is designed to better match AICs 2012 rate levels to its expected 2012 costs, reducing regulatory lag and providing an improved opportunity to earn a fair return on investment. In addition to these regulatory developments in Amerens state jurisdictions, Ameren is awaiting action from FERC on its August 2010 filing for pre-approval of supportive rate treatment for its proposed Grand Rivers regional electric transmission projects.
2011 could be a pivotal year in environmental regulation. The EPA is scheduled to finalize its proposed CATR, which is aimed at reducing emissions of SO 2 and NO x . Further, the EPA is scheduled to propose requirements for retrofitting power plants with MACT to reduce hazardous air pollutants such as mercury and acid gases, cooling water standards, and rules for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These rules are expected to impose additional costs that could be substantial to Ameren and, therefore, its customers. Ameren is continually evaluating these changing environmental standards for their impact on its power plants and is focused on meeting these requirements in the most cost effective manner possible.
Ameren remains focused on earning fair returns on investments at its rate-regulated utilities by seeking consistent, constructive regulatory outcomes, including mechanisms that reduce regulatory lag, like the use of a future test year in AICs pending electric and natural gas rate case filing. Further, Ameren continues to focus on disciplined cost management, including aligning its spending with the level of rates authorized by its regulators. In 2010, Amerens rate-regulated utilities narrowed the gap between their core earnings and their allowed returns on equity by almost three percent and by more than one percent on a weather-normalized basis. The projected 2011 return levels are expected to be below what is currently authorized and what Ameren considers appropriate. Ameren believes its pending rate cases, cost control efforts and its ongoing work to improve its regulatory frameworks will allow its rate-regulated utilities to further narrow the gap between earned and allowed returns.
Amerens Merchant Generation business continues to aggressively manage operating and capital costs so that this business remains stable during this period of low power prices and well-positioned to benefit from an eventual expected power price recovery. In 2010, Amerens Merchant Generation business further lowered its cost structure to enhance its long-term competitiveness.
32
Earnings
Ameren reported net income of $139 million, or 58 cents per share, for 2010 compared with net income of $612 million, or $2.78 per share, in 2009. The main factor contributing to the decline in earnings in 2010 compared with 2009 was noncash goodwill and other asset impairment charges of $522 million, or $2.19 per share, recorded in 2010 related to Amerens Merchant Generation business. These charges reflected a decline in the value of Amerens Merchant Generation business, principally as a result of sustained lower power prices and the potential enactment of more stringent environmental regulations. Amerens earnings were also lower in 2010, compared with 2009, because of reduced Merchant Generation margins, as a result of lower realized power prices and higher fuel and related transportation costs, and higher depreciation and amortization expense. Offsetting factors included higher electricity sales, which benefited from warmer summer weather, new utility rates in Missouri and Illinois, lower financing costs, and disciplined cost management.
Liquidity
Cash flows from operations of $1.8 billion were used to pay dividends to common stockholders of $368 million and to fund capital expenditures of $1.0 billion. At December 31, 2010, Ameren, on a consolidated basis, had available liquidity, in the form of cash on hand and amounts available under its existing credit facilities, of approximately $1.9 billion, which was equivalent to the amount of available liquidity at December 31, 2009.
Capital Spending
Capital expenditures decreased $673 million in 2010 compared with 2009. The reduction was a result of fewer planned expenditures for the distribution system and power plant improvements, less expenditures required to repair severe storm damage, and the completion of power plant scrubber projects in the Merchant Generation business during 2009 and early 2010.
From 2011 through 2015, cumulative capital spending is projected to range between $6.4 billion and $8.2 billion. Much of this spending is at Amerens rate-regulated utilities, including $265 million at ATX to expand its electric transmission assets. This five-year plan also includes significant investments in environmental projects, including the cost of installing scrubbers for two units of Gencos Newton plant and for two units of a UE plant.
In addition to existing laws and regulations governing our facilities, the EPA is developing numerous new environmental regulations that will have a significant impact on the electric utility industry. These regulations could be particularly burdensome for certain companies, including Ameren, UE and Genco, that operate coal-fired power plants. Significant new rules already proposed or promulgated within the past year include the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions increasing the
stringency of the existing ozone ambient air quality standard; the CATR, which would require further reduction of SO 2 and NO x emissions from power plants; and a regulation governing coal ash impoundments. Within the next year, the EPA is also expected to propose new regulations under the Clean Water Act, that could require significant capital expenditures such as new water intake structures or cooling towers at our power plants; NSPS and emission guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions applicable to new and existing electric generating units; and a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants, such as mercury and acid gases from power plants. Such new regulations may be challenged with lawsuits, so the timing of their ultimate implementation is uncertain. Although many details of these future regulations are unknown, the combined effects of the new and proposed environmental regulations may result in significant capital expenditures over the next five to eight years for Ameren, UE and Genco.
General
Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company under PUHCA 2005, administered by FERC. Amerens primary assets are the common stock of its subsidiaries. Amerens subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. These subsidiaries operate, as the case may be, rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution businesses, rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution businesses, and merchant electric generation businesses in Missouri and Illinois. Dividends on Amerens common stock and the payment of other expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Amerens principal subsidiaries are listed below. See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a detailed description of our principal subsidiaries.
|
UE operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution business, and a rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution business in Missouri. |
|
AIC operates a rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution business in Illinois. |
|
Genco operates a merchant electric generation business in Illinois and Missouri. Genco has an 80% ownership interest in EEI. |
On October 1, 2010, Ameren, CIPS, CILCO, IP, AERG and Resources Company completed a two-step corporate internal reorganization. The first step of the reorganization was the AIC Merger, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, dated as of April 13, 2010. Upon consummation of the AIC Merger, the separate legal existence of CILCO and IP terminated. The second step of the reorganization involved the distribution of AERG stock from AIC to Ameren and the subsequent contribution by Ameren of the AERG stock to Resources Company. The AIC Merger and the distribution of AERG stock were accounted for as
33
transactions between entities under common control. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, assets and liabilities transferred between entities under common control were accounted for at the historical cost basis of the common parent, Ameren, as if the transfer had occurred at the beginning of the earliest reporting period presented. Amerens historical cost basis in AIC included purchase accounting adjustments related to Amerens acquisition of CILCORP in 2003. AIC accounted for the AERG distribution as a spinoff. AIC transferred AERG to Ameren based on AERGs carrying value. AIC determined that the operating results of AERG qualified for discontinued operations presentation; therefore, AIC has segregated AERGs operating results and presented them separately as discontinued operations for all periods prior to October 1, 2010, in this report. For Amerens financial statements, AERGs results of operations remained classified as continuing operations. See Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations under Part II, Item 8, for additional information.
Ameren has various other subsidiaries responsible for the marketing of power, management of commodity risks, and provision of other shared services. Ameren has an 80% ownership interest in EEI, which until February 29, 2008, was held 40% by UE and 40% by Development Company. UE reported EEI under the equity method until February 29, 2008. Effective February 29, 2008, UEs and Development Companys ownership interests in EEI were transferred to Resources Company through an internal reorganization. UEs interest in EEI was transferred at book value indirectly through a dividend to Ameren. Effective January 1, 2010, as part of an internal reorganization, Resources Company transferred its 80% stock ownership interest in EEI to Genco through a capital contribution. The transfer of EEI to Genco was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, whereby Genco accounted for the transfer at the historical carrying value of the parent (Ameren) as if the transfer had occurred at the beginning of the earliest reporting period presented. Amerens historical cost basis in EEI included purchase accounting adjustments relating to Amerens acquisition of an additional 20% ownership interest in EEI in 2004. This transfer required Gencos prior-period financial statements to be retrospectively combined for all periods presented. Consequently, Gencos prior-period consolidated financial statements reflect EEI as if it had been a subsidiary of Genco. Ameren and Genco consolidate EEI for financial reporting purposes. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions under Part II, Item 8, for additional information.
The financial statements of Ameren are prepared on a consolidated basis and therefore include the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. All tabular dollar amounts are expressed in millions, unless otherwise indicated.
In addition to presenting results of operations and earnings amounts in total, we present certain information in
cents per share. These amounts reflect factors that directly affect Amerens earnings. We believe this per share information helps readers to understand the impact of these factors on Amerens earnings per share. All references in this report to earnings per share are based on average diluted common shares outstanding.
Our results of operations and financial position are affected by many factors. Weather, economic conditions, and the actions of key customers or competitors can significantly affect the demand for our services. Our results are also affected by seasonal fluctuations: winter heating and summer cooling demands. The vast majority of Amerens revenues are subject to state or federal regulation. This regulation has a material impact on the price we charge for our services. Merchant Generation sales are also subject to market conditions for power. We principally use coal, nuclear fuel, natural gas, and oil for fuel in our operations. The prices for these commodities can fluctuate significantly due to the global economic and political environment, weather, supply and demand, and many other factors. We have natural gas cost recovery mechanisms for our Illinois and Missouri gas delivery service businesses, purchased power cost recovery mechanisms for our Illinois electric delivery service businesses, and a FAC for our Missouri electric utility business. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, for a discussion of pending rate cases in Missouri and Illinois. Fluctuations in interest rates and conditions in the capital and credit markets affect our cost of borrowing and our pension and postretirement benefits costs. We employ various risk management strategies to reduce our exposure to commodity risk and other risks inherent in our business. The reliability of our power plants and transmission and distribution systems and the level of purchased power costs, operations and maintenance costs, and capital investment are key factors that we seek to control to optimize our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Earnings Summary
Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation was $139 million, or $0.58 per share, for 2010, $612 million, or $2.78 per share, for 2009, and $605 million, or $2.88 per share, for 2008.
2010 versus 2009
Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation decreased $473 million and its earnings per share decreased $2.20 in 2010 compared with 2009. Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation increased in the Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois segments by $105 million and $81 million, respectively, in 2010 compared with 2009, while net income attributable to Ameren Corporation in the Merchant Generation segment decreased by $656 million in 2010 compared with 2009.
34
Compared with 2009 earnings per share, 2010 earnings were negatively affected by:
|
the 2010 impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets within the Merchant Generation segment due to the sustained decline in market prices for electricity, industry market multiples becoming observable at lower levels than previously estimated, and potentially more stringent environmental regulations ($2.19 per share); |
|
lower realized electric margins in the Merchant Generation segment largely due to lower realized revenue per megawatthour sold and higher fuel and related transportation costs (79 cents per share). This amount excludes the unfavorable impacts of net unrealized MTM activity on nonqualifying power hedges discussed below. See Outlook for expected trends in future coal, transportation and power prices; |
|
higher dilution (23 cents per share) caused by an increase in the average number of common shares outstanding, largely because of a September 2009 common stock issuance, the proceeds of which were used to make investments in Amerens rate-regulated utilities. The impact of dilution was offset by higher earned returns on investments at Amerens rate-regulated utilities and lower financing costs; |
|
costs associated with the Callaway nuclear plants scheduled refueling and maintenance outage in 2010. There was no Callaway refueling and maintenance outage in 2009 (12 cents per share); |
|
increased depreciation and amortization expenses, primarily due to capital additions placed in-service at the Merchant Generation segment in late 2009 and early 2010, excluding the impacts at UE of the May 2010 MoPSC electric rate order discussed below (9 cents per share); |
|
a reduced gain between years from net unrealized MTM activity on nonqualifying power hedges and from changes in the market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation plans (6 cents per share); and |
|
the impact of a federal tax change resulting from a U.S. health care reform bill that was enacted in 2010 (6 cents per share). |
Compared with 2009 earnings per share, 2010 earnings were favorably affected by:
|
the impact of weather conditions on energy demand (estimated at 40 cents per share); |
|
higher UE electric rates pursuant to the MoPSC 2009 and 2010 electric rate orders effective March 1, 2009, and June 21, 2010, respectively, offset by the adoption of the life span depreciation methodology and increased regulatory asset amortization as directed by the MoPSC 2010 electric rate order (27 cents per share); |
|
the favorable impact on electric and natural gas margins in our rate-regulated businesses from higher weather-normalized sales volumes (exclusive of higher sales to Noranda discussed below), largely due to |
improved economic conditions and higher wholesale sales margins at UE because of additional customers and higher-priced wholesale sales contracts, among other things (20 cents per share); |
|
increased UE sales to Noranda as its smelter plant gradually returned to full capacity by the end of the first quarter of 2010 after a January 2009 severe ice storm significantly reduced the plants capacity (11 cents per share); |
|
a reduction in financing expenses caused primarily by an increase in the allowance for funds used during construction at UE for the installation of two scrubbers at its Sioux plant (10 cents per share); |
|
higher AIC electric and natural gas net delivery rates pursuant to the ICC 2010 rate orders, which became effective in May and November 2010 (9 cents per share); and |
|
reduced charges in 2010 relating to workforce reductions through voluntary and involuntary separation programs (4 cents per share). |
The cents per share information presented above is based on average shares outstanding in 2009.
2009 versus 2008
Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation increased $7 million and its earnings per share decreased 10 cents in 2009 compared with 2008. Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation increased in the Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri segments by $92 million and $25 million, respectively, in 2009 compared with 2008, while net income attributable to Ameren Corporation in the Merchant Generation segment decreased by $105 million in 2009 compared with 2008.
Compared with 2008 earnings per share, 2009 earnings were negatively affected by:
|
higher dilution and financing costs caused by an increase in the average number of common shares outstanding, largely because of a September 2009 common stock issuance (31 cents per share); |
|
the impact on electric and natural gas margins in our rate-regulated businesses of higher net fuel costs at UE resulting from higher coal and related transportation costs, and lower sales prices for excess power, and lower demand (exclusive of weather impacts), among other things (30 cents per share); |
|
the absence in 2009 of the benefit of a settlement agreement reached with a coal mine owner that reimbursed Genco, in the form of a lump-sum payment, for increased costs for coal and transportation incurred in 2008 and 2009 due to the premature closure of an Illinois mine and contract termination (18 cents per share); |
|
the impact of milder weather conditions on energy demand (estimated at 15 cents per share); |
|
increased depreciation and amortization expenses primarily because of capital additions at UE and at the Merchant Generation segment and additional |
35
amortization of UEs regulatory assets as a result of the MoPSCs January 2009 electric rate order (12 cents per share); |
|
reduced sales to Noranda after a January 2009 severe ice storm significantly reduced its smelter plants capacity (11 cents per share); |
|
the absence in 2009 of a MoPSC rate order establishing two separate regulatory assets for previously incurred storm and MISO related costs (11 cents per share); |
|
increased expense related to workforce reductions through voluntary and involuntary separation programs and long-lived asset impairment charges recorded primarily at Genco in 2009 (7 cents per share); |
|
increased taxes other than income taxes, primarily because of higher property taxes (6 cents per share); |
|
lower realized electric margins in the Merchant Generation segment largely due to lower sales volumes and higher fuel and related transportation costs (5 cents per share); and |
|
increased distribution system reliability expenditures (5 cents per share). |
Compared with 2008 earnings per share, 2009 earnings were favorably affected by:
|
higher AIC electric and natural gas delivery rates pursuant to an ICC rate order, which became effective on October 1, 2008 (40 cents per share); |
|
higher UE electric rates pursuant to a MoPSC rate order, which became effective on March 1, 2009 (40 cents per share); |
|
favorable net unrealized MTM activity on derivatives and from changes in the market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation plans (21 cents per share); |
|
decreased plant operations and maintenance expense because less work was undertaken as a result of cost-containment initiatives in response to weak economic conditions (15 cents per share); |
|
the absence in 2009 of a Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage (9 cents per share); |
|
the absence in 2009 of asset impairment charges recorded to adjust the carrying value of AERGs Indian Trails and Sterling Avenue generating facilities to their estimated fair values as of December 31, 2008 (6 cents per share); and |
|
the reduced impact in 2009 of the electric rate relief and customer assistance programs provided to certain AIC electric customers under the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement (5 cents per share). |
The cents per share information presented above is based on average shares outstanding in 2008.
For additional details regarding the Ameren Companies results of operations, including explanations of Margins, Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses, Goodwill and Other Impairment Losses, Depreciation and Amortization, Taxes Other Than Income Taxes, Interest Charges, and Income Taxes, see the major headings below.
Because it is a holding company, Amerens net income and cash flows are primarily generated by its principal subsidiaries: UE, AIC and Genco. The following table presents the contribution by Amerens principal subsidiaries to Amerens consolidated net income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss): |
||||||||||||
UE (a) |
$ | 364 | $ | 259 | $ | 245 | ||||||
AIC (b) |
248 | 241 | 87 | |||||||||
Genco |
(39 | ) | 160 | 286 | ||||||||
Other (c ) |
(434 | ) | (48 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||
Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation |
$ | 139 | $ | 612 | $ | 605 |
(a) | Includes earnings from a 40% interest in EEI through February 29, 2008. |
(b) | Includes AERG for all periods prior to October 1, 2010, when AIC distributed AERG stock to Ameren. |
(c) | Includes earnings from other merchant generation operations, as well as corporate general and administrative expenses, and intercompany eliminations. During 2010, Ameren Corporation, parent, and other nonregistrant subsidiaries recorded a $419 million impairment charge related to goodwill, long-lived assets, and intangible assets in the Merchant Generation segment. |
36
Below is a table of income statement components by segment for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
2010 |
Ameren Missouri |
Ameren Illinois |
Merchant
Generation |
Other
/
Eliminations |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Electric margins |
$ | 2,233 | $ | 1,096 | $ | 780 | $ | (17 | ) | $ | 4,092 | |||||||||
Natural gas margins |
75 | 375 | - | (2 | ) | 448 | ||||||||||||||
Other revenues |
1 | - | - | (1 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
(931 | ) | (635 | ) | (287 | ) | 32 | (1,821 | ) | |||||||||||
Goodwill and other impairment losses |
- | - | (589 | ) | - | (589 | ) | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(382 | ) | (210 | ) | (146 | ) | (27 | ) | (765 | ) | ||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
(285 | ) | (128 | ) | (26 | ) | (10 | ) | (449 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income and (expenses) |
70 | (6 | ) | 1 | (8 | ) | 57 | |||||||||||||
Interest charges |
(213 | ) | (143 | ) | (133 | ) | (8 | ) | (497 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (taxes) benefit |
(199 | ) | (137 | ) | (6 | ) | 17 | (325 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
369 | 212 | (406 | ) | (24 | ) | 151 | |||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest and preferred dividends |
(5 | ) | (4 | ) | (3 | ) | - | (12 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Corporation |
$ | 364 | $ | 208 | $ | (409 | ) | $ | (24 | ) | $ | 139 | ||||||||
2009 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Electric margins |
$ | 1,983 | $ | 917 | $ | 1,012 | $ | (22 | ) | $ | 3,890 | |||||||||
Natural gas margins |
73 | 373 | - | - | 446 | |||||||||||||||
Other revenues |
4 | 4 | - | (8 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
(880 | ) | (590 | ) | (333 | ) | 35 | (1,768 | ) | |||||||||||
Goodwill and other impairment losses |
- | - | (7 | ) | - | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(357 | ) | (216 | ) | (126 | ) | (26 | ) | (725 | ) | ||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
(257 | ) | (125 | ) | (28 | ) | (10 | ) | (420 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income and (expenses) |
56 | 2 | 1 | (11 | ) | 48 | ||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
(229 | ) | (153 | ) | (119 | ) | (7 | ) | (508 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (taxes) benefit |
(128 | ) | (79 | ) | (151 | ) | 26 | (332 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
265 | 133 | 249 | (23 | ) | 624 | ||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest and preferred dividends |
(6 | ) | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | 2 | (12 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Corporation |
$ | 259 | $ | 127 | $ | 247 | $ | (21 | ) | $ | 612 | |||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Electric margins |
$ | 1,924 | $ | 837 | $ | 1,188 | $ | (47 | ) | $ | 3,902 | |||||||||
Natural gas margins |
78 | 351 | - | (4 | ) | 425 | ||||||||||||||
Other revenues |
3 | 1 | - | (4 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
(922 | ) | (653 | ) | (342 | ) | 55 | (1,862 | ) | |||||||||||
Goodwill and other impairment losses |
- | - | (14 | ) | - | (14 | ) | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(329 | ) | (219 | ) | (109 | ) | (28 | ) | (685 | ) | ||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
(240 | ) | (126 | ) | (26 | ) | (12 | ) | (404 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income and (expenses) |
53 | 11 | - | (15 | ) | 49 | ||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
(193 | ) | (145 | ) | (99 | ) | (3 | ) | (440 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (taxes) benefit |
(134 | ) | (16 | ) | (217 | ) | 40 | (327 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
240 | 41 | 381 | (18 | ) | 644 | ||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest and preferred dividends |
(6 | ) | (6 | ) | (29 | ) | 2 | (39 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Corporation |
$ | 234 | $ | 35 | $ | 352 | $ | (16 | ) | $ | 605 |
37
Margins
The following table presents the favorable (unfavorable) variations in the registrants electric and natural gas margins from the previous year. Electric margins are defined as electric revenues less fuel and purchased power costs. Natural gas margins are defined as gas revenues less gas purchased for resale. The table covers the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. We consider electric and natural gas margins useful measures to analyze the change in profitability of our electric and natural gas operations between periods. We have included the analysis below as a complement to the financial information we provide in accordance with GAAP. However, these margins may not be a presentation defined under GAAP, and they may not be comparable to other companies presentations or more useful than the GAAP information we provide elsewhere in this report.
2010 versus 2009 | Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | ||||||||||||
Electric revenue change: |
||||||||||||||||
Effect of weather (estimate) (b) |
$ | 174 | $ | 134 | $ | 40 | $ | - | ||||||||
Regulated rates: |
||||||||||||||||
Changes in base rates |
203 | 162 | 41 | - | ||||||||||||
Noranda sales |
54 | 54 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Illinois pass-through power supply costs |
220 | - | (83 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Energy efficiency programs and environmental remediation cost riders |
29 | - | 29 | - | ||||||||||||
Bad debt rider |
14 | - | 14 | - | ||||||||||||
Transmission services |
49 | 7 | 42 | - | ||||||||||||
Recovery of FAC net under-recovery |
60 | 60 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Sales price changes, including hedge effect |
(243 | ) | - | - | (81 | ) | ||||||||||
Off-system revenues |
(102 | ) | (102 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, net of reimbursement |
23 | - | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized MTM gains (losses) |
49 | - | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||||
Sales (excluding impact of abnormal weather) and other |
51 | 15 | 3 | 50 | ||||||||||||
Total electric revenue change |
$ | 581 | $ | 330 | $ | 96 | $ | (22 | ) | |||||||
Fuel and purchased power change: |
||||||||||||||||
Fuel: |
||||||||||||||||
Production volume and other |
$ | (138 | ) | $ | (91 | ) | $ | - | $ | (38 | ) | |||||
FAC net under-recovery |
138 | 138 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Recovery of FAC net under-recovery |
(60 | ) | (60 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Net unrealized MTM losses |
(51 | ) | (29 | ) | - | (18 | ) | |||||||||
Price Merchant Generation |
(71 | ) | - | - | (51 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchased power |
23 | (38 | ) | - | 11 | |||||||||||
Illinois pass-through power supply costs |
(220 | ) | - | 83 | - | |||||||||||
Total fuel and purchased power change |
$ | (379 | ) | $ | (80 | ) | $ | 83 | $ | (96 | ) | |||||
Net change in electric margins |
$ | 202 | $ | 250 | $ | 179 | $ | (118 | ) | |||||||
Natural gas margins change: |
||||||||||||||||
Effect of weather (estimate) (b) |
$ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 1 | $ | - | ||||||||
Bad debt rider |
15 | - | 15 | - | ||||||||||||
Rate decrease |
(11 | ) | - | (11 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Energy efficiency programs and environmental remediation cost riders |
1 | - | 1 | - | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized MTM losses |
(6 | ) | - | (6 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Sales (excluding impact of abnormal weather) and other |
2 | 2 | 2 | - | ||||||||||||
Net change in natural gas margins |
$ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | - |
38
2009 versus 2008 | Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | ||||||||||||
Electric revenue change: |
||||||||||||||||
Effect of weather (estimate) (b) |
$ | (47 | ) | $ | (33 | ) | $ | (14 | ) | $ | - | |||||
Regulated rates: |
||||||||||||||||
Changes in base rates |
229 | 141 | 88 | - | ||||||||||||
Noranda sales |
(50 | ) | (50 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Illinois pass-through power supply costs |
(338 | ) | - | (338 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Energy efficiency programs and environmental remediation cost riders |
11 | - | 11 | - | ||||||||||||
Sales price changes, including hedge effect |
57 | - | - | (48 | ) | |||||||||||
Off-system revenues |
(89 | ) | (89 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement |
15 | - | 5 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized MTM (losses) gains |
(110 | ) | - | - | 2 | |||||||||||
Sales (excluding impact of abnormal weather) and other |
(125 | ) | (25 | ) | (29 | ) | (235 | ) | ||||||||
Total electric revenue change |
$ | (447 | ) | $ | (56 | ) | $ | (277 | ) | $ | (274 | ) | ||||
Fuel and purchased power change: |
||||||||||||||||
Fuel: |
||||||||||||||||
Production volume and other |
$ | 88 | $ | (17 | ) | $ | 1 | $ | 93 | |||||||
FAC net under-recovery, net of collections |
38 | 38 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized MTM gains |
118 | 58 | - | 48 | ||||||||||||
Price Merchant Generation |
(83 | ) | - | - | (80 | ) | ||||||||||
Coal contract settlement |
(27 | ) | - | - | (27 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchased power |
(25 | ) | 48 | 18 | 25 | |||||||||||
Illinois pass-through power supply costs |
338 | - | 338 | - | ||||||||||||
FERC-ordered MISO resettlements |
(12 | ) | (12 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Total fuel and purchased power change |
$ | 435 | $ | 115 | $ | 357 | $ | 59 | ||||||||
Net change in electric margins |
$ | (12 | ) | $ | 59 | $ | 80 | $ | (215 | ) | ||||||
Natural gas margins change: |
||||||||||||||||
Effect of weather (estimate) (b) |
$ | (7 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (6 | ) | $ | - | |||||
Changes in base rates |
34 | - | 34 | - | ||||||||||||
Absence of capitalization of nonrecoverable gas costs |
(5 | ) | - | (5 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Energy efficiency programs and environmental remediation cost riders |
4 | - | 4 | - | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized 2008 MTM losses |
12 | - | 12 | - | ||||||||||||
Sales (excluding impact of abnormal weather) and other |
(17 | ) | (4 | ) | (17 | ) | - | |||||||||
Net change in natural gas margins |
$ | 21 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | 22 | $ | - |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Represents the estimated margin impact resulting from the effects of changes in cooling and heating degree-days on electric and natural gas demand compared to the prior year based on temperature readings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. |
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Amerens electric margins increased by $202 million, or 5%, in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items had a favorable impact on Amerens electric margins:
|
Favorable weather conditions, as evidenced by a 52% increase in cooling degree-days, which increased revenues by $174 million. |
|
Higher electric rates at UE, effective March 1, 2009, and June 21, 2010, which increased margins by $162 million. |
|
Increased UE sales to Noranda in 2010 as its smelter plant gradually returned to full capacity in March 2010 after a January 2009 severe storm significantly reduced the plants capacity, which increased revenues by $54 million. |
|
Higher transmission revenues primarily associated with higher FERC-regulated transmission rates. Higher rates were due, in part, to a significant increase in transmission assets placed into service at AIC during 2009, higher equity levels as a result of Amerens |
capital contributions to AIC in 2009, and mild 2009 weather, which increased margins by $49 million. |
|
Higher electric rates at AIC, effective in early May 2010, as well as the adjustment of residential electric delivery rates effective October 1, 2009, to recover the full increase of IPs 2008 ICC rate order, which increased margins by $41 million. |
|
Net unrealized MTM activity at the Merchant Generation segment (primarily at Marketing Company), primarily related to nonqualifying power hedges, which increased margins by $49 million. |
|
Recovery of energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs through Illinois rate-adjustment mechanisms at AIC, which increased margins by $29 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for information on a related offsetting increase in energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs. |
|
Excluding the impact of UEs increased sales to Noranda and the estimated impact of abnormal weather, rate-regulated retail sales volumes increased |
39
by 3% largely due to improved economic conditions, which increased margins by $25 million. |
|
A reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, which increased margins by $23 million. |
|
Recovery of prior years bad debt expense through the Illinois bad debt rider at AIC effective March 2010, which increased revenues by $14 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for additional information on a related offsetting increase in bad debt expense. |
The following items had an unfavorable impact on Amerens electric margins for 2010 compared with 2009:
|
Reductions in higher-margin sales at the Merchant Generation segment resulting from the expiration of the 2006 auction power supply agreements on May 31, 2010, and lower market prices resulting in fewer opportunities for economic power sales, which decreased margins by $243 million. |
|
A $93 million increase in UEs net base fuel expense, which is substantially recovered from its customers, through higher sales volume associated with favorable weather in 2010 compared with 2009 and higher rates. Net base fuel expense is the sum of fuelproduction volume and other ($91 million), purchased power ($38 million), and off-system sales ($102 million) offset by the FAC net under-recovery ($138 million). |
|
14% higher fuel prices in the Merchant Generation segment primarily due to higher commodity and transportation costs associated with new supply contracts, which decreased margins $71 million. |
|
In the first quarter of 2009, the reversal of previously unrealized losses related to regulatory assets resulted in the recognition of a $29 million net MTM gain on energy and fuel-related contracts at UE. After the implementation of UEs FAC on March 1, 2009, UEs net MTM gains or losses no longer impact electric margins. Net unrealized MTM activity at the Merchant Generation segment on fuel-related transactions, primarily associated with financial instruments that were acquired to mitigate the risk of rising diesel fuel price adjustments embedded in coal transportation contracts, which reduced margins by $20 million. |
Amerens Illinois pass-through power supply costs reflect lower power prices and the expiration of intercompany power supply agreements between AIC and Marketing Company. AIC purchased power from Marketing Company from January 1, 2007, through May 31, 2010, under power supply agreements entered into following a 2006 Illinois power procurement auction. The purchases and sales under these agreements were eliminated in consolidation for Amerens financial statements. Subsequent to the expiration of these agreements in May 2010, Marketing Companys power sales and AICs power purchases have primarily been made with nonaffiliated parties. As a result, Amerens consolidated revenues increased by a net $220 million in 2010 compared with
2009. These revenues were offset by a corresponding $220 million net increase in purchased power costs.
Amerens natural gas margins increased $2 million, or less than 1%, in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items had a favorable impact on Amerens natural gas margins:
|
Recovery of prior years bad debt expense through the Illinois bad debt rider at AIC effective March 2010, which increased revenues by $15 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for additional information on a related offsetting increase in bad debt expense. |
|
Favorable higher-margin customer mix that was mitigated by a 2% decrease in sales volumes, which increased margins by $2 million. |
The following items had an unfavorable impact on Amerens natural gas margins in 2010 compared with 2009:
|
Lower natural gas rates effective early May 2010 at AIC, which reduced margins by $11 million. |
|
The absence of net unrealized MTM gains in 2010 of $6 million on natural gas swaps. |
Ameren Missouri (UE)
UE has a FAC cost recovery mechanism that allows UE to recover, through customer rates, 95% of changes in fuel-production volume and other costs and purchased power costs, net of off-system revenues, including MISO costs and revenues, greater or less than the amount set in base rates, without a traditional rate proceeding.
UEs electric margins increased $250 million, or 13%, in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items had a favorable impact on UEs electric margins:
|
Higher electric rates, effective March 1, 2009, and June 21, 2010, which increased margins $162 million. |
|
Favorable weather conditions, as evidenced by a 44% increase in cooling degree-days, which increased revenues by $134 million. |
|
Increased sales to Noranda in 2010 as its smelter plant gradually returned to full capacity in March 2010 after a January 2009 severe storm significantly reduced the plants capacity, which increased electric revenues by $54 million. |
|
Taum Sauks return to service. Although Taum Sauk was not available to generate electricity for off-system revenues during 2009, UE had included $19 million in the calculation of the FAC as if Taum Sauk had generated off-system revenues. Upon Taum Sauks return to service in April 2010, UEs margins have increased since the adjustment factor was eliminated from the FAC calculation, which increased margins by $12 million. |
|
Excluding the impact of increased sales to Noranda and the estimated impact of abnormal weather, rate-regulated retail sales volumes increased by less than 1%, largely due to improved economic conditions, which increased margins by $9 million. |
40
The following items had an unfavorable effect on UEs electric margins in 2010 compared with 2009:
|
A $93 million increase in net base fuel expense, which is substantially recovered from its customers, as a result of higher sales volume associated with favorable weather in 2010 compared with 2009 and higher rates. Net base fuel expense is the sum of fuel production volume and other ($91 million), purchased power ($38 million), and off-system sales ($102 million) offset by the FAC net under-recovery ($138 million). |
|
The reversal of previously unrealized losses to regulatory assets, which resulted in the recognition of a $29 million net MTM gain on energy and fuel-related contracts in the first quarter of 2009. This benefit did not reoccur in 2010. After the implementation of the FAC on March 1, 2009, net MTM gains or losses no longer affect electric margins. See Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information. |
UEs natural gas margins increased by $2 million, or 3%, in 2010 compared with 2009 because of a 2% increase in sales volumes, largely due to improved economic conditions.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
AIC has a cost recovery mechanism for power purchased on behalf of its customers. These pass-through power costs do not affect margins; however, the electric revenues and offsetting purchased power costs may fluctuate, primarily because of customer switching and usage. See below for explanations of electric and natural gas margin variances for the Ameren Illinois segment.
AICs electric margins increased by $179 million, or 20%, in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items had a favorable impact on electric margins:
|
Higher transmission revenues primarily associated with higher FERC-regulated transmission rates. Higher rates were due, in part, to an increase in transmission assets placed into service during 2009, higher equity levels resulting from Amerens capital contributions to IP in 2009, and mild 2009 weather, which increased margins by $42 million. |
|
Higher delivery service rates, effective in early May 2010, as well as the adjustment of residential electric delivery rates effective October 1, 2009, at IP to recover the full increase of the 2008 ICC rate order, which increased margins by $41 million. |
|
Favorable weather conditions, as evidenced by a 65% increase in cooling degree-days, which increased revenues by $40 million. |
|
Recovery of energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs through Illinois rate-adjustment mechanisms, which increased margins by $29 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for information on a related offsetting increase in energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs. |
|
Recovery of prior years bad debt expense under the Illinois bad debt rider effective March 2010, which increased revenues by $14 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for additional information on a related offsetting increase in bad debt expense. |
|
A reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, which increased margins by $10 million. |
AICs natural gas margins increased by $2 million, or 1%, in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items had a favorable impact on natural gas margins:
|
Recovery of prior years bad debt expense under the Illinois bad debt rider, effective March 2010, which increased revenues by $15 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for additional information on a related offsetting increase in bad debt expense. |
|
A higher-margin customer mix that was mitigated by a 3% decrease in sales volumes, which increased margins by $2 million. |
The following items had an unfavorable impact on AICs natural gas margins in 2010 compared with 2009:
|
Lower natural gas rates effective early May 2010, which reduced margins by $11 million. |
|
The absence of net unrealized MTM gains in 2010 of $6 million on natural gas swaps, as occurred in 2009. |
Merchant Generation
Merchant Generations electric margins decreased by $232 million, or 23%, in 2010 compared with 2009. See below for explanations of electric margin variances for the Merchant Generation segment.
Genco
Gencos electric margins decreased by $118 million, or 18%, in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items had an unfavorable impact on electric margins:
|
Lower revenues allocated to Genco under its power supply agreement (Genco PSA) with Marketing Company. There was a smaller pool of money to allocate because of reductions in higher-margin sales, resulting from the expiration of older long-term contracts and because of lower market prices. The lower market prices associated with the Genco PSA were mitigated by higher market prices associated with EEIs power supply agreement with Marketing Company (EEI PSA). The net impact of lower market prices under both power supply agreements reduced electric revenues by $81 million. In accordance with the Genco PSA, Genco was also allocated a lower percentage of revenues from the pool because of lower reimbursable expenses and lower generation relative to AERG. |
|
14% higher fuel prices in 2010 compared with 2009, primarily due to higher commodity and transportation costs associated with new supply contracts, which reduced margins by $51 million. |
41
|
Net unrealized MTM activity on fuel-related transactions primarily associated with financial instruments acquired to mitigate the risk of rising diesel fuel price adjustments embedded in coal transportation contracts, which reduced margins by $18 million. |
The following items had a favorable impact on Gencos electric margins in 2010 compared with 2009:
|
A reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, which increased margins by $10 million. |
|
Increased power plant utilization, primarily due to more economic sales opportunities and a reduction in transmission constraints, which previously limited the period in which power could be sold. In addition, one of Gencos coal-fired power plants experienced a transformer fire in September 2009, which put two units out of service for a period of time in 2009. The higher production volume contributed to the $50 million increase in electric revenues, which was mitigated by higher production volume costs of $38 million. Gencos baseload coal-fired generating plants average capacity factor increased to 71% in 2010, compared with 67% in 2009, and Gencos equivalent availability factor increased to 88% in 2010, compared with 82% in 2009. |
Other Merchant Generation
Electric margins from Amerens other Merchant Generation operations, primarily AERG and Marketing Company, decreased by $114 million, or 32%, in 2010. Other Merchant Generation electric margins were unfavorably affected, compared with 2009, by:
|
Lower revenues allocated to AERG under its power supply agreement (AERG PSA) with Marketing Company. There was a smaller pool of money to allocate because of reductions in higher-margin sales resulting from the expiration of older long-term contracts and because of lower market prices. These items reduced electric margins by $109 million. However, in accordance with the AERG PSA, AERG was allocated a greater percentage of revenues from the pool because of higher reimbursable expenses and higher generation relative to Genco. |
|
19% higher fuel prices at AERG in 2010 compared with 2009, primarily due to higher commodity and transportation costs associated with new supply contracts, which reduced margins by $20 million. |
The following items had a favorable impact on the electric margins of other Merchant Generation operations for 2010 compared with 2009:
|
Net unrealized MTM activity at Marketing Company improved margins by $50 million primarily because of nonqualifying power hedges. |
|
A reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement at AERG, which increased margins by $4 million. |
|
Increased power plant utilization at AERG, primarily due to more opportunities for economic sales and a reduction in plant outages. The higher production volume increased electric revenues by $37 million, which was partially offset by higher production volume costs of $16 million. AERGs baseload coal-fired generating plants average capacity factor increased to 75% in 2010, compared with 69% in 2009, while AERGs equivalent availability factor increased to 85% in 2010, compared with 78% in 2009. |
2009 versus 2008
Ameren
Amerens electric margins decreased by $12 million, or less than 1%, in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items had an unfavorable impact on Amerens electric margins:
|
Net unrealized MTM activity in the Merchant Generation segment decreased margins by $110 million (Marketing Company net loss of $112 million and Genco net gain of $2 million), primarily related to nonqualifying power hedges. |
|
Higher fuel expense at Genco as a result of its June 2008 agreement with a coal mine owner to receive a |
lump-sum payment of $60 million for the early termination of a coal supply contract. This payment compensated Genco, in total, for higher fuel costs it incurred throughout 2008 ($33 million) and 2009 ($27 million). Because the entire settlement was recorded in earnings in 2008, Amerens recorded earnings in 2009 were lower than they otherwise would have been. |
|
Excluding the impact of the June 2008 settlement agreement, 5% higher fuel prices in the Merchant Generation segment. |
|
Reduced sales by UE to Noranda, due to an extended severe storm-related outage, which lowered electric revenues by $50 million in 2009. |
|
Unfavorable weather conditions, as evidenced by a 7% reduction in cooling degree-days, which decreased revenues by $47 million. |
|
Excluding the impact of UEs reduced sales to Noranda and the estimated impact of abnormal weather, rate-regulated retail sales volumes decreased by 4% in Amerens rate-regulated utilities, largely a result of the economic slowdown, which decreased margins by $40 million. |
|
Higher net fuel expense at UE of $20 million resulting from lower off-system revenues and higher production volume and other, offset in part by lower purchased power and FAC under-recovery. |
|
Decreased power plant utilization in the Merchant Generation segment, primarily because of lower market prices, which resulted in fewer opportunities for economic sales, and transmission congestion, which limited the period when power could be sold. The lower production volume contributed to the $125 million decrease in electric revenues, which was mitigated by |
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lower production volume costs of $88 million. Merchant Generations baseload, coal-fired generating plants equivalent availability factors were 81% in 2009, compared with 85% in 2008. The average capacity factor was 66% in 2009, compared with 76% in 2008. |
The following items had a favorable impact on Amerens electric margins for 2009 compared with 2008:
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Higher electric rates at UE, effective March 1, 2009, which increased margins by $141 million, and higher rates at AIC, effective October 1, 2008, which increased margins by $88 million. |
|
Net unrealized MTM activity at UE improved margins by $58 million on energy and fuel-related transactions. During 2009, UE reversed and deferred as regulatory assets previously recorded net MTM losses of $42 million on energy and fuel-related transactions when these costs became probable of recovery because of the FAC. |
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Net unrealized MTM activity improved margins by $55 million at the Merchant Generation segment (Genco $48 million, AERG $7 million). These were primarily associated with financial instruments acquired to mitigate the risk of rising diesel fuel price adjustments embedded in coal transportation contracts. |
|
The repricing of wholesale and retail electric power supply agreements and financial swaps that settled at higher margins at Merchant Generation. |
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A $32 million increase in wholesale sales margins at UE because of additional customers and higher-priced wholesale sales contracts. Power was available for sale to wholesale customers as a result of reduced native load demand. |
|
Recovery of energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs through Illinois rate-adjustment mechanisms at AIC, which increased margins by $11 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for information on a related offsetting increase in energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs. |
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A $15 million reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement. |
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Higher Callaway nuclear plant availability due to the absence of a 30-day planned maintenance outage, which occurred in 2008. |
Amerens natural gas margins increased by $21 million, or 5%, in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items had a favorable impact on Amerens natural gas margins:
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AICs net natural gas delivery service rate increase, effective October 1, 2008, which increased margins by $34 million. |
|
The absence of net unrealized MTM losses at AIC on natural gas swaps that improved margins by $12 million in 2009. |
|
Recovery of energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs through Illinois rate-adjustment mechanisms at AIC, which increased margins by $4 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for information on a related offsetting increase in energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs. |
The following items had an unfavorable impact on Amerens natural gas margins in 2009 compared with 2008:
|
7% lower sales volumes, excluding the estimated impact of abnormal weather, largely a result of the economic slowdown, and lower realized prices related to a contract with a large industrial customer in 2009, which decreased margins by $17 million. |
|
Unfavorable weather conditions, as evidenced by an 8% reduction in heating degree-days, which decreased margins by $7 million. |
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The absence of the capitalization of nonrecoverable purchased gas costs in accordance with the September 2008 ICC gas rate order, which resulted in a one-time increase in margins of $5 million in 2008. |
Ameren Missouri (UE)
UE has a FAC cost recovery mechanism that allows UE to recover, through customer rates, 95% of changes in fuel-production volume and other costs and purchased power costs, net of off-system revenues, including MISO costs and revenues, greater or less than the amount set in base rates, without a traditional rate proceeding.
UEs electric margins increased $59 million, or 3%, in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items had a favorable impact on UEs electric margins:
|
Higher electric rates, effective March 1, 2009, which increased margins by $141 million. |
|
Net unrealized MTM activity on energy and fuel-related transactions that improved margins by $58 million. During 2009, UE reversed and deferred as regulatory assets previously recorded net MTM losses of $42 million on energy and fuel-related transactions when these costs became probable of recovery because of the FAC. |
|
A $32 million increase in wholesale sales margins due to additional customers and higher-priced wholesale sales contracts. Power was available for sale to wholesale customers as a result of reduced native load demand. |
|
Higher Callaway nuclear plant availability due to the absence of a 30-day planned maintenance outage, which occurred in 2008. |
The following items had an unfavorable impact on UEs electric margins in 2009 compared with 2008:
|
Reduced sales to Noranda, due to an extended severe storm-related outage, which lowered electric revenues by $50 million. |
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|
Unfavorable weather conditions, as indicated by a 13% reduction in cooling degree-days during the third quarter of 2009, which is UEs peak cooling period, and a mild winter, which decreased revenues by $33 million. |
|
Excluding the impact of reduced sales to Noranda and the estimated impact of abnormal weather, rate-regulated retail sales volumes decreased by 2%, largely a result of the economic slowdown, which decreased margins by $25 million. |
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A $20 million increase in net fuel expense resulting from lower off-system revenues and higher production volume and other, offset in part by lower purchased power and FAC under-recovery. |
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The absence in 2009 of the benefits from a MoPSC order that directed the recording in 2008 of a regulatory asset related to previously incurred costs for a 2007 FERC order, which decreased margins by $12 million. |
UEs natural gas margins decreased by $5 million, or 6%, in 2009 compared with 2008, primarily because of an 8% decrease in sales volumes in 2009.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
AIC has a cost recovery mechanism for power purchased on behalf of its customers. These pass-through power costs do not affect margins; however, the electric revenues and offsetting purchased power costs may fluctuate, primarily because of customer switching and usage. See below for explanations of electric and natural gas margin variances for the Ameren Illinois segment.
AICs electric margins increased by $80 million, or 10%, in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items had a favorable impact on electric margins:
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Higher electric delivery service rates, effective October 1, 2008, which increased margins by $88 million. |
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Recovery of energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs through Illinois rate-adjustment mechanisms, which increased margins by $11 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for information on a related offsetting increase in energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs. |
|
A $5 million reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement. |
AICs electric margins were unfavorably affected in 2009 compared with 2008 by the following items:
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5% lower sales volumes excluding the estimated impact of abnormal weather, primarily in the lower-margin industrial customer sector, largely as a result of the economic slowdown, which decreased margins by $15 million. |
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Unfavorable weather conditions, as evidenced by a 13% reduction in cooling degree-days, which decreased revenues by $14 million. |
AICs natural gas margins increased by $22 million, or 6%, in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items had a favorable impact on natural gas margins:
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Higher net natural gas delivery service rates, effective October 1, 2008, which increased margins by $34 million. |
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The absence of net unrealized MTM losses on natural gas swaps that improved margins by $12 million in 2009. |
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Recovery of energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs through Illinois rate-adjustment mechanisms, which increased margins by $4 million. See Operations and Maintenance in this section for information on a related offsetting increase in energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs. |
The following items had an unfavorable impact on AICs natural gas margins in 2009 compared with 2008:
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6% lower sales volumes excluding the estimated impact of abnormal weather, largely a result of the economic slowdown, and lower realized prices related to a contract with a large industrial customer in 2009, which decreased margins by $13 million. |
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Unfavorable weather conditions, as evidenced by a 7% reduction in heating degree-days, which decreased margins by $6 million. |
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The absence of the capitalization of nonrecoverable purchased gas costs in accordance with the September 2008 ICC gas rate order, which resulted in a one-time increase in margins of $5 million in 2008. |
Merchant Generation
Merchant Generations electric margins decreased by $176 million, or 15%, in 2009 compared with 2008. See below for explanations of electric margin variances for the Merchant Generation segment.
Genco
Gencos electric margins decreased by $215 million, or 25%, in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items had an unfavorable impact on electric margins:
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Decreased power plant utilization, primarily due to lower market prices, which resulted in fewer opportunities for economic sales, and transmission congestion, which limited the period when power could be sold. In addition, one of Gencos coal-fired power plants experienced a transformer fire in September 2009, which put two units out of service for a time. The lower production volume contributed to the $235 million decrease in electric revenues, which was mitigated by lower production volume costs of $93 million. This contributed to a reduction in Gencos baseload coal-fired generating plants equivalent availability factor to 82% in 2009, compared with 88% in 2008. Gencos average capacity factor also decreased to 67% in 2009, compared with 80% in 2008. |
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Lower revenues associated with EEIs power supply agreement with Marketing Company driven primarily by lower market prices, which decreased revenues by $191 million. |
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Lower revenues allocated to Genco under the Genco PSA because of lower reimbursable expenses and lower generation relative to AERG in accordance with the Genco PSA, partially offset by financial swaps settling at higher margins and new higher-priced wholesale and retail electric power supply agreements. These higher sales prices increased electric revenues by $143 million. |
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Higher fuel expense as a result of Gencos June 2008 agreement with a coal mine owner to receive a lump-sum payment of $60 million for the early termination of a coal supply contract. This payment compensated Genco, in total, for higher fuel costs it incurred throughout 2008 ($33 million) and 2009 ($27 million). Because the entire settlement was recorded in earnings in 2008, Gencos recorded earnings in 2009 were lower than they otherwise would have been. |
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Excluding the impact of the June 2008 settlement agreement, 8% higher fuel prices. |
Gencos electric margins were favorably affected in 2009 compared with 2008 by the following items:
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Net unrealized MTM activity on fuel-related transactions improved margins by $48 million. These were primarily associated with financial instruments acquired to mitigate the risk of rising diesel fuel price adjustments embedded in coal transportation contracts. |
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A $7 million reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement. |
Other Merchant Generation
Electric margins from Amerens other Merchant Generation operations, primarily AERG and Marketing Company, increased by $39 million, or 13%, in 2009. Other Merchant Generation electric margins were favorably affected, compared with 2008, by:
|
Higher revenues allocated to AERG under the AERG PSA because of higher reimbursable expenses and higher generation relative to Genco in accordance with the AERG PSA. AERGs baseload coal-fired generating plants equivalent availability and average capacity factors were comparable to 2008. Financial swaps also settled at higher margins, and new higher-priced wholesale and retail electric power supply agreements increased revenues. These items increased electric margins by $77 million. |
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Net unrealized MTM activity at AERG on fuel-related transactions increased margins by $7 million. These were primarily associated with financial instruments that were acquired to mitigate the risk of rising diesel fuel price adjustments embedded in coal transportation contracts. |
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Lower oil consumption at AERG because of fewer plant startups and lower oil prices in 2009, which reduced costs by $6 million. |
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A $3 million reduction in the impact of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement. |
Other Merchant Generation electric margins were reduced by $112 million in 2009 compared with 2008 by net unrealized MTM activity at Marketing Company. These were primarily associated with financial instruments that related to nonqualifying power hedges.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Other operations and maintenance expenses increased $53 million in 2010 compared with 2009.
The following items increased other operations and maintenance expenses between periods:
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Increased plant maintenance and labor costs of $39 million associated with a refueling and maintenance outage at the Callaway nuclear plant and an increase of $16 million for other scheduled coal-fired plant outages, the installation of scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant, and other maintenance work. There was no Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage in 2009. |
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A $46 million increase in bad debt expense. The July 2009 capitalization and recovery of prior years bad debt expense under the Illinois bad debt rate |
adjustment mechanism (net of a related donation for customer assistance programs) reduced bad debt expense in 2009. Additionally, bad debt expense increased in 2010, because of amortization of regulatory assets set up in conjunction with the Illinois bad debt rate adjustment mechanism in 2009. Amortization expense associated with these regulatory assets was offset by increased revenues through collection from customers, with no overall impact on net income. |
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Increased AIC energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs of $30 million. Energy efficiency program costs are allowed to be recovered from customers under the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement; environmental remediation costs associated with MGPs are recoverable from customers through Illinois environmental adjustment rate riders. Accordingly, these costs are offset by increased revenues, with no overall impact on net income. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies to our financial statements under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information. |
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An unfavorable change of $7 million in unrealized net MTM adjustments between periods, resulting from changes in the market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation plans. |
The following items reduced other operations and maintenance expenses between periods:
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The absence in 2010 of major storms, such as had occurred in 2009, which resulted in a $27 million |
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reduction in other operations and maintenance expenses. |
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Severance costs of $17 million for employee separation programs recognized in 2009, as compared with $4 million in 2010. |
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A May 2010 MoPSC electric rate order, which resulted in UE recording regulatory assets in 2010 related to employee severance costs and storm costs incurred in 2009, which decreased expenses by $11 million. |
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A reduction in labor costs of $10 million, primarily because of staff reductions. |
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Items that unfavorably affected Ameren in 2009 that did not recur in 2010: a $5 million penalty incurred for the termination of a heavy forgings contract associated with efforts to build a new nuclear unit at UEs Callaway nuclear plant and a $5 million write-off of Amerens investment in a supply acquisition partnership. |
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A gain on the sale of property interests at Genco recognized in 2010. |
Variations in other operations and maintenance expenses in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Other operations and maintenance expenses increased $51 million in 2010. Plant maintenance and labor costs increased $39 million as a result of the Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage and $34 million for other scheduled coal-fired plant outages, the installation of scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant, and other maintenance work and plant-related costs. Additionally, other operations and maintenance expenses increased because of an unfavorable change of $4 million in unrealized net MTM adjustments between periods resulting from changes in the market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation and higher bad debt expense of $5 million, primarily due to higher customer billings resulting from rate increases and weather conditions. Reducing the unfavorable impact of these items was the absence of major storms, such as had occurred in 2009, which resulted in a decrease in other operations and maintenance expenses of $13 million. Other operations and maintenance expenses were also reduced by the recording of regulatory assets in 2010 related to employee severance costs and storm costs incurred in 2009, and by the absence of severance costs for employee separation programs and the absence of the forgings contract penalty recognized in 2009, as discussed above.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Other operations and maintenance expenses increased $45 million in 2010, primarily because of a $40 million increase in bad debt expense resulting from the July 2009 capitalization and recovery of prior years bad debt expense under the Illinois bad debt rate adjustment mechanism (net of a related donation for customer assistance programs), which decreased bad debt expense in 2009, and the
amortization in 2010 of regulatory assets set up in conjunction with the Illinois bad debt rate adjustment mechanism in 2009. Energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs increased by $30 million, as discussed above. Reducing the unfavorable impact of these items were the absence of major storms in 2010, as compared with storm costs of $16 million in 2009, and a $9 million reduction of employee benefit costs due, in part, to the absence of severance costs in 2010 such as AIC had incurred in 2009.
Merchant Generation
Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $46 million in the Merchant Generation segment, primarily because of variations at Genco, as discussed below. Additionally, other operations and maintenance expenses decreased at AERG, primarily because of lower labor costs due to staff reductions, and reduced severance costs due to employee separation programs that were implemented in 2009.
Genco
Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $35 million. Plant maintenance costs were lower by $16 million due to the retirement in 2009 of two generation units at Gencos Meredosia plant and other reductions in required maintenance work between years. Additionally,
other operations and maintenance costs were lower due to a $7 million reduction in employee benefit costs, due, in part, to reduced severance costs because of employee separation programs in 2009, a $5 million decline in labor costs resulting from staff reductions, and a property sale gain in 2010.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $94 million in 2009 compared with 2008.
The following items reduced other operations and maintenance expenses between periods:
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Coal-fired plant maintenance costs were lower by $48 million, primarily because less work was undertaken as a result of cost-containment initiatives in response to weak economic conditions. |
|
Bad debt expense was lower by $44 million because of the impact of the implementation of the Illinois bad debt rate adjustment mechanism in 2009, as discussed above. Additionally, bad debt expense in 2008 was at an elevated level as a result of the transition to higher market-based rates at AIC. |
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A favorable change of $37 million in unrealized net MTM adjustments between periods resulting from changes in the market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation plans. |
|
The absence of a Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage in 2009, as compared with costs of $30 million in 2008. |
46
The following items increased other operations and maintenance expenses between periods:
|
In 2008, other operations and maintenance expenses were reduced by a MoPSC accounting order related to storm costs incurred in 2007, which resulted in UEs recording of a regulatory asset of $25 million; no similar item occurred in 2009. |
|
An increase of $24 million in labor costs due to wage increases and higher staff levels during most of 2009. |
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The recognition of $17 million for employee severance costs in 2009. |
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AICs energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs increased by $15 million. |
Variations in other operations and maintenance expenses in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $42 million in 2009. This was primarily because of a $32 million reduction in coal-fired plant maintenance costs due to reduced outages in 2009, as less work was undertaken as a result of cost containment initiatives in
response to weak economic conditions, and because of the absence of a Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage in 2009, as compared with costs of $30 million in 2008. A favorable change of $19 million in unrealized net MTM adjustments between periods, which resulted from changes in the market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation plans, also resulted in decreased expenses between years. In addition to these items, employee benefit costs were lower by $14 million, primarily due to reduced expenses between years associated with the pension and postretirement benefit costs tracker allowed by the MoPSC, partially offset by increased expense due to changes in actuarial assumptions.
Reducing the benefit of these items was a $21 million increase in labor costs because of wage increases and higher staff levels during most of the year, the recognition of $8 million in employee severance costs in 2009, and the absence of the MoPSC storm cost accounting order of $25 million that occurred in 2008, as described above. In addition to these items, storm repair expenditures were higher in 2009 as a result of a severe ice storm at the beginning of the year.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $63 million in 2009, primarily because of a $39 million reduction in bad debt expense, due to the impact of the Illinois bad debt rate adjustment mechanism (net of a related donation for customer assistance programs) and elevated levels of bad debt expense in 2008, as discussed above, and a favorable change in unrealized net MTM adjustments between periods resulting from changes in the
market value of investments used to support Amerens deferred compensation plans. Partially offsetting these favorable items were higher energy efficiency program costs and environmental remediation costs.
Merchant Generation
Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $9 million in 2009 in the Merchant Generation segment, primarily because of lower plant maintenance expenses at AERG. Gencos other operations and maintenance expenses were comparable between years, as higher employee severance costs were mitigated by lower plant maintenance costs. The reductions in plant maintenance costs at AERG and Genco were a result of cost containment initiatives in response to weak economic conditions.
Goodwill and Other Impairment Losses
In 2010, Ameren and Genco recognized noncash pretax impairment charges of $589 million (including Gencos impairment charges) and $170 million, respectively, related to goodwill, long-lived assets, and emission allowances within the Merchant Generation segment. In 2009, asset impairment charges of $7 million and $6 million were recorded at Ameren and Genco, respectively, primarily because of the termination of a rail line extension project at a subsidiary of Genco and to adjust the carrying value of an office building owned by Genco to its estimated fair value. In 2008, Ameren recognized asset impairment charges of $14 million to adjust the carrying value of AERGs Indian Trails and Sterling Avenue generation facilities to their fair values. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments to our financial statements under Part lI, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
Depreciation and Amortization
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Amerens depreciation and amortization expenses increased $40 million in 2010, as compared with 2009, because of items noted below at the Ameren Companies.
Variations in depreciation and amortization expenses in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2010 and 2009 were as follows.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $25 million in 2010, primarily because of capital additions and an increase in UEs annual depreciation rate due largely to the adoption of the life span depreciation methodology as a result of the 2010 MoPSC electric rate order.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $6 million in 2010, primarily because of a reduction in amortization of regulatory assets. An ICC rate order in April
47
2010 extended the amortization period of the IP integration-related regulatory asset. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters to our financial statements under Part lI, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
Merchant Generation
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $20 million in the Merchant Generation segment, primarily because of variations at Genco, as discussed below.
Genco
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $17 million in 2010, primarily because of capital additions and increased depreciation rates resulting from depreciation studies performed in 2009.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Amerens depreciation and amortization expenses increased $40 million in 2009, as compared with 2008, because of items noted below at the Ameren Companies.
Variations in depreciation and amortization expenses in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2009 and 2008 were as follows.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $28 million in 2009, primarily because of capital additions and amortization of regulatory assets that resulted from UEs electric rate order in 2009.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Depreciation and amortization expenses were comparable between years.
Merchant Generation
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $17 million in the Merchant Generation segment, primarily because of capital additions at AERG and variations at Genco, as discussed below.
Genco
Gencos depreciation and amortization expenses increased $6 million, primarily because of expense recorded in 2009 for the retirement of two generation units at its Meredosia power plant.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Taxes other than income taxes increased $29 million, because of items noted below at the Ameren Companies.
Variations in taxes other than income taxes in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Taxes other than income taxes increased $28 million, primarily because of higher gross receipts taxes as a result of increased sales, and because of increased property taxes due to higher assessed tax rates in Missouri.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Taxes other than income taxes were comparable between years.
Merchant Generation
Taxes other than income taxes were comparable between periods at the Merchant Generation segment and at Genco.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Amerens taxes other than income taxes increased $16 million in 2009, primarily because of higher property and payroll taxes.
Variations in taxes other than income taxes in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2009 and 2008 were as follows.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Taxes other than income taxes increased $17 million in 2009, primarily because of higher property taxes.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Taxes other than income taxes were comparable between years.
Merchant Generation
Taxes other than income taxes were comparable between years at the Merchant Generation segment and at Genco.
Other Income and Expenses
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Miscellaneous income, net of expenses, increased $9 million in 2010, because of items noted below at the Ameren Companies.
Variations in other income and expenses in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Miscellaneous income, net of expenses, increased $14 million in 2010, primarily because of higher allowance for equity funds used during construction associated with a project to install scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant, reduced, in part, by increased charitable contributions.
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Ameren Illinois (AIC)
AIC had net miscellaneous expense of $6 million in 2010, compared with net miscellaneous income of $2 million in 2009. Interest income decreased $5 million in 2010 compared with 2009 because CIPS note receivable from Genco matured on May 1, 2010.
Merchant Generation
Other income and expenses were comparable between years at the Merchant Generation segment and at Genco.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Other income and expenses were comparable in 2009 and 2008. Miscellaneous expenses decreased as expenses associated with energy efficiency and customer assistance programs under the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement were lower in 2009. However, miscellaneous income declined because of reduced interest income, partially offset by increased allowance for equity funds used during construction.
Variations in other income and expenses in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Other income and expenses were comparable between years.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Miscellaneous income, net of expenses, decreased $9 million, primarily because of lower interest income. Reduced expenses associated with energy efficiency and customer assistance programs under the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement mitigated this decrease.
Merchant Generation
Other income and expenses were comparable between years at the Merchant Generation segment and at Genco.
Interest Charges
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Interest charges decreased $11 million in 2010, because of items noted below at the Ameren Companies. The decreases below were mitigated by additional interest charges resulting from the issuance of $425 million of senior notes by Ameren in May 2009.
Variations in interest charges in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2010 and 2009 were as follows.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Interest charges decreased $16 million in 2010. Interest charges were reduced by $10 million because of a
May 2010 MoPSC electric rate order, which resulted in UE recording a regulatory asset for recovery of bank credit facility fees incurred in 2009. Additionally, interest charges were reduced by an increase in allowance for borrowed funds used during construction associated with a project to install scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant. Partially reducing the above benefits was an increase in interest charges associated with the issuance of $350 million of senior secured notes in March 2009.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Interest charges decreased $10 million in 2010, primarily because of the maturity of $250 million of first mortgage bonds in June 2009.
Merchant Generation
Interest charges increased $14 million in 2010 in the Merchant Generation segment and $17 million at Genco, primarily because of the issuance of $250 million of senior unsecured notes at Genco in November 2009.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Amerens interest charges increased $68 million in 2009, because of items noted below at the Ameren Companies and because of the issuance of $425 million of senior notes at Ameren in May 2009.
Variations in interest charges in Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
Ameren Missouri (UE)
Interest charges increased $36 million in 2009, primarily because of the issuance of $350 million, $450 million, and $250 million of senior secured notes in March 2009, June 2008, and April 2008, respectively. The amortization of fees related to credit facilities entered into in the second quarter of 2009 also increased interest charges. Additionally, a reversal in interest charges previously accrued on uncertain tax positions due to favorable income tax settlements in 2008, with no similar item in 2009, had a negative impact on 2009. The maturity of $148 million of first mortgage bonds in May 2008 and refinancing of auction-rate environmental improvement revenue bonds in 2008, along with a reduction of short-term borrowings, mitigated the impact of the above items.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
Interest charges increased $8 million in 2009, primarily because of the issuance of senior secured notes of $150 million at CILCO in December 2008 at a higher rate than the short-term borrowings it refinanced, and because of the amortization of fees related to a credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2009. Increased interest charges resulting from the issuance at IP of senior secured notes of $400 million and $337 million in October 2008 and
49
April 2008, respectively, were mitigated as the proceeds of these issuances were used to refinance auction-rate pollution control revenue refunding bonds, which bore default rates ranging from 12% to 18%, and to reduce short-term borrowings.
Merchant Generation
Interest charges increased $20 million in 2009 in the Merchant Generation segment, primarily because of increased intercompany borrowings at AERG and amortization of fees related to new credit facilities entered into in the second quarter of 2009. Additionally, interest charges increased because of variations at Genco, as discussed below.
Genco
Interest charges
Income Taxes
The following table presents effective income tax rates for the registrants and by segment for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren |
68 | % (a) | 35 | % | 34 | % | ||||||
UE |
35 | 33 | 36 | |||||||||
AIC |
39 | 37 | 28 | |||||||||
Genco |
(b | ) | 38 | 37 | ||||||||
Merchant Generation |
(c | ) | 38 | 36 |
(a) | The effective tax rate was 36% for 2010, after excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, which is not deductible for income tax purposes. |
(b) | The effective tax rate was 40% for 2010, after excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, which is not deductible for income tax purposes. |
(c) | The effective tax rate was 30% for 2010, after excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, which is not deductible for income tax purposes. |
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Amerens effective tax rate in 2010 was higher than 2009, primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the goodwill impairment charge recognized in 2010 at Ameren. Goodwill impairment charges are not deductible for income tax purposes. In addition, legislation was enacted in the first quarter of 2010 that resulted in retiree health care costs no longer being deductible for tax purposes to the extent an employers postretirement health care plan receives federal subsidies that provide retiree prescription drug benefits equivalent to Medicare prescription drug benefits. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information on the goodwill impairment charges. Additional variations are discussed below.
Variations in effective tax rates for Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2010 and 2009 were as follows.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
UEs effective tax rate was higher, primarily because of the change in tax treatment of retiree health care costs, along with the decreased impact of favorable net amortization of property-related regulatory assets and liabilities and other permanent items on higher pretax book income.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
The effective tax rate was higher, primarily because of the decreased impact of favorable net amortization of property-related regulatory assets and liabilities and permanent items on higher pretax book income.
Merchant Generation
The effective tax rate was lower in the Merchant Generation segment, because of items detailed below at Genco, partially offset by the impact of state tax credits related to capital investments and decreased Internal Revenue Code Section 199 production activity deductions on a pretax book loss.
Genco
The effective tax rate increased, after excluding the impact of the nondeductible goodwill impairment charge, primarily because of the change in tax treatment of retiree health care costs and changes to reserves for uncertain tax positions mitigated by the increased impact of state tax credits, Internal Revenue Code Section 199 production activity deductions and investment tax credit amortization on lower pretax book income.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Amerens effective tax rate in 2009 was higher than the effective tax rate in 2008 because of variations discussed below. Variations in effective tax rates for Amerens business segments and for the Ameren Companies between 2009 and 2008 were as follows.
Ameren Missouri (UE)
UEs effective tax rate was lower, primarily because of higher favorable net amortization of property-related regulatory assets and liabilities, partially mitigated by changes to reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
The effective tax rate was higher, primarily because of the decreased impact of net amortization of property-related regulatory assets and liabilities, investment tax credit amortization, and permanent items on higher pretax book income.
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Merchant Generation
The effective tax rate was higher at the Merchant Generation segment because of items detailed below at Genco, along with the impact of deferred tax adjustments due to changes in state apportionment.
Genco
The effective tax rate increased, primarily because of the decreased impact of Internal Revenue Code Section 199 production activity deductions, along with changes to reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Ameren Illinois (AIC)
On October 1, 2010, Ameren, CIPS, CILCO, IP, AERG and Resources Company completed a two-step corporate internal reorganization. The first step of the reorganization was the AIC Merger. The second step of the reorganization involved the distribution of AERG stock from AIC to Ameren and the subsequent contribution by Ameren of the AERG stock to Resources Company. AIC determined that the operating results of AERG qualified for discontinued operations presentation. We have therefore segregated AERGs operating results and presented them separately as discontinued operations for all periods in this report. For Amerens financial statements, AERGs results of operation remain classified as continuing operations. See Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
AICs income from discontinued operations (AERG) decreased $74 million in 2010, compared with 2009. AERGs results of operations were included in AICs consolidated statement of income for all periods prior to October 1, 2010. The inclusion of only nine months in 2010 contributed to the decrease in income from discontinued operations as well as a decrease in electric margins caused by lower realized revenue per megawatt sold and higher fuel and related transportation costs. The decrease was partially offset by a reduction in income tax expense primarily caused by lower pretax book income.
AICs income from discontinued operations (AERG) increased $62 million in 2009, compared with 2008. The increase in income from discontinued operations was caused by a $94 million increase in AERGs electric margins during 2009, compared with 2008, primarily because of higher revenues allocated to AERG under its power supply agreement with Marketing Company as a result of higher reimbursable expenses and higher generation relative to Genco in accordance with the AERG PSA. Additionally, AERGs other operations and maintenance expenses decreased $22 million, primarily because of a $9 million reduction in plant maintenance costs and an $11 million reduction in asset impairment charges. Factors reducing income from discontinued operations (AERG) included a $30 million increase in income tax expense primarily because of higher pretax book income, a $12 million increase in interest charges primarily because of increased intercompany borrowings, and an $11 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses primarily because of capital additions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The tariff-based gross margins of Amerens rate-regulated utility operating companies continue to be a principal source of cash from operating activities for Ameren and its rate-regulated subsidiaries. A diversified retail customer mix of primarily rate-regulated residential, commercial, and industrial classes and a commodity mix of natural gas and electric service provide a reasonably predictable source of cash flows for Ameren, UE and AIC. For operating cash flows, Marketing Company sells power through primarily market-based contracts with wholesale and retail customers. In addition to using cash flows from operating activities, the Ameren Companies use available cash, credit facility borrowings, commercial paper issuances, money pool borrowings, or other short-term borrowings from affiliates to support normal operations and other temporary capital requirements. The Ameren Companies may reduce their credit facility or short-term borrowings with cash from operations or, at their discretion, with long-term borrowings or, in the case of Ameren subsidiaries, with equity infusions from Ameren. The Ameren Companies expect to incur significant capital expenditures over the next five years as they comply with environmental regulations and make significant investments in their electric and natural gas utility infrastructure to improve overall system reliability. Ameren intends to finance those capital expenditures and investments with a blend of equity and debt so that it maintains a capital structure in its rate-regulated businesses of approximately 50% to 55% equity. The Ameren Companies plan to implement their long-term financing plans for debt, equity, or equity-linked securities in order to finance their operations appropriately, meet scheduled debt maturities, and maintain financial strength and flexibility.
The following table presents net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities |
Net Cash (Used In) Investing Activities |
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 1,842 | $ | 1,977 | $ | 1,524 | $ | (1,112 | ) | $ | (1,789 | ) | $ | (2,097 | ) | $ | (807 | ) | $ | 342 | $ | 310 | ||||||||||||||
UE |
978 | 972 | 543 | (706 | ) | (955 | ) | (1,033 | ) | (337 | ) | 250 | 305 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
597 | 859 | 488 | (257 | ) | (452 | ) | (577 | ) | (324 | ) | (151 | ) | 103 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
280 | 253 | 421 | (29 | ) | (389 | ) | (366 | ) | (251 | ) | 139 | (54 | ) |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
51
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
2010 versus 2009
Ameren Corporation
Amerens cash from operating activities decreased in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items contributed to the decrease in cash from operating activities during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
A $116 million decrease in billed revenues, net of payments to suppliers, for pass-through natural gas commodity costs primarily caused by higher-priced natural gas injected into storage during 2008 and billed to customers in 2009. |
|
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances increased by $106 million, primarily because of higher utility rates and colder December weather in 2010, compared with December 2009. |
|
Deferred FAC costs increased $100 million as net base fuel costs incurred at UE exceeded the amounts allowed in base rates due to higher fuel costs and lower off-system sales as a result of warmer weather increasing native load demand. |
|
Deferred budget billing balances increased by $74 million, partially as a result of warmer summer weather, which increased sales volumes over budget-billed amounts. |
|
An overall $56 million increase in collateral posted with counterparties due, in part, to the items discussed at the subsidiaries below, offset by a $105 million reduction in collateral posted by nonregistrant subsidiaries, primarily due to changes in the market price of power. |
|
A $53 million decrease in cash from operating activities associated with the December 2005 Taum Sauk incident, primarily as a result of reduced insurance recoveries. See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional Taum Sauk information. |
|
A $39 million increase in payments related to the Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage that occurred in 2010, but did not occur in 2009. |
|
A $14 million increase in payments associated with major outages at coal-fired plants, primarily at UE. |
|
A $12 million increase in property tax payments caused primarily by higher assessed tax rates in Missouri. |
|
A $10 million one-time donation in 2010 for customer assistance programs required by the 2009 Illinois energy legislation that authorized the bad debt rate adjustment mechanism and was approved by the ICC in February 2010. |
|
Payments for professional services, additional franchise taxes, and other administrative items necessary to complete the AIC Merger and AERG distribution totaled $8 million. |
The following items reduced the decrease in Amerens cash from operating activities during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
Electric and natural gas margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, increased by $212 million, excluding impacts of MTM transactions. |
|
Income tax refunds of $92 million in 2010, compared with income tax payments of $9 million in 2009. The refund primarily resulted from an acceleration of depreciation deductions authorized by economic stimulus legislation. |
|
Ameren reduced its coal inventory levels, primarily at the Merchant Generation segment, in 2010. The impact of the inventory reduction is estimated to have resulted in cash savings of $69 million in 2010. |
|
A $32 million decrease in major storm restoration costs. |
|
Contributions to the pension and postretirement plans were $31 million lower in 2010. |
|
A $14 million reduction in severance payments as a result of the voluntary and involuntary separation programs initiated in both years. |
UE
UEs cash from operating activities increased in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items contributed to the increase in cash from operating activities during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
Higher electric and natural gas margins as discussed in Results of Operations including the benefit of MoPSC-approved electric rate increases effective on March 1, 2009, and June 21, 2010, as well as favorable weather conditions. Margins increased by $281 million, excluding the impacts of MTM transactions. |
|
A $31 million reduction in collateral posted with counterparties due in part to improved credit ratings and to changes in the market price of power and natural gas. |
|
A $13 million decrease in major storm restoration costs. |
|
Contributions to the pension and postretirement plans were $8 million lower in 2010. |
|
A $5 million reduction in severance payments as a result of the voluntary and involuntary separation programs initiated in both years. |
The following items reduced the increase in UEs cash from operating activities during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
A $102 million decrease in income tax refunds, primarily due to higher pretax book income and a reduction in 2010 of the benefit of a change in tax treatment of electric generation plant expenditures taken in 2009. |
|
Deferred FAC costs increased $100 million as net base fuel costs incurred at UE exceeded the amounts allowed in base rates due to higher fuel costs and lower off-system sales as a result of warmer weather increasing native load demand. |
52
|
A $53 million decrease in cash from operating activities associated with the December 2005 Taum Sauk incident discussed above. |
|
A $39 million increase in payments related to a Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage that occurred in 2010, but did not occur in 2009. |
|
A $24 million increase in payments associated with major outages at coal-fired plants. |
|
A $12 million increase in property tax payments, caused primarily by higher assessed tax rates. |
AIC
AICs cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations decreased in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items contributed to the decrease in cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
A $192 million increase in collateral posted with counterparties due, in part, to changes in the market price of natural gas and collateral posting requirements. |
|
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances increased by $183 million, primarily because of higher utility rates and colder December weather in 2010, compared with December 2009. |
|
A $98 million decrease in billed revenue, net of payments to suppliers, for pass-through natural gas commodity costs primarily caused by higher-priced natural gas injected into storage during 2008 and billed to customers in 2009. |
|
Deferred budget billing balances increased by $60 million, partially as a result of warmer summer weather, which increased sales volumes over budget billed amounts. |
|
A $10 million one-time donation in 2010 for customer assistance programs required by the 2009 Illinois legislation that authorized the bad debt rate adjustment mechanism and was approved by the ICC in February 2010. |
|
Payments for professional services, additional franchise taxes, and other administrative items necessary to complete the AIC Merger and AERG distribution, which totaled $7 million. |
|
In 2009, AIC received $5 million from Marketing Company for the costs of upgrades to AICs electric transmission system. There was no such receipt in 2010. |
The following items reduced the decrease in AICs cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
Electric and natural gas margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, increased by $187 million, excluding the impacts of MTM transactions. |
|
Income tax refunds of $52 million in 2010, compared with income tax payments of $61 million in 2009. The refund primarily resulted from an acceleration of depreciation deductions authorized by economic stimulus legislation. |
|
A $19 million decrease in major storm restoration costs. |
|
Contributions to the pension and postretirement plans were $11 million lower in 2010. |
|
A $6 million decrease in interest payments, primarily due to the first mortgage bond maturity in June 2009. |
AICs cash from operating activities associated with discontinued operations decreased in 2010 compared with 2009. AERGs cash flows were included in AICs consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods prior to October 1, 2010. The inclusion of only nine months in 2010 was the primary cause of the decrease in cash flows, along with a reduction in receipts from Marketing Company under the AERG PSA primarily due to lower market prices, as discussed in Results of Operations. A decrease in income tax payments, primarily due to lower pretax book income, and an acceleration of depreciation deductions authorized by economic stimulus legislation partially offset the decrease in AERGs operating cash flows.
Genco
Gencos cash from operating activities increased in 2010 compared with 2009. The following items contributed to the increase in cash from operating activities during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
A $73 million decrease in income tax payments, primarily due to lower pretax book income, deductions relating to environmental expenditures, and an acceleration of depreciation deductions authorized by economic stimulus legislation. |
|
Reduced coal inventory levels in 2010, which are estimated to have resulted in cash savings of $50 million in 2010. |
|
Lower labor expenditures resulting from staff reductions and fewer major outages at its coal-fired plants. |
|
A $7 million reduction in use tax payments as Genco and EEI began claiming tax exemptions and credits for purchase transactions related to their generation operations. |
|
Contributions to the pension plans were $6 million lower in 2010. |
The following items reduced the increase in Gencos cash from operating activities during 2010, compared with 2009:
|
Electric margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, decreased by $99 million, excluding impacts of MTM transactions. |
|
A $13 million increase in interest payments, primarily due to the senior unsecured notes issued in November 2009, which required interest payments in 2010, but not in 2009. |
2009 versus 2008
Ameren Corporation
Amerens cash from operating activities increased in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items contributed
53
to the increase in cash from operating activities during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
A $256 million increase in cash from operating activities associated with the December 2005 Taum Sauk incident. The increase was a result of a $65 million increase in insurance recoveries and a $191 million reduction in payments compared with 2008. During 2009, UE received a property insurance settlement payment from all but three of the property insurance carriers. See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for information about the Taum Sauk incident. |
|
A $198 million decrease in payments for natural gas injections into storage because of lower prices. |
|
A $97 million decrease in income tax payments primarily at UE. |
|
The over-collected deferred budget billing balance increased by $27 million, partially caused by a reduction in commodity costs and a decrease in sales volumes compared to budgeted billed amounts. |
|
Less cash used for operations and maintenance activities, because many plant-related projects were reduced, deferred, or cancelled and because of the absence of a Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage in 2009. |
The following items reduced the increase in Amerens cash from operating activities during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
A $75 million increase in interest payments, primarily due to the payments at the subsidiaries discussed below and Amerens senior secured notes issued in May 2009, which required an interest payment in 2009, but not in 2008. |
|
A decrease in natural gas costs over-recovered from customers under the PGA. |
|
A $35 million increase in pension and postretirement plan contributions. |
|
Lower electric margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, including the absence in 2009 of the 2008 lump-sum settlement payment received by Genco from a coal mine owner for the early termination of a coal supply contract. |
|
A $21 million decrease in customer advances for construction. |
|
The 2009 voluntary and involuntary separation programs, which resulted in severance payments of $16 million. |
|
An increase in annual incentive compensation payments. |
|
An $8 million increase in cash payments for major storm restoration costs. |
UE
UEs cash from operating activities increased in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items contributed to the increase in cash from operating activities during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
Income tax refunds of $208 million in 2009 compared with income tax payments of $130 million in 2008. The |
significant change in income taxes was primarily a result of an acceleration of deductions due to economic stimulus legislation and a change in tax treatment of electric generation plant expenditures. |
|
A $256 million increase in cash from operating activities associated with the December 2005 Taum Sauk incident, as discussed above. |
|
A $20 million decrease in payments for natural gas injections into storage because of lower prices. |
|
Higher electric margins as discussed in Results of Operations. |
|
An increase in natural gas costs over-recovered from customers under the PGA. |
|
Less cash used for operations and maintenance activities, because several plant-related projects were reduced, deferred, or cancelled and because of the absence of a Callaway nuclear plant refueling and maintenance outage in 2009. |
The following items reduced the increase in UEs cash from operating activities during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
The collection of an $85 million affiliate receivable in 2008 that did not occur in 2009. |
|
A $39 million increase in interest payments, primarily due to the senior secured notes issued in April 2008, June 2008, and March 2009. |
|
A $16 million increase in pension and other postretirement plan contributions. |
|
A $10 million increase in energy efficiency expenditures for new customer programs. |
|
A $6 million increase in major storm restoration costs. |
|
The 2009 voluntary and involuntary separation programs, which resulted in severance payments of $6 million. |
AIC
AICs cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations increased in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items contributed to the increase in cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
A $178 million decrease in payments for natural gas injections into storage because of lower prices. |
|
A $176 million net reduction in collateral posted with suppliers due in part to improved credit ratings. |
|
Higher electric and natural gas margins as discussed in Results of Operations. |
|
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances decreased by $167 million, primarily because of milder weather and lower natural gas commodity costs. |
|
The over-collected deferred budget billing balance increased by $44 million, partially caused by a reduction in commodity costs and a decrease in sales volumes compared to budgeted billed amounts. |
The following items reduced the increase in AICs cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
Income tax payments of $61 million in 2009, compared with income tax refunds of $72 million in 2008, primarily due to higher pretax book income. |
54
|
A decrease in natural gas costs over-recovered from customers under the PGA. |
|
A $21 million increase in interest payments primarily due to the senior secured notes issued in October 2008. |
|
A $21 million reduction in customer advances for construction. |
|
A $7 million increase in pension and other postretirement plan contributions. |
AICs cash from operating activities associated with discontinued operations decreased in 2009 compared with 2008. Factors contributing to the decrease in cash from operating activities at AERG during 2009, compared with 2008, included income tax payments of $68 million in 2009, compared with income tax refunds of $8 million in 2008, primarily due to higher pretax book income; increased coal purchases to build inventories at the Duck Creek generating facility as a result of switching coal blends in 2009; and the absence of $5 million, net of premiums, of replacement power insurance recoveries received in 2008 from an affiliate, as the policy was not renewed. Factors partially reducing the decrease in cash from operating activities at AERG during 2009, compared with 2008, included a $98 million increase in receipts from Marketing Company under the AERG PSA, primarily because of increased generation levels relative to Genco, as discussed in Results of Operations, and a $4 million reduction in funding required by the 2007 Illinois Settlement Agreement.
Genco
Gencos cash from operating activities decreased in 2009 compared with 2008. The following items contributed to the decrease in cash from operating activities during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
Electric margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, decreased by $265 million, excluding impacts of MTM transactions. A one-time lump-sum settlement payment was received in 2008 from a coal mine owner for early termination of a contract, which was included in electric margins in 2008 and did not recur in 2009. |
|
A $9 million increase in interest payments, primarily due to the senior unsecured notes issued in April 2008. |
|
The 2009 voluntary and involuntary separation programs resulted in severance payments of $4 million. |
The following items reduced the decrease in Gencos cash from operating activities during 2009, compared with 2008:
|
A $78 million reduction in income tax payments primarily because of lower pretax book income at EEI. |
|
Reduced coal purchases in 2009 as generation levels declined. |
Pension Funding
Amerens pension plans are funded in compliance with income tax regulations and to meet federal funding or regulatory requirements. As a result, Ameren expects to
fund its pension plans at a level equal to the greater of the pension expense or the legally required minimum contribution. Considering Amerens assumptions at December 31, 2010, its investment performance in 2010, and its pension funding policy, Ameren expects to make annual contributions of $75 million to $110 million in each of the next five years, with aggregate estimated contributions of $470 million. We expect UEs, AICs, and Gencos portion of the future funding requirements to be 63%, 28% and 9%, respectively. These amounts are estimates. They may change with actual investment performance, changes in interest rates, changes in our assumptions, any pertinent changes in government regulations, and any voluntary contributions. In 2010, Ameren contributed $81 million to its pension plans. See Note 11 Retirement Benefits under Part II, Item 8, of this report and Outlook for additional information.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
2010 versus 2009
Amerens cash used in investing activities decreased by $677 million during 2010, compared with 2009. There was a $673 million decrease in capital expenditures as compared with 2009 as a result of reductions in planned capital expenditures for the distribution system and power plant improvements during 2010, a $109 million reduction in capital expenditures to repair severe storm damage, and the completion of power plant scrubber projects in the Merchant Generation segment during 2009 and early 2010. Cash flows from investing activities in 2010 also benefited from the sale of 25% of Gencos Columbia CT facility and other properties.
UEs cash used in investing activities decreased by $249 million during 2010, compared with 2009. There was a $264 million decrease in capital expenditures as compared with 2009 as a result of reductions in planned capital expenditures for the distribution system and power plant improvements during 2010, as well as a $74 million reduction in capital expenditures to repair severe storm damage. This cash benefit was reduced by a $10 million increase in nuclear fuel expenditures related to the timing of purchases and a $12 million net decrease in nuclear decommissioning trust fund activities.
AICs cash used in investing activities decreased by $195 million during 2010, compared with 2009. There was a $70 million decrease in capital expenditures compared with 2009 as a result of reductions in planned capital expenditures for the distribution system during 2010 in response to revenues granted being significantly less than requested in a rate proceeding, as well as a $35 million reduction in capital expenditures to repair severe storm damage. Similar planned capital expenditure reductions at AERG resulted in the $85 million decrease in capital expenditures of discontinued operations. Additionally, AICs advances to ATXI for construction under a joint ownership agreement decreased during 2010 as the project approached completion. AIC received funding for this
55
construction under a generator interconnection agreement related to ongoing transmission upgrade projects.
Gencos cash used in investing activities decreased by $360 million during 2010, compared with 2009. Reductions in planned capital expenditures, as well as completion of power plant scrubber projects during 2009, resulted in a $221 million decrease in capital expenditures compared with 2009. Cash flows from investing activities in 2010 also benefited from the $18 million of proceeds Genco received from the sale of 25% of its Columbia CT facility and net repayment of money pool advances.
2009 versus 2008
Ameren used less cash for investing activities in 2009 than in 2008. Net cash used for capital expenditures decreased in 2009 as a result of efforts to reduce, defer or cancel capital expenditure programs in light of economic conditions and the completion of power plant scrubber projects in the Merchant Generation segment. Additionally, a $93 million decrease in nuclear fuel expenditures due to timing of purchases and a $10 million decrease in emission allowance purchases, due to lower prices and lower generation levels, as well as reduced emission levels resulting from completion of plant scrubber projects in 2009, benefited cash during 2009.
UEs cash used in investing activities decreased by $78 million during 2009, compared with 2008. Nuclear fuel expenditures decreased $93 million as a result of the timing of purchases. Cash used in investing activities in 2009 did not benefit from the receipt of $36 million in proceeds from intercompany note receivables with Ameren and one of its subsidiaries, as occurred during 2008. Capital expenditures were consistent year over year. Reductions in planned capital expenditures for distribution system and power plant improvements in 2009 were offset by increased expenditures to repair severe storm damage and $93 million of rebuilding expenditures at Taum Sauk.
AICs cash used in investing activities during 2009 decreased by $125 million compared with 2008, as a result of a $165 million decrease in capital expenditures of discontinued operations (AERG). The decrease in capital expenditures was driven by ongoing efforts to reduce, defer, or cancel capital expenditure programs. This cash benefit was reduced by an $20 million increase in utility capital expenditures to repair severe storm damage and by an increase in advances to ATXI for construction under a joint ownership agreement. AIC received funding for this construction under a generator interconnection agreement related to ongoing transmission upgrade projects.
Gencos cash used in investing activities increased by $23 million in 2009 compared with 2008 because of $73 million of net money pool advances in 2009. Capital expenditures decreased $37 million, principally because of reduced spending for power plant scrubber projects. One scrubber project was completed in November 2009, and a second scrubber project was completed in 2010. Emission allowance purchases decreased $10 million because of
lower prices and lower generation levels, as well as reduced emission levels resulting from the completion of a plant scrubber project in 2009, which resulted in a benefit to cash in 2009.
Capital Expenditures
The following table presents the capital expenditures by the Ameren Companies for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
Capital Expenditures | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 1,031 | $ | 1,704 | $ | 1,896 | ||||||
UE |
608 | 872 | 874 | |||||||||
AIC |
286 | 356 | 345 | |||||||||
Genco |
95 | 316 | 353 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
Amerens 2010 capital expenditures principally consisted of the following expenditures at its subsidiaries. UE spent $130 million toward two scrubbers at its Sioux power plant, which were completed in 2010. At Genco, there was a cash outlay of $29 million for power plant scrubber projects. The scrubbers are necessary to comply with environmental regulations. Other capital expenditures were made principally to maintain, upgrade, and expand the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of UE and AIC, as well as to fund various plant upgrades.
Amerens 2009 capital expenditures principally consisted of the following expenditures at its subsidiaries. UE spent $173 million toward two scrubbers at its Sioux power plant, and $93 million toward the Taum Sauk rebuild, and it incurred storm-related expenditures of $78 million. AIC incurred storm-related expenditures of $38 million. At Genco, there was a cash outlay of $169 million for power plant scrubber projects. The scrubbers are necessary to comply with environmental regulations. Other capital expenditures were made principally to maintain, upgrade, and expand the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of UE and AIC as well as various plant upgrades.
Amerens 2008 capital expenditures principally consisted of the following expenditures at its subsidiaries. UE spent $149 million toward a scrubber at one of its power plants, and incurred storm-related expenditures of $12 million. AIC incurred storm-related expenditures of $18 million. At Genco, there was a cash outlay of $205 million for power plant scrubber projects. The scrubbers are necessary to comply with environmental regulations. Other capital expenditures were made principally to maintain, upgrade, and expand the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of UE and AIC as well as various plant upgrades.
The following table estimates the capital expenditures that will be incurred by the Ameren Companies from 2011 through 2015, including construction expenditures, capitalized interest for the Merchant Generation business,
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allowance for funds used during construction for our rate-regulated utility business, and estimated expenditures for compliance with known and existing environmental regulations:
2011 | 2012 - 2015 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
UE |
$ | 685 | $ | 2,500 - | $ | 3,400 | $ | 3,185 - | $ | 4,085 | ||||||||||
AIC |
310 | 1,550 - | 2,050 | 1,860 - | 2,360 | |||||||||||||||
Genco |
180 | 600 - | 850 | 780 - | 1,030 | |||||||||||||||
Other |
75 | 450 - | 600 | 525 - | 675 | |||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 1,250 | $ | 5,100 - | $ | 6,900 | $ | 6,350 - | $ | 8,150 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
UEs estimated capital expenditures include transmission, distribution, and generation-related investments, as well as expenditures for compliance with environmental regulations discussed below. AICs estimated capital expenditures are primarily for electric and natural gas transmission and distribution-related investments. Gencos estimated capital expenditures are primarily for compliance with environmental regulations and upgrades to existing coal and gas-fired generating facilities discussed below.
We continually review our generation portfolio and expected power needs. As a result, we could modify our plan for generation capacity, which could include changing the times when certain assets will be added to or removed from our portfolio, the type of generation asset technology that will be employed, and whether capacity or power may be purchased, among other things. Any changes that we make for future generating needs could result in significant capital expenditures or losses being incurred, which could be material.
Environmental Capital Expenditures
Ameren, UE and Genco will incur significant costs in future years to comply with existing and known federal EPA and state regulations regarding SO 2 , NO x , and mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
In addition to existing laws and regulations governing our facilities, the EPA is developing numerous new environmental regulations that will have a significant impact on the electric utility industry. These regulations could be particularly burdensome for certain companies, including Ameren, UE and Genco, that operate coal-fired power plants. Significant new rules already proposed or promulgated within the past year include the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions that increase the stringency of the existing ozone ambient air quality standard; the CATR, which would require further reduction of SO 2 and NO x emissions from power plants; and a regulation governing coal ash impoundments. Within the next year, the EPA is also expected to propose new regulations under the Clean Water Act that could require significant capital expenditures such as new water intake structures or cooling towers at our power plants; NSPS and
emission guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions applicable to new and existing electric generating units; and a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants such as mercury and acid gases from power plants. Such new regulations may be challenged with lawsuits, so the timing of their ultimate implementation is uncertain. Although many details of these future regulations are unknown, the combined effect of the new and proposed environmental regulations may result in significant capital expenditures and/or increased operating costs over the next five to eight years for Ameren, UE and Genco. Actions required to ensure that our facilities and operations are in compliance with environmental laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive. As a result, these regulations could require us to close or to significantly alter the operation of our generating facilities, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The estimates in the table below contain all of the known capital costs to comply with existing environmental regulations and our preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of the EPAs proposed regulations for coal combustion byproducts, the CATR, and the revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions as of December 31, 2010. The estimates in the table below assume that coal combustion byproducts will ultimately be regarded as nonhazardous. The estimates shown in the table below could change depending upon additional federal or state requirements, regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, new hourly ambient air quality standards or changes to existing standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions, the requirements under a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants such as mercury and acid gases, the requirements under the finalized CATR, any new regulations under the Clean Water Act, a hazardous classification of coal combustion by products, new technology, and variations in costs of material or labor, or alternative compliance strategies, among other factors.
2011 | 2012 - 2015 | 2016 - 2020 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
UE (a) |
$ | 35 | $ | 850 - | $ | 1,050 | $ | 1,380 - | $ | 1,610 | $ | 2,265 - | $ | 2,695 | ||||||||||||||
Genco |
125 | 470 - | 580 | 50 - | 60 | 645 - | 765 | |||||||||||||||||||||
AERG |
10 | 125 - | 160 | 5 - | 10 | 140 - | 180 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 170 | $ | 1,445 - | $ | 1,790 | $ | 1,435 - | $ | 1,680 | $ | 3,050 - | $ | 3,640 |
(a) | UEs expenditures are expected to be recoverable from ratepayers. |
See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a further discussion of environmental matters, including global climate change.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
2010 versus 2009
During 2010, we replaced and extended the expiration of our credit facilities, and we sought to reduce our reliance on borrowings from these credit facilities, and reduce long-term debt outstanding while maintaining adequate cash balances for working capital needs.
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Ameren had an $807 million net use of cash from financing activities in 2010, compared with a $342 million net source of cash in 2009. During 2010, Amerens cash flow from operating activities of $1.8 billion exceeded its capital expenditures of $1.0 billion and common stock dividend requirements of $368 million. Ameren utilized this cash to redeem $310 million of long-term debt and $52 million of preferred stock in 2010. During 2009, Ameren issued $1 billion of senior debt and $634 million in common stock and used the proceeds to repurchase, redeem, and fund maturities of $631 million of long-term debt, to reduce short-term borrowings, and to fund capital expenditures and other working capital needs at UE, AIC, and Genco.
UE had a $337 million net use of cash from financing activities in 2010, compared with a $250 million net source of cash in 2009. Planned reductions of expenditures, allowed UE to use cash from operations and credit facility borrowings to fund its capital expenditures and working capital needs without issuing additional senior debt or capital contributions from Ameren. Additionally, during 2010, these efforts allowed UE to redeem $70 million of long-term debt, including its 7.69% Series A subordinated debentures; to redeem all outstanding shares of its $7.64 Series preferred stock; to increase common stock dividends by $60 million; and to reduce short-term and intercompany borrowing repayments by $343 million, compared with 2009.
AICs net cash used in financing activities increased by $173 million in 2010 compared with 2009. Reduction of planned expenditures allowed it to use cash from operations to fund its capital expenditures and working capital needs without the issuance of additional senior debt or capital contributions from Ameren. Additionally, AICs common stock dividends increased $35 million compared with 2009, and CILCO redeemed all of its preferred stock in connection with the AIC Merger. During 2009, Ameren made capital contributions to AIC of $272 million and AIC repaid $250 million of long-term debt and $62 million of short-term borrowing balances.
Genco had a $251 million net use of cash from financing activities in 2010, compared with a $139 million net source of cash in 2009, primarily as a result of reductions of planned expenditures. These efforts allowed Genco to use cash from operations and credit facility borrowings to fund capital expenditures, to meet working capital needs, to repay its $200 million of 8.35% senior notes at maturity, and to repay a net $176 million of intercompany note borrowings in 2010. Additionally, Genco received a capital contribution from Ameren associated with a tax allocation agreement that benefited 2010 cash flows from financing activities. During 2009, Genco issued $249 million of long-term debt and used the proceeds to repay short-term borrowings and to fund general corporate purposes.
2009 versus 2008
During 2009, Ameren and its subsidiaries issued $1 billion of senior debt and $634 million in common stock.
It used the proceeds to repurchase, redeem, and fund maturities of $631 million of long-term debt, to reduce short-term borrowings, and to fund capital expenditures and other working capital needs at UE, AIC and Genco. During 2008, Amerens subsidiaries issued $1.9 billion of senior debt and $154 million in common stock and used the proceeds to repurchase, redeem, and fund maturities of $842 million of long-term debt, to reduce short-term borrowings, and to fund capital expenditures and other working capital needs at UE, AIC and Genco. Amerens capital issuance costs increased in 2009 compared with 2008 because of $40 million in banking fees associated with the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreements and the 2009 Illinois Credit Agreement, and $17 million of issuance costs associated with Amerens September 2009 common stock issuance, partially offset by a decrease in issuance costs associated with long-term debt. Benefiting 2009 cash from financing activities, compared with 2008, was a $196 million decrease in common stock dividends and a $47 million increase in generator advances received for construction under generator interconnection agreements, net of repayments.
UEs net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $55 million during 2009, compared with 2008, primarily because of $251 million of short-term borrowings repayments in 2009 compared with net short-term borrowings of $169 million in 2008, a $350 million decrease in the issuances of long-term debt, and a $184 million increase in net repayments under an intercompany borrowing arrangement with Ameren. Benefits to cash for 2009, compared with 2008, included a $436 million capital contribution from Ameren funded by the proceeds of Amerens September 2009 common stock issuance, a $378 million decrease in redemptions of long-term debt, and an $89 million decrease in common stock dividend payments. The proceeds from the capital contribution were primarily used to reduce outstanding short-term borrowings.
AIC had a $151 million net use of cash from financing activities in 2009, compared with a $103 million net source of cash in 2008, primarily as a result of efforts to improve its liquidity position in response to the turmoil experienced in the capital and credit markets during 2009 and 2008. These efforts included no long-term debt issuances in 2009, which meant an $880 million decrease in long-term debt issuances from 2008. AIC also received a $272 million capital contribution from Ameren that was made to maintain a capital structure of approximately 50% to 55% equity. Additionally, improved financial results allowed AIC to increase dividend payments from 2008 by $38 million. The change in short-term borrowing arrangements at AERG also affected the 2009 financing activity of discontinued operations as compared with 2008.
Genco had a $139 million net source of cash from financing activities in 2009, compared with a $54 million net use of cash in 2008, primarily as a result of efforts to improve its liquidity position in response to the turmoil experienced in the capital and credit markets during 2009
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and 2008, as well as its efforts to reduce, defer and cancel expenditures. As a result of these efforts, Genco decreased common stock dividends by $178 million and short-term borrowing repayments by $100 million. These benefits to
cash during the 2009 period were slightly offset by a $106 million decrease in net money pool borrowings and a $51 million decrease in the issuance of long-term debt.
Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity
The liquidity needs of the Ameren Companies are typically supported through the use of available cash, short-term intercompany borrowings, drawings under committed bank credit facilities, or commercial paper issuances. See Note 4 Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information on credit facilities, short-term borrowing activity, relevant interest rates, and borrowings under Amerens utility and non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool arrangements.
The following table presents the committed bank credit facilities of Ameren and the Ameren Companies, and their availability, as of December 31, 2010:
Credit Facility | Expiration | Amount Committed | Amount Available | |||||||||
Ameren and UE: |
||||||||||||
2010 Missouri Credit Agreement (a) (b) |
September 2011 | $ | 800 | $ | 445 | (c) | ||||||
Ameren and Genco: |
||||||||||||
2010 Genco Credit Agreement (a) |
September 2013 | 500 | 400 | |||||||||
Ameren and AIC: |
||||||||||||
2010 Illinois Credit Agreement (a) |
September 2013 | 800 | 800 | |||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||
$20 million revolving credit facility |
June 2012 | 20 | - |
(a) | The Ameren Companies may access these credit facilities through intercompany borrowing arrangements. |
(b) | This credit agreement expires on September 10, 2013. The borrowing sublimit of UE will mature and expire on September 9, 2011, subject to extension on a 364-day basis, as requested by the borrower and approved by the lenders, or for a longer period upon receipt of any and all required federal or state regulatory approvals, as permitted under the credit agreement, but in no event later than September 10, 2013. UE is seeking state regulatory approval to extend the maturity date of its borrowing sublimit under the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement to September 10, 2013. |
(c) | In addition to amounts drawn on these facilities, the amount available is further reduced by standby letters of credit issued under the facilities. The amount of such letters of credit at December 31, 2010, was $15 million. |
The 2010 Credit Agreements are used to support Ameren and UEs commercial paper programs. Ameren may at its discretion use any of the 2010 Credit Agreements to support its commercial paper programs, subject to its borrowing sublimits. At December 31, 2010, Ameren had $269 million of commercial paper outstanding, which reduced the available amounts under these facilities. Based on outstanding borrowings under the 2010 Credit Agreements (and considering reductions for $15 million of letters of credit issued and $269 million of commercial paper borrowings), the aggregate available amount under the 2010 Credit Agreements at December 31, 2010, was $1.38 billion.
The combined maximum amount available to all of the borrowers, collectively, under the 2010 Credit Agreements is $2.1 billion. The maximum aggregate amount available to each borrower under each facility is shown in the following table (such amount being such borrowers Borrowing Sublimit):
2010
Missouri Credit Agreement |
2010
Genco Credit Agreement |
2010
Illinois
|
||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 500 | $ | 500 | $ | 300 | ||||||
UE |
500 | (a | ) | (a | ) | |||||||
AIC |
(a | ) | (a | ) | 800 | |||||||
Genco |
(a | ) | 500 | (a | ) |
(a) | Not applicable. |
These credit facilities were also available for use, subject to applicable regulatory short-term borrowing authorizations, by EEI or by other Ameren non-state-regulated subsidiaries through direct short-term borrowings from Ameren and by most of Amerens non-rate-regulated subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, Ameren Services, Resources Company, AERG and Marketing Company, through a non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool agreement. Ameren has money pool agreements with and among its subsidiaries to coordinate and to provide for certain short-term cash and working capital requirements. Separate money pools are maintained for utility and non-state-regulated entities. In addition, a unilateral borrowing agreement among Ameren, AIC, and Ameren Services enables AIC to make short-term borrowings directly from Ameren. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the aggregate amount of borrowings outstanding at any time by AIC under the unilateral borrowing agreement and the utility money pool agreement, together with any outstanding external credit facility borrowings by AIC, may not exceed $500 million, pursuant to authorization from the ICC. AIC is not currently borrowing under the unilateral borrowing agreement. Ameren Services is responsible for operation and administration of the money pool agreements. See Note 4 Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a detailed explanation of the money pool arrangements and the unilateral borrowing agreement.
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On June 2, 2010, Ameren entered into a $20 million revolving credit facility ($20 Million Facility) that matures on June 1, 2012. The $20 Million Facility has been fully drawn since June 15, 2010. Borrowings under the $20 Million Facility bear interest at a rate equal to the applicable LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum. The obligations of Ameren under the $20 Million Facility are unsecured. No subsidiary of Ameren is a party to, guarantor of, or borrower under the facility. See Note 4 Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
The issuance of short-term debt securities by Amerens utility subsidiaries is subject to approval by FERC under the Federal Power Act. In March 2010, FERC issued an order authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion of short-term debt securities for UE. The authorization was effective as of April 1, 2010, and terminates on
March 31, 2012. On October 1, 2010, FERC authorized AIC to issue up to $1 billion of short-term debt securities. The authorization became effective immediately and terminates on September 30, 2012.
On July 16, 2010, FERC granted Gencos request for unlimited long and short-term debt issuance authorization. EEI has unlimited short-term debt authorization from FERC.
The issuance of short-term debt securities by Ameren is not subject to approval by any regulatory body.
The Ameren Companies continually evaluate the adequacy and appropriateness of their liquidity arrangements given changing business conditions. When business conditions warrant, changes may be made to existing credit facilities or to other short-term borrowing arrangements.
Long-term Debt and Equity
The following table presents the issuances of common stock and the issuances, redemptions, repurchases and maturities of long-term debt and preferred stock (net of any issuance discounts and including any redemption premiums) for the years 2010, 2009, and 2008 for the Ameren Companies. For additional information related to the terms and uses of these issuances and the sources of funds and terms for the redemptions, see Note 5 Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Month Issued, Redeemed,
Repurchased or Matured |
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
Issuances |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
||||||||||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||||||
8.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2014 |
May | $ | - | $ | 423 | $ | - | |||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||
6.00% Senior secured notes due 2018 |
April | - | - | 250 | ||||||||||||
6.70% Senior secured notes due 2019 |
June | - | - | 449 | ||||||||||||
8.45% Senior secured notes due 2039 |
March | - | 349 | - | ||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||
6.30% Senior unsecured notes due 2020 |
November | - | 249 | - | ||||||||||||
7.00% Senior unsecured notes due 2018 |
April | - | - | 300 | ||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||
6.25% Senior secured notes due 2018 |
April | - | - | 336 | ||||||||||||
8.875% Senior secured notes due 2013 |
December | - | - | 150 | ||||||||||||
9.75% Senior secured notes due 2018 |
October | - | - | 394 | ||||||||||||
Total Ameren long-term debt issuances |
$ | - | $ | 1,021 | $ | 1,879 | ||||||||||
Common stock |
||||||||||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||||||
21,850,000 shares at $25.25 |
September | $ | - | $ | 552 | $ | - | |||||||||
DRPlus and 401(k) |
Various | 80 | 82 | 154 | ||||||||||||
Total common stock issuances |
$ | 80 | $ | 634 | $ | 154 | ||||||||||
Total Ameren long-term debt and common stock issuances |
$ | 80 | $ | 1,655 | $ | 2,033 | ||||||||||
Redemptions, Repurchases and Maturities |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
||||||||||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||||||
8.70% Senior unsecured notes due 2009 (formerly CILCORP) |
October | $ | - | $ | 124 | $ | - | |||||||||
9.375% Senior bonds due 2029 (formerly CILCORP) |
December | - | 253 | - |
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Month Issued, Redeemed,
Repurchased or Matured |
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||
City of Bowling Green capital lease (Peno Creek CT) |
Various | $ | 4 | $ | 4 | $ | 4 | |||||||||
2000 Series B environmental improvement bonds due 2035 |
April | - | - | 63 | ||||||||||||
2000 Series A environmental improvement bonds due 2035 |
May | - | - | 64 | ||||||||||||
2000 Series C environmental improvement bonds due 2035 |
May | - | - | 60 | ||||||||||||
1991 Series environmental improvement bonds due 2020 |
May | - | - | 43 | ||||||||||||
6.75% Series first mortgage bonds due 2008 |
May | - | - | 148 | ||||||||||||
7.69% Series A subordinated deferrable interest debentures due 2036 |
September | 66 | - | - | ||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||
2004 Series pollution control bonds due 2025 |
April | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 35 | |||||||||
2004 Series pollution control bonds due 2039 |
April | - | - | 19 | ||||||||||||
Series 2001 Non-AMT bonds due 2028 |
May | - | - | 112 | ||||||||||||
Series 2001 AMT bonds due 2017 |
May | - | - | 75 | ||||||||||||
1997 Series A pollution control bonds due 2032 |
May | - | - | 70 | ||||||||||||
1997 Series B pollution control bonds due 2032 |
May | - | - | 45 | ||||||||||||
1997 Series C pollution control bonds due 2032 |
June | - | - | 35 | ||||||||||||
5.375% Senior secured notes due 2008 |
December | - | - | 15 | ||||||||||||
7.50% Series mortgage bonds due 2009 |
June | - | 250 | - | ||||||||||||
7.61% Series 1997-2 first mortgage bonds due 2017 |
September | 40 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Note payable to IP Special Purpose Trust 5.65% Series due 2008 |
Various | - | - | 54 | ||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||
Senior notes Series D 8.35% due 2010 |
November | 200 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total Ameren long-term debt redemptions, repurchases and maturities |
$ | 310 | $ | 631 | $ | 842 | ||||||||||
Preferred Stock |
||||||||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||
$7.64 Series |
August | $ | 33 | $ | $ | - | ||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||
5.85% Series |
July | - | - | 16 | ||||||||||||
4.50% Series |
August | 11 | - | - | ||||||||||||
4.64% Series |
August | 8 | - | - | ||||||||||||
4.08% Series (a) |
September | 7 | - | - | ||||||||||||
4.20% Series (a) |
September | 5 | - | - | ||||||||||||
4.26% Series (a) |
September | 4 | - | - | ||||||||||||
4.42% Series (a) |
September | 3 | - | - | ||||||||||||
4.70% Series (a) |
September | 5 | - | - | ||||||||||||
7.75% Series (a) |
September | 9 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total Ameren preferred stock redemptions and repurchases |
$ | 85 | $ | - | $ | 16 | ||||||||||
Total Ameren long-term debt and preferred stock redemptions, repurchases and maturities |
$ | 395 | $ | 631 | $ | 858 |
(a) | In September 2010, Ameren contributed to the capital of AIC (formally IP), without the payment of any consideration, all of the IP preferred stock owned by Ameren ($33 million). IP cancelled these preferred shares. |
In November 2008, Ameren, as a well-known seasoned issuer, along with AICs predecessor companies, CIPS, CILCO and IP, and Genco, filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement registering the issuance of an indeterminate amount of certain types of securities, which expires in November 2011. As amended in December 2010, Ameren, AIC and Genco may offer securities pursuant to the November 2008 Form S-3 shelf registration statement. In June 2008, UE, as a well-known seasoned issuer, filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement registering the issuance of an indeterminate amount of certain types of securities, which expires in June 2011.
A Form S-3 registration statement was filed by Ameren with the SEC in July 2008, and supplemented in December
2010, authorizing the offering of six million additional shares of its common stock under DRPlus. Shares of common stock sold under DRPlus are, at Amerens option, newly issued shares, treasury shares, or shares purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Ameren is currently selling newly issued shares of its common stock under DRPlus.
Ameren is also selling newly issued shares of common stock under its 401(k) plan pursuant to an effective SEC Form S-8 registration statement. Under DRPlus and its 401(k) plan, Ameren issued 3.0 million, 3.2 million, and 4.0 million shares of common stock in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, which were valued at $80 million, $82 million, and $154 million for the respective years.
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In September 2009, Ameren issued and sold 21.85 million shares of its common stock at $25.25 per share, for proceeds of $535 million, net of $17 million of issuance costs. Ameren used the offering proceeds to make investments in its rate-regulated utility subsidiaries in the form of capital contributions to UE and AIC of $436 million and $99 million, respectively.
The Ameren Companies may sell securities registered under their effective registration statements if market conditions and capital requirements warrant such sales. Any offer and sale will be made only by means of a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Indebtedness Provisions and Other Covenants
See Note 4 Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity and Note 5 Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a discussion of covenants and provisions (and applicable cross-default provisions) contained in our bank credit and term loan agreements and in certain of the Ameren Companies indenture agreements and articles of incorporation.
At December 31, 2010, the Ameren Companies were in compliance with their credit agreements, indentures, and articles of incorporation provisions and covenants.
We consider access to short-term and long-term capital markets a significant source of funding for capital requirements not satisfied by our operating cash flows. Inability to raise capital on reasonable terms, particularly during times of uncertainty in the capital markets, could negatively affect our ability to maintain and expand our businesses. After assessing our current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings (see Credit Ratings below), we believe that we will continue to have access to the capital markets. However, events beyond our control may create uncertainty in the capital markets or make access to the capital markets uncertain or limited. Such events could increase our cost of capital and adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets.
Dividends
Ameren paid to its shareholders common stock dividends totaling $368 million, or $1.54 per share, in 2010, $338 million, or $1.54 per share, in 2009, and $534 million, or $2.54 per share, in 2008. The payout of common stock dividends exceeded net income in 2010 because of noncash goodwill and other impairment charges recorded during 2010. The payout rate based on net income in 2009 and 2008 was 55% and 88%, respectively. Dividends paid to common shareholders in relation to net cash provided by operating activities for the same periods were 20% in 2010, 17% in 2009 and 35% in 2008.
The amount and timing of dividends payable on Amerens common stock are within the sole discretion of Amerens board of directors. The board of directors has not set specific targets or payout parameters when declaring
common stock dividends. However, as it has done in the past, the board of directors is expected to consider various issues, including Amerens overall payout ratio, payout ratios of our peers, projected cash flow and potential future cash flow requirements, historical earnings and cash flow, projected earnings, impacts of regulatory orders or legislation, and other key business considerations. On February 9, 2011, the board of directors of Ameren declared a quarterly dividend on Amerens common stock of 38.5 cents per share, payable on March 31, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 9, 2011.
Certain of our financial agreements and corporate organizational documents contain covenants and conditions that, among other things, restrict the Ameren Companies payment of dividends in certain circumstances. At December 31, 2010, none of these circumstances existed at the Ameren Companies and, as a result, they were allowed to pay dividends.
Under UEs mortgage indenture, $31 million of total retained earnings as of December 31, 2010, was restricted against payment of common dividends, except those dividends payable in common stock, which left $2 billion of free and unrestricted retained earnings at December 31, 2010. AICs articles of incorporation require its dividend payments on common stock to be based on ratios of common stock to total capitalization and other provisions related to certain operating expenses and accumulations of earned surplus. Gencos indenture includes restrictions that prohibit it from making any dividend payments on common stock if debt service coverage ratios are below a defined threshold.
UE, AIC and Genco as well as certain other nonregistrant Ameren subsidiaries are subject to Section 305(a) of the Federal Power Act, which makes it unlawful for any officer or director of a public utility, as defined in the Federal Power Act, to participate in the making or paying of any dividend from any funds properly included in capital account. The meaning of this limitation has never been clarified under the Federal Power Act or FERC regulations. However, FERC has consistently interpreted the provision to allow dividends to be paid as long as (1) the source of the dividends is clearly disclosed, (2) the dividends are not excessive, and (3) there is no self-dealing on the part of corporate officials. At a minimum, Ameren believes that dividends can be paid by its subsidiaries that are public utilities from net income and retained earnings. In addition, under Illinois law, AIC may not pay any dividend on its stock, unless, among other things, its earnings and earned surplus are sufficient to declare and pay a dividend after provision is made for reasonable and proper reserves, or unless AIC has specific authorization from the ICC.
In its application for the FERC orders approving the AIC Merger and the AERG distribution, Ameren committed to maintain a minimum of 30% equity in its capital structure at AIC following the AIC Merger and the AERG distribution.
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The following table presents common stock dividends paid by Ameren Corporation and by Amerens subsidiaries to their respective parents:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
UE |
$ | 235 | $ | 175 | $ | 264 | ||||||
AIC |
133 | 98 | 60 | |||||||||
Genco |
- | 43 | 221 | |||||||||
Nonregistrants including eliminations |
- | 22 | (11 | ) | ||||||||
Dividends paid by Ameren |
$ | 368 | $ | 338 | $ | 534 |
Certain of the Ameren Companies have issued preferred stock, which provides for cumulative preferred stock dividends. Each companys board of directors considers the declaration of the preferred stock dividends to shareholders of record on a certain date, stating the date on
which the dividend is payable and the amount to be paid. See Note 5 Long-Term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item 8, of this report for further detail concerning the preferred stock issuances.
Contractual Obligations
The following table presents our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010. See Note 11 Retirement Benefits under Part II, Item 8, of this report for information regarding expected minimum funding levels for our pension plans. These expected pension funding amounts are not included in the table below. In addition, routine short-term purchase order commitments are not included.
Total |
Less than 1 Year |
1 - 3 Years | 3 - 5 Years |
After 5 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Ameren: (a) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (b)(c) |
$ | 7,021 | $ | 155 | $ | 534 | $ | 705 | $ | 5,627 | ||||||||||
Short-term debt and credit facility borrowings |
729 | 269 | 460 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Interest payments (d) |
4,793 | 455 | 885 | 755 | 2,698 | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases (e) |
336 | 39 | 66 | 50 | 181 | |||||||||||||||
Other obligations (f) |
7,486 | 1,977 | 2,297 | 1,025 | 2,187 | |||||||||||||||
Total cash contractual obligations |
$ | 20,365 | $ | 2,895 | $ | 4,242 | $ | 2,535 | $ | 10,693 | ||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (c) |
$ | 3,960 | $ | 5 | $ | 383 | $ | 229 | $ | 3,343 | ||||||||||
Interest payments (d) |
2,837 | 233 | 451 | 414 | 1,739 | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases (e) |
146 | 13 | 25 | 24 | 84 | |||||||||||||||
Other obligations (f) |
3,700 | 751 | 933 | 645 | 1,371 | |||||||||||||||
Total cash contractual obligations |
$ | 10,643 | $ | 1,002 | $ | 1,792 | $ | 1,312 | $ | 6,537 | ||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (c) |
$ | 1,811 | $ | 150 | $ | 151 | $ | 51 | $ | 1,459 | ||||||||||
Interest payments (d) |
1,059 | 125 | 240 | 209 | 485 | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases (e) |
7 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||||||
Other obligations (f) |
2,504 | 646 | 760 | 344 | 754 | |||||||||||||||
Total cash contractual obligations |
$ | 5,381 | $ | 923 | $ | 1,153 | $ | 606 | $ | 2,699 | ||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (c) |
$ | 825 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 825 | ||||||||||
Credit facility borrowings |
100 | - | 100 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Interest payments |
769 | 59 | 118 | 118 | 474 | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases (e) |
139 | 11 | 22 | 20 | 86 | |||||||||||||||
Other obligations (f) |
863 | 427 | 431 | 5 | - | |||||||||||||||
Total cash contractual obligations |
$ | 2,696 | $ | 497 | $ | 671 | $ | 143 | $ | 1,385 |
(a) | Includes amounts for registrant and nonregistrant Ameren subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Excludes fair-market value adjustments of long-term debt of $5 million for AIC. |
(c) | Excludes unamortized discount of $18 million at Ameren, $6 million at UE, $9 million at AIC, and $1 million at Genco. |
(d) | The weighted-average variable-rate debt has been calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2010. |
(e) | Amounts related to certain real estate leases and railroad licenses have indefinite payment periods. Amerens $2 million annual obligation for these items is included in the Less than 1 Year, 1 3 Years, and 3 5 Years columns. Amounts for After 5 Years are not included in the total amount because that period is indefinite. |
(f) | See Other Obligations within Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8 of this report, for discussion of items included herein. |
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As of December 31, 2010, the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits under the authoritative accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions were $246 million, $164 million, $56 million, and $20 million for Ameren, UE, AIC, and Genco, respectively. It is reasonably possible to expect that the settlement of an unrecognized tax benefit will result in an underpayment or overpayment of tax and related interest. However, there is a high degree of uncertainty with respect to the timing of cash payments or receipts associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The amount and timing of certain payments or receipts is not reliably estimable or determinable at this time. See Note 13 Income Taxes under Part II, Item 8, of this report for information regarding the Ameren Companies unrecognized tax benefits and related liabilities for interest expense.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2010, none of the Ameren Companies had off-balance-sheet financing arrangements other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business. None of the Ameren Companies expect to engage in any significant off-balance-sheet financing arrangements in the near future.
Credit Ratings
The credit ratings of the Ameren Companies affect our liquidity, our access to the capital markets and credit markets, our cost of borrowing under our credit facilities and collateral posting requirements under commodity contracts.
The following table presents the principal credit ratings of the Ameren Companies by Moodys, S&P, and Fitch effective on the date of this report:
Moodys | S&P | Fitch | ||||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||
Issuer/corporate credit rating |
Baa3 | BBB- | BBB | |||||||||
Senior unsecured debt |
Baa3 | BB+ | BBB | |||||||||
Commercial paper |
P-3 | A-3 | F2 | |||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||
Issuer/corporate credit rating |
Baa2 | BBB- | BBB+ | |||||||||
Secured debt |
A3 | BBB+ | A | |||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||
Issuer/corporate credit rating |
Baa3 | BBB- | BBB | |||||||||
Secured debt |
Baa1 | BBB | BBB+ | |||||||||
Senior unsecured debt |
Baa3 | BBB- |
|
BBB-
|
|
|||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||
Issuer/corporate credit rating |
Baa3 | BBB- | BBB | |||||||||
Senior unsecured debt |
Baa3 | BBB- | BBB |
Collateral Postings
Any adverse change in the Ameren Companies credit ratings may reduce access to capital and trigger additional collateral postings and prepayments. Such changes may also increase the cost of borrowing and fuel, power, and gas supply, among other things, resulting in a negative
impact on earnings. Cash collateral postings and prepayments made with external parties including postings related to exchange-traded contracts at December 31, 2010, were $166 million, $15 million and $116 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively. The amount of cash collateral external counterparties posted with Ameren was less than $1 million at December 31, 2010. Sub-investment-grade issuer or senior unsecured debt ratings (lower than BBB- or Baa3) at December 31, 2010, could have resulted in Ameren, UE, AIC or Genco being required to post additional collateral or other assurances for certain trade obligations amounting to $274 million, $93 million, $111 million, and $28 million, respectively.
Changes in commodity prices could trigger additional collateral postings and prepayments at current credit ratings. If market prices were 15% higher than December 31, 2010, levels in the next 12 months and 20% higher thereafter through the end of the term of the commodity contracts, then Ameren, UE, AIC or Genco could be required to post additional collateral or other assurances for certain trade obligations up to approximately $61 million, $13 million, $- million, and $- million, respectively. If market prices were 15% lower than December 31, 2010, levels in the next 12 months and 20% lower thereafter through the end of the term of the commodity contracts, then Ameren, UE, AIC or Genco could be required to post additional collateral or other assurances for certain trade obligations up to approximately $107 million, $9 million, $62 million, and $- million, respectively.
The cost of borrowing under our credit facilities can also increase or decrease depending upon the credit ratings of the borrower. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. It should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating organization.
Below are some key trends that may affect the Ameren Companies financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity in 2011 and beyond.
Economy and Capital and Credit Markets
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Economic conditions in our service territory continued to improve in 2010, which contributed to higher sales volume, exclusive of abnormal weather impacts, to Amerens rate-regulated utilities native load customers. However, weak economic conditions, declining natural gas prices, and other factors resulted in reduced power prices and a decline in observable industry market multiples for companies similar to Ameren. Weak economic conditions expose the Ameren Companies to greater risk of default by counterparties, potentially higher bad debt expenses, and the risk of impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, among other things. In the third quarter of 2010, both Ameren and Genco recorded goodwill and long-lived asset impairment |
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charges at their Merchant Generation reporting unit. A failure of reporting units to achieve forecasted operating results and cash flows, an unfavorable change in forecasted operating results and cash flows, new environmental rules and regulations, or a decline of observable industry market multiples in the future could result in the recognition of additional goodwill or long-lived asset impairment charges. |
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For 2010, the actual return on investment of Amerens pension plan and postretirement plan assets exceeded the expected return. These returns and future returns will impact our future pension and postretirement expenses and pension funding levels. |
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During 2010, we observed an improvement in the U.S. capital and credit markets and lower interest rates on new issuances of investment grade debt securities compared with 2008 and 2009, when these markets experienced extreme volatility. The Ameren Companies continue to have access to the capital markets at commercially acceptable rates. A future disruption in the capital or credit markets could limit our ability to access the capital and credit markets, which our business depends upon, and result in increased financing costs. |
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On September 10, 2010, Ameren and certain of its subsidiaries entered into new multiyear credit facility agreements. These facilities cumulatively provide $2.1 billion of credit through September 10, 2013, subject to borrowing sublimit extensions. The costs of these credit facilities are less than the costs of the facilities they replaced. Costs are being amortized over the term of the 2010 Credit Agreements. Fees for UE will be deferred for recovery in future customer rates. In addition, borrowing rates under the facilities decreased, including, in the case of Ameren, from LIBOR plus 3.25%, under the prior credit facilities, to LIBOR plus 2.05%. |
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At December 31, 2010, Ameren, on a consolidated basis, had available liquidity, in the form of cash on hand and amounts available under its existing credit facilities, of approximately $1.9 billion, which was equivalent to the amount of available liquidity at December 31, 2009. |
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Economic conditions could affect the Ameren Companies results of operations, financial position and liquidity. See Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report for additional information. |
We believe that our liquidity is adequate given our expected operating cash flows, capital expenditures, and related financing plans. However, there can be no assurance that significant changes in economic conditions, disruptions in the capital and credit markets, or other unforeseen events will not materially affect our ability to execute our expected operating, capital or financing plans.
Current Capital Expenditure Plans
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Between 2011 and 2020, Ameren expects to invest up to $3.6 billion, in the aggregate, to retrofit its coal-fired power plants with pollution control equipment in |
compliance with existing and known environmental laws and regulations. Any pollution control investments will result in decreased plant availability during construction and significantly higher ongoing operating expenses. Approximately 74% of this investment is expected to be in UEs operations, and it is therefore expected to be recoverable from ratepayers, subject to prudency reviews. Regulatory lag may materially affect the timing of such recovery and, therefore affect our cash flows and related financing needs. The recoverability of amounts expended in our Merchant Generation operations will depend on whether market prices for power adjust as a result of market conditions reflecting increased environmental costs for coal-fired generators. |
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Future federal and state legislation or regulations that mandate limits on emissions would result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs. Excessive costs to comply with future legislation or regulations might force Ameren and other similarly situated electric power generators to close some coal-fired facilities. Investments to control emissions at Amerens coal-fired power plants to comply with future legislation or regulations would significantly increase future capital expenditures and operations and maintenance expenses, which if excessive could result in the closure of coal-fired power plants, impairment of assets, or otherwise materially adversely affect Amerens results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. |
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UE continues to evaluate its longer-term needs for new baseload and peaking electric generation capacity. UEs integrated resource plan filed with the MoPSC in February 2011 included the expectation that new baseload generation capacity would be required between 2020 and 2030. Because of the significant time required to plan, acquire permits for, and build a baseload power plant, UE continues to study future generation alternatives, including energy efficiency programs that could help defer new plant construction. To prepare for the long-term need for baseload capacity, and to prepare for potentially more stringent environmental regulation of coal-fired power plants, which could lead to the retirement of current baseload assets, UE is taking steps to preserve options to meet future demand. These steps include seeking improvements in regulatory treatment of energy efficiency investments, evaluating potential sites for natural gas-fired generation, and pursuing an ESP for an additional unit at its Callaway nuclear plant site subject to passage of state legislation that would ensure rate recovery of permit costs. |
|
UE is considering filing an application to obtain an ESP from the NRC at the Callaway nuclear plant site. In December 2010 and January 2011, the Missouri Energy Partnership Act was separately introduced in both the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives. The purpose of this legislation is to maintain an option for nuclear power in the state of Missouri, recover the costs of the ESP for a period up to 20 years, and provide appropriate consumer protections. Should the Missouri legislation be enacted into law, UE plans to file |
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an ESP application with the NRC in 2011. NRC approval of an ESP application often takes three to four years. As of December 31, 2010, UE had capitalized approximately $67 million relating to its efforts to construct a new nuclear unit. All of these incurred costs will remain capitalized while management assesses all options to maximize the value of its investment in this project. If all efforts are permanently abandoned or if management concludes it is probable the cost incurred will be disallowed in rates, it is possible that a charge to earnings could be recognized in a future period. |
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UE intends to submit a license extension application with the NRC to extend its existing Callaway nuclear plants operating license by 20 years so that the license will expire in 2044. UE cannot predict whether or when the NRC will approve the license extension. |
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Over the next few years, we expect to make significant investments in our electric and natural gas infrastructure and to incur increased operations and maintenance expenses to improve overall system reliability. We are committed to aligning our operations and maintenance spending and capital investments within our rate-regulated businesses with the revenue and related cash flow levels provided by our regulators. We expect these costs or investments at our rate-regulated businesses to be ultimately recovered in rates, subject to prudency reviews by regulators, although rate case outcomes and regulatory lag could materially impact the timing of such recovery and, therefore, our cash flows, related financing needs and the timing in which we are able to proceed with these projects. We are projecting labor and material costs for these capital expenditures will increase over time. |
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ATX intends to build projects initially within Illinois and Missouri, with the potential for expanding to other areas in the future. ATXs initial investments are expected to be the Grand Rivers projects, the first of which involves building a 345 kilovolt line across the state of Illinois, from the Missouri border to the Indiana border. The investment could total more than $1.3 billion through 2021, with a potential investment of $265 million from 2011 to 2015. |
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In September 2010, Resources Company announced that it signed a cooperative agreement with the DOE that could lead to repowering Gencos Meredosia plant. This would create the worlds first full-scale, oxy-combustion coal-fired power plant designed for permanent CO 2 capture and storage. Ameren and two independent companies will assess the project in phases to validate its scope, cost, schedule and commercial viability. If the first phases are successful and the project has received regulatory approval, Ameren and its partners will initiate the construction necessary to repower the plant. |
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Increased investments for environmental compliance, reliability improvement, and new baseload capacity will result in higher depreciation and financing costs. |
Revenues
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The earnings of UE and AIC are largely determined by the regulation of their rates by state agencies. Rising costs, including labor, material, depreciation, and financing costs, coupled with increased capital and operations and maintenance expenditures targeted at enhanced distribution system reliability and environmental compliance, are expected. Ameren, UE and AIC anticipate regulatory lag until their requests to increase rates to recover such costs on a timely basis are granted by state regulators. Ameren, UE and AIC expect to file rate cases frequently. |
|
In future rate cases, UE and AIC will continue to seek cost recovery and tracking mechanisms from their state regulators to reduce the effects of regulatory lag. |
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In April 2010, the ICC issued a rate order for AIC, which was amended in May 2010, that approved a net increase in annual revenues for electric delivery service of $35 million and a net decrease in annual revenues for natural gas delivery service of $20 million. The rate changes became effective in May 2010. AIC as well as some intervenors requested a rehearing with the ICC. In November 2010, the ICC approved an order on the rehearing issues, which authorized an increase in annual revenues of $25 million, in addition to the net $15 million authorized in the ICCs May 2010 amended rate order. The overall annual delivery service revenue increase as a result of these orders is $40 million. The rate changes relating to the rehearing issues became effective on November 19, 2010. |
|
The April 2010 ICC order confirmed the previously approved 80% allocation of fixed nonvolumetric residential and commercial natural gas customer charges and approved a higher percentage of recovery of fixed nonvolumetric electric residential and commercial customer charges. The percentage of costs to be recovered through fixed nonvolumetric electric residential and commercial customer and meter charges increased from 27% to 40%. |
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AIC filed a request with the ICC in February 2011 to increase its annual revenues for electric delivery service by $60 million. AIC also filed a request with the ICC in February 2011 to increase its annual revenues for natural gas delivery service by $51 million. AIC is using a future test year, 2012, in each of these rate requests, which is designed to reduce regulatory lag. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information. A decision by the ICC in these proceedings is required by January 2012. |
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AIC filed a request with FERC in January 2011 to increase its annual revenues for electric delivery service for its wholesale customers by approximately $11 million. AIC provides electric delivery service to nine wholesale customers. These wholesale delivery revenues are treated as a deduction in AICs revenue requirement in retail rate filings with the ICC. AIC reached an agreement with one customer prior to the filings, and that customers new rates are expected to |
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become effective on April 1, 2011. With respect to the remaining eight customers, AIC requested that the new rates become effective on February 1, 2011. In February 2011, these eight customers filed protests with FERC objecting to the proposed rates. The final rates and corresponding revenue amounts will become known after the FERC proceeding concludes, either through settlements reached between customers and AIC, or after the filings are fully litigated. The FERC is expected to rule on the January filings in 2011, and to allow the new rates to take effect subject to refund. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these filings or their impact on Amerens or AICs results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. |
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In May 2010, the MoPSC issued an order approving an increase for UE in annual revenues for electric service of approximately $230 million, including $119 million to cover higher fuel costs and lower revenue from sales outside UEs system. The rate changes became effective on June 21, 2010. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information about other significant provisions of the MoPSCs order. |
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The provisions of the May 2010 MoPSC order also resulted in the recognition of new regulatory assets. These new regulatory assets are being amortized over the next two to five years beginning July 2010, as described in Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report. The increased amortization of the regulatory assets and the increase in annual depreciation expense due to the adoption of the life span depreciation methodology is estimated to increase UEs pretax expense by $25 million in 2011. |
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Noranda appealed certain aspects of the MoPSCs January 2009 electric rate order to the Circuit Court of Stoddard County and was granted a stay by the Circuit Court of Stoddard County as it applies specifically to Norandas electric service account until the court renders its decision on the appeal. In September 2010, UE filed an appeal with the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Southern District of Missouri. The Court of Appeals will conduct an independent review of the MoPSCs January 2009 electric order. A decision by the Court of Appeals is not expected until at least the third quarter of 2011. |
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On February 16, 2011, the Missouri Office of Public Counsel (MoOPC) made a filing with the MoPSC in which the MoOPC argued that the December 20, 2010 Order Granting Stay Pursuant to Section 386.520 (Stay Order), discussed below, of the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri (Circuit Court) should apply to all UE customers rather than to just the four UE industrial customers that requested the Circuit Court to grant these industrial customers request to stay the MoPSCs 2010 Missouri electric rate order as to their billings. On that basis, the MoOPC requested the MoPSC to suspend UEs currently effective rate schedules (approved by the 2010 Missouri electric rate order) and to replace them with UEs previously effective rate schedules (approved by the 2009 Missouri electric rate order) for all customers. If the requested suspension occurs, it would continue until |
the earlier of the time that a subsequent order is issued by the MoPSC, or an order reversing any such suspension is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, but in no event beyond the implementation of new electric rates for UE. It is anticipated that new electric rates for UE will take effect by early August 2011, pursuant to an anticipated MoPSC rate order in UEs currently pending electric rate proceeding. If the currently effective 2010 rate schedules are suspended for all customers such that UE is only able to charge customers under its previously effective rate schedules for service provided for the period March through August 2011, the reduced charges, which would reflect the difference between billings under the 2010 Missouri electric rate order and billings under the 2009 Missouri electric rate order, are estimated at approximately $100 million and would result in corresponding reductions in pretax earnings and cash flows. |
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Also on February 16, 2011, the Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers (MIEC), of which the four UE industrial customers referred to above are members, made a filing with the MoPSC in response to the MoOPC filing discussed above. In its filing, MIEC supported the position set forth in the MoOPC filing that the Stay Order should apply to all UE customers, except that MIEC requested the MoPSC to suspend UEs currently effective rate schedules, including its FAC, and replace them with UEs rate schedules approved by the MoPSC in its 2007 electric rate order. If the requested suspension occurs, it would continue until the earlier of the time that a subsequent order is issued by the MoPSC, or an order reversing any such suspension is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, but in no event beyond the implementation of new electric rates for UE. As noted, it is anticipated that new electric rates for UE will take effect by early August 2011. If the currently effective 2010 rate schedules (including the FAC) are suspended for all customers such that UE is only able to charge customers under its previously effective rate schedules for service provided for the period March through August 2011, the reduced charges, which would reflect the difference between billings under the 2010 Missouri electric rate order and billings under the 2007 Missouri electric rate order, including FAC billings, are estimated at approximately $300 million and would result in corresponding reductions in pretax earnings and cash flows. |
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The filings by the MoOPC and MIEC relate to the December 20, 2010 Stay Order, in which the Circuit Court granted the request of four UE industrial customers to stay the MoPSCs 2010 Missouri electric rate order and to require those customers to pay into the Circuit Courts registry the difference between their billings under the 2010 Missouri electric rate order and their billings under a Missouri electric rate order that became effective in June 2007, the last UE rate order for which appeals have been exhausted. On February 15, 2011, the four UE industrial customers posted the bond required by the Stay Order and are |
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expected to begin making the required payments into the Circuit Courts registry. |
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The Stay Order does not address the merits of the appeals of the MoPSCs 2010 electric rate order or the 2009 electric rate order, which will be addressed in the ordinary course of the judicial review process. The judicial review process typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete following the initiation of the process. At this time, UE does not believe any aspect of the 2009 and 2010 electric rate increases authorized by the 2009 and 2010 Missouri electric rate orders are probable of refund to UEs customers. If UE were to conclude that some portion of these rate increases become probable of refund to UEs customers, a charge to earnings would be recorded for the estimated amount of refund in the period in which that decision was made. |
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UE disagrees with the Stay Order, as well as the related filings made by the MoOPC and MIEC with the MoPSC. With respect to further proceedings regarding the Stay Order, the pending review proceedings regarding the 2009 and 2010 Missouri electric rate orders and the MoOPCs and MIECs filings with the MoPSC, UE will continue to address the merits of those orders and filings through the judicial and regulatory review processes. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information. |
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Taum Sauk was not available to generate electricity for off-system revenues during 2009; however, UE included an adjustment in the calculation of the FAC for Taum Sauk off-system revenues. Therefore, UEs customers received the benefit of Taum Sauks historical off-system revenues even though the plant was not operational. Upon Taum Sauks return to service, which occurred in April 2010, the adjustment figure was eliminated and UEs earnings and cash flows from operations increased. Taum Sauk is expected to increase UEs margins during the first quarter of 2011 by $7 million. |
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UE filed a request with the MoPSC in September 2010 to increase its annual revenues for electric service by approximately $263 million. Of that request, approximately $110 million relates to recovery of the costs of installing and operating two scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant. Also included in this requested increase is a $73 million anticipated increase in normalized net fuel costs above the net fuel costs included in base rates previously authorized by the MoPSC in its May 2010 electric rate order. Absent initiation of this general rate proceeding, 95% of this amount would have been reflected in rate adjustments implemented under UEs FAC. Capital additions relating to enhancements at the rebuilt Taum Sauk facility were also included in the increase request. In February 2011, the MoPSC staff responded to the UE request for an electric service rate increase. The MoPSC staff recommended an increase to UEs annual revenues of between $45 million and $99 million based on a return on equity of 8.25% to 9.25%. Included in this recommendation was approximately $50 million of increases in normalized |
net fuel costs and $32 million of asset disallowances relating to the Sioux plant scrubbers. Other parties also made recommendations through testimony filed in this case. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information. A decision by the MoPSC in this proceeding is required by the end of July 2011. |
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In January 2011, the MoPSC approved a stipulation and agreement that resolved a June 2010 request by UE to increase annual natural gas revenues. The stipulation and agreement authorized an increase in annual natural gas delivery revenues of $9 million, which included approximately $2 million of annual revenues previously collected through the ISRS rider for the test year ended December 31, 2009. The new rates became effective on February 20, 2011. The stipulation and agreement approved a revised block-rate structure for residential customers that results in more certainty of margin revenue recovery regardless of weather conditions or conservation efforts as recovery is less dependent on usage. |
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Missouri law requires the MoPSC to complete prudence reviews of UEs FAC at least every 18 months. In August 2010, the MoPSC staff completed a prudence review of the FAC from March 1, 2009, to September 30, 2009. The MoPSC staff contends that UE should have included in the FAC calculation all costs and revenues associated with certain contract sales that were made due to the loss of Noranda load caused by a severe ice storm in January 2009. UE disagrees with the MoPSC staffs classification of these transactions and opposes their inclusion in the FAC calculation. UE recognized margin associated with these contracts of $17 million during the period reviewed by the MoPSC and an additional $25 million of margin subsequent to September 30, 2009. If the MoPSC were to agree with the staff position, and if the MoPSCs order were to be upheld by the courts on appeal, UE would be required to pass through to customers the $42 million in margin associated with these contracts resulting in a charge to UEs earnings. The MoPSC is expected to issue an order for this review in 2011. If UE were to conclude that some portion of these contested FAC amounts become probable of refund to UEs customers, a charge to earnings would be recorded for the estimated amount of refund in the period in which that decision is made. |
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As part of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, AIC entered into financial contracts with Marketing Company (for the benefit of Genco and AERG), to lock in energy prices for 400 to 1,000 megawatts annually of its round-the-clock power requirements during the period June 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012, at then-relevant market prices. Under the terms of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, these financial contracts are deemed prudent and AIC is permitted full recovery of their costs in rates. |
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Volatile power prices in the Midwest can affect the amount of revenues Ameren and Genco generate by |
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marketing power into the wholesale and spot markets and can influence the cost of power purchased in the spot markets. |
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With few scheduled maintenance outages in 2011 and 2012, the Merchant Generation segment expects to have available generation from its coal-fired plants of 34 million megawatthours in each year. However, the Merchant Generation segments actual generation levels will be significantly influenced by whether market prices for power in those years justify the generation output, among other things. |
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The availability and performance of Amerens and Gencos Merchant Generation fleet can materially affect their revenues. The Merchant Generation segment expects to generate 29.5 million megawatthours of power from its coal-fired plants in 2011 (Genco 22 million) based on expected power prices. Should power prices rise more than expected, the Merchant Generation segment has the capacity and availability to sell more generation. |
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The marketing strategy for the Merchant Generation segment is to optimize generation output in a low risk manner to minimize volatility of earnings and cash flow, while seeking to capitalize on its low-cost generation fleet to provide solid, sustainable returns. To accomplish this strategy, the Merchant Generation segment has established hedge targets for near-term years. Through a mix of physical and financial sales contracts, Marketing Company targets to hedge Merchant Generations expected output by 80% to 90% for the following year, 50% to 70% for two years out, and 30% to 50% for three years out. As of February 15, 2011, Marketing Company had hedged approximately 26 million megawatthours of Merchant Generations expected 2011 generation, at an average price of $46 per megawatthour. For 2012, Marketing Company had hedged approximately 15 million megawatthours of Merchant Generations forecasted generation sales at an average price of $50 per megawatthour. For 2013, Marketing Company had hedged approximately 7.5 million megawatthours of Merchant Generations forecasted generation sales at an average price of $42 per megawatthour. Marketing Company has also entered into capacity-only sales contracts for 2011, 2012, and 2013, resulting in expected capacity-only revenues related to these contracts of $47 million, $19 million, and $7 million, respectively. Any unhedged forecasted generation will be exposed to market prices at the time of sale. Prices for power have decreased significantly since mid-2008. As a result, any new physical or financial power sales may be at price levels lower than previously experienced. |
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Current and future energy efficiency programs developed by UE, AIC and others could result in reduced demand for our electric generation and our electric and natural gas transmission and distribution services. Our regulated operations will seek a regulatory framework that allows either a return on these programs similar to the return that could be |
earned on supply-side capital investments, or recovery of their costs, within a declining demand environment. |
Fuel and Purchased Power
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In 2010, 85% of Amerens electric generation (UE 77%, Genco 99%) was supplied by coal-fired power plants. About 97% of the coal used by these plants (UE 97%, Genco 97%) was delivered by rail from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. In the past, deliveries from the Powder River Basin have occasionally been restricted because of rail maintenance, weather, and derailments. As of December 31, 2010, coal inventories for Ameren, UE and Genco were at targeted levels. However, Merchant Generation is targeting a reduction in its coal inventory, relative to previous levels, in 2011. Disruptions in coal deliveries could cause Ameren, UE and Genco to pursue a strategy that could include reducing sales of power during low-margin periods, buying higher-cost fuels to generate required electricity, or purchasing power from other sources. |
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Amerens fuel costs (including transportation) are expected to increase in 2011 and beyond. As of February 15, 2011, the average cost of Merchant Generations baseload hedged fuel costs, which include coal, transportation, diesel fuel surcharges, and other charges, was approximately $23.50 per megawatthour in 2011, $25 per megawatthour in 2012, and $28.50 per megawatthour in 2013. See Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of this report for additional information about the percentage of fuel and transportation requirements that are price-hedged for 2011 through 2015. |
Other Costs
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In December 2005, there was a breach of the upper reservoir at UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility. This resulted in significant flooding in the local area, which damaged a state park. The rebuilt Taum Sauk plant became fully operational in April 2010. Until Amerens remaining liability insurance claims and the related litigation, as well as its pending regulatory proceeding, are resolved, among other things, we are unable to determine the total impact the breach could have on Amerens and UEs results of operations, financial position, and liquidity beyond those amounts already recognized. Certain costs associated with the Taum Sauk facility not recovered from property insurers are expected to be recoverable from UEs electric customers. As of December 31, 2010, UE had capitalized in property and plant Taum Sauk-related costs of $89 million that UE believes qualify for recovery in electric rates under the terms of UEs November 2007 state of Missouri settlement agreement, and those costs were included in UEs pending electric rate increase request filed in September 2010. The inclusion of such costs in UEs electric rates is subject to review and approval by the MoPSC. Any amounts not recovered in electric rates, or otherwise, could result in charges to earnings, which |
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could be material. See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for further discussion of Taum Sauk matters. |
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UEs Callaway nuclear plants next scheduled refueling and maintenance outage will be in the fall of 2011. During a scheduled outage, which occurs every 18 months, maintenance and purchased power costs increase, and the amount of excess power available for sale decreases, compared with non-outage years. |
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Over the next few years, we expect rising employee benefit costs, higher property taxes, and higher insurance premiums as a result of insurance market conditions and loss experience, among other things. |
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Amerens Merchant Generation segment is expecting 2011 non-fuel other operations and maintenance expenses to be approximately $310 million, which is approximately 10% greater than other operations and maintenance expenses recorded in 2010. Higher employee-related costs are the primary driver for the expected increase. |
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The reduction in carrying value for some long-lived and intangible Merchant Generation assets, recognized as a result of Amerens and Gencos third quarter 2010 impairment tests, as well as a corresponding change in the useful lives for some assets, is not expected to have a material impact on Amerens or Gencos 2011 net income. |
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On January 12, 2011, the Illinois governor signed legislation that would increase the states corporate income tax rate from the current 7.3% to 9.5% (including the replacement tax), starting in 2011. The tax rate is scheduled to decrease to 7.75% in 2015, and it is scheduled to return to 7.3%, in 2025. This corporate income tax rate increase in Illinois is expected to increase Amerens income tax expense between $5 to $10 million in 2011 (AIC $3 million to $6 million, Genco $1 million to $2 million). |
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UE, AIC, ATXI and Marketing Company are MISO members. Each member company of MISO is responsible for a portion of MISOs market cost. Recently, some non-Ameren Companies have announced their intention to leave MISO, while other companies have announced plans to study their potential inclusion into MISO. In the near term, it appears likely that more companies will exit MISO than will join it. Ameren could be negatively affected as existing MISO companies leave the RTO as Amerens operating companies would bear a larger share of MISOs market costs. At this time, Ameren is unable to estimate the effects of these MISO member changes on its results of operation, financial position, and liquidity. |
Other
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A ballot initiative passed by Missouri voters in November 2008 created a renewable energy portfolio requirement. UE and other Missouri investor-owned utilities will be required to purchase or generate electricity from renewable energy sources equaling at least 2% of native load sales by 2011, with that percentage increasing in subsequent years to at least |
15% by 2021, subject to a 1% limit on customer rate impacts. At least 2% of each portfolio requirement must be derived from solar energy. Compliance with the renewable energy portfolio requirement can be achieved through generation, the procurement of renewable energy, or the procurement of renewable energy credits. UE expects that any related costs or investments would ultimately be recovered in rates. In July 2010, the MoPSC issued final rules implementing the States renewable energy portfolio requirements. In addition to other concerns, UE objected to the MoPSC rules creating geographical restrictions as well as the calculation of the 1% limit on customer rates. In February 2011, the Missouri legislature rejected the contested portion of the MoPSC rules creating geographical restrictions. This legislative action allows UE to comply with the law through its own generation or the procurement of renewable energy or renewable energy credits from sources regardless of geographical location. In August 2010, UE filed an appeal with the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri. UE is appealing the portion of the MoPSC rules calculating the 1% limit on customer rates. UE cannot predict when the court will issue a ruling or the ultimate outcome of the appeal. |
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In September 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act. That legislation includes an extension of the bonus depreciation provision to 2010, retroactive to the beginning of 2010. This provision will allow the Ameren Companies to accelerate depreciation deductions on qualifying property for federal income tax purposes that Ameren would have otherwise received over 15 or 20 years. In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Jobs Creation Act of 2010 was signed into law by President Obama. This provision allowed increased acceleration for qualifying property placed in service after September 8, 2010. Amerens preliminary estimate is that these provisions will result in a reduction of Amerens 2011 federal income tax payments of between $100 million to $150 million (UE $65 million to $85 million, AIC $35 million to $55 million, Genco $- million to $10 million) and a reduction of Amerens 2012 federal income tax payments of between $150 million to $200 million (UE $90 million to $105 million, AIC $60 million to $80 million, Genco $- million to $5 million). |
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AICs $150 million 6.625% senior secured notes will mature in June 2011. AIC expects to use cash on hand and operating cash flows to pay the bondholders $150 million, plus interest, at the maturity date. Additionally in 2011, AIC is planning to contribute approximately $100 million to Amerens postretirement benefit plan. This cash contribution will reduce future postretirement expense. |
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In July 2010, President Obama signed into law the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. This law will require additional governmental regulation of derivative and OTC transactions that could expand collateral requirements. The Commodities Futures |
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Trading Commission has issued a number of proposed rulemakings to implement the new law. Ameren is currently evaluating the new law and the proposed rulemaking to determine their potential impact to our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. Depending on how the law is ultimately interpreted in subsequent rulemaking, it could reduce the effectiveness of hedging, increasing the volatility of earnings, and could require increased collateral postings. |
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In 2010, President Obama signed into law a health care reform bill that makes several fundamental changes to the U.S. health care system. In March 2010, Ameren recorded a $13 million charge relating to the taxation of the Medicare Part D subsidy. The Ameren Companies are currently evaluating the long-term effects of this reform and the health care benefits they currently offer their employees and retirees. Additionally, Ameren will continue to monitor and assess the impact of the health |
care reforms, including any clarifying regulations issued to address how the provisions are to be implemented. Until those reviews are completed, Ameren is unable to estimate the effects of the new law on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. |
The above items could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, we evaluate strategies to enhance our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. These strategies may include acquisitions, divestitures, opportunities to reduce costs or increase revenues, and other strategic initiatives to increase Amerens stockholder value. We are unable to predict which, if any, of these initiatives will be executed. The execution of these initiatives may have a material impact on our future results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Preparation of the 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. These estimates involve judgments regarding many factors which in and of themselves could materially affect the financial statements and disclosures. We have outlined below the critical accounting estimates that we believe are most difficult, subjective, or complex. Any change in the assumptions or judgments applied in determining the following matters, among others, could have a material impact on future financial results.
Accounting Estimate
Uncertainties Affecting Application
Regulatory Mechanisms and Cost Recovery
Ameren, UE and AIC defer costs in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, and make investments that they assume will be collected in future rates.
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Regulatory environment and external regulatory decisions and requirements |
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Anticipated future regulatory decisions and their impact |
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Impact of deregulation, rate freezes, prudency reviews, and competition on ratemaking process and ability to recover costs |
Basis for Judgment
We determine which costs are recoverable by consulting previous rulings by state regulatory authorities in jurisdictions where we operate and any other factors that may indicate whether cost recovery is probable. If facts and circumstances lead us to conclude that a recorded regulatory asset is no longer probable of recovery or that plant assets are probable of disallowance, we record a charge to earnings, which could be material. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for quantification of these assets for each of the Ameren Companies, excluding Genco.
Unbilled Revenue
At the end of each period, UE and AIC project expected usage and estimate the amount of revenue to record for services that have been provided to customers but not yet billed.
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Projecting customer energy usage |
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Estimating impacts of weather and other usage-affecting factors for the unbilled period |
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Estimating loss of energy during transmission and delivery |
Basis for Judgment
We base our estimate of unbilled revenue each period on the volume of energy delivered, as valued by a model of billing cycles and historical usage rates and growth by customer class for our service area. This figure is then adjusted for the modeled impact of seasonal and weather variations based on historical results. See the balance sheets for Ameren, UE and AIC, under Part II, Item 8, of this report for unbilled revenue amounts.
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Accounting Estimate
Uncertainties Affecting Application
Derivative Financial Instruments
We account for derivative financial instruments and measure their fair value in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. The identification and classification of a derivative and the fair value of such derivative must be determined. See Commodity Price Risk and Fair Value of Contracts in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk under Part II, Item 7A, Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 8 Fair Value Measurements under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
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Our ability to assess whether derivative contracts qualify for the NPNS exception |
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Our ability to consume or produce notional values of derivative contracts |
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Market conditions in the energy industry, especially the effects of price volatility and liquidity |
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Valuation assumptions on longer term contracts due to lack of observable inputs |
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Effectiveness of derivatives that have been designated as hedges |
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Counterparty default risk |
Basis for Judgment
We determine whether to exclude the fair value of certain derivatives from valuation under the NPNS provisions of authoritative accounting guidance after assessing our intent and ability to physically deliver commodities purchased and sold. Further, our forecasted purchases and sales also support our designation of some fair-valued derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. Fair value of our derivatives is measured in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, which provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. When we do not have observable inputs, we use certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. Our valuations also reflect our own assessment of counterparty default risk, using the best internal and external information available. If we were required to discontinue our use of the NPNS exception or cash flow hedge treatment for some of our contracts, the impact of changes in fair value for the applicable contracts could be material to our earnings.
Valuation of Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Long-Lived Assets, and Asset Retirement Obligations
We periodically assess the carrying value of our goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets to determine whether they are impaired. We also review for the existence of asset retirement obligations. If an asset retirement obligation is identified, we determine its fair value and subsequently reassess and adjust the obligation, as necessary.
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Managements identification of impairment indicators |
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Changes in business, industry, laws, technology, or economic and market conditions |
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Valuation assumptions and conclusions |
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Our assessment of market participants |
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Estimated useful lives of our significant long-lived assets |
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Actions or assessments by our regulators |
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Identification of an asset retirement obligation and assumptions about the timing of asset removals |
Basis for Judgment
Annually, or whenever events indicate a valuation may have changed, we use various methodologies that we believe market participants would use to determine valuations, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiples, and discounted, undiscounted, and probabilistic discounted cash flow models with multiple operating scenarios. The identification of asset retirement obligations is conducted through the review of legal documents and interviews. See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for quantification of our goodwill, intangible assets, and asset retirement obligations. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information of our goodwill, intangible asset, and long-lived asset impairment evaluation and charge recorded in 2010.
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Accounting Estimate
Uncertainties Affecting Application
Benefit Plan Accounting
Based on actuarial calculations, we accrue costs of providing future employee benefits in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance regarding benefit plans. See Note 11 Retirement Benefits under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
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Future rate of return on pension and other plan assets |
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Interest rates used in valuing benefit obligations |
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Health care cost trend rates |
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Timing of employee retirements and mortality assumptions |
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Ability to recover certain benefit plan costs from our ratepayers |
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Changing market conditions impacting investment and interest rate environments |
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Impacts of the health care reform legislation enacted in 2010 |
Basis for Judgment
Our ultimate selection of the discount rate, health care trend rate, and expected rate of return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets is based on our consistent application of assumption-setting methodologies and our review of available historical, current, and projected rates, as applicable. See Note 11 Retirement Benefits under Part II, Item 8, of this report for sensitivity of Amerens benefit plans to potential changes in these assumptions.
Accounting for Contingencies
We make judgments and estimates in recording liabilities for claims, litigation, environmental remediation, the actions of various regulatory agencies, or other matters that occur in the normal course of business. We record a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. A gain contingency is not recorded until realized or realizable.
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Estimating financial impact of events |
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Estimating likelihood of outcomes |
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Regulatory and political environments and requirements |
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Outcome of legal proceedings, settlements or other factors |
Basis for Judgment
The determination of a loss contingency requires significant judgment as to the expected outcome of each contingency in future periods. In making the determination as to the amount of potential loss and the probability of loss, we consider all available evidence including the expected outcome of potential litigation. We record our best estimate of a loss or the minimum value of our estimated range of outcomes if no estimate is better than another estimate within our range of estimates. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to the contingency and revise our estimates. In our evaluation of legal matters, management consults with legal counsel and relies on analysis of relevant case law and legal precedents. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters, Note 10 Callaway Nuclear Plant, and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for information on the Ameren Companies contingencies.
Impact of Future Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
Amerens rates for retail electric and natural gas utility service are regulated by the MoPSC and the ICC. Nonretail electric rates are regulated by FERC. Rate regulation is generally based on the recovery of historical or projected costs. As a result, revenue increases could lag behind changing prices. Inflation affects our operations, earnings, stockholders equity, and financial performance.
The current replacement cost of our utility plant substantially exceeds our recorded historical cost. Under existing regulatory practice, only the historical cost of plant is recoverable from customers. As a result, cash flows designed to provide recovery of historical costs through depreciation might not be adequate to replace the plant in
future years. Amerens Merchant Generation businesses do not have regulated recovery mechanisms and are therefore dependent on market prices for power to reflect rising costs.
UE recovers the cost of fuel for electric generation and the cost of purchased power by adjusting rates as allowed through an FAC. AIC recovers power supply costs from electric customers by adjusting rates through a rider mechanism to accommodate changes in power prices.
UE and AIC are affected by changes in the cost of electric transmission services. FERC regulates the rates charged and the terms and conditions for electric transmission services. Each RTO separately files regional transmission tariff rates for approval by FERC. All members
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within that RTO are then subjected to those rates. As members of MISO, UEs and AICs transmission rates are calculated in accordance with MISOs rate formula. The transmission rate is updated in June of each year based on FERC filings. This rate is charged directly to wholesale customers. AIC also charges this rate directly to alternative retail electric suppliers. For Illinois retail customers who have not chosen an alternative retail electric supplier, the transmission rate is collected through a rider mechanism. This rate is not directly charged to Missouri retail customers because the MoPSC includes transmission-related costs in setting bundled retail rates in Missouri.
In our Missouri and Illinois retail natural gas utility jurisdictions, changes in gas costs are generally reflected in billings to gas customers through PGA clauses.
Ameren, UE and Genco are affected by changes in market prices for natural gas to the extent that they must purchase natural gas to run CTs. These companies have structured various supply agreements to maintain access to multiple gas pools and supply basins, and to minimize the impact to their financial statements. See Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Commodity Price Risk under Part II, Item 7A, below for additional information. Also see Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information on the cost recovery mechanisms discussed above.
ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Market risk is the risk of changes in value of a physical asset or a financial instrument, derivative or nonderivative, caused by fluctuations in market variables such as interest rates, commodity prices, and equity security prices. A derivative is a contract whose value is dependent on, or derived from, the value of some underlying asset. The following discussion of our risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We handle market risks in accordance with established policies, which may include entering into various derivative transactions. In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either nonfinancial or nonquantifiable. Such risks, principally business, legal and operational risks, are not part of the following discussion.
Our risk management objective is to optimize our physical generating assets and to pursue market opportunities within prudent risk parameters. Our risk management policies are set by a risk management steering committee, which is composed of senior-level Ameren officers.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk through changes in interest rates associated with:
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long-term and short-term variable-rate debt; |
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fixed-rate debt; |
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auction-rate long-term debt; and |
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defined pension and postretirement benefit plans. |
We manage our interest rate exposure by controlling the amount of debt instruments we have within our total capitalization portfolio and by monitoring the effects of market changes in interest rates. For defined pension and postretirement benefit plans, we control the duration and portfolio mix of our plan assets.
The following table presents the estimated increase in our annual interest expense and decrease in net income if interest rates were to increase by 1% on variable-rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2010:
Interest Expense | Net Income (a) | |||||||
Ameren (b) |
$ | 10 | $ | (6 | ) | |||
UE |
2 | (1 | ) | |||||
AIC |
(c | ) | (c | ) | ||||
Genco |
2 | (1 | ) |
(a) | Calculations are based on an effective tax rate of 38%. |
(b) | Includes intercompany eliminations. |
(c) | Less than $1 million. |
The estimated changes above do not consider the potential reduced overall economic activity that would exist in such an environment. In the event of a significant change in interest rates, management would probably act to further mitigate our exposure to this market risk. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this sensitivity analysis assumes no change in our financial structure.
Credit Risk
Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognized if counterparties fail to perform as contracted. Exchange-traded contracts are supported by the financial and credit quality of the clearing members of the respective exchanges and have nominal credit risk. In all other transactions, we are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the transaction. See Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments under Part II, Item 8, of this report for information on the potential loss on counterparty exposure as of December 31, 2010.
Our revenues are primarily derived from sales or delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers in Missouri and Illinois. Our physical and financial instruments are subject to credit risk consisting of trade accounts receivables and executory contracts with market risk exposures. The risk associated with trade receivables is
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mitigated by the large number of customers in a broad range of industry groups who make up our customer base. At December 31, 2010, no nonaffiliated customer represented more than 10%, in the aggregate, of our accounts receivable. The risk associated with AICs electric and natural gas trade receivables is also mitigated by a rate adjustment mechanism that allows AIC to recover the difference between its actual bad debt expense under GAAP and the bad debt expense included in its base rates. UE and AIC continue to monitor the impact of increasing rates on customer collections. UE and AIC make adjustments to their allowance for doubtful accounts as deemed necessary to ensure that such allowances are adequate to cover estimated uncollectible customer account balances.
Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco may have credit exposure associated with off-system or wholesale purchase and sale activity with nonaffiliated companies. At December 31, 2010, Amerens, UEs, AICs and Gencos combined credit exposure to nonaffiliated non-investment-grade trading counterparties was $3 million, net of collateral (2009 $2 million). We establish credit limits for these counterparties and monitor the appropriateness of these limits on an ongoing basis through a credit risk management program. It involves daily exposure reporting to senior management, master trading and netting agreements, and credit support, such as letters of credit and parental guarantees. We also analyze each counterpartys financial condition before we enter into sales, forwards, swaps, futures or option contracts, and we monitor counterparty exposure associated with our leveraged lease. We estimate our credit exposure to MISO associated with the MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market to be $53 million at December 31, 2010 (2009 $13 million).
Equity Price Risk
Our costs for providing defined benefit retirement and postretirement benefit plans are dependent upon a number of factors, including the rate of return on plan assets. Ameren manages plan assets in accordance with the prudent investor guidelines contained in ERISA. Amerens goal is to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide the benefits at the time they are payable and also to maximize total return on plan assets and minimize expense volatility consistent with its tolerance for risk. Ameren delegates investment management to specialists. Where appropriate, Ameren provides the investment manager with guidelines that specify allowable and prohibited investment types. Ameren regularly monitors manager performance and compliance with investment guidelines.
The expected return on plan assets is based on historical and projected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the investment portfolio. Projected rates of return for each asset class were estimated after an analysis of historical experience, future expectations, and the volatility of the various asset classes. After considering the target asset allocation for each asset class, we adjusted the overall expected rate of return for the portfolio for historical and expected experience of active portfolio
management results compared with benchmark returns, and for the effect of expenses paid from plan assets.
In future years, the costs of such plans reflected in net income, OCI, or regulatory assets, and cash contributions to the plans could increase materially, without pension and postretirement asset portfolio investment returns equal to or in excess of our 2011 assumed return on plan assets of 8% and 7.75%, respectively.
UE also maintains a trust fund, as required by the NRC and Missouri law, to fund certain costs of nuclear plant decommissioning. As of December 31, 2010, this fund was invested primarily in domestic equity securities (68%) and debt securities (32%). It totaled $337 million (2009 $293 million). By maintaining a portfolio that includes long-term equity investments, UE seeks to maximize the returns to be used to fund nuclear decommissioning costs within acceptable parameters of risk. However, the equity securities included in the portfolio are exposed to price fluctuations in equity markets. The debt securities are exposed to changes in interest rates. UE actively monitors the portfolio by benchmarking the performance of its investments against certain indices and by maintaining and periodically reviewing established target allocation percentages of the assets of the trust to various investment options. UEs exposure to equity price market risk is in large part mitigated, because UE is currently allowed to recover its decommissioning costs, which would include unfavorable investment results, through electric rates.
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to changes in market prices for electricity, emission allowances, fuel, and natural gas.
Amerens, UEs and Gencos risks of changes in prices for power sales are partially hedged through sales agreements. Merchant Generation also seeks to sell power forward to wholesale, municipal, and industrial customers to limit exposure to changing prices. We also attempt to mitigate financial risks through risk management programs and policies, which include forward-hedging programs, and the use of derivative financial instruments (primarily forward contracts, futures contracts, option contracts, and financial swap contracts). However, a portion of the generation capacity of Ameren, UE and Genco is not contracted through physical or financial hedge arrangements and is therefore exposed to volatility in market prices.
The following table shows how our earnings might decrease if power prices were to decrease by 1% on unhedged economic generation for 2011 through 2014:
Net Income (a) | ||||
Ameren (b) |
$ | (17 | ) | |
UE |
(c | ) | ||
Genco |
(14 | ) |
(a) | Calculations are based on an effective tax rate of 38%. |
(b) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(c) | Less than $1 million. |
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Amerens forward-hedging power programs include the use of derivative financial swap contracts. These swap contracts financially settle a fixed price against a floating price. The floating price is typically the realized, or settled, price at a liquid regional hub at some forward period of time. Ameren controls the use of derivative financial swap contracts with volumetric and correlation limits that are intended to mitigate any material adverse financial impact. Historically, Ameren has utilized swaps that settle against the Cinergy Hub MISO locational marginal pricing. This hub had traditionally been the most liquid location, with a strong correlation to the pricing that was realized at our generating locations. As of December 31, 2011, MISO intends to stop publishing Cinergy Hub pricing. As a result, Ameren will pursue financial hedging at the next best available regional location with sufficient liquidity. Ameren does not expect any material adverse financial impact to the outcomes of its forward-hedging programs as a result of this change. Ameren will continue to pursue the best available options to fix pricing for the output of its generating units.
Ameren also uses its portfolio management and trading capabilities both to manage risk and to deploy risk capital to generate additional returns. Due to our physical presence in the market, we are able to identify and pursue opportunities, which can generate additional returns through portfolio management and trading activities. All of this activity is performed within a controlled risk management process. We establish value at risk (VaR) and stop-loss limits that are intended to prevent any negative material financial impact.
We manage risks associated with changing prices of fuel for generation using techniques similar to those used to manage risks associated with changing market prices for electricity.
Most Ameren, UE and Genco fuel supply contracts are physical forward contracts. Merchant Generation does not have the ability to pass through higher fuel costs to its customers for electric operations with the exception of an immaterial percentage of the output that has been contracted with a fuel cost pass through. Prior to March 2009, UE did not have this ability either except through a general rate proceeding. The MoPSC granted UE permission to put a FAC in place beginning March 1, 2009. UE remains exposed to 5% of changes, greater or less than the amounts set in base rates, in its fuel and purchased power costs, net of off-system revenues.
Ameren, UE and Genco have entered into long-term contracts with various suppliers to purchase coal to manage their exposure to fuel prices. The coal hedging strategy is intended to secure a reliable coal supply while reducing exposure to commodity price volatility. Price and volumetric risk mitigation is accomplished primarily through periodic bid procedures, whereby the amount of coal purchased is determined by the current market prices and the minimum and maximum coal purchase guidelines for the given year. Ameren, UE and Genco generally purchase coal up to five years in advance, but they may purchase coal beyond five years to take advantage of
favorable deals or market conditions. The strategy also allows for the decision not to purchase coal to avoid unfavorable market conditions. UE has an ongoing need for coal to serve its native load customers and pursues a price hedging strategy consistent with this requirement. Merchant Generations forward coal requirements are dependent on the volume of power sales that have been contracted. As such, Merchant Generation strives to achieve increased margin certainty by aligning its fuel purchases with their power sales.
Transportation costs for coal and natural gas can be a significant portion of fuel costs. Ameren, UE and Genco typically hedge coal transportation forward to provide supply certainty and to mitigate transportation price volatility. Natural gas transportation expenses for Amerens gas distribution utility companies and the gas-fired generation units of Ameren, UE and Genco are regulated by FERC through approved tariffs governing the rates, terms, and conditions of transportation and storage services. Certain firm transportation and storage capacity agreements held by the Ameren Companies include rights to extend the contracts prior to the termination of the primary term. Depending on our competitive position, we are able in some instances to negotiate discounts to these tariff rates for our requirements.
In addition, coal and coal transportation costs are sensitive to the price of diesel fuel as a result of rail freight fuel surcharges. If diesel fuel costs were to increase or decrease by $0.25 a gallon, Amerens fuel expense could increase or decrease by $12 million annually (UE $7 million, Genco $4 million). As of December 31, 2010, Ameren had a price cap for approximately 89% of expected fuel surcharges in 2011.
In the event of a significant change in coal prices, Ameren, UE and Genco would probably take actions to further mitigate their exposure to this market risk. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this sensitivity analysis assumes no change in our financial structure or fuel sources.
With regard to exposure for commodity price risk for nuclear fuel, UE has fixed-priced, base-price-with-escalation, and market-priced agreements. It uses inventories to provide some price hedge to fulfill its Callaway nuclear plant needs for uranium, conversion and enrichment. There is no fuel reloading or planned maintenance outage scheduled for 2012 and 2015. UE has price hedges (including inventories) for approximately 83% of its 2011 to 2014 nuclear fuel requirements.
Nuclear fuel market prices remain subject to an unpredictable supply and demand environment. UE has continued to follow a strategy of managing its inventory of nuclear fuel as an inherent price hedge. New long-term uranium contracts are almost exclusively market-price-related with an escalating price floor. New long-term enrichment contracts usually have a base-price-with-escalation price mechanism, and may also have either a
76
market-price-related component or market-based price re-benchmarking. UE expects to enter into additional contracts from time to time in order to supply nuclear fuel during the expected life of the Callaway nuclear plant, at prices that cannot now be accurately predicted. Unlike the electricity and natural gas markets, nuclear fuel markets have somewhat limited financial instruments available for price hedging, so most hedging is done through inventories and forward contracts, if they are available.
With regard to the electric generating operations for Ameren, UE and Genco that are exposed to changes in market prices for natural gas used to run CTs, the natural gas procurement strategy is designed to ensure reliable and immediate delivery of natural gas while minimizing costs. We optimize transportation and storage options and price risk by structuring supply agreements to maintain access to multiple gas pools and supply basins.
Through the market allocation process, UE, AIC and Genco have been granted FTRs associated with the MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market. In addition, Marketing Company has acquired FTRs for its participation in the PJM-Northern Illinois market. The FTRs are intended
to mitigate expected electric transmission congestion charges related to the physical electricity business. Depending on the congestion and prices at various points on the electric transmission grid, FTRs could result in either charges or credits. Complex grid modeling tools are used to determine which FTRs to nominate in the FTR allocation process. There is a risk of incorrectly modeling the amount of FTRs needed, and there is the potential that the FTRs could be ineffective in mitigating transmission congestion charges.
With regard to UEs and AICs electric and natural gas distribution businesses, exposure to changing market prices is in large part mitigated by the fact that there are cost recovery mechanisms in place. These cost recovery mechanisms allow UE and AIC to pass on to retail customers prudently incurred fuel, purchased power and gas supply costs. UEs and AICs strategy is designed to reduce the effect of market fluctuations for our regulated customers. The effects of price volatility cannot be eliminated. However, procurement strategies involve risk management techniques and instruments similar to those outlined earlier, as well as the management of physical assets.
The following table presents, as of December 31, 2010, the percentages of the projected required supply of coal and coal transportation for our coal-fired power plants, nuclear fuel for UEs Callaway nuclear plant, natural gas for our CTs and retail distribution, as appropriate, and purchased power needs of AIC, which does not own generation, that are price-hedged over the five-year period 2011 through 2015. The projected required supply of these commodities could be significantly affected by changes in our assumptions for such matters as customer demand for our electric generation and our electric and natural gas distribution services, generation output, and inventory levels, among other matters.
2011 | 2012 | 2013 2015 | ||||||||||
Ameren (a) : |
||||||||||||
Coal |
94 | % | 55 | % | 11 | % | ||||||
Coal transportation |
100 | 75 | 28 | |||||||||
Nuclear fuel |
98 | 84 | 78 | |||||||||
Natural gas for generation |
40 | 2 | - | |||||||||
Natural gas for distribution (b) |
89 | 39 | 19 | |||||||||
Purchased power for AIC (c) |
78 | 56 | 8 | |||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||
Coal |
95 | % | 59 | % | 16 | % | ||||||
Coal transportation |
100 | 56 | 38 | |||||||||
Nuclear fuel |
98 | 84 | 78 | |||||||||
Natural gas for generation |
30 | 1 | - | |||||||||
Natural gas for distribution (b) |
90 | 35 | 19 | |||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||
Natural gas for distribution (b) |
89 | % | 39 | % | 19 | % | ||||||
Purchased power (c) |
78 | 56 | 8 | |||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||
Coal |
93 | % | 49 | % | 4 | % | ||||||
Coal transportation |
100 | 99 | 9 | |||||||||
Natural gas for generation |
84 | - | - |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Represents the percentage of natural gas price-hedged for peak winter season of November through March. The year 2011 represents January 2011 through March 2011. The year 2012 represents November 2011 through March 2012. This continues each successive year through March 2015. |
(c) | Represents the percentage of purchased power price-hedged for fixed-price residential and small commercial customers with less than one megawatt of demand. Larger customers are purchasing power from the competitive markets. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters and Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a discussion of the Illinois power procurement process and for additional information on AICs purchased power commitments. |
77
The following table shows how our total fuel expense might increase and how our net income might decrease if coal and coal transportation costs were to increase by 1% on any requirements not currently covered by fixed-price contracts for the five-year period 2011 through 2015:
Coal | Coal Transportation | |||||||||||||||
Fuel Expense |
Net Income (a) |
Fuel Expense |
Net Income (a) |
|||||||||||||
Ameren (b) (c) |
$ | 12 | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 12 | $ | (7 | ) | ||||||
UE (c) |
1 | (d | ) | 1 | (d | ) | ||||||||||
Genco |
8 | (5 | ) | 9 | (6 | ) |
(a) | Calculations are based on an effective tax rate of 38%. |
(b) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
(c) | Includes the impact of the FAC |
(d) | Less than $1 million. |
With regard to our exposure for commodity price risk for construction and maintenance activities, Ameren is exposed to changes in market prices for metal commodities and labor availability.
See Supply for Electric Power under Part I, Item 1, of this report for the percentages of our historical needs satisfied by coal, nuclear power, natural gas, hydroelectric power, and oil. Also see Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
Fair Value of Contracts
We use derivatives principally to manage the risk of changes in market prices for natural gas, coal, diesel, electricity, uranium, and emission allowances. Such price fluctuations may cause the following:
|
an unrealized appreciation or depreciation of our contracted commitments to purchase or sell when purchase or sale prices under the commitments are compared with current commodity prices; |
|
market values of coal, natural gas, and uranium inventories or emission allowances that differ from the cost of those commodities in inventory; and |
|
actual cash outlays for the purchase of these commodities that differ from anticipated cash outlays. |
The derivatives that we use to hedge these risks are governed by our risk management policies for forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps. Our net positions are continually assessed within our structured hedging programs to determine whether new or offsetting transactions are required. The goal of the hedging program is generally to mitigate financial risks while ensuring that sufficient volumes are available to meet our requirements. Contracts we enter into as part of our risk management program may be settled financially, settled by physical delivery, or net settled with the counterparty. See Note 7Derivative Financial Instruments under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
The following table presents the favorable (unfavorable) changes in the fair value of all derivative contracts marked-to-market during the year ended December 31, 2010. We use various methods to determine the fair value of our contracts. In accordance with hierarchy levels outlined in authoritative accounting guidance, the sources we used to determine the fair value of these contracts were active quotes (Level 1), inputs corroborated by market data (Level 2), and other modeling and valuation methods that are not corroborated by market data (Level 3). All of these contracts have maturities of less than five years.
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
Fair value of contracts at beginning of year, net |
$ | 17 | $ | 16 | $ | (483 | ) | $ | 21 | |||||||
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period |
(20 | ) | (2 | ) | 169 | (9 | ) | |||||||||
Changes in fair values attributable to changes in valuation technique and assumptions |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period |
2 | 4 | (19 | ) | 3 | |||||||||||
Other changes in fair value |
(78 | ) | (7 | ) | (160 | ) | 4 | |||||||||
Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of year, net |
$ | (79 | ) | $ | 11 | $ | (493 | ) | $ | 19 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
78
The following table presents maturities of derivative contracts as of December 31, 2010, based on the hierarchy levels used to determine the fair value of the contracts:
Sources of Fair Value |
Maturity Less than 1 Year |
Maturity 1-3 Years |
Maturity 4-5 Years |
Maturity in Excess of 5 Years |
Total Fair Value |
|||||||||||||||
Ameren: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 |
$ | (9 | ) | $ | (7 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | $ | - | $ | (18 | ) | ||||||
Level 2 (a) |
(2 | ) | - | - | - | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
Level 3 (b) |
(21 | ) | (29 | ) | (9 | ) | - | (59 | ) | |||||||||||
Total |
$ | (32 | ) | $ | (36 | ) | $ | (11 | ) | $ | - | $ | (79 | ) | ||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 |
$ | (3 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | $ | - | $ | (9 | ) | ||||||
Level 2 (a) |
- | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Level 3 (b) |
14 | 7 | (1 | ) | - | 20 | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 11 | $ | 3 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | - | $ | 11 | |||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 |
$ | (4 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (7 | ) | |||||||
Level 2 (a) |
- | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Level 3 (b) |
(247 | ) | (230 | ) | (9 | ) | - | (486 | ) | |||||||||||
Total |
$ | (251 | ) | $ | (233 | ) | $ | (9 | ) | $ | - | $ | (493 | ) | ||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 |
$ | (1 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Level 2 (a) |
- | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Level 3 (b) |
13 | 7 | - | - | 20 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 12 | $ | 7 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 19 |
(a) | Principally fixed-price vs. floating over-the-counter power swaps, power forwards, and fixed price vs. floating over-the-counter natural gas swaps. |
(b) | Principally power forward contract values based on a Black-Scholes model that includes information from external sources and our estimates. Level 3 also includes option contract values based on our estimates. |
79
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Ameren Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ameren Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Union Electric Company:
In our opinion, the financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Union Electric Company at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
80
conjunction with the related financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Ameren Illinois Company:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ameren Illinois Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder
of Ameren Energy Generating Company:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ameren Energy Generating Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
81
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Operating Revenues: |
||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 6,521 | $ | 5,940 | $ | 6,387 | ||||||
Gas |
1,117 | 1,195 | 1,482 | |||||||||
Total operating revenues |
7,638 | 7,135 | 7,869 | |||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Fuel |
1,323 | 1,141 | 1,275 | |||||||||
Purchased power |
1,106 | 909 | 1,210 | |||||||||
Gas purchased for resale |
669 | 749 | 1,057 | |||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
1,821 | 1,768 | 1,862 | |||||||||
Goodwill and other impairment losses |
589 | 7 | 14 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
765 | 725 | 685 | |||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
449 | 420 | 404 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
6,722 | 5,719 | 6,507 | |||||||||
Operating Income |
916 | 1,416 | 1,362 | |||||||||
Other Income and Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income |
90 | 71 | 80 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous expense |
33 | 23 | 31 | |||||||||
Total other income |
57 | 48 | 49 | |||||||||
Interest Charges |
497 | 508 | 440 | |||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes |
476 | 956 | 971 | |||||||||
Income Taxes |
325 | 332 | 327 | |||||||||
Net Income |
151 | 624 | 644 | |||||||||
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests |
12 | 12 | 39 | |||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Ameren Corporation |
$ | 139 | $ | 612 | $ | 605 | ||||||
Earnings per Common Share Basic and Diluted |
$ | 0.58 | $ | 2.78 | $ | 2.88 | ||||||
Dividends per Common Share |
$ | 1.54 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 2.54 | ||||||
Average Common Shares Outstanding |
238.8 | 220.4 | 210.1 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
82
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions, except per share amounts)
December 31, | ||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 545 | $ | 622 | ||||
Accounts receivable trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $23 and $24, respectively) |
500 | 424 | ||||||
Unbilled revenue |
406 | 367 | ||||||
Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable |
231 | 318 | ||||||
Materials and supplies |
707 | 782 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative assets |
129 | 121 | ||||||
Current regulatory assets |
267 | 110 | ||||||
Other current assets |
109 | 98 | ||||||
Total current assets |
2,894 | 2,842 | ||||||
Property and Plant, Net |
17,853 | 17,610 | ||||||
Investments and Other Assets: |
||||||||
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund |
337 | 293 | ||||||
Goodwill |
411 | 831 | ||||||
Intangible assets |
7 | 129 | ||||||
Regulatory assets |
1,259 | 1,342 | ||||||
Other assets |
754 | 655 | ||||||
Total investments and other assets |
2,768 | 3,250 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 23,515 | $ | 23,702 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | 155 | $ | 204 | ||||
Short-term debt |
269 | 20 | ||||||
Accounts and wages payable |
651 | 694 | ||||||
Taxes accrued |
63 | 54 | ||||||
Interest accrued |
107 | 110 | ||||||
Customer deposits |
100 | 101 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative liabilities |
161 | 109 | ||||||
Current regulatory liabilities |
99 | 82 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
283 | 337 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
1,888 | 1,711 | ||||||
Credit Facility Borrowings |
460 | 830 | ||||||
Long-term Debt, Net |
6,853 | 7,111 | ||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
2,886 | 2,554 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
90 | 94 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities |
1,319 | 1,257 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
475 | 429 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
1,045 | 1,165 | ||||||
Other deferred credits and liabilities |
615 | 491 | ||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
6,430 | 5,990 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 10, 14 and 15) |
||||||||
Ameren Corporation Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value, 400.0 shares authorized shares outstanding of 240.4 and 237.4, respectively |
2 | 2 | ||||||
Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock |
5,520 | 5,412 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
2,225 | 2,455 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(17) | (13) | ||||||
Total Ameren Corporation stockholders equity |
7,730 | 7,856 | ||||||
Noncontrolling Interests |
154 | 204 | ||||||
Total equity |
7,884 | 8,060 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
$ | 23,515 | $ | 23,702 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
83
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 151 | $ | 624 | $ | 644 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Loss on goodwill and other impairments |
589 | 7 | 14 | |||||||||
Net mark-to-market gain on derivatives |
(15) | (23) | (3) | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
783 | 748 | 705 | |||||||||
Amortization of nuclear fuel |
54 | 53 | 37 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts |
23 | 25 | 20 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net |
302 | 402 | 167 | |||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
(52) | (36) | (28) | |||||||||
Other |
40 | 17 | 14 | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Receivables |
(85) | 21 | 12 | |||||||||
Materials and supplies |
78 | 67 | (100) | |||||||||
Accounts and wages payable |
27 | (42) | 57 | |||||||||
Taxes accrued |
9 | - | (30) | |||||||||
Assets, other |
(109) | (66) | 83 | |||||||||
Liabilities, other |
71 | 99 | 110 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
(5) | (9) | (4) | |||||||||
Counterparty collateral, net |
(73) | (17) | (25) | |||||||||
Taum Sauk insurance recoveries, net of costs |
54 | 107 | (149) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
1,842 | 1,977 | 1,524 | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(1,031) | (1,704) | (1,896) | |||||||||
Nuclear fuel expenditures |
(90) | (80) | (173) | |||||||||
Purchases of securities nuclear decommissioning trust fund |
(271) | (383) | (520) | |||||||||
Sales of securities nuclear decommissioning trust fund |
256 | 380 | 497 | |||||||||
Other |
24 | (2) | (5) | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(1,112) | (1,789) | (2,097) | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock |
(368) | (338) | (534) | |||||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders |
(8) | (21) | (40) | |||||||||
Capital issuance costs |
(15) | (65) | (12) | |||||||||
Short-term and credit facility borrowings, net |
(121) | (324) | (298) | |||||||||
Redemptions, repurchases, and maturities: |
||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
(310) | (631) | (842) | |||||||||
Preferred stock |
(52) | - | (16) | |||||||||
Issuances: |
||||||||||||
Common stock |
80 | 634 | 154 | |||||||||
Long-term debt |
- | 1,021 | 1,879 | |||||||||
Generator advances received for construction, net of repayments |
(13) | 66 | 19 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(807) | 342 | 310 | |||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(77) | 530 | (263) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
622 | 92 | 355 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 545 | $ | 622 | $ | 92 | ||||||
Cash Paid (Refunded) During the Year: |
||||||||||||
Interest (net of $34, $40, and $41 capitalized, respectively) |
$ | 494 | $ | 485 | $ | 409 | ||||||
Income taxes, net |
(92) | 9 | 106 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
84
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In millions)
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Common Stock: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
$ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | ||||||
Shares issued |
- | - | - | |||||||||
Common stock, end of year |
2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
Other Paid-in Capital: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
5,412 | 4,780 | 4,604 | |||||||||
Shares issued (less issuance costs of $-, $17, and $-, respectively) |
80 | 617 | 154 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation cost |
14 | 15 | 22 | |||||||||
Regulatory recovery of prior-period common stock issuance costs |
14 | - | - | |||||||||
Other paid-in capital, end of year |
5,520 | 5,412 | 4,780 | |||||||||
Retained Earnings: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
2,455 | 2,181 | 2,110 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to Ameren Corporation |
139 | 612 | 605 | |||||||||
Dividends |
(368) | (338) | (534) | |||||||||
Other |
(1) | - | - | |||||||||
Retained earnings, end of year |
2,225 | 2,455 | 2,181 | |||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): |
||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, beginning of year |
10 | 48 | 9 | |||||||||
Change in derivative financial instruments |
(10) | (38) | 39 | |||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, end of year |
- | 10 | 48 | |||||||||
Deferred retirement benefit costs, beginning of year |
(23) | (43) | 25 | |||||||||
Change in deferred retirement benefit costs |
6 | 20 | (68) | |||||||||
Deferred retirement benefit costs, end of year |
(17) | (23) | (43) | |||||||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of year |
(17) | (13) | 5 | |||||||||
Total Ameren Corporation Stockholders Equity |
$ | 7,730 | $ | 7,856 | $ | 6,968 | ||||||
Noncontrolling Interests: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
204 | 211 | 218 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest holders |
12 | 12 | 39 | |||||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders |
(8) | (21) | (40) | |||||||||
Redemptions of preferred stock |
(52) | - | - | |||||||||
Other |
(2) | 2 | (6) | |||||||||
Noncontrolling interests, end of year |
154 | 204 | 211 | |||||||||
Total Equity |
$ | 7,884 | $ | 8,060 | $ | 7,179 | ||||||
Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 151 | $ | 624 | $ | 644 | ||||||
Unrealized net gain (loss) on derivative hedging instruments, net of income taxes (benefit) of $(1), $78, and $65, respectively |
(2) | 103 | 116 | |||||||||
Reclassification adjustments for derivative (gains) included in net income, net of income taxes of $5, $82, and $43, respectively |
(8) | (112) | (77) | |||||||||
Reclassification adjustment due to implementation of FAC, net of income taxes of $-, $18, and $-, respectively |
- | (29) | - | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement activity, net of income taxes (benefit) of $6, $22, and $(45), respectively |
4 | 22 | (75) | |||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes |
$ | 145 | $ | 608 | $ | 608 | ||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
10 | 14 | 33 | |||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Ameren Corporation, Net of Taxes |
$ | 135 | $ | 594 | $ | 575 | ||||||
Common stock shares at beginning of year | 237.4 | 212.3 | 208.3 | |||||||||
Shares issued |
3.0 | 25.1 | 4.0 | |||||||||
Common stock shares at end of year | 240.4 | 237.4 | 212.3 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
85
STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Operating Revenues: |
||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 3,030 | $ | 2,700 | $ | 2,756 | ||||||
Gas |
166 | 170 | 201 | |||||||||
Other |
1 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||
Total operating revenues |
3,197 | 2,874 | 2,960 | |||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Fuel |
635 | 593 | 672 | |||||||||
Purchased power |
162 | 124 | 160 | |||||||||
Gas purchased for resale |
91 | 97 | 123 | |||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
931 | 880 | 922 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
382 | 357 | 329 | |||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
285 | 257 | 240 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
2,486 | 2,308 | 2,446 | |||||||||
Operating Income |
711 | 566 | 514 | |||||||||
Other Income and Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income |
83 | 63 | 62 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous expense |
13 | 7 | 9 | |||||||||
Total other income |
70 | 56 | 53 | |||||||||
Interest Charges |
213 | 229 | 193 | |||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Investment |
568 | 393 | 374 | |||||||||
Income Taxes |
199 | 128 | 134 | |||||||||
Income Before Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Investment |
369 | 265 | 240 | |||||||||
Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Investment, Net of Taxes |
- | - | 11 | |||||||||
Net Income |
369 | 265 | 251 | |||||||||
Preferred Stock Dividends |
5 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||
Net Income Available to Common Stockholder |
$ | 364 | $ | 259 | $ | 245 | ||||||
The accompanying notes as they relate to UE are an integral part of these financial statements.
86
BALANCE SHEET
(In millions, except per share amounts)
December 31, | ||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 202 | $ | 267 | ||||
Accounts receivable trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8 and $6, respectively) |
217 | 154 | ||||||
Accounts receivable affiliates |
6 | 22 | ||||||
Unbilled revenue |
159 | 127 | ||||||
Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable |
116 | 199 | ||||||
Materials and supplies |
341 | 346 | ||||||
Current regulatory assets |
179 | 63 | ||||||
Other current assets |
55 | 50 | ||||||
Total current assets |
1,275 | 1,228 | ||||||
Property and Plant, Net |
9,775 | 9,585 | ||||||
Investments and Other Assets: |
||||||||
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund |
337 | 293 | ||||||
Intangible assets |
2 | 35 | ||||||
Regulatory assets |
694 | 683 | ||||||
Other assets |
421 | 395 | ||||||
Total investments and other assets |
1,454 | 1,406 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 12,504 | $ | 12,219 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | 5 | $ | 4 | ||||
Accounts and wages payable |
326 | 336 | ||||||
Accounts payable affiliates |
75 | 132 | ||||||
Taxes accrued |
76 | 21 | ||||||
Interest accrued |
63 | 63 | ||||||
Current accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
43 | 12 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
112 | 115 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
700 | 683 | ||||||
Long-term Debt, Net |
3,949 | 4,018 | ||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
1,908 | 1,660 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
78 | 79 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities |
766 | 865 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
363 | 331 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
369 | 400 | ||||||
Other deferred credits and liabilities |
218 | 126 | ||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
3,702 | 3,461 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 10, 14 and 15) |
||||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $5 par value, 150.0 shares authorized 102.1 shares outstanding |
511 | 511 | ||||||
Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock |
1,555 | 1,555 | ||||||
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption |
80 | 113 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
2,007 | 1,878 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
4,153 | 4,057 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 12,504 | $ | 12,219 | ||||
The accompanying notes as they relate to UE are an integral part of these financial statements.
87
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 369 | $ | 265 | $ | 251 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net mark-to-market (gain) loss on derivatives |
(1) | (29) | 29 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
382 | 357 | 329 | |||||||||
Amortization of nuclear fuel |
54 | 53 | 37 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts |
4 | 10 | 6 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net |
228 | 276 | 89 | |||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
(50) | (33) | (27) | |||||||||
Other |
20 | - | (5) | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Receivables |
(56) | (58) | 60 | |||||||||
Materials and supplies |
7 | (2) | (32) | |||||||||
Accounts and wages payable |
(17) | 16 | (89) | |||||||||
Taxes accrued |
55 | 1 | (61) | |||||||||
Assets, other |
(145) | (58) | 42 | |||||||||
Liabilities, other |
77 | 69 | 63 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
(3) | (2) | - | |||||||||
Taum Sauk insurance recoveries, net of costs |
54 | 107 | (149) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
978 | 972 | 543 | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(608) | (872) | (874) | |||||||||
Nuclear fuel expenditures |
(90) | (80) | (173) | |||||||||
Proceeds from intercompany note receivable |
- | - | 36 | |||||||||
Purchases of securities nuclear decommissioning trust fund |
(271) | (383) | (520) | |||||||||
Sales of securities nuclear decommissioning trust fund |
256 | 380 | 497 | |||||||||
Other |
7 | - | 1 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(706) | (955) | (1,033) | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock |
(235) | (175) | (264) | |||||||||
Dividends on preferred stock |
(5) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||
Capital issuance costs |
(4) | (14) | (5) | |||||||||
Short-term debt, net |
- | (251) | 169 | |||||||||
Intercompany note payable Ameren, net |
- | (92) | 92 | |||||||||
Redemptions, repurchases, and maturities: |
||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
(70) | (4) | (382) | |||||||||
Preferred stock |
(33) | - | - | |||||||||
Issuances of long-term debt |
- | 349 | 699 | |||||||||
Capital contribution from parent |
- | 436 | - | |||||||||
Other |
10 | 7 | 2 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(337) | 250 | 305 | |||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(65) | 267 | (185) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
267 | - | 185 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 202 | $ | 267 | $ | - | ||||||
Cash Paid (Refunded) During the Year: |
||||||||||||
Interest (net of $26, $23, and $19 capitalized, respectively) |
$ | 213 | $ | 212 | $ | 177 | ||||||
Income taxes, net |
(106) | (208) | 130 |
The accompanying notes as they relate to UE are an integral part of these financial statements.
88
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In millions)
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Common Stock |
$ | 511 | $ | 511 | $ | 511 | ||||||
Other Paid-in Capital: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
1,555 | 1,119 | 1,119 | |||||||||
Capital contribution from parent |
- | 436 | - | |||||||||
Other paid-in capital, end of year |
1,555 | 1,555 | 1,119 | |||||||||
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption: |
||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
113 | 113 | 113 | |||||||||
Redemptions |
(33) | - | - | |||||||||
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption, end of year |
80 | 113 | 113 | |||||||||
Retained Earnings: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
1,878 | 1,794 | 1,855 | |||||||||
Net income |
369 | 265 | 251 | |||||||||
Common stock dividends |
(235) | (175) | (264) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends |
(5) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||
Dividend-in-kind to Ameren |
- | - | (42) | |||||||||
Retained earnings, end of year |
2,007 | 1,878 | 1,794 | |||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
- | 25 | 3 | |||||||||
Change in derivative financial instruments |
- | (25) | 22 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income, end of year |
- | - | 25 | |||||||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
$ | 4,153 | $ | 4,057 | $ | 3,562 | ||||||
Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 369 | $ | 265 | $ | 251 | ||||||
Unrealized net gain on derivative hedging instruments, net of income taxes of $-, $11, and $22, respectively |
- | 17 | 36 | |||||||||
Reclassification adjustments for derivative (gains) included in net income, net of income taxes of $-, $8, and $9, respectively |
- | (13) | (14) | |||||||||
Reclassification adjustment due to implementation of FAC, net of income taxes of $-, $18, and $-, respectively |
- | (29) | - | |||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes |
$ | 369 | $ | 240 | $ | 273 | ||||||
The accompanying notes as they relate to UE are an integral part of these financial statements.
89
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | 2008 (a) | ||||||||||
Operating Revenues: |
||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 2,061 | $ | 1,965 | $ | 2,242 | ||||||
Gas |
953 | 1,015 | 1,265 | |||||||||
Other |
- | 4 | 1 | |||||||||
Total operating revenues |
3,014 | 2,984 | 3,508 | |||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Purchased power |
965 | 1,048 | 1,405 | |||||||||
Gas purchased for resale |
578 | 642 | 914 | |||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
635 | 590 | 653 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
210 | 216 | 219 | |||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
128 | 125 | 126 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
2,516 | 2,621 | 3,317 | |||||||||
Operating Income |
498 | 363 | 191 | |||||||||
Other Income and Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income |
7 | 12 | 23 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous expense |
13 | 10 | 12 | |||||||||
Total other income (expense) |
(6) | 2 | 11 | |||||||||
Interest Charges |
143 | 153 | 145 | |||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes |
349 | 212 | 57 | |||||||||
Income Taxes |
137 | 79 | 16 | |||||||||
Income from Continuing Operations |
212 | 133 | 41 | |||||||||
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax |
40 | 114 | 52 | |||||||||
Net Income |
252 | 247 | 93 | |||||||||
Preferred Stock Dividends |
4 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||
Net Income Available to Common Stockholder |
$ | 248 | $ | 241 | $ | 87 | ||||||
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to reflect the AIC Merger as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to AIC are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
90
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
December 31, | ||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 322 | $ | 306 | ||||
Accounts receivable trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $13 and $17, respectively) |
230 | 199 | ||||||
Accounts and notes receivable affiliates |
73 | 105 | ||||||
Unbilled revenue |
205 | 189 | ||||||
Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable |
44 | 51 | ||||||
Materials and supplies |
198 | 212 | ||||||
Current regulatory assets |
260 | 174 | ||||||
Other current assets |
106 | 63 | ||||||
Current assets of discontinued operations |
- | 112 | ||||||
Total current assets |
1,438 | 1,411 | ||||||
Property and Plant, Net |
4,576 | 4,354 | ||||||
Investments and Other Assets: |
||||||||
Intercompany tax receivable Genco |
72 | 82 | ||||||
Goodwill |
411 | 411 | ||||||
Regulatory assets |
743 | 944 | ||||||
Other assets |
166 | 91 | ||||||
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations |
- | 1,005 | ||||||
Total investments and other assets |
1,392 | 2,533 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 7,406 | $ | 8,298 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | 150 | $ | - | ||||
Accounts and wages payable |
182 | 192 | ||||||
Accounts payable affiliates |
82 | 179 | ||||||
Taxes accrued |
26 | 15 | ||||||
Customer deposits |
83 | 85 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative liabilities |
82 | 38 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative liabilities affiliates |
172 | 127 | ||||||
Environmental remediation |
72 | 80 | ||||||
Current regulatory liabilities |
76 | 57 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
90 | 132 | ||||||
Current liabilities of discontinued operations |
- | 334 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
1,015 | 1,239 | ||||||
Long-term Debt, Net |
1,657 | 1,847 | ||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
724 | 554 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
8 | 10 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities |
553 | 391 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
413 | 471 | ||||||
Other deferred credits and liabilities |
460 | 483 | ||||||
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations |
- | 231 | ||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
2,158 | 2,140 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 14 and 15) |
||||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, no par value, 45.0 shares authorized 25.5 shares outstanding |
- | - | ||||||
Other paid-in capital |
1,952 | 2,223 | ||||||
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption |
62 | 115 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
542 | 709 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
20 | 25 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
2,576 | 3,072 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 7,406 | $ | 8,298 | ||||
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to reflect the AIC Merger as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to AIC are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
91
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | 2008 (a) | ||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 252 | $ | 247 | $ | 93 | ||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
(40) | (114) | (52) | |||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
210 | 212 | 209 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts |
10 | 9 | 11 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net |
161 | 72 | 22 | |||||||||
Other |
2 | (11) | 6 | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Receivables |
(41) | 142 | (25) | |||||||||
Materials and supplies |
14 | 85 | (37) | |||||||||
Accounts and wages payable |
(44) | (3) | 74 | |||||||||
Taxes accrued |
11 | (11) | 11 | |||||||||
Assets, other |
(76) | 74 | (35) | |||||||||
Liabilities, other |
32 | 11 | 72 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
(7) | 5 | (20) | |||||||||
Operating cash flows provided by discontinued operations |
113 | 141 | 159 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
597 | 859 | 488 | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(286) | (356) | (345) | |||||||||
Advances to ATXI for construction |
(10) | (47) | (13) | |||||||||
Proceeds from intercompany note receivable Genco |
45 | 42 | 39 | |||||||||
Other |
- | - | (2) | |||||||||
Capital expenditures of discontinued operations |
(6) | (91) | (256) | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(257) | (452) | (577) | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock |
(133) | (98) | (60) | |||||||||
Dividends on preferred stock |
(4) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||
Capital issuance costs |
(4) | (13) | (6) | |||||||||
Short-term and credit facility borrowings, net |
- | (62) | (353) | |||||||||
Redemptions, repurchases, and maturities: |
||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
(40) | (250) | (460) | |||||||||
Preferred stock |
(19) | - | (16) | |||||||||
Issuances of long-term debt |
- | - | 880 | |||||||||
Generator advances for construction received (refunded), net of repayments |
(23) | 56 | 20 | |||||||||
Capital contribution from parent |
6 | 272 | - | |||||||||
Net financing activities provided by (used in) discontinued operations |
(107) | (50) | 104 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(324) | (151) | 103 | |||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
16 | 256 | 14 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
306 | 50 | 36 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 322 | $ | 306 | $ | 50 | ||||||
Cash Paid (Refunded) During the Year: |
||||||||||||
Interest (net of $1, $3 and $10 capitalized, respectively) |
$ | 160 | $ | 167 | $ | 131 | ||||||
Income taxes, net |
(39) | 129 | (80) | |||||||||
Noncash investing activity asset transfer from ATXI |
7 | 29 | - |
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to reflect the AIC Merger as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to AIC are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
92
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In millions)
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | 2008 (a) | ||||||||||
Common Stock |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Other Paid-in Capital: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
2,223 | 1,951 | 1,951 | |||||||||
Capital contribution from parent |
6 | 272 | - | |||||||||
Contribution of Ameren owned preferred stock without consideration |
33 | - | - | |||||||||
Transfer of AERG to parent (Notes 1 and 16) |
(310) | - | - | |||||||||
Other paid-in capital, end of year |
1,952 | 2,223 | 1,951 | |||||||||
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption: |
||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
115 | 115 | 115 | |||||||||
Redemptions |
(19) | - | - | |||||||||
Contribution of Ameren owned preferred stock without consideration |
(33) | - | - | |||||||||
Other |
(1) | - | - | |||||||||
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption, end of year |
62 | 115 | 115 | |||||||||
Retained Earnings: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
709 | 566 | 539 | |||||||||
Net income |
252 | 247 | 93 | |||||||||
Common stock dividends |
(133) | (98) | (60) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends |
(4) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||
Transfer of AERG to parent (Notes 1 and 16) |
(281) | - | - | |||||||||
Other |
(1) | - | - | |||||||||
Retained earnings, end of year |
542 | 709 | 566 | |||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: |
||||||||||||
Deferred retirement benefit costs, beginning of year |
25 | 23 | 30 | |||||||||
Change in deferred retirement benefit costs |
(4) | (4) | (1) | |||||||||
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income from discontinued operations |
(1) | 6 | (6) | |||||||||
Deferred retirement benefit costs, end of year |
20 | 25 | 23 | |||||||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive income, end of year |
20 | 25 | 23 | |||||||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
$ | 2,576 | $ | 3,072 | $ | 2,655 | ||||||
Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 252 | $ | 247 | $ | 93 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement activity, net of income taxes (benefit) of $(2), $(2), and $(1), respectively |
(4) | (4) | (1) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income from discontinued operations |
(1) | 6 | (6) | |||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes |
$ | 247 | $ | 249 | $ | 86 | ||||||
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to reflect the AIC Merger as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to AIC are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
93
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | 2008 (a) | ||||||||||
Operating Revenues |
$ | 1,126 | $ | 1,148 | $ | 1,422 | ||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Fuel |
522 | 415 | 509 | |||||||||
Coal contract settlement |
- | - | (60) | |||||||||
Purchased power |
61 | 72 | 97 | |||||||||
Other operations and maintenance |
191 | 226 | 227 | |||||||||
Goodwill and other impairment losses |
170 | 6 | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
98 | 81 | 75 | |||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
22 | 24 | 23 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
1,064 | 824 | 871 | |||||||||
Operating Income |
62 | 324 | 551 | |||||||||
Other Income and Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income |
1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous expense |
1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Total other income |
- | - | - | |||||||||
Interest Charges |
78 | 61 | 55 | |||||||||
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes |
(16) | 263 | 496 | |||||||||
Income Taxes |
20 | 101 | 182 | |||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
(36) | 162 | 314 | |||||||||
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |
3 | 2 | 28 | |||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Ameren Energy Generating Company |
$ | (39) | $ | 160 | $ | 286 | ||||||
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to include EEI as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to Genco are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
94
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions, except shares)
December 31, | ||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 6 | $ | 6 | ||||
Advances to money pool |
25 | 73 | ||||||
Accounts receivable affiliates |
126 | 129 | ||||||
Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable |
19 | 26 | ||||||
Materials and supplies |
130 | 170 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative assets |
26 | 22 | ||||||
Other current assets |
4 | 2 | ||||||
Total current assets |
336 | 428 | ||||||
Property and Plant, Net |
2,248 | 2,337 | ||||||
Investments and Other Assets: |
||||||||
Goodwill |
- | 65 | ||||||
Intangible Assets |
3 | 62 | ||||||
Other Assets |
24 | 28 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 2,611 | $ | 2,920 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | - | $ | 200 | ||||
Current portion of note payable AIC |
- | 45 | ||||||
Note payable Ameren |
- | 131 | ||||||
Accounts and wages payable |
62 | 85 | ||||||
Accounts payable affiliates |
23 | 40 | ||||||
Current portion of tax payable AIC |
8 | 9 | ||||||
Taxes accrued |
20 | 17 | ||||||
Interest accrued |
13 | 13 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative liabilities |
9 | 12 | ||||||
Mark-to-market derivative liabilities affiliates |
5 | 1 | ||||||
Current accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
13 | 26 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
12 | 19 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
165 | 598 | ||||||
Credit Facility Borrowings |
100 | - | ||||||
Long-term Debt, Net |
824 | 823 | ||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
253 | 216 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
3 | 4 | ||||||
Tax payable AIC |
72 | 82 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
74 | 60 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
88 | 89 | ||||||
Other deferred credits and liabilities |
23 | 35 | ||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
513 | 486 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 14 and 15) |
||||||||
Ameren Energy Generating Company Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized 2,000 shares outstanding |
- | - | ||||||
Other paid-in capital |
649 | 620 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
393 | 432 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(44) | (48) | ||||||
Total Ameren Energy Generating Company stockholders equity |
998 | 1,004 | ||||||
Noncontrolling Interest |
11 | 9 | ||||||
Total equity |
1,009 | 1,013 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
$ | 2,611 | $ | 2,920 | ||||
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to include EEI as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to Genco are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
95
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | 2008 (a) | ||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (36) | $ | 162 | $ | 314 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Loss on goodwill and other impairments |
170 | 6 | - | |||||||||
Net mark-to-market (gain) loss on derivatives |
(8) | (27) | 24 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
113 | 106 | 104 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts |
3 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net |
19 | 64 | 22 | |||||||||
Other |
1 | - | (2) | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Receivables |
10 | (13) | (22) | |||||||||
Materials and supplies |
42 | (12) | (34) | |||||||||
Accounts and wages payable |
(25) | (19) | 6 | |||||||||
Taxes accrued |
3 | - | 1 | |||||||||
Assets, other |
7 | 9 | 10 | |||||||||
Liabilities, other |
(24) | (26) | (6) | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
5 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
280 | 253 | 421 | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(95) | (316) | (353) | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property interests |
18 | - | - | |||||||||
Money pool advances, net |
48 | (73) | - | |||||||||
Other |
- | - | (13) | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(29) | (389) | (366) | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock |
- | (43) | (221) | |||||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holder |
- | (11) | (30) | |||||||||
Capital issuance costs |
(4) | (7) | (2) | |||||||||
Short-term and credit facility borrowings, net |
100 | - | (100) | |||||||||
Money pool borrowings, net |
- | (80) | 26 | |||||||||
Redemptions of long-term debt |
(200) | - | - | |||||||||
Issuances of long-term debt |
- | 249 | 300 | |||||||||
Notes payable affiliates |
(176) | 31 | (27) | |||||||||
Capital contribution from parent |
29 | - | - | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(251) | 139 | (54) | |||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
- | 3 | 1 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
6 | 3 | 2 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 3 | ||||||
Cash Paid During the Year: |
||||||||||||
Interest (net of $6, $12, and $10 capitalized, respectively) |
$ | 77 | $ | 58 | $ | 51 | ||||||
Income taxes, net |
1 | 74 | 152 |
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to include EEI as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to Genco are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
96
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In millions)
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 (a) | 2008 (a) | ||||||||||
Common Stock |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Other Paid-in Capital: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
620 | 620 | 620 | |||||||||
Capital contribution from parent |
29 | - | - | |||||||||
Other paid-in capital, end of year |
649 | 620 | 620 | |||||||||
Retained Earnings: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
432 | 315 | 250 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Energy Generating Company |
(39) | 160 | 286 | |||||||||
Common stock dividends |
- | (43) | (221) | |||||||||
Retained earnings, end of year |
393 | 432 | 315 | |||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: |
||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, beginning of year |
(6) | (6) | (1) | |||||||||
Change in derivative financial instruments |
- | - | (5) | |||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, end of year |
(6) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||
Deferred retirement benefit costs, beginning of year |
(42) | (61) | (12) | |||||||||
Change in deferred retirement benefit costs |
4 | 19 | (49) | |||||||||
Deferred retirement benefit costs, end of year |
(38) | (42) | (61) | |||||||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year |
(44) | (48) | (67) | |||||||||
Total Ameren Energy Generating Company Stockholders Equity |
$ | 998 | $ | 1,004 | $ | 868 | ||||||
Noncontrolling Interest: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
9 | 16 | 24 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest holder |
3 | 2 | 28 | |||||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holder |
- | (11) | (30) | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest holder |
(1) | 2 | (6) | |||||||||
Noncontrolling interest, end of year |
11 | 9 | 16 | |||||||||
Total Equity |
$ | 1,009 | $ | 1,013 | $ | 884 | ||||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes: |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (36) | $ | 162 | $ | 314 | ||||||
Reclassification adjustments for derivative gains included in net income, net of income taxes of $-, $-, and $3, respectively |
- | - | (5) | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement activity, net of income taxes (benefit) of $5, $12, and $(29), respectively |
3 | 21 | (55) | |||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes |
$ | (33) | $ | 183 | $ | 254 | ||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest holder |
2 | 4 | 22 | |||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Ameren Energy Generating Company, Net of Taxes |
$ | (35) | $ | 179 | $ | 232 | ||||||
(a) | Prior period has been adjusted to include EEI as discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
The accompanying notes as they relate to Genco are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
97
AMEREN CORPORATION (Consolidated)
UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (Consolidated)
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
(Consolidated)
COMBINED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2010
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company under PUHCA 2005, administered by FERC. Amerens primary assets are the common stock of its subsidiaries. Amerens subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. These subsidiaries operate, as the case may be, rate-regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution businesses, rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution businesses, and merchant electric generation businesses in Missouri and Illinois. Dividends on Amerens common stock and the payment of other expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Amerens principal subsidiaries are listed below. Also see the Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations at the front of this report.
|
UE, or Union Electric Company, which does business as Ameren Missouri, operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution business, and a rate-regulated natural gas transmission and distribution business in Missouri. UE was incorporated in Missouri in 1922 and is successor to a number of companies, the oldest of which was organized in 1881. It is the largest electric utility in the state of Missouri. It supplies electric and natural gas service to a 24,000-square-mile area in central and eastern Missouri. This area has an estimated population of 2.8 million and includes the Greater St. Louis area. UE supplies electric service to 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to 127,000 customers. |
|
AIC, or Ameren Illinois Company, which does business as Ameren Illinois, operates a rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission and distribution business in Illinois. AIC was created by the merger of CILCO and IP with and into CIPS. CIPS was incorporated in Illinois in 1923 and is successor to a number of companies, the oldest of which was organized in 1902. AIC supplies electric and natural gas utility service to portions of central and southern Illinois having an estimated population of 3 million in an area of 40,000 square miles. AIC supplies electric service to 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to 811,000 customers. |
|
Genco, or Ameren Energy Generating Company, operates a merchant electric generation business in Illinois and Missouri. Genco was incorporated in Illinois |
in March 2000. Gencos coal, natural gas and oil-fired electric generating facilities, are expected to have capacity of 3,437, 1,553, and 169 megawatts, respectively, at the time of the 2011 peak summer electrical demand. |
On October 1, 2010, Ameren, CIPS, CILCO, IP, AERG and Resources Company completed a two-step corporate internal reorganization. The first step of the reorganization was the AIC Merger, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, dated as of April 13, 2010. Upon consummation of the AIC Merger, the separate legal existence of CILCO and IP terminated. The second step of the reorganization involved the distribution of AERG stock from AIC to Ameren and the subsequent contribution by Ameren of the AERG stock to Resources Company. The AIC Merger and the distribution of AERG stock were accounted for as transactions between entities under common control. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, assets and liabilities transferred between entities under common control were accounted for at the historical cost basis of the common parent, Ameren, as if the transfer had occurred at the beginning of the earliest reporting period presented. Amerens historical cost basis in AIC included purchase accounting adjustments related to Amerens acquisition of CILCORP in 2003. AIC accounted for the AERG distribution as a spinoff. AIC transferred AERG to Ameren based on AERGs carrying value. AIC determined that the operating results of AERG qualified for discontinued operations presentation; therefore, AIC has segregated AERGs operating results and presented them separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented prior to October 1, 2010, in this report. For Amerens financial statements, AERGs results of operation remain classified as continuing operations. See Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
Ameren has various other subsidiaries responsible for the marketing of power, management of commodity risks, and provision of other shared services. Ameren has an 80% ownership interest in EEI, which until February 29, 2008, was held 40% by UE and 40% by Development Company. UE reported EEI under the equity method until February 29, 2008. Effective February 29, 2008, UEs and Development Companys ownership interests in EEI were transferred to Resources Company through an internal reorganization. UEs interest in EEI was transferred at book value indirectly through a dividend to Ameren. Effective January 1, 2010, as part of an internal reorganization, Resources Company transferred its 80% stock ownership interest in EEI to Genco through a capital contribution. The transfer of EEI to Genco was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, whereby Genco accounted for the transfer at the historical carrying value of the parent (Ameren) as if the transfer had occurred at the beginning of the earliest reporting period presented. Amerens historical cost basis in EEI included purchase accounting adjustments relating to Amerens acquisition of an additional 20% ownership interest in EEI in 2004. This transfer required Gencos prior-period financial statements to be
98
retrospectively combined for all periods presented. Consequently, Gencos prior-period consolidated financial statements reflect EEI as if it had been a subsidiary of Genco. Ameren and Genco consolidate EEI for financial reporting purposes. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions for additional information.
The financial statements of Ameren, AIC and Genco are prepared on a consolidated basis. UE does not have subsidiaries and therefore its financial statements are not consolidated. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. All tabular dollar amounts are in millions, unless otherwise indicated.
At December 31, 2010 and 2009, Ameren had immaterial investments in multiple affordable housing and low-income real estate development partnerships as well as an investment in a commercial real estate development partnership. Ameren has a variable interest in these investments as a limited partner. Ameren is not the primary beneficiary of these investments because Ameren does not have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of these VIE. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of these variable interests is limited to the investments in these partnerships. Ameren uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in these partnerships. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions for information about AICs variable interest in ATXI.
Our accounting policies conform to GAAP. Our financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include normal, recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in our opinion, for a fair presentation of our results. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that Ameren management make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Regulation
Certain Ameren subsidiaries are regulated by the MoPSC, the ICC, the NRC, and FERC. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance regarding accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation, UE and AIC defer certain costs as assets pursuant to actions of rate regulators or the expected ability to recover such costs in rates charged to customers. UE and AIC also defer certain amounts as liabilities pursuant to actions of rate regulators or the expectation that such amounts will be returned to customers in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the period of expected regulatory treatment. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information on regulatory assets and liabilities. In addition, other costs that UE and AIC expect to recover from customers are also recorded as construction work in progress and property and plant, net. See Note 3 Property and Plant, Net.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and temporary investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of existing accounts receivable that will ultimately be uncollectible. The allowance is calculated by applying estimated write-off factors to various classes of outstanding receivables, including unbilled revenue. The write-off factors used to estimate uncollectible accounts are based upon consideration of both historical collections experience and managements best estimate of future collections success given the existing and anticipated future collections environment. AIC has a rate mechanism that adjusts rates for bad debt expense above or below those being collected in rates.
Materials and Supplies
Materials and supplies are recorded at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the average-cost method. Materials and supplies are capitalized as inventory when purchased and then expensed or capitalized as plant assets when installed, as appropriate. The following table presents a breakdown of materials and supplies for each of the Ameren Companies at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Fuel (b) |
$ | 255 | $ | 152 | $ | - | $ | 81 | ||||||||
Gas stored underground |
175 | 22 | 152 | - | ||||||||||||
Other materials and supplies |
277 | 167 | 46 | 49 | ||||||||||||
$ | 707 | $ | 341 | $ | 198 | $ | 130 | |||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Fuel (b) |
$ | 315 | $ | 154 | $ | - | $ | 123 | ||||||||
Gas stored underground |
183 | 22 | 161 | - | ||||||||||||
Other materials and supplies |
284 | 170 | 51 | 47 | ||||||||||||
$ | 782 | $ | 346 | $ | 212 | $ | 170 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
(b) | Consists of coal, oil, paint, propane, and tire chips. |
99
Property and Plant
We capitalize the cost of additions to and betterments of units of property and plant. The cost includes labor, material, applicable taxes, and overhead. An allowance for funds used during construction, as discussed specifically below, is also capitalized as a cost of our rate-regulated assets. Interest during construction is capitalized as a cost of merchant generation assets. Maintenance expenditures, including nuclear refueling and maintenance outages, are expensed as incurred. When units of depreciable property are retired, the original costs, less salvage values, are charged to accumulated depreciation. Asset removal costs incurred by our merchant generation operations that do not constitute legal obligations are expensed as incurred. Asset removal costs accrued by our rate-regulated operations that do not constitute legal obligations are classified as a regulatory liability. See Asset Retirement Obligations below and Note 3 Property and Plant, Net, for additional information.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided over the estimated lives of the various classes of depreciable property by applying composite rates on a straight-line basis to the cost basis of such property. The provision for depreciation for the Ameren Companies in 2010, 2009 and 2008 ranged from 3% to 4% of the average depreciable cost.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
In our rate-regulated operations, we capitalize the allowance for funds used during construction, or the cost of borrowed funds and the cost of equity funds (preferred and common stockholders equity) applicable to rate-regulated construction expenditures, as is the utility industry accounting practice. Allowance for funds used during construction does not represent a current source of cash funds. This accounting practice offsets the effect on earnings of the cost of financing current construction, and it treats such financing costs in the same manner as construction charges for labor and materials.
Under accepted ratemaking practice, cash recovery of allowance for funds used during construction and other construction costs occurs when completed projects are placed in service and reflected in customer rates. The following table presents the annual allowance for funds used during construction rates that were utilized during 2010, 2009 and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren |
8% - 9% | 6% - 9% | 3% - 7% | |||||||||
UE |
8 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||
AIC |
9 | 9 | 3 |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the
net assets acquired. As of December 31, 2010, Amerens and AICs goodwill related to its acquisition of IP in 2004 and its acquisition of CILCORP in 2003.
We evaluate goodwill for impairment as of October 31 of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Ameren and Genco conducted an interim goodwill impairment test in the third quarter of 2010. That test resulted in the elimination of all goodwill associated with the Merchant Generation segment at Ameren ($420 million) and Genco ($65 million). This goodwill was associated with the acquisition of CILCORP and Medina Valley in 2003 and an additional 20% interest in EEI in 2004. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments for additional information.
Intangible Assets. We evaluate intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount might be impaired. Amerens, UEs and Gencos intangible assets at December 31, 2010, and 2009, consisted of emission allowances. During 2010, Ameren and Genco recorded a noncash pretax impairment charge relating to SO 2 emission allowances of $68 million and $41 million, respectively. UE recorded a $23 million impairment of its SO 2 emission allowances by reducing a previously established regulatory liability related to the SO 2 emission allowances, which had no impact to earnings. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments for additional information about the asset impairment charges recorded during 2010. See also Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies for additional information on emission allowances.
The following table presents the SO 2 and NO x emission allowances held and the related aggregate SO 2 and NO x emission allowance book values that were recorded as intangible assets at December 31, 2010. Emission allowances consist of various individual emission allowance certificates and do not expire. Emission allowances are charged to fuel expense as they are used in operations.
SO 2 and NO x in tons | SO 2 (a) | NO x (b) | Book Value (c) | |||||||||
Ameren (d) |
3,061,914 | 21,284 | $ | 7 | ||||||||
UE |
1,587,663 | 15,850 | 2 | |||||||||
Genco |
1,102,744 | 5,139 | 3 |
(a) | Vintages are from 2010 to 2020. Each company possesses additional allowances for use in periods beyond 2020. |
(b) | Vintage is 2010 and the remaining unused prior years allowances. |
(c) |
The book value represents SO 2 and NO x emission allowances for use in periods through 2040. The book value at December 31, 2009, for Ameren, UE, and Genco was $129 million, $35 million, and $62 million, respectively. |
(d) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrants and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
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The following table presents amortization expense recorded in connection with the use of emission allowances, net of gains and losses from emission allowance sales, for Ameren, UE and Genco during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 . The table below does not include the intangible asset impairment charges referenced above.
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 21 | $ | 29 | $ | 32 | ||||||
UE |
(b | ) | - | - | ||||||||
Genco |
18 | 24 | 26 |
(a) | Includes allowances consumed that were recorded through purchase accounting. |
(b) | Less than $1 million. |
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We evaluate long-lived assets classified as held and used for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Whether impairment has occurred is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets with the carrying value of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the carrying value of the assets in excess of estimated fair value. In the period in which we determine an asset meets the held for sale criteria, we record an impairment charge to the extent the book value exceeds its fair value less cost to sell. During 2010, Ameren and Genco recorded pretax asset impairment charges of $101 million and $64 million respectively, to reduce the carrying value of certain generating facilities to their estimated fair value. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments for information about Ameren and Gencos impairments.
Investments
Ameren and UE evaluate for impairment the investments held in UEs nuclear decommissioning trust fund. Losses on assets in the trust fund could result in higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which UE believes would be recovered in electric rates paid by its customers. Accordingly, Ameren and UE recognize a regulatory asset on their balance sheets for losses on investments held in the nuclear decommissioning trust fund. See Note 9 Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund Investments for additional information.
Environmental Costs
Liabilities for environmental costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are expensed or deferred as a regulatory asset when it is expected that the costs will be recovered from customers in future rates. If environmental expenditures are related to facilities currently in use, such as pollution control equipment, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over the expected life of the asset.
Unamortized Debt Discount, Premium, and Expense
Discount, premium, and expense associated with long-term debt are amortized over the lives of the related issues.
Revenue
Operating Revenues
UE, AIC and Genco record operating revenue for electric or natural gas service when it is delivered to customers. We accrue an estimate of electric and natural gas revenues for service rendered but unbilled at the end of each accounting period.
Trading Activities
We present the revenues and costs associated with certain energy derivative contracts designated as trading on a net basis in Operating Revenues Electric and Other.
Nuclear Fuel
UEs cost of nuclear fuel is amortized to fuel expense on a unit-of-production basis. Spent fuel disposal cost is based on net kilowatthours generated and sold, and that cost is charged to expense.
Purchased Gas, Power and Fuel Rate-adjustment Mechanisms
Amerens utility subsidiaries have various rate-adjustment mechanisms in place that provide for the recovery of purchased natural gas and electric fuel and purchased power costs. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters for the regulatory assets and liabilities recorded at December 31, 2010, and 2009, related to the rate-adjustment mechanisms discussed below.
In UEs and AICs retail natural gas utility jurisdictions, changes in natural gas costs are generally reflected in billings to their natural gas utility customers through PGA clauses. The difference between actual natural gas costs and costs billed to customers in a given period are deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities. The deferred amounts are either billed or refunded to natural gas utility customers in a subsequent period.
In AICs retail electric utility jurisdictions, changes in purchased power costs are generally reflected in billings to their electric utility customers through pass-through rate-adjustment clauses. The difference between actual purchased power costs and costs billed to customers in a given period are deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities. The deferred amounts are either billed or refunded to electric utility customers in a subsequent period.
UE has an FAC that allows an adjustment of electric rates three times per year for a pass-through to customers of 95% of changes in fuel and purchased power costs, net of off-system revenues, including MISO costs and revenues, greater or less than the amount set in base rates, subject to MoPSC prudency review. The differences between the cost of fuel incurred and the cost of fuel
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recovered from UEs customers are deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities. The deferred amounts are either billed or refunded to UEs electric utility customers in a subsequent period.
Accounting for MISO Transactions
MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are recorded by Ameren, UE and AIC using settlement information provided by MISO. These purchase and sale transactions are accounted for on a net hourly position. We record net purchases in a single hour in Operating Expenses Purchased Power and net sales in a single hour in Operating Revenues Electric in our statements of income. On occasion, prior-period transactions will be resettled outside the routine settlement process because of a change in MISOs tariff or a material interpretation thereof. In these cases, Ameren, UE and AIC recognize expenses associated with resettlements once the resettlement is probable and the resettlement amount can be estimated.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. Ameren recognizes as compensation expense the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. See Note 12 Stock-based Compensation for additional information.
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes imposed on us are reflected on UE electric and UE and AIC natural gas customer bills. They are recorded gross in Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses Taxes Other Than Income Taxes on the statement of income. Excise taxes reflected on AIC electric customer bills are imposed on the consumer and are therefore not included in revenues and expenses. They are recorded as tax collections payable and included in Taxes Accrued on the balance sheet. The following table presents excise taxes recorded in Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses Taxes Other than Income Taxes for the years ended 2010, 2009 and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 189 | $ | 168 | $ | 172 | ||||||
UE |
130 | 112 | 109 | |||||||||
AIC |
59 | 56 | 63 |
Income Taxes
Ameren uses an asset and liability approach for its financial accounting and reporting of income taxes, in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for transactions that are treated differently for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on statutory tax rates.
We recognize that regulators will probably reduce future revenues for deferred tax liabilities initially recorded at rates in excess of the current statutory rate. Therefore, reductions in the deferred tax liability, which were recorded because of decreases in the statutory rate, were credited to a regulatory liability. A regulatory asset has been established to recognize the probable future recovery in rates of future income taxes, resulting principally from the reversal of allowance for funds used during construction, that is, equity and temporary differences related to property and plant acquired before 1976 that were unrecognized temporary differences prior to the adoption of the authoritative accounting provisions for income taxes.
Investment tax credits used on tax returns for prior years have been deferred for book purposes; the credits are being amortized over the useful lives of the related investment. Deferred income taxes were recorded on the temporary difference represented by the deferred investment tax credits and a corresponding regulatory liability. This recognizes the expected reduction in rate revenue for future lower income taxes associated with the amortization of the investment tax credits. See Note 13 Income Taxes.
UE, AIC and Genco are parties to a tax sharing agreement with Ameren that provides for the allocation of consolidated tax liabilities. The tax sharing agreement provides that each party is allocated an amount of tax similar to that which would be owed had the party been separately subject to tax. Any net benefit attributable to the parent is reallocated to other members. That allocation is treated as a contribution of capital to the party receiving the benefit.
Noncontrolling Interests
Amerens noncontrolling interests comprise the 20% of EEI not owned by Ameren and the preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption of the Ameren subsidiaries. These noncontrolling interests are classified as a component of equity separate from Amerens equity in its consolidated balance sheet. Gencos noncontrolling interest comprises the 20% of EEI not owned by Genco. This noncontrolling interest is classified as a component of equity separate from Gencos equity in its consolidated balance sheet.
Earnings per Share
There were no material differences between Amerens basic and diluted earnings per share amounts in 2010, 2009, and 2008. The number of stock options, restricted stock shares, and performance share units outstanding was immaterial. The assumed stock option conversions increased the number of shares outstanding in the diluted earnings per share calculation by 16,841 shares in 2008. There were no assumed stock option conversions in 2009 and 2010, as the remaining stock options were not dilutive. All of Amerens remaining stock options expired in February 2010.
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Accounting Changes and Other Matters
The following is a summary of recently adopted authoritative accounting guidance as well as guidance issued but not yet adopted that could impact the Ameren Companies.
Variable-Interest Entities
In June 2009, the FASB issued amended authoritative guidance that significantly changes the consolidation rules for VIEs. The guidance requires an enterprise to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE and requires an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary. It also amends the events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE. The adoption of this guidance, effective for us as of January 1, 2010, did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements
In January 2010, the FASB issued amended authoritative guidance regarding fair value measurements. This guidance requires disclosures regarding significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. It also requires information on purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. Further, the FASB clarified guidance regarding the level of disaggregation, inputs, and valuation techniques. This guidance was effective for us as of January 1, 2010, with
the exception of guidance applicable to detailed Level 3 reconciliation disclosures, which was effective for us as of January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity because it provides enhanced disclosure requirements only. See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Authoritative accounting guidance requires us to record the estimated fair value of legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which the liabilities are incurred and to capitalize a corresponding amount as part of the book value of the related long-lived asset. In subsequent periods, we are required to make adjustments to AROs based on changes in the estimated fair values of the obligations. Corresponding increases in asset book values are depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Uncertainties as to the probability, timing, or amount of cash flows associated with AROs affect our estimates of fair value. Ameren, UE and Genco have recorded AROs for retirement costs associated with UEs Callaway nuclear plant decommissioning costs, asbestos removal, ash ponds, and river structures. In addition, Ameren, UE and AIC have recorded AROs for the disposal of certain transformers.
Asset removal costs accrued by our rate-regulated operations that do not constitute legal obligations are classified as a regulatory liability. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of AROs for the years 2010 and 2009:
Ameren (a)(b) | UE (b) | AIC (d) | Genco | |||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 411 | $ | 317 | $ | 5 | $ | 61 | ||||||||
Liabilities incurred |
(e | ) | - | (e | ) | - | ||||||||||
Liabilities settled |
(3 | ) | (2 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Accretion in 2009 (f) |
24 | 18 | (e | ) | 4 | |||||||||||
Change in estimates (g) |
2 | (2 | ) | (e | ) | 1 | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2009 |
$ | 434 | (c) | $ | 331 | $ | 5 | $ | 65 | (c) | ||||||
Liabilities incurred |
$ | 8 | $ | 5 | $ | (e | ) | $ | 3 | |||||||
Liabilities settled |
(4 | ) | (4 | ) | (e | ) | (e | ) | ||||||||
Accretion in 2010 (f) |
26 | 19 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||
Change in estimates (h) |
11 | 12 | (3 | ) | 2 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2010 |
$ | 475 | $ | 363 | $ | 3 | $ | 74 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
(b) | The nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets of $337 million and $293 million as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively, were restricted for decommissioning of the Callaway nuclear plant. |
(c) | Balance included $5 million in Other Current Liabilities on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2009. |
(d) | Balance included in Other Deferred Credits and Liabilities on the balance sheet. |
(e) | Less than $1 million. |
(f) | Accretion expense was recorded as an increase to regulatory assets at UE and AIC. |
(g) | UE and Genco changed their estimates for asbestos removal. Additionally, Genco changed the estimates related to retirement costs for its ash ponds. |
(h) | UE and AIC changed their estimates related to asbestos removal and contaminated transformers. Additionally, UE and Genco changed estimates related to retirement costs of their ash ponds. |
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Genco Asset Sale
In June 2010, Genco completed a sale of 25% of its Columbia CT facility to the city of Columbia, Missouri. Genco received cash proceeds of $18 million from the sale. The city of Columbia also holds two options to purchase additional ownership interests in the facility under two existing power purchase agreements. Columbia can exercise one option, as amended, for an additional 25% of the facility at the end of 2011 for a purchase price of $14.9 million, at the end of 2014 for a purchase price of $9.5 million, or at the end of 2020 for a purchase price of $4 million. The other option can be exercised for another 25% of the facility at the end of 2013 for a purchase price of $15.5 million, at the end of 2017 for a purchase price of $9.5 million, or at the end of 2023 for a purchase price of $4 million. On an annual basis, the city of Columbia purchases a total of 72 megawatts of capacity and energy generated by the facility under the two existing purchase power agreements. If the city of Columbia exercises one of the purchase options described above, the power purchase agreement associated with that option would be terminated.
Employee Separation and Other Charges
In 2009, Ameren initiated a voluntary separation program that provided eligible management employees the opportunity to voluntarily terminate their employment and receive benefits consistent with Amerens standard management severance program. This program was offered to eligible management employees at Amerens subsidiaries, including UE, AIC and Genco. Additionally, in 2009, Ameren initiated an involuntary separation program to reduce additional management positions under terms and benefits consistent with Amerens standard management severance program. Ameren recorded a pretax charge to earnings of $17 million in 2009 (UE $8 million, AIC $3 million, Genco $5 million) for the severance costs related to both the voluntary and involuntary separation programs as well as for Merchant Generation staff reductions announced in 2009. These charges were recorded in other operations and maintenance expense in the applicable statements of income. Substantially this entire amount was paid prior to December 31, 2009. The number of positions eliminated as a result of these separation programs, including the Merchant Generation staff reductions, was approximately 300. In addition to these programs, Genco recorded a $4 million pretax charge to earnings in 2009 in connection with the retirement of two generating units at its Meredosia power plant and for related obsolete inventory.
In 2010, Amerens Merchant Generation segment initiated additional involuntary separation programs to reduce additional positions under the terms and benefits consistent with Amerens standard separation program. Ameren and Genco recorded a pretax charge to earnings of $4 million in 2010 for the severance costs related to 2010 involuntary separation programs. These charges were recorded in other operations and maintenance expense on Amerens and Gencos statement of income and
approximately $2 million was accrued in other current liabilities on Amerens and Gencos balance sheet at December 31, 2010.
Coal Contract Settlement
In June 2008, Genco entered into a settlement agreement with a coal mine owner. The owner provided Genco with a lump-sum payment of $60 million in July 2008 because of the coal suppliers premature closing of a mine and the early termination of a coal supply contract. The settlement agreement compensated Genco, in total, for higher fuel costs it incurred in 2008 ($33 million) and in 2009 ($27 million) as a result of the mine closure and contract termination.
NOTE 2 RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS
Below is a summary of significant regulatory proceedings and related lawsuits. We are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the timing of the final decisions of the various agencies and courts, or the impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Missouri
2009 Electric Rate Order
In January 2009, the MoPSC issued an order approving an increase for UE in annual revenues of approximately $162 million for electric service and the implementation of a FAC and a vegetation management and infrastructure inspection cost tracking mechanism, among other things. The rate changes necessary to implement the provisions of the MoPSC order were effective March 1, 2009. In February 2009, Noranda, UEs largest electric customer, and the Missouri Office of Public Counsel appealed certain aspects of the MoPSC decision to the Circuit Court of Pemiscot County, Missouri, the Circuit Court of Stoddard County, Missouri, and the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri. The Stoddard and Pemiscot County cases were consolidated (collectively, the Stoddard Circuit Court), and the Cole County case was dismissed. In September 2009, the Stoddard Circuit Court granted Norandas request to stay the electric rate increase granted by the January 2009 MoPSC order as it applies specifically to Norandas electric service account until the court renders its decision on the appeal. From the granting of the stay request until June 2010, Noranda paid into the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry the entire amount of its monthly base rate increase and monthly FAC payments. Since June 2010, when the May 2010 electric rate order became effective, Noranda ceased making base rate payments into the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry. Noranda has continued to pay into the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry its monthly FAC payments relating to electric service during the time periods prior to the effectiveness of the May 2010 electric rate order. Because of the lag between accumulation of changes in net fuel costs and when those net fuel costs are recovered through FAC charges applied to customers bills, a portion of Norandas FAC payment in January 2012
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is expected to be the last contested amount deposited into the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry relating to this 2009 electric rate order appeal. As of December 31, 2010, the aggregate amount held by the Stoddard Circuit Court was approximately $10 million.
In August 2010, the Stoddard Circuit Court issued a judgment that reversed parts of the MoPSCs decision. Also, upon issuance, the Stoddard Circuit Court suspended its own judgment. Therefore, the entire amount currently held in the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry will remain in the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry pending the appeal discussed below.
In September 2010, UE filed an appeal with the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Southern District of Missouri. The Court of Appeals will conduct an independent review of the MoPSCs order. UE believes the Stoddard Circuit Courts judgment, which reversed parts of the MoPSC decision, will be found erroneous by the Court of Appeals; however, there can be no assurances that UEs appeal will be successful. If UE prevails on all issues of its appeal, UE will receive all of the funds held in the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry, plus accrued interest. If UE were to conclude that some portion of the funds held in the Stoddard Circuit Courts registry becomes probable of refund to Noranda, a charge to earnings would be recorded for the estimated amount of refund in the period in which that decision is made. A decision by the Court of Appeals is not expected until at least the third quarter of 2011.
See the 2010 Electric Rate Order section below for information about four industrial customers, one of which is Noranda, who have filed an appeal with the Cole County Circuit Court and also were granted a stay for their rate increases granted by the MoPSCs 2009 electric rate order as they specifically apply to each of their electric service accounts.
2010 Electric Rate Order
In May 2010, the MoPSC issued an order approving an increase for UE in annual revenues for electric service of approximately $230 million, including $119 million to cover higher fuel costs and lower revenue from sales outside UEs system. The revenue increase was based on a 10.1% return on equity, a capital structure composed of 51.3% common equity, and a rate base of approximately $6 billion. The rate changes became effective on June 21, 2010. The MoPSC order also included the following provisions, among other things:
|
Approval of the continued use of UEs existing FAC at the current 95% sharing level. |
|
Approval of the continued use of UEs existing vegetation management and infrastructure cost tracker. |
|
Approval of an increase in UEs annual depreciation rate due largely to the adoption of the life span depreciation methodology for its non-nuclear power plants. |
|
Denial of UEs request to implement a storm restoration cost tracker. |
In addition, the order implemented several stipulations previously agreed to by UE, the MoPSC staff, and other parties to the proceedings. One stipulation included UEs agreement to withdraw its request for an environmental cost recovery mechanism in exchange for the ability to continue recording for ratemaking purposes an allowance for funds used during construction and to defer depreciation costs for pollution control equipment at the Sioux plant until the earlier of January 2012 or when the cost of that equipment is placed in customer rates. This treatment allows UE to defer these costs as a regulatory asset, which will be amortized upon their inclusion in rates. UE will have the ability to request the implementation of an environmental cost recovery mechanism in a future rate case proceeding. Another approved stipulation allows UE to recover its portion of Amerens September 2009 common stock issuance costs. The order also implemented the parties agreement to prospectively include the margins on certain wholesale contracts in UEs FAC in exchange for an increase in the jurisdictional cost allocation to retail customers. In addition, the order implements the parties agreement to a mechanism that will prospectively address the significant lost revenues UE can incur due to future operational issues at Norandas smelter plant. This mechanism will permit UE, when a loss of service occurs at the Noranda plant, to sell the power not taken by Noranda and use the proceeds of those sales to offset the revenues lost from Noranda. UE would be allowed to keep the amount of revenues necessary to compensate UE for significant Noranda usage reductions but any excess revenues above the level necessary to compensate UE would be refunded to retail customers through the FAC. Approved stipulations also include the continued use of the regulatory tracking mechanism for pension and postretirement benefit costs and the discontinuation of the SO 2 emission allowance sales tracker, among other things.
In June 2010, UE and other parties to the rate case filed for rehearing of certain aspects of the MoPSC order. The MoPSC denied all rate order rehearing requests filed by UE and other parties. UE appealed the return on equity included in the MoPSC order to the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri (Circuit Court). UE subsequently withdrew its appeal as the outcome of the pending electric rate case would supersede the result of this appeal. A group of industrial customers also appealed certain aspects of the MoPSC order to the Circuit Court. A decision is expected to be issued on the industrial customers appeal by the Circuit Court in 2011.
On February 16, 2011, the Missouri Office of Public Counsel (MoOPC) made a filing with the MoPSC in which the MoOPC argued that the December 20, 2010 Order Granting Stay Pursuant to Section 386.520 (Stay Order), discussed below, of the Circuit Court should apply to all UE customers rather than to just the four UE industrial customers that requested the Circuit Court to grant these industrial customers request to stay the MoPSCs 2010 Missouri electric rate order as to their billings. On that basis, the MoOPC requested the MoPSC to suspend UEs
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currently effective rate schedules (approved by the 2010 Missouri electric rate order) and to replace them with UEs previously effective rate schedules (approved by the 2009 Missouri electric rate order) for all customers. If the requested suspension occurs, it would continue until the earlier of the time that a subsequent order is issued by the MoPSC, or an order reversing any such suspension is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, but in no event beyond the implementation of new electric rates for UE. It is anticipated that new electric rates for UE will take effect by early August 2011, pursuant to an anticipated MoPSC rate order in UEs currently pending electric rate proceeding. If the currently effective 2010 rate schedules are suspended for all customers such that UE is only able to charge customers under its previously effective rate schedules for service provided for the period March through August 2011, the reduced charges, which would reflect the difference between billings under the 2010 Missouri electric rate order and billings under the 2009 Missouri electric rate order, are estimated at approximately $100 million and would result in corresponding reductions in pretax earnings and cash flows.
Also on February 16, 2011, the Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers (MIEC), of which the four UE industrial customers referred to above are members, made a filing with the MoPSC in response to the MoOPC filing discussed above. In its filing, MIEC supported the position set forth in the MoOPC filing that the Stay Order should apply to all UE customers, except that MIEC requested the MoPSC to suspend UEs currently effective rate schedules, including its FAC, and replace them with UEs rate schedules approved by the MoPSC in its 2007 electric rate order. If the requested suspension occurs, it would continue until the earlier of the time that a subsequent order is issued by the MoPSC, or an order reversing any such suspension is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, but in no event beyond the implementation of new electric rates for UE. As noted, it is anticipated that new electric rates for UE will take effect by early August 2011. If the currently effective 2010 rate schedules (including the FAC) are suspended for all customers such that UE is only able to charge customers under its previously effective rate schedules for service provided for the period March through August 2011, the reduced charges, which would reflect the difference between billings under the 2010 Missouri electric rate order and billings under the 2007 Missouri electric rate order, including FAC billings, are estimated at approximately $300 million and would result in corresponding reductions in pretax earnings and cash flows.
The filings by the MoOPC and MIEC relate to the December 20, 2010 Stay Order, in which the Circuit Court granted the request of four UE industrial customers to stay the MoPSCs 2010 Missouri electric rate order and to require those customers to pay into the Circuit Courts registry the difference between their billings under the 2010 Missouri electric rate order and their billings under a Missouri electric rate order that became effective in June 2007, the last UE rate order for which appeals have been
exhausted. On February 15, 2011, the four UE industrial customers posted the bond required by the Stay Order and are expected to begin making the required payments into the Circuit Courts registry.
The Stay Order does not address the merits of the appeals of the MoPSCs 2010 electric rate order or the 2009 electric rate order, which will be addressed in the ordinary course of the judicial review process. The judicial review process typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete following the initiation of the process. At this time, UE does not believe any aspect of the 2009 and 2010 electric rate increases authorized by the 2009 and 2010 Missouri electric rate orders are probable of refund to UEs customers. If UE were to conclude that some portion of these rate increases become probable of refund to UEs customers, a charge to earnings would be recorded for the estimated amount of refund in the period in which that decision was made.
UE disagrees with the Stay Order, as well as the related filings made by the MoOPC and MIEC with the MoPSC. With respect to further proceedings regarding the Stay Order, the pending review proceedings regarding the 2009 and 2010 Missouri electric rate orders and the MoOPCs and MIECs filings with the MoPSC, UE will continue to address the merits of those orders and filings through the judicial and regulatory review processes.
There could be other material negative effects on UE and Ameren beyond those discussed above, which cannot be determined at this time. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, which could have a material effect on UEs and Amerens results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Pending Electric Rate Case
On September 3, 2010, UE filed a request with the MoPSC to increase its annual revenues for electric service by approximately $263 million. This increase request was based primarily on energy infrastructure investments, costs incurred to implement environmental controls and other costs incurred to continue systemwide reliability improvements for customers. Of that request, approximately $110 million relates to recovery of the cost of installing and operating two scrubbers at UEs Sioux plant. Also included in this requested increase is a $73 million anticipated increase in normalized net fuel costs above the net fuel costs included in base rates previously authorized by the MoPSC in its May 2010 electric rate order. Absent initiation of this general rate proceeding, 95% of this amount would have been reflected in rate adjustments implemented under UEs FAC. Capital additions relating to enhancements at the rebuilt Taum Sauk facility were also included in the increase request. The electric rate increase request is based on a 10.9% return on equity, a capital structure composed of 50.9% common equity, an aggregate electric rate base of $6.8 billion, and a test year ended March 31, 2010, with certain pro-forma adjustments through the anticipated true-up date of February 28, 2011.
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As a part of its filing, UE also requested that the MoPSC approve the implementation of an infrastructure investment tracking mechanism as well as enhanced energy efficiency cost recovery. The infrastructure investment tracking mechanism would allow UE to continue recording an allowance for funds used during construction and to defer depreciation expenses for certain projects beyond their in-service dates and prior to those projects being reflected in rates, with the amounts deferred being recoverable through future rate case proceedings. The enhanced energy efficiency cost recovery provision would permit UE to recover its investments in energy efficiency programs over three years instead of six years and to offset the under-recovery of fixed costs resulting from implementation of energy efficiency measures. UE also requested continued use of its existing FAC, vegetation management and infrastructure cost tracker, and the regulatory tracking mechanism for pension and postretirement benefit costs authorized by the MoPSC in earlier electric rate orders.
In February 2011, the MoPSC staff responded to the UE request for an electric service rate increase. The MoPSC staff recommended an increase to UEs annual revenues of between $45 million and $99 million based on a return on equity of 8.25% to 9.25%. Included in this recommendation was approximately $50 million of increases in normalized net fuel costs and $32 million of asset disallowances relating to the Sioux plant scrubbers. Other parties also made recommendations through testimony filed in this case.
A decision by the MoPSC in this proceeding is required by the end of July 2011. UE cannot predict the level of any electric service rate change the MoPSC may approve, when any rate change may go into effect, or whether any rate increase that may eventually be approved will be sufficient for UE to recover its costs and earn a reasonable return on its investments when the increase goes into effect.
2011 Natural Gas Delivery Service Rate Order
In January 2011, the MoPSC approved a stipulation and agreement that resolved a June 2010 request by UE to increase annual natural gas revenues. The stipulation and agreement provided for an increase in annual natural gas delivery revenues of $9 million, which included approximately $2 million of annual revenues previously collected through the ISRS rider for the test year ended December 31, 2009. The new rates became effective on February 20, 2011. The stipulation and agreement approved a revised block-rate structure for residential customers that results in more certainty of margin revenue recovery regardless of weather conditions or conservation efforts, as recovery is less dependent on usage. The new residential structure is expected to allow UE to recover approximately half of its natural gas non-PGA residential revenues through a fixed monthly charge, with the remaining amount to be recovered based on sales.
As part of the stipulation and agreement, UE will not file a separate natural gas rate increase request before December 31, 2012. However, UE can file a combined natural gas and electric rate case before that date. Further, this agreement does not prevent UE from filing to recover infrastructure replacement costs through an ISRS during this moratorium. The return on equity to be used by UE for purposes of an ISRS tariff filing is 10%.
FAC Prudence Review
Missouri law requires the MoPSC to complete prudence reviews of UEs FAC at least every 18 months. In August 2010, the MoPSC staff completed a prudence review of the FAC from March 1, 2009, to September 30, 2009. The MoPSC staff contends that UE should have included in the FAC calculation all costs and revenues associated with certain contract sales that were made due to the loss of Noranda load caused by a severe ice storm in January 2009. UE disagrees with the MoPSC staffs classification of these transactions and opposes their inclusion in the FAC calculation. UE recognized margin associated with these contracts of $17 million during the period reviewed by the MoPSC and an additional $25 million of margin subsequent to September 30, 2009. If the MoPSC were to agree with the staff position, and if the MoPSCs order were to be upheld by the courts on appeal, UE would be required to pass through to customers the $42 million in margin associated with these contracts and record a charge to earnings. The MoPSC is expected to issue an order with respect to this prudence review in 2011. If UE were to conclude that some portion of these contested FAC amounts become probable of refund to UEs customers, a charge to earnings would be recorded for the estimated amount of refund in the period in which that decision is made. UE cannot predict the outcome of this MoPSC prudence review.
Renewable Energy Portfolio Requirement
A ballot initiative passed by Missouri voters in November 2008 created a renewable energy portfolio requirement. UE and other Missouri investor-owned utilities will be required to purchase or generate from renewable energy sources electricity equaling at least 2% of native load sales by 2011, with that percentage increasing in subsequent years to at least 15% by 2021, subject to a 1% limit on customer rate impacts. At least 2% of each portfolio requirement must be derived from solar energy. Compliance with the renewable energy portfolio requirement can be achieved through generation, the procurement of renewable energy, or the procurement of renewable energy credits. UE expects that any related costs or investments would ultimately be recovered in rates.
In July 2010, the MoPSC issued final rules implementing the states renewable energy portfolio requirement. In addition to other concerns, UE objected to the MoPSC rules creating geographical restrictions as well as the calculation of the 1% limit on customer rates. In February 2011, the Missouri legislature rejected the contested portion of the MoPSC rules creating geographical
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restrictions. This legislative action allows UE to comply with the law through its own generation or the procurement of renewable energy or renewable energy credits from sources regardless of geographical location. In August 2010, UE filed an appeal with the Circuit Court of Cole County, Missouri. UE is appealing the portion of the MoPSC rules calculating the 1% limit on customer rates. UE cannot predict when the court will issue a ruling or the ultimate outcome of the appeal.
Illinois
2010 Electric and Natural Gas Delivery Service Rate Order
In April 2010, the ICC issued a rate order for AIC, which was amended in May 2010, that approved a net increase in annual revenues for electric delivery service of $35 million and a net decrease in annual revenues for natural gas delivery service of $20 million. The rate changes became effective in May 2010. In response to the ICC rate order, AIC took steps to reduce expenditures to align its spending with the revenues allowed in the amended rate order.
The ICC order confirmed the previously approved 80% allocation of fixed nonvolumetric residential and commercial natural gas customer charges, and approved a higher percentage of recovery of fixed nonvolumetric electric residential and commercial customer charges. The percentage of costs to be recovered through fixed nonvolumetric electric residential and commercial customer and meter charges increased from 27% to 40%.
The ICC order also extended the amortization period of the integration-related regulatory asset for Amerens acquisition of IP, which was previously set to be fully amortized by December 2010. The new order extended the amortization for two years beginning in May 2010. The ICC order also created a $3 million regulatory asset for AICs costs incurred in 2009 for its voluntary and involuntary separation programs. These costs are being amortized over three years, beginning May 2010.
AIC and certain intervenors were granted a rehearing with the ICC. In November 2010, the ICC approved an order on the rehearing issues, which authorized an increase in annual revenues of $25 million, in addition to the net $15 million increase authorized in the ICCs May 2010 amended rate order. The overall annual delivery service revenue increase as a result of these orders is $40 million. The rate changes relating to the rehearing issues became effective on November 19, 2010.
In December 2010, AIC and an intervenor appealed portions of the ICCs orders to the Appellate Court of the Fourth District of Illinois. A decision by the Appellate Court is expected in 2011.
Pending Electric and Natural Gas Delivery Service Rate Cases
AIC filed a request with the ICC in February 2011 to increase its annual revenues for electric delivery service by
$60 million. The electric rate increase request is based on an 11.25% return on equity, a capital structure composed of 53% equity, and a rate base of $2 billion.
AIC also filed a request with the ICC in February 2011 to increase its annual revenues for natural gas delivery service by $51 million. The natural gas rate increase request is based on an 11.0% return on equity, a capital structure composed of 53% equity, and a rate base of $978 million.
In an attempt to limit regulatory lag, AIC is also using a future test year, 2012, in each of these rate requests. Additionally, AIC is requesting a rider mechanism for its pension costs. This requested rider mechanism would allow AIC to recover or refund any difference between pension expense incurred and the amount allowed in rates annually, subject to an annual reconciliation.
A decision by the ICC in these proceedings is required by January 2012. AIC cannot predict the level of any delivery service rate changes the ICC may approve, when any rate changes may go into effect, or whether any rate changes that may eventually be approved will be sufficient to enable AIC to recover its costs and earn a reasonable return on its investments when the rate changes go into effect.
2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement
In 2007, key stakeholders in Illinois agreed to avoid rate rollback and freeze legislation that would impose a tax on electric generation. These stakeholders wanted to address the increase in electric rates and the future power procurement process in Illinois. The terms of the agreement included a comprehensive rate relief and customer assistance program. The 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement provided approximately $1 billion of funding from 2007 to 2010 for rate relief for certain electric customers in Illinois, including approximately $488 million for customers of AIC. Pursuant to the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, AIC, Genco and AERG made aggregate contributions of $150 million over the four-year period, with $60 million coming from AIC, $62 million from Genco, and $28 million from AERG. As of December 31, 2010, AIC, Genco and AERG had no obligations remaining under the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement.
Ameren, AIC and Genco recognized in their financial statements the costs of their respective rate relief contributions and program funding under the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement in a manner corresponding with the timing of the funding. As a result, Ameren, AIC and Genco, incurred charges to earnings, primarily recorded as a reduction to electric operating revenues, during the year ended December 31, 2010, of $3 million, $1 million, and $1 million, respectively (year ended December 31, 2009 $25 million, $10 million, and $10 million, respectively) under the terms of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement. Other electric generators and utilities in Illinois contributed $851 million to the comprehensive rate relief and customer assistance program.
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ICC Reliability Audit
In August 2007, the ICC retained Liberty Consulting Group to investigate, analyze, and report to the ICC on AICs transmission and distribution systems and reliability following the July 2006 wind storms and a November 2006 ice storm. In October 2008, Liberty Consulting Group presented the ICC with a final report containing recommendations for AIC to improve its systems and response to emergencies. In November 2008, AIC presented to the ICC a plan to implement Liberty Consulting Groups recommendations.
AIC has committed to and is implementing various recommendations contained in Liberty Consulting Groups report, as outlined in its November 2008 plan. However, in order to fulfill that commitment in a timely manner, AIC must be able to align the timing of its distribution-implementation expenditures with the recognition of those costs in rates. Without the necessary funding or a rider mechanism to recover the distribution costs, AIC may defer some of the projects until the distribution costs can be recovered either in base rates or through some other cost recovery mechanism. The recovery of costs not already approved as part of the 2010 rate order will be sought in future rate proceedings, including the 2011 pending rate case described above.
Federal
Electric Transmission Investment
In 2006, Ameren formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Ameren Illinois Transmission Company, to construct and operate electric transmission assets in Illinois. In 2010, that subsidiary was renamed as ATXI. In December 2010, ATXI received MISO approval to become a transmission owner. In January 2011, ATXI received FERC approval for rate recovery of the transmission line it constructed and placed in service in 2010. Based on preliminary transmission rate calculations, ATXI anticipates revenues of approximately $7 million in 2011.
In August 2010, Ameren announced the formation of ATX. In August 2010, Ameren, on behalf of UE, AIC, ATXI and ATX, filed a request with FERC seeking transmission rate incentives for four new transmission projects. These initial projects, subject to regulatory approval, consist of a potential $1.3 billion investment in high voltage transmission projects in Illinois and Missouri. There is no statutory date by which FERC must issue an order in this matter; however, Ameren expects FERC will issue an order in 2011.
Regional Transmission Organization
UE is a transmission owning member of MISO, which is a FERC-regulated RTO that provides transmission tariff administration services for electric transmission systems. UE received authorization from the MoPSC to participate in MISO, subject to certain conditions.
As required by the MoPSC, UE filed a study in November 2007 with the MoPSC evaluating the costs and benefits of UEs participation in MISO. UEs continued, conditional MISO participation is authorized by the MoPSC through April 30, 2012. The MoPSC order gives UE the right to seek permission from the MoPSC for early withdrawal from MISO if UE determines that sufficient progress toward mitigating some of the continuing uncertainties respecting its MISO participation is not being made. As required by the MoPSC, in November 2010, UE filed another study with the MoPSC updating its evaluation of the costs and benefits of UEs participation in MISO. UEs filing noted a number of uncertainties associated with the cost-benefit study, including issues associated with the UE-MISO service agreement and MISO revenue allocation. UEs study concluded that it should remain in MISO through April 30, 2012; however, additional studies should be conducted to determine if UEs participation in MISO should be extended past that date. If UE were to withdraw from MISO, UE might need to obtain FERC approval and to meet conditions imposed by FERC, in addition to obtaining MoPSC approval.
FERC Order MISO Charges
Complaints were filed with FERC by UE and AIC as well as other MISO participants with respect to the FERCs March 2007 order involving the reallocation of certain MISO operational costs among MISO participants retroactive to 2005. Subsequently, FERC has issued a series of orders related to the applicability and the implementation of the order, which in some cases have conflicted with previous orders.
In May 2009, FERC changed the effective date for refunds such that certain operational costs will be allocated among MISO market participants beginning November 2008, instead of August 2007. In June 2009, UE, CIPS, CILCO and IP filed a request for hearing. The rehearing request is pending.
In June 2009, FERC issued an order dismissing rehearing requests of a November 2008 order and waiving refunds of amounts billed that were included in the MISO charge, under the assumption that there was a rate mismatch for the period April 2006, through November 2007. UE, CIPS, CILCO and IP filed a request for rehearing in July 2009. This rehearing request is pending.
UE and AIC do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on their results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
MISO and PJM Dispute Resolution
During 2009 and 2010, MISO and PJM discovered errors in the calculations quantifying certain transactions between the RTOs, which both parties alleged had financial impacts on their respective markets. As a result, during 2010 each RTO filed separate complaints with FERC against the other. In January 2011, a settlement agreement was filed with FERC by the two RTOs. Under the agreement, no
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payment between the RTOs will be required, but financial settlement practices will be modified to ensure greater accuracy for transactions between the RTOs. The January 2011 settlement agreement filed with FERC and the modification of settlement practices will not have a material impact on the Ameren Companies results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Ameren is not able to predict if or when FERC will approve the settlement agreement.
UE Power Purchase Agreement with Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
In July 2007, FERC issued a series of orders addressing a complaint filed by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) against Entergy Arkansas, Inc. (Entergy) and certain of its affiliates. The complaint alleged unjust and unreasonable cost allocations. As a result of the FERC orders, Entergy began billing UE for additional charges under a 165-megawatt power purchase agreement, and UE paid these charges. Additional charges continued during the remainder of the term of the power purchase agreement, which expired on August 31, 2009. Although UE was not a party to the FERC proceedings that gave rise to these additional charges, UE intervened in related FERC proceedings. UE also filed a complaint with FERC against Entergy and Entergy Services, Inc. in April 2008 to challenge the additional charges. In September 2008, the presiding FERC administrative law judge issued an initial decision finding that Entergys allocation of such additional charges to UE was just and reasonable. In January 2010, FERC issued an opinion reversing the administrative law judges initial decision and ruling that Entergy may not pass additional charges on to UE. In February 2010, Entergy filed a request for rehearing of the January 2010 opinion. UE has not recorded any prospective refund for additional charges paid as a result of the July 2007 order.
The LPSC appealed FERCs orders regarding LPSCs complaint against Entergy Services, Inc. to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In April 2008, that court ordered further FERC proceedings regarding the LPSC complaint. The court ordered FERC to explain its previous denial of retroactive refunds and the implementation of prospective charges. FERCs decision on remand of the retroactive impact of these issues could have a financial impact on UE. UE is unable to predict how FERC will respond to the courts decisions. UE estimates that it could incur an additional expense of up to $25 million if FERC orders retroactive application for the years 2001 to 2005. UE believes that the likelihood of incurring any expense is not probable, and therefore no liability has been recorded as of December 31, 2010. UE plans to participate in any proceeding that FERC initiates to address the courts decisions.
COLA and ESP
In 2008, UE filed an application with the NRC for a COLA for a new 1,600-megawatt nuclear unit at UEs existing Callaway County, Missouri, nuclear plant site. In
2009, UE suspended its efforts to build a new nuclear unit at its existing Missouri nuclear plant site, and the NRC suspended review of the COLA.
UE is considering filing an application to obtain an ESP from the NRC at the Callaway nuclear plant site. An ESP approves a specific location for a nuclear facility; however, additional licenses would be required for the specific type and design of nuclear facility to be built at that site. An ESP does not authorize construction of a plant. An ESP is valid for 20 years and potentially could be renewed for up to an additional 20 years. In December 2010 and January 2011, the Missouri Energy Partnership Act was separately introduced in both the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives. The purpose of this legislation is to maintain an option for nuclear power in the state of Missouri, recover the costs of the ESP for a period up to 20 years, and provide appropriate consumer protections.
All of Missouris major electric utility providers, including cooperatives, municipals, and other investor-owned utilities, are supporting the passage of this legislations. In addition, the governor of Missouri, labor and other key stakeholders are supporting this legislation.
Should the Missouri legislation be enacted into law, UE plans to file an ESP application with the NRC in 2011. NRC approval of an ESP application often takes three to four years.
As of December 31, 2010, UE had capitalized approximately $67 million relating to its efforts to construct a new nuclear unit. All of these incurred costs will remain capitalized while management assesses all options to maximize the value of its investment in this project. If all efforts are permanently abandoned or management concludes it is probable the cost incurred will be disallowed in rates, a charge to earnings could be recognized in a future period.
Pumped-storage Hydroelectric Facility Relicensing
In June 2008, UE filed a relicensing application with FERC to operate its Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility for another 40 years. The existing FERC license expired on June 30, 2010. On July 2, 2010, UE received a license extension that allows Taum Sauk to continue operations until FERC issues a new license. UE conducted studies using current field data and submitted the study results to multiple state and federal agencies in February 2011. UE anticipates filing the study results with FERC in the spring of 2011. A FERC order is expected after a review of the study results is completed. However, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the order.
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Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance regarding accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation, UE and AIC defer certain costs pursuant to actions of regulators or based on the expected ability to recover such costs in rates charged to customers. UE and AIC also defer certain amounts pursuant to actions of regulators or based on the expectation that such amounts will be returned to customers in future rates. The following table presents Amerens, UEs and AICs regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Current regulatory assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Under-recovered FAC (b)(c) |
$ | 158 | $ | 158 | $ | - | $ | 39 | $ | 39 | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Under-recovered Illinois electric power costs (b)(d) |
4 | - | 4 | 5 | - | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Under-recovered PGA (b)(d) |
2 | - | 2 | 4 | - | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM derivative assets (e) |
103 | 21 | 254 | 62 | 24 | 165 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total current regulatory assets |
$ | 267 | $ | 179 | $ | 260 | $ | 110 | $ | 63 | $ | 174 | ||||||||||||||||
Noncurrent regulatory assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement benefit costs ( f ) |
$ | 555 | $ | 251 | $ | 304 | $ | 659 | $ | 288 | $ | 371 | ||||||||||||||||
Income taxes ( g ) |
230 | 225 | 5 | 192 | 190 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligation ( h ) |
9 | 3 | 6 | 36 | 31 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Callaway costs (b)( i ) |
51 | 51 | - | 55 | 55 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt (b)( j ) |
53 | 25 | 28 | 56 | 26 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoverable costs contaminated facilities ( k ) |
127 | - | 127 | 150 | - | 150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
IP integration ( l ) |
7 | - | 7 | 17 | - | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoverable costs debt fair value adjustment ( m ) |
5 | - | 5 | 6 | - | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM derivative assets ( e ) |
85 | 14 | 249 | 49 | 10 | 324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
SO 2 emission allowances sale tracker ( n ) |
12 | 12 | - | 16 | 16 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
FERC-ordered MISO resettlements March 2007 ( o ) |
3 | 3 | - | 7 | 7 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Vegetation management and infrastructure inspection ( p ) |
3 | 3 | - | 7 | 7 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm costs ( q ) |
23 | 23 | - | 27 | 27 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Demand-side costs ( r ) |
39 | 39 | - | 15 | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for workers compensation liabilities ( s ) |
14 | 8 | 6 | 15 | 9 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Bad debt rider ( t ) |
2 | - | 2 | 30 | - | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit facilities fees (u) |
12 | 12 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee separation costs (v) |
8 | 6 | 2 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuance costs (w) |
12 | 12 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction accounting for pollution control equipment (b)(x) |
4 | 4 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (y ) |
5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total noncurrent regulatory assets |
$ | 1,259 | $ | 694 | $ | 743 | $ | 1,342 | $ | 683 | $ | 944 | ||||||||||||||||
Current regulatory liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Over-recovered FAC (z) |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Over-recovered Illinois electric power costs (d) |
62 | - | 62 | 44 | - | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Over-recovered PGA (d) |
12 | 1 | 11 | 13 | 4 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM derivative liabilities (aa) |
25 | 22 | 3 | 15 | 11 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total current regulatory liabilities (bb ) |
$ | 99 | $ | 23 | $ | 76 | $ | 82 | $ | 25 | $ | 57 | ||||||||||||||||
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (cc ) |
$ | 54 | $ | 48 | $ | 6 | $ | 72 | $ | 59 | $ | 13 | ||||||||||||||||
Removal costs (dd ) |
1,177 | 655 | 522 | 1,084 | 716 | 367 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Emission allowances (ee ) |
2 | 2 | - | 35 | 35 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Vegetation management and infrastructure inspection (ff ) |
3 | 3 | - | 2 | 2 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM derivative liabilities (aa ) |
20 | 13 | 7 | 14 | 12 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Bad debt rider (gg ) |
5 | - | 5 | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement benefit costs tracker (hh ) |
45 | 45 | - | 41 | 41 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy efficiency rider (ii) |
13 | - | 13 | 7 | - | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities |
$ | 1,319 | $ | 766 | $ | 553 | $ | 1,257 | $ | 865 | $ | 391 |
(a) | Includes intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | These assets earn a return. |
(c) | Under-recovered fuel costs for periods from June 2009 through December 2010. Specific accumulation periods aggregate the under-recovered costs over four months, any related adjustments occur over the following four months, and then recovery from customers occurs over the next 12 months. |
(d) | Costs under-or over-recovered from utility customers. Amounts will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers within one year of the deferral. |
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(e) | Deferral of commodity-related derivative MTM losses, as well as the MTM losses on financial contracts entered into by AIC with Marketing Company. |
(f) | These costs are being amortized in proportion to the recognition of prior service costs (credits), transition obligations (assets), and actuarial losses (gains) attributable to Amerens pension plan and postretirement benefit plans. See Note 11 Retirement Benefits for additional information. |
(g) | Offset to certain deferred tax liabilities for expected recovery of future income taxes when paid. See Note 13 Income Taxes for amortization period. |
(h) | Recoverable costs for AROs at our rate-regulated operations, including net realized and unrealized gains and losses related to the nuclear decommissioning trust fund investments. See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Asset Retirement Obligations. |
(i) | UEs Callaway nuclear plant operations and maintenance expenses, property taxes, and carrying costs incurred between the plant in-service date and the date the plant was reflected in rates. These costs are being amortized over the remaining life of the plants current operating license through 2024. |
(j) | Losses related to reacquired debt. These amounts are being amortized over the lives of the related new debt issuances or the remaining lives of the old debt issuances if no new debt was issued. |
(k) | The recoverable portion of accrued environmental site liabilities, primarily collected from electric and natural gas customers through ICC-approved cost recovery riders. The period of recovery will depend on the timing of actual expenditures. See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies for additional information. |
(l) | Reorganization costs related to the integration and restructuring of IP into the Ameren system. These costs are recoverable in rates through May 2012. |
(m) | A portion of unamortized debt fair value adjustment recorded upon Amerens acquisition of IP. This portion is being amortized over the remaining life of the related debt, beginning with the expiration of the electric rate freeze in Illinois on January 1, 2007. |
(n) |
A regulatory tracking mechanism for gains on sales of SO 2 emission allowances, net of SO 2 premiums incurred under the terms of coal procurement contracts, plus any SO 2 discounts received under such contracts, as approved in a MoPSC order. The MoPSCs May 2010 electric rate order discontinued any future deferrals under this tracking mechanism. The MoPSCs order continued to allow recovery of the previously incurred cost through either February 2011 or June 2012, depending on when the cost was incurred. |
(o) | Costs associated with a March 2007 FERC order that resettled costs among MISO market participants. The costs were previously charged to expense but were subsequently reversed and recorded as a regulatory asset. These costs are recoverable in rates through June 2012. |
(p) | A regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of vegetation management and infrastructure inspection costs incurred by UE and the level of such costs built into electric rates. UEs vegetation management and infrastructure inspection costs from January 2008 through September 2008 exceeded the amount allowed in base rates. The excess cost incurred during that time period is being amortized over three years, beginning in March 2009. UEs vegetation management and infrastructure inspection costs from March 2010 through June 2010 also exceeded the amount allowed in base rates. The amortization period for these excess costs incurred from March 2010 through June 2010 will be determined in UEs pending electric rate case. |
(q) | Actual storm costs in a test year that exceed the MoPSC staffs normalized storm costs for rate purposes. The 2006 storm costs are being amortized over five years, beginning on June 4, 2007. The 2008 storm costs are being amortized over five years, beginning on March 1, 2009. In addition, the balance includes January 2007 ice storm costs that UE will recover as a result of a MoPSC accounting order issued in April 2008. These costs are being amortized over five years, beginning in March 2009, as approved by the January 2009 MoPSC electric rate order. The 2009 storm costs are being amortized over five years, beginning in July 2010, as approved by the May 2010 MoPSC electric rate order. |
(r) | Demand-side costs, including the costs of developing, implementing and evaluating customer energy efficiency and demand response programs. Costs incurred from May 2008 through September 2008 are being amortized over ten years, beginning in March 2009. Costs incurred from October 2008 through December 2009 are being amortized over six years, beginning in July 2010. The amortization period for the costs incurred after December 2009 will be determined in UEs pending electric rate case. |
(s) | Reserve for workers compensation claims. |
(t) | A regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of bad debt expense incurred by AIC under GAAP and the level of such costs built into electric and natural gas rates. The under-recovery relating to 2009 will be recovered from customers from June 2010 through May 2011. |
(u) | UEs costs incurred to enter into and maintain the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreements, prior to their termination in 2010. These costs are being amortized over two years, beginning in July 2010, as approved by the May 2010 MoPSC electric rate order. These costs are being amortized to construction work in progress, which will be subsequently depreciated when assets are placed into service. |
(v) | Cost incurred for the 2009 voluntary and involuntary separation programs. The UE-related costs are being amortized over three years, beginning in July 2010, as approved by the May 2010 MoPSC electric rate order. The AIC-related costs are being amortized over three years, beginning in May 2010, as approved by the April 2010 ICC electric and natural gas rate order. |
(w) | The MoPSCs May 2010 electric rate order allowed UE to recover its portion of Amerens September 2009 common stock issuance costs. These costs are being amortized over five years, beginning in July 2010. |
(x) | The MoPSCs May 2010 electric rate order allowed UE to continue recording an allowance for funds used during construction for pollution control equipment at its Sioux plant until the earlier of January 2012 or when the cost of that equipment is placed in customer rates. The amortization period will be determined in a future electric rate case. |
(y) | Includes costs related to AICs November 2007 electric and natural gas delivery service rate cases. The costs associated with AICs electric delivery service rate cases are being amortized over a three-year period; the costs associated with AICs natural gas delivery service rate cases are being amortized over a five-year period, as approved in the 2008 ICC rate order. At UE, the balance includes funding for low-income assistance, weatherization, and other miscellaneous items. |
(z) | Over-recovered fuel costs for the accumulation period from March 2009 through May 2009. Customer refunds began in October 2009 and concluded in September 2010. |
(aa) | Deferral of commodity-related derivative MTM gains. |
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(bb) | Included in Other Current Liabilities on UEs balance sheet. |
(cc) | Unamortized portion of investment tax credit and federal excess deferred taxes. See Note 13 Income Taxes for amortization period. |
(dd) | Estimated funds collected for the eventual dismantling and removal of plant from service, net of salvage value, upon retirement related to our rate-regulated operations. See discussion in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Asset Retirement Obligations. |
(ee) | The deferral of gains on emission allowance vintage swaps UE entered into during 2005. This gain will be amortized as emission allowances are used. |
(ff) | A regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of vegetation management and infrastructure inspection costs incurred by UE under GAAP and the level of such costs built into electric rates. UEs vegetation management and infrastructure inspection costs from October 2008 through February 2010 were less than the amount allowed in base rates. The over-recovery incurred during that time period is being amortized over three years, beginning in July 2010. UEs vegetation management and infrastructure inspection costs from July 2010 through December 2010 were also less than the amount allowed in base rates. The amortization period for this over-recovery will be determined in a future UE electric rate case. |
(gg) | A regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of bad debt expense incurred by AIC under GAAP and the level of such costs built into electric and natural gas rates. The over-recovery relating to 2009 will be refunded to customers starting in June 2010 through May 2011. The over-recovery relating to 2010 will be refunded to customers starting in June 2011 through May 2012. |
(hh) | A regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of pension and postretirement benefit costs incurred by UE under GAAP and the level of such costs built into electric rates. |
(ii) | A regulatory tracking mechanism that allows AIC to recover its electric and natural gas costs associated with developing, implementing and evaluating customer energy efficiency and demand response programs. This over-recovery will be refunded to customers over the following 12 months after the plan year. |
UE and AIC continually assess the recoverability of their regulatory assets. Under current accounting standards, regulatory assets are written off to earnings when it is no longer probable that such amounts will be recovered through future revenues. To the extent that payments of regulatory liabilities are no longer probable, the amounts are credited to earnings.
NOTE 3 PROPERTY AND PLANT, NET
The following table presents property and plant, net, for each of the Ameren Companies at December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Ameren (a)(b) | UE (b) | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Property and plant, at original cost: |
||||||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 24,069 | $ | 14,745 | $ | 4,436 | $ | 3,572 | ||||||||
Gas |
1,661 | 374 | 1,286 | - | ||||||||||||
Other |
424 | 91 | 61 | 48 | ||||||||||||
26,154 | 15,210 | 5,783 | 3,620 | |||||||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
9,194 | 6,052 | 1,250 | 1,518 | ||||||||||||
16,960 | 9,158 | 4,533 | 2,102 | |||||||||||||
Construction work in progress: |
||||||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel in process |
259 | 259 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Other |
634 | 358 | 43 | 146 | ||||||||||||
Property and plant, net |
$ | 17,853 | $ | 9,775 | $ | 4,576 | $ | 2,248 | ||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Property and plant, at original cost: |
||||||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 22,486 | $ | 13,627 | $ | 4,279 | $ | 3,295 | ||||||||
Gas |
1,583 | 363 | 1,220 | - | ||||||||||||
Other |
406 | 85 | 20 | 48 | ||||||||||||
24,475 | 14,075 | 5,519 | 3,343 | |||||||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
8,787 | 5,760 | 1,228 | 1,450 | ||||||||||||
15,688 | 8,315 | 4,291 | 1,893 | |||||||||||||
Construction work in progress: |
||||||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel in process |
271 | 271 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Other |
1,651 | 999 | 63 | 444 | ||||||||||||
Property and plant, net |
$ | 17,610 | $ | 9,585 | $ | 4,354 | $ | 2,337 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries as well as intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Amounts in Ameren and UE include two electric generation CTs under two separate capital lease agreements. The gross asset value of those agreements was $228 million and $226 million at December 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The total accumulated depreciation associated with the two CTs was $46 million and $41 million at December 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively. |
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The following table provides accrued capital expenditures at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, which represent noncash investing activity excluded from the statements of cash flows:
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010 |
$ | 79 | $ | 53 | $ | 15 | $ | 8 | ||||||||
2009 |
143 | 86 | 29 | 23 | ||||||||||||
2008 |
213 | 110 | 21 | 41 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
NOTE 4 CREDIT FACILITY BORROWINGS AND LIQUIDITY
The liquidity needs of the Ameren Companies are typically supported through the use of available cash, short-term intercompany borrowings, drawings under committed bank credit facilities, or commercial paper issuances.
The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement described below for the year ended December 31, 2010, and excludes letters of credit issued under the credit agreement:
2010 Missouri Credit Agreement ($800 million) |
Ameren
(Parent) |
UE | Total | |||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2010 (a) |
$ | 195 | $ | - | $ | 195 | ||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
340 | - | 340 | |||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2010 (a) |
2.31 | % | - | 2.31 | % | |||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2010 (a)(b) |
$ | 380 | $ | - | $ | 380 | ||||||
Peak interest rate during 2010 (a) |
2.31 | % | - | 2.31 | % |
(a) | Calculated from the September 10, 2010, inception date through December 31, 2010. |
(b) | The timing of peak credit facility borrowings varies by company and therefore the amounts presented by company might not equal the total peak credit facility borrowings for the period. The simultaneous peak credit facility borrowings by the Ameren Companies under all credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 were $905 million and $1 billion, respectively. |
The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under the 2010 Genco Credit Agreement described below for the year ended December 31, 2010:
2010 Genco Credit Agreement ($500 million) |
Ameren
(Parent) |
Genco | Total | |||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2010 (a) |
$ | 36 | $ | 54 | $ | 90 | ||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
- | 100 | 100 | |||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2010 (a) |
2.30 | % | 2.31 | % | 2.31 | % | ||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2010 (a)(b) |
$ | 385 | $ | 100 | $ | 385 | ||||||
Peak interest rate during 2010 (a) |
2.31 | % | 2.31 | % | 2.31 | % |
(a) | Calculated from the September 10, 2010, inception date through December 31, 2010. |
(b) | The timing of peak credit facility borrowings varies by company and therefore the amounts presented by company might not equal the total peak credit facility borrowings for the period. The simultaneous peak credit facility borrowings by the Ameren Companies under all credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 were $905 million and $1 billion, respectively. |
Ameren and AIC did not borrow under the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement during 2010.
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The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement, which terminated on September 10, 2010, for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009 and excludes letters of credit issued under the credit agreement:
2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement (Terminated) |
Ameren (Parent) |
UE | Genco | Total | ||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2010 ( a ) |
$ | 567 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 567 | ||||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2010 ( a ) |
3.12 | % | - | - | 3.12 | % | ||||||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2010 ( a )( b ) |
$ | 712 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 712 | ||||||||
Peak interest rate during 2010 (b) |
5.50 | % | - | - | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2009 |
$ | 307 | $ | 266 | $ | 54 | $ | 627 | ||||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
646 | - | - | 646 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2009 |
2.15 | % | 1.72 | % | 2.70 | % | 2.02 | % | ||||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2009 (b) |
$ | 699 | $ | 457 | $ | 133 | $ | 940 | ||||||||
Peak interest rate during 2009 |
5.50 | % | 5.50 | % | 3.56 | % | 5.50 | % |
(a) | Calculated through the termination date. |
(b) | The timing of peak credit facility borrowings varies by company. Therefore, the amounts presented by company might not equal the total peak credit facility borrowings for the period. The simultaneous peak credit facility borrowings by the Ameren Companies under all credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 were $905 million and $1 billion, respectively. |
The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under the 2009 $150 million Supplemental Credit Agreement, which expired on July 14, 2010, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
2009 Supplemental Credit Agreement (Expired) |
Ameren
(Parent) |
UE | Genco | Total | ||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2010 ( a ) |
$ | 74 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 74 | ||||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2010 ( a ) |
3.53 | % | - | - | 3.53 | % | ||||||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2010 ( a )( b ) |
$ | 93 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 93 | ||||||||
Peak interest rate during 2010 (b) |
5.50 | % | - | - | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2009 |
$ | 42 | $ | 20 | $ | 12 | $ | 74 | ||||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
84 | - | - | 84 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2009 |
3.58 | % | 3.62 | % | 3.52 | % | 3.56 | % | ||||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2009 (b) |
$ | 91 | $ | 53 | $ | 17 | $ | 109 | ||||||||
Peak interest rate during 2009 |
5.50 | % | 5.50 | % | 3.56 | % | 5.50 | % |
(a) | Calculated through the expiration date. |
(b) | The timing of peak credit facility borrowings varies by company and therefore the amounts presented by company might not equal the total peak credit facility borrowings for the period. The simultaneous peak credit facility borrowings by the Ameren Companies under all credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 were $905 million and $1 billion, respectively. |
The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under the $800 million 2009 Illinois Credit Agreement, which terminated on September 10, 2010, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
2009 Illinois Credit Agreement (Terminated) |
Ameren
(Parent) |
AIC | Total | |||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2010 ( a ) |
$ | 8 | $ | - | $ | 8 | ||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
- | - | - | |||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2010 ( a ) |
3.48 | % | - | 3.48 | % | |||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2010 ( a )( b ) |
$ | 100 | $ | - | $ | 100 | ||||||
Peak interest rate during 2010 (b) |
3.48 | % | - | 3.48 | % | |||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||
Average daily borrowings outstanding during 2009 |
$ | 68 | $ | - | $ | 68 | ||||||
Outstanding credit facility borrowings at period end |
100 | - | 100 | |||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate during 2009 |
3.54 | % | - | 3.54 | % | |||||||
Peak credit facility borrowings during 2009 (b) |
$ | 200 | $ | - | $ | 200 | ||||||
Peak interest rate during 2009 |
3.56 | % | - | 3.56 | % |
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(a) | Calculated through the termination date. |
(b) | The timing of peak credit facility borrowings varies by company. Therefore, the amounts presented by company may not equal the total peak credit facility borrowings for the period. The simultaneous peak credit facility borrowings by the Ameren Companies under all credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 were $905 million and $1 billion, respectively. |
2010 Credit Agreements
Ameren and certain of its subsidiaries entered into multiyear credit facility agreements with a large and diverse group of lenders. These facilities cumulatively provide $2.1 billion of credit through September 10, 2013, which date is inclusive of the UE borrowing sublimit extension periods provided for in the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement, as discussed below. The facilities currently include 25 international, national, and regional lenders, with no lender providing more than $125 million of credit in aggregate.
On September 10, 2010, Ameren and UE entered into the $800 million 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement. On September 10, 2010, Ameren and Genco entered into the $500 million 2010 Genco Credit Agreement. Together, the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement and the 2010 Genco Credit Agreement replaced the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreements under which Ameren, UE and Genco were borrowers. The 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement was terminated contemporaneously with the effectiveness of the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement and the 2010 Genco Credit Agreement.
Also on September 10, 2010, Ameren and AIC, as successor company to CIPS, CILCO and IP, entered into the $800 million 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement. The 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement replaced the 2009 Illinois Credit Agreement, which was terminated when the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement became effective.
The obligations of each borrower under the respective 2010 Credit Agreements to which it is a party are several and not joint, and, except under limited circumstances relating to expenses and indemnities, the obligations of UE, AIC and Genco under the respective 2010 Credit Agreements are not guaranteed by Ameren or any other subsidiary of Ameren. The maximum aggregate amount available to each borrower under each facility is shown in the following table (such amount being such borrowers Borrowing Sublimit):
2010
Missouri Credit Agreement |
2010
Genco Credit Agreement |
2010
Illinois
|
||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 500 | $ | 500 | $ | 300 | ||||||
UE |
500 | (a | ) | (a | ) | |||||||
AIC |
(a | ) | (a | ) | 800 | |||||||
Genco |
(a | ) | 500 | (a | ) |
(a) | Not applicable. |
Ameren has the option to seek additional commitments from existing or new lenders to increase the total facility size of the 2010 Credit Agreements up to the following maximum amounts: 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement $1.0 billion; 2010 Genco Credit Agreement $625 million;
and 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement $1.0 billion. Each of the 2010 Credit Agreements will mature and expire on September 10, 2013. In February 2011, AIC received approval from the ICC to extend the expiration of its Borrowing Sublimit under the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement to September 10, 2013. The Borrowing Sublimit of UE under the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement will mature and expire on September 9, 2011, subject to extension thereof on a 364-day basis, as requested by UE and approved by the lenders, or for a longer period upon receipt of any and all required federal or state regulatory approvals, as permitted under the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement, but in no event later than September 10, 2013. UE is seeking regulatory approval to extend the maturity dates of its Borrowing Sublimit under the 2010 Missouri Credit Agreement. If and when such regulatory approval is received, no lender approval will be required for the extension to take effect. The principal amount of each revolving loan owed by a borrower under any of the 2010 Credit Agreements to which it is a party will be due and payable no later than the final maturity relating to such borrower under such 2010 Credit Agreements.
The obligations of all borrowers under the 2010 Credit Agreements are unsecured. Loans are available on a revolving basis under each of the 2010 Credit Agreements and may be repaid and, subject to satisfaction of the conditions to borrowing, reborrowed from time to time. At the election of each borrower, the interest rates on such loans will be the alternate base rate (ABR) plus the margin applicable to the particular borrower and/or the Eurodollar rate plus the margin applicable to the particular borrower. The applicable margins will be determined by the borrowers long-term unsecured credit ratings or, if no such ratings are then in effect, the borrowers corporate/issuer ratings then in effect. Letters of credit in an aggregate undrawn face amount not to exceed 25% of the applicable aggregate commitment under the respective 2010 Credit Agreements are also available for issuance for the account of the borrowers thereunder (but within the $2.1 billion overall combined facility borrowing limitations of the 2010 Credit Agreements).
Upon closing, the borrowers used some of the credit capacity available under the 2010 Credit Agreements to repay amounts owed under the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement and the 2009 Illinois Credit Agreement. The borrowers will use the proceeds from any additional borrowings under the 2010 Credit Agreements for general corporate purposes, including working capital and commercial paper liquidity support, the funding of loans under the Ameren money pool arrangements or other short-term intercompany loan arrangements, and the payment of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2010 Credit Agreements.
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Based on outstanding borrowings under the 2010 Credit Agreements (and also considering reductions of borrowing capacity for $15 million of letters of credit issued and $269 million of commercial paper borrowings), the aggregate available amount under the 2010 Credit Agreements at December 31, 2010, was $1.38 billion.
Other Agreements
On June 2, 2010, Ameren entered into a $20 million revolving credit facility ($20 Million Facility) that matures on June 1, 2012. The $20 Million Facility has been fully drawn since June 15, 2010. Borrowings under the $20 Million Facility bear interest at a rate equal to the applicable LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum. The obligations of Ameren under the $20 Million Facility are unsecured. No subsidiary of Ameren is a party to, guarantor of, or borrower under the facility.
On January 21, 2009, Ameren entered into a $20 million term loan agreement due January 20, 2010, which was fully drawn on January 21, 2009. The average annual interest rate for borrowing under the $20 million term loan agreement was 2.03% during the year ended December 31, 2009. This term loan agreement was repaid at maturity in January 2010.
Commercial Paper
The 2010 Credit Agreements are used to support Amerens and UEs commercial paper programs. Ameren may at its discretion use any of the 2010 Credit Agreements to support its commercial paper program, subject to its applicable sublimit. At December 31, 2010, Ameren had $269 million of commercial paper outstanding, which reduced the available amounts under these facilities. During the six months, from July through December, that the program was in use during 2010, Ameren had average daily commercial paper balances outstanding of $185 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.94%. The peak short-term commercial paper outstanding and peak interest rate during the six months was $366 million and 1.46%, respectively.
Indebtedness Provisions and Other Covenants
The information below presents a summary of the Ameren Companies compliance with indebtedness provisions and other covenants.
The 2010 Credit Agreements contain conditions to borrowings and issuances of letters of credit, including the absence of default or unmatured default, material accuracy of representations and warranties (excluding any representation after the closing date as to the absence of material adverse change and material litigation), and required regulatory authorizations. In addition, solely as it relates to borrowings under the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement, it is a condition precedent to any such borrowing that, at the time of and after giving effect to such borrowing, the borrower will not be in violation of any limitation on its ability to incur unsecured indebtedness
contained in its articles of incorporation. The 2010 Credit Agreements also contain nonfinancial covenants, including restrictions on the ability to incur liens, to transact with affiliates, to dispose of assets, to make investments in or transfer assets to its affiliates, and to merge with other entities.
The 2010 Credit Agreements require each of Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco to maintain consolidated indebtedness of not more than 65% of its consolidated total capitalization pursuant to a defined calculation set forth in the agreements. As of December 31, 2010, the ratios of consolidated indebtedness to total consolidated capitalization, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the 2010 Credit Agreements, were 50%, 47%, 42% and 48%, for Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco, respectively. These ratios include the effect of the goodwill and other asset impairment charges for Ameren and Genco recorded in 2010. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments for additional information. In addition, under the 2010 Genco Credit Agreement and the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement, Ameren is required to maintain a ratio of consolidated funds from operations plus interest expense to consolidated interest expense of 2.0 to 1, to be calculated quarterly, as of the end of the most recent four fiscal quarters then ending, in accordance with the 2010 Genco Credit Agreement and the 2010 Illinois Credit Agreement, as applicable. Amerens ratio as of December 31, 2010 was 4.8 to 1. Failure of a borrower to satisfy a financial covenant constitutes an immediate default under the applicable 2010 Credit Agreement.
The 2010 Credit Agreements contain default provisions. UE and Genco are no longer borrowers within the same credit agreement, as they were under the 2009 Multiyear Credit Agreement, and a default by one such subsidiary borrower will not trigger a default by the other under the applicable 2010 Credit Agreements. Defaults under the 2010 Credit Agreements apply separately to each borrower; except however, that a default by UE, AIC or Genco under any of the 2010 Credit Agreements will also constitute a default by Ameren under such agreement. Defaults include a cross default with respect to a borrower under the applicable 2010 Credit Agreements to the occurrence of a default by such borrower under any other agreement covering outstanding indebtedness of such borrower and certain subsidiaries (other than project finance subsidiaries and nonmaterial subsidiaries) in excess of $25 million in the aggregate. Any default of Ameren under any 2010 Credit Agreement that exists solely as a result of a default by UE, AIC or Genco thereunder will not constitute a default under any other 2010 Credit Agreement while Ameren is otherwise in compliance with all of its obligations under such other 2010 Credit Agreement. Further, a default at the Ameren level under any 2010 Credit Agreement does not trigger a default by UE, AIC or Genco under such agreement.
The $20 Million Facility requires Ameren to maintain consolidated indebtedness of not more than 65% of its consolidated capitalization pursuant to a defined calculation
117
set forth in the agreement. As of December 31, 2010, Amerens consolidated indebtedness ratio, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the $20 Million Facility was 50%. Failure by Ameren to satisfy this covenant would constitute an immediate default under the $20 Million Facility but, given the size of the facility, would not trigger an Ameren default under any of the 2010 Credit Agreements or Amerens indenture.
None of the Ameren Companies credit facilities or financing arrangements contains credit rating triggers that would cause an event of default or acceleration of repayment of outstanding balances. At December 31, 2010, management believes that the Ameren Companies were in compliance with their credit facilities provisions and covenants .
Money Pools
Ameren has money pool agreements with and among its subsidiaries to coordinate and provide for certain short-term cash and working capital requirements. Separate money pools are maintained for utility and non-state-regulated entities. Ameren Services is responsible for the operation and administration of the money pool agreements.
Utility
Through the utility money pool, the pool participants may access the committed credit facilities. Ameren Services administers the utility money pool and tracks internal and external funds separately. Ameren and certain non-state-regulated subsidiaries may participate in the utility money pool only as lenders. Internal funds are surplus funds contributed to the utility money pool from participants. The primary sources of external funds for the utility money pool are the 2010 Credit Agreements. The total amount available to the pool participants from the utility money pool at any given time is reduced by the amount of borrowings by their affiliates, but increased to the extent that the pool participants have surplus funds or contribute funds from other external sources. The availability of funds is also determined by funding requirement limits established by regulatory authorizations. Participants receiving a loan under the utility money pool agreement must repay the principal amount of such loan, together with accrued interest. The rate of interest depends on the composition of internal and external funds in the utility money pool. The average interest rate for borrowing under the utility money
pool for the year ended December 31, 2010, was 0.18% (2009 0.19%).
Non-state-regulated Subsidiaries
Ameren Services, Resources Company, Genco, AERG, Marketing Company, and other non-state-regulated Ameren subsidiaries have the ability, subject to Ameren parent company authorization and applicable regulatory short-term borrowing authorizations, to access funding from the 2010 Credit Agreements through a non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool agreement. The total amount available to the pool participants at any time is reduced by borrowings made by Amerens subsidiaries, but is increased to the extent that other pool participants advance surplus funds to the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool or remit funds from other external sources. See the discussion above for the amount available under the 2010 Credit Agreements at December 31, 2010. The non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool was established to coordinate and to provide short-term cash and working capital for Amerens non-state-regulated activities. Participants receiving a loan under the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool agreement must repay the principal amount of such loan, together with accrued interest. The rate of interest depends on the composition of internal and external funds in the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool. The average interest rate for borrowing under the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool for the year ended December 31, 2010, was 0.77% (2009 1.64%).
See Note 14 Related Party Transactions for the amount of interest income and expense from the money pool arrangements recorded by the Ameren Companies for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.
Unilateral Borrowing Agreement
In addition, a unilateral borrowing agreement exists between Ameren, AIC, and Ameren Services, which enables AIC to make short-term borrowings directly from Ameren. The aggregate amount of borrowings outstanding at any time by AIC under the unilateral borrowing agreement and the utility money pool agreement, together with any outstanding external credit facility borrowings by AIC, may not exceed $500 million, pursuant to authorization from the ICC. AIC is not currently borrowing under the unilateral borrowing agreement. Ameren Services is responsible for operation and administration of the unilateral borrowing agreement.
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NOTE 5 LONG-TERM DEBT AND EQUITY FINANCINGS
The following table presents long-term debt outstanding for the Ameren Companies as of December 31, 2010, and 2009:
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Ameren (Parent): |
||||||||
8.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2014 |
$ | 425 | $ | 425 | ||||
Less: Unamortized discount and premium |
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt, net |
$ | 423 | $ | 423 | ||||
UE: |
||||||||
First mortgage bonds: (a) |
||||||||
5.25% Senior secured notes due 2012 (b) |
$ | 173 | $ | 173 | ||||
4.65% Senior secured notes due 2013 (b) |
200 | 200 | ||||||
5.50% Senior secured notes due 2014 (b) |
104 | 104 | ||||||
4.75% Senior secured notes due 2015 (b) |
114 | 114 | ||||||
5.40% Senior secured notes due 2016 (b) |
260 | 260 | ||||||
6.40% Senior secured notes due 2017 (b) |
425 | 425 | ||||||
6.00% Senior secured notes due 2018 (b) |
250 | 250 | ||||||
5.10% Senior secured notes due 2018 (b) |
200 | 200 | ||||||
6.70% Senior secured notes due 2019 (b) |
450 | 450 | ||||||
5.10% Senior secured notes due 2019 (b) |
300 | 300 | ||||||
5.00% Senior secured notes due 2020 (b) |
85 | 85 | ||||||
5.45% Series due 2028 (d) |
44 | 44 | ||||||
5.50% Senior secured notes due 2034 (b) |
184 | 184 | ||||||
5.30% Senior secured notes due 2037 (b) |
300 | 300 | ||||||
8.45% Senior secured notes due 2039 (b) |
350 | 350 | ||||||
Environmental improvement and pollution control revenue bonds: (a)(b)(d )( e ) |
||||||||
1992 Series due 2022 |
47 | 47 | ||||||
1998 Series A due 2033 |
60 | 60 | ||||||
1998 Series B due 2033 |
50 | 50 | ||||||
1998 Series C due 2033 |
50 | 50 | ||||||
Subordinated deferrable interest debentures: |
||||||||
7.69% Series A due 2036 66 |
- | 66 | ||||||
Capital lease obligations: |
||||||||
City of Bowling Green capital lease (Peno Creek CT) |
74 | 78 | ||||||
Audrain County capital lease (Audrain County CT) |
240 | 240 | ||||||
Total long-term debt, gross |
3,960 | 4,030 | ||||||
Less: Unamortized discount and premium |
(6 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
Less: Maturities due within one year |
(5 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt, net |
$ | 3,949 | $ | 4,018 |
119
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
AIC: |
||||||||
First mortgage bonds: (a) |
||||||||
6.625% Senior secured notes due 2011 (b) |
$ | 150 | $ | 150 | ||||
8.875% Senior secured notes due 2013 (c ) |
150 | 150 | ||||||
6.20% Senior secured notes due 2016 (c ) |
54 | 54 | ||||||
6.25% Senior secured notes due 2016 (b) |
75 | 75 | ||||||
6.125% Senior secured notes due 2017 (b) |
250 | 250 | ||||||
7.61% Series 1997-2 due 2017 |
- | 40 | ||||||
6.25% Senior secured notes due 2018 (b) |
337 | 337 | ||||||
9.75% Senior secured notes due 2018 (b) |
400 | 400 | ||||||
6.125% Senior secured notes due 2028 (b) |
60 | 60 | ||||||
6.70% Senior secured notes due 2036 (b) |
61 | 61 | ||||||
6.70% Senior secured notes due 2036 (c ) |
42 | 42 | ||||||
Environmental improvement and pollution control revenue bonds: |
||||||||
6.20% Series 1992B due 2012 (a) (d) |
1 | 1 | ||||||
2000 Series A 5.50% due 2014 (d) |
51 | 51 | ||||||
5.90% Series 1993 due 2023 (a)(d) |
32 | 32 | ||||||
5.70% 1994A Series due 2024 (a)(d) |
36 | 36 | ||||||
1993 Series C-1 5.95% due 2026 |
35 | 35 | ||||||
1993 Series C-2 5.70% due 2026 |
8 | 8 | ||||||
1993 Series B-1 due 2028 (e ) |
17 | 17 | ||||||
5.40% 1998A Series due 2028 (a)(d) |
19 | 19 | ||||||
5.40% 1998B Series due 2028 (a)(d) |
33 | 33 | ||||||
Fair-market value adjustments |
5 | 6 | ||||||
Total long-term debt, gross |
1,816 | 1,857 | ||||||
Less: Unamortized discount and premium |
(9 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
Less: Maturities due within one year |
(150 | ) | - | |||||
Long-term debt, net |
$ | 1,657 | $ | 1,847 | ||||
Genco: |
||||||||
Unsecured notes: |
||||||||
Senior notes Series D 8.35% due 2010 |
$ | - | $ | 200 | ||||
Senior notes Series F 7.95% due 2032 |
275 | 275 | ||||||
Senior notes Series H 7.00% due 2018 |
300 | 300 | ||||||
Senior notes Series I 6.30% due 2020 |
250 | 250 | ||||||
Total long-term debt, gross |
825 | 1,025 | ||||||
Less: Unamortized discount and premium |
(1 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
Less: Maturities due within one year |
- | (200 | ) | |||||
Long-term debt, net |
$ | 824 | $ | 823 | ||||
Ameren consolidated long-term debt, net |
$ | 6,853 | $ | 7,111 |
(a) | At December 31, 2010, most property and plant was mortgaged under, and subject to liens of, the respective indentures pursuant to which the bonds were issued. Accordingly, substantially all of the long-term debt issued by UE is secured by liens on substantially all of UEs property and franchises. Substantially all long term debt issued by AIC is either secured by a lien under the CILCO bond indenture on substantially all the property and franchises of the former CILCO or secured by a lien under the IP bond indenture on substantially all the property and franchises of the former CIPS and IP. |
(b) | These notes are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by UE under its mortgage bond indenture or by AIC under the IP bond mortgage indenture and will remain secured at each company until the following series are no longer outstanding with respect to that company: UE 5.45% Series due 2028 (currently callable at 100% of par), 6.00% Series due 2018, 6.70% Series due 2019, and 8.45% Series due 2039; AIC 6.125% Series due 2017, 6.25% Series due 2018, 9.75% Series due 2018, 5.70% 1994A Series due 2024 (currently callable at 100% of par), 5.40% 1998A Series due 2028 (currently callable at 100% of par), and 5.40% 1998B Series due 2028 (currently callable at 100% of par). |
(c) | These notes are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by AIC under the CILCO bond indenture and will remain secured until the following series are no longer outstanding: 6.20% Series 1992B due 2012 (currently callable at 100% of par), 5.90% Series 1993 due 2023 (currently callable at 100% of par), and 8.875% Series due 2013. |
(d) | Environmental improvement or pollution control series secured by first mortgage bonds. In addition, all of the series except UEs 5.45% Series and AICs 6.20% Series 1992B and 5.90% Series 1993 bonds are backed by an insurance guarantee policy. |
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(e) | Interest rates, and the periods during which such rates apply, vary depending on our selection of certain defined rate modes. Maximum interest rates could range up to 18% depending upon the series of bonds. The average interest rates for the years 2010 and 2009 were as follows: |
2010
|
2009
|
|||
UE 1992 Series |
0.47% | 0.68% | ||
UE 1998 Series A |
0.71% | 0.99% | ||
UE 1998 Series B |
0.73% | 1.02% | ||
UE 1998 Series C |
0.74% | 0.99% | ||
AIC 1993 Series B-1 |
0.59% | 1.34% |
The following table presents the aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including current maturities, for the Ameren Companies at December 31, 2010:
Ameren (Parent) (a) |
UE (a) | AIC (a)(b) | Genco (a) |
Ameren Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||
2011 |
$ | - | $ | 5 | $ | 150 | $ | - | $ | 155 | ||||||||||
2012 |
- | 178 | 1 | - | 179 | |||||||||||||||
2013 |
- | 205 | 150 | - | 355 | |||||||||||||||
2014 |
425 | 109 | 51 | - | 585 | |||||||||||||||
2015 |
- | 120 | - | - | 120 | |||||||||||||||
Thereafter |
- | 3,343 | 1,459 | 825 | 5,627 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 425 | $ | 3,960 | $ | 1,811 | $ | 825 | $ | 7,021 |
(a) | Excludes unamortized discount and premium of $2 million, $6 million, $9 million and $1 million at Ameren (Parent), UE, AIC and Genco, respectively. |
(b) | Excludes $5 million related to AICs long-term debt fair-market value adjustments, which are being amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the debt. |
All of the Ameren Companies expect to fund maturities of long-term debt, short-term borrowings, credit facility borrowings and contractual obligations through a combination of cash flow from operations and external financing. See Note 4 Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity for a discussion of external financing availability.
In November 2008, Ameren, as a well-known seasoned issuer, along with AICs predecessor companies, (CIPS, CILCO and IP), and Genco, filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement registering the issuance of an indeterminate amount of certain types of securities, which expires in November 2011. In June 2008, UE, as a well-known seasoned issuer, filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement registering the issuance of an indeterminate amount of certain types of securities, which expires in June 2011.
All classes of UEs and AICs preferred stock are entitled to cumulative dividends and have voting rights. The following table presents the outstanding preferred stock of UE and AIC that is not subject to mandatory redemption. The preferred stock is redeemable, at the option of the issuer, at the prices presented as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:
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Redemption Price (per share) | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||
With par value of $100 per share, 2 million shares authorized |
||||||||||||||||
4.00% Series |
144,275 shares |
$ | 101.00 | $ | 14 | $ | 15 | |||||||||
4.08% Series |
45,224 shares |
103.00 | 5 | 12 | ||||||||||||
4.20% Series |
23,655 shares |
104.00 | 2 | 7 | ||||||||||||
4.25% Series |
50,000 shares |
102.00 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||
4.26% Series |
16,621 shares |
103.00 | 2 | 5 | ||||||||||||
4.42% Series |
16,190 shares |
103.00 | 2 | 5 | ||||||||||||
4.50% Series ( b ) |
- | 11 | ||||||||||||||
4.64% Series ( b ) |
- | 8 | ||||||||||||||
4.70% Series |
18,429 shares |
103.00 | 2 | 7 | ||||||||||||
4.90% Series |
73,825 shares |
102.00 | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||||
4.92% Series |
49,289 shares |
103.50 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||
5.16% Series |
50,000 shares |
102.00 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||
6.625% Series |
124,273.75 shares |
100.00 | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||
7.75% Series |
4,542 shares |
100.00 | 1 | 10 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 62 | $ | 115 | ||||||||||||
Less: Shares of AIC preferred stock owned by Ameren |
- | (33 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total Ameren |
$ | 142 | $ | 195 |
(a) | In the event of voluntary liquidation, $105.50. |
(b) | Series redeemed in 2010. |
Pursuant to the AIC Merger: (i) every two shares of each series of IP preferred stock outstanding immediately prior to the AIC Merger were automatically converted into one share of a newly created series of AIC preferred stock having the same payment and redemption terms as the existing series of IP preferred stock, except to the extent that IP preferred stockholders exercised their dissenters rights in accordance with Illinois law; and (ii) each outstanding share of CIPS common and preferred stock remained outstanding, except to the extent that CIPS preferred stockholders exercised their dissenters rights in accordance with Illinois law. Stockholders holding 8,337 shares and 423 shares of CIPS and IP preferred stock, respectively, exercised their dissenters rights.
In addition, the Ameren Companies have classes of preferred stock that are authorized but no shares of which are outstanding. Ameren has 100 million shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, with no shares outstanding. UE has 7.5 million shares of $1 par value preference stock authorized, with no such preference stock outstanding. AIC has 2.6 million shares of no par value preferred stock authorized, with no shares outstanding.
Ameren
A Form S-3 registration statement was filed by Ameren with the SEC in July 2008, and amended and supplemented in December 2010, authorizing the offering of six million additional shares of its common stock under the DRPlus. Shares of common stock sold under DRPlus are, at Amerens option, newly issued shares, treasury shares, or shares purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Ameren is currently selling newly issued shares of its common stock under DRPlus.
Ameren is also selling newly issued shares of common stock under its 401(k) plan pursuant to an effective SEC Form S-8 registration statement. Under DRPlus and its 401(k) plan, Ameren issued 3.0 million, 3.2 million, and 4.0 million shares of common stock in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, which were valued at $80 million, $82 million, and $154 million for the respective years.
In May 2009, Ameren issued $425 million of 8.875% senior unsecured notes due May 15, 2014, with interest payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning November 15, 2009. Ameren received net proceeds of $420 million, which were used, together with
other corporate funds, to repay borrowings under its $300 million term loan agreement and, by way of a capital contribution to CILCORP, to provide funds for CILCORP to repay its outstanding 8.70% senior notes on their due date of October 15, 2009.
In September 2009, Ameren issued and sold 21.85 million shares of its common stock at $25.25 per share, for proceeds of $535 million, net of $17 million of issuance costs. Ameren used the net offering proceeds to make investments in its rate-regulated utility subsidiaries in the form of equity capital contributions to UE and AIC of $436 million and $99 million, respectively.
In October 2009, $124 million of CILCORPs 8.70% senior notes matured and were retired.
In December 2009, CILCORP paid $256 million, including tender offer and consent payments and accrued interest, in connection with the repurchase and cancellation of $208 million principal amount outstanding of its 9.375% senior bonds. After the repurchase, approximately $2 million principal amount of senior bonds remained outstanding. Sufficient consents were received to approve the adoption of amendments to eliminate certain restrictive covenants to the related indenture. As a result of this
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cancellation, fair-market value adjustments related to the senior bonds were reduced by $44 million during 2009.
In February 2010, CILCORP completed a covenant defeasance of its remaining outstanding 9.375% senior bonds due 2029 by depositing approximately $3 million in U.S. government obligations and cash with the indenture trustee. This deposit will be used solely to satisfy the principal and remaining interest obligations on these bonds. In connection with this covenant defeasance, the lien on the capital stock of CILCO securing these bonds was released.
UE
In March 2009, UE issued $350 million of 8.45% senior secured notes due March 15, 2039, with interest payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning in September 2009. These notes are secured by first mortgage bonds. UE received net proceeds of $346 million, which were used to repay short-term debt. In connection with this issuance of $350 million of senior secured notes, UE agreed that, so long as these senior secured notes are outstanding, it would not, prior to maturity, cause a first mortgage bond release date to occur.
In August 2010, UE redeemed all of the 330,000 outstanding shares of its $7.64 Series preferred stock at $100.85 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
In September 2010, UE redeemed all $66 million of its 7.69% Series A subordinated deferrable interest debentures at a redemption price of 102.692% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.
AIC
In June 2009, $250 million of AICs (formerly IPs) 7.50% series first mortgage bonds matured and were retired.
In August 2010, AIC (formerly CILCO) redeemed all of the 111,264 outstanding shares of its 4.50% Series preferred stock at $110 per share and all of the 79,940 shares of its 4.64% Series preferred stock at $102 per share, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid dividends. These preferred shares were redeemed in connection with the AIC Merger.
In September 2010, AIC (formerly CIPS) redeemed all $40 million of its 7.61% Series 1997-2 first mortgage bonds at a redemption price of 101.52% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. These bonds were redeemed in connection with the AIC Merger.
In September 2010, Ameren contributed to the capital of AIC (formerly IP), without the payment of any consideration, all of the IP preferred stock owned by Ameren ($33 million). IP cancelled these preferred shares. This transaction was in connection with the AIC Merger.
See Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
Genco
In November 2009, Genco issued $250 million of 6.30% senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2020, with interest payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning in April 2010. Genco received net proceeds of $247 million, which were used to repay short-term debt, and for general corporate purposes.
In November 2010, Gencos $200 million 8.35% senior notes matured and were retired.
Indenture Provisions and Other Covenants
UEs and AICs indenture provisions and articles of incorporation include covenants and provisions related to issuances of first mortgage bonds and preferred stock. UE and AIC are required to meet certain ratios to issue additional first mortgage bonds and preferred stock. However, not meeting these ratios would not result in a default under these covenants and provisions. The following table includes the required and actual earnings coverage ratios for interest charges and preferred dividends and bonds and preferred stock issuable for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010, at an assumed interest rate of 7% and dividend rate of 8%.
Required Interest
Coverage Ratio (a) |
Actual Interest
Coverage Ratio |
Bonds Issuable (b) |
Required Dividend
Coverage Ratio (c) |
Actual Dividend
Coverage Ratio |
Preferred Stock
Issuable |
|||||||||||||||
UE |
³ 2.0 | 3.6 | $ | 2,408 | ³ 2.5 | 78.2 | $ | 1,785 | ||||||||||||
AIC |
³ 2.0 | 6.8 | 3,184 | (d) | ³ 1.5 | 3.4 | 203 |
(a) | Coverage required on the annual interest charges on first mortgage bonds outstanding and to be issued. Coverage is not required in certain cases when additional first mortgage bonds are issued on the basis of retired bonds. |
(b) | Amount of bonds issuable based either on required coverage ratios or unfunded property additions, whichever is more restrictive. The amounts shown also include bonds issuable based on retired bond capacity of $91 million and $615 million at UE and AIC, respectively. |
(c) | Coverage required on the annual dividend on preferred stock outstanding and to be issued, as required in the respective companys articles of incorporation. |
(d) | Amount of bonds issuable by AIC based on unfunded property additions and retired bonds solely under the former IP mortgage indenture. |
Amerens indenture, pursuant to which Amerens 8.875% $425 million senior unsecured notes due 2014 were issued, does not require Ameren to comply with any
quantitative financial covenants. The indenture does, however, include certain cross-default provisions. Specifically, either (1) the failure by Ameren to pay when
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due and upon expiration of any applicable grace period any portion of any Ameren indebtedness in excess of $25 million or (2) the acceleration upon default of the maturity of any Ameren indebtedness in excess of $25 million under any indebtedness agreement, including the 2010 Credit Agreements, constitutes a default under the indenture, unless such past due or accelerated debt is discharged or the acceleration is rescinded or annulled within a specified period.
UE, AIC and Genco as well as certain other nonregistrant Ameren subsidiaries are subject to Section 305(a) of the Federal Power Act, which makes it unlawful for any officer or director of a public utility, as defined in the Federal Power Act, to participate in the making or paying of any dividend from any funds properly included in capital account. The meaning of this limitation has never been clarified under the Federal Power Act or FERC regulations. However, FERC has consistently interpreted the provision to allow dividends to be paid as long as (1) the source of the dividends is clearly disclosed, (2) the dividends are not excessive, and (3) there is no self-dealing on the part of corporate officials. At a minimum, Ameren believes that dividends can be paid by its subsidiaries that are public utilities from net income and retained earnings. In addition, under Illinois law, AIC may not pay any dividend on their respective stock, unless, among other things, their respective earnings and earned surplus are sufficient to declare and pay a dividend after provision is made for reasonable and proper reserves, or unless AIC has specific authorization from the ICC.
UEs mortgage indenture contains certain provisions that restrict the amount of common dividends that can be paid by UE. Under this mortgage indenture, $31 million of total retained earnings was restricted against payment of common dividends, except those dividends payable in common stock, which left $2 billion of free and unrestricted retained earnings at December 31, 2010.
AICs articles of incorporation require its dividend payments on common stock to be based on ratios of common stock to total capitalization and other provisions related to certain operating expenses and accumulations of
earned surplus. AIC committed to FERC to maintain a minimum 30% equity capital structure following the AIC Merger and AERG distribution. See Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
Gencos indenture includes provisions that require Genco to maintain certain interest coverage and debt-to-capital ratios in order for Genco to pay dividends, to make certain principal or interest payments, to make certain loans to or investments in affiliates, or to incur additional indebtedness. The following table summarizes these ratios for the 12 months ended and as of December 31, 2010:
Required
Interest
|
Actual
Interest
Ratio |
Required
Debt-to-
|
Actual
Debt-to-
|
|||||||||
Genco (a) |
³ 1.75 | 4.00 | £ 60% | 47 | % |
(a) | A minimum interest coverage ratio of 1.75 is required for Genco to make certain restricted payments, as defined, including specified dividend, principal and interest payments on certain subordinated intercompany borrowings. As of the date of the restricted payment, the minimum ratio must have been achieved for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters and projected by management to be achieved for each of the subsequent four six-month periods. The debt-to-capital ratio relates to a debt incurrence covenant, which also requires a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.5 for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters. |
Gencos debt incurrence-related ratio restrictions under its indenture may be disregarded if both Moodys and S&P reaffirm the ratings of Genco in place at the time of the debt incurrence after considering the additional indebtedness.
In order for the Ameren Companies to issue securities in the future, they will have to comply with all applicable tests in effect at the time of any such issuances.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2010, none of the Ameren Companies had any off-balance-sheet financing arrangements, other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business. None of the Ameren Companies expect to engage in any significant off-balance-sheet financing arrangements in the near future.
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NOTE 6 OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES
The following table presents Other Income and Expenses for each of the Ameren Companies for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren: (a) |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income: |
||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
$ | 5 | $ | 2 | $ | 15 | ||||||
Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds |
28 | 28 | 28 | |||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
52 | 36 | 28 | |||||||||
Other |
5 | 5 | 9 | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous income |
$ | 90 | $ | 71 | $ | 80 | ||||||
Miscellaneous expense: |
||||||||||||
Donations |
$ | 19 | $ | 12 | $ | 13 | ||||||
Other |
14 | 11 | 18 | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous expense |
$ | 33 | $ | 23 | $ | 31 | ||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income: |
||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
$ | 3 | $ | 1 | $ | 5 | ||||||
Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds |
28 | 28 | 28 | |||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
50 | 33 | 28 | |||||||||
Other |
2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous income |
$ | 83 | $ | 63 | $ | 62 | ||||||
Miscellaneous expense: |
||||||||||||
Donations |
$ | 8 | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | ||||||
Other |
5 | 4 | 6 | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous expense |
$ | 13 | $ | 7 | $ | 9 | ||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income: |
||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
$ | 1 | $ | 6 | $ | 14 | ||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
2 | 2 | - | |||||||||
Other |
4 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous income |
$ | 7 | $ | 12 | $ | 23 | ||||||
Miscellaneous expense: |
||||||||||||
Donations |
$ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 7 | ||||||
Other |
8 | 6 | 5 | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous expense |
$ | 13 | $ | 10 | $ | 12 | ||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||
Miscellaneous income: |
||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 1 | ||||||
Other |
1 | 1 | - | |||||||||
Total miscellaneous income |
$ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | ||||||
Miscellaneous expense: |
||||||||||||
Other |
$ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | ||||||
Total miscellaneous expense |
$ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
NOTE 7 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We use derivatives principally to manage the risk of changes in market prices for natural gas, coal, diesel, electricity, uranium, and emission allowances. Such price fluctuations may cause the following:
|
an unrealized appreciation or depreciation of our contracted commitments to purchase or sell when purchase or sale prices under the commitments are compared with current commodity prices; |
|
market values of coal, natural gas, and uranium inventories or emission allowances that differ from the cost of those commodities in inventory; and |
|
actual cash outlays for the purchase of these commodities that differ from anticipated cash outlays. |
The derivatives that we use to hedge these risks are governed by our risk management policies for forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps. Our net positions are continually assessed within our structured hedging programs to determine whether new or offsetting
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transactions are required. The goal of the hedging program is generally to mitigate financial risks while ensuring that sufficient volumes are available to meet our requirements.
Contracts we enter into as part of our risk management program may be settled financially, settled by physical delivery, or net settled with the counterparty.
The following table presents open gross derivative volumes by commodity type as of December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Quantity (in millions, except as indicated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity |
NPNS
Contracts (a) |
Cash Flow
Hedges (b) |
Other
Derivatives (c) |
Derivatives That Qualify for
Regulatory Deferral (d) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coal (in tons) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (e) |
73 | 77 | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
UE |
46 | 43 | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
21 | 26 | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil (in gallons) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (e) |
(f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 55 | 94 | 80 | 117 | ||||||||||||||||||||
UE |
(f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 80 | 117 | ||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
(f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 43 | 73 | (f | ) | (f | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas (in mmbtu) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (e) |
98 | 165 | (f | ) | (f | ) | 21 | 28 | 194 | 136 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
UE |
13 | 22 | (f | ) | (f | ) | 2 | 5 | 21 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
85 | 143 | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 173 | 115 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
(f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 3 | 7 | (f | ) | (f | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Power (in megawatthours) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (e) |
63 | 76 | 2 | 32 | 61 | 22 | 18 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
UE |
2 | 4 | (f | ) | (f | ) | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
(f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 26 | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
(f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 3 | 3 | (f | ) | (f | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Uranium (pounds in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren |
5,810 | 5,657 | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 185 | 250 | ||||||||||||||||||||
UE |
5,810 | 5,657 | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | (f | ) | 185 | 250 |
(a) | Contracts through December 2014, March 2015, September 2035, and October 2024 for coal, natural gas, power, and uranium, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. |
(b) | Contracts through May 2014 for power as of December 31, 2010. |
(c) | Contracts through December 2013, April 2012, and March 2014 for heating oil, natural gas, and power, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. |
(d) | Contracts through December 2013, March 2016, May 2013 and November 2011 for heating oil, natural gas, power, and uranium, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. |
(e) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
(f) | Not applicable. |
Authoritative accounting guidance regarding derivative instruments requires that all contracts considered to be derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values, unless the NPNS exception applies. See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements for discussion of our methods of assessing the fair value of derivative instruments. Many of our physical contracts, such as our coal and purchased power contracts, qualify for the NPNS exception to derivative accounting rules. The revenue or expense recorded in connection with NPNS contracts is recognized at the contract price upon physical delivery.
If we determine that a contract meets the definition of a derivative and is not eligible for the NPNS exception, we review the contract to determine if it qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. We also consider whether gains or losses resulting from such derivatives qualify for regulatory deferral. Contracts that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value charged or credited to accumulated OCI in the period in which the change occurs, to the extent
the hedge is effective. To the extent the hedge is ineffective, the related changes in fair value are charged or credited to the statement of income in the period in which the change occurs. When the contract is settled or delivered, the net gain or loss is recorded in the statement of income.
Derivative contracts that qualify for regulatory deferral are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities in the period in which the change occurs. Regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities are amortized to the statement of income as related losses and gains are reflected in rates charged to customers.
Certain derivative contracts are entered into on a regular basis as part of our risk management program but do not qualify for the NPNS exception, hedge accounting, or regulatory deferral accounting. Such contracts are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value charged or credited to the statement of income in the period in which the change occurs.
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Authoritative accounting guidance permits companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a liability) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments that are executed with
the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. The Ameren Companies did not elect to adopt this guidance for any eligible financial instruments or other items.
The following table presents the carrying value and balance sheet location of all derivative instruments as of December 31, 2010, and 2009:
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(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Balance sheet line item not applicable to registrant. |
The following table presents the cumulative amount of pretax net gains (losses) on all derivative instruments in accumulated OCI and regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Cumulative gains (losses) deferred in accumulated OCI: |
||||||||||||||||
Power derivative contracts (b) |
$ | 8 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Interest rate derivative contracts (c)(d) |
(9 | ) | - | - | (9 | ) | ||||||||||
Cumulative gains (losses) deferred in regulatory liabilities or assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Heating oil derivative contracts (e) |
19 | 19 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Natural gas derivative contracts (f) |
(165 | ) | (24 | ) | (141 | ) | - | |||||||||
Power derivative contracts (g) |
1 | 3 | (352 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Uranium derivative contracts (h) |
2 | 2 | - | - | ||||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Cumulative gains (losses) deferred in accumulated OCI: |
||||||||||||||||
Power derivative contracts (b) |
$ | 24 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Interest rate derivative contracts (c)(d) |
(10 | ) | - | - | (10 | ) | ||||||||||
Cumulative gains (losses) deferred in regulatory liabilities or assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Heating oil derivative contracts (e) |
5 | 5 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Natural gas derivative contracts (f) |
(74 | ) | (13 | ) | (61 | ) | - | |||||||||
Power derivative contracts (g) |
(11 | ) | (1 | ) | (422 | ) | - | |||||||||
Uranium derivative contracts (h) |
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | - | - |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Represents net gains associated with power derivative contracts at Ameren. These contracts are a partial hedge of electricity price exposure through May 2014 as of December 31, 2010. Current gains of $8 million and $22 million were recorded at Ameren as of December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively. |
(c) | Includes net gains associated with interest rate swaps at Genco that were a partial hedge of the interest rate on debt issued in June 2002. The swaps cover the first 10 years of debt that has a 30-year maturity, and the gain in OCI is amortized over a 10-year period that began in June 2002. The carrying value at December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, was less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively. The balance of the gain will be amortized by June 2012. |
128
(d) | Includes net losses associated with interest rate swaps at Genco. The swaps were executed during the fourth quarter of 2007 as a partial hedge of interest rate risks associated with Gencos April 2008 debt issuance. The loss on the interest rate swaps is being amortized over a 10-year period that began in April 2008. The carrying value at December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, was a loss of $10 million and a loss of $11 million, respectively. Over the next 12 months, $1.4 million of the loss will be amortized. |
(e) | Represents net gains on heating oil derivative contracts at UE. These contracts are a partial hedge of UEs transportation costs for coal through December 2013 as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $13 million at UE as of December 31, 2010. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $6 million at UE as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $5 million at UE as of December 31, 2009. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $9 million at UE as of December 31, 2009. |
(f) | Represents net losses associated with natural gas derivative contracts. These contracts are a partial hedge of natural gas requirements through March 2016 at Ameren and AIC and through October 2015 at UE, in each case as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $1 million and $1 million at Ameren and UE, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $84 million, $11 million, and $73 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $4 million, $1 million, and $3 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $40 million, $8 million, and $32 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. |
(g) | Represents net losses associated with power derivative contracts. These contracts are a partial hedge of power price requirements through May 2013 at Ameren and AIC and through December 2012 at UE, in each case as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $8 million, $6 million, and $2 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $13 million, $3 million, and $181 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $5 million and $5 million at Ameren and UE, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $12 million, $6 million, and $133 million at Ameren, UE and AIC, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. |
(h) | Represents net losses on uranium derivative contracts at UE. These contracts are a partial hedge of our uranium requirements through November 2011 as of December 31, 2010. Current gains deferred as regulatory liabilities include $2 million at UE as of December 31, 2010. Current losses deferred as regulatory assets include $1 million at UE as of December 31, 2009. |
Derivative instruments are subject to various credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the transaction. Exchange-traded contracts are supported by the financial and credit quality of the clearing members of the respective exchanges and have nominal credit risk. In all other transactions, we are exposed to credit risk. Our credit risk management program involves establishing credit limits and collateral requirements for counterparties, using master trading and netting agreements, and reporting daily exposure to senior management.
We believe that entering into master trading and netting agreements mitigates the level of financial loss that could result from default by allowing net settlement of derivative assets and liabilities. We generally enter into the following master trading and netting agreements: (1) the International Swaps and Derivatives Association Agreement, a standardized financial natural gas and electric contract; (2) the Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement, created by the Edison Electric Institute and the National Energy Marketers Association, a standardized contract for the purchase and sale of wholesale power; and (3) the North American Energy Standards Board Inc. agreement, a standardized contract for the purchase and sale of natural gas. These master trading and netting agreements allow the counterparties to net settle sale and purchase transactions. Further, collateral requirements are calculated at a master trading and netting agreement level by counterparty.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
In determining our concentrations of credit risk related to derivative instruments, we review our individual counterparties and categorize each counterparty into one of eight groupings according to the primary business in which each engages. The following table presents the maximum exposure, as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, if counterparty groups were to completely fail to perform on contracts by grouping. The maximum exposure is based on the gross fair value of financial instruments, including NPNS contracts, which excludes collateral held, and does not consider the legally binding right to net transactions based on master trading and netting agreements.
Affiliates (a) |
Coal Producers |
Commodity Marketing Companies |
Electric Utilities |
Financial Companies |
Municipalities/ Cooperatives |
Oil and Gas
Companies |
Retail Companies |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (b) |
$ | 410 | $ | 30 | $ | 16 | $ | 22 | $ | 72 | $ | 550 | $ | 10 | $ | 72 | $ | 1,182 | ||||||||||||||||||
UE |
- | 21 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 1 | - | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
- | - | 3 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
- | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | 6 | - | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (b) |
$ | 517 | $ | 9 | $ | 16 | $ | 23 | $ | 123 | $ | 165 | $ | 11 | $ | 63 | $ | 927 | ||||||||||||||||||
UE |
- | 5 | 2 | 7 | 30 | 22 | - | - | 66 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
- | - | - | - | 6 | - | 1 | - | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
- | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | - | 6 | - | 14 |
129
(a) | Primarily comprised of Marketing Companys exposure to AIC related to financial contracts. The exposure is not eliminated at the consolidated Ameren level for purposes of this disclosure, as it is calculated without regard to the offsetting affiliate counterpartys liability position. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions in the Form 10-K for additional information on these financial contracts. |
(b) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
The following table presents the amount of cash collateral held from counterparties, as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, based on the contractual rights under the agreements to seek collateral and the maximum exposure as calculated under the individual master trading and netting agreements:
Affiliates |
Coal Producers |
Commodity Marketing Companies |
Electric Utilities |
Financial Companies |
Municipalities/ Cooperatives |
Oil and Gas
Companies |
Retail Companies |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren ( a ) |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 3 | $ | - | $ | 7 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 10 |
(a) | Represents amounts held by Marketing Company used to reduced exposure. As of December 31, 2010, and 2009. Ameren registrant subsidiaries held no cash collateral used to reduce the exposure after consideration of master trading and netting agreements. |
The potential loss on counterparty exposures is reduced by the application of master trading and netting agreements and collateral held to the extent of reducing the exposure to zero. Collateral includes both cash collateral and other collateral held. As of December 31, 2010, other collateral used to reduce exposure consisted of letters of credit in the amount of $28 million and $1 million held by Ameren and AIC, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, other collateral used to reduce exposure consisted of letters of credit in the amount of $32 million, $1 million, and $1 million held by Ameren, UE and Genco, respectively. The following table presents the potential loss after consideration of the application of master trading and netting agreements and collateral held as of December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Affiliates (a) |
Coal Producers |
Commodity
Companies |
Electric Utilities |
Financial Companies |
Municipalities/ Cooperatives |
Oil and Gas
Companies |
Retail Companies |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (b) |
$ | 404 | $ | 10 | $ | 11 | $ | 9 | $ | 59 | $ | 523 | $ | 7 | $ | 71 | $ | 1,094 | ||||||||||||||||||
UE |
- | 8 | - | 1 | 2 | 10 | - | - | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
- | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
- | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 5 | - | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (b) |
$ | 515 | $ | - | $ | 3 | $ | 11 | $ | 93 | $ | 132 | $ | 10 | $ | 61 | $ | 825 | ||||||||||||||||||
UE |
- | - | 1 | 5 | 26 | 21 | - | - | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
- | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
- | - | - | 2 | - | - | 5 | - | 7 |
(a) | Primarily made up of Marketing Companys exposure to AIC related to financial contracts. The exposure is not eliminated at the consolidated Ameren level for purposes of this disclosure, as it is calculated without regard to the offsetting affiliate counterpartys liability position. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions in the Form 10-K for additional information on these financial contracts. |
(b) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
130
Derivative Instruments with Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features
Our commodity contracts contain collateral provisions tied to the Ameren Companies credit ratings. If we were to experience an adverse change in our credit ratings, or if a counterparty with reasonable grounds for uncertainty regarding performance of an obligation requested adequate assurance of performance, additional collateral postings might be required. The following table presents, as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features in a gross liability position, the cash collateral posted, and the aggregate amount of additional collateral that could be required to be posted with counterparties. The additional collateral required is the net liability position allowed under the master trading and netting agreements assuming (1) the credit risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on December 31, 2010 or 2009, respectively, and (2) those counterparties with rights to do so requested collateral:
Aggregate Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities (a) |
Cash Collateral Posted |
Potential Aggregate Amount of
Additional Collateral Required (b) |
||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||
Ameren (c) |
$ | 431 | $ | 134 | $ | 274 | ||||||
UE |
105 | 7 | 93 | |||||||||
AIC |
233 | 109 | 111 | |||||||||
Genco |
31 | - | 28 | |||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||
Ameren (c) |
$ | 500 | $ | 61 | $ | 367 | ||||||
UE |
151 | 8 | 129 | |||||||||
AIC |
148 | 14 | 107 | |||||||||
Genco |
60 | - | 48 |
(a) | Prior to consideration of master trading and netting agreements and including NPNS contract exposures. |
(b) | As collateral requirements with certain counterparties are based on master trading and netting agreements, the aggregate amount of additional collateral required to be posted is after consideration of the effects of such agreements. |
(c) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
Cash Flow Hedges
The following table presents the pretax net gain or loss for the year ended December 31, 2010, and 2009, associated with derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship |
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (a) |
Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (b) |
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (b) |
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivatives (c) |
Gain
(Loss)
in Income on Derivatives (c) |
|||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Ameren: (d) |
||||||||||||||||
Power |
$ | (2 | ) | Operating Revenues - Electric | $ | (14 | ) | Operating Revenues - Electric | $ | (3 | ) | |||||
Interest rate (e) |
- | Interest Charges | (f | ) | Interest Charges | - | ||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest rate (e) |
- | Interest Charges | (f | ) | Interest Charges | - | ||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Ameren: (d) |
||||||||||||||||
Power |
$ | 41 | Operating Revenues - Electric | $ | (101 | ) | Operating Revenues - Electric | $ | (16 | ) | ||||||
Interest rate (e) |
- | Interest Charges | (f | ) | Interest Charges | - | ||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||
Power |
(21 | ) | Operating Revenues - Electric | (19 | ) | Operating Revenues - Electric | 2 | |||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest rate (e) |
- | Interest Charges | (f | ) | Interest Charges | - |
(a) | Effective portion of gain (loss). |
(b) | Effective portion of (gain) loss on settlements. |
(c) | Ineffective portion of gain (loss) and amount excluded from effectiveness testing. |
(d) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
(e) | Represents interest rate swaps settled in prior periods. The cumulative gain and loss on the interest rate swaps is being amortized into income over a 10-year period. |
(f) | Less than $1 million. |
131
Other Derivatives
The following table represents the net change in market value associated with derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments |
Location of Gain (Loss)
Derivatives |
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives |
||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
Heating oil | Operating Expenses - Fuel | $ | 9 | $ | 52 | ||||||
Natural gas (generation) |
Operating Expenses - Fuel | - | 5 | |||||||||
Natural gas (resale) |
Operating Revenues - Gas | - | 6 | |||||||||
Power |
Operating Revenues - Electric | 9 | (25 | ) | ||||||||
SO 2 emission allowances | Operating Expenses - Fuel | - | 1 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 18 | $ | 39 | ||||||||
UE |
Heating oil | Operating Expenses - Fuel | $ | - | $ | 25 | ||||||
Natural gas (generation) | Operating Expenses - Fuel | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 1 | $ | 27 | ||||||||
AIC |
Natural gas (resale) | Operating Revenues - Gas | $ | - | $ | 6 | ||||||
Genco |
Heating oil | Operating Expenses - Fuel | $ | 7 | $ | 25 | ||||||
Natural gas (generation) |
Operating Expenses - Fuel | - | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Power |
Operating Revenues | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
SO 2 emission allowances | Operating Expenses - Fuel | - | 1 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 8 | $ | 27 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
Derivatives Subject to Regulatory Deferral
The following table represents the net change in market value associated with derivatives that qualify for regulatory deferral for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Derivatives that Qualify for
Regulatory Deferral |
Net Change in Market Value | |||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Ameren (a) |
Heating oil | $ | 14 | $ | 5 | |||||
Natural gas | (91 | ) | 41 | |||||||
Power | 12 | (8 | ) | |||||||
Uranium | 4 | (2 | ) | |||||||
Total | $ | (61 | ) | $ | 36 | |||||
UE |
Heating oil | $ | 14 | $ | 5 | |||||
Natural gas | (11 | ) | 3 | |||||||
Power | 4 | (1 | ) | |||||||
Uranium | 4 | (2 | ) | |||||||
Total | $ | 11 | $ | 5 | ||||||
AIC |
Natural gas | $ | (80 | ) | $ | 38 | ||||
Power | 70 | (249 | ) | |||||||
Total | $ | (10 | ) | $ | (211 | ) |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
UE and AIC believe derivative gains and losses deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are probable of recovery or refund through future rates charged to customers. Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are amortized to operating expenses as related losses and gains are reflected in revenue through rates charged to customers. Therefore, gains and losses on these derivatives have no effect on operating income.
As part of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement and the Illinois RFP power procurement processes, AIC entered into financial contracts with Marketing Company. These financial contracts are derivative instruments. They are accounted for as cash flow hedges by Marketing Company and as derivatives that qualify for regulatory deferral by AIC. Consequently, AIC and Marketing Company record the fair value of the contracts on their respective balance sheets and the changes to the fair value in regulatory assets or liabilities by AIC and OCI by Marketing Company. In Amerens consolidated financial statements, all financial statement effects of the derivative instruments entered into among affiliates were eliminated. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions under Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on these financial contracts. The following table presents the fair value of the swaps included on AICs balance sheet at December 31, 2010, and 2009:
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
AIC |
MTM derivative liabilities - affiliates | $ | 172 | $ | 127 | |||||
Other deferred credits and liabilities | 178 | 286 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 350 | $ | 413 |
132
NOTE 8 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We use various methods to determine fair value, including market, income, and cost approaches. With these approaches, we adopt certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about market risk or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. Inputs to valuation can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or unobservable. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Authoritative accounting guidance established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. All financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three hierarchy levels:
Level 1 : Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities are primarily exchange-traded derivatives and assets, including U.S. treasury securities and listed equity securities, such as those held in UEs Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund.
Level 2 : Market-based inputs corroborated by third-party brokers or exchanges based on transacted market data. Level 2 assets and liabilities include certain assets held in UEs Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund, including corporate bonds and other fixed-income securities, and certain over-the-counter derivative instruments, including natural gas swaps and financial power transactions. Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 are valued using corroborated observable inputs, such as pricing services or prices from similar instruments that trade in liquid markets. Our development and corroboration process entails obtaining multiple quotes or prices from outside sources. To derive our forward view to price our derivative instruments at fair value, we average the midpoints of the bid/ask spreads. To validate forward prices obtained from outside parties, we compare the pricing to recently settled market transactions. Additionally, a review of all sources is performed to identify any anomalies or potential errors. Further, we consider the volume of transactions on certain trading platforms in our reasonableness assessment of the averaged midpoint.
Level 3 : Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued based on internally developed models and assumptions or methodologies that use significant unobservable inputs. Level 3 assets and liabilities include derivative instruments that trade in less liquid markets, where pricing is largely unobservable, including the financial contracts entered into between the AIC and Marketing Company. We value Level 3 instruments by using pricing models with inputs that are often unobservable in the market, as well as certain internal assumptions. Our development and corroboration process entails obtaining multiple quotes or prices from outside
sources. As a part of our reasonableness review, an evaluation of all sources is performed to identify any anomalies or potential errors.
We perform an analysis each quarter to determine the appropriate hierarchy level of the assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. All assets and liabilities whose fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3.
In accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance, we consider nonperformance risk in our valuation of derivative instruments by analyzing the credit standing of our counterparties and considering any counterparty credit enhancements (e.g., collateral). The guidance also requires that the fair value measurement of liabilities reflect the nonperformance risk of the reporting entity, as applicable. Therefore, we have factored the impact of our credit standing as well as any potential credit enhancements into the fair value measurement of both derivative assets and derivative liabilities. Included in our valuation, and based on current market conditions, is a valuation adjustment for counterparty default derived from market data such as the price of credit default swaps, bond yields, and credit ratings. Ameren recorded net gains of less than $1 million, net losses of less than $1 million, and net losses of $5 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to valuation adjustments for counterparty default risk. Genco recorded net gains of less than $1 million and less than $1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, and recorded no net gains in 2008, related to valuation adjustments for counterparty default risk. At December 31, 2010, the counterparty default risk valuation adjustment related to derivative contracts totaled $2 million, less than $1 million, $21 million, and less than $1 million for Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the counterparty default risk valuation adjustment related to derivative contracts totaled $3 million, less than $1 million, $24 million, and less than $1 million for Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco, respectively.
133
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010:
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
or Liabilities (Level 1) |
Significant Other
(Level 2) |
Significant Other
Unobservable
(Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 64 | $ | 64 | ||||||||||
Natural gas |
3 | - | 2 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 17 | 86 | 103 | ||||||||||||||
Uranium |
- | - | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (c) : | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
228 | - | - | 228 | ||||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 40 | - | 40 | ||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities |
- | 50 | - | 50 | ||||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 14 | - | 14 | ||||||||||||||
Other |
- | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
UE |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 37 | 37 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
- | - | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 3 | 5 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Uranium |
- | - | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (c) : | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
228 | - | - | 228 | ||||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 40 | - | 40 | ||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities |
- | 50 | - | 50 | ||||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 14 | - | 14 | ||||||||||||||
Other |
- | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
AIC |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
- | - | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Genco |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 21 | 21 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 11 | 11 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 13 | $ | 13 | ||||||||||
Natural gas |
21 | - | 150 | 171 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 19 | 50 | 69 | ||||||||||||||
UE |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
9 | - | 15 | 24 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 3 | 3 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
AIC |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
7 | - | 136 | 143 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 360 | 360 | ||||||||||||||
Genco |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
2 | - | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 8 | 8 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | The derivative asset and liability balances are presented net of counterparty credit considerations. |
(c) | Balance excludes $1 million of receivables, payables, and accrued income, net. |
134
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
or Liabilities (Level 1) |
Significant Other
(Level 2) |
Significant
Unobservable
(Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 80 | $ | 80 | ||||||||||
Natural gas |
13 | - | 10 | 23 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 3 | 74 | 77 | ||||||||||||||
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (c) : | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
195 | - | - | 195 | ||||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 40 | - | 40 | ||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities (d) |
- | 49 | - | 49 | ||||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 5 | - | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Other |
- | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||
UE |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 44 | 44 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
1 | - | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 2 | 5 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (c) : | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
195 | - | - | 195 | ||||||||||||||
Debt securities: | ||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 40 | - | 40 | ||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities (d) |
- | 49 | - | 49 | ||||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 5 | - | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Other |
- | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||
AIC |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
- | - | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
Genco |
Derivative assets - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 28 | 28 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 20 | $ | 20 | ||||||||||
Natural gas |
22 | - | 77 | 99 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
4 | 2 | 36 | 42 | ||||||||||||||
Uranium |
- | - | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
UE |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
8 | - | 8 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | 2 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Uranium |
- | - | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
AIC |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
2 | - | 66 | 68 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 422 | 422 | ||||||||||||||
Genco |
Derivative liabilities - commodity contracts (b) : | |||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Power |
- | - | 7 | 7 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | The derivative asset and liability balances are presented net of counterparty credit considerations. |
(c) | Balance excludes $1 million of receivables, payables, and accrued income, net. |
(d) | For the year ended December 31, 2009, $37 million of previously classified Level 1 assets within the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund were recategorized to Level 2. |
135
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the year ended December 31, 2010:
Beginning
Balance at January 1, 2010 |
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) |
Total Realized and
Unrealized
(Losses) |
Purchases,
Issuances,
|
Net Transfers
into/out of Level 3 |
Ending
Balance at
|
Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
Related
to
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in Earnings (a) |
Included in OCI |
Included in
Regulatory Assets/ Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net derivative commodity contracts: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
$ | 60 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 8 | $ | 9 | $ | (18 | ) | $ | - | $ | 51 | $ | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
(67 | ) | - | - | (172 | ) | (172 | ) | 91 | - | (148 | ) | (92 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
38 | 34 | 8 | 15 | 57 | (25 | ) | (34 | ) | 36 | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uranium |
(2 | ) | - | - | 3 | 3 | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
32 | - | - | 9 | 9 | (11 | ) | - | 30 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
(6 | ) | - | - | (20 | ) | (20 | ) | 12 | - | (14 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
(1 | ) | - | - | 27 | 27 | (18 | ) | (6 | ) | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uranium |
(2 | ) | - | - | 3 | 3 | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
(60 | ) | - | - | (152 | ) | (152 | ) | 78 | - | (134 | ) | (82 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
(422 | ) | - | - | (107 | ) | (107 | ) | 177 | - | (352 | ) | (89 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
21 | 3 | - | - | 3 | (7 | ) | - | 17 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
- | 1 | - | - | 1 | (1 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
1 | 3 | - | - | 3 | (1 | ) | - | 3 | - |
(a) | See Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information on the recording of net gains and losses on derivatives to the statement of income. |
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the year ended December 31, 2009:
Beginning
|
Realized and Unrealized Gains
(Losses) |
Total Realized and
Unrealized
(Losses) |
Purchases,
|
Net
Transfers
|
Ending
Balance at
|
Change
in
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included
in
Earnings (a) |
Included in
OCI |
Included in
Regulatory Assets/ Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other current assets: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mutual fund |
$ | 6 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (6 | ) (b) | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Net derivative commodity contracts: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
$ | 6 | $ | 21 | $ | - | $ | 28 | $ | 49 | $ | 5 | $ | - | $ | 60 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
(122 | ) | (21 | ) | 12 | (93 | ) | (102 | ) | 157 | - | (67 | ) | (18 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
134 | 75 | 71 | (46 | ) | 100 | (127 | ) | (69 | ) | 38 | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SO 2 |
(1 | ) | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uranium |
- | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | - | (2 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
UE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | - | - | 28 | 28 | 4 | - | 32 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
(20 | ) | - | 12 | (23 | ) | (11 | ) | 25 | - | (6 | ) | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
27 | - | 20 | 7 | 27 | (34 | ) | (21 | ) | (1 | ) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uranium |
- | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | - | (2 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
AIC: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
(103 | ) | (20 | ) | - | (70 | ) | (90 | ) | 133 | - | (60 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
(170 | ) | - | - | (462 | ) | (462 | ) | 210 | - | (422 | ) | (306 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genco: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating oil |
- | 7 | - | - | 7 | 14 | - | 21 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
- | (1 | ) | - | - | (1 | ) | 1 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power |
- | (1 | ) | - | - | (1 | ) | 2 | - | 1 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SO 2 |
(1 | ) | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net derivative foreign currency contracts: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren | $ | (2 | ) | $ | - | $ | 5 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 2 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||
UE | (2 | ) | - | 5 | (3 | ) | 2 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mutual fund |
$ | 2 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (2 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||
UE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mutual fund |
2 | - | - | - | - | (2 | ) | - | - | - |
(a) | See Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information on the recording of net gains and losses on derivatives to the statement of income. |
(b) | Represents transfer out of Level 3. |
136
Transfers in or out of Level 3 represent either (1) existing assets and liabilities that were previously categorized as a higher level but were recategorized to Level 3 because the inputs to the model became unobservable during the period, or (2) existing assets and liabilities that were previously classified as Level 3 but were recategorized to a higher level because the lowest significant input became observable during the period. Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 were primarily caused by changes in availability of financial power trades observable on electronic exchanges from the previous reporting period for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009. Any reclassifications are reported as transfers out of Level 3 at the fair value measurement reported at the beginning of the period in which the changes occur. For the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to derivative commodity contracts. The following table summarizes all transfers between fair value hierarchy levels related to derivative commodity contracts for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009:
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Ameren derivative commodity contracts: (a) |
||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 / Transfers out of Level 1 |
$ | (1 | ) | $ | - | |||
Transfers into Level 3 / Transfers out of Level 2 |
(1 | ) | - | |||||
Transfers out of Level 3 / Transfers into Level 2 |
(32 | ) | (69 | ) | ||||
Net fair value of Level 3 transfers |
$ | (34 | ) | $ | (69 | ) | ||
UE derivative power commodity contracts: |
||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 / Transfers into Level 2 |
$ | (6 | ) | $ | (21 | ) |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
See Note 11 Retirement Benefits for the fair value hierarchy tables detailing Amerens pension and postretirement plan assets as of December 31, 2010, as well as a table summarizing the changes in Level 3 plan assets during 2010.
The Ameren Companies carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of long-term debt and preferred stock is based on the quoted market prices for same or similar issues for companies with similar credit profiles or on the current rates offered to the Ameren Companies for similar financial instruments.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt and preferred stock at December 31, 2010, and 2009:
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying
Amount |
Fair Value |
Carrying
Amount |
Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Ameren: (a)(b) |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) |
$ | 7,008 | $ | 7,661 | $ | 7,315 | $ | 7,717 | ||||||||
Preferred stock |
142 | 102 | 195 | 150 | ||||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) |
$ | 3,954 | $ | 4,281 | $ | 4,022 | $ | 4,152 | ||||||||
Preferred stock |
80 | 62 | 113 | 95 | ||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) |
$ | 1,807 | $ | 2,067 | $ | 1,847 | $ | 2,041 | ||||||||
Preferred stock |
62 | 40 | 115 | 82 | ||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) |
$ | 824 | $ | 826 | $ | 1,023 | $ | 1,046 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Preferred stock along with the 20% noncontrolling interest of EEI is recorded in Noncontrolling Interests on the balance sheet. |
NOTE 9 NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING TRUST FUND INVESTMENTS
UE has investments in debt and equity securities that are held in a trust fund for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of its Callaway nuclear plant. See Note 10 Callaway Nuclear Plant for additional information. We have classified these investments as available for sale, and we have recorded all such investments at their fair market value at December 31, 2010, and 2009.
Investments in the nuclear decommissioning trust fund have a target allocation of 60% to 70% in equity securities, with the balance invested in debt securities.
The following table presents proceeds from the sale of investments in UEs nuclear decommissioning trust fund and the gross realized gains and losses resulting from those sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Proceeds from sales |
$ | 256 | $ | 380 | $ | 497 | ||||||
Gross realized gains |
5 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||
Gross realized losses |
4 | 10 | 8 |
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses are deferred and recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory
137
liabilities on Amerens and UEs balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method used to account for the decommissioning costs recovered in rates. Gains or losses associated with assets in the trust fund could result
in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which are expected to be reflected in electric rates paid by UEs customers. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters.
The following table presents the costs and fair values of investments in debt and equity securities in UEs nuclear decommissioning trust fund at December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Security Type | Cost | Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Debt securities |
$ | 104 | $ | 4 | $ | 1 | $ | 107 | ||||||||
Equity securities |
141 | 95 | 8 | 228 | ||||||||||||
Cash |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Other (b) |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 247 | $ | 99 | $ | 9 | $ | 337 | ||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Debt securities |
$ | 95 | $ | 3 | $ | 1 | $ | 97 | ||||||||
Equity securities |
137 | 72 | 14 | 195 | ||||||||||||
Cash |
(a | ) | - | - | (a | ) | ||||||||||
Other (b) |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 233 | $ | 75 | $ | 15 | $ | 293 |
(a) | Amount less than $1 million. |
(b) | Represents payables relating to pending security purchases, net of receivables related to pending securities sales and interest receivables. |
The following table presents the costs and fair values of investments in debt securities in UEs nuclear decommissioning trust fund according to their contractual maturities at December 31, 2010:
Cost | Fair Value | |||||||
Less than 5 years |
$ | 41 | $ | 42 | ||||
5 years to 10 years |
36 | 38 | ||||||
Due after 10 years |
27 | 27 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 104 | $ | 107 |
We have unrealized losses relating to certain available-for-sale investments included in our decommissioning trust fund, recorded as regulatory assets as discussed above. Decommissioning will not occur until the operating license for our nuclear facility expires. UE intends to submit a license extension application to the NRC to extend the Callaway nuclear plants operating license to 2044. The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in UEs nuclear decommissioning trust fund. They are aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010:
Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Fair Value |
Gross
Losses |
Fair Value |
Gross
Losses |
|||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities |
$ | 37 | $ | 1 | $ | (a | ) | $ | (a | ) | $ | 37 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||
Equity securities |
7 | 1 | 17 | 7 | 24 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 44 | $ | 2 | $ | 17 | $ | 7 | $ | 61 | $ | 9 |
(a) | Amount less than $1 million. |
NOTE 10 CALLAWAY NUCLEAR PLANT
Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the DOE is responsible for the permanent storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE currently charges one mill, or one-tenth of one cent, per nuclear-generated kilowatthour sold for future disposal of spent fuel (the NWF fee). Pursuant to this act, UE collects one mill from its electric customers for each kilowatthour of electricity that it generates and sells from its Callaway nuclear plant. Electric utility rates charged to customers provide for recovery of
such costs. UE has sufficient installed storage capacity for spent nuclear fuel at its Callaway nuclear plant until 2020. It has the capability for additional storage capacity through the licensed life of the plant. In March 2010, the DOE submitted a motion to withdraw the Yucca Mountain Repository license application it filed with the NRC. In anticipation of this action, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) in July 2009 formally requested that DOE promptly perform the statutorily required annual fee adequacy review and
138
immediately suspend collection of the NWF fee. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act mandates that DOE compare the revenue generated by the NWF fee with the costs of the waste disposal program and adjust the size of the NWF fee to match the cost of the program. In the past, the cost of the program reviewed by DOE for NWF fee adequacy has been the cost of constructing and operating the Yucca Mountain Repository. The DOE declined to eliminate or reduce the NWF fee. As a result, NEI and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners filed petitions for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking suspension of the NWF fee due to the DOEs motion to withdraw the application. These lawsuits were consolidated, and in December 2010 the court dismissed the petitions for review as moot (with respect to asking DOE to conduct the annual fee adequacy review) and rejected the request to suspend the fee. The DOE has established the Blue Ribbon Commission on Americas Nuclear Future to conduct a comprehensive review of policies for managing certain components of the nuclear fuel cycle, including all alternatives for the storage, processing, and disposal of civilian and defense used nuclear fuel, high-level waste, and materials derived from nuclear activities. The Blue Ribbon Commission report will be only advisory and is expected to be submitted by 2012. The delayed availability of the DOEs disposal facility is not expected to adversely affect the continued operation of the Callaway nuclear plant through its currently licensed life.
In 1984, the DOE entered into a contract with UE to dispose of nuclear waste from its Callaway nuclear plant. As a result of DOEs failure to build a repository for nuclear waste or otherwise fulfill its contract obligations, UE and other nuclear power plant owners sued DOE to recover costs incurred for ongoing storage of their spent fuel. UE seeks to recover approximately $13 million in costs that it incurred through 2009. This amount includes the cost of reracking the Callaway nuclear plants spent fuel pool, as well as certain NRC fees, and Missouri ad valorem taxes that UE would not have incurred had DOE performed its contractual obligations. UE filed its claim in 2004, but its case was formally stayed by the United States Court of Federal Claims until 2010, pending developments in other cases that were more procedurally advanced. Discovery has been scheduled to be completed by July 28, 2011, and the trial is expected to be held in the fall of 2011 or the spring of 2012. In December 2010, UE and DOE began investigating settlement options. At this time, UE does not know nor can it predict the result of the ongoing settlement discussions between the parties.
UE intends to submit a license extension application with the NRC to extend its Callaway nuclear plants operating license from 2024 to 2044. If the Callaway nuclear plants license is extended, additional spent fuel storage will be required. UE is evaluating the installation of a dry spent fuel storage facility at its Callaway nuclear plant.
Electric utility rates charged to customers provide for the recovery of the Callaway nuclear plants decommissioning costs, which include decontamination, dismantling, and site restoration costs, over an assumed 40-year life of the plant, ending with the expiration of the plants operating license in 2024. It is assumed that the Callaway nuclear plant site will be decommissioned based on the immediate dismantlement method and removed from service. Ameren and UE have recorded an ARO for the Callaway nuclear plant decommissioning costs at fair value, which represents the present value of estimated future cash outflows. Decommissioning costs are included in the costs of service used to establish electric rates for UEs customers. These costs amounted to $7 million in each of the years 2010, 2009, and 2008. Every three years, the MoPSC requires UE to file an updated cost study for decommissioning its Callaway nuclear plant. Electric rates may be adjusted at such times to reflect changed estimates. The latest cost study filed in September 2008 included the minor tritium contamination discovered on the Callaway nuclear plant site, which did not result in a significant increase in the decommissioning cost estimate. Amounts collected from customers are deposited in an external trust fund to provide for the Callaway nuclear plants decommissioning. If the assumed return on trust assets is not earned, we believe that it is probable that any such earnings deficiency will be recovered in rates. The fair value of the nuclear decommissioning trust fund for UEs Callaway nuclear plant is reported as Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund in Amerens Consolidated Balance Sheet and UEs Balance Sheet. This amount is legally restricted and may be used only to fund the costs of nuclear decommissioning. Changes in the fair value of the trust fund are recorded as an increase or decrease to the nuclear decommissioning trust fund, with an offsetting adjustment to the related regulatory asset. See Note 9 Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund Investments for additional information.
NOTE 11 RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The primary objective of the Ameren retirement plan and postretirement benefit plans is to provide eligible employees with pension and postretirement health care and life insurance benefits. Ameren offers defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all of its employees. Ameren uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and postretirement benefit plans.
The following table presents the benefit liability recorded on the balance sheets of each of the Ameren Companies as of December 31, 2010:
Ameren (a) |
$ | 1,052 | ||
UE |
372 | |||
AIC |
414 | |||
Genco |
88 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
139
Ameren recognizes the underfunded status of its pension and postretirement plans as a liability on its balance sheet, with offsetting entries to accumulated OCI and regulatory assets, in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. The following table presents the funded status of our pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. It also provides the amounts included in regulatory assets and accumulated OCI at December 31, 2010 and 2009, that have not been recognized in net periodic benefit costs.
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits (a) |
Postretirement Benefits (a) |
Pension Benefits (a) |
Postretirement
Benefits (a) |
|||||||||||||
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year |
$ | 3,246 | $ | (b | ) | $ | 3,041 | $ | (b | ) | ||||||
Change in benefit obligation: |
||||||||||||||||
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year |
$ | 3,255 | $ | 1,143 | $ | 3,303 | $ | 1,182 | ||||||||
Service cost |
68 | 20 | 68 | 19 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost |
185 | 62 | 186 | 66 | ||||||||||||
Plan amendments (c) |
(40 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Participant contributions |
- | 17 | - | 17 | ||||||||||||
Actuarial (gain) loss |
165 | (53 | ) | (133 | ) | (74 | ) | |||||||||
Benefits paid |
(182 | ) | (74 | ) | (169 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||||||
Federal subsidy on benefits paid |
(b | ) | 5 | (b | ) | 5 | ||||||||||
Net benefit obligation at end of year |
3,451 | 1,120 | 3,255 | 1,143 | ||||||||||||
Change in plan assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
2,495 | 732 | 2,393 | 593 | ||||||||||||
Actual return on plan assets |
328 | 81 | 172 | 140 | ||||||||||||
Employer contributions |
81 | 36 | 99 | 49 | ||||||||||||
Federal subsidy on benefits paid |
(b | ) | 5 | (b | ) | 5 | ||||||||||
Participant contributions |
- | 17 | - | 17 | ||||||||||||
Benefits paid |
(182 | ) | (74 | ) | (169 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
2,722 | 797 | 2,495 | 732 | ||||||||||||
Funded status deficiency |
729 | 323 | 760 | 411 | ||||||||||||
Accrued benefit cost at December 31 |
$ | 729 | $ | 323 | $ | 760 | $ | 411 | ||||||||
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of: |
||||||||||||||||
Current liability |
$ | 4 | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | ||||||||
Noncurrent liability |
725 | 320 | 757 | 408 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 729 | $ | 323 | $ | 760 | $ | 411 | ||||||||
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of: |
||||||||||||||||
Net actuarial loss |
$ | 507 | $ | 86 | $ | 487 | $ | 167 | ||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) |
(11 | ) | (32 | ) | 33 | (37 | ) | |||||||||
Transition obligation |
- | 5 | - | 9 | ||||||||||||
Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI consist of: |
||||||||||||||||
Net actuarial loss |
24 | 13 | 28 | 25 | ||||||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) |
4 | (10 | ) | 8 | (13 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 524 | $ | 62 | $ | 556 | $ | 151 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
(b) | Not applicable. |
(c) | In July 2010, Amerens pension plan was amended to adjust the calculation of the future benefit obligation of approximately 700 management employees from a traditional, final pay formula to a cash balance formula. |
The following table presents the assumptions used to determine our benefit obligations at December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Discount rate at measurement date |
5.25 | % | 5.75 | % | 5.25 | % | 5.75 | % | ||||||||
Increase in future compensation |
3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 | ||||||||||||
Medical cost trend rate (initial) |
- | - | 6.00 | 6.50 | ||||||||||||
Medical cost trend rate (ultimate) |
- | - | 5.00 | 5.00 | ||||||||||||
Years to ultimate rate |
- | - | 2 years | 3 years |
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Ameren determines discount rate assumptions by using an interest rate yield curve pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance on the determination of discount rates used for defined benefit plan obligations. The yield curve is based on the yields of more than 500 high-quality corporate bonds with maturities between zero and 30 years. A theoretical spot-rate curve constructed from this yield curve is then used as a guide to develop a discount rate matching the plans payout structure.
Funding
Pension benefits are based on the employees years of service and compensation. Amerens pension plan is funded in compliance with income tax regulations and federal funding or regulatory requirements. As a result, Ameren expects to fund its pension plan at a level equal to the greater of the pension expense or the legally required minimum contribution. Considering Amerens assumptions at December 31, 2010, its investment performance in 2010, and its pension funding policy, Ameren expects to make annual contributions of $75 million to $110 million in each of the next five years, with aggregate estimated contributions of $470 million. We expect UEs, AICs and Gencos portion of the future funding requirements to be 63%, 28%, and 9%, respectively. These amounts are estimates. They may change based on actual investment performance, changes in interest rates, changes in our assumptions, any pertinent changes in government regulations, and any voluntary contributions. Our funding policy for postretirement benefits is primarily to fund the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trusts to match the annual postretirement expense.
The following table presents the cash contributions made to our defined benefit retirement plan and to our postretirement plans during 2010 and 2009:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 81 | $ | 99 | $ | 36 | $ | 49 | ||||||||
UE |
36 | 42 | 11 | 13 | ||||||||||||
AIC |
23 | 25 | 20 | 28 | ||||||||||||
Genco |
4 | 10 | - | - |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
Investment Strategy and Policies
Ameren manages plan assets in accordance with the prudent investor guidelines contained in ERISA. The investment committee, to the extent authority is delegated to it by the finance committee of Amerens board of directors, implements investment strategy and asset allocation guidelines for the plan assets. The investment committee is composed of members of senior management. The investment committees goals are twofold: first, to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide the benefits at the time they are payable, and second, to maximize total return on plan assets and minimize expense volatility consistent with its tolerance for risk. Ameren delegates investment management to specialists in each asset class. As appropriate, Ameren provides the investment manager with guidelines that specify allowable and prohibited investment types. The investment committee regularly monitors manager performance and compliance with investment guidelines.
The expected return on plan assets assumption is based on historical and projected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the investment portfolio. Projected rates of return for each asset class were estimated after an analysis of historical experience, future expectations, and the volatility of the various asset classes. After considering the target asset allocation for each asset class, we adjusted the overall expected rate of return for the portfolio for historical and expected experience of active portfolio management results compared with benchmark returns and for the effect of expenses paid from plan assets. Ameren will utilize an expected return on plan assets for its pension plan assets and postretirement plan assets of 8% and 7.75%, respectively, in 2011. No plan assets are expected to be returned to Ameren during 2011.
141
Amerens investment committee strives to assemble a portfolio of diversified assets that does not create a significant concentration of risks. The investment committee develops asset allocation guidelines between asset classes, and it creates diversification through investments in assets that differ by type (equity, debt, real estate, private equity), duration, market capitalization, country, style (growth or value) and industry, among other factors. The diversification of assets is displayed in the target allocation table below. The investment committee also routinely rebalances the plan assets to adhere to the diversification goals. The investment committees strategy reduces the concentration of investment risk; however, Ameren is still subject to overall market risk. The following table presents our target allocations for 2011 and our pension and postretirement plans asset categories as of December 31, 2010, and 2009.
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, | ||||||||||||
Asset Category |
Target Allocation 2011 |
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Pension Plan: |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
0 - 5 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
29 - 39 | 31 | 32 | |||||||||
U.S. small and mid-capitalization |
2 - 12 | 11 | 10 | |||||||||
International and emerging markets |
9 - 19 | 15 | 15 | |||||||||
Total equity |
50 - 60 | 57 | 57 | |||||||||
Debt securities |
35 - 45 | 37 | 37 | |||||||||
Real estate |
0 - 9 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
Private equity |
0 - 4 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||
Postretirement Plans: |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
0 - 10 | % | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
33 - 43 | 39 | 39 | |||||||||
U.S. small and mid-capitalization |
3 - 13 | 10 | 10 | |||||||||
International |
10 - 20 | 14 | 12 | |||||||||
Total equity |
55 - 65 | 63 | 61 | |||||||||
Debt securities |
30 - 40 | 33 | 35 | |||||||||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % |
In general, the U.S. large capitalization equity investments are passively managed or indexed, whereas the international, emerging markets, U.S. small capitalization, and U.S. mid capitalization equity investments are actively managed by investment managers. Debt securities include a broad range of fixed income vehicles. Debt security investments in high-yield securities, emerging market securities, and non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities are owned by the plans, but in limited quantities to reduce risk. Most of the debt security investments are under active management by investment managers. Real estate investments include private real estate vehicles; however, Ameren does not, by policy, hold direct investments in real estate property. Amerens investment in private equity funds consists of 10 different limited partnerships, with invested capital ranging from $200,000 to $10 million individually, which invest primarily in a diversified number of small U.S.-based companies. No further commitments may be made to private equity investments without approval by the finance committee of the board of directors. Additionally, Amerens investment committee allows investment managers to use derivatives, such as index futures, exchange traded funds, foreign exchange futures, and options, in certain situations, to increase or to reduce market exposure in an efficient and timely manner.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
Investments in the pension and postretirement benefit plans were stated at fair value as of December 31, 2010. The fair value of an asset is the amount that would be received upon sale in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Cash and cash equivalents have initial maturities of three months or less and are recorded at cost plus accrued interest. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments traded in active markets on national or international securities exchanges are valued at closing prices on the last business day on or before the measurement date. Securities traded in over-the-counter markets are valued based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Derivative contracts are valued at fair value, as determined by the investment managers (or independent third parties on behalf of the investment managers), who use proprietary models and take into consideration exchange quotations on underlying instruments, dealer quotations, and other market information. The fair value of real estate is based on annual appraisal reports prepared by an independent real estate appraiser.
142
The following table sets forth, utilizing the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, the pension plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2010:
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identified Assets (Level 1) |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Other
Unobservable
(Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | - | $ | 20 | $ | - | $ | 20 | ||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
70 | 812 | - | 882 | ||||||||||||
U.S. small and mid-capitalization |
299 | 10 | - | 309 | ||||||||||||
International and emerging markets |
129 | 284 | - | 413 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 646 | - | 646 | ||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 129 | - | 129 | ||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities |
- | 154 | - | 154 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Other |
- | 100 | - | 100 | ||||||||||||
Real estate |
- | - | 98 | 98 | ||||||||||||
Private equity |
- | - | 28 | 28 | ||||||||||||
Derivative assets |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
(1 | ) | - | - | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 498 | $ | 2,155 | $ | 126 | $ | 2,779 | (a)(b) |
(a) | Includes $85 million of medical benefit (health and welfare) component for accounts maintained in accordance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code (401(h) accounts) to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation. |
(b) | Excludes $28 million of receivables related to pending security sales, offset by payables related to pending security purchases. |
The following table sets forth, utilizing the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, the pension plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2009:
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identified Assets (Level 1) |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Other
Unobservable
(Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1 | $ | 35 | $ | - | $ | 36 | ||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
270 | 556 | - | 826 | ||||||||||||
U.S. small and mid-capitalization |
242 | 10 | - | 252 | ||||||||||||
International and emerging markets |
114 | 264 | - | 378 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 579 | - | 579 | ||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 44 | - | 44 | ||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities |
- | 209 | - | 209 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 19 | - | 19 | ||||||||||||
Other |
- | 102 | 1 | 103 | ||||||||||||
Real estate |
- | - | 90 | 90 | ||||||||||||
Private equity |
- | - | 33 | 33 | ||||||||||||
Derivative assets |
- | 4 | - | 4 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 627 | $ | 1,822 | $ | 124 | $ | 2,573 | (a)(b) |
(a) | Includes $77 million of medical benefit (health and welfare) component for accounts maintained in accordance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code (401(h) accounts) to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation. |
(b) | Excludes $1 million net payable related to pending security purchases. |
For the year ended December 31, 2009, $183 million of previously classified Level 1 assets within the pension plan were recategorized to Level 2. The classification change primarily related to U.S. treasury securities and has been reflected in the above table.
143
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of the pension plan assets classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
Beginning Balance at January 1, |
Actual Return on Plan Assets Related to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date |
Actual Return on Plan Assets Related to Assets Sold During the Period |
Purchases, Sales, and Settlements, net |
Net
of Level 3 |
Ending Balance at December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other debt securities |
$ | 1 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (1 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||
Real estate |
90 | 7 | - | 1 | - | 98 | ||||||||||||||||||
Private equity |
33 | (5 | ) | 7 | (7 | ) | - | 28 | ||||||||||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other debt securities |
$ | 1 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||
Real estate |
144 | (53 | ) | (2 | ) | 1 | - | 90 | ||||||||||||||||
Private equity |
39 | (6 | ) | 3 | (3 | ) | - | 33 |
The following table sets forth, utilizing the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, the postretirement benefit plans assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2010:
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identified Assets (Level 1) |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Other
Unobservable
(Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | - | $ | 35 | $ | - | $ | 35 | ||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
215 | 72 | - | 287 | ||||||||||||
U.S. small and mid-capitalization |
66 | - | - | 66 | ||||||||||||
International |
43 | 51 | - | 94 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 59 | - | 59 | ||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 58 | - | 58 | ||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities |
- | 59 | - | 59 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 31 | - | 31 | ||||||||||||
Other |
- | 29 | - | 29 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 324 | $ | 394 | $ | - | $ | 718 | (a)(b) |
(a) | Excludes $85 million of medical benefit (health and welfare) component for 401(h) accounts to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation. These 401(h) assets are included in the pension plan assets shown above. |
(b) | Excludes $6 million of payables related to pending security purchases, offset by Medicare, interest receivables, and receivables related to pending security sales. |
The following table sets forth, utilizing the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, the postretirement benefit plans assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2009:
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identified Assets (Level 1) |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Other
Unobservable
(Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1 | $ | 26 | $ | - | $ | 27 | ||||||||
Equity securities: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. large capitalization |
193 | 60 | - | 253 | ||||||||||||
U.S. small and mid-capitalization |
64 | - | - | 64 | ||||||||||||
International |
35 | 45 | - | 80 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
- | 69 | - | 69 | ||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
- | 58 | - | 58 | ||||||||||||
U.S. treasury and agency securities |
- | 49 | - | 49 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities |
- | 23 | - | 23 | ||||||||||||
Other |
- | 28 | - | 28 | ||||||||||||
Derivative assets |
1 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 294 | $ | 358 | $ | - | $ | 652 | (a)(b) |
(a) | Excludes $77 million of medical benefit (health and welfare) component for 401(h) accounts to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation. These 401(h) assets are included in the pension plan assets shown above. |
(b) | Excludes net $3 million of Medicare and interest receivables, offset by payables related to pending security purchases. |
For the year ended December 31, 2009, $17 million of previously classified Level 1 assets within the postretirement benefit plans were recategorized to Level 2. The classification change primarily related to U.S. treasury securities and has been reflected in the above table.
144
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table presents the components of the net periodic benefit cost of our pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2010, 2009, and 2008:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||
Ameren (a) | Ameren (a) | |||||||
2010: |
||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 68 | $ | 20 | ||||
Interest cost |
185 | 62 | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(212 | ) | (56 | ) | ||||
Amortization of: |
||||||||
Transition obligation |
- | 2 | ||||||
Prior service cost |
6 | (8 | ) | |||||
Actuarial loss |
18 | 1 | ||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 65 | $ | 21 | ||||
2009: |
||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 68 | $ | 19 | ||||
Interest cost |
186 | 66 | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(206 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||
Amortization of: |
||||||||
Transition obligation |
- | 2 | ||||||
Prior service cost |
9 | (8 | ) | |||||
Actuarial loss |
24 | 9 | ||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 81 | $ | 34 | ||||
2008: |
||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 60 | $ | 18 | ||||
Interest cost |
186 | 70 | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(213 | ) | (58 | ) | ||||
Amortization of: |
||||||||
Transition obligation |
- | 2 | ||||||
Prior service cost |
11 | (8 | ) | |||||
Actuarial loss |
3 | 9 | ||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 47 | $ | 33 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
The current year expected return on plan assets is primarily determined by adjusting the prior-year market-related asset value for current year contributions, disbursements, and expected return, plus 25% of the actual return in excess of (or less than) expected return for the four prior years.
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory assets and accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost in 2011 are as follows:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||
Ameren (a) | Ameren (a) | |||||||
Regulatory assets: |
||||||||
Transition obligation |
$ | - | $ | 3 | ||||
Prior service cost (credit) |
(1 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||
Net actuarial loss |
54 | 14 | ||||||
Accumulated OCI: |
||||||||
Transition obligation |
- | - | ||||||
Prior service cost (credit) |
- | (3 | ) | |||||
Net actuarial loss |
1 | - | ||||||
Total |
$ | 54 | $ | 10 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
Prior service cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average future service of active participants benefiting under the plan amendment. The net actuarial loss subject to amortization is amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.
145
UE, AIC and Genco are responsible for their share of the pension and postretirement benefit costs. The following table presents the pension costs and the postretirement benefit costs incurred for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
Pension Costs | Postretirement Costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 65 | $ | 81 | $ | 47 | $ | 21 | $ | 34 | $ | 33 | ||||||||||||
UE |
42 | 50 | 35 | 11 | 15 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||
AIC |
10 | 14 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||
Genco |
9 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
The expected pension and postretirement benefit payments from qualified trust and company funds and the federal subsidy for postretirement benefits related to prescription drug benefits, which reflect expected future service, as of December 31, 2010, are as follows:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||||||
Paid from
Qualified Trust |
Paid from
Company Funds |
Paid from
Qualified Trust |
Paid from
Company Funds |
Federal
Subsidy |
||||||||||||||||
2011 |
$ | 199 | $ | 4 | $ | 71 | $ | 3 | $ | 5 | ||||||||||
2012 |
207 | 3 | 73 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
2013 |
214 | 2 | 77 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
2014 |
222 | 2 | 80 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
2015 |
229 | 2 | 83 | 3 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
2016 - 2020 |
1,253 | 11 | 462 | 16 | 31 |
The following table presents the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate at measurement date |
5.75 | % | 5.75 | % | 6.15 | % | 5.75 | % | 5.75 | % | 6.05 | % | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
8.00 | 8.00 | 8.25 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.25 | ||||||||||||||||||
Increase in future compensation |
3.50 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.50 | 4.00 | 4.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
Medical cost trend rate (initial) |
- | - | - | 6.50 | 7.00 | 9.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
Medical cost trend rate (ultimate) |
- | - | - | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
Years to ultimate rate |
- | - | - | 3 years | 4 years | 4 years |
The table below reflects the sensitivity of Amerens plans to potential changes in key assumptions:
Pension Benefits | Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||||||||
Service Cost
and Interest Cost |
Projected
Benefit Obligation |
Service Cost
and Interest Cost |
Postretirement
Benefit Obligation |
|||||||||||||
0.25% decrease in discount rate |
$ | - | $ | 101 | $ | - | $ | 29 | ||||||||
0.25% increase in salary scale |
2 | 13 | - | - | ||||||||||||
1.00% increase in annual medical trend |
- | - | 2 | 31 | ||||||||||||
1.00% decrease in annual medical trend |
- | - | (2 | ) | (29 | ) |
Other
Ameren sponsors a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. The Ameren plan covered all eligible employees of the Ameren Companies at December 31, 2010. The plans allowed employees to contribute a portion of their compensation in accordance with specific guidelines. Ameren matched a percentage of the employee contributions up to certain limits. Amerens matching contributions to the 401(k) plan totaled $27 million, $24 million, and $23 million in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
146
The following table presents the portion of the 401(k) matching contribution to the Ameren plan attributable to each of the Ameren Companies for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 27 | $ | 24 | $ | 23 | ||||||
UE |
16 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||
AIC |
8 | 7 | 6 | |||||||||
Genco |
1 | 2 | 2 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
NOTE 12 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Amerens long-term incentive plan for eligible employees, called the Long-term Incentive Plan of 1998 (1998 Plan), was replaced prospectively by the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (2006 Plan) effective May 2, 2006. The 2006 Plan provides for a maximum of 4 million common shares to be available for grant to eligible employees and directors. No new awards may be granted under the 1998 Plan; however, previously granted awards continue to vest or to be exercisable in accordance with their original terms and conditions. The 2006 Plan awards may be stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance share units, cash-based awards, and other stock-based awards.
A summary of nonvested shares at December 31, 2010, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2010, under the 1998 Plan and the 2006 Plan are presented below:
Performance Share Units (a) | Restricted Shares (b) | |||||||||||||||
Share
Units |
Weighted-
average Fair Value per Unit |
Shares |
Weighted-
average Fair Value per Share |
|||||||||||||
Nonvested at January 1, 2010 |
945,337 | $ | 22.07 | 135,696 | $ | 48.92 | ||||||||||
Granted (c ) |
688,510 | 32.01 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Dividends |
- | - | 4,655 | 26.71 | ||||||||||||
Unearned or forfeited (d ) |
(345,958 | ) | 31.65 | (4,369 | ) | 49.71 | ||||||||||
Earned and vested (e ) |
(145,121 | ) | 31.55 | (52,828 | ) | 47.43 | ||||||||||
Nonvested at December 31, 2010 |
1,142,768 | $ | 23.96 | 83,154 | $ | 49.87 |
(a) | Granted under the 2006 Plan. |
(b) | Granted under the 1998 Plan. |
(c) | Includes performance share units (share units) granted to certain executive and nonexecutive officers and other eligible employees in January 2010 under the 2006 Plan. |
(d) | Includes share units granted in 2008 that were not earned based on performance provisions of the award grants. |
(e) | Includes share units granted in 2008 that vested as of December 31, 2010, that were earned pursuant to the provisions of the award grants. Also includes share units that vested due to attainment of retirement eligibility by certain employees. Actual shares issued for retirement-eligible employees will vary depending on actual performance over the three-year measurement period. |
Ameren recorded compensation expense of $14 million, $15 million, and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, and a related tax benefit of $5 million, $6 million, and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, total compensation cost of $13 million related to nonvested awards not yet recognized is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 23 months.
Performance Share Units
Performance share unit awards were granted under the 2006 Plan each year since 2006. A share unit will vest and
entitle an employee to receive shares of Ameren common stock (plus accumulated dividends) if, at the end of the three-year performance period, certain specified performance or market conditions have been met and the individual remains employed by Ameren. The exact number of shares issued pursuant to a share unit will vary from 0% to 200% of the target award, depending on actual company performance relative to the performance goals. For performance share units granted in 2006, 2007 and 2008, vested performance shares units are held for a two-year period before being paid to the employee in shares of Ameren common stock. During this two-year hold period, the employee is paid dividend equivalents on a current basis.
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The fair value of each share unit awarded in January 2010 under the 2006 Plan was determined to be $32.01. That amount was based on Amerens closing common share price of $27.95 at December 31, 2009, and lattice simulations. Lattice simulations are used to estimate expected share payout based on Amerens total stockholder return for a three-year performance period relative to the designated peer group beginning January 1, 2010. The significant assumptions used to calculate fair value also included a three-year risk-free rate of 1.70%, volatility of 23% to 39% for the peer group, and Amerens attainment of three-year average earnings per share threshold during each year of the performance period.
The fair value of each share unit awarded in March 2009 under the 2006 Plan was determined to be $15.52. That amount was based on Amerens closing common share price of $22.20 at March 2, 2009, and lattice simulations. Lattice simulations are used to estimate
expected share payout based on Amerens total shareholder return for a three-year performance period relative to the designated peer group beginning January 1, 2009. The significant assumptions used to calculate fair value also included a three-year risk-free rate of 1.24%, volatility of 21.3% to 33.1% for the peer group, and Amerens attainment of earnings per share of at least $2.54 during each year of the three-year performance period.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards of Ameren common stock were granted under the 1998 Plan from 2001 to 2005. Restricted shares have the potential to vest over a seven-year period from the date of grant if Ameren achieves certain performance levels. An accelerated vesting provision included in this plan reduces the vesting period from seven years to three years if the earnings growth rate exceeds a prescribed level.
NOTE 13 INCOME TAXES
The following table presents the principal reasons why the effective income tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
Ameren | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Statutory federal income tax rate: |
35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||
Increases (decreases) from: |
||||||||||||||||
Non-deductible impairment of goodwill |
32 | - | - | (144 | ) | |||||||||||
Production activities deduction |
- | - | - | 7 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation differences |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Amortization of investment tax credit |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | 4 | |||||||||
State tax |
8 | 3 | 5 | (14 | ) | |||||||||||
Reserve for uncertain tax positions |
(1 | ) | - | - | (6 | ) | ||||||||||
Tax credits |
(3 | ) | - | - | 13 | |||||||||||
Change in federal tax law (a) |
3 | 1 | - | (19 | ) | |||||||||||
Other permanent items ( b ) |
- | - | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||||
Effective income tax rate |
68 | % | 35 | % | 39 | % | (125 | )% | ||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Statutory federal income tax rate: |
35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||
Increases (decreases) from: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation differences |
(1 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | - | |||||||||
Amortization of investment tax credit |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | - | |||||||||
State tax |
5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||||
Reserve for uncertain tax positions |
(1 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Permanent items ( c ) |
(1 | ) | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Tax credits |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Effective income tax rate |
35 | % | 33 | % | 37 | % | 38 | % | ||||||||
2008: |
||||||||||||||||
Statutory federal income tax rate: |
35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||
Increases (decreases) from: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation differences |
- | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Amortization of investment tax credit |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (5 | ) | - | |||||||||
State tax |
4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||
Reserve for uncertain tax positions |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Permanent items ( d ) |
(1 | ) | 1 | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Tax credits |
(1 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Other ( e ) |
(1 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Effective income tax rate |
34 | % | 36 | % | 28 | % | 37 | % |
(a) | Relates to change in taxation of prescription drug benefits to retiree participants from the enactment in 2010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Bill of 2010. |
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(b) | Permanent items are treated differently for book and tax purposes and primarily include nondeductible expenses for Genco. |
(c) | Permanent items are treated differently for book and tax purposes and primarily include Internal Revenue Code Section 199 production activity deductions for Ameren and Genco, company-owned life insurance for Ameren and AIC, employee stock ownership plan dividends for Ameren, and nondeductible expenses for AIC. |
(d) | Permanent items are treated differently for book and tax purposes and primarily include Internal Revenue Code Section 179 production activity deductions for Ameren, UE and Genco and company-owned life insurance for AIC. |
(e) | Primarily includes settlements with state taxing authorities and state apportionment changes for Ameren. |
The following table presents the components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Current taxes: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal |
$ | 13 | $ | (14 | ) | $ | (20 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | |||||
State |
10 | (15 | ) | (5 | ) | 6 | ||||||||||
Deferred taxes: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal |
274 | 206 | 132 | 22 | ||||||||||||
State |
36 | 27 | 32 | (2 | ) | |||||||||||
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization |
(8 | ) | (5 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Total income tax expense |
$ | 325 | $ | 199 | $ | 137 | $ | 20 | ||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Current taxes: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal |
$ | (73 | ) | $ | (117 | ) | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 22 | |||||
State |
3 | (31 | ) | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||
Deferred taxes: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal |
337 | 239 | 64 | 57 | ||||||||||||
State |
74 | 42 | 11 | 9 | ||||||||||||
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization |
(9 | ) | (5 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Total income tax expense |
$ | 332 | $ | 128 | $ | 79 | $ | 101 | ||||||||
2008: |
||||||||||||||||
Current taxes: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal |
$ | 165 | $ | 37 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 132 | |||||||
State |
10 | 5 | (5 | ) | 28 | |||||||||||
Deferred taxes: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal |
130 | 86 | 17 | 21 | ||||||||||||
State |
31 | 11 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization |
(9 | ) | (5 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Total income tax expense |
$ | 327 | $ | 134 | $ | 16 | $ | 182 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
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The following table presents the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recorded as a result of temporary differences at December 31, 2010, and 2009:
Ameren (a) | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
2010: |
||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net liability (asset): |
||||||||||||||||
Plant related |
$ | 3,310 | $ | 1,974 | $ | 750 | $ | 378 | ||||||||
Deferred intercompany tax gain/basis step-up |
2 | (2 | ) | 71 | (68 | ) | ||||||||||
Regulatory assets (liabilities), net |
67 | 68 | (1 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Deferred benefit costs |
(323 | ) | (87 | ) | (86 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase accounting |
65 | - | (1 | ) | 17 | |||||||||||
ARO |
(48 | ) | (9 | ) | 1 | (27 | ) | |||||||||
Other |
(116 | ) | 7 | (53 | ) | 10 | ||||||||||
Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities (b) |
$ | 2,957 | $ | 1,951 | $ | 681 | $ | 265 | ||||||||
2009: |
||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net liability (asset): |
||||||||||||||||
Plant related |
$ | 2,813 | $ | 1,717 | $ | 553 | $ | 332 | ||||||||
Deferred intercompany tax gain/basis step-up |
3 | (3 | ) | 79 | (77 | ) | ||||||||||
Regulatory assets (liabilities), net |
52 | 54 | (2 | ) | - | |||||||||||
Deferred benefit costs |
(313 | ) | (98 | ) | (68 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase accounting |
63 | - | (27 | ) | 27 | |||||||||||
ARO |
(43 | ) | (9 | ) | - | (23 | ) | |||||||||
Other |
17 | 11 | (26 | ) | 14 | |||||||||||
Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities ( c ) |
$ | 2,592 | $ | 1,672 | $ | 509 | $ | 242 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | Includes $43 million as current assets recorded in the balance sheet for AIC. Includes $71 million, $43 million, and $12 million as current liabilities recorded in the balance sheets for Ameren, UE and Genco, respectively. |
(c) | Includes $45 million as current assets recorded in the balance sheet for AIC. Includes $38 million, $12 million and $26 million as current liabilities recorded in the balance sheets for Ameren, UE and Genco, respectively. |
The following table presents the components of deferred tax assets relating to net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2010:
Ameren | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal (a) |
$ | 73 | $ | 37 | $ | 14 | $ | 2 | ||||||||
State (b) |
7 | - | 3 | - | ||||||||||||
Total net operating loss carryforwards |
$ | 80 | $ | 37 | $ | 17 | $ | 2 | ||||||||
Tax credit carryforwards: |
||||||||||||||||
Federal (c) |
$ | 78 | $ | 11 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
State (d) |
26 | - | 1 | 3 | ||||||||||||
Total tax credit carryforwards |
$ | 104 | $ | 11 | $ | 1 | $ | 3 |
(a) | These will begin to expire in 2028. |
(b) | These will begin to expire in 2017. |
(c) | These will begin to expire in 2029. |
(d) | These will begin to expire in 2011. |
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Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized tax benefit balance during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, is as follows:
Ameren | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits January 1, 2008 |
$ | 116 | $ | 26 | $ | - | $ | 40 | ||||||||
Increases based on tax positions prior to 2008 |
16 | 2 | - | 5 | ||||||||||||
Decreases based on tax positions prior to 2008 |
(46 | ) | (13 | ) | - | (9 | ) | |||||||||
Increases based on tax positions related to 2008 |
31 | 6 | - | 13 | ||||||||||||
Changes related to settlements with taxing authorities |
(7 | ) | (1 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits December 31, 2008 |
$ | 110 | $ | 20 | $ | - | $ | 48 | ||||||||
Increases based on tax positions prior to 2009 |
90 | 76 | - | 9 | ||||||||||||
Decreases based on tax positions prior to 2009 |
(84 | ) | (19 | ) | - | (31 | ) | |||||||||
Increases based on tax positions related to 2009 |
19 | 11 | - | 3 | ||||||||||||
Changes related to settlements with taxing authorities |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits December 31, 2009 |
$ | 135 | $ | 88 | $ | - | $ | 29 | ||||||||
Increases based on tax positions prior to 2010 |
72 | 40 | 27 | 4 | ||||||||||||
Decreases based on tax positions prior to 2010 |
(38 | ) | (12 | ) | (2 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||
Increases based on tax positions related to 2010 |
77 | 48 | 31 | 3 | ||||||||||||
Changes related to settlements with taxing authorities |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations |
- | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits December 31, 2010 |
$ | 246 | $ | 164 | $ | 56 | $ | 20 | ||||||||
Total unrecognized tax benefits (detriments) that, if recognized,
|
$ | 12 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | (2 | ) | |||||||
Total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized,
|
$ | 6 | $ | 3 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized,
|
$ | - | $ | 3 | $ | - | $ | 1 |
The Ameren Companies recognize interest charges (income) and penalties accrued on tax liabilities on a pretax basis as interest charges (income) or miscellaneous expense in the statements of income.
A reconciliation of the change in the liability for interest on unrecognized tax benefits during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, is as follows:
Ameren | UE | AIC | Genco | |||||||||||||
Liability for interest January 1, 2008 |
$ | 17 | $ | 5 | $ | 1 | $ | 7 | ||||||||
Interest income for 2008 |
(7 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||
Liability for interest December 31, 2008 |
$ | 10 | $ | 2 | $ | | $ | 4 | ||||||||
Interest charges (income) for 2009 |
(2 | ) | 2 | | (2 | ) | ||||||||||
Liability for interest December 31, 2009 |
$ | 8 | $ | 4 | $ | | $ | 2 | ||||||||
Interest charges for 2010 |
9 | 6 | 2 | | ||||||||||||
Liability for interest December 31, 2010 |
$ | 17 | $ | 10 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 |
As of January 1, 2008, December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, the Ameren Companies have accrued no amount for penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits.
Amerens federal income tax returns for the years 2005 through 2008 are before the Appeals Office of the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining Amerens 2009 income tax return.
State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three years after filing of the return. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states. The Ameren Companies do not currently have material state income tax issues under examination, administrative appeals, or litigation.
It is reasonably possible that events will occur during the next 12 months that would cause the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the Ameren Companies to increase or decrease. However, the Ameren Companies do not believe such increases or decreases would be material to their results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
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NOTE 14 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Ameren Companies have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, affiliate transactions in the normal course of business. These transactions primarily consist of natural gas and power purchases and sales,
services received or rendered, and borrowings and lendings. Transactions between affiliates are reported as intercompany transactions on their financial statements, but are eliminated in consolidation for Amerens financial statements. Below
Electric Power Supply Agreements
The following table presents the amount of physical gigawatthour sales under related party electric power supply agreements for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Genco sales to Marketing Company (a) |
21,656 | 19,598 | 23,701 | |||||||||
Marketing Company sales to AIC (b) |
948 | 3,529 | 5,829 |
(a) | Genco has a power supply agreement with Marketing Company whereby Genco sells and Marketing Company purchases all the capacity and energy available from Gencos generation fleet. |
(b) | Marketing Company contracted with AIC to provide power based on the results of the September 2006 Illinois power procurement auction. The values herein reflect the physical sales volumes provided in that agreement. |
Genco entered into a power supply agreement, as amended, (PSA) with Marketing Company, whereby Genco agreed to sell and Marketing Company agreed to purchase all of the capacity and energy available from Gencos generation fleet. Marketing Company entered into a similar PSA with AERG. Under the PSAs, revenues are allocated between Genco and AERG based on reimbursable expenses and generation. Each PSA will continue through December 31, 2022, and from year to year thereafter unless either party to the respective PSA elects to terminate the PSA by providing the other party with no less than six months advance written notice.
In December 2005, EEI entered into a PSA with Marketing Company, whereby EEI agreed to sell and Marketing Company agreed to purchase all of the capacity and energy available from EEIs generation fleet. The price that Marketing Company pays for capacity is set annually based upon prevailing market prices. Marketing Company pays spot market prices for the associated energy. In addition, EEI will at times purchase energy from Marketing Company to fulfill obligations to a nonaffiliated party. This PSA will continue through May 31, 2016, unless either party elects to terminate the PSA by providing the other party with no less than four years advance written notice or five days written notice in the event of a default unless default is cured within 30 business days.
Capacity Supply Agreements
AIC, as an electric load-serving entity, must acquire capacity sufficient to meet its obligations to customers.
AIC used RFP processes in early 2008, pursuant to the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, to contract for the necessary capacity requirements for the period from June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009. Marketing Company and UE were two of the winning suppliers in AICs capacity RFPs. Marketing Company contracted to supply a portion of AICs capacity for $6 million. In addition, UE contracted to supply a portion of the AICs capacity for $1 million.
In 2009, AIC used a RFP process, administered by the IPA, to contract capacity for the period from June 1, 2009, through May 31, 2012. Both Marketing Company and UE were among the winning suppliers in the capacity RFP process. In April 2009, Marketing Company contracted to supply some capacity to AIC for $4 million, $9 million, and $8 million for the 12 months ending May 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. In April 2009, UE contracted to supply some capacity to AIC for $2 million, $2 million, and $1 million for the 12 months ending May 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively.
In 2010, AIC used a RFP process, administered by the IPA, to contract capacity for the period from June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2013. Both Marketing Company and UE were among winning suppliers in the capacity RFP process. In April 2010, Marketing Company contracted to supply some capacity to AIC for $1 million, $2 million, and $3 million for the 12 months ending May 31, 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively. In April 2010, UE contracted to supply some capacity to AIC for less than $1 million for the period from June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2013.
Energy Swaps
As part of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, AIC entered into financial contracts with Marketing Company (for the benefit of Genco and AERG) to lock in energy prices for 400 to 1,000 megawatts annually of their round-the-clock power requirements during the period June 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012, at then-relevant market prices. These financial contracts do not include capacity, are not load-following products, and do not involve the physical delivery of energy. These financial contracts are derivative instruments. They are accounted for as cash flow hedges by Marketing Company and as derivatives subject to regulatory deferral by AIC. Consequently, AIC and Marketing Company record the fair value of the contracts on their respective balance sheets and the changes to the fair value in regulatory assets or liabilities for AIC and OCI at Marketing Company. See Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information on these derivatives. Below are the remaining contracted volumes and prices per megawatthour as of December 31, 2010:
Period | Volume |
Price per
Megawatthour |
||||||
January 1, 2011 December 31, 2011 |
1,000 MW | $ | 52.06 | |||||
January 1, 2012 December 31, 2012 |
1,000 MW | 53.08 |
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AIC, as an electric load-serving entity, must acquire energy sufficient to meet its obligations to customers.
AIC used RFP processes in early 2008, pursuant to the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, to contract for the necessary financial energy swaps requirement for the period from June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009. Marketing Company was one of the winning suppliers in AICs energy swap RFP process. Marketing Company entered into financial instruments that fixed the price that the Ameren Illinois Utilities paid for about two million megawatthours at approximately $60 per megawatthour.
In 2009, AIC used a RFP process, administered by the IPA, to procure financial energy swaps from June 1, 2009, through May 31, 2011. Marketing Company was a winning supplier in the financial energy swap RFP process. In May 2009, Marketing Company entered into financial instruments that fixed the price that AIC will pay for approximately 80,000 megawatthours at approximately $48 per megawatthour during the 12 months ending May 31, 2010 and for approximately 89,000 megawatthours at approximately $48 per megawatthour during the 12 months ending May 31, 2011.
In 2010, AIC used a RFP process, administered by the IPA, to procure financial energy swaps for the period from June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2013. Marketing Company was a winning supplier in the financial energy swap RFP process. In May 2010, Marketing Company entered into financial instruments that fixed the price that AIC will pay for approximately 924,000 megawatthours at approximately $33 per megawatthour during the 12 months ending May 31, 2011, and for approximately 296,000 megawatthours at approximately $40 per megawatthour during the 12 months ending May 31, 2012.
Interconnection and Transmission Agreements
UE and AIC are parties to an interconnection agreement for the use of their respective transmission lines and other facilities for the distribution of power. These agreements have no contractual expiration date, but may be terminated by either party with three years notice.
Generator Interconnection Agreement
In 2008, Genco and AIC (formerly CIPS) signed an agreement requiring Genco to fund the construction costs of upgrades to AICs transmission system. The transmission upgrades were required to support the additional electric power upgrades made at Gencos Coffeen power plant. Under the agreement, Genco paid AIC for the costs of the transmission upgrades. When the transmission assets were placed in service, AIC paid Genco, with interest, for the costs of the transmission upgrades. In 2009, AIC paid Genco $2 million when the transmission assets were placed in service. These transactions were eliminated in consolidation on Amerens financial statements.
In September 2009, Marketing Company and AIC (formerly CIPS) signed an agreement requiring Marketing
Company to fund the cost of certain upgrades to AICs electric transmission system. Under the agreement, Marketing Company paid AIC $5 million in 2009 for the costs of the transmission upgrades. These amounts were a contribution in aid of construction and will not be refunded to Marketing Company. These transactions were eliminated in consolidation on Amerens financial statements.
Joint Ownership Agreement
ATXI and AIC have a joint ownership agreement to construct, own, operate, and maintain certain electric transmission assets in Illinois. Under the terms of this agreement, AIC and ATXI are responsible for their applicable share of all costs related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission systems. Through this joint ownership agreement, AIC has a variable interest in ATXI, but AIC is not the primary beneficiary. Ameren is the primary beneficiary of ATXI, and therefore consolidates ATXI.
Support Services Agreements
Ameren Services provides support services to its affiliates. The cost of support services, including wages, employee benefits, professional services, and other expenses, are based on, or are an allocation of, actual costs incurred. AFS provided support services to its affiliates through December 31, 2010. Effective January 1, 2011, the services previously performed by AFS are performed within the Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois and Merchant Generation business segments.
Executory Tolling, Gas Sales, and Transportation Agreements
Prior to 2009, under an executory tolling agreement, AIC (formerly CILCO) purchased steam, chilled water, and electricity from Medina Valley. In January 2009, AIC transferred the tolling agreement to Marketing Company.
Under a gas transportation agreement, Genco acquires gas transportation service from UE for its Columbia, Missouri, CTs. This agreement expires in February 2016.
Money Pools
See Note 5 Long-term Debt and Equity Financings for discussion of affiliate borrowing arrangements.
Intercompany Borrowings
On May 1, 2005, Genco issued to AIC (formerly CIPS) an amended and restated subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $249 million with an interest rate of 7.125% per year. Interest income and charges for this note recorded by AIC and Genco, respectively, were $1 million, $4 million, and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Gencos subordinated note payable to AIC associated with the transfer in 2000 of AICs electric generating assets and related liabilities to Genco matured on May 1, 2010.
Genco had no outstanding borrowings directly from Ameren at December 31, 2010, but had $131 million of
153
outstanding borrowings directly from Ameren at December 31, 2009. The average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.9% for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009 2.2%). Genco recorded interest charges of $2 million, $2 million and less than $1 million for Ameren borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
Collateral Postings
Under the terms of the 2010 and 2009 Illinois power procurement agreements entered into through a RFP process administered by the IPA, suppliers must post collateral under certain market conditions to protect AIC in the event of nonperformance. The collateral postings are unilateral, meaning that only the suppliers would be required to post collateral. Therefore, UE, as a winning supplier of capacity, and Marketing Company, as a winning supplier of capacity and financial energy swaps, may be required to post collateral. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no collateral postings required of UE or Marketing Company related to the 2010 and 2009 Illinois power procurement agreements.
Operating Leases
Under an operating lease agreement, Genco leased certain CTs at a Joppa, Illinois, site to its former parent, Development Company, for an initial term of 15 years, expiring September 30, 2015. Under an electric power supply agreement with Marketing Company, Development Company supplied the capacity and energy from these leased units to Marketing Company, which in turn supplied the energy to Genco. By mutual agreement of the parties, this lease agreement and this power supply agreement were terminated in February 2008, when an internal reorganization merged Development Company into Resources Company. Genco recorded operating revenues from the lease agreement of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Intercompany Transfers
On January 1, 2008, UE transferred its interest in Union Electric Development Corporation at book value to Ameren by means of a $3 million dividend-in-kind. On March 31, 2008, Union Electric Development Corporation was merged into Ameren Development Company, with Ameren Development Company surviving the merger.
On February 29, 2008, UE contributed its 40% ownership interest in EEI, book value of $39 million, to Resources Company, in exchange for a 50% interest in Resources Company, and then immediately transferred its interest in Resources Company to Ameren by means of a $39 million dividend-in-kind. Also on February 29, 2008, Development Company, which formerly held a 40% ownership interest in EEI, merged into Ameren Energy Resources Company, which then merged into Resources Company. As a result, Resources Company had an 80% ownership interest in EEI.
On January 1, 2010, as part of an internal reorganization, Resources Company transferred its 80% ownership interest in EEI to Genco, through a capital contribution. The transfer of EEI to Genco was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, whereby Genco recognized the assets and liabilities of EEI at their book value as of January 1, 2010.
On October 1, 2010, AIC distributed AERGs common stock to Ameren in connection with the AIC Merger. Ameren subsequently contributed the AERG common stock to Resources Company. The distribution of AERG common stock was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control; therefore, AIC transferred AERG to Ameren based on AERGs carrying value. See Note 16 Corporate Reorganization and Discontinued Operations for additional information.
154
The following table presents the impact on UE, AIC and Genco, of related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. It is based primarily on the agreements discussed above and the money pool arrangements discussed in Note 4 Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity.
Agreement | Income Statement Line Item | UE | AIC | Genco | ||||||||||||||
Genco power supply |
Operating Revenues | 2010 | $ | (a | ) | $ | (a | ) | $ | 1,059 | ||||||||
agreement with Marketing Company |
2009 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 1,071 | ||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 1,307 | |||||||||||||
UE ancillary services and capacity |
Operating Revenues | 2010 | 2 | (a | ) | (a | ) | |||||||||||
agreements with AIC |
2009 | 3 | (a | ) | (a | ) | ||||||||||||
2008 | 13 | (a | ) | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
UE and Genco gas transportation |
Operating Revenues | 2010 | 1 | (a | ) | (a | ) | |||||||||||
agreement |
2009 | 1 | (a | ) | (a | ) | ||||||||||||
2008 | 1 | (a | ) | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
Genco gas sales to Medina Valley |
Operating Revenues | 2010 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 2 | |||||||||||
2009 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 1 | |||||||||||||
Genco gas sales to distribution companies |
Operating Revenues | 2010 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 1 | |||||||||||
2009 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 2 | |||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 7 | |||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues |
2010 | $ | 3 | $ | (a | ) | $ | 1,062 | ||||||||||
2009 | 4 | (a | ) | 1,074 | ||||||||||||||
2008 | 14 | (a | ) | 1,314 | ||||||||||||||
UE and Genco gas transportation |
Fuel | 2010 | $ | (a | ) | $ | (a | ) | $ | 1 | ||||||||
agreement |
2009 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 1 | ||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 1 | |||||||||||||
AIC agreements with |
Purchased Power | 2010 | $ | (a | ) | $ | 233 | $ | (a | ) | ||||||||
Marketing Company |
2009 | (a | ) | 400 | (a | ) | ||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | 414 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
AIC ancillary services and |
Purchased Power | 2010 | (a | ) | 2 | (a | ) | |||||||||||
capacity agreements with UE |
2009 | (a | ) | 3 | (a | ) | ||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | 13 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
Ancillary services agreement with |
Purchased Power | 2010 | (a | ) | - | (a | ) | |||||||||||
Marketing Company |
2009 | (a | ) | (b | ) | (a | ) | |||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | 17 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
EEI power supply agreement with |
Purchased Power | 2010 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 11 | |||||||||||
Marketing Company |
2009 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 42 | ||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | (a | ) | 56 | |||||||||||||
Executory tolling agreement with Medina |
Purchased Power | 2010 | (a | ) | (a | ) | (a | ) | ||||||||||
Valley |
2009 | (a | ) | (c | ) | (a | ) | |||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | 39 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
Total Purchased Power |
2010 | $ | (a | ) | $ | 235 | $ | (a | ) | |||||||||
2009 | (a | ) | 403 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | 483 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
Insurance recoveries |
Operating Revenues and | 2010 | $ | - | $ | (a | ) | $ | - | |||||||||
Purchased Power |
2009 | - | (a | ) | - | |||||||||||||
2008 | - | (a | ) | (11 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gas purchases from Genco |
Gas Purchased for Resale | 2010 | $ | (a | ) | $ | 1 | $ | (a | ) | ||||||||
2009 | (a | ) | 2 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
2008 | (a | ) | 7 | (a | ) | |||||||||||||
Ameren Services support services |
Other Operations and | 2010 | $ | 124 | $ | 98 | $ | 23 | ||||||||||
agreement |
Maintenance | 2009 | 126 | 99 | 27 | |||||||||||||
2008 | 130 | 161 | 28 | |||||||||||||||
AFS support services agreement |
Other Operations and | 2010 | 7 | (b | ) | 3 | ||||||||||||
Maintenance |
2009 | 7 | 6 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
2008 | 7 | 5 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
Insurance premiums (d ) |
Other Operations and | 2010 | 1 | (a | ) | - | ||||||||||||
Maintenance |
2009 | 2 | (a | ) | 1 | |||||||||||||
2008 | 8 | (a | ) | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Total Other Operations and |
2010 | $ | 132 | $ | 98 | $ | 26 | |||||||||||
Maintenance Expenses |
2009 | 135 | 105 | 31 | ||||||||||||||
2008 | 145 | 166 | 36 | |||||||||||||||
Money pool borrowings (advances) |
Interest (Charges) | 2010 | $ | - | $ | (b | ) | $ | (b | ) | ||||||||
Income |
2009 | - | (b | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||
2008 | - | (b | ) | (b | ) |
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(a) | Not applicable. |
(b) | Amount less than $1 million. |
(c) | In January 2009, CILCO transferred the tolling agreement to Marketing Company. |
(d) | Represents insurance premiums paid to Energy Risk Assurance Company, an affiliate for replacement power, property damage and terrorism coverage. |
NOTE 15 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, and governmental agencies with respect to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts of money. We believe that the final disposition of these proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed in these notes to our financial statements, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
See also Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 Rate and Regulatory
Callaway Nuclear Plant
The following table presents insurance coverage at UEs Callaway nuclear plant at December 31, 2010. The property coverage and the nuclear liability coverage have historically been renewed on October 1 and January 1, respectively, of each year. However, the property insurance carrier is moving the renewal date to April 1 starting in 2011.
Type and Source of Coverage | Maximum Coverages | Maximum Assessments for Single Incidents | ||||||
Public liability and nuclear worker liability: |
||||||||
American Nuclear Insurers |
$ | 375 | $ - | |||||
Pool participation |
12,219 | (a) | 118 | (b) | ||||
$ | 12,594 | (c) | $ 118 | |||||
Property damage: |
||||||||
Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. |
$ | 2,750 | (d) | $ 23 | ||||
Replacement power: |
||||||||
Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd |
$ | 490 | (e) | $ 9 | ||||
Energy Risk Assurance Company |
$ | 64 | (f) | $ - |
(a) | Provided through mandatory participation in an industrywide retrospective premium assessment program. |
(b) | Retrospective premium under Price-Anderson Act. This is subject to retrospective assessment with respect to a covered loss in excess of $375 million in the event of an incident at any licensed U.S. commercial reactor, payable at $17.5 million per year. |
(c) | Limit of liability for each incident under the Price-Anderson Act liability provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. A company could be assessed up to $118 million per incident for each licensed reactor it operates with a maximum of $17.5 million per incident to be paid per year for each reactor. This limit is subject to change to account for the effects of inflation and changes in the number of licensed reactors. |
(d) | Provides for $500 million in property damage and decontamination, excess property insurance, and premature decommissioning coverage up to $2.25 billion for losses in excess of the $500 million primary coverage. |
(e) | Provides the replacement power cost insurance in the event of a prolonged accidental outage at our nuclear plant. Weekly indemnity of $4.5 million for 52 weeks, which commences after the first eight weeks of an outage, plus $3.6 million per week for 71.1 weeks thereafter. |
(f) | Provides the replacement power cost insurance in the event of a prolonged accidental outage at our nuclear plant. The coverage commences after the first 52 weeks of insurance coverage from Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. and is for a weekly indemnity of $900,000 for 71 weeks in excess of the $3.6 million per week set forth above. Energy Risk Assurance Company is an affiliate and has reinsured this coverage with third-party insurance companies. See Note 14 Related Party Transactions for more information on this affiliate transaction. |
The Price-Anderson Act is a federal law that limits the liability for claims from an incident involving any licensed United States commercial nuclear power facility. The limit is based on the number of licensed reactors. The limit of liability and the maximum potential annual payments are adjusted at least every five years for inflation to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. The five-year inflationary adjustment as prescribed by the most recent Price-Anderson Act renewal was effective October 29, 2008. Owners of a nuclear reactor cover this exposure through a combination of private insurance and mandatory participation in a financial protection pool, as established by the Price-Anderson Act.
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. confirmed that losses resulting from terrorist attacks would be covered under its policies. However, Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. imposed an industrywide aggregate policy limit of $3.24 billion within a 12-month period for coverage for such terrorist acts.
If losses from a nuclear incident at the Callaway nuclear plant exceed the limits of, or are not subject to, insurance, or if coverage is unavailable, UE is at risk for any uninsured losses. If a serious nuclear incident were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on Amerens and UEs results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
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Leases
The following table presents our lease obligations at December 31, 2010:
Total | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | After 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren: (a) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease payments (b) |
$ | 653 | $ | 32 | $ | 33 | $ | 32 | $ | 32 | $ | 33 | $ | 491 | ||||||||||||||
Less amount representing interest |
339 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 203 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Present value of minimum capital lease payments |
314 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 288 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases (c) |
336 | 39 | 36 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 181 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total lease obligations |
$ | 650 | $ | 44 | $ | 41 | $ | 35 | $ | 30 | $ | 31 | $ | 469 | ||||||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease payments (b) |
$ | 653 | $ | 32 | $ | 33 | $ | 32 | $ | 32 | $ | 33 | $ | 491 | ||||||||||||||
Less amount representing interest |
339 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 203 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Present value of minimum capital lease payments |
314 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 288 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases (c) |
146 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 84 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total lease obligations |
$ | 460 | $ | 18 | $ | 18 | $ | 17 | $ | 17 | $ | 18 | $ | 372 | ||||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases (c) |
$ | 7 | $ | 2 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases (c) |
$ | 139 | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | $ | 86 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
(b) | See Properties under Part I, Item 2, and Note 3 Property and Plant, Net of this report for additional information. |
(c) | Amounts related to certain real estate leases and railroad licenses have indefinite payment periods. Amerens $2 million annual obligation for these items is included in the 2011 through 2015 columns. Amounts for After 5 Years are not included in the total because that period is indefinite. |
We lease various facilities, office equipment, plant equipment, and rail cars under operating leases. The following table presents total rental expense, included in other operations and maintenance expenses, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 29 | $ | 27 | $ | 19 | ||||||
UE |
19 | 19 | 20 | |||||||||
AIC |
19 | 19 | 28 | |||||||||
Genco |
3 | 5 | 2 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
Other Obligations
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of our generating plants, we have entered into various long-term commitments for the procurement of coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, and methane gas. We also have entered into various long-term commitments for purchased power and natural gas for distribution. The table below presents our estimated fuel, purchased power, and other commitments at December 31, 2010. Amerens and UEs purchased power obligations include a 102-MW power purchase agreement with a wind farm operator that expires in 2014. Amerens and AICs purchased power obligations include the AIC power purchase agreements entered into as part of the IPA-administered power procurement process. Included in the Other column are minimum purchase commitments under contracts for equipment, design and construction, meter reading services, and an Ameren tax credit obligation at December 31, 2010. Amerens tax credit obligation is a $33 million note payable issued for an investment in a commercial real estate development partnership to acquire tax credits. This note payable was netted against the related investment in Other Assets at December 31, 2010, as Ameren has a legally enforceable right to offset under authoritative accounting guidance.
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Coal |
Natural
Gas |
Nuclear |
Purchased
Power |
Methane
Gas |
Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren: (a ) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
$ | 1,030 | $ | 472 | $ | 76 | $ | 254 | $ | - | $ | 145 | $ | 1,977 | ||||||||||||||
2012 |
809 | 381 | 37 | 87 | 1 | 118 | 1,433 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
342 | 267 | 39 | 134 | 3 | 79 | 864 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
170 | 187 | 112 | 53 | 3 | 70 | 595 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
127 | 104 | 72 | 53 | 3 | 71 | 430 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Thereafter |
558 | 164 | 362 | 700 | 98 | 305 | 2,187 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,036 | $ | 1,575 | $ | 698 | $ | 1,281 | $ | 108 | $ | 788 | $ | 7,486 | ||||||||||||||
UE: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
$ | 513 | $ | 70 | $ | 76 | $ | 23 | $ | - | $ | 69 | $ | 751 | ||||||||||||||
2012 |
367 | 53 | 37 | 23 | 1 | 54 | 535 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
232 | 44 | 39 | 23 | 3 | 57 | 398 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
156 | 34 | 112 | 23 | 3 | 47 | 375 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
112 | 14 | 72 | 23 | 3 | 46 | 270 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Thereafter |
495 | 31 | 362 | 203 | 98 | 182 | 1,371 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,875 | $ | 246 | $ | 698 | $ | 318 | $ | 108 | $ | 455 | $ | 3,700 | ||||||||||||||
AIC: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
$ | - | $ | 385 | $ | - | $ | 231 | $ | - | $ | 30 | $ | 646 | ||||||||||||||
2012 |
- | 321 | - | 64 | - | 21 | 406 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
- | 221 | - | 111 | - | 22 | 354 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
- | 150 | - | 30 | - | 22 | 202 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
- | 88 | - | 30 | - | 24 | 142 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Thereafter |
- | 133 | - | 497 | - | 124 | 754 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | - | $ | 1,298 | $ | - | $ | 963 | $ | - | $ | 243 | $ | 2,504 | ||||||||||||||
Genco: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
$ | 395 | $ | 10 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 22 | $ | 427 | ||||||||||||||
2012 |
338 | 6 | - | - | - | 19 | 363 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
65 | 3 | - | - | - | - | 68 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
- | 3 | - | - | - | - | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
- | 2 | - | - | - | - | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Thereafter |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 798 | $ | 24 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 41 | $ | 863 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations. |
Also, as part of the 2007 Illinois Electric Settlement Agreement, AIC entered into financial contracts with Marketing Company to lock in energy prices for 400 to 1,000 megawatts annually of their round-the-clock power requirements from 2008 to 2012. These commitments are not reflected in the above table. See Note 7 Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 14 Related Party Transactions for additional information.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations enforced by federal, state and local authorities. From the beginning phases of siting and development to the ongoing operation of existing or new electric generating, transmission and distribution facilities, natural gas storage facilities, and natural gas transmission and distribution facilities, our activities involve compliance with diverse environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations address emissions, impacts to air, land and water, noise, protected natural and cultural resources (such as wetlands, endangered species and other protected wildlife, and archeological and historical resources), and
chemical and waste handling. Complex and lengthy processes are required to obtain approvals, permits, or licenses for new, existing or modified facilities. Additionally, the use and handling of various chemicals or hazardous materials (including wastes) requires release prevention plans and emergency response procedures.
In addition to existing laws and regulations governing our facilities, the EPA is developing numerous new environmental regulations that will have a significant impact on the electric utility industry. These regulations could be particularly burdensome for certain companies, including Ameren, UE and Genco, that operate coal-fired power plants. Significant new rules already proposed or promulgated within the past year include the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions increasing the stringency of the existing ozone ambient air quality standard; the CATR, which would require further reduction of SO 2 and NO x emissions from power plants; and a regulation governing coal ash impoundments. Within the next year, the EPA is also expected to propose new regulations under the Clean Water Act, that could require
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significant capital expenditures such as new water intake structures or cooling towers at our power plants; NSPS and emission guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions applicable to new and existing electric generating units; and a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants such as mercury and acid gases from power plants. Such new regulations may be challenged with lawsuits, so the timing of their ultimate implementation is uncertain. Although many details of these future regulations are unknown, the combined effects of the new and proposed environmental regulations may result in significant capital expenditures and/or increased operating costs over the next five to eight years for Ameren, UE and Genco. Actions required to ensure that our facilities and operations are in compliance with environmental laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive. As a result, these regulations could require us to close or to significantly alter the operation of our generating facilities, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may also result in the imposition of fines, penalties, and injunctive measures.
The estimates in the table below contain all of the known capital costs to comply with existing environmental regulations and our preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of the EPAs proposed regulations for coal combustion byproducts, the CATR, and the revised ambient air quality standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions as of December 31, 2010. The estimates in the table below assume that coal combustion byproducts will ultimately be regarded as nonhazardous. The estimates shown in the table below could change depending upon additional federal or state requirements, regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, new hourly ambient air quality standards or changes to existing standards for SO 2 and NO x emissions, the requirements under a MACT standard for the control of hazardous air pollutants such as mercury and acid gases, the requirements under the finalized CATR, any new regulations under the Clean Water Act, a hazardous classification of coal combustion byproducts, new technology, and variations in costs of material or labor, or alternative compliance strategies, among other factors.
2011 | 2012 - 2015 | 2016 - 2020 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
UE (a) |
$ | 35 | $ | 850 - | $ | 1,050 | $ | 1,380 - | $ | 1,610 | $ | 2,265 - | $ | 2,695 | ||||||||||||||
Genco |
125 | 470 - | 580 | 50 - | 60 | 645 - | 765 | |||||||||||||||||||||
AERG |
10 | 125 - | 160 | 5 - | 10 | 140 - | 180 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 170 | $ | 1,445 - | $ | 1,790 | $ | 1,435 - | $ | 1,680 | $ | 3,050 - | $ | 3,640 |
(a) | UEs expenditures are expected to be recoverable from ratepayers. |
The following sections describe the more significant environmental rules that affect our operations.
Clean Air Act
Both federal and state laws require significant reductions in SO 2 and NO x emissions that result from burning fossil fuels. In March 2005, the EPA issued regulations with respect to SO 2 and NO x emissions (the CAIR) and mercury emissions (the Clean Air Mercury Rule). The federal CAIR requires generating facilities in 28 states, including Missouri and Illinois, where our generating facilities are located, and the District of Columbia to participate in cap-and-trade programs to reduce annual SO 2 emissions, annual NO x emissions, and ozone season NO x emissions. The cap-and-trade program for both annual and ozone season NO x emissions went into effect on January 1, 2009. The SO 2 emissions cap-and-trade program went into effect on January 1, 2010.
In February 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a decision that vacated the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule. The court ruled that the EPA erred in the method it used to remove electric generating facilities from the list of sources subject to the MACT requirements under the Clean Air Act. As a result, the EPA is currently developing a MACT standard for mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants, such as acid gases. In a consent order, the EPA agreed to propose the MACT regulation by the end of March 2011 and finalize the regulation by November 2011. Unless such deadlines are extended, compliance is expected to be required in 2015. We cannot predict at this time the capital or operating costs for compliance with such future environmental rules.
In December 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia remanded the CAIR to the EPA for further action to remedy the rules flaws, but allowed the CAIRs cap-and-trade programs to remain effective until they are replaced by the EPA. The impact of the decision is that the existing Illinois and Missouri rules to implement the federal CAIR will remain in effect until the federal CAIR is revised by the EPA, at which point the Illinois and Missouri rules may be subject to change. In July 2010, the EPA announced the CATR, which, when finalized, will replace CAIR. As proposed, the CATR will establish emission allowance budgets for each of the 31 states included in the regulation, including Missouri and Illinois and the District of Columbia. With the CATR, the EPA abandoned CAIRs regional approach to cutting emissions and instead set a pollution budget for each of the impacted states based on the EPAs analysis of each upwind states contribution to air quality in downwind states. Emission reductions would be required in two phases beginning in 2012, with further reductions projected in 2014. The EPA estimates that by 2014, the CATR and other state and EPA actions would reduce the SO 2 emissions from power plants by 71% and their NO x emissions by 52% from 2005 levels. The proposed CATR is complex, as many issues relating to the establishment of state emission budgets, allowance allocations, and implementation are currently unclear. Our
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review of the proposed regulation is ongoing and, at this time, we cannot predict the estimated capital or operating expense for compliance with the CATR, assuming the CATR is adopted. The EPA expects the CATR to be finalized in the spring of 2011. Further, the EPA announced that additional NO x emission reductions will be required to attain ozone standards. Therefore, the agency plans to propose an additional transport rule in 2011, to become final in 2012.
Separately, in January and June 2010, the EPA finalized a new ambient standard for SO 2 and NO x and also announced plans for further reductions in the annual national ambient air quality standard for fine particulates. The state of Illinois and the state of Missouri will be required to individually develop attainment plans to comply with the ambient standards. We are unable to predict the future impact on these regulatory developments on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The state of Missouri adopted rules to implement the federal CAIR for regulating SO 2 and NO x emissions from electric generating facilities. The rules are a significant part of Missouris plan to attain existing ambient standards for ozone and fine particulates, and to meet the federal Clean Air Visibility Rule. The rules are expected to reduce NO x and SO 2 emissions from electric generating facilities in Missouri by 30% and 75% respectively, by 2015. To comply with the Missouri rules, UE will use allowances and install pollution control equipment. In 2010, UE completed the installation of two scrubbers at its Sioux plant to reduce SO 2 emissions. UEs current compliance plan includes the installation of six scrubbers within its coal-fired fleet during the next ten years. Missouri also adopted rules to implement the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule. However, these rules are not enforceable as a result of the U.S. Court of Appeals decision to vacate the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule.
We do not believe that the court decision that vacated the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule will significantly affect pollution control obligations in Illinois in the near term. Under the MPS, as amended, Illinois generators may defer until 2015 the requirement to reduce mercury emissions by 90%, in exchange for accelerated installation of NO x and SO 2 controls. This rule, when fully implemented, is expected to reduce mercury emissions by 90%, NO x emissions by 50%, and SO 2 emissions by 70% by 2015 in Illinois. To comply with the rule, Genco and AERG are installing equipment designed to reduce mercury, NO x , and SO 2 emissions. In 2009, AERG completed the installation of scrubbers at its Duck Creek plant. In 2010, Genco completed the installation of a scrubber at its Coffeen plant. Genco and AERG will also need to install additional pollution control equipment to meet these new emission reduction requirements as they become due. Current plans include installing scrubbers at Gencos Newton plant with completion expected in late 2013 and spring 2014. Additional plans include optimizing operations of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for NO x reduction at Gencos Coffeen plant and AERGs E.D. Edwards and Duck Creek plants. Genco is currently planning to use dry sorbent injection SO 2 reduction technology on all coal-fired units at
EEIs Joppa plant, but is also reviewing other options. Capital requirements for dry sorbent injection would be lower than for scrubbers. Several projects are planned to manage the solid and liquid wastes generated by the SO 2 scrubbers at the Duck Creek and Coffeen plants. Additional facilities and upgrades are planned at all Merchant Generation coal-fired plants to meet the 2015 mercury control requirements.
Emission Allowances
Both federal and state laws require significant reductions in SO 2 and NO x emissions that result from burning fossil fuels. The Clean Air Act created marketable commodities called allowances under the Acid Rain Program, the NO x Budget Trading Program, and the federal CAIR. Electric generating facilities have been allocated SO 2 and NO x allowances based on past production and the statutory emission reduction goals. Our generating facilities comply with the SO 2 limits through the use and purchase of allowances, through the use of low-sulfur fuels, and through the application of pollution control technology. Our generating facilities comply with the NO x limits through the use and purchase of allowances and through the application of pollution control technology, including low-NO x burners, over-fire air systems, combustion optimization, rich-reagent injection, selective noncatalytic reduction, and selective catalytic reduction systems.
See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for the SO 2 and NO x emission allowances held and the related SO 2 and NO x emission allowance book values that were classified as intangible assets as of December 31, 2010.
Environmental regulations, including the CAIR and CATR, the timing of the installation of pollution control equipment, and the level of operations, will have a significant impact on the number of allowances actually required for ongoing operations. The CAIR requires a reduction in SO 2 emissions by increasing the ratio of Acid Rain Program allowances surrendered. The CATR, which the EPA proposed to replace the CAIR, however, does not rely upon the Acid Rain Program for its allowance allocation program. In previous periods, Ameren, UE and Genco expected to use their SO 2 allowances for ongoing operations. However, the proposed CATR would restrict the use of existing SO 2 allowances for achieving compliance with SO 2 emission limitations. Ameren, UE and Genco no longer expect all of their SO 2 allowances will be used in operations. Therefore, in 2010, Ameren, UE and Genco recorded a noncash impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of their SO 2 emission allowances to their estimated fair value. UEs impairment had no impact on earnings as UE recorded the impairment by reducing a previously established regulatory liability related to SO 2 allowances. See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments for additional information about the emission allowance impairment.
The CAIR has both an ozone season program and an annual program for regulating NO x emissions, with separate
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allowances issued for each program. The CAIR will remain in effect until it is replaced by the CATR, which is expected to become effective in 2012. The following table presents the ozone season and annual NO x allowances, in tons, granted to our generating facilities in Missouri and Illinois.
Missouri (a) | Illinois (b) | |||||||||||||||||||
Ozone | Annual | Ozone | Annual | Total | ||||||||||||||||
UE |
11,665 | 26,842 | 90 | 93 | 38,690 | |||||||||||||||
Genco |
1 | 3 | 5,200 | 12,867 | 18,071 | |||||||||||||||
AERG |
(c | ) | (c | ) | 1,368 | 3,419 | 4,787 | |||||||||||||
Ameren total |
11,666 | 26,845 | 6,658 | 16,379 | 61,548 |
(a) | Allowances granted annually for the years 2009 through 2014. |
(b) | Allowances granted annually for the years 2010 and 2011. |
(c) | Not applicable. |
Global Climate Change
Initiatives to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to address climate change have been subject to consideration in the U.S. Congress. In the past two years, legislation has been passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and proposed in the Senate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from designated sources, including coal-fired electric generation units. Many of these proposals have included economy-wide cap-and-trade programs. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has been identified as a high priority by President Obamas administration.
Potential impacts from climate change legislation could vary, depending upon proposed CO 2 emission limits, the timing of implementation of those limits, the method of distributing any allowances, the degree to which offsets are allowed and available, and provisions for cost-containment measures, such as a safety valve provision that provides a maximum price for emission allowances. As a result of our diverse fuel portfolio, our emissions of greenhouse gases vary among our generating facilities, but coal-fired power plants are significant sources of CO 2 . Amerens analysis shows that if most versions of the recently proposed climate change bills were enacted into law, household costs and rates for electricity could rise significantly. The burden could fall particularly hard on electricity consumers and upon the economy in the Midwest because of the regions reliance on electricity generated by coal-fired power plants. Natural gas emits per kilowatthour about half as much CO 2 as coal emits when burned to produce electricity. Therefore, climate change regulation could cause the conversion of coal-fired power plants to natural gas, or the construction of new natural gas plants to replace coal-fired power plants. As a result, economywide shifts to natural gas as a fuel source for electricity generation also could affect the cost of heating for our utility customers and many industrial processes that use natural gas. Higher costs for energy could contribute to reduced demand for electricity and natural gas.
In December 2009, the EPA issued its endangerment finding determining that greenhouse gas emissions, including CO 2 , endanger human health and welfare and that
emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles contribute to that endangerment. In March 2010, the EPA issued a determination that greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, such as power plants, would be subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act in 2011. As a result of these actions, we are required to consider the emissions of greenhouse gas in any air permit application.
Recognizing the difficulties presented by regulating at once virtually all emitters of greenhouse gases, the EPA finalized in May 2010 regulations known as the Tailoring Rule, that would establish new higher thresholds for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, such as power plants. The Tailoring Rule became effective in January 2011. The rule requires any source that already has an operating permit to have greenhouse gas-specific provisions added to their permits upon renewal. Currently, all Ameren power plants have operating permits that, when renewed, may be modified to address greenhouse gas emissions. The Tailoring Rule also provides that if projects performed at major sources result in an increase in emissions of greenhouse gases of at least 75,000 tons per year, measured in CO 2 equivalents, such projects could trigger permitting requirements under the NSR/Prevention of Significant Deterioration program and the application of best available control technology, if any, to control greenhouse gas emissions. New major sources also would be required to obtain such a permit and to install the best available control technology if their greenhouse gas emissions exceed the applicable emissions threshold. Separately, in December 2010, the EPA announced it would establish NSPS for greenhouse gas emissions at new and existing fossil-fuel fired power plants. In the announcement, the EPA said it will propose standards for power plants in July 2011 and issue final standards in May 2012. It is uncertain whether reductions to greenhouse gas emissions would be required at our power plants as a result of any of the EPAs new and future rules. Legal challenges to the EPAs greenhouse gas rules have been filed and more challenges are expected. Any federal climate change legislation that is enacted may preempt the EPAs regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including the Tailoring Rule, particularly as it relates to power plant greenhouse gas emissions. The extent to which the Tailoring Rule could have a material impact on our generating facilities depends upon how state agencies apply the EPAs guidelines as to what constitutes the best available control technology for greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, whether physical changes or changes in operations subject to the rule occur at our power plants, and whether federal legislation that preempts the rule is passed.
Although the EPA has stated its intention to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, such as power plants, congressional action could block or delay that effort. In 2010, legislation was introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate that would block the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from both mobile and stationary sources. Separate legislation has also been introduced in both the U.S. House of
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Representatives and U.S. Senate that would delay the EPAs ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources for two years. The final outcome of such proposed legislation is uncertain.
Future federal and state legislation or regulations that mandate limits on the emission of greenhouse gases would likely result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, which, in turn, could lead to increased liquidity needs and higher financing costs. Moreover, to the extent UE requests recovery of these costs through rates, its regulators might deny some or all of, or defer timely recovery of, these costs. Excessive costs to comply with future legislation or regulations might force Ameren, UE and Genco as well as other similarly situated electric power generators to close some coal-fired facilities and could lead to possible impairment of assets and reduced revenues. As a result, mandatory limits could have a material adverse impact on Amerens, UEs, and Gencos results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
The impact on us of future initiatives related to greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change is unknown. Compliance costs could increase as future federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state-sponsored initiatives to control greenhouse gases continue to progress, making it more likely that some form of greenhouse gas emissions control will eventually be required. Since these initiatives continue to evolve, the impact on our coal-fired generation plants and our customers costs is unknown, but any impact would probably be negative. Our costs of complying with any mandated federal or state greenhouse gas program could have a material impact on our future results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
NSR and Clean Air Litigation
The EPA is engaged in an enforcement initiative targeted to determine whether coal-fired power plants failed to comply with the requirements of the NSR and NSPS provisions under the Clean Air Act when the plants implemented modifications. The EPAs inquiries focus on whether projects performed at power plants should have triggered various permitting requirements and the installation of pollution control equipment.
In April 2005, Genco received a request from the EPA for information pursuant to Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act. The request sought detailed operating and maintenance history data with respect to Gencos Coffeen, Hutsonville, Meredosia, and Newton facilities, EEIs Joppa facility, and AERGs E.D. Edwards and Duck Creek facilities. In 2006, the EPA issued a second Section 114(a) request to Genco regarding projects at the Newton facility. All of these facilities are coal-fired power plants. In September 2008, the EPA issued a third Section 114(a) request regarding projects at all of Amerens coal-fired power plants in Illinois. In 2009, we completed our response to the information request, but we are unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In January 2010, UE received a Notice of Violation from the EPA alleging violations of the Clean Air Acts NSR and Title V programs. In the Notice of Violation, the EPA contends that various projects at UEs Labadie, Meramec, Rush Island, and Sioux coal-fired power plant facilities, dating back to the mid-1990s, triggered NSR requirements. In October 2010, the EPA supplemented and amended the Notice of Violation to include additional projects at UEs coal-fired power plant facilities. The amended Notice of Violation followed a series of information requests under Section 114(a). In January 2011, the EPA filed a complaint against UE in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The EPAs complaint alleges that in performing projects at its Rush Island coal-fired generating facility, UE violated provisions of the Clean Air Act and Missouri law. At present, the complaint does not include UEs other coal-fired facilities. Litigation of this matter could take many years to resolve. UE believes its defenses to the allegations described in the complaint as well as the original and amended Notice of Violation are meritorious. UE will defend itself vigorously. However, there can be no assurances that it will be successful in its efforts.
Ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse impact on the future results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of Ameren, UE, Genco and AERG. A resolution could result in increased capital expenditures for the installation of control technology, increased operations and maintenance expenses, and fines or penalties. However, we are unable to predict the impact at this time.
Clean Water Act
In July 2004, the EPA issued rules under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act that require cooling-water intake structures to have the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts on aquatic species. These rules pertained to all existing generating facilities that currently employ once-through cooling-water intake structures that are designed to withdraw at least 50 million gallons of water per day. The rules required facilities to install additional technology on their cooling water intakes or take other protective measures, including installation of cooling towers, and to do extensive site-specific studies and monitoring. On April 1, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA can compare the costs of technology for protecting aquatic species to the benefits of that technology in order to establish the best technology available standards applicable to cooling water intake structures at existing power plants under the Clean Water Act. The EPA is expected to propose revised rules in 2011. Until the EPA reissues the rules and such rules are adopted, and until the studies on the aquatic impacts of the power plants are completed, we are unable to estimate the costs of complying with these rules. Such costs are not expected to be incurred prior to 2012. All large coal-fired and nuclear generation facilities at Ameren, UE and Genco with cooling water systems could be subject to these new regulations.
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In September 2009, the EPA announced its plan to revise the effluent guidelines applicable to steam electric generating units under Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act. Effluent guidelines are national standards for wastewater discharges to surface water that are developed based on the effectiveness of available control technology. The EPA is engaged in information collection activities in support of this rulemaking and has indicated that it expects to issue a proposed rule in July 2012 and finalize the rule in 2014. We are unable at this time to predict the impact of this development.
Remediation
We are involved in a number of remediation actions to clean up hazardous waste sites as required by federal and state law. Such statutes require that responsible parties fund remediation actions regardless of their degree of fault, the legality of original disposal, or the ownership of a disposal site. UE and AIC have each been identified by the federal or state governments as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at several contaminated sites. Several of these sites involve facilities that were transferred by our regulated utility operations in Illinois to Genco in May 2000 and to AERG in October 2003. As part of each transfer, AIC has contractually agreed to indemnify Genco and AERG for remediation costs associated with preexisting environmental contamination at the transferred sites.
As of December 31, 2010, Ameren and AIC owned or were otherwise responsible for 44 former MGP sites in Illinois. All of these sites are in various stages of investigation, evaluation, and remediation. Ameren and AIC currently anticipate completion of remediation at these sites by 2015, except for a site that is expected to be completed by 2017. The ICC permits each company to recover remediation and litigation costs associated with its former MGP sites from its Illinois electric and natural gas utility customers through environmental adjustment rate riders. To be recoverable, such costs must be prudently and properly incurred. Costs are subject to annual review by the ICC.
As of December 31, 2010, Ameren and UE own or are otherwise responsible for 10 MGP sites in Missouri and one site in Iowa. UE does not currently have in Missouri a rate rider mechanism that permits recovery of remediation costs associated with MGP sites from utility customers. UE does not have any retail utility operations in Iowa that would provide a source of recovery of these remediation costs.
The following table presents, as of December 31, 2010, the estimated probable obligation to remediate these MGP sites.
Estimate |
Recorded
|
|||||||||||
Low | High | |||||||||||
Ameren |
$ | 138 | $ | 219 | $ | 138 | ||||||
UE |
3 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||
AIC |
135 | 215 | 135 |
(a) | Recorded liability represents the estimated minimum probable obligations, as no other amount within the range provided a better estimate. |
AIC is responsible for the cleanup of a former coal ash landfill in Coffeen, Illinois. As of December 31, 2010, AIC estimated that obligation at $0.5 million to $6 million. AIC recorded a liability of $0.5 million to represent its estimated minimum obligation for this site, as no other amount within the range was a better estimate. AIC is also responsible for the cleanup of a landfill, underground storage tanks, and a water treatment plant in Illinois. As of December 31, 2010, AIC recorded a liability of $0.8 million to represent its best estimate of the obligation for these sites.
UE has responsibility for the cleanup of four waste sites in Missouri as a result of federal agency mandates. UE concluded cleanups at two of these sites, and no further remediation actions are anticipated at those two sites. One of the remaining cleanup sites is a former coal tar distillery located in St. Louis, Missouri. In July 2008, the EPA issued an administrative order to UE pertaining to this distillery operated by Koppers Company or its predecessor and successor companies. UE is the current owner of the site, but UE did not conduct any of the manufacturing operations involving coal tar or its byproducts. UE along with two other PRPs have reached an agreement with the EPA about the scope of the site investigation. The investigation is ongoing. As of December 31, 2010, UE estimated its obligation at $2 million to $5 million. UE has a liability of $2 million recorded to represent its estimated minimum obligation, as no other amount within the range was a better estimate. UEs other active federal agency-mandated cleanup site in Missouri is a site in Cape Girardeau. UE was a customer of an electrical repair and disposal company that previously operated a facility at this site. A trust was established in the early 1990s by several businesses and governmental agencies to fund the cleanup of this site, which was completed in 2005. UE anticipates this trust fund will be sufficient to complete the remaining adjacent off-site clean-up and, therefore, has no recorded liability at December 31, 2010, related to this site.
UE also has a federal agency mandate to clean up a site in Illinois. In June 2000, the EPA notified UE and numerous other companies, including Solutia, that former landfills and lagoons in Sauget, Illinois, may contain soil and groundwater contamination. These sites are known as Sauget Area 2. From about 1926 until 1976, UE operated a power generating facility adjacent to Sauget Area 2. UE currently owns a parcel of property that was once used as a landfill. Under the terms of an Administrative Order on Consent, UE has joined with other PRPs to evaluate the extent of potential contamination with respect to Sauget Area 2.
The Sauget Area 2 investigations overseen by the EPA have been completed. The results have been submitted to the EPA, and a record of decision is expected in 2011. Once the EPA has selected a remedy, it will begin negotiations with various PRPs to implement it. Over the last several years, numerous other parties have joined the PRP group, and all presumably will participate in the funding of any required remediation. In addition, Pharmacia Corporation and Monsanto Company have agreed to assume the
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liabilities related to Solutias former chemical waste landfill in the Sauget Area 2, notwithstanding Solutias filing for bankruptcy protection. As of December 31, 2010, UE estimated its obligation at $0.4 million to $10 million. UE has a liability of $0.4 million recorded to represent its estimated minimum obligation, as no other amount within the range was a better estimate.
In December 2004, AERG submitted a plan to the Illinois EPA to address groundwater and surface water issues associated with the recycle pond, ash ponds, and reservoir at the Duck Creek power plant facility. In 2010, AERG closed the recycle pond system by transferring water into the Duck Creek reservoir. This step was required before the eventual closure of the ash ponds. As of December 31, 2010, AERG recorded a liability of $0.1 million for the remaining remediation work on the recycle pond. Additionally, at December 31, 2010, AERG has an asset retirement obligation of $23 million for the eventual closure of Duck Creek ash ponds, which is currently estimated to occur between 2014 and 2017.
Our operations or those of our predecessor companies involve the use of, disposal of, and in appropriate circumstances, the cleanup of substances regulated under environmental protection laws. We are unable to determine whether such practices will result in future environmental commitments or affect our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Ash Management
There has been increased activity at both state and federal levels regarding additional regulation of ash pond facilities and coal combustion byproducts (CCB). In May 2010, the EPA announced proposed new regulations regarding the regulatory framework for the management and disposal of CCB, which could impact future disposal and handling costs at our power plant facilities. Those proposed regulations include two options for managing CCBs under either solid or hazardous waste regulations, but either alternative would allow for some continued beneficial uses, such as recycling, of CCB without classifying it as waste. As part of its proposal, the EPA is considering alternative regulatory approaches that require coal-fired power plants to either close surface impoundments such as ash ponds or retrofit such facilities with liners. Existing impoundments and landfills used for the disposal of CCB would be subject to groundwater monitoring requirements and requirements related to closure and postclosure care under the proposed regulations. Additionally, in January 2010, EPA announced its intent to develop regulations establishing financial responsibility requirements for the electric generation industry, among other industries, and specifically discussed CCB as a reason for developing the new requirements. Ameren, UE and Genco are currently evaluating all of the proposed regulations to determine whether current management of CCB, including beneficial reuse, and the use of the ash ponds should be altered. Ameren, UE and Genco also are evaluating the potential
costs associated with compliance with the proposed regulation of CCB impoundments and landfills, costs which could be material, if such regulations are adopted.
In addition, the Illinois EPA has requested that Ameren, UE and Genco establish groundwater monitoring plans for their active and inactive ash impoundments in Illinois. Ameren has entered into discussions with the Illinois EPA about a framework for closure of additional ash ponds in Illinois, including the ash ponds at Venice, Hutsonville, and Duck Creek, when such facilities are ultimately taken out of service. In October 2010, the Illinois Pollution Control Board approved a site-specific plan proposed by Ameren and the Illinois EPA that detailed the closure requirements for an ash pond at Gencos Hutsonville plant. Those closure requirements include capping and covering the pond, groundwater monitoring, and the establishment of alternative groundwater standards. Ameren is establishing closure requirements similar to those adopted at the Hutsonville plant for ash ponds at the Venice and Duck Creek facilities. Ameren, UE and Genco have recorded AROs, based on current laws, for the estimated costs of the retirement of their ash ponds.
Pumped-storage Hydroelectric Facility Breach
In December 2005, there was a breach of the upper reservoir at UEs Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric facility. This resulted in significant flooding in the local area, which damaged a state park. UE settled with FERC and the state of Missouri all issues associated with the December 2005 Taum Sauk incident.
UE had property and liability insurance coverage for the Taum Sauk incident, subject to certain limits and deductibles. Insurance did not cover some lost electric margins or penalties paid to FERC. UE believes that the total cost for cleanup, damage and liabilities, excluding costs to rebuild the upper reservoir, is approximately $207 million, which is the amount UE paid as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, UE had recorded expenses of $36 million, primarily in prior years (2010 $1 million, 2009 $2 million, 2008 $3 million), for items not covered by insurance. UE recorded a $171 million receivable for amounts recoverable from insurance companies under liability coverage. As of December 31, 2010, UE had received $104 million from insurance companies for liability claims, which reduced the insurance receivable balance subject to liability coverage to $67 million.
In June 2010, UE sued an insurance company that was providing UE with liability coverage on the date of the Taum Sauk incident. In the litigation, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, UE claimed the insurance company breached its duty to indemnify UE for the losses experienced from the incident. In January 2011, the judge ruled that the parties must first pursue alternative dispute resolution under the terms of their coverage agreement. In February 2011, UE filed an appeal of the January ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth
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District, which seeks resolution outside of a dispute resolution process.
UE received approval from FERC to rebuild the upper reservoir at its Taum Sauk plant. The rebuilt Taum Sauk plant became fully operational in April 2010. In June 2010, UE received $57 million, as the final property insurance settlement, from the three property insurance carriers that had previously filed a petition against Ameren in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, in July 2009. That settlement resolved the lawsuit and Amerens counterclaim against these insurers. Including this final property insurance settlement receipt, UE cumulatively recovered $422 million of the Taum Sauk rebuild costs, power replacement costs, and other operations and maintenance costs.
Until Amerens remaining liability insurance claims and the related litigation are resolved, among other things, we are unable to determine the total impact the breach could have on Amerens and UEs results of operations, financial position, and liquidity beyond those amounts already recognized. The recoverability of any Taum Sauk facility rebuild costs from customers is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in UEs November 2007 State of Missouri settlement agreement. In that settlement, UE agreed that it would not attempt to recover from ratepayers costs incurred in the reconstruction, expressly excluding, however, enhancements, costs incurred due to circumstances or conditions that were not at that time reasonably foreseeable and costs that would have been incurred absent the Taum Sauk incident. Certain costs associated with the Taum Sauk facility not recovered from property insurers may be recoverable from UEs electric customers through rates established in rate cases filed subsequent to the in-service date of the rebuilt facility. As of December 31, 2010, UE had capitalized in property and plant Taum Sauk-related costs of $89 million that UE believes qualify for recovery in electric rates under the terms of the November 2007 state of Missouri settlement agreement, and those costs were included in UEs pending electric rate increase request filed in September 2010. The inclusion of such costs in UEs electric rates is subject to review and approval by the MoPSC. See Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information about UEs pending electric rate case. Any amounts not recovered in electric rates, or otherwise, could result in charges to earnings, which could be material.
Asbestos-related Litigation
Ameren, UE, AIC and EEI have been named, along with numerous other parties, in a number of lawsuits filed by plaintiffs claiming varying degrees of injury from asbestos exposure. Most have been filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Illinois. The total number of defendants named in each case varies, with as many as 212 parties named in some pending cases and as few as two in others. However, in the cases that were pending as of December 31, 2010, the average number of parties was 78.
The claims filed against Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco allege injury from asbestos exposure during the plaintiffs activities at our present or former electric generating plants. Former CIPS plants are now owned by Genco, and former CILCO plants are now owned by AERG. As a part of the transfer of ownership of the CIPS and CILCO generating plants, CIPS and CILCO, now AIC, contractually agreed to indemnify Genco and AERG, for liabilities associated with asbestos-related claims arising from activities prior to the transfer. Each lawsuit seeks unspecified damages that, if awarded at trial, typically would be shared among the various defendants.
The following table presents the pending asbestos-related lawsuits filed against the Ameren Companies as of December 31, 2010:
Ameren | UE | AIC | Genco | Total (a) | ||||
5 |
42 | 87 | (b) | 76 |
(a) | Total does not equal the sum of the subsidiary unit lawsuits because some of the lawsuits name multiple Ameren entities as defendants. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2010, eight asbestos-related lawsuits were pending against EEI. The general liability insurance maintained by EEI provides coverage with respect to liabilities arising from asbestos-related claims. |
At December 31, 2010, Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco had liabilities of $15 million, $6 million, $9 million, and $- million, respectively, recorded to represent their best estimate of their obligations related to asbestos claims.
AIC has a tariff rider to recover the costs of asbestos-related litigation claims, subject to the following terms: 90% of cash expenditures in excess of the amount included in base electric rates are recovered from a trust fund established when Ameren acquired IP. At December 31, 2010, the trust fund balance was approximately $23 million, including accumulated interest. If cash expenditures are less than the amount in base rates, AIC will contribute 90% of the difference to the fund. Once the trust fund is depleted, 90% of allowed cash expenditures in excess of base rates will be recovered through charges assessed to customers under the tariff rider. Following the AIC Merger, this rider is only applicable for claims that occurred within IPs historical service territory. Similarly, the rider will seek recovery only from customers within IPs historical service territory.
Illinois Sales and Use Tax Exemptions and Credits
In Exelon Corporation v. Department of Revenue , the Illinois Supreme Court decided in 2009 that electricity is tangible personal property for purposes of the Illinois income tax investment credit. In March 2010, the United States Supreme Court denied certiorari, and the case became final. During the second quarter of 2010, Genco and AERG began claiming Illinois sales and use tax exemptions and credits for purchase transactions related to their generation operations. The basis for those claims is
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that the determination in the Exelon case that electricity is tangible applies to sales and use tax manufacturing exemptions and credits. While it is possible that Illinois will take the position that Genco and AERG do not qualify for the manufacturing exemptions and credits, we do not believe that it is probable that Illinois will prevail and therefore have not recorded a charge to earnings for the loss contingency. During 2010, Ameren and Genco claimed manufacturing exemptions and credits of $11 million and $8 million, respectively.
The Ameren Companies believe that the final disposition of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on their results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
NOTE 16 CORPORATE REORGANIZATION AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On October 1, 2010, after receiving all necessary approvals, Ameren, CIPS, CILCO, IP, AERG and Resources Company completed a two-step corporate internal reorganization. The first step of the reorganization was the AIC Merger. The second step of the reorganization involved the distribution of AERG stock from AIC to Ameren (the AERG distribution) and the subsequent contribution by Ameren of the AERG stock to Resources Company.
In August 2010, prior to the AIC Merger, CILCO redeemed all of its outstanding preferred stock. CIPS redeemed all $40 million of its 7.61% Series 1997-2 first mortgage bonds in September 2010. Following the redemption of those CIPS mortgage bonds, a release date occurred with respect to CIPS senior secured notes, causing these notes to become unsecured, and CIPS mortgage indenture to be discharged. Also in September 2010, Ameren contributed to the capital of IP, without the payment of any consideration, all of the IP preferred stock owned by Ameren. IP cancelled those preferred shares.
Upon the AIC Merger, the debt and other obligations of CILCO and IP under their mortgage indentures, senior note indentures, and pollution control bond agreements become debt and obligations of AIC. The property owned by CILCO
and IP immediately before the AIC Merger that was subject to the lien of their respective mortgage indentures remained subject to such lien, which continued to secure the bonds outstanding under such mortgage indenture subject to the release and other provisions of such mortgage indenture. The senior secured notes of IP and CILCO remained secured by the mortgage bonds held by their respective senior note trustee, subject to the release and other provisions of the respective senior note indenture. The debt and other obligations of CIPS remained debt and obligations of AIC. AIC secured the senior notes issued by CIPS with the benefit of a lien under the IP mortgage indenture. AIC also encumbered substantially all of the fixtures and equipment owned by CIPS immediately before the AIC Merger with the lien of the IP mortgage indenture.
At the time of the AIC Merger, the common stock of CILCO and IP, all of which was wholly owned by Ameren, was canceled without consideration. Then, pursuant to the merger agreement: (i) every two shares of each series of IP preferred stock outstanding immediately prior to the AIC Merger were automatically converted into one share of a newly created series of AIC preferred stock having the same payment and redemption terms as the existing series of IP preferred stock, except to the extent that IP preferred stockholders exercised their dissenters rights in accordance with Illinois law; and (ii) each outstanding share of CIPS common and preferred stock remained outstanding, except to the extent that CIPS preferred stockholders exercised their dissenters rights in accordance with Illinois law. Stockholders holding approximately 8,337 shares and 423 shares of CIPS and IP preferred stock, respectively, exercised their dissenters rights.
In its application for the FERC orders approving the AIC Merger and the AERG distribution, Ameren committed to maintain a minimum 30% equity capital structure at AIC following the AIC Merger and the AERG distribution.
We received an IRS private letter ruling on July 16, 2010, stating that the AERG distribution qualified as a generally tax-free transaction. The AERG distribution occurred immediately after the AIC Merger.
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AIC determined that the operating results of AERG qualified for discontinued operations presentation; therefore, AIC has segregated AERGs operating results and presented them separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented prior to October 1, 2010, in this report. AICs discontinued operations represent AERGs results of operations prior to the AIC Merger on October 1, 2010, when AERG was a subsidiary of CILCO. AIC will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of AERG. For Amerens financial statements, AERGs results of operation remain classified as continuing operations. The table below presents balance sheet information for AICs Merchant Generation subsidiary, AERG, classified as discontinued operations at December 31, 2009.
December 31, 2009 | ||||
Current Assets |
||||
Accounts receivable affiliates |
$ | 53 | ||
Materials and supplies |
54 | |||
Other current assets |
5 | |||
Total current assets of discontinued operations |
$ | 112 | ||
Noncurrent Assets |
||||
Property and plant, net |
$ | 997 | ||
Intangible assets |
1 | |||
Other assets |
7 | |||
Total noncurrent assets of discontinued operations |
$ | 1,005 | ||
Current Liabilities |
||||
Note payable Ameren |
$ | 288 | ||
Accounts and wages payable |
15 | |||
Accounts payable affiliates |
20 | |||
Taxes accrued |
3 | |||
Other current liabilities |
8 | |||
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations |
$ | 334 | ||
Noncurrent Liabilities |
||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
$ | 163 | ||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
1 | |||
Pension and other postretirement benefits |
18 | |||
Other deferred credits and liabilities |
49 | |||
Total noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations |
$ | 231 |
The following table summarizes the operating results of AICs former merchant generation subsidiary, AERG, classified as discontinued operations in AICs statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 274 | $ | 427 | $ | 342 | ||||||
Operating expenses |
201 | 233 | 252 | |||||||||
Operating income |
73 | 194 | 90 | |||||||||
Other income |
1 | - | - | |||||||||
Interest charges |
14 | 16 | 5 | |||||||||
Income taxes |
20 | 64 | 33 | |||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | 40 | $ | 114 | $ | 52 |
NOTE 17 GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
The following table summarizes the goodwill and other asset impairment pretax charges recognized in 2010:
Goodwill |
Long-Lived Assets |
Emission Allowances |
Total | |||||||||||||
Ameren (a) |
$ | 420 | $ | 101 | $ | 68 | $ | 589 | ||||||||
Genco |
65 | 64 | 41 | 170 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Genco and merchant segment nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
Each of the above noncash impairment charges were recorded in the statement of income as Goodwill and Other Impairment Charges and were included in the Merchant Generation segment results. Each of the impairment charges is discussed separately below.
The goodwill and other asset impairment charges did not result in a violation of any Ameren or Ameren subsidiary debt covenants or counterparty agreements. They are not expected to have a material impact on future operations.
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Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment as of October 31 of each year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered unimpaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of its existing assets and liabilities. The unallocated portion of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss equivalent to the difference is recorded as a reduction of goodwill and a charge to operating expense.
Ameren has identified three reporting units, which also represent Amerens reportable segments. The Ameren reporting units are Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Merchant Generation. Genco has one reporting unit, Merchant Generation. AIC has one reporting unit, Ameren Illinois. Amerens reporting units have been defined and goodwill has been evaluated at the operating segment level in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance.
As previously disclosed, based on the results of the annual goodwill impairment test completed as of October 31, 2009, the estimated fair value of Amerens Merchant Generation reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by a nominal amount. During the third quarter of 2010, we concluded that events had occurred and circumstances had changed which, when considered in the aggregate, indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of Amerens and Gencos Merchant Generation reporting units were less than their carrying value. Such events and circumstances included the sustained decline in market prices for electricity, industry market multiples became observable at lower levels than previously estimated, and potentially more stringent environmental regulations being enacted. In July 2010, the EPA issued the CATR, which proposed rules to limit the interstate transport of emissions of NO x and SO 2 . This proposed regulation, along with other pending regulations, could result in significant capital and operations and maintenance expenditures with respect to Amerens and Gencos Merchant Generation facilities. The proposed CATR would also restrict the use of existing SO 2 emission allowances. Observable market prices for SO 2 emission allowances declined materially following the announcement of the proposed CATR restrictions.
Accordingly, we performed interim goodwill tests of Amerens and Gencos Merchant Generation reporting units as of August 31, 2010.
The fair value estimate of Amerens and Gencos reporting units was based on a combination of the income approach, which considers discounted future cash flows, and the market approach, which considers market comparables within the electric generation industry. Key assumptions in the determination of fair value included the use of an appropriate discount rate, estimated five-year cash flows, and observable industry market multiples. We used our best estimates in making these evaluations. We considered various factors, including forward price projections for energy and fuel costs, environmental compliance costs, and operating costs.
Amerens Merchant Generation reporting unit and Gencos Merchant Generation reporting unit failed step one of the August 31, 2010, interim impairment test, as, individually, each reporting units carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Therefore, in order to measure the goodwill impairment in step two, we estimated the implied fair value of Amerens Merchant Generation goodwill and Gencos Merchant Generation goodwill. In both cases, we determined that the implied fair value of goodwill was less than the carrying amount of goodwill, indicating that Amerens and Gencos Merchant Generation goodwill was impaired as of August 31, 2010. Based on the results of step two of the impairment test, Ameren recorded a noncash impairment charge of $420 million, which represented all of the goodwill assigned to Amerens Merchant Generation reporting unit. Genco recorded a noncash impairment charge of $65 million, which represented all the goodwill assigned to Gencos Merchant Generation reporting unit.
The annual impairment test, conducted as of October 31, 2010, did not result in a second step assessment; the test indicated no impairment of Amerens or AICs goodwill. The annual test was conducted in a manner similar to the interim test described above. Amerens market capitalization was less than the book value of its equity as of the October 31, 2010, testing date and during the remainder of 2010. However, the sum of the estimated fair values of Ameren reporting units exceeded the combined Ameren reporting unit carrying value as of October 31, 2010. We believe the difference between Amerens market capitalization and the sum of the estimated fair values of the Ameren reporting units as of October 31, 2010, can be explained by the application of a reasonable control premium to our share price. The discount rate used, 5.5%, was based on a weighted average of integrated utilities. At Amerens Ameren Illinois reporting unit and AICs Ameren Illinois reporting unit, either (1) a decrease in the forecasted cash flows of ten percent, (2) an increase in the discount rate of one percentage point, or (3) a decrease of the market multiple by one would not have resulted in the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeding its fair value. Any future failure of the Ameren Illinois reporting unit to achieve forecasted operating results and
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cash flows, an unfavorable change in forecasted operating results and cash flows, or a decline of observable industry market multiples may result in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge.
Ameren and AIC will continue to monitor the actual and forecasted operating results, cash flows, market capitalization, and observable industry market multiples of their reporting units for signs of possible declines in estimated fair value and potential goodwill impairment.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit, for Ameren, AIC and Genco for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
Ameren
2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ameren Missouri |
Ameren Illinois |
Merchant
Generation |
Total (a) |
Ameren Missouri |
Ameren Illinois |
Merchant
Generation |
Total (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross goodwill at January 1 |
$ | - | $ | 411 | $ | 420 | $ | 831 | $ | - | $ | 411 | $ | 420 | $ | 831 | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses |
$ | - | $ | 411 | $ | 420 | $ | 831 | $ | - | $ | 411 | $ | 420 | $ | 831 | ||||||||||||||||
Impairment losses during year |
- | - | 420 | 420 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill, net of impairment losses at December 31 |
$ | - | $ | 411 | $ | - | $ | 411 | $ | - | $ | 411 | $ | 420 | $ | 831 |
(a) | Includes amounts for Ameren registrants and nonregistrant subsidiaries. |
AIC
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Ameren Illinois | Ameren Illinois | |||||||
Gross goodwill at January 1 |
$ | 411 | $ | 411 | ||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
- | - | ||||||
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses |
$ | 411 | $ | 411 | ||||
Impairment losses during the year |
- | - | ||||||
Goodwill, net of impairment losses at December 31 |
$ | 411 | $ | 411 |
Genco
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Merchant Generation | Merchant Generation | |||||||
Gross goodwill at January 1 |
$ | 65 | $ | 65 | ||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
- | - | ||||||
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses |
$ | 65 | $ | 65 | ||||
Impairment losses during the year |
65 | - | ||||||
Goodwill, net of impairment losses at December 31 |
$ | - | $ | 65 |
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate long-lived assets classified as held and used for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Whether impairment has occurred is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets with the carrying value of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment
charge equal to the carrying value of the assets in excess of estimated fair value.
As a result of factors described in this note, Ameren and Genco evaluated their long-lived assets and recorded noncash, pretax asset impairment charges of $101 million and $64 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of certain generating facilities to their estimated fair value during 2010.
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Key assumptions used in the determination of estimated undiscounted cash flows of the generation assets tested for impairment included the forward price projections for energy and fuel costs, the expected life of the facility, environmental compliance costs, and operating costs. Those same cash flow assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the long-lived assets whose carrying values exceeded their undiscounted cash flows. The fair value estimate of these long-lived assets was based on a combination of the income approach, which considers discounted future cash flows, and the market approach, which considers market comparables within the electric generation industry. We used our best estimates in making these assumptions. Although the undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying value of certain of Amerens and Gencos generating facilities, the estimated fair values of these generation facilities at August 31, 2010, which were not impaired, were below the carrying value of these assets. More stringent environmental regulations than anticipated or declines in market prices for energy would affect the assumptions used by Ameren and Genco, including the expected life of the facility, as the expected return from these generation assets might no longer justify additional capital expenditures or their continued operation. Changes in these assumptions could result in further asset impairments, if the estimated undiscounted cash flows no longer exceed the carrying values.
In 2009, Genco recorded asset impairment charges of $6 million as a result of the termination of a rail line extension project at a subsidiary of Genco and to adjust the carrying value of an office building owned by Genco to its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2009. The charge related to the office building was based on the net proceeds from its sale in 2010. In addition, AERG recorded an asset impairment charge of $1 million to adjust the carrying value of its Indian Trails generation facilitys estimated fair value as of December 31, 2009. This charge was based on the net proceeds from the sale of the facility in January 2010.
In 2008, asset impairment charges were recorded to adjust the carrying value of AERGs Indian Trails and Sterling Avenue generation facilities to their estimated fair values as of December 31, 2008. AERG recorded an asset impairment charge of $12 million related to the Indian Trails generation facility as a result of the suspension of operations by the facilitys only customer. Ameren recorded a $2 million impairment charge related to the Sterling Avenue CT. The charge was based on the net proceeds generated from the sale of the facility in 2009.
The 2009 and 2008 asset impairment charges were recorded in Goodwill and other impairment losses in the applicable statements of income and were included in Merchant Generation segment results.
Intangible Assets
We evaluate emission allowances for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they will not or cannot be used in operations. Previously, Ameren, UE and Genco expected to use their SO 2 emission allowances for ongoing operations. As discussed above, in July 2010, the EPA issued the CATR, which would restrict the use of existing SO 2 emission allowances. As a result, Ameren, UE and Genco no longer expect all of their SO 2 emission allowances will be used in operations. Therefore, during 2010, Ameren, UE and Genco recorded an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of their SO 2 emission allowances to their estimated fair value. Amerens and Gencos noncash pretax impairment charge was $68 million and $41 million, respectively. UE recorded a $23 million impairment of its SO 2 emission allowances by reducing a previously established regulatory liability relating to SO 2 emission allowances. Therefore, the UE SO 2 emission allowance impairment had no impact on earnings. The fair value of the SO 2 emission allowances was based on observable and unobservable inputs.
Inputs for Fair Value Estimates
Both observable and unobservable inputs were used in determining the estimated fair value of our long-lived assets, goodwill, and intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis if triggering events require us to perform impairment tests, which are level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
NOTE 18 SEGMENT INFORMATION
Ameren has three reportable segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Merchant Generation. The Ameren Missouri segment for Ameren and UE includes all the operations of UEs business as described in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Ameren Illinois segment for Ameren and AIC consists of all of the operations of AIC as described in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Merchant Generation segment for Ameren consists primarily of the operations or activities of Genco, including EEI, AERG, Medina Valley and Marketing Company. The category called Other primarily includes Ameren parent company activities, Ameren Services, and ATXI.
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The following table presents information about the reported revenues and specified items reflected in Amerens net income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and total assets as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri |
Ameren Illinois |
Merchant Generation |
Other |
Intersegment Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
External revenues |
$ | 3,176 | $ | 3,002 | $ | 1,459 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 7,638 | ||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues |
21 | 12 | 234 | 13 | (280 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
382 | 210 | 146 | 27 | - | 765 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
31 | 1 | 1 | 25 | (25 | ) | 33 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
213 | 143 | 133 | 35 | (27 | ) | 497 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (benefit) |
199 | 137 | 6 | (17 | ) | - | 325 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Corporation (a) |
364 | 208 | (409 | ) | (24 | ) | - | 139 | ||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
608 | 286 | 101 | 36 | - | 1,031 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
12,504 | 7,406 | 3,934 | 1,354 | (1,683 | ) | 23,515 | |||||||||||||||||
2009 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
External revenues |
$ | 2,847 | $ | 2,957 | $ | 1,322 | $ | 9 | $ | - | $ | 7,135 | ||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues |
27 | 27 | 390 | 19 | (463 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
357 | 216 | 126 | 26 | - | 725 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
29 | 6 | - | 33 | (38 | ) | 30 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
229 | 153 | 119 | 48 | (41 | ) | 508 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (benefit) |
128 | 79 | 151 | (26 | ) | - | 332 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Corporation (a) |
259 | 127 | 247 | (21 | ) | - | 612 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
872 | 356 | 408 | 68 | - | 1,704 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
12,219 | 7,181 | 4,921 | 1,814 | (2,433 | ) | 23,702 | |||||||||||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
External revenues |
$ | 2,922 | $ | 3,463 | $ | 1,482 | $ | 2 | $ | - | $ | 7,869 | ||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues |
38 | 45 | 455 | 18 | (556 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
329 | 219 | 109 | 28 | - | 685 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
33 | 14 | 3 | 30 | (37 | ) | 43 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
193 | 145 | 99 | 43 | (40 | ) | 440 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes (benefit) |
134 | 16 | 217 | (40 | ) | - | 327 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren Corporation (a) |
234 | 35 | 352 | (16 | ) | - | 605 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
874 | 345 | 611 | 66 | - | 1,896 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
11,529 | 6,942 | 4,568 | 1,373 | (1,741 | ) | 22,671 |
(a) | Represents net income (loss) available to common stockholders. |
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
Quarter Ended (a) |
Operating Revenues |
Operating Income |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Ameren Corporation |
Earnings (Loss) per
Share Basic and
|
||||||||||||
Ameren |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2010 |
$ | 1,940 | $ | 298 | $ | 102 | $ | 0.43 | ||||||||
March 31, 2009 |
1,931 | 321 | 141 | 0.66 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2010 |
1,725 | 331 | 152 | 0.64 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2009 |
1,696 | 365 | 165 | 0.77 | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 |
2,267 | 89 | (167 | ) | (0.70 | ) | ||||||||||
September 30, 2009 |
1,824 | 485 | 227 | 1.04 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 |
1,706 | 198 | 52 | 0.21 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2009 |
1,684 | 245 | 79 | 0.34 |
(a) | The sum of quarterly amounts, including per share amounts, may not equal amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to the effects of rounding and changes in the number of weighted-average shares outstanding each period. |
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Quarter Ended |
Operating Revenues |
Operating Income |
Net Income |
Net Income
Available to Common Stockholder |
||||||||||||
UE |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2010 |
$ | 682 | $ | 90 | $ | 28 | $ | 27 | ||||||||
March 31, 2009 |
655 | 75 | 22 | 21 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2010 |
761 | 197 | 115 | 113 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2009 |
752 | 173 | 84 | 82 | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 |
1,060 | 385 | 224 | 223 | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2009 |
836 | 257 | 142 | 141 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 |
694 | 39 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2009 |
631 | 61 | 17 | 15 |
Quarter Ended |
Operating Revenues |
Operating Income |
Income from
Continuing Operations |
Net Income |
Net Income
Available to Common Stockholder |
|||||||||||||||
AIC |
||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2010 |
$ | 911 | $ | 98 | $ | 36 | $ | 48 | $ | 47 | ||||||||||
March 31, 2009 |
950 | 81 | 28 | 55 | 54 | |||||||||||||||
June 30, 2010 |
647 | 112 | 48 | 57 | 55 | |||||||||||||||
June 30, 2009 |
636 | 65 | 17 | 46 | 45 | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 |
746 | 182 | 91 | 110 | 109 | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2009 |
655 | 133 | 60 | 90 | 88 | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 |
710 | 106 | 37 | 37 | 37 | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2009 |
743 | 84 | 28 | 56 | 54 |
Quarter Ended |
Operating Revenues |
Operating Income (Loss) |
Net Income (Loss) |
Net Income (Loss)
Attributable to Ameren Energy Generating Company |
||||||||||||
Genco |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2010 |
$ | 267 | $ | 62 | $ | 24 | $ | 23 | ||||||||
March 31, 2009 |
295 | 103 | 55 | 53 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2010 |
275 | 45 | 14 | 13 | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2009 |
287 | 85 | 46 | 46 | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 |
335 | (99 | ) | (100 | ) | (101 | ) | |||||||||
September 30, 2009 |
305 | 57 | 22 | 23 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 |
249 | 54 | 26 | 26 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2009 |
261 | 79 | 39 | 38 |
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
None.
ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
Each of the Ameren Companies was required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC regulations as to managements assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the 2010 fiscal year.
(a) | Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
As of December 31, 2010, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of each of the Ameren Companies, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of such registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on those evaluations, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of each of the Ameren Companies concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in such registrants reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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(b) | Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting |
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 of and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, an evaluation was conducted of the effectiveness of each of the Ameren Companies internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). After making that evaluation , management concluded that each of the Ameren Companies internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010. The effectiveness of Amerens internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report herein under Part II, Item 8. This annual report does not include an attestation report of UEs, AICs, or Gencos (the Subsidiary Registrants) independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report for each of the Subsidiary Registrants is not subject to attestation by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness into future periods are subject to the risk that internal controls might become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures might deteriorate.
(c) | Change in Internal Control |
There has been no change in the Ameren Companies internal control over financial reporting during their most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, their internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION. |
The Ameren Companies have no information reportable under this item that was required to be disclosed in a report on SEC Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2010 that has not previously been reported on an SEC Form 8-K.
PART III
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. |
Information required by Items 401, 405, 406 and 407(c)(3),(d)(4) and (d)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K for Ameren will be included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A; it is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by these SEC Regulation S-K items for UE and AIC will be included in each companys definitive information statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14C; it is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, reference is made to the following sections of Amerens definitive proxy statement and each of UEs and AICs definitive information statement: Information Concerning Nominees to the Board of Directors, Current Directors Not Standing for Re-Election (with respect to Ameren only), Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance, Corporate Governance and Board Structure. With respect to Genco, this information is omitted in reliance on General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.
Information concerning executive officers of the Ameren Companies required by Item 401 of SEC Regulation S-K is reported under a separate caption entitled Executive Officers of the Registrants in Part I of this report.
UE, AIC and Genco do not have separately designated standing audit committees, but instead use Amerens audit and risk committee to perform such committee functions
for their boards of directors. These companies have no securities listed on the NYSE and therefore are not subject to the NYSE listing standards. Walter J. Galvin serves as chairman of Amerens audit and risk committee, and Stephen F. Brauer, Ellen M. Fitzsimmons and Stephen R. Wilson serve as members. The board of directors of Ameren has determined that Walter J. Galvin qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and that he is independent as that term is used in SEC Regulation 14A.
Also, on the same basis as reported above, the boards of directors of UE, AIC and Genco use the nominating and corporate governance committee of Amerens board of directors to perform such committee functions. This committee is responsible for the nomination of directors and corporate governance practices. Amerens nominating and corporate governance committee will consider director nominations from shareholders in accordance with its Policy Regarding Nominations of Directors, which can be found on Amerens website: www.ameren.com.
To encourage ethical conduct in its financial management and reporting, Ameren has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the principal executive officer, the president, the principal financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller, and the treasurer of each of the Ameren Companies. Ameren has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to the directors, officers,
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and employees of the Ameren Companies. It is referred to as the Corporate Compliance Policy. The Ameren Companies make available free of charge through Amerens website (www.ameren.com) the Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Policy. Any amendment to the Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Policy and any waiver from a provision of the Code of Ethics and Corporate
Compliance Policy as it relates to the principal executive officer, the president, the principal financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller and the treasurer of each of the Ameren Companies will be posted on Amerens website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. |
Information required by Items 402 and 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K for Ameren will be included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A; it is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by these SEC Regulation S-K items for UE and AIC will be included in each companys definitive information statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14C; it is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, reference is made to the following sections of Amerens definitive proxy statement and each of UEs and AICs definitive information statement: Executive Compensation, and Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. With respect to Genco, this information is omitted in reliance on General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table presents information as of December 31, 2010, with respect to the shares of Amerens common stock that may be issued under its existing equity compensation plans.
Plan Category |
Number of Securities to be
(a) |
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b) |
Number of Securities Remaining
(c) |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (a) |
1,686,857 | $ | (b) | 2,094,118 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
- | - | - | |||||||||
Total |
1,686,857 | $ | (b) | 2,094,118 |
(a) | Consists of the Ameren Corporation Long-term Incentive Plan of 1998, which was approved by shareholders in April 1998 and expired on April 1, 2008, and the Ameren Corporation 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, which was approved by shareholders in May 2006 and expires on May 2, 2016. Pursuant to grants of performance share units (PSUs) under the Long-term Incentive Plan of 1998 and the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, 166,246 of the securities represent PSUs that vested as of December 31, 2010 (including accrued and reinvested dividends), and 1,495,289 of the securities represent target PSUs granted but not vested (including accrued and reinvested dividends) as of December 31, 2010. The actual number of shares issued in respect of the PSUs will vary from 0% to 200% of the target level depending upon the achievement of total shareholder return objectives established for such awards. For additional information about the PSUs, including payout calculations, see Compensation Discussion and AnalysisLong-Term Incentives: Performance Share Unit Program (PSUP) in Amerens definitive proxy statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders held pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A. 25,322 of the securities represent shares that may be issued as of December 31, 2010, to satisfy obligations under the Ameren Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for members of the board of directors. |
(b) | Earned PSUs and deferred compensation stock units are paid in shares of Ameren common stock on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, the PSUs and deferred compensation stock units have been excluded for purposes of calculating the weighted-average exercise price. |
UE, AIC and Genco do not have separate equity compensation plans.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by Item 403 of SEC Regulation S-K for Ameren will be included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A; it is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this SEC Regulation S-K item for UE and AIC will be included in each companys definitive information statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14C; it is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, reference is made to the following section of Amerens definitive proxy statement and each of UEs and AICs definitive information statement: Security Ownership. With respect to Genco, this information is omitted in reliance on General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.
174
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. |
Information required by Item 404 and Item 407(a) of SEC Regulation S-K for Ameren will be included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A; it is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K for UE and AIC will be included in each companys definitive information statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14C; it is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, reference is made to the following sections of Amerens definitive proxy statement and each of UEs and AICs definitive information statement: Policy and Procedures With Respect to Related Person Transactions and Director Independence. With respect to Genco, this information is omitted in reliance on General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES. |
Information required by Item 9(e) of SEC Schedule 14A for the Ameren Companies will be included in the definitive proxy statement of Ameren and the definitive information statements of UE and AIC for their 2011 annual meetings of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulations 14A and 14C, respectively; it is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this Item of Form 10-K for Genco is identical to the information that will be included in Amerens definitive proxy statement and in the definitive information statements of UE and AIC for their 2011 annual meetings of shareholders filed pursuant to SEC Regulation 14C; it is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, reference is made to the following section of Amerens definitive proxy statement and each of UEs and AICs definitive information statement: Independent Registered
PART IV
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. |
Schedule I and II should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned financial statements. Certain schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or because the required data is shown in the aforementioned financial statements.
(a)(3) |
Exhibits. |
|
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index commencing on page 182. |
||
(b) |
Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index commencing on page 182. |
175
SCHEDULE I CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT AMEREN CORPORATION CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 |
(In millions) | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Operating revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Goodwill and other impairment charges |
372 | - | - | |||||||||
Operating expenses |
24 | 20 | 22 | |||||||||
Operating loss |
(396 | ) | (20 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries |
535 | 625 | 610 | |||||||||
Miscellaneous income |
25 | 32 | 16 | |||||||||
Interest and other charges |
56 | 37 | 22 | |||||||||
Income tax (benefit) |
(31 | ) | (12 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 139 | $ | 612 | $ | 605 |
SCHEDULE I CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT AMEREN CORPORATION CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET |
(In millions) | December 31, 2010 | December 31, 2009 | ||||||
Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and equivalents |
$ | 4 | $ | 24 | ||||
Accounts and notes receivable |
986 | 1,211 | ||||||
Total current assets |
990 | 1,235 | ||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
7,681 | 7,882 | ||||||
Other |
313 | 229 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 8,984 | $ | 9,346 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Short-term debt |
$ | 269 | $ | 20 | ||||
Accounts payable |
41 | 66 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
75 | 65 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
385 | 151 | ||||||
Credit facility borrowings |
360 | 830 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
423 | 423 | ||||||
Other deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities |
69 | 73 | ||||||
Stockholders equity |
7,747 | 7,869 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 8,984 | $ | 9,346 |
SCHEDULE I CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT AMEREN CORPORATION CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 |
(In millions) | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities |
$ | 522 | $ | (442 | ) | $ | 338 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Money pool advances, net |
17 | 300 | (129 | ) | ||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
(50 | ) | (831 | ) | 67 | |||||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(33 | ) | (531 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock |
(368 | ) | (338 | ) | (534 | ) | ||||||
Short-term and credit facility borrowings, net |
(221 | ) | 275 | 25 | ||||||||
Issuances of: |
||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
- | 423 | - | |||||||||
Common stock |
80 | 634 | 154 | |||||||||
Other |
- | (19 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities |
(509 | ) | 975 | (361 | ) | |||||||
Net change in cash and equivalents |
(20 | ) | 2 | (85 | ) | |||||||
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year |
24 | 22 | 107 | |||||||||
Cash and equivalents at the end of year |
4 | 24 | 22 | |||||||||
Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries |
368 | 338 | 534 |
176
AMEREN CORPORATION (parent company only)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2010
NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Ameren Corporation (parent company only) has accounted for wholly owned subsidiaries using the equity method. These financial statements are presented on a condensed basis. Additional disclosures relating to the parent company financial statements are included under the combined notes under Part II, Item 8, of this report.
NOTE 2 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
See Note 5 Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a description and details of long-term obligations of Ameren Corporation (parent company only).
NOTE 3 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a description of all material contingencies and guarantees outstanding of Ameren Corporation (parent company only).
NOTE 4 GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
See Note 17 Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a description of the impairment charges incurred by Ameren Corporation (parent company only).
(a) | Uncollectible accounts charged off, less recoveries. |
177
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signatures for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company or its subsidiaries.
AMEREN CORPORATION (registrant) | ||||
Date: February 24, 2011 | By | /s/ Thomas R. Voss | ||
Thomas R. Voss Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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 date indicated.
178
UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (registrant) | ||||
Date: February 24, 2011 | By | /s/ Warner L. Baxter | ||
Warner L. Baxter Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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 date indicated.
179
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (registrant) | ||||
Date: February 24, 2011 | By |
/s/ Scott A. Cisel |
||
Scott A. Cisel Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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 date indicated.
180
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY (registrant) | ||||
Date: February 24, 2011 | By | /s/ Charles D. Naslund | ||
Charles D. Naslund Chairman and President |
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 date indicated.
181
The documents listed below are being filed or have previously been filed on behalf of the Ameren Companies and are incorporated herein by reference from the documents indicated and made a part hereof. Exhibits not identified as previously filed are filed herewith:
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession | ||||||
2.1 |
AIC | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 13, 2010, among CIPS, CILCO and IP | Annex A to Part I of the Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-166095 | |||
Articles of Incorporation/ By-Laws | ||||||
3.1(i) |
Ameren | Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ameren | Annex F to Part I of the Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-64165 | |||
3.2(i) |
Ameren | Certificate of Amendment to Amerens Restated Articles of Incorporation filed December 14, 1997 |
1998 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3(i),
File No. 1-14756 |
|||
3.3(i) |
UE | Restated Articles of Incorporation of UE |
1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3(i),
File No. 1-2967 |
|||
3.4(i) |
AIC | Restated Articles of Incorporation of AIC | ||||
3.5(i) |
Genco | Articles of Incorporation of Genco |
Exhibit 3.1, Form S-4,
File No. 333-56594 |
|||
3.6(i) |
Genco | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Genco filed April 19, 2000 |
Exhibit 3.2, Form S-4,
File No. 333-56594 |
|||
3.7(ii) |
Ameren | By-Laws of Ameren Corporation, as amended October 8, 2010 | October 13, 2010 Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1(ii), File No. 1-14756 | |||
3.8(ii) |
UE | By-Laws of UE as amended December 10, 2010 |
December 15, 2010 Form 8-K,
Exhibit 3.1(ii), File No. 1-2967 |
|||
3.9(ii) |
AIC | By-Laws of AIC as amended December 10, 2010 |
December 15, 2010 Form 8-K,
Exhibit 3.2(ii), File No. 1-3672 |
|||
3.10(ii) |
Genco | By-Laws of Genco as amended December 10, 2010 |
December 15, 2010 Form 8-K,
Exhibit 3.3(ii), File No. 333-56594 |
|||
Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures | ||||||
4.1 |
Ameren | Indenture of Ameren with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, relating to senior debt securities dated as of December 1, 2001 (Amerens Senior Indenture) | Exhibit 4.5, File No. 333-81774 | |||
4.2 |
Ameren | First Supplemental Indenture to Amerens Senior Indenture dated as of May 19, 2008 | June 30, 2008 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
4.3 |
Ameren | Ameren Company Order dated May 15, 2009, establishing 8.875% Senior Notes, due 2014 (including the global note) | May 15, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.3 and 4.4, File No. 1-14756 | |||
4.4 |
Ameren UE |
Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated June 15, 1937 (UE Mortgage), from UE to The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee, as amended May 1, 1941, and Second Supplemental Indenture dated May 1, 1941 | Exhibit B-1, File No. 2-4940 | |||
4.5 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated as of April 1, 1971 | April 1971 Form 8-K, Exhibit 6, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.6 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated as of February 1, 1974 | February 1974 Form 8-K, Exhibit 3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.7 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated as of July 7, 1980 | Exhibit 4.6, File No. 2-69821 |
182
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
4.8 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated as of May 1, 1993 |
1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.6,
File No. 1-2967 |
|||
4.9 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated as of October 1, 1993, relative to Series 2028 |
1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.8,
File No. 1-2967 |
|||
4.10 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated as of February 1, 2000 |
2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.1,
File No. 1-2967 |
|||
4.11 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated August 15, 2002, relative to Series AA | August 23, 2002 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.12 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated March 5, 2003, relative to Series BB | March 11, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.13 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated April 1, 2003, relative to Series CC | April 10, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.14 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated July 15, 2003, relative to Series DD | August 4, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.15 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated October 1, 2003, relative to Series EE | October 8, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.16 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004A (1998A) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.17 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004B (1998B) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.18 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004C (1998C) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.19 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004D (2000B) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.20 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004E (2000A) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.21 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004F (2000C) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.6, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.22 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004G (1991) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.7, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.23 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated February 1, 2004, relative to Series 2004H (1992) Bonds | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.8, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.24 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated May 1, 2004, relative to Series FF | May 18, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.25 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated September 1, 2004, relative to Series GG | September 23, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.26 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated January 1, 2005, relative to Series HH | January 27, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.27 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated July 1, 2005, relative to Series II | July 21, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.28 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated December 1, 2005, relative to Series JJ | December 9, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-2967 |
183
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
4.29 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated June 1, 2007, relative to Series KK | June 15, 2007 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.30 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated April 1, 2008, relative to Series LL | April 8, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.7, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.31 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated June 1, 2008, relative to Series MM | June 19, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.32 |
Ameren UE |
Supplemental Indenture to the UE Mortgage dated March 1, 2009, relative to Series NN | March 23, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.33 |
Ameren UE |
Loan Agreement dated as of December 1, 1992, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE, together with Indenture of Trust dated as of December 1, 1992, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UMB Bank, N.A. as successor trustee to Mercantile Bank of St. Louis, N.A. | 1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.38, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.34 |
Ameren UE |
First Amendment dated as of February 1, 2004, to Loan Agreement dated as of December 1, 1992, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.10, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.35 |
Ameren UE |
Series 1998A Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | September 30, 1998 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.28, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.36 |
Ameren UE |
First Amendment dated as of February 1, 2004, to Series 1998A Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.11, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.37 |
Ameren UE |
Series 1998B Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | September 30, 1998 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.29, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.38 |
Ameren UE |
First Amendment dated as of February 1, 2004, to Series 1998B Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.12, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.39 |
Ameren UE |
Series 1998C Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | September 30, 1998 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.30, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.40 |
Ameren UE |
First Amendment dated as of February 1, 2004, to Series 1998C Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, between the Missouri Environmental Authority and UE | March 31, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.13, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.41 |
Ameren UE |
Indenture dated as of August 15, 2002, from UE to The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (relating to senior secured debt securities) | August 23, 2002 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.42 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated August 22, 2002, establishing the 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (including the global note) | August 23, 2002 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.43 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated March 10, 2003, establishing the 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2034 (including the global note) | March 11, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.44 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated April 9, 2003, establishing the 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (including the global note) | April 10, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.45 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated July 28, 2003, establishing the 5.10% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (including the global note) | August 4, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 |
184
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
4.46 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated October 7, 2003, establishing the 4.65% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (including the global note) | October 8, 2003 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.47 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated May 13, 2004, establishing the 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2014 (including the global note) | May 18, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, No. 1-2967 | |||
4.48 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated September 1, 2004, establishing the 5.10% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (including the global note) | September 23, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, No. 1-2967 | |||
4.49 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated January 27, 2005, establishing the 5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (including the global note) | January 27, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.50 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated July 21, 2005, establishing the 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due 2037 (including the global note) | July 21, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.51 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated December 8, 2005, establishing the 5.40% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (including the global note) | December 9, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.52 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated June 15, 2007, establishing the 6.40% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (including the global note) | June 15, 2007 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.53 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated April 8, 2008, establishing the 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (including the global note) | April 8, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.3 and 4.5, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.54 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated June 19, 2008, establishing the 6.70% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (including the global note) | June 19, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.55 |
Ameren UE |
UE Company Order dated March 20, 2009, establishing 8.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2039 (including the global note) | March 23, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2967 | |||
4.56 |
Ameren AIC |
Indenture dated as of December 1, 1998, from Central Illinois Public Service Company (now known as AIC) to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (CIPS Indenture) | Exhibit 4.4, File No. 333-59438 | |||
4.57 |
Ameren AIC |
First Supplemental Indenture to the CIPS Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2006 | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 1-3672 | |||
4.58 |
Ameren AIC |
Second Supplemental Indenture to the CIPS Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2010 | Exhibit 4.17, File No. 333-166095 | |||
4.59 |
Ameren AIC |
Third Supplemental Indenture to the CIPS Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010 | ||||
4.60 |
Ameren AIC |
AIC Global Note, dated October 1, 2010, representing CIPS Indenture Senior Notes, 6.125% due 2028 | ||||
4.61 |
Ameren AIC |
AIC Global Note, dated October 1, 2010, representing CIPS Indenture Senior Notes, 6.625% due 2011 | ||||
4.62 |
Ameren AIC |
AIC Global Note, dated October 1, 2010, representing CIPS Indenture Senior Notes, 6.70% Series Secured Notes due 2036 |
185
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
4.63 |
Ameren AIC |
Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust between Illinois Power Company (predecessor in interest to CILCO and AIC) and Bankers Trust Company (now known as Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas), as trustee, dated as of April 1, 1933 (CILCO Mortgage), Supplemental Indenture between the same parties dated as of June 30, 1933, Supplemental Indenture between CILCO (predecessor in interest to AIC) and the trustee, dated as of July 1, 1933, Supplemental Indenture between the same parties dated as of January 1, 1935, and Supplemental Indenture between the same parties dated as of April 1, 1940 | Exhibit B-1, Registration No. 2-1937; Exhibit B-1(a), Registration No. 2-2093; and Exhibit A, April 1940 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.64 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated December 1, 1949 | December 1949 Form 8-K, Exhibit A, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.65 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated July 1, 1957 | July 1957 Form 8-K, Exhibit A, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.66 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated February 1, 1966 | February 1966 Form 8-K, Exhibit A, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.67 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated January 15, 1992 | January 30, 1992 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4(b), File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.68 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated June 1, 2006 for the series AA and BB bonds | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.11, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.69 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated December 1, 2008 for the series CC bonds | December 9, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.70 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Mortgage, dated as of October 1, 2010 | October 7, 2010 Form 8 K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-14756 | |||
4.71 |
Ameren AIC |
Indenture dated as of June 1, 2006, from CILCO (predecessor in interest to AIC) to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (CILCO Indenture) | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.3, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.72 |
Ameren AIC |
First Supplemental Indenture to the CILCO Indenture, dated October 1, 2010 | October 7, 2010 Form 8 K, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
4.73 |
Ameren AIC |
CILCO Company Order, dated June 14, 2006, establishing the 6.20% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (including the global note) and the 6.70% Senior Secured Notes due 2036 (including the global note) | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.6, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.74 |
Ameren AIC |
CILCO Company Order, dated December 9, 2008, establishing the 8.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (including the global note) | December 9, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, File No. 1-2732 | |||
4.75 |
Ameren AIC |
General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of November 1, 1992, between Illinois Power Company (predecessor in interest to AIC) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (IP Mortgage) | 1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4(cc), File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.76 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1998, to IP Mortgage for the series S bonds | Exhibit 4.41, File No. 333-71061 |
186
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
4.77 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1998, to IP Mortgage for the series T bonds | Exhibit 4.42, File No. 333-71061 | |||
4.78 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1999, to IP Mortgage | June 30, 1999 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.79 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 15, 1999, to IP Mortgage for the series U bonds | June 30, 1999 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.80 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 15, 2002, to IP Mortgage | December 23, 2002 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.81 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2006, to IP Mortgage for the series AA bonds | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.13, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.82 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 15, 2007, to IP Mortgage for the series BB bonds | November 20, 2007 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.83 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2008, to IP Mortgage for the series CC bonds | April 8, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.9, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.84 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2008, to IP Mortgage for the series DD bonds | October 23, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.85 |
Ameren AIC |
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, to IP Mortgage for the series CIPS-AA, CIPS-BB and CIPS-CC bonds. | October 7, 2010 Form 8 K, Exhibit 4.9, File No. 1-14756 | |||
4.86 |
Ameren AIC |
Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2006, from IP (predecessor in interest to AIC) to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (IP Indenture) | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.87 |
Ameren AIC |
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, to the IP Indenture for the series CIPS-AA, CIPS-BB and CIPS-CC senior notes | October 7, 2010 Form 8 K, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 1-14756 | |||
4.88 |
Ameren AIC |
IP Company Order, dated June 14, 2006, establishing the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (including the global note) | June 19, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.7, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.89 |
Ameren AIC |
IP Company Order, dated November 15, 2007, establishing the 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (including the global note) | November 20, 2007 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.90 |
Ameren AIC |
IP Company Order, dated April 8, 2008, establishing the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (including the global note) | April 8, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.4, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.91 |
Ameren AIC |
IP Company Order dated October 23, 2008, establishing the 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (including the global note) | October 23, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 1-3004 | |||
4.92 |
Ameren Genco |
Indenture dated as of November 1, 2000, from Genco to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (Genco Indenture) | Exhibit 4.1, File No. 333-56594 | |||
4.93 |
Ameren Genco |
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2002, to Genco Indenture, relating to Gencos 7.95% Senior Notes, Series E due 2032 | June 30, 2002 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 333-56594 |
187
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
4.94 |
Ameren Genco |
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 15, 2003, to Genco Indenture, relating to Genco 7.95% Senior Notes, Series F due 2032 |
2002 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.5, File No. 333-56594 |
|||
4.95 |
Ameren Genco |
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2008, to Genco Indenture, relating to Genco 7.00% Senior Notes, Series G due 2018 |
April 9, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 333-56594 |
|||
4.96 |
Ameren Genco |
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 2008, to Genco Indenture, relating to Genco 7.00% Senior Notes, Series H due 2018 | Exhibit No. 4.55, File No. 333-155416 | |||
4.97 |
Ameren Genco |
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2009, to Genco Indenture, relating to Genco 6.30% Senior Notes, Series l due 2020 | November 17, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.8, File No. 333-56594 | |||
Material Contracts | ||||||
10.1 |
Ameren Genco |
Amended and Restated Power Supply Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, between Marketing Company and Genco | March 28, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.2 |
Ameren Genco |
First Amendment dated January 1, 2010, to Amended and Restated Power Supply Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, between Marketing Company and Genco | 2009 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.3 |
Ameren AIC |
Unilateral Borrowing Agreement by and among Ameren, IP (predecessor in interest to AIC) and Ameren Services, dated as of September 30, 2004 | October 1, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 1-3004 | |||
10.4 |
Ameren Companies | Third Amended Ameren Corporation System Utility Money Pool Agreement, as amended September 30, 2004 | October 1, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.5 |
Ameren Genco |
Ameren Corporation System Amended and Restated Non-Regulated Subsidiary Money Pool Agreement, dated March 1, 2008 | March 31, 2008 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.6 |
Ameren UE |
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2010, by and among Ameren, UE and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and the lenders party thereto. | September 13, 2010 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.7 |
Ameren Genco |
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2010, by and among Ameren, Genco and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and the lenders party thereto. | September 13, 2010 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.8 |
Ameren AIC |
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2010, by and among Ameren, CIPS (now AIC), CILCO and IP (predecessors in interest to AIC) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and the lenders party thereto. | September 13, 2010 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.9 |
Ameren | *Summary Sheet of Ameren Corporation Non-Management Director Compensation revised on August 8, 2008 | September 30, 2008 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.10 |
Ameren Companies | *Amerens Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1998 | 1998 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.11 |
Ameren Companies | *First Amendment to Amerens Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1998 | February 16, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.6, File No. 1-14756 |
188
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
10.12 |
Ameren Companies | *Form of Restricted Stock Award under Amerens Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1998 | February 14, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.13 |
Ameren | *Amerens Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, dated June 13, 2008 | June 30, 2008 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.14 |
Ameren Companies | *Amendment dated October 12, 2009, to Amerens Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2010 |
2009 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.15,
File No. 1-14756 |
|||
10.15 |
Ameren Companies | *Second Amendment dated October 14, 2010, to Amerens Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors | ||||
10.16 |
Ameren Companies | *Amerens Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010 | October 14, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.17 |
Ameren Companies | *First Amendment dated October 14, 2010, to Amerens Deferred Compensation Plan | ||||
10.18 |
Ameren Companies | *2010 Ameren Executive Incentive Plan | December 17, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.19 |
Ameren Companies | *2011 Ameren Executive Incentive Plan | December 15, 2010 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.20 |
Ameren Companies | *2010 Base Salary Table for Named Executive Officers |
2009 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.29,
File No. 1-14756 |
|||
10.21 |
Ameren Companies | *2011 Base Salary Table for Named Executive Officers | ||||
10.22 |
Ameren Companies | *Second Amended and Restated Ameren Corporation Change of Control Severance Plan |
2008 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.37,
File No. 1-14756 |
|||
10.23 |
Ameren Companies | *First Amendment dated October 12, 2009, to the Second Amended and Restated Ameren Change of Control Severance Plan | October 14, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.24 |
Ameren Companies | *Revised Schedule I to Second Amended and Restated Ameren Change of Control Severance Plan, as amended | ||||
10.25 |
Ameren Companies | *Table of 2008 Target Performance Share Unit Awards Issued to Named Executive Officers | February 14, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.26 |
Ameren Companies | *Table of 2009 Target Performance Share Unit Awards Issued to Executive Officers |
March 2, 2009 Form 8-K,
Exhibit 99.1, File No. 1-14756 |
|||
10.27 |
Ameren Companies | *Formula for Determining 2010 Target Performance Share Unit Awards to be Issued to Named Executive Officers | December 17, 2009 Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.28 |
Ameren Companies | *Formula for Determining 2011 Target Performance Share Unit Awards to be Issued to Named Executive Officers | December 15, 2010 Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.29 |
Ameren Companies | *Ameren Corporation 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan | February 16, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.30 |
Ameren Companies | *Form of Performance Share Unit Award Issued in 2006-2008 pursuant to 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan | February 16, 2006 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.4, File No. 1-14756 | |||
10.31 |
Ameren Companies | *Form of Performance Share Unit for Award Issued in 2009 pursuant to 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan |
March 2, 2009 Form 8-K,
Exhibit 10.1, File No. 1-14756 |
189
190
Exhibit Designation | Registrant(s) | Nature of Exhibit | Previously Filed as Exhibit to: | |||
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications | ||||||
31.1 |
Ameren | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Ameren | ||||
31.2 |
Ameren | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Ameren | ||||
31.3 |
UE | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of UE | ||||
31.4 |
UE | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of UE | ||||
31.5 |
AIC | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of AIC | ||||
31.6 |
AIC | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of AIC | ||||
31.7 |
Genco | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Genco | ||||
31.8 |
Genco | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Genco | ||||
Section 1350 Certifications | ||||||
32.1 |
Ameren | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Ameren | ||||
32.2 |
UE | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of UE | ||||
32.3 |
AIC | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of AIC | ||||
32.4 |
Genco | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Genco | ||||
Additional Exhibits | ||||||
99.1 |
Ameren | Amended and Restated Power Supply Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, between Marketing Company and AERG | March 28, 2008 Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 1-14756 | |||
99.2 |
Ameren | First Amendment dated January 1, 2010, to Amended and Restated Power Supply Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, between Marketing Company and AERG | 2009 Form 10-K, Exhibit 99.2, File No. 1-14756 | |||
XBRL - Related Documents | ||||||
101.INS** |
Ameren | XBRL Instance Document | ||||
101.SCH** |
Ameren | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | ||||
101.CAL** |
Ameren | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | ||||
101.LAB** |
Ameren | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | ||||
101.PRE** |
Ameren | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | ||||
101.DEF** |
Ameren | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document |
The file number references for the Ameren Companies filings with the SEC are: Ameren, 1-14756; UE, 1-2967; AIC, 1-3672; and Genco, 333-56594.
*Compensatory plan or arrangement.
191
**Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report is the following financial information from Amerens Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 and (v) the Combined Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2010. These exhibits are deemed furnished and not filed pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T.
Each registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to the SEC upon request a copy of any long-term debt instrument not listed above that such registrant has not filed as an exhibit pursuant to the exemption provided by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.
192
Exhibit 3.4(i)
RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
ARTICLE I
The name of the corporation is Ameren Illinois Company. The corporation was incorporated on September 1, 1923 as Central Illinois Public Service Company.
ARTICLE II
The object for which the corporation is formed is to engage in the business (a) of manufacturing, generating, producing, buying, transmitting, distributing and selling electric energy and artificial and natural gas for light, heat and power purposes, (b) of distributing and selling water, (c) of operating street railroads by means of electric or other power, except steam locomotives, (d) of distributing and selling heat by means of steam and/or water, (e) of manufacturing, storing, buying and selling ice and (f) of buying, selling and dealing in articles of merchandise.
ARTICLE III
The duration of the corporation is perpetual.
ARTICLE IV
The corporation shall have authority to issue the following classes of stock: (a) Cumulative Preferred Stock of the par value of $100 per share (hereinafter referred to as the Cumulative Preferred Stock), (b) Cumulative Preferred Stock without par value (hereinafter referred to as the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock) and (c) Common Stock without par value (hereinafter referred to as the Common Stock). The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 49,600,000 as follows: (a) 2,000,000 shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, (b) 2,600,000 shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock, provided that the aggregate stated value (as defined in the second paragraph of paragraph (2) of Section B of this ARTICLE IV) of the issued and outstanding shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock shall not exceed $65,000,000 at any time and (c) 45,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The authorized shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock include the 150,000 shares of a series designated 4% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 75,000 shares of a series designated 4.90% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 50,000 shares each of three series designated, respectively, 4.25% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 4.92% Cumulative Preferred Stock and 5.16% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 125,000 shares of a series designated 6.625% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 45,436 shares of a series designated as 4.08% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 23,656 shares of a series designated as 4.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 16,621 shares of a series designated as 4.26% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 16,190 shares of a series designated as 4.42% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 18,429 shares of a series designated as 4.70% Cumulative Preferred Stock, and 4,542 shares of a series designated as 7.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock. All shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall constitute one class of stock and all shares of Cumulative No
Par Preferred Stock shall constitute one class of stock, in each case regardless of the designation thereof. All shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and all shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock shall be of equal rank and shall confer equal rights upon the holders thereof, excepting only as to the Cumulative Preferred Stock as provided or referred to in the second sentence of paragraph (1) of Section A of this ARTICLE IV and as to the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock as provided or referred to in the second sentence of paragraph (1) of Section B of this ARTICLE IV.
The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and special or relative rights, in respect of the shares of each class, are as follows:
A. CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
(1) The authorized shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock (including all shares of authorized Cumulative Preferred Stock at any time having the status of authorized and unissued shares thereof) may be divided into and issued as shares of any series thereof now outstanding, or divided into and issued in one or more other series thereof, as the Board of Directors of the corporation shall from time to time authorize. Each series shall be designated so as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series then outstanding; and all shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock, irrespective of series, shall be identical except as to variations between different series in the relative rights and preferences thereof as permitted or contemplated by the next succeeding sentence of this paragraph (1). Authority is hereby expressly vested in the Board of Directors of the corporation to establish out of the authorized and unissued shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock one or more series thereof and to fix and determine the following relative rights and preferences of the shares of any such series:
(a) the rate or rates of dividend, which may be expressed in terms of a fixed rate or rates or formula or other method by which such rate or rates shall be calculated or ascertained from time to time, and the dividend periods, including the date or dates on which such dividends may be payable;
(b) the prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, shares may be redeemed; and
(c) sinking fund provisions, if any, for the redemption or purchase of shares;
subject, however, to such restrictions as are, or may be, from time to time provided by law or contained in the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation or amendments thereto.
(2) The holders of the Cumulative Preferred Stock from time to time outstanding shall be entitled to receive, in respect of each share held, dividends upon the par value thereof at the rate or rates applicable thereto, payable, (a) in the case of the 4.08% Cumulative Preferred Stock, the 4.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock, the 4.26% Cumulative Preferred Stock, the 4.42% Cumulative Preferred Stock, the 4.70% Cumulative Preferred Stock, and the 7.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock (the Converted Preferred Stock) quarter-yearly on the first days of February, May, August, and November in each year, and (b) in the case of any other series of Cumulative Preferred Stock quarter-yearly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 in each year, or on such other dates in each year, or payable for such other dividend periods and on such
-2-
dates, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the corporation or provided in the Articles of Incorporation, but in each case only when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of surplus or net profits of the corporation available for the payment of dividends. Such dividends shall be cumulative in respect of each share from (and including) the date of issue thereof except that dividends payable in respect of the Converted Preferred Stock shall be cumulative in respect of each share from (and including) the date to which Illinois Power Company has paid dividends in full with respect to the shares of its serial preferred stock that were converted into such share of Converted Preferred Stock, and shall be paid, or declared and set apart for payment, before any dividend shall be declared or paid on or set apart for the Common Stock, so that, if for any past or current period dividends on the Cumulative Preferred Stock shall not have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, the deficiency shall be fully paid or declared and funds set apart for the payment thereof before any dividends shall be declared or paid on or set apart for the Common Stock. The holders of the Cumulative Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to receive any dividends thereon except dividends at the applicable rate or rates. No dividend shall at any time be paid on or set apart for any share of Cumulative Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend period unless at the same time there shall be paid on or set apart, for all shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and all shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock then outstanding and having a dividend period ending on the same date, dividends in such amount that the holders of all such shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and the holders of all such shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock shall receive or have set apart for them a uniform percentage of the full annual dividend to which they are, respectively, entitled and unless all dividends on the Cumulative Preferred Stock and Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock, for all preceding dividend periods, shall have been fully paid or declared and funds set apart for the payment thereof. It shall be a condition precedent to the declaration by the Board of Directors and the payment of dividends on the Common Stock, that all amounts required to be paid or set aside for any sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock or Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock of all series then outstanding, with respect to all preceding sinking fund dates or periods, shall have been paid or set aside in accordance with the terms of the shares of such series. No funds shall be paid into or set aside for any sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock or Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock of any series unless all dividends on the Cumulative Preferred Stock and on the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock, for all preceding dividend periods, shall have been fully paid or declared and funds set apart for the payment thereof. All shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, regardless of designation, shall constitute one class of stock and, excepting only as to the rate or rates of dividends payable thereon, the dividend periods and dividend payment dates applicable thereto, the redemption prices thereof and the sinking fund provisions thereof, shall be of equal rank and confer equal rights upon the holders thereof. All shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock bearing the same distinctive series designation at any time outstanding shall constitute one series of Cumulative Preferred Stock and all shares of any one series of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be alike in all respects. When full cumulative dividends upon the Cumulative Preferred Stock and the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock of all series then outstanding, for all past periods and for the current period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, and all amounts required to be paid or set aside for any sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock of all series then outstanding, with respect to all preceding sinking fund dates or periods, shall have been paid or set aside in accordance with the terms of the shares of such
-3-
series, the Board of Directors may declare dividends on the Common Stock of the corporation, subject to the restrictions hereinafter contained, and not otherwise. Dividends shall be payable to the holders of record at the close of business (x) upon the respective days that the resolution declaring each particular dividend is adopted unless the Board of Directors of the corporation fixes a different date in advance or (y) upon the respective days, not exceeding forty and not less than ten days preceding such dividend payment dates, fixed for the purpose by the Board of Directors of the corporation in advance of the payment of each particular dividend.
(3) In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, of the corporation, the holders of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be entitled to be paid in full, out of the net assets of the corporation, the par value of their shares plus an amount equal to the accrued dividends on such shares, before any amount shall be paid to the holders of shares of the Common Stock. After such payment in full to the holders of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, and after payment in full to the holders of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock of the amounts payable to them respectively in the event of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, the remaining assets and profits shall be divided among and paid to the holders of shares of Common Stock.
(4) The corporation, on the sole authority of its Board of Directors, shall have the right at any time or from time to time to redeem and retire all or part of the Cumulative Preferred Stock or all or part of the shares of one or more series of Cumulative Preferred Stock upon and by the payment to the holders of the shares to be redeemed or upon and by setting aside, as hereinafter provided, for the benefit of such holders, the redemption price or prices fixed for the shares to be redeemed, which (a) in the case of shares of 4% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $101 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (b) in the case of shares of 4.92% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $103.50 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (c) in the case of shares of 4-1/4% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $102 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (d) in the case of shares of 5.16% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $102 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (e) in the case of shares of 4.90% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $102 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (f) in the case of shares of 6.625% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $100 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (g) in the case of 4.08% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $103 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (h) in the case of 4.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $104 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (i) in the case of 4.26% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $103 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (j) in the case of 4.42% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $103 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, (k) in the case of 4.70% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $103 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption, and (l) in the case of 7.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be $100 per share plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption; provided, however, that, as to the Cumulative Preferred Stock to be so redeemed, notice of every such redemption shall be given at such time, in such form and in such manner as may have been determined and fixed for such stock by the Board of Directors of the corporation at the time of establishment of such stock or, if such matters have not been so determined and fixed by the Board of Directors, not less than thirty (30) days previous to the date fixed for redemption, notice of the intention of the corporation to redeem such stock, specifying the designation of the shares to be redeemed and the date and place of redemption, shall be
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deposited in a United States post office or mail box at any place in the United States addressed to each holder of record of the shares to be redeemed at his address as the same appears upon the records of the corporation; but in mailing such notice unintentional omissions or errors in names and addresses shall not impair the validity of the notice of redemption. In case of the redemption of less than all the outstanding shares of any series of the Cumulative Preferred Stock, the shares of such series to be redeemed shall be chosen by proration (as nearly as may be without the issue of fractional shares), by lot, or in such other equitable manner as may be prescribed by resolution of the Board of Directors. The corporation may deposit with a bank or trust company, which shall be named in the notice of redemption, shall be located in the City of Chicago, Illinois, or in the City of New York, New York, and shall then have capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $1,000,000, the aggregate redemption price of the shares to be redeemed, in a special account or in trust, as the corporation may determine, for the payment on or before the redemption date to or upon the order of the holders of such shares, upon surrender of the certificates for such shares. Such deposit may, at the option of the corporation, be upon terms whereby in case the holder of any shares called for redemption shall not, within ten years after the date fixed for redemption of such shares, claim the amount on deposit with any bank or trust company for the payment of the redemption price of said shares, such bank or trust company shall on demand pay to or upon the written order of the corporation, or its successor, the amount so deposited and thereupon such bank or trust company shall be released from any and all further liability with respect to the payment of such redemption price and the holder of said shares shall be entitled to look only to the corporation or its successor for the payment thereof. Upon the giving of notice of redemption and upon the deposit of the redemption price, as aforesaid, or, if no such deposit is made upon the redemption date (unless the corporation defaults in making payment of the redemption price as set forth in such notice), such holders shall cease to be stockholders with respect to said shares, and from and after the making of said deposit and the giving of said notice, or, if no such deposit is made, after the redemption date (the corporation not having defaulted in making payment of the redemption price as set forth in such notice), said shares shall no longer be transferable on the books of the corporation, and said holder shall have no interest in or claim against the corporation with respect to said shares, but shall be entitled only to receive on the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price of the shares, without interest thereon, from said bank or trust company, if deposited therewith as aforesaid and not repaid to the corporation, and otherwise from the corporation, upon surrender of the certificates as aforesaid.
Nothing herein contained shall limit any legal right of the corporation to purchase any shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock.
(5) So long as any shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock of any series are outstanding, the corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote of the record holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock of all series, voting separately as one class:
(a) Amend the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation so as to create or authorize any stock ranking prior in any respect to the Cumulative Preferred Stock or any security convertible into shares of such stock; or issue any such stock or convertible security; or
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(b) Change, by amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, or otherwise, the terms and provisions of the Cumulative Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the rights and preferences of the holders thereof; provided, however, that if any such change will affect adversely the holders of one or more, but less than all, of the series of Cumulative Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the consent only of the holders of at least two-thirds of the total number of shares of each series so adversely affected shall be required; or
(c) Issue any shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock or shares of any stock ranking on a parity with the Cumulative Preferred Stock, or any securities convertible into shares of such stock, other than in exchange for, or for the purpose of effecting the redemption or other retirement of, shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, of any stock ranking on a parity therewith, or of any such convertible securities, or any combination thereof, at the time outstanding, having an aggregate amount of par value and stated value of not less than the aggregate amount of par value or stated value of the shares to be issued, or other than in connection with the conversion of such convertible securities in accordance with their terms unless:
(1) The gross income (determined in accordance with accepted accounting principles) of the corporation available for the payment of interest charges shall, for a period of twelve consecutive calendar months within the fifteen calendar months next preceding the issue of such shares, have been at least one and one-half (1-1/2) times the sum of (i) the interest for one year, adjusted by provision for amortization of debt discount and expense, or of premium, as the case may be, on all funded indebtedness and notes payable of the corporation maturing more than twelve months after the date of issue of such shares or convertible securities which shall be outstanding at the date of the issue of such shares or convertible securities, and (ii) an amount equal to the dividend requirement for one year on all shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and on all other shares of stock, if any, ranking prior to or on a parity with the Cumulative Preferred Stock, which shall be outstanding after the issue of the shares or convertible securities proposed to be issued, (including as outstanding for this purpose shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock or shares of such stock issuable on conversion of any such convertible securities), provided that for purposes of making the calculation required by the foregoing provisions of this subclause (1): (A) the dividend requirement for one year applicable to any series of Cumulative Preferred Stock or such parity stock or convertible securities proposed to be issued which will have dividends determined according to an adjustable, floating or variable rate, the dividend rate used shall be the dividend rate to be applicable to such series of Cumulative Preferred Stock or such parity stock or convertible securities on the date of such issuance and (B) the interest for one year on funded indebtedness or notes outstanding and the dividend requirement for one year on any outstanding shares of any series of Cumulative Preferred Stock or shares of stock, if any, ranking prior to or on a parity with the Cumulative Preferred Stock, or securities convertible into such stock, and having interest or dividends determined according to an adjustable, floating or variable rate, the interest or dividend rate used shall be the daily weighted average annual interest or dividend rate
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applicable to such security (a) during any consecutive twelve-month period selected by the corporation, which period ends within 90 days prior to the issue of the shares or convertible securities proposed to be issued or (b) if the security has been outstanding for less than twelve full calendar months, during such shorter period beginning on the date of issuance of such security and ending on a date selected by the corporation, which date is not more than 45 days prior to the issue of the shares or convertible securities proposed to be issued; provided that if such security shall have been issued within 45 days prior to the issue of the shares or convertible securities proposed to be issued, the interest or dividend rate shall be that applicable on the date of issuance of such security; and
(2) The capital represented by the Common Stock plus the surplus accounts of the corporation shall be not less than the aggregate amount payable on the involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the corporation, in respect of all shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and all shares of stock, if any, ranking prior thereto or on a parity therewith, which shall be outstanding after the issue of the shares or convertible securities proposed to be issued (including as outstanding for this purpose shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock or shares of such stock issuable on conversion of any such convertible securities).
No consent of the holders of Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be required in respect of any transaction enumerated in this paragraph (5) if, at or prior to the time when such transaction is to take effect, provision is made for the redemption or other retirement of all shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the consent of which would otherwise be required hereunder.
(6) So long as any shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock are outstanding, the corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote of the record holders of a majority of the total number of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock then outstanding:
(a) Issue or assume any unsecured indebtedness, as hereinafter defined, for any purpose, other than the refunding of secured or unsecured indebtedness theretofore created or assumed by the corporation and then outstanding, or the retiring, by redemption or otherwise, of shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock or shares of any stock ranking prior thereto or on a parity therewith, if immediately after such issue or assumption the total principal amount of all unsecured indebtedness issued or assumed by the corporation and then outstanding would exceed twenty per centum (20%) of the aggregate of (i) the total principal amount of all bonds or other securities representing secured indebtedness issued or assumed by the corporation and then outstanding and (ii) the total of the capital and surplus of the corporation, as then recorded on its books; or
(b) Merge or consolidate with any other corporation or corporations or sell or lease all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation unless such merger, consolidation, sale or lease, or the issue or assumption of all securities to be issued or assumed in connection therewith, shall have been ordered, approved or permitted by all regulatory bodies, federal and state, then having jurisdiction in the premises.
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Unsecured indebtedness as that term is used in this paragraph (6) shall mean all unsecured notes, debentures or other securities representing unsecured indebtedness (whether having a single maturity, serial maturities or sinking fund or other similar periodic principal or debt retirement payment provisions) which have a final maturity date, determined as of the date of issuance or assumption thereof by the corporation, of less than two years.
No consent of the holders of the Cumulative Preferred Stock shall be required, however, if, at or prior to the issue of any such securities representing unsecured indebtedness, or such consolidation, merger or sale, provision is made for the redemption or other retirement of all shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock then outstanding.
No provision contained in this paragraph (6), or in paragraph (5) of this Section A, is intended or shall be construed to relieve the corporation from compliance with any applicable statutory provision requiring the vote or consent of a greater number of the outstanding shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock.
(7) So long as any shares of the Cumulative Preferred Stock are outstanding, the corporation shall not pay any dividends on its Common Stock (other than dividends payable in Common Stock) or make any distribution on or purchase or otherwise acquire for value any of its Common Stock (each such payment, distribution, purchase and/or acquisition being herein referred to as a common stock dividend), except to the extent permitted by the following provisions of this paragraph (7):
(a) No common stock dividend shall be declared or paid in an amount which, together with all other common stock dividends declared in the year ending on (and including) the date of the declaration of such common stock dividend, would in the aggregate exceed fifty per centum (50%) of the net income of the corporation available for dividends on its Common Stock for the twelve consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of the calendar month next preceding the declaration of such common stock dividend, if at the end of such calendar month the ratio (herein referred to as the capitalization ratio) of the Common Stock Equity (as hereinafter defined) of the corporation, to the total capital (as hereinafter defined) of the corporation shall be less than twenty per centum (20%).
(b) If such capitalization ratio, determined as aforesaid, shall be twenty per centum (20%) or more, but less than twenty-five per centum (25%), no common stock dividend shall be declared or paid in an amount which, together with all other common stock dividends declared in the year ending on (and including) the date of the declaration of such common stock dividend, would exceed seventy-five per centum (75%) of the net income of the corporation available for dividends on its Common Stock for the twelve consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of the calendar month next preceding the declaration of such common stock dividend.
(c) If such capitalization ratio, determined as aforesaid, shall be in excess of twenty-five per centum (25%), no common stock dividend shall be declared or paid which would reduce such capitalization ratio to less than twenty-five per centum (25%) except to the extent permitted by the next preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof.
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Common Stock Equity, as that term is used in this paragraph (7) shall consist of the sum of (1) the capital represented by the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (including premiums on Common Stock) and (2) the surplus accounts of the corporation, less (i) any excess of the value, as recorded on the corporations books, over the original cost, as determined or approved by the regulatory commission having jurisdiction thereof, of used and useful electric and gas utility plant and property, unless (a) such excess is being amortized or provided for by reserves, or (b) such excess has been held, by final order of a court having jurisdiction or of the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction, to constitute an asset which need not be amortized or provided for by reserves, and (ii) any amount by which the aggregate amount payable, on the involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the corporation, in respect of all outstanding shares of stock of the corporation having a preference as to dividends over the Common Stock exceeds the aggregate par or stated value of such outstanding shares, unless such excess is being amortized, or provided for by reserves, and (iii) any items such as debt discount, premium and expense, capital stock discount and expense and similar items, classified as assets on the balance sheet of the corporation, unless such items are being amortized, or provided for by reserves or unless and to the extent that such items are not required to be written off or amortized by the uniform systems of accounts applicable thereto prescribed by the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction. The total capital of the corporation shall consist of the sum of (i) the principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of the corporation maturing one year or more after the date of the issue thereof and (ii) the par or stated value of all outstanding capital stock (which shall include premiums on capital stock, notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE IV to the contrary) of all classes of the corporation, and (iii) all surplus accounts of the corporation. The net income of the corporation available for dividends on its Common Stock for any period shall be determined by deducting from the sum of the operating revenues and income from investments and other miscellaneous income for such period, all operating expenses for such period, including maintenance and provision for depreciation as recorded on the books of the corporation (but not less than an amount equal to fifteen per centum (15%) of the gross operating revenues of the corporation less the cost of electric energy and gas purchased for resale, during such period), income and excess profits and other taxes, all proper accruals, interest charges, amortization charges, other proper income deductions and an amount equal to the dividend requirements for such period on all outstanding shares of stock of the corporation having a preference as to dividends over the Common Stock, all as shall be determined in accordance with such systems of accounts as may be prescribed by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction in the premises or, in the absence thereof, in accordance with sound accounting practices. All indebtedness and capital stock of the corporation owned by the corporation shall be excluded in determining total capital. Purchases or other acquisitions of Common Stock shall be deemed, for the purposes of this paragraph (7), to constitute a common stock dividend declared as of the date on which such purchases or acquisitions are consummated.
(8) No share of stock or evidence of indebtedness shall be deemed to be outstanding, as that term is used in paragraphs (5), (6) and (7) of this Section A, if, prior to or concurrently with the event in reference to which a determination is to be made as to the amount thereof outstanding, the requisite funds for the redemption thereof shall be deposited in a special account or in trust for that purpose and the requisite notice for the redemption thereof shall be given or the depositary of such funds shall be authorized and directed to give or complete such notice of redemption.
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B. CUMULATIVE NO PAR PREFERRED STOCK
(1) The authorized shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock (including all shares of such stock at any time having the status of authorized and unissued shares of such stock) may be divided into and issued in one or more series as the Board of Directors of the corporation shall from time to time authorize. Each series shall be designated so as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series, and all shares of the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock irrespective of series shall be identical except as to variations between different series in the relative rights and preferences thereof as permitted or contemplated by the next succeeding sentence of this paragraph (1). Authority is hereby expressly vested in the Board of Directors of the corporation to establish out of the authorized and unissued shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock one or more series thereof and to fix and determine the following relative rights and preferences of the shares of any such series:
(a) the rate or rates of dividend, which may be expressed in terms of a fixed rate or rates or formula or other method by which such rate or rates shall be calculated or ascertained from time to time, and the dividend periods, including the date or dates on which such dividends may be payable;
(b) the prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, shares of such series may be redeemed;
(c) the amount payable upon shares of such series in the event of the involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation and the amount payable upon shares of such series in the event of the voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation;
(d) sinking fund provisions, if any, for the redemption or purchase of shares of such series; and
(e) the terms and conditions on which shares of such series may be converted, if such shares are issued with the privilege of conversion;
subject, however, to such restrictions as are, or may be, from time to time provided by law or contained in the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation or amendments thereto.
Shares of any series of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock may be issued for such consideration, not less than the aggregate preferential amount, other than accrued dividends, payable upon such shares in the event of the involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors prior to the time of such issuance and, except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of the law of the State of Illinois applicable thereto, the entire amount of such consideration shall constitute stated capital in respect of such shares.
(2) The provisions heretofore set forth (a) in paragraph (2) other than the reference in the first sentence of said paragraph (2) to the par value of the Cumulative Preferred Stock, which for purposes of the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be a reference to the stated value of the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock and other than the provisions of the
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seventh sentence of said paragraph (2), (b) in paragraph (3) other than those provisions of the first sentence of said paragraph (3) specifying the amount payable to holders of shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, (c) in paragraph (4) other than those provisions of the first sentence of said paragraph (4) specifying the specific redemption prices of the shares of each of the various series of the Cumulative Preferred Stock, and (d) in paragraphs (5) through (8), inclusive, of Section A of this ARTICLE IV shall be applicable in all respects to the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock and any reference in any of said paragraphs to Cumulative Preferred Stock shall in each instance include, within the meaning of that term, the Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock.
The preferential amount, other than accrued dividends, payable on any share of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock in the event of the involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation shall constitute the stated value in respect of such share for all purposes of this ARTICLE IV. The stated value of each share of each series of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of the corporation in the resolution establishing such series.
C. COMMON STOCK
Shares without par value of Common Stock may be issued by the corporation from time to time for such consideration, as provided by law, as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors of the corporation.
D. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(1) No holder of capital stock of the corporation shall have a preemptive right to purchase, acquire or subscribe to any capital stock or other securities issued or sold by the corporation, including any such capital stock or other securities now or hereafter authorized.
(2) The term accrued dividends shall be deemed to mean, in respect of any share of Cumulative Preferred Stock or Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock as of any given date, the amount of dividends payable on such share, computed, at the dividend rate or rates applicable to such share, from the date on which dividends thereon became cumulative to and including such given date, less the aggregate amount of all dividends which have been paid or which have been declared and set apart for payment on such share. Accumulations of dividends shall not bear interest.
(3) The corporation reserves the right to increase or decrease its authorized capital stock, or any class or series thereof, or to reclassify the same and to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in its Articles of Incorporation, or in any amendment thereto, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law, but subject to such conditions and limitations as are hereinbefore prescribed, and all rights conferred upon stockholders in the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation, or any amendment thereto, are granted subject to this reservation.
(4) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation or as specifically required by law, any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation requiring approval of shareholders shall be adopted upon receiving the
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affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class or series of shares, if any, entitled to vote as a class on the amendment.
ARTICLE V
The corporation shall have and may exercise all the powers, rights and privileges which it is entitled to have and to exercise under the law of the State of Illinois; provided that the corporation shall not have or exercise the power to lease, exchange or sell all of its assets except upon the affirmative vote of the record holders of at least two-thirds of all of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation.
ARTICLE VI
The corporation was incorporated under the name of Central Illinois Public Service Company on September 1, 1923, as a result of the consolidation, effective as of said date, of Central Illinois Public Service Company and Middle West Power Company. The name of the corporation was changed on October 1, 2010 to Ameren Illinois Company in connection with the merger of Illinois Power Company and Central Illinois Light Company into the corporation pursuant to articles of merger effective as of said date. As of the date of adoption of these Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation, the address of the corporations registered office in the State of Illinois is 200 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62701, and the name of the corporations registered agent at said address is Jacqueline K. Voiles. The number of shares of each class issued on the date of filing these Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation is 25,452,373 shares of Common Stock, 616,324.75 shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock and no shares of Cumulative No Par Preferred Stock and the paid-in capital of the corporation as of such date is $2,340,154,088. These Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation are a restatement of the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation, as heretofore and hereby amended.
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Exhibit 4.59
THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Dated as of October 1, 2010
THIS THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE to the Indenture referred to below is dated as of October 1, 2010 (this Third Supplemental Indenture) between AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (formerly named Central Illinois Public Service Company), an Illinois corporation (the Company), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as successor trustee to The Bank of New York (the Trustee).
The Company and the Trustee are parties to an Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1998 (the Original Indenture), providing, among other things, for the issuance from time to time of the Companys Notes.
The Indenture was supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 14, 2006 and by the Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 2010 (the Original Indenture, as so supplemented, the Indenture).
$60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Companys 6.125% Senior Notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes) were authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Company Order dated December 22, 1998 and remain outstanding as of the date hereof.
$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Companys 6.625% Senior Notes due 2011 (the 2011 Notes) were authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Company Order dated June 13, 2001 and remain outstanding as of the date hereof.
$61,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Companys 6.70% Senior Secured Notes due 2036 (the 2036 Notes) were authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Company Order dated June 14, 2006 and remain outstanding as of the date hereof.
On September 15, 2010, a Release Date occurred under the Indenture.
As of the date hereof, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 13, 2010 among the Company, Illinois Power Company (IP) and Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO), IP and CILCO were merged into the Company (herein sometimes called the Merger) whereby the Company is the surviving corporation.
Pursuant to Section 13.01 of the Indenture, the Company, when authorized by Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture supplemental to the Indenture for one or more of the purposes set forth in such Section 13.01 without the consent of the Holders of any of the Notes at the time outstanding, including to add to the security of the Notes; to make such provision in regard to matters or questions arising under the Indenture as may be necessary or desirable, and not inconsistent with the Indenture or prejudicial to the interests of the holders in any material respect, for the purpose of supplying any omission, curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision.
As of the date hereof, the Company has succeeded to the rights and obligations of IP under the IP Mortgage (as defined below) and the IP Indenture (as defined below).
The Company has elected to extend the Lien of the IP Mortgage to certain Operating Property owned by the Company immediately prior to the Merger (other than property expressly excepted and excluded from the Lien of the IP Mortgage) of the same kind and character as the properties of IP that were subject to such Lien immediately prior to the Merger, and improvements, extensions and additions to such properties and renewals, replacements and substitutions of or for any part or parts of such properties. To secure the outstanding Notes equally and ratably with the Debt of the Company secured by such Lien as provided in Section 6.07 of the Indenture, the Company has elected to amend the Indenture to add a new Article XVI to the Indenture and, pursuant thereto, will promptly deliver to the Trustee (a) the Related Series of IP Senior Notes (as defined below) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, which Related Series
of IP Senior Notes will be secured by an equal aggregate principal amount of bonds issued under the IP Mortgage to the IP Indenture Trustee (as defined below) until an IP Release Date (as defined below) occurs, and (b) the Officers Certificate and Opinion of Counsel provided in Section 6.07(c) of the Indenture.
The Company has directed the Trustee to execute and deliver this Third Supplemental Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
All things necessary to make this Third Supplemental Indenture the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company have been done.
In consideration of the foregoing premises, the parties mutually agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions . Except as otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms defined in the Indenture are used herein as therein defined.
IP INDENTURE shall mean the Indenture dated as of June 1, 2006 between Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (now The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as supplemented and amended from time to time.
IP MORTGAGE shall mean the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of November 1, 1992 between Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee, as supplemented and amended from time to time.
IP SENIOR NOTES shall mean the Senior Notes Series CIPS-AA, the Senior Notes Series CIPS-BB, and the Senior Notes Series CIPS-CC issued by the Company pursuant to the IP Indenture and any other senior notes issued by the Company under the IP Indenture and delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.09 hereof.
IP INDENTURE TRUSTEE shall mean the Person serving as trustee at the time under the IP Indenture.
IP RELEASE DATE shall mean the earlier of (a) the date on which the Lien of the IP Mortgage on the Operating Property of the Company has been terminated or (b) the date on which all Debt of the Company (other than Notes then outstanding under the Indenture) secured by the Lien of the IP Mortgage has been retired through payment, redemption, or otherwise at, before or after the maturity thereof or is no longer outstanding.
RELATED SERIES OF CIPS NOTES shall mean, when used in reference to the series of IP Senior Notes delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.01 hereof, the Notes in respect of which such series of IP Senior Notes were delivered, and, when used in reference to another series of IP Senior Notes, shall mean the series of Notes in respect of which such series of IP Senior Notes were delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.09 hereof upon the initial authentication and issuance of such series of Notes pursuant to Section 2.05 hereof.
RELATED SERIES OF IP SENIOR NOTES shall mean, when used in reference to (a) the 2028 Notes, the IP Senior Notes bearing the designation Senior Notes Series CIPS-AA, (b) the 2011 Notes, IP Senior Notes bearing the designation Senior Notes Series CIPS-BB, and (c) the 2036 Notes, IP Senior Notes bearing the designation Senior Notes Series CIPS-CC, and, when used in reference to any other series of Notes, shall mean the series of IP Senior Notes delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.09 hereof in connection with the initial authentication and issuance of such series of Notes pursuant to Section 2.05 hereof.
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ARTICLE II
AMENDMENTS TO INDENTURE
Section 2.1 Amendment to add a new Article XVI to the Indenture . On and after the date hereof, the Indenture shall be amended to add a new Article XVI after Article XV of the Indenture reading as follows:
ARTICLE XVI
IP SENIOR NOTES
Section 16.01 DELIVERY OF INITIAL SERIES OF IP SENIOR NOTES. Subject to the provisions of Section 16.11 and Article V hereof, the Company will promptly (a) deliver to the Trustee, (i) in connection with the 2028 Notes, the Related Series of IP Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $60,000,000, (ii) in connection with the 2011 Notes, the Related Series of IP Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000, and (iii) in connection with the 2036 Notes, the Related Series of IP Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $61,500,000, each fully registered in the name of the Trustee, in trust for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Notes of such series issued under this Indenture as security for any and all obligations of the Company under the Notes of such series, including, but not limited to, (1) the full and prompt payment of the principal of and premium, if any, on the Notes of such series when and as the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture or the Notes of such series, at the Maturity thereof, and (2) the full and prompt payment of any interest on the Notes of such series when and as the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture or the Notes of such series and (b) deliver to the Trustee the certificate of the Expert required by Section 16.06 hereof (if required).
Section 16.02 RECEIPT. The Trustee acknowledges receipt of the IP Senior Notes described in Section 16.01 hereof.
Section 16.03 IP SENIOR NOTES HELD BY THE TRUSTEE. The Trustee shall, as the holder of IP Senior Notes, attend such meeting or meetings of bondholders under the IP Indenture or, at its option, deliver its proxy in connection therewith, as relate to matters with respect to which it is entitled to vote or consent. So long as no Event of Default hereunder shall have occurred and be continuing, either at any such meeting or meetings, or otherwise when the consent of the holders of the notes outstanding under the IP Indenture is sought without a meeting, the Trustee shall vote all IP Senior Notes then held by it, or consent with respect thereto, in accordance with instructions provided in a certificate of the Company or the IP Indenture Trustee, which instructions (a) shall direct the Trustee to so vote or consent in proportion with the vote or consent (as of 9:00 a.m. New York City time on the day of such vote or consent) of the holders of all other notes outstanding under the IP Indenture, the holders of which are eligible to vote or consent and (b) shall set forth said proportions; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Trustee shall not so vote in favor of, or so consent to, any amendment or modification of the IP Indenture which, if it were an amendment or modification of this Indenture, would require the consent of Holders, without their prior consent, obtained in the manner prescribed in Section 13.02, of Holders of Notes which would be required under said Section 13.02 for such an amendment or modification of this Indenture.
Section 16.04 NO TRANSFER OF IP SENIOR NOTES; EXCEPTIONS. Except (i) as required to effect an assignment to a successor trustee under this Indenture, (ii) pursuant to Section 16.05 or Section 16.08 hereof, or (iii) in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company, the Trustee shall not sell, assign or transfer the IP Senior Notes and the Company shall issue stop transfer instructions to the IP Indenture Trustee and any transfer agent under the IP Indenture to effect compliance with this Section 16.04.
Section 16.05 DELIVERY TO THE COMPANY OF ALL IP SENIOR NOTES. When the obligation of the Company to make payment with respect to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all IP Senior Notes shall be satisfied or deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 16.11 or Section 5.01(b) hereof, the Trustee shall, upon written request of the Company and receipt of the certificate of the Expert described in Section 16.06(b) hereof (if such certificate is then required by Section 16.06(b) hereof), deliver to the Company without charge therefor all
3
of the IP Senior Notes, together with such appropriate instruments of transfer or release as may be reasonably requested by the Company. All IP Senior Notes delivered to the Company in accordance with this Section 16.05 shall be delivered by the Company to the IP Indenture Trustee for cancellation.
Section 16.06 FAIR VALUE CERTIFICATE.
(a) Upon the delivery by the Company to the Trustee of IP Senior Notes pursuant to Section 16.09 hereof, the Company shall simultaneously therewith deliver to the Trustee a certificate of an Expert (1) stating that it is familiar with the provisions of such IP Senior Notes and of this Indenture; (2) stating the principal amount of such IP Senior Notes so delivered, the stated interest rate (or method of calculation of interest) of such IP Senior Notes (if any) and the stated maturity date of such IP Senior Notes; (3) identifying the Notes being issued contemporaneously therewith, and (4) stating the fair value to the Company of such IP Senior Notes. If the fair value to the Company of the IP Senior Notes so delivered, as described in the certificate to be delivered pursuant to this Section 16.06(a), both (l) is equal to or exceeds (A) $25,000 and (B) 1% of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding at the date of delivery of such IP Senior Notes and (2) together with the fair value to the Company, as described in the certificates to be delivered pursuant to this Section 16.06(a), of all other IP Senior Notes delivered to the Trustee since the commencement of the then current calendar year, is equal to or exceeds 10% of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding at the date of delivery of such IP Senior Notes, then the certificate required by this Section 16.06(a) shall (1) be delivered by an Expert who shall be independent of the Company and (2), in addition to the certifications described above, state the fair value to the Company of all IP Senior Notes delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.09 hereof since the commencement of the then current year as to which a certificate was not delivered by an Expert independent of the Company.
(b) If IP Senior Notes are delivered or surrendered to the Company pursuant to Section 16.05 or 16.08 hereof, the Company shall simultaneously therewith deliver to the Trustee a certificate of an Expert (1) stating that it is familiar with the provisions of such IP Senior Notes and of this Indenture, (2) stating the principal amount of such IP Senior Notes so delivered, the stated interest rate (or method of calculation of interest) of such IP Senior Notes (if any) and the stated maturity date of such IP Senior Notes, (3) if applicable, identifying the Notes, the payment of the interest on and principal of which has been discharged hereunder, (4) stating that such delivery and release will not impair the lien of this Indenture in contravention of the provisions of this Indenture. If, prior to the Release Date, the fair value of the IP Senior Notes so delivered and released, as described in the certificate to be delivered pursuant to this Section 16.06(b), both (l) is equal to or exceeds (A) $25,000 and (B) 1% of the principal amount of the outstanding Notes at the date of release of such IP Senior Notes and (2) together with the fair value, as described in the certificates to be delivered pursuant to this Section 16.06(b), of all other IP Senior Notes released from the lien of this Indenture since the commencement of the then current calendar year, is equal to or exceeds 10% of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding at the date of release of such IP Senior Notes, then the certificate required by this Section 16.06(b) shall be delivered by an Expert who shall be independent of the Company.
If, in connection with a delivery or release of outstanding IP Senior Notes, the Company provides to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that the certificate described by this Section 16.06 is not required by law, such certificate shall not be required to be delivered hereunder in connection with such delivery or release.
Section 16.07 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Company, at its own expense, shall do such further lawful acts and things, and execute and deliver such additional conveyances, assignments, assurances, agreements, financing statements and instruments, as may be necessary in order to better assign, assure and confirm to the Trustee its interest in the IP Senior Notes and for maintaining, protecting and preserving such interest.
Section 16.08 EXCHANGE AND SURRENDER OF IP SENIOR NOTES. At any time a Note shall cease to be entitled to any lien, benefit or security under this Indenture pursuant to Section 5.01(b) hereof and the Company shall have provided the Trustee with notice thereof, the Trustee shall surrender an equal principal amount of the Related Series of IP Senior Notes, subject to the limitations of this Section 16.08, to the Company for cancellation. The Trustee shall, together with such IP Senior Notes, deliver to the Company such appropriate instruments of transfer or release as the Company may reasonably request. Prior to the surrender required by this paragraph, the Trustee shall receive from the Company the following, and (subject to Section 9.01 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers Certificate stating (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the IP Senior Notes of the series surrendered by the Trustee, after giving effect to such surrender, (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Related Series of CIPS Notes and (iii) that the surrender of the IP Senior Notes will not result in any default under this Indenture.
4
The Company shall not be permitted to cause the surrender or exchange of all or any part of a series of IP Senior Notes contemplated in this Section, if, after such surrender or exchange, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Related Series of CIPS Notes would exceed the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such series of IP Senior Notes held by the Trustee. Any IP Senior Notes received by the Company pursuant to this Section 16.08 shall be delivered to the IP Indenture Trustee for cancellation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, until the Release Date, the Company shall preserve and maintain the Lien of this Indenture, and shall not permit, at any time prior to the Release Date, the aggregate principal amount of IP Senior Notes held by the Trustee to be less than the aggregate amount of Notes Outstanding.
Section 16.09 ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL IP SENIOR NOTES. Upon the issuance of a series of Notes hereunder (other than the initial series of Notes referred to in Section 16.01 hereof) at any time prior to the Release Date, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes as described in Section 16.11 hereof, and the Trustee shall accept therefor, a Related Series of IP Senior Notes registered in the name of the Trustee conforming to the requirements of Section 16.10 hereof.
Section 16.10 TERMS OF IP SENIOR NOTES. Each series of IP Senior Notes delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.01 or Section 16.09 hereof shall have the same stated maturity date and shall be in the same aggregate principal amount as, and have redemption provisions corresponding to, the Related Series of CIPS Notes being issued; it being expressly understood that such IP Senior Notes may, but need not, bear interest, any such interest to be payable on the same Interest Payment Dates as the Related Series of CIPS Notes being issued.
Section 16.11 IP SENIOR NOTES AS SECURITY FOR NOTES. Until the IP Release Date and subject to Article V hereof, IP Senior Notes delivered to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, shall constitute part of the trust estate and security for any and all obligations of the Company under the Notes, including, but not limited to (1) the full and prompt payment of the principal of and premium, if any, on such Notes when and as the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture or the Notes, either at the stated maturity thereof, upon acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon redemption, and (2) the full and prompt payment of any interest on such Notes when and as the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture or the Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, from and after the IP Release Date, the obligation of the Company to make payment with respect to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the IP Senior Notes shall be deemed satisfied and discharged as provided in the supplemental indenture or indentures to the IP Indenture creating such IP Senior Notes and the IP Senior Notes shall cease to secure in any manner Notes theretofore or subsequently issued. From and after the IP Release Date, any conditions to the issuance of Notes that refer or relate to IP Senior Notes or the IP Indenture shall be inapplicable. Following the IP Release Date, the Company shall not issue, assume, guarantee or permit to exist any Debt secured by the Lien of the IP Mortgage on any Operating Property of the Company except as permitted by Section 6.07 of the Indenture.
The Company shall notify the Trustee promptly of the occurrence of the IP Release Date. Notice of the occurrence of the IP Release Date shall be given by the Trustee to the Holders of the Notes in the manner provided in Section 15.10 hereof not later than 30 days after the IP Release Date.
[End of Article XVI]
Section 2.2 Receipt by Trustee. In accordance with Section 13.05 of the Indenture, the parties acknowledge that the Trustee has received an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that this Third Supplemental Indenture complies with the requirements of Article XIII of the Indenture.
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ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 3.1 Parties . Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the Holders and the Trustee, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Third Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
Section 3.2 Governing Law . This Third Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by and deemed to be a contract under, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State without regard to conflicts of law principles thereof.
Section 3.3 Ratification of Indenture; Third Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture . Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions, and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Third Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
Section 3.4 Multiple Originals . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Third Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them shall represent the same agreement.
Section 3.5 Headings . The headings of the Articles and Sections of this Third Supplemental Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 3.6 Trustee . The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Third Supplemental Indenture. The recitals and statements herein are deemed to be those of the Company and not of the Trustee.
6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Third Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
Ameren Illinois Company | ||||
By: |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
|||
Name: | Martin J. Lyons, Jr. | |||
Title: | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., |
||||
as Trustee |
||||
By: |
/s/ Judy Bartolini |
|||
Name: | Judy Bartolini | |||
Title: | Vice President |
7
Exhibit 4.60
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISIONS HEREOF OR IN THE INDENTURE THIS NOTE IS NOT ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY SECTION 16.04 OF THE INDENTURE DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1998, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, BETWEEN CENTRAL ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY (NOW AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY) AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK (SUCCEEDED BY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.), AS TRUSTEE
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
(Incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois)
Illinois Commerce Commission
Identification No.: Ill. C.C. 5994
SENIOR NOTE SERIES CIPS-AA
No. | $60,000,000 |
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois (the Company), which term shall include any successor corporation within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to, for value received, hereby promises to pay to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the CIPS Trustee) under the Indenture dated as of December 1, 1998 (as amended and supplemented, the CIPS Indenture), relating to the Companys 6.125% Senior Notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes) in the aggregate principal amount of $60,000,000, between the Company and the CIPS Trustee, or registered assigns, the principal sum of $60,000,000 on December 15, 2028, in any coin or currency of the United States of America, which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon in like coin or currency from the date of issuance (and thereafter from the dates set forth in the 2028 Notes), and at the same rate of interest as the 2028 Notes. Interest on overdue principal, premium, if any, and, to the extent permitted by law, on overdue interest, shall be payable at the interest rate payable on the 2028 Notes. Interest on this Note is payable on the same dates as interest on the 2028 Notes is paid, until the principal sum of this Note is paid in full. Pursuant to Article XVI of the CIPS Indenture, this Note is issued to the CIPS Trustee to secure any and all obligations of the Company under the 2028 Notes and any other series of senior notes from time to time outstanding under the CIPS Indenture. Payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the 2028 Notes shall constitute payments on this Note as further provided herein and in the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010 (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to which this Note has been issued. Both the principal of, premium, if any, and the interest on, this Note are payable at the office of the CIPS Trustee.
Upon any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all or any portion of the 2028 Notes, whether at maturity or prior to maturity by redemption or otherwise or upon provision for the payment thereof having been made in accordance with Section 5.01(a) of the CIPS Indenture, a principal amount of this Note equal to the principal amount of such 2028 Notes shall, to the extent of such payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, be deemed paid and the obligation of the Company thereunder to make such payment shall be discharged to such extent and, in the case of the payment of principal (and premium, if any), such Notes shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation as provided in Section 16.08 of the CIPS Indenture. The Trustee (as hereinafter defined) may at any time and all times conclusively assume that the obligation of the Company to make payments with respect to the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the 2028 Notes, so far as such payments at the time have become due, has been fully satisfied and discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence unless and until the Trustee shall have received a written notice from the CIPS Trustee signed by one of its officers stating (i) that timely payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the 2028 Notes has not been made, (ii) that the Company is in arrears as to the payments required to be made by it to the CIPS Trustee pursuant to the CIPS Indenture, and (iii) the amount of the arrearage.
For purposes of Section 16.09 of the CIPS Indenture, this Note shall be deemed to be the Related Series of IP Senior Notes in respect of the 2028 Notes.
This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto, or become valid or obligatory for any purpose, until the form of certificate endorsed hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as the trustee under the Indenture, or a successor trustee thereto under the Indenture (the Trustee).
The provisions of this Note are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ameren Illinois Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY |
||
By: |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
|
Name: Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
||
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
ATTEST: | ||
By: |
/s/ Craig W. Stensland |
|
Name: Craig W. Stensland |
||
Title: Assistant Secretary |
TRUSTEES CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the Notes of the series herein designated, described or provided for in the within-mentioned Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2010.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
as Trustee,
By: |
/s/ Judy Bartolini |
|||||
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY | ||||||
Dated: October 1, 2010 |
REVERSE OF NOTE
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes issued and to be issued under an Indenture dated as of June 1, 2006 between the Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A. (the Trustee, which term includes any successor Trustee under the Indenture) and all indentures supplemental thereto (collectively, the Indenture). This Note is one of a series designated as the Series CIPS-AA Notes of the Company, unlimited in aggregate principal amount, issued under and secured by the Indenture and described in the Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2010 (the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010 ), between the Company and the Trustee, supplemental to the Indenture. Under the Indenture, one or more series of notes may be issued and, as used herein, the term Notes refers to the Notes of this series. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a more complete statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Noteholders and of the terms upon which the Notes are and are to be authenticated and delivered.
The Notes will be secured by mortgage bonds (the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds) delivered by the Company to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, issued under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of November 1, 1992 between the Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the Mortgage Trustee), as supplemented and modified (collectively, the Mortgage). Reference is made to the Mortgage and the Indenture for a description of the rights of the Trustee as holder of the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds, the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights of the holders of mortgage bonds, under the Mortgage and the rights of the Company and of the Mortgage Trustee in respect thereof, the duties and immunities of the Mortgage Trustee and the terms and conditions upon which the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds are secured and the circumstances under which additional mortgage bonds may be issued.
This Series CIPS-AA Note is subject to redemption in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010.
This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State without regard to conflicts of law principles thereof.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur, the principal of all Notes at any such time outstanding under the Indenture may be declared or may become due and payable, upon the conditions and in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The Indenture provides that such declaration may be rescinded under certain circumstances.
Exhibit 4.61
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISIONS HEREOF OR IN THE INDENTURE THIS NOTE IS NOT ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY SECTION 16.04 OF THE INDENTURE DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1998, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, BETWEEN CENTRAL ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY (NOW AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY) AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK (SUCCEEDED BY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.), AS TRUSTEE
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
(Incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois)
Illinois Commerce Commission
Identification No.: Ill. C.C. 6187
SENIOR NOTE SERIES CIPS-BB
No. | $150,000,000 |
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois (the Company), which term shall include any successor corporation within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to, for value received, hereby promises to pay to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the CIPS Trustee) under the Indenture dated as of December 1, 1998 (as amended and supplemented, the CIPS Indenture), relating to the Companys 6.625% Senior Notes due 2011 (the 2011 Notes) in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000, between the Company and the CIPS Trustee, or registered assigns, the principal sum of $150,000,000 on June 15, 2011, in any coin or currency of the United States of America, which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon in like coin or currency from the date of issuance (and thereafter from the dates set forth in the 2011 Notes), and at the same rate of interest as the 2011 Notes. Interest on overdue principal, premium, if any, and, to the extent permitted by law, on overdue interest, shall be payable at the interest rate payable on the 2011 Notes. Interest on this Note is payable on the same dates as interest on the 2011 Notes is paid, until the principal sum of this Note is paid in full. Pursuant to Article XVI of the CIPS Indenture, this Note is issued to the CIPS Trustee to secure any and all obligations of the Company under the 2011 Notes and any other series of senior notes from time to time outstanding under the CIPS Indenture. Payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the 2011 Notes shall constitute payments on this Note as further provided herein and in the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010 (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to which this Note has been issued. Both the principal of, premium, if any, and the interest on, this Note are payable at the office of the CIPS Trustee.
Upon any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all or any portion of the 2011 Notes, whether at maturity or prior to maturity by redemption or otherwise or upon provision for the payment thereof having been made in accordance with Section 5.01(a) of the CIPS Indenture, a principal amount of this Note equal to the principal amount of such 2011 Notes shall, to the extent of such payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, be deemed paid and the obligation of the Company thereunder to make such payment shall be discharged to such extent and, in the case of the payment of principal (and premium, if any), such Notes shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation as provided in Section 16.08 of the CIPS Indenture. The Trustee (as hereinafter defined) may at any time and all times conclusively assume that the obligation of the Company to make payments with respect to the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the 2011 Notes, so far as such payments at the time have become due, has been fully satisfied and discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence unless and until the Trustee shall have received a written notice from the CIPS Trustee signed by one of its officers stating (i) that timely payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the 2011 Notes has not been made, (ii) that the Company is in arrears as to the payments required to be made by it to the CIPS Trustee pursuant to the CIPS Indenture, and (iii) the amount of the arrearage.
For purposes of Section 16.09 of the CIPS Indenture, this Note shall be deemed to be the Related Series of IP Senior Notes in respect of the 2011 Notes.
This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto, or become valid or obligatory for any purpose, until the form of certificate endorsed hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as the trustee under the Indenture, or a successor trustee thereto under the Indenture (the Trustee).
The provisions of this Note are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ameren Illinois Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY |
||
By: |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
|
Name: Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
||
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
ATTEST: | ||
By: |
/s/ Craig W. Stensland |
|
Name: Craig W. Stensland |
||
Title: Assistant Secretary |
TRUSTEES CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the Notes of the series herein designated, described or provided for in the within-mentioned Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2010.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
as Trustee,
By: |
/s/ Judy Bartolini |
|||||
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY | ||||||
Dated: October 1, 2010 |
REVERSE OF NOTE
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes issued and to be issued under an Indenture dated as of June 1, 2006 between the Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A. (the Trustee, which term includes any successor Trustee under the Indenture) and all indentures supplemental thereto (collectively, the Indenture). This Note is one of a series designated as the Series CIPS-BB Notes of the Company, unlimited in aggregate principal amount, issued under and secured by the Indenture and described in the Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2010 (the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010 ), between the Company and the Trustee, supplemental to the Indenture. Under the Indenture, one or more series of notes may be issued and, as used herein, the term Notes refers to the Notes of this series. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a more complete statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Noteholders and of the terms upon which the Notes are and are to be authenticated and delivered.
The Notes will be secured by mortgage bonds (the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds) delivered by the Company to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, issued under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of November 1, 1992 between the Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the Mortgage Trustee), as supplemented and modified (collectively, the Mortgage). Reference is made to the Mortgage and the Indenture for a description of the rights of the Trustee as holder of the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds, the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights of the holders of mortgage bonds, under the Mortgage and the rights of the Company and of the Mortgage Trustee in respect thereof, the duties and immunities of the Mortgage Trustee and the terms and conditions upon which the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds are secured and the circumstances under which additional mortgage bonds may be issued.
This Series CIPS-BB Note is subject to redemption in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010.
This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State without regard to conflicts of law principles thereof.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur, the principal of all Notes at any such time outstanding under the Indenture may be declared or may become due and payable, upon the conditions and in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The Indenture provides that such declaration may be rescinded under certain circumstances.
Exhibit 4.62
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISIONS HEREOF OR IN THE INDENTURE THIS NOTE IS NOT
ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY SECTION 16.04 OF THE INDENTURE
DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1998, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, BETWEEN CENTRAL
ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY (NOW AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY) AND THE BANK OF
NEW YORK (SUCCEEDED BY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.), AS
TRUSTEE
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
(Incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois)
Illinois Commerce Commission
Identification No.: Ill. C.C. 6352
SENIOR NOTE SERIES CIPS-CC
No. | $61,500,000 |
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois (the Company), which term shall include any successor corporation within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to, for value received, hereby promises to pay to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the CIPS Trustee) under the Indenture dated as of December 1, 1998 (as amended and supplemented, the CIPS Indenture), relating to the Companys 6.70% Senior Notes Series due 2036 (the 2036 Notes) in the aggregate principal amount of $61,500,000, between the Company and the CIPS Trustee, or registered assigns, the principal sum of $61,500,000 on June 15, 2036, in any coin or currency of the United States of America, which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon in like coin or currency from the date of issuance (and thereafter from the dates set forth in the 2036 Notes), and at the same rate of interest as the 2036 Notes. Interest on overdue principal, premium, if any, and, to the extent permitted by law, on overdue interest, shall be payable at the interest rate payable on the 2036 Notes. Interest on this Note is payable on the same dates as interest on the 2036 Notes is paid, until the principal sum of this Note is paid in full. Pursuant to Article XVI of the CIPS Indenture, this Note is issued to the CIPS Trustee to secure any and all obligations of the Company under the 2036 Notes and any other series of senior notes from time to time outstanding under the CIPS Indenture. Payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the 2036 Notes shall constitute payments on this Note as further provided herein and in the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010 (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to which this Note has been issued. Both the principal of, premium, if any, and the interest on, this Note are payable at the office of the CIPS Trustee.
Upon any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all or any portion of the 2036 Notes, whether at maturity or prior to maturity by redemption or otherwise or upon provision for the payment thereof having been made in accordance with Section 5.01(a) of the CIPS Indenture, a principal amount of this Note equal to the principal amount of such 2036 Notes shall, to the extent of such payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, be deemed paid and the obligation of the Company thereunder to make such payment shall be discharged to such extent and, in the case of the payment of principal (and premium, if any), such Notes shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation as provided in Section 16.08 of the CIPS Indenture. The Trustee (as hereinafter defined) may at any time and all times conclusively assume that the obligation of the Company to make payments with respect to the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the 2036 Notes, so far as such payments at the time have become due, has been fully satisfied and discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence unless and until the Trustee shall have received a written notice from the CIPS Trustee signed by one of its officers stating (i) that timely payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the 2036 Notes has not been made, (ii) that the Company is in arrears as to the payments required to be made by it to the CIPS Trustee pursuant to the CIPS Indenture, and (iii) the amount of the arrearage.
For purposes of Section 16.09 of the CIPS Indenture, this Note shall be deemed to be the Related Series of IP Senior Notes in respect of the 2036 Notes.
This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto, or become valid or obligatory for any purpose, until the form of certificate endorsed hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as the trustee under the Indenture, or a successor trustee thereto under the Indenture (the Trustee).
The provisions of this Note are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ameren Illinois Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY | ||
By: |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
|
Name: | Martin J. Lyons, Jr. | |
Title: | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
ATTEST: | ||
By: |
/s/ Craig W. Stensland |
|
Name: | Craig W. Stensland | |
Title: | Assistant Secretary |
TRUSTEES CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the Notes of the series herein designated, described or provided for in the within-mentioned Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2010.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
as Trustee,
By: |
/s/ Judy Bartolini |
|||||
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY | ||||||
Dated: October 1, 2010 |
REVERSE OF NOTE
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes issued and to be issued under an Indenture dated as of June 1, 2006 between the Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A. (the Trustee, which term includes any successor Trustee under the Indenture) and all indentures supplemental thereto (collectively, the Indenture). This Note is one of a series designated as the Series CIPS-CC Notes of the Company, unlimited in aggregate principal amount, issued under and secured by the Indenture and described in the Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2010 (the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010 ), between the Company and the Trustee, supplemental to the Indenture. Under the Indenture, one or more series of notes may be issued and, as used herein, the term Notes refers to the Notes of this series. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a more complete statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Noteholders and of the terms upon which the Notes are and are to be authenticated and delivered.
The Notes will be secured by mortgage bonds (the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds) delivered by the Company to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, issued under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of November 1, 1992 between the Illinois Power Company (now the Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the Mortgage Trustee), as supplemented and modified (collectively, the Mortgage). Reference is made to the Mortgage and the Indenture for a description of the rights of the Trustee as holder of the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds, the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights of the holders of mortgage bonds, under the Mortgage and the rights of the Company and of the Mortgage Trustee in respect thereof, the duties and immunities of the Mortgage Trustee and the terms and conditions upon which the Senior Note Mortgage Bonds are secured and the circumstances under which additional mortgage bonds may be issued.
This Series CIPS-CC Note is subject to redemption in accordance with the terms of Article X of the Supplemental Indenture of October 1, 2010.
This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State without regard to conflicts of law principles thereof.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur, the principal of all Notes at any such time outstanding under the Indenture may be declared or may become due and payable, upon the conditions and in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The Indenture provides that such declaration may be rescinded under certain circumstances.
Exhibit 10.15
SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
AMEREN DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHEREAS, Ameren Corporation (Ameren) previously established the Ameren Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Members of the Board of Directors, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (Plan); and
WHEREAS, Ameren wishes to amend the Plan to (i) for Plan Years beginning on and after January 1, 2011, change the measurement period for the applicable interest rates for amounts deferred under the Plan prior to January 1, 2010; (ii) clarify that fractional stock units will be paid in cash; (iii) provide that a participant may make only three changes to his or her initial election as to the time and form of payment under the Plan with respect to amounts deferred thereunder; and (iv) delegate certain amendment authority.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is amended as follows:
1. Effective January 1, 2010, the second and third paragraphs of Section 7.A.1 are deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:
For this purpose, Interest is calculated annually as of the first day of the Plan Year. For each Plan Year beginning on or prior to January 1, 2010, the Plan Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 150 percent of the average of the monthly Mergents Seasoned AAA Corporate Bond Yield Index (Mergents Index formerly called Moodys Index) for the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2011, the Plan Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 150 percent of the average of the monthly Mergents Index for the twelve month period ending on November 30 of the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year or such other measurement period as determined from time to time by the Company. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2010, the Plan Interest Rate for any amounts deferred on and after January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 120 percent of the applicable federal long-term rate, with annual compounding (as prescribed under section 1274(d) of the Code) (AFR) for the December immediately preceding such Plan Year.
For each Plan Year beginning on or prior to January 1, 2010, the Base Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be equal to the average monthly Mergents Index for the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2011, the Base Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be equal to the average monthly Mergents Index for the twelve month period ending on November 30 of the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year or such other measurement period as determined from time to time by the Company. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2010, the Base Interest Rate for any amounts deferred on and after January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 120 percent of the AFR for the December immediately preceding such Plan Year.
2. Effective November 1, 2010, Section 7.B is deleted and replaced with the following:
All payments under Sections 8 through 12 relating to deferrals of a Directors Retainer Fee and/or Meeting Stipend shall be made in cash. All payments under Sections 8 through 12 relating to deferrals of a Directors Common Stock Award shall be made in the form of one share of Ameren common stock for each whole Stock Unit and cash equal to the fair market value of each fraction of a Stock Unit credited to the Participants Deferral Account.
3. Effective November 1, 2010, the second paragraph of Section 8.B is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
On and after January 1, 2009, a Participant may elect to change his method of distribution with respect to one or more Deferral Accounts in accordance with the rules established by the Company. If a Participant makes such election, then (a) such election shall take effect on the date such payments were otherwise scheduled to be made or commence, provided that such election shall not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which such election is made and submitted to the Company, (b) such election shall be made at least 12 months prior to the date such payments were otherwise scheduled to be made or commence; (c) the first payment with respect to which such election is made shall be deferred for a period of not less than 5 years from the date such payment would otherwise have been made had no such election been made; and (d) with respect to a change in payment form, such change may not accelerate the time or schedule of any payment under the Plan in violation of the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, except as provided in regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may make no more than three such elections with respect to any portion of his or her Deferral Accounts.
4. Effective November 1, 2010, the following is added to the end of Section 16.H:
The Board of Directors delegates to the Administrative Committee of Ameren Services Company the authority to amend the Plan for changes that are legally required or administrative in nature where the cost of administering benefits does not increase by more than $25,000 annually.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the foregoing Amendment is adopted on this 14th day of October, 2010.
AMEREN CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Mark C. Lindgren | |
Name: |
Mark C. Lindgren |
|
Title: |
Vice President Human Resources Ameren Services Company On Behalf of Ameren Corporation |
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Exhibit 10.17
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
AMEREN DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
WHEREAS, Ameren Corporation (Ameren) previously established the Ameren Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010 (Plan); and
WHEREAS, Ameren desires to amend the Plan to (i) provide for the acceleration of certain amounts deferred under the Plan in order to make payments due pursuant to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and related Federal and State income tax laws; (ii) for Plan Years beginning on and after January 1, 2011, change the measurement period for the applicable interest rates for amounts deferred under the Plan prior to January 1, 2010; (iii) clarify that matching contributions made under the Plan shall be based upon all of a participants deferrals under the Plan during a Plan year; (iv) provide that for amounts deferred on or after January 1, 2011 (and interest attributable thereto), if a participant elects a scheduled payment option pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan but retires prior to the date such scheduled payments are to be paid, payment shall be paid in the form elected by the participant; (v) delegate certain amendment authority, (vi) permit certain offsets to benefits; (vii) provide that if Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (Code) requires that payments to Plan participants be delayed six months following termination of employment, all installment payments otherwise beginning as a result of such termination shall be delayed six months; (viii) provide that a participant may make only three changes to his or her initial election as to the time and form of payment under the Plan with respect to amounts which are not subject to an in-service scheduled payment election; and (ix) clarify that certain death benefits for deferrals made prior to January 1, 1995 still apply under the Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is amended as follows:
1. | Effective immediately, the following is added to Section 4(B): |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, choose to accelerate the payment of any Incentive Award otherwise deferred pursuant to a Deferral Commitment by reducing any deferral election related to an Incentive Award, but only to the extent such acceleration is necessary to pay the (i) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax imposed under Sections 3101, Sections 3121(a), and Sections 3121(v)(2) of the Code related to such otherwise deferred Incentive Award, (ii) the income tax at source on wages imposed under Section 3401 or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state, local, or foreign tax laws as a result of the payment of the FICA amount, and (ii) to pay the additional income tax at source on wages attributable to the pyramiding wages and taxes under such laws.
2. | Effective January 1, 2010, the second and third paragraphs of Section 7(A) are deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following: |
For this purpose, Interest is calculated annually as of the first day of the Plan Year. For each Plan Year beginning on or prior to January 1, 2010, the Plan Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 150 percent of the average of the monthly Mergents Seasoned AAA Corporate Bond Yield Index (Mergents Index formerly called Moodys Index) for the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2011, the Plan Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 150 percent of the average of the monthly
Mergents Index for the twelve month period ending on November 30 of the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year or such other measurement period as determined from time to time by the Company. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2010, the Plan Interest Rate for any amounts deferred on and after January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 120 percent of the applicable federal long-term rate, with annual compounding (as prescribed under section 1274(d) of the Code) (AFR) for the December immediately preceding such Plan Year.
For each Plan Year beginning on or prior to January 1, 2010, the Base Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be equal to the average monthly Mergents Index for the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2011, the Base Interest Rate for any amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be equal to the average monthly Mergents Index for the twelve month period ending on November 30 of the calendar year immediately preceding such Plan Year or such other measurement period as determined from time to time by the Company. For each Plan Year beginning on or after January 1, 2010, the Base Interest Rate for any amounts deferred on and after January 1, 2010 (and Interest attributable thereto) shall be 120 percent of the AFR for the December immediately preceding such Plan Year.
3. | Effective January 1, 2010, the first sentence of Section 7(C) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
Ameren shall credit each participants Deferral Account with a matching credit equal to 100 percent of the first 3 percent of Salary and Incentive Awards and 50 percent of the remaining Salary and Incentive Awards deferred by the Participant as a Deferral Commitment, including a 401(k) Restoration Deferral.
4. | Effective January 1, 2011, the following is added immediately following the second sentence of the first paragraph of Section 8: |
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the balance of each of the Participants Deferral Account(s) attributable to amounts deferred on or after January 1, 2011 (including Interest thereon) which is subject to a scheduled payment option pursuant to Section 10 as of the year in which the Participant retires or a year following the year in which a Participant retires shall not be paid under Alternative 1 and shall instead be paid in the same form as the pay-out method selected by the Participant pursuant to this paragraph.
5. | Effective with respect to terminations which occur on or after November 1, 2010, the final sentence of the first paragraph of Section 8 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
Any series of installment payments to the Participant that would have commenced during such 6-month period shall instead commence on the first day of the first month immediately following the expiration of such 6-month period. Any lump sum that would have been paid during such 6-month period shall be paid to the Participant as of the day after the last day of such 6-month period.
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6. | Effective November 1, 2010, the second sentence of Section 8(B) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
If a Participant makes such election, then (a) such election shall take effect on the date such payments were otherwise scheduled to be made or commence, provided that such election shall not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which such election is made and submitted to the Company, (b) such election shall be made at least 12 months prior to the date such payments were otherwise scheduled to be made or commence; (c) the first payment with respect to which such election is made shall be deferred for a period of not less than 5 years from the date such payment would otherwise have been made had no such election been made; and (d) with respect to a change in payment form, such change may not accelerate the time or schedule of any payment under the Plan in violation of the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, except as provided in regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may make no more than three such elections with respect to the portions of his or her Deferral Accounts which are not subject to a scheduled payment option election under Section 10.
7. | Effective January 1, 2010, the following is added to the end of Section 12(A): |
In addition, for Deferral Commitments commenced prior to January 1, 1995, the following additional survivor benefits will be payable upon the Participants death prior to Retirement:
The beneficiary(ies) designated by the Participant shall receive from the Company an annual benefit for a period of 10 years equal to one-half of each of the Participants Deferral Commitments made prior to January 1, 1995 (based on the dollar value of each Deferral Commitment on the date such Deferral Commitment was commenced), except that the benefit payable hereunder shall be calculated by using no more than the first 10 percent of Salary deferred by such Participant. In the event the Participant has designated more than one beneficiary, this additional annual benefit shall be divided among such beneficiaries in the same percentages used to divide and distribute the Participants Deferral Account(s). (The beneficiary(ies) of a Participant who is receiving or who has received distributions pursuant to either Section 11 or Section 13 is eligible for the benefit described in this paragraph.) In the event a Participant has or had more than one Deferral Commitment in effect at any one time prior to January 1, 1995, for purposes of calculating the additional survivor benefit outlined in this paragraph, all such Deferral Commitments shall be aggregated for the purposes of determining the amount of the benefit payable hereunder with respect to such Deferral Commitments. The additional survivor benefits outlined in this paragraph shall be payable in accordance with the distribution method selected by the participant.
8. | Effective January 1, 2010, the following is added to the end of Section 12(B): |
If the Participants death occurs within 15 years after his Retirement, the Participants surviving spouse (if any) shall receive an annual benefit for life equal to one-half of the annual amount the Participant would have received from each of his Deferral Accounts, based on each of the Participants Deferral Commitments commenced prior to January 1, 1995, except that the benefit payable hereunder shall be calculated by using no more than the first 10 percent of Salary deferred by such Participant, and assuming he had selected distribution method 7 pursuant to Section 8. (For the purposes of the benefit described in the preceding sentence, the Interest rate which shall be used to calculate the amount of the annual benefit shall be the Base Interest Rate in effect for the year immediately preceding the year of the Participants death.) In the event a Participant had more than one Deferral Commitment in effect at any one time prior to January 1, 1995, for purposes of
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calculating the additional survivor benefit outlined in this paragraph, all such Deferral Commitments shall be aggregated for the purposes of determining the amount of the benefit payable hereunder with respect to such Deferral Commitments. The additional survivor benefits outlined in this paragraph shall be payable in accordance with the distribution method selected by the participant.
9. | Effective November 1, 2010, the following is added to the end of Section 16(H): |
The Board of Directors delegates to the Administrative Committee of Ameren Services Company the authority to amend the Plan for changes that are legally required or administrative in nature where the cost of administering benefits does not increase by more than $25,000 annually.
10. | Effective November 1, 2010, the following new Section 16(Q) is added: |
Q. | Right of Setoff : If, at such time as the Participant becomes entitled to distributions hereunder, the Participant has any debt, obligation or other liability representing an amount owing to Ameren or any of its subsidiaries (Debt), and if such Debt is due and owing at the time that distributions are payable hereunder, Ameren Services may offset the amount owing it against the amount otherwise distributable hereunder. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the foregoing Amendment is adopted on this 14th day of October, 2010.
AMEREN CORPORATION | ||
By: |
/s/ Mark C. Lindgren |
|
Name: | Mark C. Lindgren | |
Title: | Vice President Human Resources | |
Ameren Services Company On Behalf of Ameren Corporation |
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Exhibit 10.21
2011 BASE SALARY TABLE FOR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The 2011 annual base salaries of the following Named Executive Officers of Ameren Corporation (Ameren), Union Electric Company (UE), Ameren Illinois Company (AIC) and Ameren Energy Generating Company (Genco) (which officers were determined to the extent applicable by reference to the Ameren Proxy Statement and the UE, Central Illinois Public Service Company (CIPS) and Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO) Information Statements, each dated March 10, 2010, for the 2010 annual meetings of shareholders and by reference to the definition of Named Executive Officer in Item 402(a)(3) of SEC Regulation S-K) are as follows:
Name and Position |
2011 Base Salary | |||
Thomas R. Voss Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Ameren |
$ | 900,000 | ||
Warner L. Baxter Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer UE |
$ | 590,000 | ||
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco |
$ | 485,000 | ||
Steven R. Sullivan
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Chairman and President Genco (effective March 2, 2011) |
$ | 438,000 | ||
Charles D. Naslund Chairman and President Genco (through March 1, 2011) Senior Vice President UE (effective March 2, 2011) |
$ | 437,000 | ||
Adam C. Heflin Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer UE |
$ | 400,000 | ||
Scott A. Cisel Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer AIC |
$ | 398,000 | ||
Daniel F. Cole Senior Vice President UE, AIC and Genco |
$ | 391,000 | ||
Jerre E. Birdsong Vice President and Treasurer Ameren, UE, AIC and Genco |
$ | 306,000 |
Exhibit 10.24
SCHEDULE I
CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE PLAN PARTICIPANTS
Benefit Level - 3
Baxter, Warner L. | Moehn, Michael | |||||
Cisel, Scott A. | Naslund, Charles D. | |||||
Cole, Daniel F. | Nelson, Gregory L. | |||||
Heflin, Adam C. | Sullivan, Steven R. | |||||
Lyons, Martin J. | Voss, Thomas R. | |||||
Mark, Richard J. |
Benefit Level - 2
Barnes, Lynn M. | Nelson, Craig D. | |||||
Birdsong, Jerre E. | Ogden, Stan E. | |||||
Birk, Mark C. | Pate, Ron D. | |||||
Borkowski, Maureen A. | Power, Joseph M. | |||||
Brawley, Mark | Reasoner, Cleveland O. * | |||||
DeGraw, Kevin | Schepers, David J. | |||||
Diya, Fadi M. | Schukar, Shawn E. | |||||
Foss, Karen C. | Serri, Andrew M. | |||||
Glaeser, Scott A. | Sobule, James A. | |||||
Heger, Mary P. * | Steinke, Bruce A. | |||||
Iselin, Christopher A. | Wakeman, David N. * | |||||
Kidwell, Stephen M. | Weisenborn, Dennis W. | |||||
Lindgren, Mark C. | Wiseman, D. Scott * | |||||
Menne, Michael L. | Wood, Warren T. * | |||||
Mueller, Michael G. |
* | Not eligible for excise tax gross-up provisions |
Approved by: |
/s/ Patrick T. Stokes |
Date: |
December 9, 2010 |
Patrick T. Stokes, Chairman, For the Human Resources Committee
Exhibit 12.1
Ameren Corporation
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 (a) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Ameren Corporation |
$ | 546,738 | $ | 617,804 | $ | 605,189 | $ | 612,313 | $ | 138,678 | ||||||||||
Less- Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(27,135 | ) | (27,266 | ) | (28,422 | ) | (2,007 | ) | (3,366 | ) | ||||||||||
Add- Taxes based on income |
283,825 | 330,141 | 326,736 | 332,128 | 325,320 | |||||||||||||||
Net income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests |
857,698 | 975,211 | 960,347 | 946,448 | 467,364 | |||||||||||||||
Add- fixed charges: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on short-term and long-term debt |
345,410 | 421,406 | (b) | 440,507 | (b) | 518,149 | (b) | 511,468 | (b) | |||||||||||
Estimated interest cost within rental expense |
4,081 | 5,020 | 6,510 | 8,341 | 8,593 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses |
15,341 | 18,638 | 19,716 | 16,183 | 14,337 | |||||||||||||||
Subsidiary preferred stock dividends |
10,936 | 10,871 | 10,357 | 9,874 | 8,278 | |||||||||||||||
Adjust preferred stock dividends to pretax basis |
5,565 | 5,709 | 5,497 | 5,271 | 4,753 | |||||||||||||||
Total fixed charges |
381,333 | 461,644 | 482,587 | 557,818 | 547,429 | |||||||||||||||
Less: Adjustment of preferred stock dividends to pretax basis |
5,565 | 5,709 | 5,497 | 5,271 | 4,753 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings available for fixed charges |
$ | 1,233,466 | $ | 1,431,146 | $ | 1,437,437 | $ | 1,498,995 | $ | 1,010,040 | ||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
3.23 | 3.10 | 2.97 | 2.68 | 1.84 | |||||||||||||||
(a) |
In the third quarter of 2010, Ameren Corporation recorded a goodwill and other impairment charge of $589 million. See Note 17 - Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments of this Form 10-K for additional information. |
(b) |
Includes interest expense related to uncertain tax positions |
Exhibit 12.2
Union Electric Company
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
$ | 348,806 | $ | 341,966 | $ | 250,998 | $ | 265,020 | $ | 368,702 | ||||||||||
Less- Income from equity investee |
54,285 | 54,545 | 10,948 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Add- Taxes based on income |
183,867 | 139,782 | 133,514 | 127,982 | 199,085 | |||||||||||||||
Net income before income taxes and income from equity investee |
478,388 | 427,203 | 373,564 | 393,002 | 567,787 | |||||||||||||||
Add- fixed charges: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on short-term and long-term debt |
176,088 | 203,456 | (a) | 205,314 | (a) | 245,272 | (a) | 232,157 | (a) | |||||||||||
Estimated interest cost within rental expense |
2,754 | 2,540 | 3,533 | 3,542 | 3,689 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses |
5,468 | 5,634 | 6,226 | 6,686 | 6,744 | |||||||||||||||
Total fixed charges |
184,310 | 211,630 | 215,073 | 255,500 | 242,590 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings available for fixed charges |
662,698 | 638,833 | 588,637 | 648,502 | 810,377 | |||||||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
3.59 | 3.01 | 2.73 | 2.53 | 3.34 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings required for combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends |
5,941 | 5,941 | 5,941 | 5,941 | 4,716 | |||||||||||||||
Adjustment to pretax basis |
3,244 | 2,429 | 3,160 | 2,869 | 2,546 | |||||||||||||||
9,185 | 8,370 | 9,101 | 8,810 | 7,262 | ||||||||||||||||
Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements |
$ | 193,495 | $ | 220,000 | $ | 224,174 | $ | 264,310 | $ | 249,852 | ||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements |
3.42 | 2.90 | 2.62 | 2.45 | 3.24 | |||||||||||||||
(a) |
Includes interest expense related to uncertain tax positions |
Exhibit 12.3
Ameren Illinois Company
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Ameren Illinois Company |
$ | 124,334 | $ | 56,011 | $ | 40,713 | $ | 133,360 | $ | 212,547 | ||||||||||
Add - Taxes based on income |
66,504 | 26,571 | 15,866 | 78,970 | 136,614 | |||||||||||||||
Net income before income taxes |
190,838 | 82,582 | 56,579 | 212,330 | 349,161 | |||||||||||||||
Add - fixed charges: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on short-term and long-term debt |
94,143 | 131,826 | (a) | 140,289 | (a) | 163,831 | (a) | 152,667 | (a) | |||||||||||
Estimated interest cost within rental expense |
1,220 | 1,476 | 1,890 | 3,797 | 3,899 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses |
5,269 | 10,624 | 11,058 | 6,317 | 5,250 | |||||||||||||||
Total fixed charges |
100,632 | 143,926 | 153,237 | 173,945 | 161,816 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings available for fixed charges |
291,470 | 226,508 | 209,816 | 386,275 | 510,977 | |||||||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
2.89 | 1.57 | 1.36 | 2.22 | 3.15 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings required for combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends |
6,732 | 6,656 | 6,160 | 5,678 | 4,435 | |||||||||||||||
Adjustment to pretax basis |
3,601 | 3,158 | 2,401 | 3,362 | 2,396 | |||||||||||||||
10,333 | 9,814 | 8,561 | 9,040 | 6,831 | ||||||||||||||||
Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements |
$ | 110,965 | $ | 153,740 | $ | 161,798 | $ | 182,985 | $ | 168,647 | ||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements |
2.62 | 1.47 | 1.29 | 2.11 | 3.02 | |||||||||||||||
(a) |
Includes interest expense related to uncertain tax positions |
Exhibit 12.4
Ameren Energy Generating Company
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 (a) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ameren Energy Generating Company |
$ | 150,354 | $ | 230,238 | $ | 286,467 | $ | 159,869 | $ | (38,573 | ) | |||||||||
Less- Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(27,143 | ) | (27,272 | ) | (28,424 | ) | (2,007 | ) | (3,366 | ) | ||||||||||
Add- Taxes based on income |
108,642 | 154,910 | 182,116 | 101,148 | 19,422 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest |
286,139 | 412,420 | 497,007 | 263,024 | (15,785 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Add- fixed charges: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on short-term and long-term debt |
59,861 | 55,930 | (b) | 54,320 | (b) | 60,045 | (b) | 76,321 | (b) | |||||||||||
Estimated interest cost within rental expense |
110 | 169 | 232 | 307 | 295 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses |
586 | 586 | 760 | 866 | 1,026 | |||||||||||||||
Total fixed charges |
60,557 | 56,685 | 55,312 | 61,218 | 77,642 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings available for fixed charges |
$ | 346,696 | $ | 469,105 | $ | 552,319 | $ | 324,242 | $ | 61,857 | ||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
5.72 | 8.27 | 9.98 | 5.29 | - | (c) | ||||||||||||||
(a) |
Effective January 1, 2010, Ameren Energy Generating Company (Genco) acquired an 80% ownership interest in Electric Energy Inc. (EEI) from an Ameren subsidiary as a result of an internal re-organization. In accordance with authoritative guidance, periods presented reflect the combined Genco and EEI results. |
(b) |
Includes interest expense related to uncertain tax positions |
(c) |
Earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges by $15.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. In the third quarter of 2010, Ameren Energy Generating Company recorded a goodwill and other impairment charge of $170 million. See Note 17- Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments of this Form 10-K for additional information |
Exhibit 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF AMEREN CORPORATION
AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
Name |
State or Jurisdiction of Organization |
|
Ameren Corporation |
Missouri | |
Ameren Development Company |
Missouri | |
Missouri Central Railroad Company |
Delaware | |
CIPSCO Leasing Company |
Illinois | |
CLC Aircraft Leasing Company, LLC |
Delaware | |
Gateway Energy Systems, L.C. (89.1% interest) |
Missouri | |
QST Enterprises Inc. |
Illinois | |
ESE Land Corporation |
Illinois | |
Ameren Energy Resources Company, LLC |
Delaware | |
Ameren Energy Generating Company |
Illinois | |
Coffeen and Western Railroad Company |
Illinois | |
Electric Energy, Inc. (80% interest) |
Illinois | |
Midwest Electric Power Inc. |
Illinois | |
Joppa and Eastern Railroad Company |
Illinois | |
Met South, Inc. |
Illinois | |
Massac Enterprises LLC |
Illinois | |
Ameren Energy Marketing Company |
Illinois | |
AmerenEnergy Resources Generating Company |
Illinois | |
AmerenEnergy Medina Valley Cogen, L.L.C. |
Illinois | |
Ameren Energy Fuels and Services Company |
Illinois | |
Ameren Transmission Company |
Missouri | |
Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois |
Illinois | |
Ameren Services Company |
Missouri | |
Ameren Illinois Company |
Illinois | |
Energy Risk Assurance Company |
Vermont | |
Missouri Energy Risk Assurance Company LLC |
Missouri | |
Union Electric Company |
Missouri | |
Fuelco LLC (33.33% interest) |
Delaware |
Subsidiaries not included on this list, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary as of December 31, 2010.
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (333-152046, 333-155416,
333-155416-04, and 333-155416-05) and the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-50793, 333-133998, 333-136971,
and 333-157655) of
Ameren Corporation of our report dated February 24, 2011 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-151432 and 333-151432-01) of Union Electric Company of our report dated February 24, 2011 relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-155416-03) of Ameren Illinois Company of our report dated February 24, 2011 relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Exhibit 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-155416-02) of Ameren Energy Generating Company of our report dated February 24, 2011 relating to the financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 24, 2011
Exhibit 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, AMEREN CORPORATION, a Missouri corporation (herein referred to as the Company), is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010; and
WHEREAS, each of the individuals identified below is a director of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Thomas R. Voss and/or Steven R. Sullivan and/or Martin J. Lyons, Jr. and/or Jerre E. Birdsong the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to affix the name of the undersigned to said Form 10-K and any amendments thereto, and, for the performance of the same acts, each with power to appoint in their place and stead and as their substitute, one or more attorneys-in-fact for the undersigned, with full power of revocation; hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact may do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands this 9th day of February, 2011:
Stephen F. Brauer, Director |
/s/ Stephen F. Brauer |
|||
Ellen M. Fitzsimmons, Director |
/s/ Ellen M. Fitzsimmons |
|||
Walter J. Galvin, Director |
/s/ Walter J. Galvin |
|||
Gayle P. W. Jackson, Director |
/s/ Gayle P. W. Jackson |
|||
James C. Johnson, Director |
/s/ James C. Johnson |
|||
Steven H. Lipstein, Director |
/s/ Steven H. Lipstein |
|||
Charles W. Mueller, Director |
/s/ Charles W. Mueller |
|||
Harvey Saligman, Director |
/s/ Harvey Saligman |
|||
Patrick T. Stokes, Director |
/s/ Patrick T. Stokes |
|||
Stephen R. Wilson, Director |
/s/ Stephen R. Wilson |
|||
Jack D. Woodard, Director |
/s/ Jack D. Woodard |
STATE OF MISSOURI |
) | |||
) SS. | ||||
CITY OF ST. LOUIS |
) |
On this 9th day of February, 2011, before me, the undersigned Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared the above-named directors of Ameren Corporation, known to me to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free act and deed for the purposes therein stated.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal.
/s/ Sue E. Whitman |
SUE E. WHITMAN |
Notary Public Notary Seal |
STATE OF MISSOURI ST. LOUIS COUNTY |
Commission #09777931 |
My Commission Expires 4/28/2013 |
Exhibit 24.2
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Missouri corporation (herein referred to as the Company), is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010; and
WHEREAS, each of the individuals identified below is a director of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Warner L. Baxter and/or Steven R. Sullivan and/or Martin J. Lyons, Jr. and/or Jerre E. Birdsong the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to affix the name of the undersigned to said Form 10-K and any amendments thereto, and, for the performance of the same acts, each with power to appoint in their place and stead and as their substitute, one or more attorneys-in-fact for the undersigned, with full power of revocation; hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact may do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands this 9th day of February, 2011:
Daniel F. Cole, Director |
/s/ Daniel F. Cole |
|||
Adam C. Heflin, Director |
/s/ Adam C. Heflin |
|||
Richard J. Mark, Director |
/s/ Richard J. Mark |
|||
Steven R. Sullivan, Director |
/s/ Steven R. Sullivan |
STATE OF MISSOURI |
) | |||
) SS. | ||||
CITY OF ST. LOUIS |
) |
On this 9th day of February, 2011, before me, the undersigned Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared the above-named directors of Union Electric Company, known to me to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free act and deed for the purposes therein stated.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal.
/s/ Sue E. Whitman |
SUE E. WHITMAN |
Notary Public Notary Seal |
STATE OF MISSOURI ST. LOUIS COUNTY |
Commission #09777931 |
My Commission Expires 4/28/2013 |
Exhibit 24.3
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY, an Illinois corporation (herein referred to as the Company), is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010; and
WHEREAS, each of the individuals identified below is a director of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Scott A. Cisel and/or Steven R. Sullivan and/or Martin J. Lyons, Jr. and/or Jerre E. Birdsong the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to affix the name of the undersigned to said Form 10-K and any amendments thereto, and, for the performance of the same acts, each with power to appoint in their place and stead and as their substitute, one or more attorneys-in-fact for the undersigned, with full power of revocation; hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact may do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands this 9th day of February, 2011:
Daniel F. Cole, Director |
/s/ Daniel F. Cole |
|||
Steven R. Sullivan, Director |
/s/ Steven R. Sullivan |
STATE OF MISSOURI |
) | |||
) SS. | ||||
CITY OF ST. LOUIS |
) |
On this 9th day of February, 2011, before me, the undersigned Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared the above-named directors of Ameren Illinois Company, known to me to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free act and deed for the purposes therein stated.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal.
/s/ Sue E. Whitman |
SUE E. WHITMAN |
Notary Public Notary Seal |
STATE OF MISSOURI ST. LOUIS COUNTY |
Commission #09777931 |
My Commission Expires 4/28/2013 |
Exhibit 24.4
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WHEREAS, AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY, an Illinois corporation (herein referred to as the Company"), is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010; and
WHEREAS, each of the individuals identified below is a director of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Charles D. Naslund and/or Steven R. Sullivan and/or Martin J. Lyons, Jr. and/or Jerre E. Birdsong the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to affix the name of the undersigned to said Form 10-K and any amendments thereto, and, for the performance of the same acts, each with power to appoint in their place and stead and as their substitute, one or more attorneys-in-fact for the undersigned, with full power of revocation; hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact may do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands this 9th day of February, 2011:
Daniel F. Cole, Director |
/s/ Daniel F. Cole |
|||
Steven R. Sullivan, Director |
/s/ Steven R. Sullivan |
STATE OF MISSOURI |
) | |||
) SS. | ||||
CITY OF ST. LOUIS |
) |
On this 9th day of February, 2011, before me, the undersigned Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared the above-named directors of Ameren Energy Generating Company, known to me to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free act and deed for the purposes therein stated.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal.
/s/ Sue E. Whitman |
SUE E. WHITMAN |
Notary Public Notary Seal |
STATE OF MISSOURI ST. LOUIS COUNTY |
Commission #09777931 |
My Commission Expires 4/28/2013 |
Exhibit 31.1
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AMEREN CORPORATION
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Thomas R. Voss, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, of Ameren Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Thomas R. Voss |
Thomas R. Voss Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.2
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF AMEREN CORPORATION
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 31.3
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Warner L. Baxter, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Union Electric Company;
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 registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Warner L. Baxter |
Warner L. Baxter Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.4
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Union Electric Company;
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 registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 31.5
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Scott A. Cisel, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Illinois Company;
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 registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Scott A. Cisel |
Scott A. Cisel Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.6
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Illinois Company;
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 registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 31.7
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Charles D. Naslund, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Energy Generating Company;
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 registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Charles D. Naslund |
Charles D. Naslund Chairman and President (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.8
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION
OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Energy Generating Company;
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 registrants other certifying officer 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF
AMEREN CORPORATION
(required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Corporation (the Registrant) as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Form 10-K), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) | The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and |
(2) | The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Thomas R. Voss |
Thomas R. Voss Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 32.2
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF
UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY
(required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Union Electric Company (the Registrant) as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Form 10-K), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) | The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and |
(2) | The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Warner L. Baxter |
Warner L. Baxter |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
(Principal Executive Officer) |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
(Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 32.3
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY
(required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Illinois Company (the Registrant) as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Form 10-K), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) | The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and |
(2) | The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Scott A. Cisel |
Scott A. Cisel |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
(Principal Executive Officer) |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
(Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 32.4
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF
AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
(required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 of Ameren Energy Generating Company (the Registrant) as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Form 10-K), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) | The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and |
(2) | The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. |
Date: February 24, 2011
/s/ Charles D. Naslund |
Charles D. Naslund |
Chairman and President |
(Principal Executive Officer) |
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Martin J. Lyons, Jr. |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
(Principal Financial Officer) |