UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

      QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

OR

o

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

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


For the transition period from _________________________ to _______________.__________.

 

Commission File Number 1-7978

Black Hills Power, Inc.
Incorporated in South Dakota       IRS Identification Number 46-0111677

Incorporated in South Dakota

IRS Identification Number 46-0111677

625 Ninth Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

Registrant’s telephone number (605) 721-1700

Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed since last report

NONE

625 Ninth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

Registrant’s telephone number (605) 721-1700

Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed since last report

NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrantRegistrant (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 registrantRegistrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes

x

No

o

    Yes              No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrantRegistrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer

o

Accelerated filer

o

Non-accelerated filer

x

    Yes              No   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrantRegistrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).            Yes      o         No        x

    Yes              No   

As of October 31, 2005,April 30, 2006, there were issued and outstanding 23,416,396 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, all of which were held beneficially and of record by Black Hills Corporation.

Reduced Disclosure

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page


PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.


Financial Statements

PART 1.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.

Financial Statements

Condensed Statements of Income -

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

3


Condensed Balance Sheets -

   September 30, 2005

March 31, 2006 and December 31, 20042005

4


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows -

   Nine

Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

5


Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

6-10


Item 2.

Results of Operations

11-14


Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

14


PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Legal Proceedings15


Item 6.

Exhibits15

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


Signatures
16

15

Item 1A.


Risk Factors

15

Item 6.

Exhibits

15

Signatures

16

Exhibit Index

17

2


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
(in thousands)

Operating revenue
  $49,274 $47,921 $134,682 $129,377 




Operating expenses:  
   Fuel and purchased power   24,495  18,506  55,289  45,698 
   Operations and maintenance   5,277  5,993  17,247  19,991 
   Administrative and general   7,026  4,533  18,048  12,721 
   Depreciation and amortization   4,905  4,703  14,602  14,448 
   Taxes, other than income taxes   2,108  1,680  6,417  6,044 




    43,811  35,415  111,603  98,902 




Operating income   5,463  12,506  23,079  30,475 




Other income (expense):  
   Interest expense   (3,122) (4,138) (9,483) (12,545)
   Interest income   2  232  45  671 
   Other income, net   30  42  303  181 




    (3,090) (3,864) (9,135) (11,693)




Income before income taxes   2,373  8,642  13,944  18,782 
Income taxes   (485) (2,782) (4,325) (6,070)




         Net income  $1,888 $5,860 $9,619 $12,712 




 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue

$

43,968

$

43,147

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Fuel and purchased power

 

16,048

 

15,729

Operations and maintenance

 

5,307

 

4,835

Administrative and general

 

5,834

 

5,960

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,592

 

4,938

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

2,090

 

2,190

 

 

33,871

 

33,652

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

10,097

 

9,495

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(3,243)

 

(3,215)

Interest income

 

286

 

34

Other income, net

 

186

 

140

 

 

(2,771)

 

(3,041)

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

7,326

 

6,454

Income taxes

 

(2,427)

 

(2,132)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

4,899

$

4,322

The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

3


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

September 30,December 31,
2005
2004
(in thousands)
                                ASSETS      

Current assets:
  
   Cash and cash equivalents  $2,895 $344 
   Restricted cash   --  3,069 
   Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $875 and $912, respectively)   18,400  18,497 
   Receivables - affiliate   2,006  891 
   Materials, supplies and fuel   14,518  11,513 
   Deferred income taxes   805  -- 
   Derivative assets   --  30 
   Other current assets   61  2,316 


    38,685  36,660 


Investments   3,299  3,275 


Property, plant and equipment   649,916  637,630 
   Less accumulated depreciation   (246,279) (232,401)


    403,637  405,229 


Other assets:  
   Regulatory assets   6,987  7,237 
   Other   11,342  13,204 


    18,329  20,441 


   $463,950 $465,605 


                   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY  

Current liabilities:
  
   Current maturities of long-term debt  $1,994 $1,991 
   Accounts payable   6,786  7,551 
   Accounts payable - affiliate   3,477  331 
   Note payable - affiliate   11,860  25,074 
   Derivative liabilities   1,246  -- 
   Accrued liabilities   13,815  13,816 


    39,178  48,763 


Long-term debt, net of current maturities   155,230  157,215 


Deferred credits and other liabilities:  
   Deferred income taxes   68,927  69,233 
   Regulatory liabilities   5,819  6,021 
   Other   14,803  13,537 


    89,549  88,791 


Stockholder's equity:  
   Common stock $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,416,396 shares issued   23,416  23,416 
   Additional paid-in capital   39,549  39,549 
   Retained earnings   118,926  109,307 
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,898) (1,436)


    179,993  170,836 


   $463,950 $465,605 


 

March 31,

December 31,

 

2006

2005

 

(in thousands)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,391

$

685

Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

 

of $837 and $830, respectively)

 

16,449

 

20,293

Receivables – affiliates

 

1,099

 

1,964

Money Pool note receivable – affiliate

 

4,830

 

Materials, supplies and fuel

 

14,642

 

14,236

Deferred income taxes

 

759

 

835

Other current assets

 

661

 

820

 

 

39,831

 

38,833

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

3,478

 

3,340

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

659,034

 

653,679

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(255,061)

 

(250,583)

 

 

403,973

 

403,096

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

6,894

 

6,941

Other

 

10,554

 

11,448

 

 

17,448

 

18,389

 

$

464,730

$

463,658

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

$

1,997

$

1,996

Accounts payable

 

6,363

 

10,290

Accounts payable – affiliates

 

1,851

 

1,624

Money Pool note payable – Parent

 

 

1,842

Accrued liabilities

 

16,245

 

14,866

 

 

26,456

 

30,618

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

155,208

 

155,219

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

68,307

 

67,942

Regulatory liabilities

 

5,668

 

5,740

Other

 

15,541

 

15,460

 

 

89,516

 

89,142

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholder’s equity:

 

 

 

 

Common stock $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

23,416,396 shares issued

 

23,416

 

23,416

Additional paid-in capital

 

39,575

 

39,549

Retained earnings

 

131,984

 

127,312

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,425)

 

(1,598)

 

 

193,550

 

188,679

 

$

464,730

$

463,658

 

The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

4


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2005
2004
(in thousands)
Operating activities:      
   Net income  $9,619 $12,712 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:  
   Depreciation and amortization   14,602  14,448 
   Deferred income tax   (1,224) 793 
   Net change in derivative assets and liabilities   78  -- 
Change in operating assets and liabilities -  
   Accounts receivable and other current assets   (1,244) 3,961 
   Accounts payable and other current liabilities   2,380  (9,991)
   Other operating activities   3,501  1,734 


    27,712  23,657 


Investing activities:  
   Property, plant and equipment additions   (13,010) (10,426)
   Change in notes receivable from associated companies, net   --  12,334 
   Change in investments and restricted cash   3,045  (181)


    (9,965) 1,727 


Financing activities:  
   Changes in notes payable to associated companies, net   (13,214) -- 
   Dividends paid   --  (18,000)
   Long-term debt - repayments   (1,982) (7,829)


    (15,196) (25,829)


                  Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   2,551  (445)

Cash and cash equivalents:
  
   Beginning of period   344  1,052 


   End of period  $2,895 $607 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  

   Cash paid (received) during the period for:
  
     Interest  $9,973 $14,745 
     Income taxes paid (refunded)  $2,122 $(3,111)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

4,899

$

4,322

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by

 

 

 

 

operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,592

 

4,938

Deferred income tax

 

15

 

22

Change in operating assets and liabilities -

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable and other current assets

 

3,541

 

4,209

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

(2,536)

 

(1,010)

Other operating activities

 

1,235

 

361

 

 

11,746

 

12,842

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

 

(4,220)

 

(2,782)

Change in note receivable from affiliate, net

 

(4,830)

 

Other investing activities

 

(138)

 

(136)

 

 

(9,188)

 

(2,918)

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Change in note payable to parent company, net

 

(1,842)

 

(9,709)

Long-term debt – repayments

 

(10)

 

(9)

 

 

(1,852)

 

(9,718)

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

706

 

206

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

685

 

344

End of period

$

1,391

$

550

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities

$

416

$

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

Interest

$

4,241

$

3,374

Income taxes paid

$

1,132

$

688

The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

5


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(Reference is made to Notes to Financial Statements

included in the Company’s 20042005 Annual Report on Form 10-K)

(1)

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT


The financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Power, Inc. (the Company) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying financial statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The  financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Power, Inc. (the Company) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying financial statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the September 30, 2005, December 31, 2004 and September 30, 2004, financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

(2)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The following table presents the components of the Company’s comprehensive income (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

4,899

$

4,322

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment on derivatives designated

 

 

 

 

as cash flow hedges

 

218

 

Reclassification adjustments included

 

 

 

 

in net income

 

(45)

 

11

Comprehensive income

$

5,072

$

4,333

6

The following table presents the components of the Company’s comprehensive income (in thousands):

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004

Net income
  $1,888 $5,860 $9,619 $12,712 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
   Fair value adjustment on derivatives designated  
     as cash flow hedges   (435) --  (494) -- 
   Reclassification adjustment on interest rate  
     swap included in net income   11  10  33  31 




 Comprehensive income  $1,464 $5,870 $9,158 $12,743 




6

(3)


(3)

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS


Receivables and Payables

The Company has accounts receivable balances related to transactions with other Black Hills Corporation subsidiaries. The balances were $1.1 million and $2.0 million as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The Company also has accounts payable balances related to transactions with other Black Hills Corporation subsidiaries. The balances were $1.9 million and $1.6 million as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

Accounts Receivables/Accounts Payables


The Company has accounts receivable and accounts payable balances related to transactions with other Black Hills Corporation subsidiaries. The accounts receivable balances were $2.0 million and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The accounts payable balances were $3.5 million and $0.3 million as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

Notes Payable

The Company has borrowings from its Parent, Black Hills Corporation (the Parent) which are due on demand. Outstanding advances were $11.9 million at September 30, 2005 and $25.1 million at December 31, 2004. Advances under this note bear interest at 0.70 percent above the daily LIBOR rate (3.86 percent at September 30, 2005). Interest paid was $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. Interest paid for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, was insignificant.

In August 2005, the Company entered into a Utility Money Pool Agreement with the Parent, a registered holding company;Notes Receivable and Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power, an electric and gas utility subsidiary of the Parent.Notes Payable  


In August 2005, the Company entered into a Utility Money Pool Agreement with Black Hills Corporation (the Parent); and Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power, (Cheyenne Light) an electric and gas utility subsidiary of the Parent. Under the agreement, the Company may borrow from the Parent. The Agreement restricts the Company from loaning funds to the Parent or to any of the Parent’s non-utility subsidiaries; the Agreement does not restrict the Company from making dividends to the Parent. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the daily cost of external funds as defined under the Agreement, or if there are no external funds outstanding on that date, then the rate will be the daily one month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points.

The Utility Money Pool has a net note receivable balance from Cheyenne Light of $4.8 million at March 31, 2006 and a net note payable balance to the Parent of $1.8 million at December 31, 2005. Advances under this note bear interest at 0.70 percent above the daily LIBOR rate (5.53 percent at March 31, 2006).

Other Balances and Transactions

The Company purchases coal from Wyodak Resources Development Corp., an indirect subsidiary of the Parent. The amount purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $2.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

In addition, the Company recorded $0.6 million in revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2006, relating to a fair value hedge with Enserco Energy, an indirect subsidiary of the Parent.

The Company also received revenues of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, from Black Hills Wyoming, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, for the transmission of electricity.

The Company also pays the Parent for allocated corporate support service cost incurred on its behalf. Corporate costs allocated from the Parent were $3.0 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

7

Under the agreement, the Utility may borrow from the Parent. The Agreement restricts the Company from loaning funds to the Parent or to any of the Parent’s non-utility subsidiaries; the Agreement does not restrict the Company from making dividends to the Parent. Borrowings under the Agreement bear interest at the daily cost of external funds as defined under the Agreement, or if there are no external funds outstanding on that date, then the rate will be the daily one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points. Borrowings under the agreement are due upon demand.

Other Balances and Transactions

The Company received revenues of approximately $0.9 million and $0.2 million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004, respectively, and $1.4 million and $0.6 million for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004, respectively, from Black Hills Wyoming, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, for the transmission of electricity.

The Company also pays the Parent for allocated corporate support service cost incurred on its behalf. Corporate costs allocated from the Parent were $3.2 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively; and $8.0 million and $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

7

(4)


(4)

RISK MANAGEMENT


On September 30, 2005, the Company had the following swaps and related balances (in thousands):

Notional*
Maximum
Terms in
Years

Current
Derivative
Assets

Non-current
Derivative
Assets

Current
Derivative
Liabilities

Non-current
Derivative
Liabilities

Pre-tax
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)

September 30, 2005                      

Natural gas swaps
   425,000 0.50  $ —  $ —  $1,246 $ —  $(759)$(487)
  





_________________

On March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company had the following swaps and related balances (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

Non-

Accumulated

 

 

 

Maximum

Current

current

Current

current

Other

Unrealized

 

 

Terms in

Derivative

Derivative

Derivative

Derivative

Comprehensive

Gain

 

Notional*

Years

Assets

Assets

Liabilities

Liabilities

Income (Loss)

(Loss)

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

swaps

155,000

1.00

$

31

$

$

$

$

31

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

swaps

275,000

0.25

$

192

$

$

219

$

$

(219)

$

192

________________________

*gas in MMbtu’s

Based on March 31, 2006 market prices, a gain of less than $0.1 million would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next twelve months related to the cash flow hedge. Estimated and actual realized gains will likely change during the next twelve months as market prices change.

In addition, certain volumes of natural gas inventory were designated as the underlying hedged item in a “fair value” hedge transaction. These volumes are stated at market value using published spot industry quotations. Market adjustments are recorded in inventory on the Balance Sheet and the related unrealized gain/loss on the Statement of Income. As of December 31, 2005, the market adjustments recorded in inventory were $(0.2) million.

8

Based on September 30, 2005 market prices, a $0.8 million loss would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next twelve months related to the cash flow hedge. These estimated realized losses for the next twelve months were calculated using September 30, 2005 market prices. Estimated and actual realized losses will likely change during the next twelve months as market prices change.

In addition, certain volumes of natural gas inventory have been designated as the underlying hedged item in a “fair value” hedge transaction. These volumes are stated at market value using published spot industry quotations. Market adjustments are recorded in inventory on the Balance Sheet and the related unrealized gain/loss on the Statement of Income. As of September 30, 2005, the market adjustments recorded in inventory were $0.5 million.

(5)

  LONG TERM DEBT


At December 31, 2004, the Company had $3.1 million of cash restricted to maintain liquidity for our $2.9 million Series 94A bond issue. During 2005, the Parent agreed to reserve $3.1 million under its revolving credit facility to provide any necessary liquidity. Accordingly, the related restrictions on the Company’s cash have been relieved.

(6)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (Plan) covering the employees of the Company who meet certain eligibility requirements.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Plan are as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

271

$

248

Interest cost

 

680

 

675

Expected return on plan assets

 

(889)

 

(870)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

26

 

39

Amortization of net loss

 

166

 

213

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

254

$

305

The Company does not anticipate that it will need to make a contribution to the Plan in the 2006 fiscal year.

Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan

The Company has various supplemental retirement plans for outside directors and key executives of the Company (Supplemental Plans). The Supplemental Plans are nonqualified defined benefit plans.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Plans are as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

$

Interest cost

 

28

 

27

Amortization of net loss

 

16

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

44

$

39

The Company anticipates that it will make contributions to the Supplemental Plans for the 2006 fiscal year of approximately $0.1 million. The contributions are expected to be in the form of benefit payments.

9

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plan

Employees who are participants in the Company’s Postretirement Healthcare Plans (Healthcare Plans) and who meet certain eligibility requirements are entitled to postretirement healthcare benefits.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Healthcare Plan are as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

62

$

73

Interest cost

 

100

 

116

Amortization of net transition obligation

 

29

 

29

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(5)

 

(5)

Amortization of net loss

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

186

$

232

The Company anticipates that it will make contributions to the Plan for the 2006 fiscal year of approximately $0.2 million. The contributions are expected to be in the form of benefit payments.

It has been determined that the Company’s post-65 retiree prescription drug plans are actuarially equivalent and qualify for the Medicare Part D subsidy. The decrease in net periodic postretirement benefit cost due to the subsidy is as follows (in thousands):

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Three Months


The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (Plan) covering the employees of the Company who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Ended


The components

March 31, 2006

Service cost

$

(11)

Interest cost

(16)

Amortization of net loss

(9)

Total decrease to net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the Plan are as follows (in thousands):

$

(36)


Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004

Service cost
  $248 $240 $744 $720 
Interest cost   675  655  2,025  1,965 
Expected return on plan assets   (870) (855) (2,610) (2,565)
Amortization of prior service cost   39  41  117  123 
Amortization of net loss   213  270  639  810 




Net periodic benefit cost  $305 $351 $915 $1,053 




8


The Company does not anticipate that it will need to make a contribution to the Plan in the 2005 fiscal year.

Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan

The Company has various supplemental retirement plans for outside directors and key executives of the Company (Supplemental Plans). The Supplemental Plans are nonqualified defined benefit plans.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Plans are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004

Service cost
  $-- $-- $-- $-- 
Interest cost   27  27  81  81 
Amortization of net loss   12  13  36  39 




Net periodic benefit cost  $39 $40 $117 $120 





The Company anticipates that it will need to make contributions to the Supplemental Plans for the 2005 fiscal year of approximately $0.1 million. The contributions are expected to be in the form of benefit payments.

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plan

Employees who are participant’s in the Company’s Postretirement Healthcare Plan (Healthcare Plan) and who retire from the Company on or after attaining age 55 after completing at least five years of service to the Company are entitled to postretirement healthcare benefits. These financial statements and this Note do not reflect the effects of the 2003 Medicare Act on the Healthcare Plan.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Healthcare Plan are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004

Service cost
  $73 $75 $219 $225 
Interest cost   116  121  348  363 
Amortization of net transition obligation   29  29  87  87 
Amortization of prior service cost   (5) (5) (15) (15)
Amortization of net loss   19  36  57  108 




Net periodic benefit cost  $232 $256 $696 $768 





The Company anticipates that it will need to make contributions to the Plan for the 2005 fiscal year of approximately $0.2 million. The contributions are expected to be in the form of benefits paid.

9

(6)


(7)

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation as described in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material developments in these proceedings or any new material proceedings that have developed or material proceedings that have terminated during the first nine months of 2005.

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation as described in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material developments in these proceedings or any new material proceedings that have developed or material proceedings that have terminated during the first quarter of 2006.

10


ITEM 2.         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
(in thousands)

Revenue
  $49,274 $47,921 $134,682 $129,377 
Operating expenses   43,811  35,415  111,603  98,902 




Operating income  $5,463 $12,506 $23,079 $30,475 




Net income  $1,888 $5,860 $9,619 $12,712 




ITEM 2.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

43,968

$

43,147

Operating expenses

 

33,871

 

33,652

Operating income

$

10,097

$

9,495

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations and net income

$

4,899

$

4,322

The following tables provide certain operating statistics:statistics for the Electric Utility segment:

Electric Revenue
(in thousands)

Electric Revenue

(in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,

Three Months Ended March 31,

PercentagePercentage

 

Percentage

 

Customer Base
Customer Base
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004

2006

Change

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial  $14,127  8%$13,117 $37,179  5%$35,258 

$

11,422

—%

$

11,446

Residential  10,441  16  9,019  29,662  8  27,396 

 

10,663

1

 

10,543

Industrial  5,111  (1) 5,175  14,874  (1) 14,963 

 

5,011

3

 

4,854

Municipal sales  693  7  650  1,740  4  1,675 

 

520

5

 

493

Total retail sales

 

27,616

1

 

27,336

Contract wholesale  5,719  (4) 5,932  17,377  3  16,909 

 

6,108

2

 

5,986

Wholesale off-system  11,766  (7) 12,590  29,050  5  27,592 

 

8,234

1

 

8,113







Total electric sales  47,857  3  46,483  129,882  5  123,793 

 

41,958

1

 

41,435

Other revenue  1,417  (1) 1,438  4,800  (14) 5,584 

 

2,010

17

 

1,712







Total revenue $49,274  3%$47,921 $134,682  4%$129,377 

$

43,968

2%

$

43,147







Megawatt Hours

Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
PercentagePercentage
Customer Base
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004
Commercial   188,481  7% 175,935  498,643  5% 474,342 
Residential   122,400  17  104,468  363,039  8  336,524 
Industrial   108,445  (2) 110,611  310,538  1  307,877 
Municipal sales   9,622  9  8,799  22,912  5  21,826 
Contract wholesale   145,993  (6) 155,991  457,990  1  455,686 
Wholesale off-system   198,031  (32) 291,551  598,105  (12) 677,237 






Total electric sales   772,972  (9)% 847,355  2,251,227  (1)% 2,273,492 






We established a new summer peak load of 401 megawatts in July 2005. We established our winter peak load of 344 megawatts in December 1998.

 

Megawatt Hours

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

Percentage

 

Customer Base

2006

Change

2005

 

 

 

 

Commercial

158,593

1%

157,518

Residential

141,794

3

137,947

Industrial

103,027

5

98,398

Municipal sales

7,059

9

6,462

Total retail sales

410,473

3

400,325

Contract wholesale

162,251

1

160,838

Wholesale off-system

180,163

(4)

188,114

Total electric sales

752,887

—%

749,277

11


Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
PercentagePercentage
Resources
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004
Megawatt-hours generated:              
   Coal   397,513  (12)% 452,720  1,259,822  (1)% 1,275,780 
   Gas   22,065  29  17,121  27,545  8  25,551 






    419,578  (11) 469,841  1,287,367  (1) 1,301,331 
Megawatt-hours purchased   378,986  (5) 400,123  1,032,091  (1) 1,038,821 






Total resources   798,564  (8)% 869,964  2,319,458  (1)% 2,340,152 








Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,PercentageSeptember 30,Percentage
2005
2004
Change
2005
2004
Change
Heating and cooling degree days              
Actual  
   Heating degree days   120  198  (39)% 4,043  4,246  (5)%
   Cooling degree days   673  463  45% 821  522  57%
Variance from normal  
   Heating degree days   (47)% (13)% --  (11)% (6)% -- 
   Cooling degree days   36% (6)% --  38% (12)% -- 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

 

Percentage

 

Resources

2006

Change

2005

 

 

 

 

Megawatt-hours generated:

 

 

 

Coal

454,133

4%

435,935

Gas

2,211

34

1,653

 

456,344

4

437,588

 

 

 

 

Megawatt-hours purchased

312,287

(3)

321,671

Total resources

768,631

1%

759,259

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

Heating and cooling degree days

 

 

Actual

 

 

Heating degree days

2,946

2,990

 

 

 

Percent of normal

 

 

Heating degree days

90%

91%

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. Income from continuing operations increased $0.6 million primarily due to increased revenues and lower depreciation expense and legal costs, partially offset by increased fuel costs and corporate allocations.

Electric utility revenues increased 32 percent for the three month period ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year. Firm commercial and residentialTotal retail megawatt-hour sales increased 83 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Coolingcompared to the three months ended March 31, 2005. Heating degree days, which is a measure of weather trends, were 451 percent higherlower than the same period in the prior year. Wholesale off-system sales decreased 7 percent with a 32 percent decrease in megawatt-hours sold, partially offset by a 38 percent increase in average price received. The decrease in wholesale off-system megawatt-hours sold was primarily due to the unscheduled outage of our Neil Simpson II power plant in July and August of 2005, which resulted in fewer megawatt-hours being available for sale.

Electric operating expenses increased 24 percent for the three month period ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. Higher operating expenses were primarily the result of a $5.3 million increase in fuel and purchased power costs. The increase in fuel and purchased power was due to a $4.8 million increase in purchased power, which includes $2.8 million of additional purchase power costs to cover the outage of NSII, as well as a 40 percent increase in average price per megawatt-hour, partially offset by a 5 percent decrease in megawatt-hours purchased. Fuel costs increased due to a 26 percent increase in average cost partially offset by an 11 percent decrease in megawatt-hours generated. Megawatt-hours produced through coal-fired generation decreased while higher cost gas generation was utilized in the three months ended September 30, 2005. Purchased power and gas generation were utilized for firm load demand and peaking needs due to unscheduled plant outages and warmer weather. The increase in operating expense was also affected by increased power marketing legal expense, compensation costs and corporate allocations.

Net income decreased $4.0 million primarily due to increased fuel and purchased power costs, legal expense, compensation costs and corporate allocations, partially offset by increased revenues and lower interest expense, due to the paydown of debt.

12


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004. Electric utility revenues increased 4 percent for the nine month period ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year. Firm commercial, residential and contract wholesale sales increased 5 percent, 8 percent and 3 percent, respectively. Cooling degree days for the nine month period were 57 percent higher than the same period in 2004 and heating degree days were 5 percent lower than the same period in 2004. Wholesale off-system sales increased 51 percent due to a 196 percent increase in average price received, partially offset by a 124 percent decrease in megawatt-hours sold.

Electric operating expenses increased 131 percent for the ninethree month period ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year. Higher operating expenses were primarily the result of an $8.4 million increase in fuel and purchased power costs. The increase in fuel and purchased power wasFuel costs increased 12 percent due to an $8.0 million increase in purchased power, which includes $2.8 million of additional purchase power costs to cover the outage of NSII, as well as a 234 percent increase in megawatt-hours generated at an 8 percent higher average price per megawatt-hour, partially offset by a 1 percent decrease in megawatt-hours purchased. Fuel costs increased $0.4 million due to a 5 percent increase in average cost, partially offset by a 1 percent decrease in megawatt-hours generated.cost. Megawatt-hours produced through coal-fired generation decreased while higher cost gas generation was utilizedincreased as we experienced an 18-day unscheduled plant outage at the Wyodak plant in the ninefirst quarter of 2005. Operating expense for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Purchased power and gas generation were utilized for firm load demand and peaking needs due to unscheduled plant outages and warmer weather. The increase in operating expenseMarch 31, 2006 was also affected by increased corporate allocations, which were offset by a decrease in depreciation expense, due to a revision of depreciation rates resulting from an independent depreciation study commissioned by the Company, and a decrease in power marketing legal expense, compensation costs and corporate allocations, partially offset by lower maintenance costs.relative to costs incurred in the first quarter of 2005.

Net income decreased $3.1 million primarily due to increased fuel and purchased power costs, legal expense, compensation costs and corporate allocations, partially offset by increased revenues, lower maintenance costs and lower interest expense, due to the pay down of debt.

12

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-Q that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable based on current expectations and projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting our business. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that, among other things, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including the risk factors described in Items 1 and 2 of our 20042005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and the following:

The amount and timing of capital deployment in new investment opportunities or for the repurchase of debt or stock;
Unfavorable rulings in the periodic applications to recover costs for fuel and purchased power;
Changes in business and financial reporting practices arising from the repeal of the Public Utilities Holding Company Act of 1935 and other provisions of the recently enacted Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Our ability to remedy any deficiencies that may be identified in the periodic review of our internal controls;
The timing and extent of changes in energy-related and commodity prices, interest rates, energy and commodity supply or volume, the cost of transportation of commodities, and demand for our services, all of which can affect our earnings, liquidity position and the underlying value of our assets;
The timing and extent of scheduled and unscheduled outages of power generation facilities;

     The amount and timing of capital deployment in new investment opportunities or for the repurchase of debt or stock;

     Unfavorable rulings in the periodic applications to recover costs for fuel and purchased power;

     Changes in business and financial reporting practices arising from the repeal of the Public Utilities Holding Company Act of 1935 and other provisions of the recently enacted Energy Policy Act of 2005.

     Our ability to remedy any deficiencies that may be identified in the periodic review of our internal controls;

     The timing and extent of changes in energy-related and commodity prices, interest rates, energy and commodity supply or volume, the cost of transportation of commodities, and demand for our services, all of which can affect our earnings, liquidity position and the underlying value of our assets;

     The timing and extent of scheduled and unscheduled outages of power generation facilities;

     General economic and political conditions, including tax rates or policies and inflation rates;

     Our use of derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity, currency exchange rate and interest rate risks;

     The creditworthiness of counterparties to trading and other transactions, and defaults on amounts due from counterparties;

     The amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions;

     Changes in or compliance with laws and regulations, particularly those relating to taxation, safety and protection of the environment;

     Weather and other natural phenomena;

     Industry and market changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition;

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

     The outcome of any ongoing or future litigation or similar disputes and the impact on any such outcome or related settlements;

     The cost and effects on our business, including insurance, resulting from terrorist actions or responses to such actions and events;

     Capital market conditions, which may affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms;

     Price risk due to marketable securities held as investments in benefit plans;

     Obtaining adequate cost recovery for our operations through regulatory proceedings; and

13


General economic and political conditions, including tax rates or policies and inflation rates;
Our use of derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity, currency exchange rate and interest rate risks;
The creditworthiness of counterparties to trading and other transactions, and defaults on amounts due from counterparties;
The amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions;
Changes in or compliance with laws and regulations, particularly those relating to taxation, safety and protection of the environment;
Weather and other natural phenomena;
Industry and market changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition;
The effect of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies;
The cost and effects on our business, including insurance, resulting from terrorist actions or responses to such actions and events;
Capital market conditions, which may affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms;
Price risk due to marketable securities held as investments in benefit plans;
Obtaining adequate cost recovery for our operations through regulatory proceedings; and
Other factors discussed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

      Other factors discussed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

ITEM 4.         CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to us that is required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

14


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Part II – Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 6 of our Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 6 is incorporated by reference into this item.

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in

Item 8 of the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 7 of our Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 7 is incorporated by reference into this item.


Item 6.1A.

ExhibitsRisk Factors


There have been no material changes in our Risk Factors from those reported in Item 1A. of Part I of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 6.

(a)       Exhibits-

Exhibits


(a)

Exhibits–

Exhibit 31.1

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


Exhibit 31.2

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


Exhibit 32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


Exhibit 32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


15


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

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.

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.


/s/ David R. Emery

David R. Emery, Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer


/s/ Mark T. Thies

Mark T. Thies, Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Dated: May 12, 2006


Dated: November 14, 2005

16


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number

Description

Exhibit
Number


Description


Exhibit 31.1

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


Exhibit 31.2

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


Exhibit 32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


Exhibit 32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.


17