2014 March 10Q
Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _________________________________ 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
OR
o
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 001-14206
El Paso Electric Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas
 
74-0607870
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
Stanton Tower, 100 North Stanton, El Paso, Texas
 
79901
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(915) 543-5711
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  x    NO  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  o    NO  x
As of April 30, 2014, there were 40,310,281 shares of the Company’s no par value common stock outstanding.

 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
Page No.
 
Item 1.
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 


 
( i)
 

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Utility plant:
 
 
 
Electric plant in service
$
3,086,015

 
$
3,076,549

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,219,479
)
 
(1,214,088
)
Net plant in service
1,866,536

 
1,862,461

Construction work in progress
304,619

 
282,647

Nuclear fuel; includes fuel in process of $39,681 and $48,492, respectively
200,454

 
188,185

Less accumulated amortization
(86,461
)
 
(75,820
)
Net nuclear fuel
113,993

 
112,365

Net utility plant
2,285,148

 
2,257,473

Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
13,392

 
25,592

Accounts receivable, principally trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,828 and $2,261, respectively
58,750

 
65,350

Accumulated deferred income taxes
23,972

 
26,965

Inventories, at cost
45,300

 
45,942

Undercollection of fuel revenues
4,189

 
7,248

Prepayments and other
10,501

 
7,694

Total current assets
156,104

 
178,791

Deferred charges and other assets:
 
 
 
Decommissioning trust funds
217,509

 
214,095

Regulatory assets
96,603

 
101,050

Other
36,409

 
34,879

Total deferred charges and other assets
350,521

 
350,024

Total assets
$
2,791,773

 
$
2,786,288


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
1
 

Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
 
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
(Unaudited)
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(In thousands except for share data)
 
 
 
Capitalization:
 
 
 
Common stock, stated value $1 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 65,642,538 and 65,639,091 shares issued, and 154,144 and 120,534 restricted shares, respectively
$
65,797

 
$
65,760

Capital in excess of stated value
315,177

 
314,443

Retained earnings
979,604

 
985,665

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
13,059

 
2,612

 
1,373,637

 
1,368,480

Treasury stock, 25,492,919 shares at cost
(424,647
)
 
(424,647
)
Common stock equity
948,990

 
943,833

Long-term debt
999,643

 
999,620

Total capitalization
1,948,633

 
1,943,453

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility
45,951

 
14,352

Accounts payable, principally trade
46,597

 
61,795

Taxes accrued
22,107

 
25,206

Interest accrued
13,028

 
12,189

Overcollection of fuel revenues

 
1,048

Other
23,766

 
22,932

Total current liabilities
151,449

 
137,522

Deferred credits and other liabilities:
 
 
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes
455,535

 
449,925

Accrued pension liability
62,212

 
84,012

Accrued postretirement benefit liability
51,954

 
50,655

Asset retirement obligation
66,665

 
65,214

Regulatory liabilities
25,969

 
26,416

Other
29,356

 
29,091

Total deferred credits and other liabilities
691,691

 
705,313

Commitments and contingencies


 


Total capitalization and liabilities
$
2,791,773

 
$
2,786,288

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
2
 

Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except for share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Operating revenues
$
185,516

 
$
177,290

 
$
898,588

 
$
861,593

Energy expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel
51,586

 
44,399

 
233,955

 
196,041

Purchased and interchanged power
17,915

 
12,877

 
67,401

 
60,569

 
69,501

 
57,276

 
301,356

 
256,610

Operating revenues net of energy expenses
116,015

 
120,014

 
597,232

 
604,983

Other operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other operations
56,138

 
55,967

 
237,326

 
238,108

Maintenance
14,282

 
12,552

 
62,798

 
56,923

Depreciation and amortization
20,568

 
19,368

 
80,826

 
77,406

Taxes other than income taxes
15,362

 
12,782

 
60,327

 
56,585

 
106,350

 
100,669

 
441,277

 
429,022

Operating income
9,665

 
19,345

 
155,955

 
175,961

Other income (deductions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
2,906

 
2,663

 
10,251

 
10,134

Investment and interest income, net
4,241

 
1,231

 
10,043

 
4,730

Miscellaneous non-operating income
1,517

 
1

 
2,425

 
1,346

Miscellaneous non-operating deductions
(419
)
 
(471
)
 
(3,583
)
 
(2,002
)
 
8,245

 
3,424

 
19,136

 
14,208

Interest charges (credits):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt and revolving credit facility
14,579

 
14,596

 
58,618

 
55,665

Other interest
173

 
149

 
455

 
1,139

Capitalized interest
(1,246
)
 
(1,302
)
 
(5,243
)
 
(5,245
)
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
(1,684
)
 
(1,623
)
 
(6,116
)
 
(6,043
)
 
11,822

 
11,820

 
47,714

 
45,516

Income before income taxes
6,088

 
10,949

 
127,377

 
144,653

Income tax expense
1,473

 
3,315

 
41,813

 
49,517

Net income
$
4,615

 
$
7,634

 
$
85,564

 
$
95,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.11

 
$
0.19

 
$
2.13

 
$
2.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.11

 
$
0.19

 
$
2.12

 
$
2.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share of common stock
$
0.265

 
$
0.25

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.00

Weighted average number of shares outstanding
40,149,083

 
40,078,061

 
40,132,106

 
40,015,380

Weighted average number of shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding
40,149,083

 
40,078,061

 
40,144,159

 
40,074,820


 See accompanying notes to financial statements.








 

 
3
 

Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
4,615

 
$
7,634

 
$
85,564

 
$
95,136

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net gain (loss) arising during period
19,700

 

 
102,664

 
(2,109
)
Prior service benefit

 

 
97

 

Reclassification adjustments included in net income for amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service benefit
(1,459
)
 
(1,400
)
 
(5,619
)
 
(5,719
)
Net loss
1,123

 
2,675

 
8,920

 
11,521

Net unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net holding gains arising during period
998

 
6,793

 
11,904

 
8,562

Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income
(2,865
)
 
158

 
(3,576
)
 
1,413

Net losses on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for interest expense included in net income
107

 
101

 
417

 
392

Total other comprehensive income before income taxes
17,604

 
8,327

 
114,807

 
14,060

Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs
(7,422
)
 
(570
)
 
(40,418
)
 
(1,479
)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on marketable securities
357

 
(1,287
)
 
(1,456
)
 
(2,166
)
Losses on cash flow hedges
(92
)
 
(52
)
 
(208
)
 
(138
)
Total income tax expense
(7,157
)
 
(1,909
)
 
(42,082
)
 
(3,783
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
10,447

 
6,418

 
72,725

 
10,277

Comprehensive income
$
15,062

 
$
14,052

 
$
158,289

 
$
105,413

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
4,615

 
$
7,634

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of electric plant in service
20,568

 
19,368

Amortization of nuclear fuel
11,476

 
11,510

Deferred income taxes, net
761

 
3,103

Allowance for equity funds used during construction
(2,906
)
 
(2,663
)
Other amortization and accretion
4,141

 
4,081

Gain on sale of assets
(1,499
)
 

Other operating activities
(2,811
)
 
179

Change in:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
6,600

 
(3,645
)
Inventories
525

 
(1,220
)
Net overcollection of fuel revenues
2,011

 
3,844

Prepayments and other
(2,968
)
 
(3,519
)
Accounts payable
(8,958
)
 
(18,585
)
Taxes accrued
(379
)
 
(866
)
Other current liabilities
1,673

 
2,004

Deferred charges and credits
(1,537
)
 
(13,492
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
31,312

 
7,733

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Cash additions to utility property, plant and equipment
(48,255
)
 
(55,406
)
Cash additions to nuclear fuel
(11,822
)
 
(9,888
)
Capitalized interest and AFUDC:
 
 
 
Utility property, plant and equipment
(4,590
)
 
(4,286
)
Nuclear fuel
(1,246
)
 
(1,302
)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
2,906

 
2,663

Decommissioning trust funds:
 
 
 
Purchases, including funding of $1.1 million
(31,242
)
 
(13,378
)
Sales and maturities
28,827

 
10,907

Proceeds from sale of assets
1,679

 

Other investing activities
375

 
3,285

Net cash used for investing activities
(63,368
)
 
(67,405
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Dividends paid
(10,676
)
 
(10,050
)
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility:
 
 
 
Proceeds
51,563

 
12,586

Payments
(19,964
)
 
(9,702
)
Other financing activities
(1,067
)
 
(544
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
19,856

 
(7,710
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(12,200
)
 
(67,382
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
25,592

 
111,057

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
13,392

 
$
43,675

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

A. Principles of Preparation
These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in the Annual Report of El Paso Electric Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”). Capitalized terms used in this report and not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the 2013 Form 10-K. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; the results of its operations and comprehensive operations for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations and comprehensive operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full calendar year.
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), certain financial information has been condensed and certain footnote disclosures have been omitted. Such information and disclosures are normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenues. Revenues related to the sale of electricity are generally recorded when service is rendered or electricity is delivered to customers. The billing of electricity sales to retail customers is based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. Unbilled revenues are estimated based on monthly generation volumes and by applying an average revenue/kWh to the number of estimated kWhs delivered but not billed. Accounts receivable included accrued unbilled revenues of $17.7 million at March 31, 2014 and $19.8 million at December 31, 2013. The Company presents revenues net of sales taxes in its statements of operations.

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Cash paid (received) for:
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt and borrowing under the revolving credit facility
$
10,174

 
$
9,893

 
Income tax refund, net
(767
)
 
(3,088
)
Non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Grants of restricted shares of common stock
1,197

 
929

 
Issuance of performance shares

 
849


New Accounting Standards. In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740)) to eliminate the diversity in the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances when it would be reflected as a liability. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and early adoption is permitted. Retrospective application is also permitted. The Company implemented ASU 2013-11 in the first quarter of 2014 on a prospective basis. This ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company's statement of operations or statement of cash flows.



 
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Table of Contents
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


B. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
       Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (net of tax) by component which are presented below (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
 
Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
 
Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(21,330
)
 
$
36,240

 
$
(12,298
)
 
$
2,612

 
$
(75,737
)
 
$
22,194

 
$
(12,541
)
 
$
(66,084
)
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
12,147

 
799

 

 
12,946

 

 
5,543

 

 
5,543

 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(205
)
 
(2,309
)
 
15

 
(2,499
)
 
705

 
121

 
49

 
875

Balance at end of period
$
(9,388
)
 
$
34,730

 
$
(12,283
)
 
$
13,059

 
$
(75,032
)
 
$
27,858

 
$
(12,492
)
 
$
(59,666
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
 
Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
 
Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(75,032
)
 
$
27,858

 
$
(12,492
)
 
$
(59,666
)
 
$
(77,246
)
 
$
20,049

 
$
(12,746
)
 
$
(69,943
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
63,599

 
9,738

 

 
73,337

 
(1,264
)
 
6,695

 

 
5,431

 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
2,045

 
(2,866
)
 
209

 
(612
)
 
3,478

 
1,114

 
254

 
4,846

Balance at end of period
$
(9,388
)
 
$
34,730

 
$
(12,283
)
 
$
13,059

 
$
(75,032
)
 
$
27,858

 
$
(12,492
)
 
$
(59,666
)

 
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Table of Contents
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows ( in thousands):

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31,
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Operations
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service benefit
 
$
1,459

 
1,400

 
$
5,619

 
$
5,719

 
(a)
 
Net loss
 
(1,123
)
 
(2,675
)
 
(8,920
)
 
(11,521
)
 
(a)
 
 
 
 
336

 
(1,275
)
 
(3,301
)
 
(5,802
)
 
(a)
 
Income tax effect
(131
)
 
570

 
1,256

 
2,324

 
 
 
 
 
 
205

 
(705
)
 
(2,045
)
 
(3,478
)
 
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gain (loss) on sale of securities
 
2,865

 
(158
)
 
3,576

 
(934
)
 
Investment and interest income, net
 
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities included in pre-tax income
 

 

 

 
(479
)
 
Investment and interest income, net
 
 
 
 
2,865

 
(158
)
 
3,576

 
(1,413
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
(556
)
 
37

 
(710
)
 
299

 
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
2,309

 
(121
)
 
2,866

 
(1,114
)
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on cash flow hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of loss
 
(107
)
 
(101
)
 
(417
)
 
(392
)
 
Interest on long-term debt and revolving credit facility
 
 
 
 
(107
)
 
(101
)
 
(417
)
 
(392
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
92

 
52

 
208

 
138

 
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
(15
)
 
(49
)
 
(209
)
 
(254
)
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications
 
$
2,499

 
$
(875
)
 
$
612

 
$
(4,846
)
 
 
 
 
(a) These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note H, Employee Benefits, for additional information.







 
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Table of Contents
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


C. Regulation
General
The rates and services of the Company are regulated by incorporated municipalities in Texas, the PUCT, the NMPRC, and the FERC. The PUCT and the NMPRC have jurisdiction to review municipal orders, ordinances and utility agreements regarding rates and services within their respective states and over certain other activities of the Company. The FERC has jurisdiction over the Company's wholesale (sales for resale) transactions, transmission service and compliance with federally-mandated reliability standards. The decisions of the PUCT, NMPRC and the FERC are subject to judicial review.

Texas Regulatory Matters

2012 Texas Retail Rate Settlement. On April 17, 2012, the El Paso City Council approved the settlement of the Company's 2012 Texas retail rate case and fuel reconciliation in PUCT Docket No. 40094. The PUCT issued a final order approving the settlement on May 23, 2012 and the rates were effective as of May 1, 2012. As part of the settlement, the Company agreed to submit a future fuel reconciliation request covering the period beginning July 1, 2009 and ending no later than June 30, 2013 by December 31, 2013 or as part of its next rate case, if earlier. The Company filed a fuel reconciliation request covering the period July 1, 2009 through March 31, 2013, as later discussed. The settlement also provided for the continuation of the energy efficiency cost recovery factor and the military base discount recovery factor. Both of these surcharges require annual filings to reconcile and revise the recovery factors.     

Fuel and Purchased Power Costs. The Company's actual fuel costs, including purchased power energy costs, are recovered from customers through a fixed fuel factor. The PUCT has adopted a fuel cost recovery rule ( the "Texas Fuel Rule") that allows the Company to seek periodic adjustments to its fixed fuel factor. The Company can seek to revise its fixed fuel factor based upon the approved formula at least four months after its last revision except in the month of December. On September 9, 2013, the Company filed a request, which was assigned Docket No. 41803, to increase its fixed fuel factor by $16.9 million or 12.2% annually, pursuant to its approved formula. The revised fixed fuel factor reflected increases in prices for natural gas. The increase in the fixed fuel factor was approved on September 23, 2013 and was effective with October 2013 billings. On April 15, 2014, the Company filed a request, which was assigned Docket No. 42384, to increase its fixed fuel factor by $10.7 million or 6.9% annually, pursuant to its approved formula. The revised fixed fuel factor reflects further increases in prices for natural gas. The increase in the fixed fuel factor received interim approval on April 28, 2014 and was effective with May 2014 billings.
Fuel Reconciliation Proceeding. On September 27, 2013, the Company filed an application with the PUCT, designated as Docket No. 41852, to reconcile $545.3 million of fuel and purchased power expenses incurred during the 45-month period from July 1, 2009 through March 31, 2013. The fuel reconciliation requests to recover $3.4 million of rewards for Palo Verde operations. Hearings in the fuel reconciliation have been suspended as the parties in the case seek to negotiate a settlement. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of these settlement negotiations. A final order must be issued by September 26, 2014.
Montana Power Station Approvals. The Company has received a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity ("CCN") authorization from the PUCT to construct the first two (of four) units of the Montana Power Station ("the MPS"). The Company also had to obtain air permits from state and federal regulatory agencies before it could begin construction. On January 22, 2014, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ") issued the required permit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued a permit for greenhouse gas ("GHG") on March 25, 2014. This permit became final on April 25, 2014 when no appeals were filed prior to the expiration of the period for appeal.
On September 6, 2013, the Company filed an application with the PUCT for issuance of a CCN to construct, own and operate two additional 88 MW natural gas-fired generating units designated as the MPS Units 3 and 4 in El Paso County, Texas. The case has been designated PUCT Docket No. 41763. Hearings in this case were held in February 2014. In accordance with PUCT rules, the final order must be issued by September 5, 2014.
The Company filed three transmission line CCN applications with the PUCT as part of the MPS Project:
MPS to Caliente: a 115-kV transmission line from the MPS to the existing Caliente Substation in east El Paso. (PUCT Docket No. 41360)
MPS In & Out: a 115-kV transmission line from the MPS to intersect with the existing Caliente - Coyote 115-kV transmission line. (PUCT Docket No. 41359)
MPS to Montwood: a 115-kV transmission line from the MPS to the existing Montwood Substation in east El Paso. (PUCT Docket No. 41809)

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



The transmission CCN filings for both the MPS to Caliente and the MPS In & Out were filed on April 15, 2013, and the transmission CCN filing for the MPS to Montwood was filed on September 24, 2013. The Company is requesting to build these transmission lines to connect the new MPS to the electrical grid in order to meet expected customer growth and electric demand and to improve system reliability. A final order approving a unanimous settlement in the MPS to Caliente transmission CCN filing was received on March 10, 2014. Hearings on the MPS to Montwood and MPS In & Out transmission line CCN cases have been suspended as the parties in the cases seek to negotiate settlements. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of these settlement negotiations. A final order is expected in the fall of 2014.
Other Required Approvals. The Company has obtained other required approvals for recovery of fuel costs through fixed fuel factors, other tariffs and approvals as required by the Public Utility Regulatory Act (the "PURA") and the PUCT.
New Mexico Regulatory Matters
2009 New Mexico Stipulation. On December 10, 2009, the NMPRC issued a final order conditionally approving the stipulated rates in NMPRC Case No. 09-00171-UT. The stipulated rates went into effect with January 2010 bills. The stipulated rates provide for an Efficient Use of Energy Factor Rate Rider to recover energy efficiency expenditures which requires an annual filing and approval of the related incentives and adjustments to the recovery factors.
Fuel and purchased power costs in New Mexico are recovered through a Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Clause (the "FPPCAC"). On January 8, 2014, the NMPRC approved the continuation of the FPPCAC without modification in NMPRC Case No. 13-00380-UT. The Company recovers its investment in Palo Verde Unit 3 in New Mexico through the FPPCAC as purchased power using a proxy market price approved in the 2009 New Mexico rate stipulation.

Montana Power Station Approvals. The Company has received a CCN authorization from the NMPRC to construct the first two (of four) units of the MPS. As discussed above, the Company also had to obtain air permits from the TCEQ and EPA before it could begin construction. On September 6, 2013, the Company filed an application with the NMPRC for issuance of a CCN to construct, own and operate two additional 88 MW natural gas-fired generating units designated as the MPS Units 3 and 4 in El Paso County, Texas. The case has been designated NMPRC Case No. 13-00297-UT. No protests to the Company's application were filed and the hearing examiner issued a recommended decision to approve the Company's application on February 20, 2014. A final order is expected in the second quarter of 2014.

Revolving Credit Facility, Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Guarantee of Debt. On October 30, 2013, the Company received approval in NMPRC Case No. 13-00317-UT to amend its current $300 million Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") to include an option, subject to lender's approval, to expand the amount of the potential borrowings available under the facility to $400 million and extend the maturity date by up to four years; issue up to $300 million in new long-term debt; and to guarantee the issuance of up to $50 million of new debt by Rio Grande Resources Trust ("RGRT") to finance future purchases of nuclear fuel and to refinance existing debt obligations related to the financing of purchases of nuclear fuel.

On January 14, 2014, the Company and RGRT entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement related to the RCF with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and issuing bank, and Union Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and various lending banks party thereto. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company has available $300 million and the ability to increase the RCF by up to $100 million (up to a total of $400 million) upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, more fully set forth in the agreement, including obtaining commitments from lenders or third party financial institutions. The RCF has a term ending January 2019. The Company may extend the maturity date up to two times, in each case for an additional one year period upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Other Required Approvals. The Company has obtained other required approvals for other tariffs, securities transactions, long-term resource plans, recovery of energy efficiency costs through a base rate rider and other approvals as required by the NMPRC.
Federal Regulatory Matters
Public Service Company of New Mexico's ("PNM") 2010 Transmission Rate Case. On October 27, 2010, PNM filed a Notice of Transmission Rate Change for transmission delivery services provided by PNM. These rates went into effect on June 1, 2011. The Company takes transmission service from PNM. On January 2, 2013, the FERC issued a letter order approving a unanimous stipulation and agreement. Pursuant to the stipulation, on January 31, 2013, PNM refunded $1.9 million, for amounts

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


that PNM collected since June 1, 2011, in excess of settlement rates. This amount was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 as a reduction of transmission expense.
Revolving Credit Facility, Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Guarantee of Debt. On November 15, 2013, the FERC issued an order in Docket No. ES13-59-000 approving the Company's filing to amend its current $300 million RCF to include an option, subject to lender's approval, to expand the amount of the potential borrowings available under the facility to $400 million and extend the maturity date by up to four years; issue up to $300 million in new long-term debt; and to guarantee the issuance of up to $50 million of new debt by RGRT to finance future purchases of nuclear fuel and to refinance existing debt obligations related to the purchase of nuclear fuel. As noted above, on January 14, 2014, the Company and RGRT entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement related to the RCF.

Other Required Approvals. The Company has obtained required approvals for rates and tariffs, securities transactions and other approvals as required by the FERC.




 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


D. Common Stock
Dividend Policy. The Company paid $10.7 million and $10.1 million in quarterly cash dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company paid a total of $42.7 million and $40.1 million in quarterly cash dividends during the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share. The basic and diluted earnings per share are presented below (in thousands except for share data):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic number of common shares outstanding
40,149,083

 
40,078,061

 
40,132,106

 
40,015,380

Dilutive effect of unvested performance awards

 

 
12,053

 
50,206

Dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

 
9,234

Diluted number of common shares outstanding
40,149,083

 
40,078,061

 
40,144,159

 
40,074,820

Basic net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
4,615

 
$
7,634

 
$
85,564

 
$
95,136

Income allocated to participating restricted stock
(36
)
 
(26
)
 
(260
)
 
(248
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
4,579

 
$
7,608

 
$
85,304

 
$
94,888

Diluted net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
4,615

 
$
7,634

 
$
85,564

 
$
95,136

Income reallocated to participating restricted stock
(36
)
 
(26
)
 
(260
)
 
(247
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
4,579

 
$
7,608

 
$
85,304

 
$
94,889

Basic net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributed earnings
$
0.265

 
$
0.25

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.00

Undistributed earnings
(0.155
)
 
(0.06
)
 
1.07

 
1.37

Basic net income per common share
$
0.110

 
$
0.19

 
$
2.13

 
$
2.37

Diluted net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributed earnings
$
0.265

 
$
0.25

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.00

Undistributed earnings
(0.155
)
 
(0.06
)
 
1.06

 
1.37

Diluted net income per common share
$
0.110

 
$
0.19

 
$
2.12

 
$
2.37

The amount of restricted stock awards and performance shares at 100% performance level excluded from the calculation of the diluted number of common shares outstanding because their effect was antidilutive is presented below:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Restricted stock awards
79,413

 
56,101

 
57,017

 
44,253

Performance shares (a)
128,508

 
124,997

 
90,384

 
78,112

____________________
(a)
Certain performance shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as no payouts would have been required based upon performance at the end of each corresponding period.

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



E. Income Taxes
The Company files income tax returns in the United States ("U.S.") federal jurisdiction and in the states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The Company is no longer subject to tax examination by the taxing authorities in the federal and New Mexico jurisdictions for years prior to 2009 and in Arizona for years prior to 2008. The Company is currently under audit in Texas for tax years 2007 through 2011. The Company reached a settlement with the Arizona Department of Revenue in March 2014 in their audit of income tax returns for the years 1998 through 2007 which did not have a material effect on income tax expense.
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s effective tax rate was 24.2% and 30.3%, respectively. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's effective tax rate was 32.8% and 34.2%, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35.0% primarily due to capital gains in the decommissioning trusts realized in the first quarter of 2014, which are taxed at a federal rate of 20.0%, the allowance for equity funds used during construction and state income taxes. The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35.0% primarily due to the allowance for equity funds used during construction and state income taxes.

F. Commitments, Contingencies and Uncertainties
For a full discussion of commitments and contingencies, see Note K of Notes to Financial Statements in the 2013 Form 10-K. In addition, see Note C above and Notes C and E of Notes to Financial Statements in the 2013 Form 10-K regarding matters related to wholesale power sales contracts and transmission contracts subject to regulation and Palo Verde, including decommissioning, spent nuclear fuel and waste disposal, and liability and insurance matters.
Power Purchase and Sale Contracts
To supplement its own generation and operating reserves, and to meet required renewable portfolio standards, the Company engages in firm power purchase arrangements which may vary in duration and amount based on evaluation of the Company’s resource needs, the economics of the transactions, and specific renewable portfolio requirements. For a full discussion of power purchase and sale contracts that the Company has entered into with various counterparties, see Note K of Notes to Financial Statements in the 2013 Form 10-K. In addition the 50 MW Macho Springs solar photovoltaic project located in Luna County, New Mexico, is projected to begin commercial operation before June 2014.
Environmental Matters
General. The Company is subject to extensive laws, regulations and permit requirements with respect to air and greenhouse gas emissions, water discharges, soil and water quality, waste management and disposal, natural resources and other environmental matters by federal, state, regional, tribal and local authorities. Failure to comply with such laws, regulations and requirements can result in actions by authorities or other third parties that might seek to impose on the Company administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties or other sanctions. In addition, releases of pollutants or contaminants into the environment can result in costly cleanup liabilities. These laws, regulations and requirements are subject to change through modification or reinterpretation, or the introduction of new laws and regulations and, as a result, the Company may face additional capital and operating costs to comply. For a full discussion of certain key environmental issues, laws and regulations facing the Company see Note K of Notes to Financial Statements in the 2013 Form 10-K.
Clean Air Interstate Rule/Cross State Air Pollution Rule. The EPA promulgated the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") in August 2011, which rule involves requirements to limit emissions of nitrogen oxides ("NOx") and sulfur dioxide ("SO2") from certain of the Company's power plants in Texas and/or purchase allowances representing other parties' emissions reductions. CSAPR was intended to replace the EPA's 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule ("CAIR"). While the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Court of Appeals") vacated CSAPR in August 2012 and allowed CAIR to stand until the EPA issued a proper replacement, on April 29, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld CSAPR, remanding certain portions of CSAPR to the D.C. Court of Appeals for consideration. The Company will evaluate what impact, if any, the D.C. Court of Appeals subsequent holdings on remand will have on its operations.
Other Laws and Regulations and Risks. The Company intends to cease its participation in Four Corners Generating Station ("Four Corners") at the expiration of the 50-year participation agreement in 2016. The Company believes that it has better economic and cleaner alternatives for serving the energy needs of its customers than coal-fired generation, which is subject to extensive regulation and litigation. For example, as a result of Arizona Public Service Company's ("APS") recent Best Available Retrofit

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Technology Federal Implementation Plan compliance strategy notification to the EPA, Four Corners is required to install expensive pollution control equipment in order to continue operation in the future. The Company's share of the cost of these controls is currently estimated by APS to be approximately $39 million if the Company were to extend its participation in the plant. In addition, the EPA has entered into a consent decree which would require it to issue its final rulemaking regarding the regulation of coal combustion residuals ("CCR") under the federal Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act by December 19, 2014. Once issued, the Company may be required to incur significant costs to address CCRs either generated in the past and disposed of at or from Four Corners, as well as CCRs generated in connection with the ongoing operations of Four Corners. Further, assured supplies of water are important for the Company's operations and assets, including Four Corners. Four Corners is located in a region that has been experiencing drought conditions which could affect the plant's water supply. Four Corners has accordingly been involved in negotiations and proceedings with third parties relating to water supply issues. The drought conditions and related negotiations and proceedings could adversely affect the amount of power available, or the price thereof, from Four Corners. The Company is negotiating with APS on the disposition of its ownership interest of Four Corners to allow the other participants to pursue a life extension of the Four Corners plant.
Climate Change. On June 25, 2013, President Obama set forth his plan to address climate change. He reiterated a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions ("GHG") "in the range of 17 percent" below 2005 levels by 2020. The plan included a variety of executive actions, including future regulatory measures to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. In a White House memorandum of the same date, the President directed the EPA to issue a new proposal for GHG rulemaking addressing new power plants by September 20, 2013, and a rule for existing power plants by June 1, 2014. The formal proposal for new power plants was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2014. The Company continues its review of the new proposal and plans to participate in the post-publication comment period (with extension) ending May 9, 2014. Given the very significant remaining uncertainties regarding these rules, the Company believes it is impossible to meaningfully quantify the costs of these potential requirements at present.
Environmental Litigation and Investigations. Since 2009, the EPA and certain environmental organizations have been scrutinizing, and in some cases, have filed lawsuits, relating to certain air emissions and air permitting matters related to Four Corners. In particular, since July 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice (the "DOJ"), on behalf of the EPA, and APS have been engaged in substantive settlement negotiations in an effort to resolve the pending matters. The allegations being addressed through settlement negotiations are that APS failed to obtain the necessary permits and install the controls necessary under the U.S. Clean Air Act ("CAA") to reduce SO2, NOx, and particular matter ("PM"), and that defendants failed to obtain an operating permit under Title V of the CAA that reflects applicable requirements imposed by law. In March 2012, the DOJ provided APS with a draft consent decree to settle the EPA matter, which decree contains specific provisions for the reduction and control of NOx, SO2, and PM, as well as provisions for a civil penalty, and expenditures on environmental mitigation projects with an emphasis on projects that address alleged harm to the Navajo Nation. Settlement discussions are on-going and the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these settlement negotiations. The Company has accrued a total of $0.5 million as a loss contingency related to this matter.
The Company received notice that Earthjustice filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for New Mexico on October 4, 2011 for alleged violations of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration ("PSD") provisions of the CAA related to Four Corners. On January 6, 2012, Earthjustice filed a First Amended Complaint adding claims for violations of the CAA's New Source Performance Standards ("NSPS") program. Among other things, the plaintiffs seek to have the court enjoin operations at Four Corners until APS applies for and obtains any required PSD permits and complies with the referenced NSPS program. The plaintiffs further request the court to order the payment of civil penalties, including a beneficial mitigation project. On April 2, 2012, APS and the other Four Corners' participants filed motions to dismiss with the court. The case is being held in abeyance while the parties seek to negotiate a settlement. On March 30, 2013, upon joint motion of the parties, the court issued an order deeming the motions to dismiss withdrawn without prejudice during pendency of the stay. At such time as the stay is lifted, APS, the Company and the other Four Corners participants may reinstate the motions to dismiss. On April 25, 2014, the stay was extended until May 15, 2014. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this litigation.
New Mexico Tax Matter Related to Coal Supplied to Four Corners
On May 23, 2013, the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department issued a notice of assessment for coal severance surtax, penalty, and interest totaling approximately $30 million related to coal supplied under the coal supply agreement for Four Corners (the "Assessment"). The Company's share of the Assessment is approximately $1.5 million. On behalf of the Four Corners participants, the coal supplier made a partial payment of the Assessment and immediately filed a refund claim with respect to that partial payment in August 2013. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department denied the refund claim. On December 19, 2013, the coal supplier and APS, on its own behalf and as operating agent for Four Corners, filed complaints with the New

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Mexico District Court contesting both the validity of the Assessment and the refund claim denial. APS believes the Assessment and the refund claim denial are without merit. The Company cannot predict the timing, results, or potential impacts of the outcome of this litigation.

G. Litigation
The Company is a party to various legal actions. In many of these matters, the Company has excess casualty liability insurance that covers the various claims, actions and complaints. Based on a review of these claims and applicable insurance coverage, the Company believes that none of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. See Note C above and Note C of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2013 Form 10-K for discussion of the effects of government legislation and regulation on the Company.

H. Employee Benefits
Retirement Plans
The net periodic benefit cost recognized for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is made up of the components listed below as determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
2,173

 
$
2,400

 
$
9,100

 
$
9,004

Interest cost
3,870

 
3,400

 
14,084

 
13,579

Expected return on plan assets
(4,680
)
 
(4,275
)
 
(17,513
)
 
(15,108
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
1,773

 
2,675

 
10,196

 
11,066

Prior service (benefit) cost
(259
)
 
25

 
(187
)
 
113

Net periodic benefit cost
$
2,877

 
$
4,225

 
$
15,680

 
$
18,654

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company contributed $3.5 million of its projected $8.7 million 2014 annual contribution to its retirement plans.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company implemented certain amendments to the Retirement Income Plan and Excess Benefit Plan. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company offered a cash balance pension plan as an alternative to its current final average pay pension plan for employees hired prior to January 1, 2014. The cash balance pension plan also included an enhanced employer matching contribution to the employee's respective 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan. The revisions in the benefit plans were effective April 1, 2014. As a result of these actions, the Company remeasured the assets and liabilities of the retirement plans based on actuarially determined estimates, using the end of alternative choice date of February 28, 2014 as the remeasurement date. The discount rate used to remeasure the benefit obligation at February 28, 2014 was 4.6% for the Retirement Income Plan and 4.5% for the Excess Benefit Plan, compared to 4.9% for both plans at December 31, 2013. As a result of the changes described above, the benefit obligation of the affected plans decreased $19.7 million, accumulated other comprehensive income before income taxes increased $19.7 million, estimated future benefit payments from 2014 through 2018 increased $17.2 million compared to the previous estimates. The 2014 net periodic benefit cost is estimated to decrease by $8.4 million compared to the net periodic benefit cost incurred in 2013 due to the changes described above and revisions to actuarial assumptions.

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Other Postretirement Benefits
The net periodic benefit cost recognized for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is made up of the components listed below (in thousands): 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
700

 
$
1,100

 
$
3,443

 
$
4,408

Interest cost
1,125

 
1,375

 
4,906

 
5,611

Expected return on plan assets
(525
)
 
(475
)
 
(2,001
)
 
(1,754
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service benefit
(1,200
)
 
(1,425
)
 
(5,432
)
 
(5,832
)
Net (gain) loss
(650
)
 

 
(1,276
)
 
455

Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
$
(550
)
 
$
575

 
$
(360
)
 
$
2,888


The Company has not contributed to its other postretirement benefits plan during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and does not expect to contribute to its other postretirement benefit plan in 2014.

I. Financial Instruments and Investments
FASB guidance requires the Company to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. The Company has determined that cash and temporary investments, investment in debt securities, accounts receivable, decommissioning trust funds, long-term debt, short-term borrowings under the RCF, accounts payable and customer deposits meet the definition of financial instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and customer deposits approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. Investments in debt securities and decommissioning trust funds are carried at fair value.
Long-Term Debt and Short-Term Borrowings Under the RCF. The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt and short-term borrowings under the RCF are based on estimated market prices for similar issues and are presented below (in thousands): 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Pollution Control Bonds
$
193,135

 
$
202,897

 
$
193,135

 
$
193,990

Senior Notes
696,508

 
744,856

 
696,485

 
734,515

RGRT Senior Notes (1)
110,000

 
116,560

 
110,000

 
115,850

RCF (1)
45,951

 
45,951

 
14,352

 
14,352

Total
$
1,045,594

 
$
1,110,264

 
$
1,013,972

 
$
1,058,707

_______________ 
(1)
Nuclear fuel financing as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is funded through the $110 million RGRT Senior Notes and $20.0 million and $14.4 million, respectively under the RCF. As of March 31, 2014, $26.0 million was outstanding under the RCF for working capital or general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2013, no amount was outstanding under the RCF for working capital or general corporate purposes. The interest rate on the Company’s borrowings under the RCF is reset throughout the quarter reflecting current market rates. Consequently, the carrying value approximates fair value.

Marketable Securities. The Company’s marketable securities, included in decommissioning trust funds in the balance sheets, are reported at fair value which was $217.5 million and $214.1 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These securities are classified as available for sale under FASB guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities and are valued using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The reported fair values include gross unrealized losses on marketable securities whose impairment the Company has deemed to

 
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


be temporary. The tables below present the gross unrealized losses and the fair value of these securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands): 
 
March 31, 2014
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Description of Securities (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities
$
4,667

 
$
(28
)
 
$
2,457

 
$
(170
)
 
$
7,124

 
$
(198
)
U.S. Government Bonds
1,548

 
(1
)
 
16,128

 
(893
)
 
17,676

 
(894
)
Municipal Obligations
6,860

 
(101
)
 
13,038

 
(651
)
 
19,898

 
(752
)
Corporate Obligations
2,734

 
(66
)
 
1,299

 
(44
)
 
4,033

 
(110
)
Total Debt Securities
15,809

 
(196
)
 
32,922

 
(1,758
)
 
48,731

 
(1,954
)
Common Stock
1,614

 
(122
)
 

 

 
1,614

 
(122
)
Total Temporarily Impaired Securities
$
17,423

 
$
(318
)
 
$
32,922

 
$
(1,758
)
 
$
50,345

 
$
(2,076
)
 
_________________
(1)
Includes approximately 119 securities.
 
December 31, 2013
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Description of Securities (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities
$
6,444

 
$
(169
)
 
$
1,421

 
$
(119
)
 
$
7,865

 
$
(288
)
U.S. Government Bonds
8,114

 
(245
)
 
10,866

 
(840
)
 
18,980

 
(1,085
)
Municipal Obligations
12,286

 
(335
)
 
7,782

 
(479
)
 
20,068

 
(814
)
Corporate Obligations
3,284

 
(96
)
 
901

 
(54
)
 
4,185

 
(150
)
Total Debt Securities
30,128

 
(845
)
 
20,970

 
(1,492
)
 
51,098

 
(2,337
)
Common Stock
2,305

 
(126
)
 

 

 
2,305

 
(126
)
Total Temporarily Impaired Securities
$
32,433

 
$
(971
)
 
$
20,970

 
$
(1,492
)
 
$
53,403

 
$
(2,463
)
 
_________________
(2)
Includes approximately 122 securities.
The Company monitors the length of time the security trades below its cost basis along with the amount and percentage of the unrealized loss in determining if a decline in fair value of marketable securities below recorded cost is considered to be other than temporary. In addition, the Company will research the future prospects of individual securities as necessary. As a result of these factors, as well as the Company’s intent and ability to hold these securities until their market price recovers, these securities are considered temporarily impaired. The Company does not anticipate expending monies held in trust before 2044 or a later period when the Company begins to decommission Palo Verde.
 












 
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Table of Contents
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The reported fair values also include gross unrealized gains on marketable securities which have not been recognized in the Company’s net income. The table below presents the unrecognized gross unrealized gains and the fair value of these securities, aggregated by investment category (in thousands): 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gains
Description of Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities
$
10,276

 
$
489

 
$
9,929

 
$
433

U.S. Government Bonds
9,719

 
180

 
6,258

 
126

Municipal Obligations
10,237

 
528

 
8,783

 
450

Corporate Obligations
9,758

 
649

 
9,188

 
506

Total Debt Securities
39,990

 
1,846

 
34,158

 
1,515

Common Stock
105,835

 
43,402

 
103,808

 
43,145

Common Collective Trust-Equity Funds
16,891

 
235

 

 

Equity Mutual Funds

 

 
16,802

 
3,081

Cash and Cash Equivalents
4,448

 

 
5,924

 

Total
$
167,164

 
$
45,483

 
$
160,692

 
$
47,741

The Company’s marketable securities include investments in municipal, corporate and federal debt obligations. Substantially all of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities, based on contractual maturity, are due in ten years or more. The mortgage-backed securities have an estimated weighted average maturity which generally range from three years to eight years and reflects anticipated future prepayments. The contractual year for maturity of these available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands): 
 
Total
 
2014
 
2015
through
2018
 
2019 through 2023
 
2024 and Beyond
Municipal Debt Obligations
$
30,135

 
$
976

 
$
13,279

 
$
12,562

 
$
3,318

Corporate Debt Obligations
13,791

 
317

 
3,324

 
5,963

 
4,187

U.S. Government Bonds
27,395

 
1,210

 
14,347

 
6,434

 
5,404

The Company recognizes impairment losses on certain of its securities deemed to be other than temporary. In accordance with FASB guidance, these impairment losses are recognized in net income, and a lower cost basis is established for these securities. For the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized other than temporary impairment losses on its available-for-sale securities as follows (in thousands): 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Unrealized holding losses included in pre-tax income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(479
)
 












 
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Table of Contents
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The Company’s marketable securities in its decommissioning trust funds are sold from time to time and the Company uses the specific identification basis to determine the amount to reclassify out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income. The proceeds from the sale of these securities and the related effects on pre-tax income are as follows (in thousands): 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds from sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities
$
28,827

 
$
10,907

 
$
74,067

 
$
89,870

Gross realized gains included in pre-tax income
$
3,014

 
$
39

 
$
3,961

 
$
1,128

Gross realized losses included in pre-tax income
(149
)
 
(197
)
 
(385
)
 
(2,062
)
Gross unrealized losses included in pre-tax income

 

 

 
(479
)
Net gains (losses) in pre-tax income
$
2,865

 
$
(158
)
 
$
3,576

 
$
(1,413
)
Net unrealized holding gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income
$
998

 
$
6,793

 
$
11,904

 
$
8,562

Net (gains) losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income
(2,865
)
 
158

 
(3,576
)
 
1,413

Net gains (losses) in other comprehensive income
$
(1,867
)
 
$
6,951

 
$
8,328

 
$
9,975

Fair Value Measurements. FASB guidance requires the Company to provide expanded quantitative disclosures for financial assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Financial assets carried at fair value include the Company’s decommissioning trust investments and investment in debt securities which are included in deferred charges and other assets on the balance sheets. The Company has no liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. Financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include the nuclear decommissioning trust investments in active exchange-traded equity securities, mutual funds and U.S. Treasury securities that are in a highly liquid and active market.
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include the nuclear decommissioning trust investments in fixed income securities. The fair value of these financial instruments is based on evaluated prices that reflect observable market information, such as actual trade information of similar securities, adjusted for observable differences. The Common Collective Trusts are valued using the net asset value ("NAV") provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV price is quoted on a restrictive market although the underlying investments are traded on active markets.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs using data that is not corroborated by market data and primarily based on internal Company analysis using models and various other analyses. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs include the Company’s investment in debt securities.
The securities in the Company’s decommissioning trust funds are valued using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. FASB guidance identifies this valuation technique as the “market approach” with observable inputs. The Company analyzes available-for-sale securities to determine if losses are other than temporary.




 
19
 

Table of Contents
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


During the first quarter of 2014, the Company sold its nuclear decommissioning trust investments in equity mutual funds, classified as Level 1, and invested those assets in common collective trusts which are classified as Level 2. The fair value of the Company’s decommissioning trust funds and investment in debt securities, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the level within the three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined by FASB guidance are presented in the table below (in thousands): 
Description of Securities
Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in Debt Securities
$
1,503

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,503

Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government Bonds
$
27,395

 
$
27,395

 
$

 
$

Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities
17,400

 

 
17,400

 

Municipal Obligations
30,135

 

 
30,135

 

Corporate Obligations
13,791

 

 
13,791

 

Subtotal, Debt Securities
88,721

 
27,395

 
61,326

 

Common Stock
107,449

 
107,449

 

 

Common Collective Trust-Equity Funds
16,891

 

 
16,891

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
4,448

 
4,448

 

 

Total available for sale
$
217,509

 
$
139,292

 
$
78,217

 
$

Description of Securities
Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in Debt Securities
$
1,555

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,555

Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government Bonds
$
25,238

 
$
25,238

 
$

 
$

Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities
17,794

 

 
17,794

 

Municipal Obligations
28,851

 

 
28,851

 

Corporate Obligations
13,373

 

 
13,373

 

Subtotal, Debt Securities
85,256

 
25,238

 
60,018

 

Common Stock
106,113

 
106,113

 

 

Equity Mutual Funds
16,802

 
16,802

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
5,924

 
5,924

 

 

Total available for sale
$
214,095

 
$
154,077

 
$
60,018

 
$

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements categories due to changes in observable inputs during the three and twelve month periods ending March 31, 2014 and 2013. There were no purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements related to the assets in the Level 3 fair value measurement category during the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 
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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
El Paso Electric Company:

We have reviewed the balance sheet of El Paso Electric Company as of March 31, 2014, the related statements of operations, and comprehensive operations, for the three-month and twelve-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheet of El Paso Electric Company as of December 31, 2013, and the related statements of operations, comprehensive operations, changes in common stock equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 26, 2014, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
May 8, 2014

 
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Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The information contained in this Item 2 updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the information set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q other than statements of historical information are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we “believe”, “anticipate”, “target”, “expect”, “pro forma”, “estimate”, “intend”, “will”, “is designed to”, “plan” and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning and include, but are not limited to, such things as:
capital expenditures,
earnings,
liquidity and capital resources,
ratemaking/regulatory matters,
litigation,
accounting matters,
possible corporate restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions,
compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,
interest rates and dividends,
environmental matters,
nuclear operations, and
the overall economy of our service area.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, such things as:
our ability to recover our costs and earn a reasonable rate of return on our invested capital through the rates that we charge,
the ability of our operating partners to maintain plant operations and manage operation and maintenance costs at the Palo Verde and Four Corners plants, including costs to comply with any potential new or expanded regulatory or environmental requirements,
reductions in output at generation plants operated by us,
unscheduled outages of generating units including outages at Palo Verde,
the size of our construction program and our ability to complete construction on budget,
potential delays in our construction schedule due to legal or other reasons,
disruptions in our transmission system, and in particular the lines that deliver power from our remote generating facilities,
electric utility deregulation or re-regulation,
regulated and competitive markets,
ongoing municipal, state and federal activities,
economic and capital market conditions,
changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,
changing weather trends and the impact of severe weather conditions,
rates, cost recovery mechanisms and other regulatory matters including the ability to recover fuel costs on a timely basis,
changes in environmental laws and regulations and the enforcement or interpretation thereof, including those related to air, water or greenhouse gas emissions or other environmental matters,
changes in customers' demand for electricity as a result of energy efficiency initiatives and emerging competing services and technologies,
cuts in military spending or shutdowns of the federal government that reduce demand for our services from military and governmental customers,
political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments,
the impact of lawsuits filed against us,
the impact of changes in interest rates,

 
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Table of Contents

changes in, and the assumptions used for, pension and other post-retirement and post-employment benefit liability calculations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on pension plan and other post-retirement plan assets,
the impact of recent U.S. health care reform legislation,
the impact of changing cost escalation and other assumptions on our nuclear decommissioning liability for Palo Verde,
Texas, New Mexico and electric industry utility service reliability standards,
homeland security considerations, including those associated with the U.S./Mexico border region,
coal, uranium, natural gas, oil and wholesale electricity prices and availability,
possible income tax and interest payments as a result of audit adjustments proposed by the IRS or state taxing authorities, and
other circumstances affecting anticipated operations, sales and costs.
These lists are not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. A discussion of some of these factors is included in the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management's Discussion and Analysis” “-Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and “-Liquidity and Capital Resources.” This report should be read in its entirety. No one section of this report deals with all aspects of the subject matter. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and we are not obligated to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made, except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes for the periods presented and actual results could differ in future periods from those estimates. Critical accounting policies and estimates are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require complex, subjective judgments and are more fully described in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Summary
The following is an overview of our results of operations for the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Net income and basic earnings per share for the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown below: 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (in thousands)
$
4,615

 
$
7,634

 
 
$
85,564

 
$
95,136

Basic earnings per share
0.11

 
0.19

 
 
2.13

 
2.37


The following table and accompanying explanations show the primary factors affecting the after-tax change in net income between the 2014 and 2013 periods presented (in thousands): 

 
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Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
March 31, 2013 net income
$
7,634

 
$
95,136

Change in (net of tax):
 
 
 
Increased investment and interest income (a)
2,410

 
4,205

Increased miscellaneous income (b)
1,000

 
711

Increased deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues (c)
906

 
1,652

Increased interest on long-term debt (d)
11

 
(1,950
)
Decreased retail non-fuel base revenues (e)
(3,163
)
 
(7,214
)
Increased taxes other than income taxes (f)
(1,703
)
 
(2,470
)
Increased operations and maintenance expense at fossil-fuel generating plants (g)
(1,301
)
 
(1,975
)
Increased depreciation and amortization (h)
(792
)
 
(2,257
)
Other
(387
)
 
(274
)
March 31, 2014 net income
$
4,615

 
$
85,564

 
______________
(a)
Investment and interest income increased for the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same periods last year primarily due to increased realized gains on the sale of equity investments in our Palo Verde decommissioning trust funds.
(b)
Miscellaneous income increased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period last year primarily due to the sale of land in the first quarter of 2014.
(c)
Revenues from retail sales of deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 power increased for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same periods last year due primarily to increased proxy market power prices in the current periods.
(d)
Interest on long-term debt increased for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period last year due to interest on $150 million of 3.3% senior notes issued in December 2012 partially offset by the refunding and remarketing of two series of pollution control bonds at lower rates in August 2012.
(e)
Retail non-fuel base revenues decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period last year primarily due to a $4.0 million, pre-tax reduction in non-fuel base revenues from sales to our residential customers reflecting a 9.3% decrease in kWh sales due to milder winter weather in the first quarter of 2014. Retail non-fuel base revenues decreased for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period last year primarily due to an $8.1 million, pre-tax reduction in non-fuel base revenues from sales to our residential and small commercial and industrial customers reflecting a decrease in kWh sales due to milder winter weather and cooler summer weather during the current period. Retail non-fuel base revenues exclude fuel recovered through New Mexico base rates. For a complete discussion of non-fuel base revenues, see page 25.
(f)
Taxes other than income taxes increased for the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same periods last year primarily due to an increase in property tax accruals reflecting both increased property values and higher assessment rates. In the first quarter of 2014, Arizona adjusted its 2013 property tax rate which resulted in increased Arizona property taxes of $1.5 million when compared to the first quarter of 2013.
(g)
Operations and maintenance expense at our fossil-fuel generating plants increased for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same periods last year primarily due to an increase in the level of maintenance activity at our Four Corners generating plant and two of our local fossil-fuel generating plants.
(h)
Depreciation and amortization increased for the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same periods last year primarily due to an increase in depreciable plant including Rio Grande Unit 9 which began commercial operation in May 2013.



 
24
 

Table of Contents

Historical Results of Operations
The following discussion includes detailed descriptions of factors affecting individual line items in the results of operations. The amounts presented below are presented on a pre-tax basis.
Operating revenues
We realize revenue from the sale of electricity to retail customers at regulated rates and the sale of energy in the wholesale power market generally at market-based prices. Sales for resale (which are FERC-regulated cost-based wholesale sales within our service territory) accounted for less than 1% of revenues.
Revenues from the sale of electricity include fuel costs that are recovered from our customers through fuel adjustment mechanisms. A significant portion of fuel costs are also recovered through base rates in New Mexico. We record deferred fuel revenues for the difference between actual fuel costs and recoverable fuel revenues until such amounts are collected from or refunded to customers. “Non-fuel base revenues” refers to our revenues from the sale of electricity excluding such fuel costs.    
No retail customer accounted for more than 4% of our non-fuel base revenues. Residential and small commercial customers comprise 75% or more of our non-fuel base revenues. While this customer base is more stable, it is also more sensitive to changes in weather conditions. The current rate structures in New Mexico and Texas reflect higher base rates during the peak summer season of May through October and lower base rates during November through April for our residential and small commercial and industrial customers. As a result, our business is seasonal, with higher kWh sales and revenues during the summer cooling season.
Weather significantly impacts our residential, small commercial and industrial customers, and to a lesser extent, our sales to public authorities. Heating and cooling degree days can be used to evaluate the effect of weather on energy use. For each degree the average outdoor temperature varies from a standard of 65 degrees Fahrenheit a degree day is recorded. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, retail non-fuel base revenues were negatively impacted by milder winter weather when compared to the same period in 2013. Heating degree days decreased 28.4% when compared to the same period in 2013 and were 19.2% under the 10-year average. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, retail non-fuel base revenues were negatively impacted by both cooler summer weather and milder winter weather when compared to the prior period. Cooling degree days decreased 6.4% and heating degree days decreased by 6.5% when compared to the same period last year. The table below shows heating and cooling degree days compared to a 10-year average.
 
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
 
10-Year
 
 
 
10-Year
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average*
Heating degree days
958

 
1,338

 
1,186

 
2,046

 
2,188

 
2,247

Cooling degree days
25

 
33

 
25

 
2,687

 
2,872

 
2,633

______________
* Calendar year basis.
 
Customer growth is a key driver of the growth of retail sales. The average number of retail customers grew 1.3% for both the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014 when compared to the same periods last year. See the tables presented on pages 27 and 28 which provide detail on the average number of retail customers and the related revenues and kWh sales.
Retail non-fuel base revenues. Retail non-fuel base revenues decreased $4.8 million, or 4.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the same period last year. The decrease in retail non-fuel base revenues reflected milder winter weather in the first quarter of 2014 which impacted sales to residential, small commercial, and to a lesser extent public authority customers. Retail non-fuel base revenues from sales to residential customers decreased by $4.0 million reflecting a 9.3% decrease in kWh sales despite a 1.2% increase in the average number of residential customers served. Retail non-fuel base revenues from sales to small commercial and industrial customers decreased 2.0% reflecting a 1.6% decrease in kWh sales to small commercial and industrial customers despite a 2.1% increase in the average number of small commercial and industrial customers served. KWh sales to large commercial and industrial customers decreased 7.4% and non-fuel base revenues decreased 2.6% largely due to discontinued operations by several customers. While kWh sales to public authorities decreased approximately 4.5% compared to the same quarter in 2013, non-fuel base revenues increased slightly due to demand charges.
Retail non-fuel base revenues decreased by $10.9 million, or 1.9%, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the same period last year primarily due to a $5.0 million, or 2.1%, reduction in non-fuel base revenues from sales to our residential customers reflecting a 2.5% decrease in kWh sales due to milder winter weather and cooler summer weather during

 
25
 

Table of Contents

the current period. The decrease for the twelve month period is also due to a $3.1 million, or 1.6% decrease in non-fuel base revenues from sales to small commercial and industrial customers reflecting a 1.5% decrease in kWh sales. Retail non-fuel base revenues decreased $1.2 million, or 2.9%, from sales to large commercial and industrial customers and $1.6 million, or 1.7% from sales to public authorities primarily due to reduced sales to military installations in our service territory.
Fuel revenues. Fuel revenues consist of (i) revenues collected from customers under fuel recovery mechanisms approved by the state commissions and the FERC, (ii) deferred fuel revenues which are comprised of the difference between fuel costs and fuel revenues collected from customers, and (iii) fuel costs recovered in base rates in New Mexico. In New Mexico and with our sales for resale customer, the fuel adjustment clause allows us to recover under-recoveries or refund over-recoveries of current fuel costs above the amount recovered in base rates with a two-month lag. In Texas, fuel costs are recovered through a fixed fuel factor. We can seek to revise our fixed fuel factor based upon an approved formula at least four months after our last revision except in the month of December. In addition, if we materially over-recover fuel costs, we must seek to refund the over-recovery, and if we materially under-recover fuel costs, we may seek a surcharge to recover those costs. Fuel over and under recoveries are considered material when they exceed 4% of the previous twelve months' fuel costs.
In the three months ended March 31, 2014, we over-recovered our fuel costs by $2.0 million and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, we under-recovered our fuel costs by $12.7 million. In October 2013, we implemented an increased fixed fuel factor in Texas which was based upon a formula that reflects projected prices for natural gas. In the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2013, we over-recovered our fuel costs by $3.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively. A refund of $6.8 million was made to our Texas customers in the third quarter of 2012. At March 31, 2014, we had a net fuel under-recovery balance of $4.2 million, including an under-recovery balance of $3.9 million in Texas, $0.2 million in New Mexico, and $0.1 million for our FERC customer.
Off-system sales. Off-system sales are wholesale sales into markets outside our service territory. Off-system sales are primarily made in off-peak periods when we have competitive generation capacity available after meeting our regulated service obligations. We share 90% of off-system sales margins with our Texas and New Mexico customers, and we retain 10% of off-system sales margins. We are sharing 25% of our off-system sales margins with our sales for resale customer under the terms of their contract.
Typically, we realize a significant portion of our off-system sales margins in the first quarter of each calendar year when our native load is lower than at other times of the year, allowing for the sale in the wholesale market of relatively larger amounts of off-system energy generated from lower cost generating resources. Palo Verde's availability is an important factor in realizing these off-system sales margins.
Off-system sales revenues increased $8.4 million, or 40.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the same period last year, as a result of higher average market prices for power. Retained margins from off-system sales increased $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year. Off-system sales revenues increased $14.6 million, or 19.0% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the same period last year, as a result of higher average market prices for power partially offset by a 3.4% decrease in kWh sales. Retained margins from off-system sales increased $0.4 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year.

 
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Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
Quarter Ended March 31:
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
Percent
kWh sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
543,030

 
598,506

 
(55,476
)
 
(9.3
)%
Commercial and industrial, small
493,919

 
501,704

 
(7,785
)
 
(1.6
)
Commercial and industrial, large
226,552

 
244,585

 
(18,033
)
 
(7.4
)
Sales to public authorities
343,028

 
359,084

 
(16,056
)
 
(4.5
)
Total retail sales
1,606,529

 
1,703,879

 
(97,350
)
 
(5.7
)
Wholesale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales for resale
12,392

 
11,999

 
393

 
3.3

Off-system sales
697,014

 
675,927

 
21,087

 
3.1

Total wholesale sales
709,406

 
687,926

 
21,480

 
3.1

Total kWh sales
2,315,935

 
2,391,805

 
(75,870
)
 
(3.2
)
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-fuel base revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
45,594

 
$
49,608

 
$
(4,014
)
 
(8.1
)%
Commercial and industrial, small
32,121

 
32,775

 
(654
)
 
(2.0
)
Commercial and industrial, large
8,328

 
8,548

 
(220
)
 
(2.6
)
Sales to public authorities
17,656

 
17,561

 
95

 
0.5

Total retail non-fuel base revenues
103,699

 
108,492

 
(4,793
)
 
(4.4
)
Wholesale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales for resale
448

 
388

 
60

 
15.5

Total non-fuel base revenues
104,147

 
108,880

 
(4,733
)
 
(4.3
)
Fuel revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovered from customers during the period
31,173

 
26,727

 
4,446

 
16.6

Over collection of fuel
(2,010
)
 
(3,842
)
 
1,832

 
(47.7
)
New Mexico fuel in base rates
16,095

 
16,909

 
(814
)
 
(4.8
)
Total fuel revenues (1)
45,258

 
39,794

 
5,464

 
13.7

Off-system sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel cost
21,463

 
16,163

 
5,300

 
32.8

Shared margins
6,744

 
4,001

 
2,743

 
68.6

Retained margins
802

 
476

 
326

 
68.5

Total off-system sales
29,009

 
20,640

 
8,369

 
40.5

Other (2)
7,102

 
7,976

 
(874
)
 
(11.0
)
Total operating revenues
$
185,516

 
$
177,290

 
$
8,226

 
4.6

Average number of retail customers (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
350,334

 
346,154

 
4,180

 
1.2
 %
Commercial and industrial, small
39,218

 
38,403

 
815

 
2.1

Commercial and industrial, large
49

 
50

 
(1
)
 
(2.0
)
Sales to public authorities
5,047

 
4,953

 
94

 
1.9

Total
394,648

 
389,560

 
5,088

 
1.3

 
______________
(1)
Includes deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the New Mexico jurisdiction of $4.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
(2)
Represents revenues with no related kWh sales.
(3)
The number of retail customers presented for both the current and prior periods are based on the number of service locations. Previous presentations of the number of retail customers in 2013 were based on the number of bills rendered including consolidated bills for customers operating multiple facilities. Management believes that the number of service locations provides a more accurate indicator of customers served than the number of bills rendered.

 
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Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
Twelve Months Ended March 31:
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
Percent
kWh sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
2,623,786

 
2,691,285

 
(67,499
)
 
(2.5
)%
Commercial and industrial, small
2,341,363

 
2,377,008

 
(35,645
)
 
(1.5
)
Commercial and industrial, large
1,077,346

 
1,081,200

 
(3,854
)
 
(0.4
)
Sales to public authorities
1,606,551

 
1,633,179

 
(26,628
)
 
(1.6
)
Total retail sales
7,649,046

 
7,782,672

 
(133,626
)
 
(1.7
)
Wholesale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales for resale
61,625

 
64,458

 
(2,833
)
 
(4.4
)
Off-system sales
2,493,709

 
2,581,380

 
(87,671
)
 
(3.4
)
Total wholesale sales
2,555,334

 
2,645,838

 
(90,504
)
 
(3.4
)
Total kWh sales
10,204,380

 
10,428,510

 
(224,130
)
 
(2.1
)
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-fuel base revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
232,637

 
$
237,678

 
$
(5,041
)
 
(2.1
)%
Commercial and industrial, small
183,914

 
186,988

 
(3,074
)
 
(1.6
)
Commercial and industrial, large
40,015

 
41,218

 
(1,203
)
 
(2.9
)
Sales to public authorities
95,139

 
96,753

 
(1,614
)
 
(1.7
)
Total retail non-fuel base revenues
551,705

 
562,637

 
(10,932
)
 
(1.9
)
Wholesale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales for resale
2,232

 
2,308

 
(76
)
 
(3.3
)
Total non-fuel base revenues
553,937

 
564,945

 
(11,008
)
 
(1.9
)
Fuel revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovered from customers during the period (1)
137,927

 
124,386

 
13,541

 
10.9

Under (over) collection of fuel
12,681

 
(10,450
)
 
23,131

 

New Mexico fuel in base rates
72,481

 
74,099

 
(1,618
)
 
(2.2
)
Total fuel revenues (2)
223,089

 
188,035

 
35,054

 
18.6

Off-system sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel cost
73,541

 
63,178

 
10,363

 
16.4

Shared margins
15,759

 
12,004

 
3,755

 
31.3

Retained margins
1,875

 
1,434

 
441

 
30.8

Total off-system sales
91,175

 
76,616

 
14,559

 
19.0

Other (3)
30,387

 
31,997

 
(1,610
)
 
(5.0
)
Total operating revenues
$
898,588

 
$
861,593

 
$
36,995

 
4.3

Average number of retail customers (4):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
348,936

 
344,627

 
4,309

 
1.3
 %
Commercial and industrial, small
39,040

 
38,567

 
473

 
1.2

Commercial and industrial, large
50

 
51

 
(1
)
 
(2.0
)
Sales to public authorities
5,020

 
4,877

 
143

 
2.9

Total
393,046

 
388,122

 
4,924

 
1.3

 
______________
(1)
Excludes $6.9 million of refunds in the twelve month period ended March 31, 2013 related to prior periods' Texas deferred fuel revenues.
(2)
Includes deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the New Mexico jurisdiction of $12.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively.
(3)
Represents revenues with no related kWh sales.
(4)
The number of retail customers presented for both the current and prior periods are based on the number of service locations. Previous presentations of the number of retail customers in the twelve month period ended March 31, 2013 were based on the number of bills rendered including consolidated bills for customers operating multiple facilities. Management believes that the number of service locations provides a more accurate indicator of customers served than the number of bills rendered.






 
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Energy expenses
Our sources of energy include electricity generated from our nuclear, natural gas and coal generating plants and purchased power. Palo Verde represents approximately 34% of our available net generating capacity and approximately 66% and 54% of our Company-generated energy for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. Fluctuations in the price of natural gas, which also is the primary factor influencing the price of purchased power, have had a significant impact on our cost of energy.
Energy expenses increased $12.2 million or 21.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to increased natural gas costs of $8.3 million due to a 39.7% increase in the average price of natural gas offset by a 6.8% decrease in MWhs generated with natural gas, and increased costs of purchased power of $5.0 million due to a 34.5% increase in the average market price for power. The increase in energy expense was partially offset by a 27.1% decrease in the MWhs generated with coal. The table below details the sources and costs of energy for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Fuel Type
Cost
 
MWh
 
Cost per
MWh
 
Cost
 
MWh
 
Cost per
MWh
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
$
35,577

 
567,744

 
$
62.66

 
$
27,325

 
609,363

 
$
44.84

Coal
2,968

 
134,236

 
22.11

 
3,787

 
184,043

 
20.58

Nuclear
13,041

 
1,364,077

 
9.56

 
13,287

 
1,333,882

 
9.96

Total
51,586

 
2,066,057

 
24.97

 
44,399

 
2,127,288

 
20.87

Purchased power:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photovoltaic
3,205

 
28,799

 
111.29

 
3,185

 
27,700

 
114.98

Other
14,710

 
331,944

 
44.31

 
9,692

 
321,005

 
30.19

Total purchased power
17,915

 
360,743

 
49.66

 
12,877

 
348,705

 
36.93

Total energy
$
69,501

 
2,426,800

 
28.64

 
$
57,276

 
2,475,993

 
23.13


Our energy expenses increased $44.7 million or 17.4% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, when compared to 2013, primarily due to increased natural gas costs of $40.9 million due to a 29.8% increase in the average price of natural gas and increased purchased power costs of $6.8 million due to a 17.4% increase in the average cost of purchased power partially offset by a 5.2% decrease in MWhs purchased. The table below details the sources and costs of energy for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Fuel Type
Cost
 
MWh
 
Cost per
MWh
 
Cost
 
MWh
 
Cost per
MWh
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
$
172,391

 
3,645,204

 
$
47.29

 
$
131,477

 
3,608,070

 
$
36.44

Coal
12,861

 
585,910

 
21.95

 
13,691

 
645,668

 
21.20

Nuclear
48,703

 
4,996,428

 
9.75

 
50,873

 
5,098,474

 
9.98

Total
233,955

 
9,227,542

 
25.35

 
196,041

 
9,352,212

 
20.96

Purchased power:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photovoltaic
13,883

 
122,025

 
113.77

 
13,182

 
116,648

 
113.01

Other
53,518

 
1,437,943

 
37.22

 
47,387

 
1,528,408

 
31.00

Total purchased power
67,401

 
1,559,968

 
43.21

 
60,569

 
1,645,056

 
36.82

Total energy
$
301,356

 
10,787,510

 
27.94

 
$
256,610

 
10,997,268

 
23.33




 
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Other operations expense
Other operations expense remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period last year. Other operations expense decreased $0.8, or 0.3% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to decreased operations expense at Palo Verde of $1.3 million, decreased customer care expense of $1.1 million primarily related to a decrease in our provision for uncollectible customer accounts reflecting improved collection efforts, and a decrease of $3.0 million in employee pension and benefits costs as a result of changes in actuarial assumptions used to calculate expenses for our pension and other post-retirement employee benefit plans and plan modifications. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $3.4 million related to consulting and legal services related in part to the analysis of our future involvement at the Four Corners Generating Station and software systems support and improvement, and a $1.7 million increase in transmission expense which reflects a $1.9 million refund associated with transmission delivery services provided by the Public Service Company of New Mexico recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012 with no comparable amount in the current period.

Maintenance expense
Maintenance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $1.7 million, or 13.8% compared to the corresponding period last year, primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in maintenance at our fossil-fuel generating plants. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, we had increased maintenance at Four Corners and Newman Units 1 and 2. The increase was partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in maintenance expense at Palo Verde.

Maintenance expense increased $5.9 million, or 10.3%, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year primarily due to the timing of planned maintenance at our fossil-fuel generating plants. In the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, we performed an increased level of planned maintenance at Newman Unit 2 and Four Corners.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.2 million or 6.2%, and $3.4 million or 4.4% for the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods last year primarily due to the increase in depreciable plant balances including Rio Grande Unit 9 which began commercial operation in May 2013.

Taxes other than income taxes

Taxes other than income taxes increased $2.6 million, or 20.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and $3.7 million, or 6.6% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to increased property tax rates. In the first quarter of 2014, Arizona adjusted its 2013 property tax rate which resulted in increased Arizona property taxes of $1.5 million when compared to the first quarter of 2013.
Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) increased $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to increased investment and interest income reflecting realized gains net of losses on equity investments in our decommissioning trust of $3.0 million and a $1.5 million increase in miscellaneous non-operating income due primarily to a gain recognized on the sale of land in 2014 with no comparable amounts being recorded in 2013.

Other income (deductions) increased $4.9 million, or 34.7% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to increased investment and interest income reflecting a $3.6 million realized gain net of losses on equity investments in our decommissioning trust for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 compared to a $1.4 million net loss for the same period in 2013.

Interest charges (credits)

Interest charges (credits) remained relatively unchanged for the three month period ended March 31, 2014, when compared to the same period last year. Interest charges (credits) increased $2.2 million, or 4.8%, for the twelve months period ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to interest on $150 million of 3.3% senior notes issued in December 2012 partially offset by a decrease in interest on short-term borrowings for working capital purposes and the refunding and remarketing of two series of pollution control bonds at lower rates in August 2012.


 
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Income tax expense
Income tax expense decreased $1.8 million, or 55.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to decreased pre-tax income and a lower tax rate on capital gains realized on investments sold in the qualified nuclear decommissioning trust in the first quarter of 2014. Income tax expense decreased $7.7 million, or 15.6% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to decreased pre-tax income.
New Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740)) to eliminate the diversity in the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances when it would be reflected as a liability. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and early adoption is permitted. Retrospective application is also permitted. We implemented ASU 2013-11 in the first quarter of 2014 on a prospective basis. This ASU did not have a significant impact on our statement of operations or statement of cash flows.
Inflation
For the last several years, inflation has been relatively low and, therefore, has had minimal impact on our results of operations and financial condition.


 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We continue to maintain a strong balance of common stock equity in our capital structure which supports our bond ratings, allowing us to obtain financing from the capital markets at a reasonable cost. At March 31, 2014, our capital structure, including common stock, long-term debt, and short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility ("RCF"), consisted of 47.6% common stock equity and 52.4% debt. At March 31, 2014, we had on hand $13.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. Based on current projections, we believe that we will have adequate liquidity through our current cash balances, cash from operations, and available borrowings under the RCF to meet all of our anticipated cash requirements for the next twelve months. We may issue long-term debt in the capital markets to finance capital requirements in 2014.
Our principal liquidity requirements in the near-term are expected to consist of capital expenditures to expand and support electric service obligations, expenditures for nuclear fuel inventory, interest payments on our indebtedness, cash dividend payments, operating expenses including fuel costs, maintenance costs and taxes.
Capital Requirements. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, our capital requirements primarily consisted of expenditures for the construction and purchase of electric utility plant, purchases of nuclear fuel, and cash dividend payments, Projected utility construction expenditures are to expand and update our transmission and distribution systems, add new generation, and make capital improvements and replacements at Palo Verde and other generating facilities. We have purchased land for a new plant site, the Montana Power Station ("the MPS"), which will initially consist of two (of four) natural gas-fired 88 MW simple-cycle aeroderivative combustion turbines. We began purchasing certain components of the MPS and as of March 31, 2014, we had expended $122.6 million on the MPS, including AFUDC, of which $13.9 million was incurred during 2014. Estimated cash construction expenditures for all capital projects for 2014 are expected to be approximately $316.4 million. See Part I, Item 1, “Business - Construction Program” in our 2013 Form 10-K. Cash capital expenditures for new electric plant were $48.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $55.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013. Capital requirements for purchases of nuclear fuel were $11.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
On March 31, 2014, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.265 per share or $10.7 million to shareholders of record on March 14, 2014. We expect to continue paying quarterly dividends during 2014 and we expect to review the dividend policy in the second quarter of 2014. At the current payout rate, we would expect to pay total cash dividends of approximately $42.8 million during 2014. In addition, while we do not currently anticipate repurchasing shares in 2014, we may repurchase common stock in the future. Under our common stock repurchase program, purchases can be made at open market prices or in private transactions, and repurchased shares are available for issuance under employee benefit and stock incentive plans, or may be retired. No shares of common stock were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, 393,816 shares remain eligible for repurchase.
We will continue to maintain a prudent level of liquidity as well as take market conditions for debt and equity securities into account. With the initiation of a dividend in early 2011, we are moving toward primarily utilizing the distribution of dividends to maintain a balanced capital structure, supplemented by share repurchases when appropriate. Our liquidity needs can fluctuate quickly based on fuel prices and other factors and we are continuing to make investments in new electric plant and other assets in order to reliably serve our customers. In light of these factors, we expect it will be a number of years before we achieve a dividend payout equivalent to industry average.
Our cash requirements for federal and state income taxes vary from year to year based on taxable income, which is influenced by the timing of revenues and expenses recognized for income tax purposes. Accelerated tax deductions including bonus depreciation resulted in net operating loss carryforwards in 2011 through 2013 and as a result income tax payments are expected to be minimal in 2014.
We continually evaluate our funding requirements related to our retirement plans, other post-retirement benefit plans, and decommissioning trust funds. We contributed $3.5 million of the projected $8.7 million 2014 annual contribution to our retirement plans and $1.1 million of the projected $4.5 million 2014 annual contribution to our decommissioning trust funds during the three months ended March 31, 2014. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, we did not make any contributions to our other post-retirement benefit plans and we do not expect to contribute to our other post-retirement benefits plan in 2014. We are in compliance with the funding requirements of the federal government for our benefit plans. In addition, we are in compliance with the funding requirements of the federal law and the Arizona Nuclear Power Project Participation Agreement for our decommissioning trust.
Capital Resources. Cash from operations has been our primary source for funding capital requirements. Cash from operations was $31.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The primary factors affecting the increased cash flow from operations were the funding of $17.5 million for employee pension and other post-retirement benefit plans in the first quarter of 2013 compared to $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2014, a decrease in accounts receivable due to the timing of customer payments, and a smaller decline in accounts payable. Cash from operations has also been impacted by the timing of the recovery of fuel costs through fuel recovery mechanisms in Texas and New Mexico

 
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and our sales for resale customer. We recover actual fuel costs from customers through fuel adjustment mechanisms in Texas, New Mexico, and from our sales for resale customer. We record deferred fuel revenues for the under-recovery or over-recovery of fuel costs until they can be recovered from or refunded to customers. In Texas, fuel costs are recovered through a fixed fuel factor. We can seek to revise our fixed fuel factor at least four months after the last revision except in the month of December based upon our approved formula which allows us to adjust fuel rates to reflect changes in costs of natural gas. On October 1, 2013, we implemented an increased fixed fuel factor charged to our Texas retail customers which was based upon a formula that reflects projected prices for natural gas. Additionally, on April 15, 2014, we filed a request to increase our Texas fixed fuel factor by 6.9% to reflect increases in prices for natural gas. This increase received interim approval on April 28, 2014 and was effective with May 2014 billings. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we had an over-recovery of fuel costs of $2.0 million, compared to an over-recovery of fuel costs of $3.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014, we had a net fuel under-recovery balance of $4.2 million, including an under-recovery balance of $3.9 million in Texas, $0.2 million in New Mexico, and $0.1 million for our FERC customer.
We maintain a RCF for working capital and general corporate purposes and the financing of nuclear fuel through the Rio Grande Resources Trust (“RGRT”). RGRT is the trust through which we finance our portion of nuclear fuel for Palo Verde and is consolidated in our financial statements. On January 14, 2014, we amended and extended our $300 million RCF, which includes an option to expand the size to $400 million, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions including obtaining commitments from lenders or third party financial institutions. The amended facility extends the maturity from September 2016 to January 2019. In addition, we may extend the January 2019 maturity, subject to lenders' approval, by two additional one year periods. The terms of the agreement provide that amounts we borrow under the RCF may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The total amount borrowed for nuclear fuel by RGRT was $130.0 million at March 31, 2014, of which $20.0 million had been borrowed under the RCF and $110 million was borrowed through senior notes. At March 31, 2013, the total amounts borrowed for nuclear fuel by RGRT was $135.0 million of which $25.0 million was borrowed under the RCF and $110 million was borrowed through senior notes. Interest costs on borrowings to finance nuclear fuel are accumulated by RGRT and charged to us as fuel is consumed and recovered from customers through fuel recovery charges. At March 31, 2014, $26.0 million was outstanding under the RCF for working capital or general corporate purposes. No borrowings were outstanding at March 31, 2013 under the RCF for working capital or general corporate purposes.    
We believe we have adequate liquidity through our current cash balances, cash from operations, our RCF, and our favorable access to capital markets to meet all of our anticipated cash requirements for the next twelve months. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we received approval from the NMPRC and the FERC to incrementally issue up to $300 million of long-term debt and to guarantee the issuance of up to $50 million of new debt by RGRT to finance future purchases of nuclear fuel and to refinance existing nuclear fuel debt obligations. Obtaining the ability to issue up to $300 million of new long-term debt, from time to time, provides us with the flexibility to access the debt capital markets when needed and when conditions are favorable. We may decide to access the debt market in the second half of 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates, equity prices and commodity prices. See our 2013 Form 10-K, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” for a complete discussion of the market risks we face and our market risk sensitive assets and liabilities. As of March 31, 2014, there have been no material changes in the market risks we face or the fair values of assets and liabilities disclosed in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 2013 Annual Report Form 10-K.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, that materially affected, or that were reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth in Part I of this report under Notes C and G of Notes to Financial Statements.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Our 2013 Form 10-K includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c)
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Period
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
(Including
Commissions)
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of a
Publicly
Announced
Program
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
January 1 to January 31, 2014
 

 
$

 

 
393,816

February 1 to February 28, 2014
 

 

 

 
393,816

March 1 to March 31, 2014
 

 

 

 
393,816


Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.        Other Information

Investors should note that we announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on new guidance from the SEC, we may also use the Investor Relations section of our website (www.epelectric.com) to communicate with investors about our company. It is possible that the financial and other information we post there could be deemed to be material information. The information on our website is not part of this document.

Item 6.
Exhibits
See Index to Exhibits incorporated herein by reference.

 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
 
By:
/s/ NATHAN T. HIRSCHI
 
Nathan T. Hirschi
 
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
Dated: May 8, 2014

 
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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
 
 
 
†10.01

 
Form of Directors' Restricted Stock Award Agreement between the Company and certain directors of the Company. (Identical in all material respects to Exhibit 10.07 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999).
 
 
 
10.02

 
Amendment No. 7 to Four Corners Project Co-Tenancy Agreement, dated December 30, 2013, between Arizona Public Service Company, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Southern California Edison Company, Tucson Electric Power Company and the Company.
 
 
 
10.03

 
Amendment No. 13 to Four Corners Project Operating Agreement, dated December 1, 2010, between Arizona Public Service Company, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Southern California Edison Company, Tucson Electric Power Company and the Company.
 
 
 
10.04

 
Amendment No. 14 to Four Corners Project Operating Agreement, dated December 30, 2013, between Arizona Public Service Company, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Southern California Edison Company, Tucson Electric Power Company and the Company.
 
 
 
10.05

 
Amendment No. 1 to Shiprock - Four Corners Project 345-kV Switchyard Interconnection Agreement, dated December 30, 2013, between Arizona Public Service Company, Public Service Company of Colorado, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Southern California Edison Company, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc, Tucson Electric Power Company, Western Area power Administration and the Company.
 
 
 
10.06

 
Amendment No. 16 to the Arizona Nuclear Power Project Participation Agreement, dated April 28, 2014, between Arizona Public Service Company, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Southern California Edision Company, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Southern California Public Power Authority Association Department of Water and Power of the City of Los Angeles and the Company.
 
 
 
10.07

 
Amendment and Supplement No. 2 to the Supplemental and Additional Indenture of Lease, dated March 7, 2011, between the Navajo Nation, Arizona Public Service Company, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Southern California Edison Company, Tucson Electric Power Company, and the Company.
 
 
 
10.08

 
Amendment and Supplement No. 3 to the Supplemental and Additional Indenture of Lease, dated March 7, 2011, between the Navajo Nation, Arizona Public Service Company, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Tucson Electric Power Company, and the Company.
 
 
 
15

 
Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information
 
 
 
31.01

 
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
32.01

 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
101.INS

 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.CAL

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 

 
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In lieu of non-employee director cash compensation, twelve agreements, dated as of January 1, and April 1, 2014, substantially identical in all material respects to this Exhibit, have been entered into with Catherine A. Allen; Edward Escudero; Patricia Z. Holland-Branch; Woodley L. Hunt; Michael K. Parks; and Stephen N. Wertheimer; directors of the Company.

 
 


 
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