UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2007.

 

 

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 1-7978

 

Black Hills Power, Inc.

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

 

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 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

 

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,July 31, 2007, 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 1.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Income –

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2007 and 2006

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets –

 

 

March 31,June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows –

 

 

ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2007 and 2006

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

6-12

 

 

 

Item 2.

Results of Operations

13-1613-17

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

1617

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

1718

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

1718

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

1718

 

 

 

 

Signatures

1819

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

1920

 

 

2

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue

$

47,767

$

43,968

$

44,972

$

47,036

$

92,739

$

91,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel and purchased power

 

17,035

 

16,048

 

16,670

 

20,588

 

33,705

 

36,636

Operations and maintenance

 

5,906

 

5,307

 

6,775

 

8,095

 

12,680

 

13,402

Administrative and general

 

5,164

 

5,834

 

4,463

 

4,991

 

9,628

 

10,826

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,155

 

4,592

 

5,183

 

5,020

 

10,338

 

9,612

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

1,962

 

2,090

 

1,821

 

1,851

 

3,783

 

3,940

 

35,222

 

33,871

 

34,912

 

40,545

 

70,134

 

74,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

12,545

 

10,097

 

10,060

 

6,491

 

22,605

 

16,588

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(2,965)

 

(3,243)

 

(2,953)

 

(3,367)

 

(5,918)

 

(6,610)

Interest income

 

174

 

286

 

238

 

465

 

413

 

751

Allowance for funds used

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

during construction – equity

 

112

 

 

130

 

 

241

 

Other income, net

 

144

 

186

 

18

 

(3)

 

162

 

183

 

(2,535)

 

(2,771)

 

(2,567)

 

(2,905)

 

(5,102)

 

(5,676)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

10,010

 

7,326

 

7,493

 

3,586

 

17,503

 

10,912

Income taxes

 

(3,311)

 

(2,427)

 

(2,612)

 

(1,150)

 

(5,923)

 

(3,577)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

6,699

$

4,899

$

4,881

$

2,436

$

11,580

$

7,335

 

 

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)

March 31,

December 31,

June 30,

December 31,

2007

2006

2007

2006

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,533

$

1,223

$

507

$

1,223

Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of $248 and $250, respectively)

 

17,778

 

20,115

of $244 and $250, respectively)

 

18,139

 

20,115

Receivables – affiliates

 

1,513

 

1,935

 

850

 

1,935

Money pool note receivable – affiliates

 

12,437

 

13,264

 

14,999

 

13,264

Materials, supplies and fuel

 

16,906

 

17,579

 

17,174

 

17,579

Deferred income taxes

 

231

 

 

189

 

Other current assets

 

1,038

 

1,853

 

2,654

 

1,853

 

51,436

 

55,969

 

54,512

 

55,969

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

3,695

 

3,552

 

3,711

 

3,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

681,073

 

675,987

 

685,940

 

675,987

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(268,395)

 

(265,247)

 

(270,646)

 

(265,247)

 

412,678

 

410,740

 

415,294

 

410,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

17,620

 

17,688

 

17,605

 

17,688

Other

 

3,515

 

2,658

 

4,526

 

2,658

 

21,135

 

20,346

 

22,131

 

20,346

$

488,944

$

490,607

$

495,648

$

490,607

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

$

2,003

$

2,002

$

2,005

$

2,002

Accounts payable

 

9,169

 

9,466

 

6,777

 

9,466

Accounts payable – affiliates

 

1,578

 

3,414

 

2,770

 

3,414

Accrued liabilities

 

14,222

 

21,862

 

13,918

 

21,862

Deferred income taxes

 

 

138

 

 

138

 

26,972

 

36,882

 

25,470

 

36,882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

153,205

 

153,217

 

151,237

 

153,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

65,632

 

65,164

 

68,403

 

65,164

Regulatory liabilities

 

9,651

 

7,775

 

11,567

 

7,775

Other

 

19,581

 

19,700

 

20,121

 

19,700

 

94,864

 

92,639

 

100,091

 

92,639

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholder’s equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,416,396 shares issued

 

23,416

 

23,416

 

23,416

 

23,416

Additional paid-in capital

 

39,575

 

39,575

 

39,575

 

39,575

Retained earnings

 

152,509

 

145,810

 

157,390

 

145,810

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,597)

 

(932)

 

(1,531)

 

(932)

 

213,903

 

207,869

 

218,850

 

207,869

$

488,944

$

490,607

$

495,648

$

490,607

 

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)

 

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

6,699

$

4,899

$

11,580

$

7,335

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,155

 

4,592

 

10,338

 

9,612

Deferred income tax

 

312

 

15

 

2,942

 

346

Allowance for funds used during construction –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equity

 

(112)

 

 

(241)

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable and other current assets

 

3,713

 

3,541

 

1,793

 

113

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

(9,574)

 

(2,536)

 

(11,503)

 

(1,918)

Other operating activities

 

(1,179)

 

1,235

 

(1,188)

 

1,446

 

5,014

 

11,746

 

13,721

 

16,934

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

 

(5,377)

 

(4,220)

 

(10,566)

 

(14,669)

Change in note receivable from affiliate, net

 

827

 

(4,830)

 

(1,735)

 

Other investing activities

 

(143)

 

(138)

 

(159)

 

(152)

 

(4,693)

 

(9,188)

 

(12,460)

 

(14,821)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in note payable to parent company, net

 

 

(1,842)

 

 

(819)

Long-term debt – repayments

 

(11)

 

(10)

 

(1,977)

 

(1,974)

 

(11)

 

(1,852)

 

(1,977)

 

(2,793)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

310

 

706

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(716)

 

(680)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

1,223

 

685

 

1,223

 

685

End of period

$

1,533

$

1,391

$

507

$

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment acquired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with accrued liabilities

$

131

$

416

$

74

$

321

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

$

5,153

$

4,241

$

8,525

$

6,601

Income taxes paid

$

7,993

$

1,132

$

12,477

$

4,927

 

 

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 2006 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 2006 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,June 30, 2007, December 31, 2006 and March 31,June 30, 2006, financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three months and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2007, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

(2)

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

FIN 48

 

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109) and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

 

6

SAB No. 108 – Effects of Prior Year Misstatements on Current Year Financial Statements  

 

During September 2006 the staff of the SEC released SAB No. 108 on Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB No. 108 provides guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year financial statement misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. Prior practice allowed the evaluation of materiality on the basis of (1) the error quantified as the amount by which the current year income statement was misstated (rollover method) or (2) the cumulative error quantified as the cumulative amount by which the current year balance sheet was misstated (iron curtain method). Reliance on either method in prior years could have resulted in misstatement of the financial statements. The guidance provided in SAB No. 108 requires both methods to be used in evaluating materiality. Immaterial prior year errors may be corrected with the first filing of prior year financial statements after adoption. The cumulative effect of the correction can either be reported in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that fiscal year, and the offsetting adjustment made to the opening balance of retained earnings for that year, or by restating prior periods. Disclosure requirements include the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected in the cumulative adjustment, as well as a disclosure of when and how each error being corrected arose and the fact that the errors had previously been considered immaterial. SAB No. 108 was effective January 1, 2007. SAB No. 108 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

 

(3)

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

SFAS No. 157

 

During September 2006 the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157) and, which applies underto other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the impact SFAS 157 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

 

SFAS 159

 

During February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159), which establishes a fair value option under which entities can elect to report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management is currently evaluating the impact SFAS 159 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

 

7

(4)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

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

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

6,699

$

4,899

$

4,881

$

2,436

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

designated as cash flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of tax of $95 and $(117), respectively)

 

(177)

 

218

(net of tax of $(30) and $(14), respectively)

 

55

 

27

Reclassification adjustments included

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in net income (net of tax of $263 and $24,

 

 

 

 

in net income (net of tax of $(6) and $(6),

 

 

 

 

respectively)

 

(488)

 

(45)

 

11

 

11

Comprehensive income

$

6,034

$

5,072

$

4,947

$

2,474

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

11,580

$

7,335

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment on derivatives

 

 

 

 

designated as cash flow hedges

 

 

 

 

(net of tax of $163 and $(131),

 

 

 

 

respectively)

 

(303)

 

245

Reclassification adjustments included

 

 

 

 

in net income (net of tax of $160 and $18,

 

 

 

 

respectively)

 

(296)

 

(34)

Comprehensive income

$

10,981

$

7,546

Balances by classification included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying Condensed Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 

Derivatives

Employee

 

 

Designated as

Benefit

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges

Plans

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2007

$

(1,039)

$

(492)

$

(1,531)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2006

$

(440)

$

(492)

$

(932)

8

(5)

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Receivables and Payables

 

The Company has accounts receivable balances related to transactions with other Black Hills Corporation subsidiaries. The balances were $1.5$0.9 million and $1.9 million as of March 31,June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The Company also has accounts payable balances related to transactions with other Black Hills Corporation subsidiaries. The balances were $1.6$2.8 million and $3.4 million as of March 31,June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

 

Money Pool Notes Receivable and Notes Payable  

 

The Company has 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 Company through the Utility Money Pool had a net note receivable balance from Cheyenne Light of $12.4$15.0 million and $13.3 million as of March 31,June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Advances under this note bear interest at 0.70 percent above the daily LIBOR rate (6.02 percent at March 31,June 30, 2007). Net interest income of $0.2 million and $0.1 million was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2007.June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively; and $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

8

Other Balances and Transactions

 

The Company also received revenues of approximately $0.4$0.6 million and $0.2$0.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively; and $1.0 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, from Black Hills Wyoming, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, for the transmission of electricity.

 

The Company recorded revenues of $1.3 million and $0.6 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relating to payments received pursuant to a natural gas swap entered into with Enserco Energy, an indirect subsidiary of the Parent.Parent, with a third party transacted by Enserco on the Company's behalf.

 

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,June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2.7$2.8 million and $2.6$2.2 million, respectively; and $5.5 million and $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

In addition, the Company also pays the Parent for allocated corporate support service cost incurred on its behalf. Corporate costs allocated from the Parent were $2.7$2.9 million and $3.0$2.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively; and $5.6 million and $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

The Company has funds on deposit from Black Hills Wyoming for transmission system reserve in the amount of $1.7 million at March 31,June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, which is included in Other, Deferred credits and other liabilities on the accompanying Balance Sheets. Interest on the funds accrues quarterly at an average prime rate (8.25 percent at March 31,June 30, 2007).  

 

9

(6)

RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Company holds natural gas in storage for use as fuel for generating electricity with its gas-fired combustion turbines. To minimize associated price risk and seasonal storage level requirements, the Company utilizes various derivative instruments in managing these risks. On March 31,June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had the following derivatives and related balances (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

 

Non-

 

Non-

Accumulated

 

 

 

Non-

 

Non-

Accumulated

 

Maximum

Current

current

Current

current

Other

 

Maximum

Current

current

Current

current

Other

 

Terms in

Derivative

Comprehensive

 

Terms in

Derivative

Comprehensive

Notional*

Years

Assets

Liabilities

Income/(Loss)

Notional*

Years

Assets

Liabilities

Income/(Loss)

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

swaps

455,000

1.00

$

$

$

161

$

$

(161)

455,000

0.83

$

$

$

76

$

$

(76)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

swaps

310,000

0.25

$

878

$

$

$

$

878

310,000

0.25

$

878

$

$

$

$

878

________________________

*gas in MMbtu’s

 

Based on March 31,June 30, 2007 market prices, a loss of $(0.2)$(0.1) million would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next twelve months related to derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge. Estimated and actual realized losses will likely change during the next twelve months as market prices change.

 

10

(7)

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

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

284

$

271

$

284

$

271

$

568

$

542

Interest cost

 

731

 

680

 

731

 

680

 

1,462

 

1,360

Expected return on plan assets

 

(971)

 

(889)

 

(971)

 

(889)

 

(1,942)

 

(1,778)

Prior service cost

 

26

 

26

 

26

 

26

 

52

 

52

Net loss

 

102

 

166

 

102

 

166

 

204

 

332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

172

$

254

$

172

$

254

$

344

$

508

 

The Company does not anticipate that it will need to make a contribution to the Plan in the 2007 fiscal year.

 

Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plans

 

The Company has various supplemental retirement plans for key executives of the Company (Supplemental Plans). The Supplemental Plans are non-qualified defined benefit plans.

 

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

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

$

28

$

28

$

28

$

28

$

56

$

56

Net loss

 

14

 

16

 

14

 

16

 

28

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

42

$

44

$

42

$

44

$

84

$

88

 

The Company anticipates that it will make contributions to the Supplemental Plans for the 2007 fiscal year of approximately $0.1 million. Contributions are expected to be in the form of benefit payments.

 

11

Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans

 

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 Plans are as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

52

$

62

$

52

$

62

$

104

$

124

Interest cost

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

200

 

200

Net transition obligation

 

13

 

29

 

13

 

29

 

26

 

58

Prior service cost

 

 

(5)

 

 

(5)

 

 

(10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$

165

$

186

$

165

$

186

$

330

$

372

 

The Company anticipates that it will make contributions to the Healthcare Plan for the 2007 fiscal year of approximately $0.2 million. Contributions are expected to be made 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 not material to the Company.

 

(8)

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation as described in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material developments in any previously reported proceedings or any new material proceedings that have developed or material proceedings that have terminated during the first threesix months of 2007.

 

 

12

ITEM 2.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

47,767

$

43,968

$

44,972

$

47,036

$

92,739

$

91,004

Operating expenses

 

35,222

 

33,871

 

34,912

 

40,545

 

70,134

 

74,416

Operating income

$

12,545

$

10,097

$

10,060

$

6,491

$

22,605

$

16,588

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

6,699

$

4,899

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and net income

$

4,881

$

2,436

$

11,580

$

7,335

 

The following tables provide certain operating statistics for the Company:

 

Electric Revenue

(in thousands)

Electric Revenue

 

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

Percentage

 

 

Percentage

 

 

Percentage

 

Customer Base

2007

Change

2006

2007

Change

2006

2007

Change

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

13,105

15%

$

11,422

$

13,094

10%

$

11,892

$

26,193

12%

$

23,290

Residential

 

12,407

16

 

10,663

 

9,667

9

 

8,868

 

22,079

13

 

19,556

Industrial

 

5,096

2

 

5,011

 

5,482

6

 

5,187

 

10,578

4

 

10,198

Municipal sales

 

579

11

 

520

 

647

9

 

591

 

1,226

10

 

1,111

Total retail sales

 

31,187

13

 

27,616

 

28,890

9

 

26,538

 

60,076

11

 

54,155

Contract wholesale

 

6,457

6

 

6,108

 

5,832

(1)

 

5,920

 

12,289

2

 

12,028

Wholesale off-system

 

6,582

(20)

 

8,234

Wholesale off system

 

7,415

(30)

 

10,575

 

13,998

(26)

 

18,809

Total electric sales

 

44,226

5

 

41,958

 

42,137

(2)

 

43,033

 

86,363

2

 

84,992

Other revenue

 

3,541

76

 

2,010

 

2,835

(29)

 

4,003

 

6,376

6

 

6,012

Total revenue

$

47,767

9%

$

43,968

$

44,972

(4)%

$

47,036

$

92,739

2%

$

91,004

 

 

Megawatt Hours Sold

 

Megawatt Hours Sold

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

Percentage

 

 

Percentage

 

 

Percentage

 

Customer Base

2007

Change

2006

2007

Change

2006

2007

Change

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

166,094

5%

158,593

 

160,482

2%

 

158,046

 

326,576

3%

 

316,639

Residential

152,736

8

141,794

 

106,788

1

 

105,484

 

259,524

5

 

247,278

Industrial

99,254

(4)

103,027

 

110,004

2

 

108,333

 

209,258

(1)

 

211,360

Municipal sales

7,420

5

7,059

 

7,788

2

 

7,652

 

15,208

3

 

14,711

Total retail sales

425,504

4

410,473

 

385,062

1

 

379,515

 

810,566

3

 

789,988

Contract wholesale

165,110

2

162,251

 

151,828

(2)

 

154,694

 

316,938

 

316,945

Wholesale off-system

133,849

(26)

180,163

Wholesale off system

 

150,363

(44)

 

268,174

 

284,212

(37)

 

448,337

Total electric sales

724,463

(4)%

752,887

 

687,253

(14)

 

802,383

 

1,411,716

(9)

 

1,555,270

 

 

13

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

Regulated power

 

 

 

 

plant fleet availability:

 

 

 

 

Coal-fired plants

95.3%

97.2%

Coal fired plants

93.9%

83.9%

94.6%

90.6%

Other plants

99.9%

99.2%

99.1%

99.5%

99.4%

Total availability

97.3%

98.1%

96.2%

90.9%

96.8%

94.5%

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

 

Percentage

 

 

Percentage

 

 

Percentage

 

Resources

2007

Change

2006

2007

Change

2006

2007

Change

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megawatt-hours generated:

 

 

 

MWhs generated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

440,518

(3)%

454,133

434,707

19%

366,821

875,225

7%

820,954

Gas

5,698

158

2,211

28,643

149

11,482

34,341

151

13,693

446,216

(2)%

456,344

463,350

22%

378,303

909,566

9%

834,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megawatt-hours purchased

294,463

(6)%

312,287

MWhs purchased

254,588

(45)%

464,219

549,051

(29)%

776,506

Total resources

740,679

(4)%

768,631

717,938

(15)%

842,522

1,458,617

(9)%

1,611,153

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

Heating and cooling degree days:

 

 

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

 

 

 

Heating degree days

3,055

2,946

857

710

3,912

3,656

Cooling degree days

203

211

203

211

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of normal

 

 

 

 

 

Heating degree days

93%

90%

86%

71%

91%

85%

Cooling degree days

201%

209%

201%

209%

 

 

14

Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2006. Net incomeIncome from continuing operations increased $1.8$2.4 million primarily due to increasedlower maintenance expenses compared to 2006, which included a planned maintenance outage of the Wyodak plant, and higher retail revenues in 2007 resulting from rate increases that went into effect January 1, 2007. These items were partially offset by increased fuel and purchased powerhigher allocated corporate costs and operating expenses. In addition, wholesalelower gross margin from off-system gross margins were flat with the 2006 period.sales.

 

Electric utilityTotal revenues increased 9decreased 4 percent for the three month period ended March 31,June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. Higher retail revenues were primarily due to increased rates in South Dakota that became effective January 1, 2007. Total retail megawatt-hour (MWh) sales increased 4 percent compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006 due to colder weather conditions and customer growth. Heating degree days, which is a measure of weather trends, were 4 percent higher than the same period in the prior year. Wholesale off-system sales decreased 2030 percent due to a 2644 percent decrease in MWhs sold partially offset by an 8a 25 percent increase in average price received. MWhs available for wholesale off-system sales decreased from the prior period due to scheduled plant outages and powerstorm damage related transmission constraints to the east of our AC-DC transmission tie and increased native load. Following transmission repairs, we were able to resume full utilization of the AC-DC tie in June 2007. Decreases in off-system sales were partially offset by higher revenues from retail sales resulting from the January 1, 2007 rate increase and a slight increase in MWhs sold.

 

Electric operatingOperating expenses increased 4decreased 14 percent for the three month period ended March 31,June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. Fuel and purchased power costs increased 6decreased 19 percent primarily due to a 514 percent increasedecrease in MWh resource requirements resulting from a significant decrease in off-system sales volumes and higher MWhs generated from our low-cost coal resources due to the availability of the Wyodak plant for the whole period, partially offset by higher per MWh cost for purchased power at average prices that were 11 percent higher thanpower. Maintenance costs for the samethree month period in the prior year andended June 30, 2007 also decreased compared to costs incurred for 2006.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2006. Income from continuing operations increased fuel production costs,$4.2 million primarily due to lower maintenance expenses compared to 2006, which included a planned maintenance outage of the Wyodak plant and higher average coal prices. MWhs generated and purchased decreasedretail revenues in 2007 resulting from rate increases that went into effect January 1, 2007. These items were partially offset by lower gross margin from off-system sales.

Revenues increased 2 percent and 6 percent, respectively, for the three monthssix month period ended March 31,June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.the prior year. Higher retail revenues resulted from rate increases that went into effect January 1, 2007 and a 3 percent increase in MWhs sold, partially offset by wholesale off-system sales decreasing 26 percent due to a 37 percent decrease in MWhs sold partially offset by a 17 percent increase in average price received. MWhs available for wholesale off-system sales decreased from the prior period due to storm damage related transmission constraints to the east of our AC-DC transmission tie and increased native load. Following transmission repairs, we were able to resume full utilization of the AC-DC tie in June 2007.

Operating expenses decreased 6 percent for the six month period ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. Fuel and purchased power costs decreased 8 percent, primarily due to a 9 percent decrease in MWh resource requirements resulting from a significant decrease in MWhs sold off-system and higher MWhs generated from our low-cost coal resources due to the increased availability of the Wyodak plant for the period, partially offset by higher per MWh cost for purchased power. Operating expense for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 was also affected by increaseddecreased maintenance costs compared to costs incurred for 2006 scheduled outages and increasedhigher depreciation expense.

 

15

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 Item 1A of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Item 1A. of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and the following:

 

    Our ability to obtain adequate cost recovery for our retail utility operations through regulatory proceedings and receive favorable rulings in the periodic applications to recover costs for fuel and purchased power;

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

    Our ability to successfully maintain or improve our corporate credit rating;

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

    The possibility that we may be required to take impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of some of our long-lived assets when indicators of impairment emerge;

    Changes in business and financial reporting practices arising from the enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

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

15

    The timing, volatility and extent of changes in energy-related and commodity prices, interest rates, energy and commodity supply or volume, the cost and availability 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;

    Our ability to effectively use derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity risks;

    Our ability to minimize defaults on amounts due from counterparty 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 or events;

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

    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;

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

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

 

16

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

 

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 March 31,June 30, 2007. 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.effective.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2007 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

1617

BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

 

Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 8 of our Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 8 is incorporated by reference into this item.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in our Risk Factors from those reported in Item 1A. of Part I of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 6.

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 – 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 – 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 – Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

1718

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 15,August 14, 2007

 

 

 

1819

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

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 – 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 – Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

1920