Table of Contents

     
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _________________________________ 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20162017
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission file numbernumber: 001-14206
El Paso Electric Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas 74-0607870
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
Stanton Tower, 100 North Stanton, El Paso, Texas 79901
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(915) 543-5711
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  x    NO  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filero
     
 Non-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth companyo
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  o    NO  x
As of July 31, 2016,2017, there were 40,520,87140,591,704 shares of the Company’s no par value common stock outstanding.

     


EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
  Page No.
 
Item 1. 

Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 


 ( i) 

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Financial Statements

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
 
June 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) 
      
ASSETS
(In thousands)
      
Utility plant:      
Electric plant in service$3,783,907
 $3,616,301
$3,893,461
 $3,791,566
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,369,646) (1,329,843)(1,282,795) (1,244,332)
Net plant in service2,414,261
 2,286,458
2,610,666
 2,547,234
Construction work in progress221,607
 293,796
146,615
 154,738
Nuclear fuel; includes fuel in process of $54,224 and $51,854, respectively191,925
 190,282
Nuclear fuel; includes fuel in process of $59,954 and $57,315, respectively196,054
 194,842
Less accumulated amortization(75,546) (75,031)(74,566) (75,602)
Net nuclear fuel116,379
 115,251
121,488
 119,240
Net utility plant2,752,247
 2,695,505
2,878,769
 2,821,212
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents9,607
 8,149
11,275
 8,420
Accounts receivable, principally trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,570 and $2,046, respectively105,443
 66,326
Accounts receivable, principally trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,682 and $2,156, respectively124,616
 88,452
Inventories, at cost47,376
 48,697
50,929
 47,216
Under-collection of fuel revenues30
 
8,515
 11,123
Prepayments and other15,062
 9,872
13,727
 8,988
Total current assets177,518
 133,044
209,062
 164,199
Deferred charges and other assets:      
Decommissioning trust funds248,240
 239,035
271,315
 255,708
Regulatory assets116,617
 115,127
115,245
 118,861
Other17,640
 17,896
17,002
 16,298
Total deferred charges and other assets382,497
 372,058
403,562
 390,867
Total assets$3,312,262
 $3,200,607
$3,491,393
 $3,376,278

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
 
June 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
(In thousands except for share data)
      
Capitalization:      
Common stock, stated value $1 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 65,670,835 and 65,709,819 shares issued, and 157,520 and 118,834 restricted shares, respectively$65,828
 $65,829
Common stock, stated value $1 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 65,659,869 and 65,685,615 shares issued, and 169,565 and 137,017 restricted shares, respectively$65,829
 $65,823
Capital in excess of stated value320,572
 320,073
323,779
 322,643
Retained earnings1,059,398
 1,067,396
1,120,664
 1,114,561
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(13,300) (13,914)(4,133) (7,116)
1,432,498
 1,439,384
1,506,139
 1,495,911
Treasury stock, 25,307,484 and 25,384,834 shares, respectively, at cost
(421,558) (422,846)
Treasury stock, 25,232,769 and 25,304,914 shares, respectively, at cost(420,313) (421,515)
Common stock equity1,010,940
 1,016,538
1,085,826
 1,074,396
Long-term debt, net of current portion1,278,301
 1,122,660
1,195,748
 1,195,513
Total capitalization2,289,241
 2,139,198
2,281,574
 2,269,909
Current liabilities:      
Current maturities of long-term debt83,268
 83,143
Short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility101,614
 141,738
178,884
 81,574
Accounts payable, principally trade44,162
 59,978
52,586
 62,953
Taxes accrued25,318
 30,351
27,772
 32,488
Interest accrued13,267
 12,649
13,373
 13,287
Over-collection of fuel revenues2,063
 4,023
314
 255
Other41,950
 28,325
33,239
 29,709
Total current liabilities228,374
 277,064
389,436
 303,409
Deferred credits and other liabilities:      
Accumulated deferred income taxes502,677
 495,237
564,377
 555,066
Accrued pension liability87,728
 90,527
87,460
 92,768
Accrued post-retirement benefit liability55,677
 54,553
35,703
 34,400
Asset retirement obligation85,363
 81,621
89,199
 81,800
Regulatory liabilities23,930
 24,303
22,253
 18,435
Other39,272
 38,104
21,391
 20,491
Total deferred credits and other liabilities794,647
 784,345
820,383
 802,960
Commitments and contingencies

 



 

Total capitalization and liabilities$3,312,262
 $3,200,607
$3,491,393
 $3,376,278
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except for share data)
 
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
Operating revenues$217,865
 $219,508
 $375,674
 $383,254
$251,843
 $217,865
 $423,178
 $375,674
Energy expenses:              
Fuel43,143
 49,813
 77,462
 87,542
49,173
 43,143
 85,779
 77,462
Purchased and interchanged power13,610
 11,742
 23,256
 22,917
16,721
 13,610
 30,394
 23,256
56,753
 61,555
 100,718
 110,459
65,894
 56,753
 116,173
 100,718
Operating revenues net of energy expenses161,112
 157,953
 274,956
 272,795
185,949
 161,112
 307,005
 274,956
Other operating expenses:              
Other operations56,817
 57,656
 115,204
 113,255
59,835
 56,817
 115,958
 115,204
Maintenance20,426
 19,857
 37,941
 35,417
20,415
 20,426
 41,405
 37,941
Depreciation and amortization23,852
 23,135
 47,145
 44,700
22,495
 23,852
 44,429
 47,145
Taxes other than income taxes15,320
 15,433
 30,132
 29,591
17,265
 15,320
 32,995
 30,132
116,415
 116,081
 230,422
 222,963
120,010
 116,415
 234,787
 230,422
Operating income44,697
 41,872
 44,534
 49,832
65,939
 44,697
 72,218
 44,534
Other income (deductions):              
Allowance for equity funds used during construction2,133
 2,268
 4,469
 6,543
726
 2,133
 1,541
 4,469
Investment and interest income, net3,591
 1,398
 6,520
 6,652
6,786
 3,591
 10,772
 6,520
Miscellaneous non-operating income145
 507
 801
 687
39
 145
 124
 801
Miscellaneous non-operating deductions(890) (1,271) (1,356) (1,762)(530) (890) (1,270) (1,356)
4,979
 2,902
 10,434
 12,120
7,021
 4,979
 11,167
 10,434
Interest charges (credits):              
Interest on long-term debt and revolving credit facility18,298
 16,495
 34,897
 32,978
18,407
 18,298
 36,774
 34,897
Other interest272
 354
 834
 517
762
 272
 1,182
 834
Capitalized interest(1,253) (1,261) (2,495) (2,550)(1,344) (1,253) (2,638) (2,495)
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction(1,375) (1,391) (3,033) (4,012)(711) (1,375) (1,502) (3,033)
15,942
 14,197
 30,203
 26,933
17,114
 15,942
 33,816
 30,203
Income before income taxes33,734
 30,577
 24,765
 35,019
55,846
 33,734
 49,569
 24,765
Income tax expense11,450
 9,505
 8,289
 10,489
19,780
 11,450
 17,492
 8,289
Net income$22,284
 $21,072
 $16,476
 $24,530
$36,066
 $22,284
 $32,077
 $16,476
              
Basic earnings per share$0.55
 $0.52
 $0.41
 $0.61
$0.89
 $0.55
 $0.79
 $0.41
              
Diluted earnings per share$0.55
 $0.52
 $0.41
 $0.61
$0.89
 $0.55
 $0.79
 $0.41
              
Dividends declared per share of common stock$0.310
 $0.295
 $0.605
 $0.575
$0.335
 $0.310
 $0.645
 $0.605
Weighted average number of shares outstanding40,345,150
 40,269,885
 40,335,236
 40,256,615
40,409,030
 40,345,150
 40,398,192
 40,335,236
Weighted average number of shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding40,399,491
 40,302,694
 40,380,640
 40,284,757
40,525,585
 40,399,491
 40,499,344
 40,380,640

 See accompanying notes to financial statements.





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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except for share data)

Twelve Months EndedTwelve Months Ended
June 30,June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Operating revenues$842,289
 $863,462
$934,440
 $842,289
Energy expenses:      
Fuel178,320
 217,289
182,055
 178,320
Purchased and interchanged power53,884
 51,678
66,865
 53,884
232,204
 268,967
248,920
 232,204
Operating revenues net of energy expenses610,085
 594,495
685,520
 610,085
Other operating expenses:      
Other operations244,899
 235,664
242,768
 244,899
Maintenance67,747
 70,819
70,210
 67,747
Depreciation and amortization92,269
 86,391
81,601
 92,269
Taxes other than income taxes64,277
 61,422
68,396
 64,277
469,192
 454,296
462,975
 469,192
Operating income140,893
 140,199
222,545
 140,893
Other income (deductions):      
Allowance for equity funds used during construction8,565
 14,838
4,095
 8,565
Investment and interest income, net17,376
 14,121
18,335
 17,376
Miscellaneous non-operating income2,176
 2,655
615
 2,176
Miscellaneous non-operating deductions(3,922) (4,943)(3,613) (3,922)
24,195
 26,671
19,432
 24,195
Interest charges (credits):      
Interest on long-term debt and revolving credit facility67,770
 62,820
73,421
 67,770
Other interest1,630
 1,306
1,651
 1,630
Capitalized interest(4,913) (5,115)(5,133) (4,913)
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction(5,958) (8,729)(3,452) (5,958)
58,529
 50,282
66,487
 58,529
Income before income taxes106,559
 116,588
175,490
 106,559
Income tax expense32,695
 35,341
63,121
 32,695
Net income$73,864
 $81,247
$112,369
 $73,864
      
Basic earnings per share$1.83
 $2.01
$2.77
 $1.83
      
Diluted earnings per share$1.83
 $2.01
$2.77
 $1.83
      
Dividends declared per share of common stock$1.195
 $1.135
$1.265
 $1.195
Weighted average number of shares outstanding40,314,032
 40,236,466
40,381,776
 40,314,032
Weighted average number of shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding40,356,239
 40,263,304
40,466,995
 40,356,239
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.


 4 

Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income$22,284
 $21,072
 $16,476
 $24,530
 $73,864
 $81,247
$36,066
 $22,284
 $32,077
 $16,476
 $112,369
 $73,864
Other comprehensive income (loss):                      
Unrecognized pension and post-retirement benefit costs:                      
Net gain (loss) arising during period
 
 
 
 5,429
 (74,028)
Net (loss) gain arising during period
 
 
 
 (20,053) 5,429
Prior service benefit
 
 
 
 824
 34,200

 
 
 
 32,697
 824
Reclassification adjustments included in net income for amortization of:                      
Prior service benefit(1,664) (1,662) (3,330) (3,325) (6,579) (7,455)(2,413) (1,664) (4,829) (3,330) (8,906) (6,579)
Net loss1,222
 2,250
 2,445
 4,500
 6,567
 7,730
1,694
 1,222
 3,388
 2,445
 5,908
 6,567
Net unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities:           
Net holding gains (losses) arising during period2,790
 (1,563) 4,980
 (549) 2,623
 3,210
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income(2,110) 182
 (3,498) (3,563) (11,049) (7,946)
Net unrealized gains on marketable securities:           
Net holding gains arising during period4,458
 2,790
 12,179
 4,980
 15,643
 2,623
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income(5,166) (2,110) (7,357) (3,498) (11,499) (11,049)
Net losses on cash flow hedges:                      
Reclassification adjustment for interest expense included in net income123
 116
 245
 230
 482
 452
132
 123
 262
 245
 515
 482
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes361
 (677) 842
 (2,707) (1,703) (43,837)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss):           
Total other comprehensive (loss) income before income taxes(1,295) 361
 3,643
 842
 14,305
 (1,703)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income:           
Unrecognized pension and post-retirement benefit costs166
 (291) 222
 (622) (2,442) 14,761
261
 166
 454
 222
 (4,029) (2,442)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on marketable securities(149) 325
 (322) 881
 1,625
 979
132
 (149) (989) (322) (773) 1,625
Losses on cash flow hedges(46) (43) (128) (115) (216) (197)(47) (46) (125) (128) (336) (216)
Total income tax benefit (expense)(29) (9) (228) 144
 (1,033) 15,543
346
 (29) (660) (228) (5,138) (1,033)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax332
 (686) 614
 (2,563) (2,736) (28,294)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(949) 332
 2,983
 614
 9,167
 (2,736)
Comprehensive income$22,616
 $20,386
 $17,090
 $21,967
 $71,128
 $52,953
$35,117
 $22,616
 $35,060
 $17,090
 $121,536
 $71,128
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Six Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income$16,476
 $24,530
$32,077
 $16,476
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization of electric plant in service47,145
 44,700
44,429
 47,145
Amortization of nuclear fuel21,957
 21,379
21,100
 21,957
Deferred income taxes, net6,695
 8,789
15,339
 6,695
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(4,469) (6,543)(1,541) (4,469)
Other amortization and accretion8,715
 8,888
9,991
 8,715
Gain on sale of land(545) 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
 (545)
Net gains on sale of decommissioning trust funds(3,498) (3,563)(7,357) (3,498)
Other operating activities721
 243
(641) 721
Change in:      
Accounts receivable(39,117) (20,782)(32,684) (39,117)
Inventories1,315
 (2,813)(2,791) 1,315
Net over-collection (under-collection) of fuel revenues(1,990) 10,833
Net under/over-collection of fuel revenues2,667
 (1,990)
Prepayments and other(6,273) (7,476)(6,294) (6,273)
Accounts payable(9,345) (15,528)(1,262) (9,345)
Taxes accrued(5,437) (2,990)(4,014) (5,437)
Interest accrued618
 107
86
 618
Other current liabilities13,625
 2,669
3,530
 13,625
Deferred charges and credits(5,900) (2,068)(4,644) (5,900)
Net cash provided by operating activities40,693
 60,375
67,991
 40,693
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Cash additions to utility property, plant and equipment(102,785) (147,040)(108,113) (102,785)
Cash additions to nuclear fuel(20,478) (22,424)(20,647) (20,478)
Capitalized interest and AFUDC:      
Utility property, plant and equipment(7,502) (10,555)(3,043) (7,502)
Nuclear fuel(2,495) (2,550)
Nuclear fuel and other(2,638) (2,495)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction4,469
 6,543
1,541
 4,469
Decommissioning trust funds:      
Purchases, including funding of $2.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively(44,937) (41,029)
Purchases, including funding of $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively(65,960) (44,937)
Sales and maturities40,712
 37,158
62,531
 40,712
Proceeds from sale of land596
 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 596
Other investing activities2,771
 82
797
 2,771
Net cash used for investing activities(129,649) (179,815)(135,532) (129,649)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Dividends paid(24,474) (23,220)(26,157) (24,474)
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility:      
Proceeds172,125
 167,103
292,404
 172,125
Payments(212,249) (53,563)(195,094) (212,249)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes157,052
 

 157,052
Other financing activities(2,040) (1,020)(757) (2,040)
Net cash provided by financing activities90,414
 89,300
70,396
 90,414
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents1,458
 (30,140)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents2,855
 1,458
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period8,149
 40,504
8,420
 8,149
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$9,607
 $10,364
$11,275
 $9,607

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

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Table of Contents

EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

A. Principles of Preparation
These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in the Annual Report of El Paso Electric Company on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152016 (the "("20152016 Form 10-K"). Capitalized terms used in this report and not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the 20152016 Form 10-K. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at June 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016; the results of its operations and comprehensive operations for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016; and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016. The results of operations and comprehensive operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2016, and the cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full calendar year.
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"("SEC"), certain financial information has been condensed and certain footnote disclosures have been omitted. Such information and disclosures are normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company evaluates its estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, income taxes, fuel costs, pension and other post-retirement obligations and asset retirement obligations ("ARO"). Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenues. Revenues related to the sale of electricity are generally recorded when service is provided or electricity is delivered to customers. The billing of electricity sales to retail customers is based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. Unbilled revenues are recorded for estimated amounts of energy delivered in the period following the customer's billing cycle to the end of the month. Unbilled revenues are estimated based on monthly generation volumes and by applying an average revenue/kWh to the number of estimated kWhs delivered but not billed. Accounts receivable included accrued unbilled revenues of $36.536.1 million at June 30, 20162017 and $21.721.0 million at December 31, 20152016. The Company presents revenues net of sales taxes in its statements of operations.
Depreciation. The Company routinely evaluates the depreciable service lives, cost of removal and salvage values of its property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining lives of the assets (ranging in average from 5 to 48 years). When property subject to composite depreciation is retired or otherwise disposed of in the normal course of business, its cost, together with the cost of removal, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For other property dispositions, the applicable cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the balance sheet accounts and a gain or loss is recognized.
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (in thousands)   
  Six Months Ended
  June 30,
  2016 2015
Cash paid (received) for:   
 Interest on long-term debt and borrowings under the revolving credit facility$35,252
 $30,922
 Income tax paid, net2,703
 1,680
Non-cash investing and financing activities:   
 Changes in accrued plant additions(6,966) (1,227)
 Grants of restricted shares of common stock1,236
 1,106
New Accounting Standards. Standards
In April 2015,March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Interest2016-09, Compensation - Imputation of InterestStock Compensation (Topic 715)718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting to simplify the presentationaccounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs relatedawards either as equity or liabilities, and classification on the statements of cash flows. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The cumulative effect of the adoption of the new standard was to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognitionincrease net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affectedretained earnings by this ASU. ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. $0.2 million on January 1, 2017.
In August 2015,May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30),2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) to provide further clarificationa framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance, and has since modified the standard with several ASUs. The standard provides that an entity should recognize the amount of revenue to ASU 2015-03 aswhich it relatesexpects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. More specifically, the standard requires entities to recognize revenue through the application of a five-step model, which includes the: (i) identification of the contract; (ii) identification of the performance obligations; (iii) determination of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the presentationperformance obligations; and subsequent measurement(v) the recognition of debt issuance costs associated with line of credit arrangements. The Company implemented ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 in the first quarter of 2016, retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the Company's financialrevenue

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


statements. The implementation of ASU 2015-03 did not have a material impact onas the Company's results of operations. See Note J.
In May 2015,entity satisfies the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) to eliminate the requirement to categorize investments in the fair value hierarchy if the fair value is measured at net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient in the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance. Reporting entities must still provide sufficient information to enable users to reconcile total investments in the fair value hierarchy and total investments measured at fair value in the financial statements. Additionally, the scope of current disclosure requirements for investments eligible to be measured at NAV will be limited to investments to which the practical expedient is applied. This ASU is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU requires retrospective application.performance obligations. The Company implemented ASU 2015-07 inplans to adopt the first quarter of 2016, retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the Company's fair value disclosures. This guidance required a revision of the fair value disclosures but did not impact the Company's financial statements. The implementation of ASU 2015-07 did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations. See Note J.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods and early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 retrospectively in the first quarter of 2016. The implementation of ASU 2015-17 did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations. See Note F.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) to provide a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 is the result of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenuenew standard for U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2014-09 provides that an entity should recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 was originally intended to be effective for annual periods and interim periods within that reporting period beginning after December 15, 2016, for public business entities. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities will apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 20172017. The Company currently anticipates using the modified retrospective approach.
The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the new standard on its various revenue and interim periods within that reporting period. In March 2016,cash flow streams, including the FASB issued ASU 2016-08evaluation of the impact, if any, on changes to clarifybusiness processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the implementation guidance on principal versus agent consideration. In April 2016,new guidance. Tariff sales to customers are determined to be in the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 to clarify the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, which rescinds certain SEC Staff Observer comments that are codified in FASB ASC Topic 605 (Revenue Recognition), effective upon adoptionscope of Topic 606. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, which makes narrow-scope amendments to ASU 2014-09, and provides practical expedients to simplify the transition to the new standard and to clarify certain aspectsrepresent a significant portion of the standard. Early adoption of ASU 2014-09 is permitted after December 15, 2016.Company’s total operating revenues. The Company hascurrently expects that the timing or pattern of revenue recognition from tariff sales will not selected a transition methodsignificantly change. The Company's evaluation of other revenue streams is ongoing. The Company's initial assessments may change as it executes its implementation plan and new guidance is currently assessingprovided by the futureAmerican Institute of Certified Public Accountants Power and Utilities Industry Task Force. The completion of these assessments could impact of this ASU. current accounting policies, revenue recognition and disclosures in the notes to the financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments by addressing certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure. ASU 2016-01 generally requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities and loans is not changed by this ASU, but requires entities to record changes in other comprehensive income. Financial assets and financial liabilities must be separately presented by measurement category on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-01 clarifies the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The standard includes a requirement that businesses must report changes in the fair value of their own liabilities in other comprehensive income instead of earnings, and this is the only provision of the update for which the FASB is permitting early adoption. The remaining provisions of this ASU become effective for public companies for fiscal yearsreporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.2017. Upon adoption of the new standard, the Company expects to record the cumulative effects as of January 1, 2018 which will result in an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) and retained earnings for unrealized gains (losses) related to equity securities owned by the Company. The Company is currently assessingcontinuing to assess the future impact of this ASU.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring qualitative and quantitative disclosures on leasing agreements. ASU 2016-02 maintains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases similar to the distinction under previous leases guidance for capital leases and operating leases. The impact of leases reported in the Company's operating results and statement of cash flows are expected to be similar to previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


in the statement of financial position, by the lessee, of a liability to make lease payments (the lease(lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. How leases are recorded in regard to financial position represents a significant change from previous GAAP.GAAP guidance. The lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases. Implementation of the standard for public companies will be required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted for all entities.2018. Adoption of the new lease accounting standard will require the Company to apply the new standard to the earliest period using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently assessingin the futureprocess of evaluating the impact of this ASU.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions,new standard, including the income tax consequences, classificationevaluation of awards either as equity or liabilities,the impact, if any, on changes to business processes, systems and classificationcontrols to support recognition and disclosure under the new guidance, however, at this time is unable to determine the impact this standard will have on the financial statements of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.related disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 significantly changes how companies measure and recognize credit impairment for many financial assets. The new current expected credit loss model will require companies to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets that are in the scope of the standard. The ASU also makes targeted amendments to the current impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. For public business entities, theThe provisions ofin ASU 2016-13 are effectivewill be required for fiscal years and interimreporting periods within that reporting period beginning after December 15, 2019. Early implementation is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 will be applied in a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is implemented. The Company is currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.ASU 2016-13.
Reclassification. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain amountsCash Receipts and Cash Payments to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are classified in the financial statementsstatement of cash flows. The provisions in ASU 2016-15 will be required for 2015 have been reclassifiedreporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2016-15 will be applied using a retrospective transition method to conformeach period presented. If it is impracticable to apply ASU 2016-15 retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues may be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. ASU 2017-07 amends Accounting Standards Codification 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, to require companies to present the service cost component of net benefit cost in the income statement line items where compensation cost is reported. Companies will present all other components of net benefit cost separately from the line item(s) that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. The amendments in ASU 2017-07 will be required for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments in ASU 2017-07 should be applied retrospectively for the income statement presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit costs and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component. The Company is currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting, to provide guidance about when to account for a change to the 2016 presentation.terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under ASU 2017-09, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The amendments of ASU 2017-09 will be required for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2017-09 should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The Company implementedis assessing the future impact of ASU 2015-03 and2017-09; however, it currently does not expect the impact of this ASU 2015-17 in the first quarter of 2016, retrospectively to all periods presented in the Company's financial statements. See Note J and Note F, respectively.be significant.



Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (in thousands)   
  Six Months Ended
  June 30,
  2017 2016
Cash paid (received) for:   
 Interest on long-term debt and borrowings under the revolving credit facility$35,304
 $35,252
 Income tax paid, net2,251
 2,703
Non-cash investing and financing activities:   
 Changes in accrued plant additions(9,105) (6,966)
 Plant additions to be reimbursed by insurance3,525
 
 Grants of restricted shares of common stock1,171
 1,236
 Issuance of performance shares932
 


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


B. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (net of tax) by component are presented below (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                                
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$(30,256) $28,394
 $(11,770) $(13,632) $(34,628) $36,782
 $(12,032) $(9,878)Balance at beginning of period$(24,457) $32,872
 $(11,599) $(3,184) $(30,256) $28,394
 $(11,770) $(13,632)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 2,224
 
 2,224
 
 (1,191) 
 (1,191)Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 3,558
 
 3,558
 
 2,224
 
 2,224
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(276) (1,693) 77
 (1,892) 297
 135
 73
 505
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(458) (4,134) 85
 (4,507) (276) (1,693) 77
 (1,892)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300) $(34,331) $35,726
 $(11,959) $(10,564)Balance at end of period$(24,915) $32,296
 $(11,514) $(4,133) $(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300)
                                
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                                
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$(29,869) $27,765
 $(11,810) $(13,914) $(34,884) $38,957
 $(12,074) $(8,001)Balance at beginning of period$(23,928) $28,463
 $(11,651) $(7,116) $(29,869) $27,765
 $(11,810) $(13,914)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 3,966
 
 3,966
 
 (369) 
 (369)Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 9,723
 
 9,723
 
 3,966
 
 3,966
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(663) (2,806) 117
 (3,352) 553
 (2,862) 115
 (2,194)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(987) (5,890) 137
 (6,740) (663) (2,806) 117
 (3,352)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300) $(34,331) $35,726
 $(11,959) $(10,564)Balance at end of period$(24,915) $32,296
 $(11,514) $(4,133) $(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300)
                                
 Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2016 Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2015 Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2017 Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2016
 Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unrecognized Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities Net Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                                
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$(34,331) $35,726
 $(11,959) $(10,564) $(9,539) $39,483
 $(12,214) $17,730
Balance at beginning of period$(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300) $(34,331) $35,726
 $(11,959) $(10,564)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications3,777
 2,080
 
 5,857
 (24,775) 2,681
 
 (22,094)Other comprehensive income before reclassifications7,363
 12,661
 
 20,024
 3,777
 2,080
 
 5,857
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)22
 (8,881) 266
 (8,593) (17) (6,438) 255
 (6,200)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,746) (9,290) 179
 (10,857) 22
 (8,881) 266
 (8,593)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300) $(34,331) $35,726
 $(11,959) $(10,564)Balance at end of period$(24,915) $32,296
 $(11,514) $(4,133) $(30,532) $28,925
 $(11,693) $(13,300)

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016 are as follows (in thousands):
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ComponentsDetails about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Twelve Months Ended June 30, Affected Line Item in the Statement of OperationsDetails about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Twelve Months Ended June 30, Affected Line Item in the Statement of Operations
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 
                          
Amortization of pension and post-retirement benefit costs:Amortization of pension and post-retirement benefit costs:             Amortization of pension and post-retirement benefit costs:             
Prior service benefit $1,664
 $1,662
 $3,330
 $3,325
 $6,579
 $7,455
 (a)Prior service benefit $2,413
 $1,664
 $4,829
 $3,330
 $8,906
 $6,579
 (a)
Net loss (1,222) (2,250) (2,445) (4,500) (6,567) (7,730) (a)Net loss (1,694) (1,222) (3,388) (2,445) (5,908) (6,567) (a)
 442
 (588) 885
 (1,175) 12
 (275) (a) 719
 442
 1,441
 885
 2,998
 12
 (a)
Income tax effect (166) 291
 (222) 622
 (34) 292
 Income tax expenseIncome tax effect (261) (166) (454) (222) (1,252) (34) Income tax benefit
 276
 (297) 663
 (553) (22) 17
 (a) 458
 276
 987
 663
 1,746
 (22) Net income (loss)
                          
Marketable securities:Marketable securities:             Marketable securities:             
Net realized gain (loss) on sale of securities 2,110
 (182) 3,498
 3,563
 11,049
 7,946
 Investment and interest income, netNet realized gain on sale of securities 5,166
 2,110
 7,357
 3,498
 11,499
 11,049
 Investment and interest income, net
 2,110
 (182) 3,498
 3,563
 11,049
 7,946
 Income before income taxes 5,166
 2,110
 7,357
 3,498
 11,499
 11,049
 Income before income taxes
Income tax effect (417) 47
 (692) (701) (2,168) (1,508) Income tax expenseIncome tax effect (1,032) (417) (1,467) (692) (2,209) (2,168) Income tax benefit
 1,693
 (135) 2,806
 2,862
 8,881
 6,438
 Net income 4,134
 1,693
 5,890
 2,806
 9,290
 8,881
 Net income
                          
Loss on cash flow hedge:Loss on cash flow hedge:             Loss on cash flow hedge:             
Amortization of loss (123) (116) (245) (230) (482) (452) Interest on long-term debt and revolving credit facilityAmortization of loss (132) (123) (262) (245) (515) (482) Interest on long-term debt and revolving credit facility
 (123) (116) (245) (230) (482) (452) Income before income taxes (132) (123) (262) (245) (515) (482) Loss before income taxes
Income tax effect 46
 43
 128
 115
 216
 197
 Income tax expenseIncome tax effect 47
 46
 125
 128
 336
 216
 Income tax expense
 (77) (73) (117) (115) (266) (255) Net income (85) (77) (137) (117) (179) (266) Net loss
                          
Total reclassifications $1,892
 $(505) $3,352
 $2,194
 $8,593
 $6,200
 Total reclassifications $4,507
 $1,892
 $6,740
 $3,352
 $10,857
 $8,593
 
  
(a) These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note I, Employee Benefits, for additional information.

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


C. Regulation
General
The rates and services of the Company are regulated by incorporated municipalities in Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas ("PUCT"), the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission ("NMPRC"), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). Municipal orders, ordinances and other agreements regarding rates and services adopted by Texas municipalities are subject to review and approval by the PUCT. The FERC has jurisdiction over the Company's wholesale (sales for resale) transactions, transmission service and compliance with federally-mandated reliability standards. The decisions of the PUCT, the NMPRC and the FERC are subject to judicial review.
Texas Regulatory Matters
2012 Texas Retail Rate Case. On April 17, 2012, the El Paso City Council approved the settlement of the Company's 2012 Texas retail rate case and fuel reconciliation in PUCT Docket No. 40094. The PUCT issued a final order approving the settlement on May 23, 2012 and the rates were effective as of May 1, 2012. As part of the 2012 Texas retail rate settlement, the Company agreed to submit a future fuel reconciliation request covering the period beginning July 1, 2009 and ending no later than June 30, 2013 by December 31, 2013 or as part of its next rate case, if earlier. The Company filed a fuel reconciliation request covering the period July 1, 2009 through March 31, 2013, as discussed below. The 2012 Texas retail rate settlement also provided for the continuation of the energy efficiency cost recovery factor and the military base discount recovery factor. Both of these surcharges require annual filings to reconcile and revise the recovery factors.
2015 Texas Retail Rate Case Filing. On August 10, 2015, the Company filed with the City of El Paso, other municipalities incorporated in its Texas service territory, and the PUCT in Docket No. 44941, a request for an annual increase in non-fuel base revenues of approximately $71.5 million. ("2015 Texas Retail Rate Case").
On January 15, 2016, the Company filed its rebuttal testimony modifying the requested increase to $63.3 million. The Company invoked its statutory right to have its new rates relate back for consumption on and after January 12, 2016, which is the 155th day after the filing. The difference in rates that would have been billed will be surcharged or refunded to customers after the PUCT's final order in Docket No. 44941. The PUCT has the authority to require the Company to surcharge or refund such difference over a period not to exceed 18 months. On JanuaryJuly 21, 2016, the Company, the City of El Paso, the PUCT Staff, the Office of Public Utility Counsel and Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed a joint motion to abate the procedural schedule to facilitate settlement talks. This motion was granted.
On March 29, 2016, the Company and other settling parties to PUCT Docket No. 44941 filed a Non-Unanimous Stipulation and Agreement and motion to approve interim rates (the "Non-Unanimous Settlement") with the PUCT. Four parties to the rate case opposed the Non-Unanimous Settlement but not the interim rates. Interim rates reflecting an annual non-fuel base rate increase of $37 million were approved by the Administrative Law Judges ("ALJs") effective April 1, 2016 subject to refund or surcharge. Subsequent to filing the Non-Unanimous Settlement, the rate case was subject to numerous procedural matters, including a May 19, 2016 ruling by the PUCT that the Company’s initial notice did not adequately contemplate the treatment of residential customers with solar generation contained in the Non-Unanimous Settlement.
Settlement discussions continued, and on July 21, 2016, the Company filed a Joint Motion to Implement Uncontested Amended and Restated Stipulation and Agreement with the PUCT, which was unopposed by the parties to("Unopposed Settlement"). On August 25, 2016, the rate casePUCT approved the Unopposed Settlement and issued its final order in Docket No. 44941 (the "Unopposed Settlement"("PUCT Final Order")., as proposed. The terms of the Unopposed Settlement include:PUCT Final Order provided for: (i) an annual non-fuel base rate increase, of $37 million, lower annual depreciation expense, of approximately $8.5 million, a revised return on equity of 9.7% for AFUDCallowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") purposes, and includingthe inclusion of substantially all new plant in service in rate base; (ii) an additional annual non-fuel base rate increase of $3.7 million related to Four Corners Generating Station costs;("Four Corners") costs, which will be collected through a surcharge terminating on July 11, 2017; (iii) removing the separate rate treatment for residential customers with solar generation; andsystems that the Company had proposed in its August 10, 2015 filing; (iv) allowing the Company to recover most$3.1 million in rate case expenses through a separate surcharge and (v) allowing the Company to recover revenues associated with the relate back of rates to consumption on and after January 12, 2016 through March 31, 2016 through a separate surcharge.
Interim rates associated with the annual non-fuel base rate increase, became effective on April 1, 2016. The additional surcharges associated with the incremental Four Corners costs, rate case expenses and the relate back of rates to consumption on and after January 12, 2016 through March 31, 2016 were implemented on October 1, 2016.
For financial reporting purposes, the Company deferred any recognition of the Company's request in its 2015 Texas Retail Rate Case until it received the PUCT Final Order on August 25, 2016. Accordingly, it reported in the third quarter of 2016 the cumulative effect of the PUCT Final Order which related back to January 12, 2016.
2017 Texas Retail Rate Case Filing.On February 13, 2017, the Company filed with the City of El Paso, other municipalities incorporated in the Company's Texas service territory and the PUCT in Docket No. 46831, a request for an increase in non-fuel base revenues of approximately $42.5 million. On May 16, 2017, the Company filed a motion to sever rate case expense issues from the main rate case. The request was approved by the Administrative Law Judges, initiating Docket No. 47228, on June 5, 2017.
On July 21, 2017, the Company filed its rebuttal testimony modifying the requested increase to $39.2 million. The decrease from the original request related primarily to the transfer of the recovery of $3.0 million of the rate case expenses up to a date certain.separate proceeding as noted above. Hearings on the merits of the rate case are scheduled to begin on August 21, 2017. The Unopposed SettlementCompany requested, pursuant to its statutory right, to have its new rates relate back for consumption on and after July 18, 2017, which is subject to approval by the PUCT.155th day after the filing of the rate case. The settlement documents were filed with ALJs assigned to oversee the Company's Texas Rate case, whodifference in rates that would have returned the settled case to the PUCT for approval. It is anticipated that the Unopposed Settlementbeen billed will be considered bysurcharged or refunded to customers after the PUCT's final order in Docket No. 46831. The PUCT at its meeting scheduled for Augusthas the authority to require the Company to surcharge or refund such difference over a period not to exceed 18 2016.months. The costs of serving residential customers with solar generation will be addressed in a future proceeding.
GivenCompany cannot predict the uncertainties regardingoutcome or the ultimate resolutiontiming of this rate case at this time.
Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor. On May 1, 2017, the Company did not recognizefiled its annual application, which was assigned PUCT Docket No. 47125, to establish its energy efficiency cost recovery factor for 2018. In addition to projected energy efficiency costs for 2018 and a true-up to prior year actual costs, the impactsCompany requested approval of the Unopposed Settlement in the Statements of Operationsa $1.0 million bonus for the second quarter of 2016. The additional revenues resulting from the implementation of the interim rates2016 energy efficiency program results in the amount of $10.8 million were deferred and included in other current liabilitiesaccordance with PUCT rules. A hearing on the Company's Balance Sheetmerits of this case is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2017. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter at June 30, 2016. At this time, the Company believes the revenue and other impacts of the Unopposedtime.

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Settlement for financial reporting purposes will be recognized during the second half of 2016. Regardless of the ultimate timing and amounts, new rates will relate back to consumption on and after January 12, 2016.
Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor. The Company made its annual filing to establish its energy efficiency cost recovery factor for 2015 on May 1, 2014. In addition to projected energy efficiency costs for 2015 and true-up to prior year actual costs, the Company requested approval of a $2.0 million bonus for the 2013 energy efficiency program results in accordance with PUCT rules. The PUCT approved the Company's request at its November 14, 2014 open meeting. The Company recorded the $2.0 million bonus as operating revenue in the fourth quarter of 2014.
On May 1, 2015, the Company made its annual filing to establish its energy efficiency cost recovery factor for 2016. In addition to projected energy efficiency costs for 2016 and a true-up to prior year actual costs, the Company requested approval of a $1.0 million bonus for the 2014 energy efficiency program results in accordance with PUCT rules. This case was assigned PUCT Docket No. 44677. A stipulation and settlement agreement was filed September 24, 2015 and the PUCT approved the settlement on November 5, 2015. The settlement approved by the PUCT includes a performance bonus of $1.0 million. The Company recorded the performance bonus as operating revenue in the fourth quarter of 2015.
On April 29, 2016, the Company made its annual filing to establish its energy efficiency cost recovery factor for 2017. In addition to projected energy efficiency costs for 2017 and true-up to prior year actual costs, the Company requested approval of a $668 thousand bonus for the 2015 energy efficiency program results in accordance with PUCT rules. This case was assigned PUCT Docket No. 45855. The Company expects the Commission will make a final decision in the proceeding before the end of 2016.
Fuel and Purchased Power Costs. The Company's actual fuel costs, including purchased power energy costs, are recovered from customers through a fixed fuel factor. The PUCT has adopted a fuel cost recovery rule (the "Texas Fuel Rule") that allows the Company to seek periodic adjustments to its fixed fuel factor. The Company can seek to revise its fixed fuel factor based upon the approved formula at least four months after its last revision except in the month of December. The Texas Fuel Rule requires the Company to request to refund fuel costs in any month when the over-recovery balance exceeds a threshold material amount and it expects fuel costs to continue to be materially over-recovered. The Texas Fuel Rule also permits the Company to seek to surcharge fuel under-recoveries in any month the balance exceeds a threshold material amount and it expects fuel cost recovery to continue to be materially under-recovered. Fuel over- and under-recoveries are considered material when they exceed 4% of the previous twelve months' fuel costs. All such fuel revenue and expense activities are subject to periodic final review by the PUCT in fuel reconciliation proceedings.
On April 15, 2015,November 30, 2016, the Company filed a request, which was assigned PUCT Docket No. 44633,46610, to reduceincrease its fixed fuel factor by approximately 24%28.8% to reflect reducedincreased fuel expenses primarily related to a reductionan increase in the price of natural gas used to generate power. The over-recovered balance was below the PUCT's materiality threshold. The reductionincrease in the fixed fuel factor was effective on an interim basis MayJanuary 1, 20152017 and approved by the PUCT on May 20, 2015.January 10, 2017. As of June 30, 2016,2017, the Company had over-recoveredunder-recovered fuel costs in the amount of $1.0$8.5 million for the Texas jurisdiction.
Fuel Reconciliation Proceeding. Pursuant to the 2012 Texas retail rate settlement discussed above, onOn September 27, 2013,2016, the Company filed an application with the PUCT, designated as PUCT Docket No. 41852,46308, to reconcile $545.3$436.6 million of Texas fuel and purchased power expenses incurred during the 45-month period from Julyof April 1, 20092013 through March 31, 2013. A settlement was reached and a final order was issued by2016. On June 29, 2017, the PUCT on July 11, 2014 with no significant adjustments.approved a settlement in this proceeding. The PUCT's final order completessettlement provides for the regulatory review and reconciliation of the Company's fuel expenses for the periodand purchased power costs incurred from April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013.2016. Additionally, the settlement modifies and tightens the Palo Verde performance rewards measurement bands beginning with the 2018 performance period. The Company is requiredfinancial results for the three months ended June 30, 2017 include a $5.0 million, pre-tax increase to file an application byincome reflecting the endsettlement of September 2016 forthe Texas fuel reconciliation proceeding. This amount includes Palo Verde performance rewards associated with the 2013 to 2015 performance periods net of disallowed fuel and purchased power costs as approved in the Company'ssettlement. As of June 30, 2017, Texas jurisdictional fuel expenses for the period through March 31, 2016.
Montana Power Station ("MPS") Approvals. The Company has receivedand purchased power costs subject to a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity ("CCN") from the PUCT to construct four natural gas fired generating units at MPS in El Paso County, Texas. The Company also obtained air permits from thefuture Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (the "TCEQ") and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"). MPS Units 1 and 2 and associated transmission lines and common facilities were completed and placed into service in March 2015. MPS Unit 3 was completed and placed into service on May 3, 2016.fuel reconciliation are approximately $181.4 million.
Community Solar. On June 8, 2015, the Company filed a petition with the PUCT to initiate a community solar program to includethat includes the construction and ownership of a 3 MW solar photovoltaic system located at MPS.Montana Power Station. Participation will be on a voluntary basis, and customers will contract for a set capacity (kW) amount and receive all energy produced. This case was assigned PUCT Docket No. 44800. The Company filed a settlement agreement among all parties on July 1, 2016 which would approveapproving the program, and the Company expects an order from the PUCT on or about August 18, 2016 approvingapproved the settlement agreement.agreement and program on September 1, 2016. On April 19, 2017, the Company announced that the entire 3 MW program was fully subscribed by approximately 1,500 Texas customers. The Community Solar facility began commercial operation on May 31, 2017.

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Four Corners Generating Station ("Four Corners").Station. On February 17, 2015, the Company and Arizona Public Service Company ("APS") entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase("Purchase and Sale Agreement") providing for the purchase by APSsale of the Company's interestsinterest in Four Corners.Corners to APS. The sale of the Company's interest in Four Corners transaction closed on July 6, 2016. See Note D for further details on the sale of Four Corners.
On June 10, 2015, the Company filed an application in Texas requesting reasonableness and public interest findings and certain rate and accounting findings related to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. This case was assigned PUCT Docket No. 44805. Subsequent to the filing of the application, the case has been subject to numerous procedural matters, including a March 23, 2016 order in which the PUCT determined not to dismiss the reasonableness and public interest issues in this docket but to consider the requested rate and accounting findings, including coal mine reclamation costs, in a rate case proceeding. On September 1, 2016, a motion by parties in the proceeding to suspend the procedural schedule in order to pursue settlement was approved. On March 3, 2017, the Company filed a Joint Motion to Implement Stipulation and Agreement ("Stipulation and Agreement"), and PUCT Staff filed its recommendation that the Company’s disposition of its interest in Four Corners was reasonable and consistent with the public interest. Additionally, the signatories of the Stipulation and Agreement agreed to support the recovery of the Company's next rate case, which is expected to be filed in early 2017. The procedural schedule related to the public interest issues calls for a hearing to be held on October 6-7, 2016. At June 30, 2016, the regulatory asset associated with mine reclamation costs for our Texas jurisdiction approximated $7.7 million.
The Company currently continues to recover its mine reclamationFour Corners decommissioning costs in the ongoing Texas under previous ordersrate case. A final order approving the Stipulation and decisions ofAgreement was adopted by the PUCT. If any future determinations made by our regulators result in changes to how existing regulatory assets or previously incurred costs for Four Corners are recovered in rates, any such changes would be recognized only when it becomes probable future cash flows will change as a result of such regulatory actions.PUCT on March 30, 2017.
Other Required Approvals. The Company has obtained other required approvals for tariffs and approvals as required by the Public Utility Regulatory Act (the "PURA"("PURA") and the PUCT.
New Mexico Regulatory Matters
2009 New Mexico Stipulation. On December 10, 2009, the NMPRC issued a final order conditionally approving the stipulated rates in NMPRC Case No. 09-00171-UT. The stipulated rates went into effect with January 2010 bills. The stipulated rates provide for an Efficient Use of Energy Factor Rate Rider to recover energy efficiency expenditures which are updated annually for adjustment to the recovery factors.
2015 New Mexico Rate Case Filing. On May 11, 2015, the Company filed a request with the NMPRC, in Case No. 15-00127-UT, for an annual increase in non-fuel base rates of approximately $8.6 million or 7.1%. The filing also requested an annual reduction of $15.4 million, or 21.5%, for fuel and purchased power costs. Subsequently, the Company reduced its requested increase in non-fuel base rates to approximately $6.4 million.rates. On June 8, 2016, the NMPRC issued its final order approvingin Case No. 15-00127-UT ("NMPRC Final Order"), which approved an annual increase in non-fuel base rates of approximately $1.1$0.6 million, an increase of approximately $0.5 million in other service fees and a decrease in the Company's allowed return on equity to 9.48%. The final order concludesNMPRC Final Order concluded that all of the Company's new plant additions are in service was reasonable and used and useful, and that the costs were prudently incurred,necessary and therefore would be recoverable and included in rate base.rates. The Company's rates were approved by the NMPRC effective July 1, 2016 and implemented at such time.
Future New Mexico Rate Case Filing. NMPRC Case No. 15-00109-UT required the Company to make a rate filing in New Mexico in the second quarter of 2017 using a historical test year ended December 31, 2016. On March 24, 2017, the Company, NMPRC Utility Division Staff and the New Mexico Attorney General filed a Joint Motion to Modify Filing Date Stated in Final

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Order requesting that the rate filing date be changed to no later than July 31, 2019, using the appropriate historical test year period. The joint request was approved by the NMPRC on April 12, 2017.
Fuel and Purchased Power Costs. On January 8, 2014, the NMPRC approved the continuation of the Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Clause (the "FPPCAC") without modification in NMPRC Case No. 13-00380-UT. Historically, fuel and purchased power costs were recovered through base rates and a FPPCACFuel and Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Clause ("FPPCAC") that accounts for changes in the costs of fuel relative to the amount included in base rates. Effective July 1, 2016, with the implementation of the final order ofin Case No. 15-00127-UT, fuel and purchasepurchased power costs willare no longer be recovered through base rates but will be completelyare recovered through the FPPCAC. FuelThe Company's request to reconcile its fuel and purchased power costs are reconciled to actual costs on a monthly basis and recovered or refunded to customersfor the second succeeding month. The Company recovers costs related to Palo Verde Unit 3 capacity and energy in New Mexicoperiod January 1, 2013 through the FPPCAC as purchased power using a proxy market priceDecember 31, 2014 was approved in Case No. 13-00380-UT.15-00127-UT. New Mexico jurisdictional costs subject to prudence review are costs from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017 that total approximately $144.1 million. At June 30, 2016,2017, the Company had a net fuel over-recovery balance of $1.1approximately $0.3 million in New Mexico.
Montana Power Station Approvals. The Company has received a CCN from the NMPRC to construct four units at MPS and the associated transmission lines. The Company also obtained all necessary air permits from the TCEQ and the EPA. A final order in NMPRC Case No. 13-00297-UT approving the CCN for MPS Units 3 and 4 was issued on June 11, 2014. MPS Units 1 and 2 and MPS to Caliente and MPS In & Out transmission lines were completed and placed into service in March 2015. MPS Unit 3 was completed and placed into service on May 3, 2016.
Four Corners. On February 17, 2015, the Company and APS entered into the Purchase and Sale Agreement providing for the purchase by APS of the Company's interests in Four Corners. On April 27, 2015, the Company filed an application in NMPRC Case No. 15-00109-UT requesting all necessary regulatory approvals to sell its ownership interest in Four Corners. On February

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2, 2016, the Company filed a joint stipulation with the NMPRC reflecting a settlement agreement among the NMPRC's Utility Division Staff, the Company and the New Mexico Attorney General proposing approval of abandonment and sale of its seven percent minority ownership interest in Four Corners Units 4 and 5 and common facilities to APS. An addendum to the joint stipulation was subsequently filed and the joint stipulation was unopposed. A hearing in the case was held on February 16, 2016, and the Hearing Examiner issued a Certification of Stipulation on April 22, 2016 recommending approval of the joint stipulation without modification. On June 15, 2016, the NMPRC issued its final order approving the stipulation. See Note D for further details on the sale of Four Corners.
5 MW Holloman Air Force Base ("HAFB") Facility CCNCertificate of Convenience and Necessity ("CCN"). On June 15,October 7, 2015, the Company filed a petition within NMPRC Case No. 15-00185-UT, the NMPRC requestingissued a final order approving a CCN authorization to constructfor a 5 MW solar-poweredsolar power generation facility to be located aton HAFB in the Company's service territory in New Mexico. The new facility will be a dedicated Company-owned resource serving HAFB. This case was assigned NMPRC Case No. 15-00185-UT. On October 7, 2015, the NMPRC issued a final order accepting the Hearing Examiner’s Recommended Decision to approve the CCN, as modified. The Company and HAFB are in discussions fornegotiated a retail contract, which includes power sales agreement for the facility, to replace the existing load retention agreement.
Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Guarantee of Debt. Onagreement which was approved by final order issued October 7, 2015, the Company received approval5, 2016 in NMPRC Case No. 15-00280-UT16-00224-UT. Construction of the solar generation facility is expected to issue up to $310 millionbe completed in new long-term debt; and to guarantee the issuancefirst half of up to $65 million2018.
New Mexico Efficient Use of new debt by Rio Grande Resources Trust ("RGRT") to finance future purchases of nuclear fuel and to refinance existing nuclear fuel debt obligations. This approval supersedes prior approvals. Under this authorization, on March 24,Energy Recovery Factor. On July 1, 2016, the Company filed its annual application requesting approval of its 2017 Energy Efficiency and Load Management Plan and to establish energy efficiency cost recovery factors for 2017. In addition to projected energy efficiency costs for 2017, the Company requested approval of a $0.4 million incentive for 2017 energy efficiency programs in accordance with NMPRC rules. This case was assigned Case No. 16-00185-UT. On February 22, 2017, the NMPRC issued $150a Final Order approving the Company’s 2017 Energy Efficiency and Load Management Plan and authorizing recovery in 2017 of a base incentive of $0.4 million. The Company’s energy efficiency cost recovery factors were approved and effective in customer bills beginning on March 1, 2017.
On July 1, 2016, the Company filed its 2015 Annual Report for Energy Efficiency Programs, which included an incentive for verified 2015 program performance of $0.3 million, which was approved in aggregate principal amountCase No. 13-00176-UT. The Company recorded the $0.3 million approved incentive in operating revenues in the first quarter of 5.00% Senior Notes due December 1, 2044. The net proceeds from2017. In addition, on June 30, 2017, the issuanceCompany filed its 2016 Annual Report for Energy Efficiency Programs, which included an incentive for verified 2016 program performance of these senior notes, after deducting the underwriters' commission, were $158.1 million. These proceeds include accrued interest of $2.4$0.4 million and a $7.1 million premium before expenses. These senior notes constitute an additional issuance of the Company's 5.00% Senior Notes due 2044, of which $150 million was previously issued on December 1, 2014, for a total principal amount outstanding of $300 million.approved in Case No. 13-00176-UT.
Other Required Approvals. The Company has obtained other required approvals for other tariffs, securities transactions, recovery of energy efficiency costs through a base rate rider and other approvals as required by the NMPRC.
Federal Regulatory Matters
Four Corners. On June 26, 2015, APS filed an application requesting authorization from FERC to purchase 100% of the Company’s ownership interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners and the associated transmission interconnection facilities and rights. On December 22, 2015, FERC issued an order approving the proposed transaction. The Four Corners transaction closed on July 6, 2016. See Note D for further details on the sale of Four Corners.
Public Service Company of New Mexico ("PNM") Transmission Rate Case. On December 31, 2012, PNM filed with FERC to change its method of transmission rate recovery for its transmission delivery services from stated rates to formula rates. The Company takes transmission service from PNM and is among the PNM transmission customers affected by PNM's shift to formula rates. On March 1, 2013, the FERC issued an order rejecting in part PNM's filing, and establishing settlement judge and hearing procedures. On March 20, 2015, PNM filed with FERC a settlement agreement and offer of settlement resolving all issues set for hearing in the proceeding. On March 25, 2015, the Chief Judge issued an order granting PNM's motion to implement the settled rates. On March 17, 2016, FERC issued an order approving the settlement.
Revolving Credit Facility; Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Guarantee of Debt. On October 19, 2015, the FERC issued an order in Docket No. ES15-66-000 approving the Company’s filing to issue short-term debt under its existing revolving credit facility ("RCF") up to $400 million outstanding at any time, to issue up to $310 million in long-term debt, and to guarantee the issuance of up to $65 million of new long-term debt by RGRT to finance future nuclear fuel purchases. The authorization is effective from November 15, 2015 through November 15, 2017. This approval supersedes prior approvals. Under this authorization, on March 24, 2016, the Company issued $150 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due December 1, 2044. The net proceeds from the issuance of these senior notes, after deducting the underwriters' commission, were $158.1 million. These proceeds include accrued interest of $2.4 million and a $7.1 million premium before expenses. These senior notes constitute an additional issuance of the Company's 5.00% Senior Notes due 2044, of which $150 million was previously issued on December 1, 2014, for a total principal amount outstanding of $300 million.
Other Required Approvals. The Company has obtained required approvals for rates and tariffs, securities transactions and other approvals as required by the FERC.
D. Palo Verde
Decommissioning. Pursuant to the Arizona Nuclear Power Project ("ANPP") Participation Agreement and federal law, the Company funds its share of the estimated costs to decommission Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station ("Palo Verde") Units 1, 2 and 3, including the Common Facilities, through the term of their respective operating licenses and is required to maintain a minimum accumulation and funding level in its decommissioning account at the end of each annual reporting period during the life of the plant. The Company has established external trusts with an independent trustee, which enables the Company to record a current deduction for federal income tax purposes for most of the amounts funded. At June 30, 2017, the Company’s decommissioning trust fund had a balance of $271.3 million, which is above its minimum funding level. The Company monitors the status of its decommissioning funds and adjusts its deposits, if necessary.
Decommissioning costs are estimated every three years based upon engineering cost studies performed by outside engineers retained by APS. In April 2017, the Palo Verde Participants approved the 2016 Palo Verde decommissioning study (“2016 Study”). The 2016 Study estimated that the Company must fund approximately $432.8 million (stated in 2016 dollars) to cover its share of decommissioning costs which was an increase in decommissioning costs of $52.1 million (stated in 2016 dollars) from the 2013 Palo Verde decommissioning study. The effect of this change increased the ARO by $3.5 million, which was recorded during the

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D. Palo Verdesix months ended June 30, 2017, and Four Cornerswill increase annual expenses starting in April 2017. Although the 2016 Study was based on the latest available information, there can be no assurance that decommissioning cost estimates will not increase in the future or that regulatory requirements will not change. In addition, until a new low-level radioactive waste repository opens and operates for a number of years, estimates of the cost to dispose of low-level radioactive waste are subject to uncertainty. As provided in the ANPP Participation Agreement, the participants are required to conduct a new decommissioning study every three years. While the Company attempts to seek amounts in rates to meet its decommissioning obligations, it is not able to conclude given the evidence available to it now that it is probable these costs will continue to be collected over the period until decommissioning begins in 2044. The Company is ultimately responsible for these costs and its future actions combined with future decisions from regulators will determine how successful the Company is in this effort.
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Waste Disposal. Pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended in 1987 (the "NWPA"("NWPA"), the U.S. Department of Energy (the "DOE"("DOE") is legally obligated to accept and dispose of all spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste generated by all domestic power reactors by 1998. The DOE's obligations are reflected in a contract for Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and/or High-Level Radioactive Waste (the "Standard("Standard Contract") with each nuclear power plant. The DOE failed to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel by 1998.
On December 19, 2012, APS, acting on behalf of itself and the Palo Verde Participants, filed a second breach of contract lawsuit against the DOE. This lawsuit sought to recover damages incurred due to the DOE's failure to accept Palo Verde's spent nuclear fuel for the period beginning January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2011. On August 18, 2014, APS and the DOE entered into a settlement agreement, stipulating to a dismissal of the lawsuit and payment of $57.4 million by the DOE to the Palo Verde Participants for certain specified costs incurred by Palo Verde during the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2011. On October 8, 2014, the Company received approximately $9.1 million, representing its share of the award. The majority of the award was credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clauses.
On October 31, 2014, APS, acting on behalf of itself and the Palo Verde Participants, submitted to the government an additionala request for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs for the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014. The accepted claim amount was $42.0 million. On June 1, 2015, the Company received approximately $6.6 million, representing its share of the award. The majorityaward, of the awardwhich $5.8 million was credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clauses in March 2015. ThereafterAfter June 2015, APS will file annual claims for the period July 1 of the then-previous year to June 30 of the then-current year.
On November 2, 2015, APS filed a $12.0 million claim for the period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. In February 2016, the DOE notified APS of the approval of the claim. Funds related to this claim wereIn March 2016, the Company received in the first quarter of 2016. The Company'sits share of this claim isof approximately $1.9 million. The majoritymillion, of the awardwhich $1.6 million was credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clauses in Marchclauses.
On October 31, 2016, APS filed an $11.3 million claim for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. APS's next claim pursuant to the terms of the August 18, 2014 settlement agreement will be submitted toOn February 1, 2017, the DOE in the fourth quarter of 2016, and payment is expected in the second quarter of 2017.
Four Corners. On February 17, 2015, the Company and APS entered into the Purchase and Sale Agreement providing for the purchase bynotified APS of the Company’s interests in Four Corners. Four Corners continued to provide energy to serve the Company's native load up to the closing date, and is classified as held for use in the Company's June 30, 2016 financial statements. The net book valueapproval of the utility plant related to Four Corners was $31.9 million at June 30, 2016. Included in the Company's Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016 are obligations of $7.0 million and $19.5 million for plant decommissioning and mine reclamation costs, respectively, which were assumed by APS as part of the sale.
The Four Corners transaction closed on July 6, 2016. The sales price was $32.0 million based on the net book value as defined in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The sales price was adjusted downward by $7.0 million and $19.5 million, respectively, to reflect APS's assumption of the Company's obligation to pay for future plant decommissioning and mine reclamation expenses. The sales price was also adjusted downward by approximately $1.3 million for closing adjustments and other assets and liabilities assumed by APS. At the closing,claim. On March 10, 2017, the Company received approximately $4.2$1.8 million, in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. No significant gain or loss was recorded upon the closingrepresenting its share of the sale. APS will assume responsibility for all capital expenditures made after July 6, 2016. In addition, APS will indemnifyaward, of which $1.4 million was credited to customers through the Company against liabilitiesapplicable fuel adjustment clauses.
Palo Verde Operations and costs related to the future operation of Four Corners. See Note C for a discussion of regulatory filingsMaintenance Expense. Included in other operations and maintenance expenses are expenses associated with Four Corners.Palo Verde as follows (in thousands):

  2017 2016
Three months ended June 30, $25,931
 $24,048
Six months ended June 30, 47,539
 46,391
Twelve months ended June 30, 98,062
 98,343

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


E. Common Stock
Dividends. The Company paid $12.513.6 million and $11.912.5 million in quarterly cash dividends during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company paid a total of $26.2 million and 2015,$51.3 million in quarterly cash dividends during the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company paid a total of $24.5 million and $48.4 million in quarterly cash dividends during the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The Company paid a total of $23.2 million and $45.8 million in quarterly cash dividends during the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. On July 21, 2016,27, 2017, the Board of
Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31$0.335 per share payable on September 30, 201629, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 14, 2016.15, 2017.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share. The basic and diluted earnings per share are presented below (in thousands except for share data):
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share. The basic and diluted earnings per share are presented below (in thousands except for share data):
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share. The basic and diluted earnings per share are presented below (in thousands except for share data):
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:      
Basic number of common shares outstanding40,345,150
 40,269,885
40,409,030
 40,345,150
Dilutive effect of unvested performance awards54,341
 32,809
116,555
 54,341
Diluted number of common shares outstanding40,399,491
 40,302,694
40,525,585
 40,399,491
Basic net income per common share:      
Net income$22,284
 $21,072
$36,066
 $22,284
Income allocated to participating restricted stock(65) (65)(142) (65)
Net income available to common shareholders$22,219
 $21,007
$35,924
 $22,219
Diluted net income per common share:      
Net income$22,284
 $21,072
$36,066
 $22,284
Income reallocated to participating restricted stock(65) (65)(142) (65)
Net income available to common shareholders$22,219
 $21,007
$35,924
 $22,219
Basic net income per common share:      
Distributed earnings$0.310
 $0.295
$0.335
 $0.31
Undistributed earnings0.240
 0.225
0.555
 0.24
Basic net income per common share$0.550
 $0.520
$0.890
 $0.55
Diluted net income per common share:      
Distributed earnings$0.310
 $0.295
$0.335
 $0.31
Undistributed earnings0.240
 0.225
0.555
 0.24
Diluted net income per common share$0.550
 $0.520
$0.890
 $0.55

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:   
Basic number of common shares outstanding40,398,192
 40,335,236
Dilutive effect of unvested performance awards101,152
 45,404
Diluted number of common shares outstanding40,499,344
 40,380,640
Basic net income per common share:   
Net income$32,077
 $16,476
Income allocated to participating restricted stock(119) (66)
Net income available to common shareholders$31,958
 $16,410
Diluted net income per common share:   
Net income$32,077
 $16,476
Income reallocated to participating restricted stock(119) (66)
Net income available to common shareholders$31,958
 $16,410
Basic net income per common share:   
Distributed earnings$0.645
 $0.605
Undistributed earnings0.145
 (0.195)
Basic net income per common share$0.790
 $0.410
Diluted net income per common share:   
Distributed earnings$0.645
 $0.605
Undistributed earnings0.145
 (0.195)
Diluted net income per common share$0.790
 $0.410


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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Six Months Ended June 30,Twelve Months Ended June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:      
Basic number of common shares outstanding40,335,236
 40,256,615
40,381,776
 40,314,032
Dilutive effect of unvested performance awards45,404
 28,142
85,219
 42,207
Diluted number of common shares outstanding40,380,640
 40,284,757
40,466,995
 40,356,239
Basic net income per common share:      
Net income$16,476
 $24,530
$112,369
 $73,864
Income allocated to participating restricted stock(66) (71)(423) (210)
Net income available to common shareholders$16,410
 $24,459
$111,946
 $73,654
Diluted net income per common share:      
Net income$16,476
 $24,530
$112,369
 $73,864
Income reallocated to participating restricted stock(66) (71)(423) (210)
Net income available to common shareholders$16,410
 $24,459
$111,946
 $73,654
Basic net income per common share:      
Distributed earnings$0.605
 $0.575
$1.265
 $1.195
Undistributed earnings(0.195) 0.035
1.505
 0.635
Basic net income per common share$0.410
 $0.610
$2.770
 $1.830
Diluted net income per common share:      
Distributed earnings$0.605
 $0.575
$1.265
 $1.195
Undistributed earnings(0.195) 0.035
1.505
 0.635
Diluted net income per common share$0.410
 $0.610
$2.770
 $1.830

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 Twelve Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:   
Basic number of common shares outstanding40,314,032
 40,236,466
Dilutive effect of unvested performance awards42,207
 26,838
Diluted number of common shares outstanding40,356,239
 40,263,304
Basic net income per common share:   
Net income$73,864
 $81,247
Income allocated to participating restricted stock(210) (253)
Net income available to common shareholders$73,654
 $80,994
Diluted net income per common share:   
Net income$73,864
 $81,247
Income reallocated to participating restricted stock(210) (253)
Net income available to common shareholders$73,654
 $80,994
Basic net income per common share:   
Distributed earnings$1.195
 $1.135
Undistributed earnings0.635
 0.875
Basic net income per common share$1.830
 $2.010
Diluted net income per common share:   
Distributed earnings$1.195
 $1.135
Undistributed earnings0.635
 0.875
Diluted net income per common share$1.830
 $2.010

The amount of restricted stock awards and performance shares at 100% performance level excluded from the calculation of the diluted number of common shares outstanding because their effect was antidilutive is presented below:
The number of restricted stock awards and performance shares at 100% performance level excluded from the calculation of the diluted number of common shares outstanding because their effect was antidilutive is presented below:The number of restricted stock awards and performance shares at 100% performance level excluded from the calculation of the diluted number of common shares outstanding because their effect was antidilutive is presented below:
Three Months Ended Six months ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six months ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Restricted stock awards42,759
 48,669
 51,111
 58,432
 52,714
 59,380
58,792
 42,759
 68,409
 51,111
 62,352
 52,714
Performance shares (a)62,995
 59,898
 62,995
 59,898
 56,089
 48,136

 62,995
 
 62,995
 6,906
 56,089
(a)
Certain performance shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as no payouts would have been required based upon performance at the end of each corresponding period.

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(Unaudited)


F. Income Taxes
The Company files income tax returns in the United States ("U.S.") federal jurisdiction and in the states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The Company is no longer subject to tax examination by the taxing authorities in the federal, Arizona and New Mexico jurisdictions for years prior to 2011.2012. The Company is currently under audit in Texas for tax years 2007 through 2011. In June 2016, the Arizona Department of Revenue discontinued their audits for tax years 2009 through 2012. The discontinuance of the audits did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position.2010.
For the three months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, the Company’s effective tax rate was 33.9%35.4% and 31.1%33.9%, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, the Company's effective tax rate was 33.5%35.3% and 30.0%33.5%, respectively. For the twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, the Company's effective tax rate was 30.7%36.0% and 30.3%30.7%, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate for all periods differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35.0% primarily due to capital gains in the decommissioning trusts which are taxed at the federal rate of 20.0%, the allowance for equity funds used during construction ("AEFUDC"), state taxes and state taxes.the issue discussed in the following paragraph.
In November 2015, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classificationthird quarter of Deferred Taxes)2016, the Company changed its accounting for state income taxes from the flow-through method to simplify the presentation ofnormalization method in accordance with the PUCT's and NMPRC's most recent final orders. Under the flow-through method, the Company previously recorded deferred state income taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred taxtaxes and regulatory liabilities and assets offsetting such deferred state income taxes at the expected cash flow to be classified as noncurrentreflected in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods and early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to implement ASU 2015-17 on a retrospective basis for financial statements issued beginning March 31, 2016. Thefuture rates. Upon implementation of ASU 2015-17 did not havenormalization, the Company began amortizing the net regulatory asset for deferred state income taxes to deferred income tax expense over a material impact on15 year period as allowed by the Company's resultsregulators. In the third quarter of operations.2016, the Company began recording deferred state income tax expense as required by normalization, retroactive to January 2016 as provided in the final orders. The impact of ASU 2015-17 on the Company's Balance Sheetchange was to reclassify $21.6additional deferred income tax expense of $1.1 million, of current deferred tax assets to long-term deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015.$1.7 million and $4.9 million for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.
G. Commitments, Contingencies and Uncertainties
For a full discussion of commitments and contingencies, see Note K of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 20152016 Form 10-K. In addition, see Notes C and D above and Notes C and E of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 20152016 Form 10-K regarding matters related to wholesale power sales contracts and transmission contracts subject to regulation and Palo Verde, including decommissioning, spent nuclear fuel and waste disposal, and liability and insurance matters.
Power Purchase and Sale Contracts
To supplement its own generation and operating reserve requirements, and to meet required renewable portfolio standards, the Company engages in power purchase arrangements which may vary in duration and amount based on an evaluation of the Company's resource needs, the economics of the transactions, and specific renewable portfolio requirements. For a full discussion of power purchase and sale contracts that the Company has entered into with various counterparties, see Note K of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 20152016 Form 10-K. The Company is exploring the possibility of a purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates to comply with New Mexico Renewable Portfolio Standard(s) requirements and the NMPRC's approval to complete such a purchase is pending.
Environmental Matters
General. The Company is subject to extensive laws, regulations and permit requirements with respect to air and greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, water discharges, soil and water quality, waste management and disposal, natural resources and other environmental matters by federal, state, regional, tribal and local authorities. Failure to comply with such laws, regulations and requirements can result in actions by authorities or other third parties that might seek to impose on the Company administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties or other sanctions. In addition, releases of pollutants or contaminants into the environment can result in costly cleanup liabilities. These laws, regulations and requirements are subject to change through modification or reinterpretation, or the introduction of new laws and regulations and, as a result, the Company may face additional capital and operating costs to comply. For a more detailed discussion of certain key environmental issues, laws, and regulations facing
On March 28, 2017 the Company see Note Kentered into a Compliance Agreement (“Compliance Agreement”) with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under the Texas Environmental, Health and Safety Audit Privilege Act to address certain water and waste compliance issues associated with the integrity of the Notes to Financial Statementssynthetic liner of the evaporation pond at the Company’s Newman Generating Station. The Company's action plan was initiated in the 2015 Form 10-K.
Clean Air Interstate Rule/Cross State Air Pollution Rule. The EPA promulgatedsecond quarter of 2017 and will continue to be implemented over the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") in August 2011, which rule involves requirements to limit emissions of nitrogen oxides ("NOx") and sulfur dioxide ("SO2") from certainthree year period of the Company's power plants in Texas and/or purchase allowances representing other parties' emissions reductions. CSAPR was intended to replaceCompliance Agreement. The Company is currently evaluating the EPA's 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule ("CAIR"). Whilecost of performing its obligations under the U.S. Court of Appeals for theCompliance Agreement.

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") vacated CSAPR in August 2012 and allowed CAIR to stand until the EPA issued a proper replacement, on April 29, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and upheld CSAPR, remanding certain portions of CSAPR to the D.C. Circuit for further consideration. On June 26, 2014, the EPA filed a motion asking the D.C. Circuit to lift its stay on CSAPR, and on October 23, 2014, the D.C Circuit lifted its stay of CSAPR. On July 28, 2015, the D.C. Circuit ruled that the EPA's emissions budgets for 13 states including Texas are invalid, but left the rule in place on remand. On December 3, 2015, EPA published the proposed CSAPR Update Rule. While we are unable to determine the full impact of this decision until EPA takes further action, the Company believes it is currently positioned to comply with CSAPR.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS"). Under the Clean Air Act ("CAA"), the EPA sets NAAQS for six criteria pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment, including particulate matter ("PM"), NOx, carbon monoxide ("CO"), ozone, and SO2. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals. In 2010, the EPA tightened the NAAQS for both nitrogen dioxide ("NO2") and SO2. The EPA is considering a 1-hour secondary NAAQS for NO2 and SO2. In January 2013, the EPA tightened the NAAQS for fine PM. On October 1, 2015, following on its November 2014 proposal, EPA released a final rule tightening the primary and secondary NAAQS for ground-level ozone from its 2008 standard levels of 75 parts per billion ("ppb") to 70 ppb. Ozone is the main component of smog. While not directly emitted into the air, it forms from precursors, including NOx and volatile organic compounds, in combination with sunlight. The EPA is expected to make attainment/nonattainment designations for the revised ozone standards by October 1, 2017. While it is currently unknown how the areas in which we operate will ultimately be designated, for nonattainment areas classified as "Moderate" and above, states, and any tribes that choose to do so, are expected to be required to complete development of implementation plans in the 2020-2021 timeframe. Most nonattainment areas are expected to have until 2020 or 2023 to meet the primary (health) standard, with the exact attainment date varying based on the ozone level in the area. The Company continues to evaluate what impact these final and proposed NAAQS could have on its operations. If the Company is required to install additional equipment to control emissions at its facilities, the NAAQS, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material impact on its operations and financial results.
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The operation of coal-fired power plants, such as Four Corners, results in emissions of mercury and other air toxics. In December 2011, the EPA finalized Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (known as the "MATS Rule") for oil- and coal-fired power plants, which requires significant reductions in emissions of mercury and other air toxics. Several judicial and other challenges have been made to this rule, and on June 29, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court remanded the rule to the D.C. Circuit Court. On December 15, 2015, the D.C. Circuit Court issued an order remanding the rule to EPA but did not vacate the rule during remand. On April 15, 2016, the EPA completed a cost-benefit analysis of the MATS rule and reaffirmed its finding that the rule is "appropriate and necessary," which will be reviewed by the D.C. Circuit Court. The legal status of the MATS Rule notwithstanding, the Four Corners plant operator, APS, believes Units 4 and 5 will require no additional modifications to achieve compliance with the MATS Rule, as currently written. We cannot currently predict, however, what additional modifications or costs may be incurred if the EPA rewrites the MATS Rule on remand.
Other Laws and Regulations and Risks. The Company entered into an agreement to sell its interest in Four Corners to APS at the expiration of the 50-year participation agreement in July 2016. The Company believes that it has better economic and cleaner alternatives for serving the energy needs of its customers than coal-fired generation, which is subject to extensive regulation and litigation. By ceasing its participation in Four Corners, the Company expects to avoid the significant cost required to install expensive pollution control equipment in order to continue operation of the plant as well as the risks of water availability that might adversely affect the amount of power available, or the price thereof, from Four Corners in the future. On June 15, 2016, the Company received a final order containing the required regulatory approval from the NMPRC. On July 6, 2016, the closing of the transaction occurred, after which the Company no longer owns any coal-fired generation.
Coal Combustion Waste. On October 19, 2015, the EPA's final rule regulating the disposal of coal combustion residuals (the “CCR Rule”) from electric utilities as solid waste took effect. The Company had a 7% ownership interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners, the only coal-fired generating facility for which the Company had an ownership interest subject to the CCR Rule. The Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with APS in February 2015 to sell the Company’s entire ownership interest in Four Corners and closing of the sale occurred on July 6, 2016. The CCR Rule requires plant owners to treat coal combustion residuals as Subtitle D (as opposed to a more costly Subtitle C) waste. In general, the Company is liable for only 7% of costs to comply with the CCR Rule (consistent with our ownership percentage). The Company, however, believes under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and after the sale, as a former owner, that the Company is not responsible for a significant portion of the costs under the CCR Rule, such as ongoing operational costs after July 2016. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the CCR Rule to have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
On November 3, 2015, the EPA published a final rule revising wastewater effluent limitation guidelines for steam electric power generators (the "Revised ELG Rule"). The Revised ELG Rule establishes requirements for wastewater streams from certain

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


processes at affected facilities, including limits on toxic metals in wastewater discharges. Facilities must comply with the Revised ELG Rule between 2018 and 2023. The EPA anticipates that the new requirements in the Revised ELG Rule will only affect certain coal-fired steam electric power plants. Because the Company does not have an interest in Four Corners after the closing of the sale in July 2016, the Company does not expect the Revised ELG Rule will have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In 2012, several environmental groups filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ("OSM") of the U.S. Department of the Interior, challenging OSM’s 2012 approval of a permit revision which allowed for the expansion of mining operations into a new area of the mine that serves Four Corners ("Area IV North"). In April 2015, the court issued an order invalidating the permit revision, thereby prohibiting mining in Area IV North until OSM takes action to cure the defect in its permitting process identified by the court. On December 29, 2015, OSM took action to cure the defect in its permitting process by issuing a revised environmental assessment and finding of no new significant impact, and reissued the permit. This action is subject to possible judicial review. On March 30, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals vacated and dismissed the federal court decision that halted operations in Area IV North at the Navajo Mine.
On April 20, 2016, the same environmental groups filed a new complaint in Arizona's federal district court, challenging multiple permits and approvals issued to both the Navajo Mine and Four Corners authorizing operations from July 2016 onwards. The complaint seeks to enjoin federal agencies, including the OSM and Bureau of Indian Affairs, from authorizing any element of the power plant or mine without further environmental impact analysis.
Climate Change. In recent years, there has been increasing public debate regarding the potential impact of global climate change. There has been a wide-ranging policy debate, both nationally and internationally, regarding the impact of GHG and possible means for their regulation. In addition, efforts have been made and continue to be made in the international community toward the adoption of international treaties or protocols that would address global climate change issues. Most recently, in 2015, the United States participated in the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, which led to creation of the Paris Agreement. On April 22, 2016, 175 countries, including the United States, signed the Paris Agreement, signaling their intent to join. Those countries that subsequently ratify the agreement will be required to review and "represent a progression" in their intended nationally determined contributions, which set GHG emission reduction goals, every five years, beginning in 2020.
The U.S. federal government has either considered, proposed, and/or finalized legislation or regulations limiting GHG emissions, including carbon dioxide. In particular, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation to restrict or regulate GHG emissions. In the past few years, the EPA began using the CAA to regulate carbon dioxide and other GHG emissions, such as the 2009 GHG Reporting Rule and the EPA's sulfur hexafluoride ("SF6") reporting rule, both of which apply to the Company, as well as the EPA's 2010 actions to impose permitting requirements on new and modified sources of GHG emissions. After announcing his plan to address climate change in 2013, the President directed the EPA to issue proposals for GHG rulemaking addressing power plants. In October 2015, the EPA published a final rule establishing new source performance standards ("NSPS") limiting CO2 emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed electric generating units. In October 2015, the EPA also published a rule establishing guidelines for states to regulate CO2 emissions from existing power plants, as well as a proposed "federal plan" to address CO2 emissions from affected units in those states that do not submit an approvable compliance plan. The standards for existing plants are known as the Clean Power Plan ("CPP"), under which rule interim emissions performance rates must be achieved beginning in 2022 and final emissions performance rates by 2030. Legal challenges to the CPP were filed by groups of states and industry members. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision to stay the rule until legal issues are resolved. We cannot at this time determine the impact the CPP and related rules and legal challenges may have on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
H. Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In many of these matters, the Company has excess casualty liability insurance that covers the various claims, actions and complaints. The Company regularly analyzes current information and, as necessary, makes provisions in its financial statements for probable liabilities for the eventual disposition of these matters. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, based upon a review of the matters and applicable insurance coverage, the Company believes that none of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. The Company expenses legal costs, including expenses related to loss contingencies, as they are incurred.

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


See Notes C and G above and Notes C and K of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 20152016 Form 10-K for discussion of the effects of government legislation and regulation on the Company.

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


I. Employee Benefits
Retirement Plans
The net periodic benefit cost recognized for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016 is made up of the components listed below as determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017
2016 2017 2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost:                      
Service cost$1,905
 $2,100
 $3,810
 $4,200
 $8,402
 $8,425
$1,989
 $1,905
 $4,259
 $3,810
 $8,450
 $8,402
Interest cost3,265
 3,625
 6,530
 7,250
 13,775
 14,632
3,282
 3,265
 6,530
 6,530
 13,039
 13,775
Expected return on plan assets(4,713) (4,948) (9,425) (9,895) (19,325) (19,258)(4,787) (4,713) (9,595) (9,425) (19,049) (19,325)
Amortization of:                      
Net loss1,887
 2,750
 3,775
 5,500
 8,922
 10,065
2,138
 1,887
 4,227
 3,775
 7,791
 8,922
Prior service benefit(877) (887) (1,755) (1,775) (3,486) (3,528)(875) (877) (1,753) (1,755) (3,504) (3,486)
Net periodic benefit cost$1,467
 $2,640
 $2,935
 $5,280
 $8,288
 $10,336
$1,747
 $1,467
 $3,668
 $2,935
 $6,727
 $8,288
During the six months ended June 30, 20162017, the Company contributed $2.86.5 million of its projected $6.210.0 million 20162017 annual contribution to its retirement plans.
Other Postretirement Benefits
The net periodic benefit cost recognized for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016 is made up of the components listed below (in thousands): 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost:           
Components of net periodic benefit:           
Service cost$715
 $875
 $1,430
 $1,750
 $3,134
 $3,173
$530
 $715
 $1,118
 $1,430
 $2,457
 $3,134
Interest cost872
 1,025
 1,745
 2,050
 3,730
 4,281
684
 872
 1,362
 1,745
 2,784
 3,730
Expected return on plan assets(460) (525) (920) (1,050) (1,940) (2,108)(483) (460) (953) (920) (1,868) (1,940)
Amortization of:                      
Prior service benefit(787) (775) (1,575) (1,550) (3,093) (3,927)(1,538) (787) (3,076) (1,575) (5,402) (3,093)
Net gain(665) (500) (1,330) (1,000) (2,355) (2,335)(444) (665) (839) (1,330) (1,883) (2,355)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)$(325) $100
 $(650) $200
 $(524) $(916)
Net periodic benefit$(1,251) $(325) $(2,388) $(650) $(3,912) $(524)
During the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, the Company contributed $1.1$0.2 million of its projected $1.7$2.4 million 20162017 annual contribution to its other post retirementpostretirement benefits plan.
J. Financial Instruments and Investments
The FASB guidance requires the Company to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. The Company has determined that cash and temporary investments, investment in debt securities, accounts receivable, decommissioning trust funds, long-term debt, short-term borrowings under the RCF,Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF"), accounts payable and customer deposits meet the definition of financial

23

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and customer deposits approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. Investments in debt securities and decommissioning trust funds are carried at estimated fair value.

21

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


Long-Term Debt and Short-Term Borrowings Under the RCF. The fair values of the Company's long-term debt and short-term borrowings under the RCF are based on estimated market prices for similar issues and are presented below (in thousands): 
June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Carrying
Amount (1)
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount (1)
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Pollution Control Bonds$190,637
 $214,132
 $190,499
 $212,624
$190,913
 $204,498
 $190,775
 $206,818
Senior Notes992,924
 1,193,209
 837,475
 829,864
993,254
 1,173,767
 993,086
 1,112,285
RGRT Senior Notes (2)(1)94,740
 101,215
 94,686
 100,345
94,849
 98,075
 94,795
 98,855
RCF (2)(1)101,614
 101,614
 141,738
 141,738
178,884
 178,884
 81,574
 81,574
Total$1,379,915
 $1,610,170
 $1,264,398
 $1,284,571
$1,457,900
 $1,655,224
 $1,360,230
 $1,499,532
_______________ 
(1)The Company implemented ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of ASU 2015-03 on the Company's Balance Sheet was to reclassify $11.6 million of other deferred charges to long-term debt, net of current portion at December 31, 2015.
(2)
Nuclear fuel financing, as of June 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, is funded through the $95 million RGRTRio Grande Resources Trust ("RGRT") Senior Notes and $34.6$38.9 million and $33.7$37.6 million, respectively under the RCF. As of June 30, 2016, $67.02017, $140.0 million was outstanding under the RCF for working capital or general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2015, $108.02016, $44.0 million was outstanding under the RCF for working capital or general corporate purposes. The interest rate on the Company's borrowings under the RCF is reset throughout the quarter reflecting current market rates. Consequently, the carrying value approximates fair value.
Marketable Securities. The Company's marketable securities, included in decommissioning trust funds in the Balance Sheets, are reported at fair value which was $248.2$271.3 million and $239.0$255.7 million at June 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. These securities are classified as available for sale and recorded at their estimated fair value using the FASB guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities. The reported fair values include gross unrealized losses on marketable securities whose impairment the Company has deemed to be temporary. The tables below present the gross unrealized losses and the fair value of these securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands): 
June 30, 2016June 30, 2017
Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer TotalLess than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Description of Securities (1):
                      
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities$497
 $(5) $584
 $(6) $1,081
 $(11)$15,446
 $(188) $415
 $(19) $15,861
 $(207)
U.S. Government Bonds6,174
 (54) 14,844
 (461) 21,018
 (515)35,388
 (598) 9,816
 (630) 45,204
 (1,228)
Municipal Obligations2,020
 (23) 9,018
 (540) 11,038
 (563)
Corporate Obligations1,498
 (30) 3,300
 (166) 4,798
 (196)
Municipal Debt Obligations6,903
 (165) 5,928
 (482) 12,831
 (647)
Corporate Debt Obligations7,308
 (79) 2,944
 (235) 10,252
 (314)
Total Debt Securities10,189
 (112) 27,746
 (1,173) 37,935
 (1,285)65,045
 (1,030) 19,103
 (1,366) 84,148
 (2,396)
Common Stock2,146
 (504) 
 
 2,146
 (504)718
 (65) 
 
 718
 (65)
Institutional Equity Funds-International Equity21,360
 (1,774) 
 
 21,360
 (1,774)
Total Temporarily Impaired Securities$33,695
 $(2,390) $27,746
 $(1,173) $61,441
 $(3,563)$65,763
 $(1,095) $19,103
 $(1,366) $84,866
 $(2,461)
 
_________________
(1)
Includes 93136 securities.

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


December 31, 2015December 31, 2016
Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer TotalLess than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Description of Securities (2):
                      
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities$9,383
 $(97) $1,113
 $(47) $10,496
 $(144)$11,582
 $(239) $436
 $(22) $12,018
 $(261)
U.S. Government Bonds24,094
 (310) 14,272
 (623) 38,366
 (933)31,655
 (762) 17,976
 (835) 49,631
 (1,597)
Municipal Obligations8,286
 (160) 7,388
 (446) 15,674
 (606)
Corporate Obligations6,058
 (722) 2,307
 (228) 8,365
 (950)
Municipal Debt Obligations9,596
 (394) 4,067
 (372) 13,663
 (766)
Corporate Debt Obligations7,971
 (172) 2,092
 (172) 10,063
 (344)
Total Debt Securities47,821
 (1,289) 25,080
 (1,344) 72,901
 (2,633)60,804
 (1,567) 24,571
 (1,401) 85,375
 (2,968)
Common Stock3,584
 (344) 
 
 3,584
 (344)2,760
 (167) 
 
 2,760
 (167)
Institutional Equity Funds-International Equity22,454
 (768) 
 
 22,454
 (768)22,945
 (110) 
 
 22,945
 (110)
Total Temporarily Impaired Securities$73,859
 $(2,401) $25,080
 $(1,344) $98,939
 $(3,745)$86,509
 $(1,844) $24,571
 $(1,401) $111,080
 $(3,245)
 
_________________
(2)
Includes 133152 securities.
The Company monitors the length of time specific securities trade below itstheir cost basis along with the amount and percentage of the unrealized loss in determining if a decline in fair value of marketable securities below recorded cost is considered to be other than temporary. The Company recognizes impairment losses on certain of its securities deemed to be other than temporary. In accordance with the FASB guidance, these impairment losses are recognized in net income, and a lower cost basis is established for these securities. In addition, the Company will research the future prospects of individual securities as necessary. The Company does not anticipate expending monies held in trust before 2044 or a later period when decommissioning of Palo Verde begins.
For the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, the Company recognized other than temporary impairment losses on its available-for-sale securities as follow (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, June 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015
Unrealized holding losses included in pre-tax income$
 $
 $(156) $
 $(494) $

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Unrealized holding losses included in pre-tax income$
 $
 $
 $(156) $(196) $(494)
The reported securities also include gross unrealized gains on marketable securities which have not been recognized in the Company's net income. The table below presents the unrecognized gross unrealized gains and the fair value of these securities, aggregated by investment category (in thousands): 
June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gains
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Gains
Description of Securities:              
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities$17,852
 $725
 $9,589
 $438
$6,662
 $272
 $7,430
 $319
U.S. Government Bonds37,332
 1,670
 12,033
 136
13,846
 311
 12,237
 138
Municipal Obligations11,747
 539
 8,671
 332
Corporate Obligations17,455
 1,265
 10,110
 368
Municipal Debt Obligations5,197
 161
 2,481
 144
Corporate Debt Obligations20,981
 995
 12,350
 655
Total Debt Securities84,386
 4,199
 40,403
 1,274
46,686
 1,739
 34,498
 1,256
Common Stock67,574
 34,603
 72,636
 37,001
53,489
 30,766
 61,884
 34,066
Equity Mutual Funds29,153
 863
 18,853
 91
54,236
 7,028
 42,244
 3,345
Institutional Funds - International Equity26,149
 3,174
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents5,686
 
 8,204
 
5,889
 
 6,002
 
Total$186,799
 $39,665
 $140,096
 $38,366
$186,449
 $42,707
 $144,628
 $38,667

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The Company's marketable securities include investments in mortgage backed securities, municipal, corporate and federal debt obligations. Substantially all of the Company's mortgage-backed securities, based on contractual maturity, are due in ten years or more. The mortgage-backed securities have an estimated weighted average maturity which generally range from two years to six years and reflects anticipated future prepayments. The contractual year for maturity of these available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 20162017 is as follows (in thousands): 
Total 2016 2017
through
2020
 2021 through 2025 2026 and BeyondTotal 2017 2018
through
2021
 2022 through 2026 2027 and Beyond
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities$22,523
 $
 $5
 $338
 $22,180
U.S. Government Bonds59,050
 5,893
 24,224
 15,981
 12,952
Municipal Debt Obligations$22,785
 $711
 $8,957
 $11,727
 $1,390
18,028
 796
 6,215
 9,743
 1,274
Corporate Debt Obligations22,253
 
 4,799
 8,920
 8,534
31,233
 
 12,309
 8,949
 9,975
U.S. Government Bonds58,350
 3,404
 27,172
 14,676
 13,098
The Company's marketable securities in its decommissioning trust funds are sold from time to time and the Company uses the specific identification basis to determine the amount to reclassify out offrom accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income. The proceeds from the sale of these securities during the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016 and the related effects on pre-tax income are as follows (in thousands): 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Proceeds from sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities$16,634
 $12,516
 $40,712
 $37,158
 $106,121
 $109,095
$36,476
 $16,634
 $62,531
 $40,712
 $113,087
 $106,121
Gross realized gains included in pre-tax income$2,409
 $33
 $4,241
 $3,815
 $12,805
 $8,410
$5,322
 $2,409
 $7,909
 $4,241
 $12,880
 $12,805
Gross realized losses included in pre-tax income(299) (215) (587) (252) (1,262) (464)(156) (299) (552) (587) (1,185) (1,262)
Gross unrealized losses included in pre-tax income
 
 (156) 
 (494) 

 
 
 (156) (196) (494)
Net gains (losses) included in pre-tax income$2,110
 $(182) $3,498
 $3,563
 $11,049
 $7,946
Net gains included in pre-tax income$5,166
 $2,110
 $7,357
 $3,498
 $11,499
 $11,049
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income$2,790
 $(1,563) $4,980
 $(549) $2,623
 $3,210
$4,458
 $2,790
 $12,179
 $4,980
 $15,643
 $2,623
Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(2,110) 182
 (3,498) (3,563) (11,049) (7,946)
Net gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(5,166) (2,110) (7,357) (3,498) (11,499) (11,049)
Net gains (losses) in other comprehensive
income
$680
 $(1,381) $1,482
 $(4,112) $(8,426) $(4,736)$(708) $680
 $4,822
 $1,482
 $4,144
 $(8,426)
Fair Value Measurements. The FASB guidance requires the Company to provide expanded quantitative disclosures for financial assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Financial assets carried at fair value include the Company's decommissioning trust investments and investments in debt securities which are included in deferred charges and other assets on the Balance Sheets. The Company has no liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. Financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include the nuclear decommissioning trust investments in active exchange-traded equity securities, mutual funds and U.S. Treasury securities that are in a highly liquid and active market. The Institutional Funds are valued using the Net Asset Value ("NAV") provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV price is quoted on a restrictive market although the underlying investments are traded on active markets. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company concluded that the NAV used for determining the fair value of the Institutional Funds-International Equity investments have readily determinable fair values. Accordingly, such fund values have been re-categorized from Level 2 to Level 1 hierarchy.
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include the nuclear decommissioning trust investments in

24

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


fixed income securities. The fair value of these financial instruments is based on evaluated prices that reflect observable market information, such as actual trade information of similar securities, adjusted for observable differences. The Institutional Funds are valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV price is quoted on a restrictive market although the underlying investments are traded on active markets.

26

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


Level 3 – Unobservable inputs using data that is not corroborated by market data and primarily based on internal Company analysis using models and various other analysis. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs are the Company's investment in debt securities.
The securities in the Company's decommissioning trust funds are valued using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The FASB guidance identifies this valuation technique as the "market approach" with observable inputs. The Company analyzes available-for-sale securities to determine if losses are other than temporary.
The fair value of the Company's decommissioning trust funds and investments in debt securities at June 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016, and the level within the three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined by the FASB guidance are presented in the table below (in thousands): 
Description of SecuritiesFair Value as of June 30, 2016 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Trading Securities:       
Investments in Debt Securities$1,376
 $
 $
 $1,376
Available for sale:       
U.S. Government Bonds$58,350
 $58,350
 $
 $
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities18,933
 
 18,933
 
Municipal Bonds22,785
 
 22,785
 
Corporate Asset Backed Obligations22,253
 
 22,253
 
Subtotal Debt Securities122,321
 58,350
 63,971
 
Common Stock69,720
 69,720
 
 
Equity Mutual Funds29,153
 29,153
 
 
Institutional Funds-International Equity (1)21,360
      
Cash and Cash Equivalents5,686
 5,686
 
 
Total Available for Sale$248,240
 $162,909
 $63,971
 $
Description of SecuritiesFair Value as of December 31, 2015 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair Value as of June 30, 2017 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Trading Securities:              
Investments in Debt Securities$1,543
 $
 $
 $1,543
$1,538
 $
 $
 $1,538
Available for sale:       
Available for Sale:       
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities$22,523
 $
 $22,523
 $
U.S. Government Bonds$50,399
 $50,399
 $
 $
59,050
 59,050
 
 
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities20,085
 
 20,085
 
Municipal Bonds24,345
 
 24,345
 
Corporate Asset Backed Obligations18,475
 
 18,475
 
Subtotal Debt Securities113,304
 50,399
 62,905
 
Municipal Debt Obligations18,028
 
 18,028
 
Corporate Debt Obligations31,233
 
 31,233
 
Subtotal, Debt Securities130,834
 59,050
 71,784
 
Common Stock76,220
 76,220
 
 
54,207
 54,207
 
 
Equity Mutual Funds18,853
 18,853
 
 
54,236
 54,236
 
 
Institutional Funds-International Equity (1)22,454
      26,149
 26,149
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents8,204
 8,204
 
 
5,889
 5,889
 
 
Total Available for Sale$239,035
 $153,676
 $62,905
 $
$271,315
 $199,531
 $71,784
 $

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


(1) In accordance with ASU 2015-07 Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
Description of SecuritiesFair Value as of December 31, 2016 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Trading Securities:       
Investments in Debt Securities$1,421
 $
 $
 $1,421
Available for Sale:       
Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities$19,448
 $
 $19,448
 $
U.S. Government Bonds61,868
 61,868
 
 
Municipal Debt Obligations16,144
 
 16,144
 
Corporate Debt Obligations22,413
 
 22,413
 
Subtotal, Debt Securities119,873
 61,868
 58,005
 
Common Stock64,644
 64,644
 
 
Equity Mutual Funds42,244
 42,244
 
 
Institutional Funds-International Equity22,945
 22,945
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents6,002
 6,002
 
 
Total Available for Sale$255,708
 $197,703
 $58,005
 $

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements categories due to changes in observable inputs during the three, six and twelve month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. There were no purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements related to the assets in the Level 3 fair value measurement category during the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.

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Table of Contents

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

We have reviewed the condensed balance sheet of El Paso Electric Company (the Company) as of June 30, 20162017, the related condensed statements of operations and comprehensive operations for the three-month, six-month, and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016, and the related condensed statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016. These condensed financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheet of El Paso Electric Company as of December 31, 20152016, and the related statements of operations, comprehensive operations, changes in common stock equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 29,24, 20162017, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 20152016, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Houston, Texas
August 5, 20164, 2017

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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The information contained in this Item 2 updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the information set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our 20152016 Form 10-K.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than statements of historical informationfact, are “forward-looking statements.” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933.1933, as amended (the "Securities("Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange("Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements often include words like we "believe", "anticipate", "target", "project", "expect", "predict", "pro-forma""pro forma", "estimate", "intend", "will", "is designed to", "plan", and words of similar meaning, or are indicated by the Company's discussion of strategies or trends. Forward-looking statements describe ourthe Company's future plans, objectives, expectations andor goals. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurances can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements address future events and conditions and include, but are not limited to:
capital expenditures,
earnings,
liquidity and capital resources,
ratemaking/regulatory matters,
litigation,
accounting matters,
possible corporate restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions,
compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,
interest rates and dividends,
environmental matters,
nuclear operations,
operation of the Company's generating units and its transmission and distribution systems, and
the overall economy of our service area.
These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses in light of the Company's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors the Company believes were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, the Company continues to face many risks and uncertainties. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:
actions of ourthe Company's regulators,
ourthe Company's ability to fully and timely recover ourits costs and earn a reasonable rate of return on ourits invested capital through the rates that we areit is permitted to charge,
rates, cost recovery mechanisms and other regulatory matters including the ability to recover fuel costs on a timely basis,
the ability of ourthe Company's operating partners to maintain plant operations and manage operation and maintenance ("O&M") costs at the Palo Verde plant,Nuclear Generating Station ("Palo Verde"), including costs to comply with any new or expanded regulatory or environmental requirements,
reductions in output at generation plants operated by us,the Company,
the size of ourthe Company's construction program and ourits ability to complete construction on budget and on time,
ourthe Company's reliance on significant customers,
the credit worthiness of ourthe Company's customers,
unscheduled outages of generating units including outages at Palo Verde,
changes in customers' demand for electricity as a result of energy efficiency initiatives and emerging competing services and technologies, including distributed generation,
individual customer groups, including distributed generation customers, may not pay their full cost of service, and other customers may or may not be required to pay the difference,
changes in, and the assumptions used for, retirementpension and other post-retirement and post-employment benefit liability calculations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on retirementpension plan and other post-retirement plan assets,
the impact of changing cost escalation and other assumptions on ourthe Company's nuclear decommissioning liability for Palo Verde, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on decommissioning trust fund assets,
disruptions in our transmission system, and in particular the lines that deliver power from our remote generating facilities,
electric utility deregulation or re-regulation,
regulated and competitive markets,

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disruptions in the Company's transmission system, and in particular the lines that deliver power from its remote generating facilities,
the sufficiency of the Company's insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms,
electric utility deregulation or re-regulation,
regulated and competitive markets,
ongoing municipal, state and federal activities,
cuts in military spending or shutdowns of the federal government that reduce demand for ourthe Company's services from military and governmental customers,
political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments,
homeland security considerations, including those associated with the U.S./Mexico border region and the energy industry,
changes in environmental laws and regulations and the enforcement or interpretation thereof, including those related to air, water or greenhouse gas emissions or other environmental matters,
economic, commercial bank and capitalfinancial market conditions,
actions by credit rating agencies,
changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,
changing weather trends and the impact of severe weather conditions,
possible physical or cyber attacks, intrusions or other catastrophic events,
the impact of lawsuits filed against us,the Company,
the impact of changes in interest rates or rates of inflation,
Texas, New Mexico and electric industry utility service reliability standards,
coal, uranium, natural gas, oil and wholesale electricity prices and availability,
possible income tax and interest payments as a result of audit adjustments proposed by the Internal Revenue Service or state taxing authorities,
the impact of U.S. health care reform legislation,
the effectiveness of the Company's risk management activities,
loss of key personnel, ourthe Company's ability to recruit and retain qualified employees and ourthe Company's ability to successfully implement succession planning, and
other circumstances affecting anticipated operations, sales and costs.
These lists are not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. A discussion of some of these factors is included in the 20152016 Form 10-K under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management's Discussion and Analysis” “-SummaryAnalysis Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”Estimates and “-LiquidityLiquidity and Capital Resources.” This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in its entirety. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Any forward-looking statementsstatement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, as we areand the Company is not obligated to update any forward-looking statementsstatement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made, except as required by applicable laws or regulations.


Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes for the periods presented and actual results could differ in future periods from those estimates. Critical accounting policies and estimates are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require complex, subjective judgments and are more fully described in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2015the Annual Report of El Paso Electric Company on Form 10-K.10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 ("2016 Form 10-K").


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Summary
The following is an overview of our results of operations for the three, six and twelve month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016. Net income and basic earnings per share for the three, six and twelve month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and 20152016 are shown below: 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income (in thousands)$22,284
 $21,072
 $16,476
 $24,530
 $73,864
 $81,247
$36,066
 $22,284
 $32,077
 $16,476
 $112,369
 $73,864
Basic earnings per share0.55
 0.52
 0.41
 0.61
 1.83
 2.01
0.89
 0.55
 0.79
 0.41
 2.77
 1.83

Financial Effect of the PUCT Final Order
Regulatory Lag
OurOn August 25, 2016, the Public Utility Commission of Texas ("PUCT") issued its final order in the Company's rate case in Docket No. 44941 ("PUCT Final Order"). The PUCT Final Order had a significant effect on the Company's financial results of operations for the three, six, and twelve months ended June 30, 2017, the impacts of which are reflected in the table below. For financial reporting purposes, the Company deferred any recognition of the Company's request in its 2015 Texas retail rate case until it received the PUCT Final Order in August 2016. Accordingly, it recorded in the third quarter of 2016 comparedthe cumulative effect of the PUCT Final Order that related back to January 12, 2016. The impact of the PUCT Final Order recorded in August 2016 relating to the same periods in 2015three and six months ended June 30, 2016 would have been negatively impactedincreased net income by approximately $8.0 million and $12.6 million, respectively. Likewise as a resultit relates to the PUCT Final Order, net income for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016 would have increased by approximately $12.6 million while net income for the twelve months ended June 30, 2017 would have decreased by approximately $12.6 million. Furthermore, because the Company recorded the cumulative effect of the completionPUCT’s Final Order in August 2016, it is expected that results of Montana Power Station ("MPS") Units 1 & 2 (including common plant, transmission lines and substation) andoperations for the Eastside Operations Center ("EOC"), duethree months ended September 30, 2017 will not be comparative to the regulatory lag associated withresults of operations for the placement in service ofthese assets without a corresponding increase in revenues. The placement in service of MPS Unit 3 in

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May 2016 and the anticipated completion of MPS Unit 4 inthree months ended September 2016 will continue the negative impact of regulatory lag until new and higher rates become effective. As discussed in Note C of the Notes to Financial Statements, interim rates subject to refund or surcharge were implemented on April 1, 2016 in Texas. However, due to the uncertainties surrounding the rate case, the Company did not recognize the effects of the increased interim rates in our Statements of Operations. The Company believes rates reflecting the recovery of the investment in and related costs of MPS Units 1 & 2 and the EOC in our Texas jurisdiction will be in place in the second half of30, 2016. New rates reflecting such recovery were implemented in New Mexico effective July 1, 2016. The Company anticipates filing new rate cases in Texas and New Mexico in early 2017 to reflect MPS Units 3 & 4 in rate base. The primary impact from these assets being placed in service include a reduction in amounts capitalized for allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and increases in depreciation, operations and maintenance ("O&M") expense, property taxes and interest cost.
The following table and accompanying explanations showshows the primary factors affecting the after-tax change in net income between the 20162017 and 20152016 periods presented (in thousands): 
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2015 net income $21,072
 $24,530
 $81,247
Change in (net of tax):      
Increased retail non-fuel base revenues (a) 1,992
 2,616
 12,674
Increased (decreased) investment and interest income (b) 1,769
 (95) 2,581
(Increased) decreased operation and maintenance at fossil-fuel generating plants (c) 45
 (2,016) 472
Increased interest on long-term debt (d) (1,171) (1,247) (3,217)
Increased depreciation and amortization (e) (466) (1,590) (3,822)
Decreased allowance for funds used during construction (f) (148) (2,712) (8,076)
(Increased) decreased administrative and general expenses (g) 268
 (208) (3,791)
Deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 (h) (12) (636) (2,196)
Other (101) (1,295) (1,614)
Changes in the effective tax rate (i) (964) (871) (394)
June 30, 2016 net income $22,284
 $16,476
 $73,864
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2016 net income $22,284
 $16,476
 $73,864
Change in (net of tax):      
Increased retail non-fuel base revenues (a) 12,062
 15,421
 41,607
Palo Verde performance rewards, net (b) 3,253
 3,253
 3,253
Increased investment and interest income (c) 2,477
 3,289
 744
Decreased depreciation and amortization (d) 882
 1,765
 6,935
Decreased allowance for funds used during construction (e) (1,838) (3,923) (6,098)
Increased administrative and general expenses (f) (1,438) (1,019) (672)
Increased taxes other than income taxes (g) (1,264) (1,860) (2,676)
Increased interest on long-term debt (h) (71) (1,220) (3,673)
Other (i) (281) (105) (915)
June 30, 2017 net income $36,066
 $32,077
 $112,369
 
______________
All information presented below is expressed in pre-tax amounts except when stated otherwise.

(a)Retail non-fuel base revenues increased for the three and sixmonths ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 comparedprimarily due to the non-fuel base rate increase approved in the PUCT Final Order. The three and six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to increased2016 did not include approximately $11.3 million of retail non-fuel base revenues for the period from our residential customers and small commercial and industrial customers primarily due to increased kWh sales that resulted from an increaseApril 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016, which revenues were not recognized until the PUCT Final Order was approved in average number of customers served and warmer weather. These increases were partially offset by the decreased revenues from sales to public authorities and large commercial and industrial customers.August 2016.

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Warmer weather and the 1.8% growth in the average number of retail customers served also contributed to the increase in retail non-fuel base revenues.

Retail non-fuel base revenues increased for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the non-fuel base rate increase approved in the PUCT Final Order. The six months ended June 30, 2016 did not include approximately $17.2 million of retail non-fuel base revenues for the period from January 12, 2016 through June 30, 2016, which revenues were not recognized until the PUCT Final Order was approved in August 2016. The 1.7% growth in the average number of retail customers served also contributed to the increase in retail non-fuel base revenues.

Retail non-fuel base revenues increased for the twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 20152016 primarily due to increased revenues from our residential customers, small commercial and industrial customers and sales to public authorities primarily due to increased kWh sales that resulted from anthe non-fuel base rate increase approved in the PUCT Final Order. The 1.6% growth in the average number of retail customers served and warmer weather, and from our large commercial and industrial customers duealso contributed to an interruptible rate adjustment. For a complete discussion ofthe remaining increase in retail non-fuel base revenues, see page 34.32 for a complete discussion.

(b)Palo Verde performance rewards, associated with the 2013 to 2015 performance periods, net of disallowed fuel and purchased power costs related to the resolution of the Texas fuel reconciliation proceeding designated as PUCT Docket No. 46308 for the period from April 2013 through March 2016, were recorded in June 2017 with no comparable amount in 2016.

(c)Investment and interest income increased for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2015 primarily due to higher realized gains on securities sold from our Palo Verde decommissioning trust in 20162017 compared to 2015.
(c)O&M expenses at our fossil fuel generating plants increased for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to maintenance outages on Four Corners Units 4 & 5 and Rio Grande Unit 7 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015. These increases were partially offset by a maintenance outage at Newman Unit 5 in 2015, with no comparable expense in the six months ended June 30, 2016.

(d)InterestDepreciation and amortization decreased for the three, six, and twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three, six, and twelve months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to reductions in depreciation rates as approved in the PUCT Final Order and in the final order in the NMPRC final order in Case No. 15-00127-UT issued on long-term debtJune 8, 2016 ("NMPRC Final Order"), and the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners Generating Station ("Four Corners"). These decreases were partially offset by increases in plant, including Montana Power Station ("MPS") Units 3 and 4, which were placed in service in May and September 2016, respectively.

(e)Allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") decreased for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016 due to (i) lower balances of construction work in progress ("CWIP"), primarily due to MPS Units 3 and 4 being placed in service in 2016, and (ii) reductions in the AFUDC rate.

(f)Administrative and general ("A&G") expense increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 20162017 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015,2016 primarily due to timing of the accrual of employee incentive compensation and an annual merit increase. A&G expense increased for the twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to (i) timing of the accrual of employee incentive compensation and an annual merit increase, and (ii) increased regulatory expenses due to our recent Texas and New Mexico rate cases. These increases were partially offset by decreased pension and benefit costs due primarily to (i) changes in actuarial assumptions used to calculate the pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, and (ii) the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners.

(g)Taxes other than income taxes increased for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to increased revenue related taxes and increased property valuations in Texas as a result of MPS Units 3 and 4 being placed in service in 2016.

Taxes other than income taxes increased for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to increased revenue related taxes and increased property valuations in Texas as a result of MPS Units 3 and 4 being placed in service in 2016. These increases were partially offset by decreased property taxes in New Mexico due to decreased property valuations.

(h)Interest on long-term debt increased for the $150six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the $150.0 million principal amount of 5.00% senior notes issued in March 2016.

(i)Other for the twelve months ended June 30, 2017 includes an increase in the effective tax rate due to the change to normalize state income taxes partially offset by an increase in other revenues due to additional miscellaneous service revenues approved in the PUCT Final Order and in the NMPRC Final Order.

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Interest on long-term debt increased for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to interest on the $150 million of 5.00% senior notes each of which were issued in December 2014 and March 2016.
(e)Depreciation and amortization increased for the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015 due to an increase in depreciable plant, primarily due to MPS Unit 3, which was placed in service in May 2016, partially offset by a change in the estimated useful life of certain intangible software assets.
Depreciation and amortization increased for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015 due to an increase in depreciable plant, primarily due to MPS Units 1 & 2, and the EOC being placed in service in March 2015 and MPS Unit 3 being placed in service in May 2016, partially offset by a change in the estimated useful life of certain intangible software assets.
(f)AFUDC decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to a reduction in the AFUDC rate effective January 2016, partially offset by the AFUDC earned on construction costs related to MPS Units 3 & 4 in 2016.
AFUDC decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to a reduction in the AFUDC rate effective January 2016 and lower balances of construction work in progress ("CWIP"), primarily due to MPS Units 1 & 2 and the EOC being placed in service in March 2015, partially offset by AFUDC earned on construction costs related to MPS Units 3 & 4 in 2016.
AFUDC decreased for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015 due to lower balances of CWIP, primarily due to MPS Units 1 & 2 and the EOC being placed in service in March 2015 and a reduction in the AFUDC rate. These decreases were partially offset by the AFUDC earned on construction costs related to MPS Units 3 & 4 in 2016.
(g)Administrative and general expense increased for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to increased (i) employee payroll and incentive compensation and (ii) benefit costs primarily due to medical claims paid partially offset by decreased benefit costs due to a change in actuarial assumptions used to calculate our employee pension plan and (iii) regulatory expense due to the 2015 New Mexico rate case costs being expensed on a current basis.
(h)Deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, decreased primarily due to 21.8% and 23.0%, respectively, decreases in proxy market prices as compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015, reflecting a decline in the price of natural gas. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in generation for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016 due in part to a Unit 3 planned 2015 spring refueling outage that was completed in May 2015 with no comparable outage in 2016.
(i)The effective tax rate changed for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to the reduction of the domestic production manufacturing deduction and changes in state taxes.


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Historical Results of Operations
The following discussion includes detailed descriptions of factors affecting individual line items in the results of operations. The amounts presented below are presented on a pre-tax basis.
Operating revenues
We realize revenue from the sale of electricity to retail customers at regulated rates and the sale of energy in the wholesale power market generally at market-based prices. Sales for resale (which are FERC-regulatedFederal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") regulated cost-based wholesale sales within our service territory) accounted for less than 1% of revenues.
As discussed in Regulatory Lag above, we implemented interim rates in our Texas Jurisdiction on April 1, 2016. Given the uncertainties regarding the ultimate resolution of our Texas rate case, additional revenues resulting from the implementation of interim rates in the amount of $10.8 million were deferred and included in other current liabilities on the Company's Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016.
Revenues from the sale of electricity include fuel costs that are recovered from our customers through fuel adjustment mechanisms. Historically, a significant portion of fuel costs have been recovered through base rates in New Mexico. Effective July 1, 2016, with the implementation of the final order of our New Mexico rate case,NMPRC Final Order, fuel costs willare no longer be recovered through base rates. Beginning July 1, 2016, all fuel costs will beare recovered through a fuel adjustment mechanism. We record deferred fuel revenues for the difference between actual fuel costs and recoverable fuel revenues until such amounts are collected from or refunded to customers. “Non-fuel"Non-fuel base revenues”revenues" refers to our revenues from the sale of electricity excluding such fuel costs.    
No retail customer accounted for more than 4%3% of our non-fuel base revenues. Residential and small commercial customers comprise 75% or moreapproximates 77% of our non-fuel base revenues. While this customer base is more stable, it is also more sensitive to changes in weather conditions. The current rate structures in Texas and New Mexico reflect higher base rates during the peak summer season of May through October and lower base rates during November through April for our residential and small commercial and industrial customers. As a result, our business is seasonal, with higher kWh sales and revenues during the summer cooling season.
Weather significantly impacts our residential, small commercial and industrial customers, and to a lesser extent, our sales to public authorities. Heating and cooling degree days can be used to evaluate the effect of weather on energy use. For each degree the average outdoor temperature varies from a standard of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, a degree day is recorded. For the three six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016,2017, retail non-fuel base revenues were positively impacted by warmer weather when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016. Cooling degree days for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased 14.8% when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016, and were 4.5% above the 10-year average. Weather had minimal impact in the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015. Cooling degree days in the second quarter of 2016 increased 3.9% when compared to the second quarter of 2015, but were 6.4% below the 10-year average. Cooling degree days for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased 2.6%2017, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, but were 6.9% below the 10-year average. For theand twelve months ended June 30, 2016, cooling degree days increased 13.9% when compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, and were 6.2% above the 10-year average. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, heating degree days decreased 6.4% when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, and were 10.0% below the 10-year average. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, heating degree days decreased 2.2% when compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, and were 7.2% below the 10-year average.2016. The table below shows heating and cooling degree days compared to a 10-year average.
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30, June 30,
  10-Year   10-Year   10-Year  10-Year   10-Year   10-Year
2016 2015 Average 2016 2015 Average 2016 2015 Average*2017 2016 Average 2017 2016 Average 2017 2016 Average*
Heating degree days75
 53
 72
 1,129
 1,206
 1,255
 2,018
 2,064
 2,174
45
 75
 68
 855
 1,129
 1,203
 1,577
 2,018
 2,157
Cooling degree days965
 929
 1,031
 988
 963
 1,061
 2,864
 2,514
 2,696
1,108
 965
 1,060
 1,180
 988
 1,093
 3,003
 2,864
 2,732
______________
* Calendar year basis.
Customer growth is a key driver of the growth of retail sales. The average number of retail customers grew 1.5%1.8% and 1.7% for both the three and six month periodsmonths ended June 30, 20162017, respectively, when compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015,2016, and 1.4%1.6% for the twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 when compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015.2016. See the tables presented on pages 35, 36, 37, and 38,37, which provide detail on the average number of retail customers and the related revenues and kWh sales.
Retail non-fuel base revenues. Retail non-fuel base revenues increased $3.1 million, or 2.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to the non-fuel base rate increase approved in the PUCT Final Order. The three months ended June 30, 2016 whendid not include approximately $11.3 million of retail non-fuel base revenues for the period from April 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016, which revenues were not recognized until the PUCT Final Order was approved in August 2016. Warmer weather and the 1.8% growth in the average number of retail customers served also contributed to the increase in retail non-fuel base revenues.
Excluding the $11.3 million PUCT Final Order impact, for the three months ended June 30, 2017, retail non-fuel base revenues increased $7.3 million pre-tax, or 4.5%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015. The2016. This increase primarily includes (i) a $4.3 million increase in retail non-fuel base revenues includes a $3.3 million increase from sales to residential customers due to a 6.7% increase in kWh sales which were driven by warmer weather and a $0.8 million1.6% increase from sales to small commercial and industrial customers, reflecting increases of 1.5% in the average number of residential customers, served for both categories, as well as(ii) a $1.2 million increase in revenues from sales to public authorities due to a 4.5% increase in kWh sales which were driven by warmer weather, experiencedand (iii) a $1.1 million increase in the second quarter of 2016. KWh sales to residential customers and small commercial and industrial customers

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increased by 5.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Retail non-fuel base revenues from sales to public authorities and largesmall commercial and industrial customers decreased $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, reflectingdue to a 3.5% and 2.8% decrease2.2% increase in kWh sales.sales which were driven by a 2.5% increase in the average number of small commercial and industrial customers.
Retail non-fuel base revenues increased $4.0 million, or 1.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to the non-fuel base rate increase approved in the PUCT Final Order. The six months ended June 30, 2016 did not include approximately $17.2 million of retail non-fuel base revenues for the period from January 12, 2016 through June 30, 2016, which revenues were not recognized until the PUCT Final Order was approved in August 2016. The 1.7% growth in the average number of retail customers served also contributed to the increase in retail non-fuel base revenues. Weather had minimal impact in the six months ended June 30, 2017, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015. This includes a $4.0 million increase from sales2016 due to residential customers and a $1.0 million increase from sales to small commercial and industrial customers, reflecting increases of 1.5% and 1.4%, respectively,milder weather in the average numberfirst quarter of customers served, as well as2017 offsetting warmer weather in the second quarter of 2017.
Excluding the $17.2 million PUCT Final Order impact, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, retail non-fuel base revenues increased $6.5 million pre-tax, or 2.4%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016. KWhThis increase primarily includes (i) a $3.5 million increase in revenues from residential customers due to a 1.7% increase in kWh sales towhich were driven by a 1.5% increase in the average number of residential customers served, and (ii) a $2.1 million increase in revenues from small commercial and industrial customers increaseddue to a 1.2% increase in kWh sales which were driven by 3.8% and 1.5%, respectively. Retail non-fuel revenues from largea 3.2% increase in the average number of small commercial and industrial customers and sales to public authorities each decreased by $0.5 million, reflecting a 3.0% and 1.5% decreaseserved.
The increase in kWh sales, respectively.
Retailreported retail non-fuel base revenues increased $19.5 million, or 3.5%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, when2017 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015.2016 was $64.0 million. Included in this increase is $58.1 million related to the effects of the PUCT Final Order received in August 2016. The annual impact of the PUCT Final Order was $40.9 million all of which was recorded in the twelve months ended June 30, 2017. Included in the PUCT Final Order annual impact was $17.2 million related to the period from January 12, 2016 through June 30, 2016 which was recognized in August 2016.
Excluding the PUCT Final Order impact, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2017, retail non-fuel base revenues increased by $5.9 million or 1.0% compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2016. This includesincrease primarily included a $15.0$3.7 million increase from sales to residential customers and a $3.0 million increase fromin sales to small commercial and industrial customers reflecting increasesand a $3.0 million increase in sales to residential customers due to an increase in kWh sales of 1.4%0.7% and 0.4%, respectively, which were driven by an increase in the average number of customers served for both categories, as well as warmer weather experienced in the third quarter of 2015 and second quarter of 2016. KWh sales to residential customers and small commercial and industrial and residential customers increased by 6.3%served of 2.8% and 1.7%1.5%, respectively. Retail non-fuel revenuesRevenues from large commercial and industrial customers increased $0.8decreased by $1.3 million, primarily due to an interruptible rate adjustment forreduced demand by the steel manufacturing industry and a decrease in surcharges billed to a large customer. Retail non-fuel
The three and six months ended June 30, 2017 included approximately $0.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of base revenues from sales to public authorities increased $0.7 million, reflecting a 1.7% increase in kWh sales, due primarily to a 2.2% increase in average number of customers served and warmer weather experiencedassociated with the Four Corners surcharge which was established in the third quarterPUCT Final Order. This surcharge represents $3.7 million of 2015annualized base revenue and second quarter of 2016.in accordance with the PUCT Final Order, was discontinued in July 2017.
Fuel revenues. Fuel revenues consist of (i) revenues collected from customers under fuel recovery mechanisms approved by the state commissions and the FERC, (ii) deferred fuel revenues which are comprised of the difference between fuel costs and fuel revenues collected from customers, and (iii) prior to July 1, 2016, fuel costs recovered in base rates in New Mexico. In New Mexico, effective July 1, 2016, with the implementation of the NMPRC Final Order, fuel and with our sales for resale customer, the fuel adjustment clause allows us to recover under-recoveries or refund over-recoveries of current fuelpurchased power costs above the amountwill no longer be recovered inthrough base rates, withas it was historically, but will be completely recovered through the Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Clause ("FPPCAC"). Fuel and purchased power costs are reconciled to actual costs on a two-month lag.monthly basis and recovered or refunded to customers the second succeeding month. In Texas, fuel costs are recovered through a fixed fuel factor. We can seek to revise our fixed fuel factor based upon an approved formula at least four months after our last revision except in the month of December. In addition, if we materially over-recover fuel costs, we must seek to refund the over-recovery, and if we materially under-recover fuel costs, we may seek a surcharge to recover those costs. Fuel over- and under-recoveries are defined as material when they exceed 4% of the previous twelve months' fuel costs.
In the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, we under-recovered our fuel costs by $6.1$5.8 million and $2.0over-recovered our fuel costs by $2.7 million, respectively. In the twelve months ended June 30, 2016,2017, we over-recoveredunder-recovered our fuel costs by $0.5$10.2 million. In May 2014, we implemented a 6.9% increase in our fixed fuel factorContributing to the under-recovery balance in Texas which was based upon a formula that reflects increases in prices for natural gas. On April 15, 2015, we filed a request, which was assigned PUCT Docket No. 44633, to reduce our fixedis the recognition of $5.0 million resulting from the settlement of the Texas fuel factor by approximately 24% to reflect an expected reduction in fuel expense. The over-recovered balance was below the materiality threshold. The reductionreconciliation in the fixed fuel factor was effective on an interim basis on May 1, 2015, and was approved by the PUCT on May 20, 2015.second quarter of 2017. In September 2014, March 2015,2016 and March 2016, $7.9 million, $5.82017, $1.6 million and $1.6$1.4 million, respectively, were credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clauses as the result of a reimbursement from the DOEU.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") related to spent nuclear fuel storage. At June 30, 2016,2017, we had a net fuel over-recoveryunder-recovery balance of $2.0$8.2 million, including an under-recovery of $8.5 million in Texas, offset by an over-recovery of $1.1$0.3 million in New MexicoMexico. On November 30, 2016, we filed a request to increase our Texas fixed fuel factor by approximately 28.8% to reflect increased fuel expenses primarily related to an increase in the price of natural gas used to generate power. The increase in our Texas fixed fuel factor was effective on an interim basis on January 1, 2017 and $1.0 million in Texas and an under-recovery of $0.1 million for our FERC regulated customer.was approved by the PUCT on January 10, 2017.
Off-system sales. Off-system sales are wholesale sales into markets outside our service territory. Off-system sales are primarily made in off-peak periods when we have competitive generation capacity available after meeting our regulated service obligations. We have shared 100% of margins on non-arbitrage sales (as defined by the settlement)settlement in PUCT Docket No. 41852) and 50% of

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margins on arbitrage sales with our Texas customers since April 1, 2014. For the period April 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, our total share of margins assignable to the Texas retail jurisdiction, on arbitrage and non-arbitrage off-system sales, may not exceed 10% of the total margins assignable to the Texas retail jurisdiction on all off-system sales. Prior to April 1, 2014, we shared 90% of off-system sales margins with our Texas customers, and we retained 10% of off-system sales margins. We are currently sharing 90% of off-system sales margins with our New Mexico customers, and 25% of our off-system sales margins with our sales for resale customer under the terms of their contract. Palo Verde's availability is an important factor in realizing these off-system sales margins.
Off-system sales revenues decreased $3.4increased $0.9 million, or 26.6%9.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2016,2017, when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015,2016, as a result of lowerhigher average market prices for power, andpartially offset by a 12.9%16.8% decrease in kWh sales. Retained margins from off-system sales for the three months ended June 30, 2016 were relatively unchanged when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015. Off-system sales revenues decreased $9.2increased $3.7 million, or 30.6%17.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015,2016, as a result of lowerhigher average market prices for power, andpartially offset by a 14.3%5.6% decrease in kWh sales. Retained margins from off-system sales were relatively unchanged for the six months ended June 30, 2016, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015. Off-system sales revenues decreased $22.4$6.3 million, or 28.7%11.3%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016,2017, when compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015,2016, as a result of lower average market prices for power and an 8.6%a 19.7% decrease in kWh sales. Retained margins from off-system sales decreased $0.1 million, or 8.3%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015.






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Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):    
     Increase (Decrease)
Quarter Ended June 30:2017 2016 Amount Percent
kWh sales:       
Retail:       
Residential724,656
 679,035
 45,621
 6.7 %
Commercial and industrial, small647,377
 633,714
 13,663
 2.2
Commercial and industrial, large276,391
 270,908
 5,483
 2.0
Sales to public authorities423,374
 405,277
 18,097
 4.5
Total retail sales2,071,798
 1,988,934
 82,864
 4.2
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale21,718
 20,668
 1,050
 5.1
Off-system sales374,861
 450,801
 (75,940) (16.8)
Total wholesale sales396,579
 471,469
 (74,890) (15.9)
Total kWh sales2,468,377
 2,460,403
 7,974
 0.3
Operating revenues:       
Non-fuel base revenues:       
Retail:       
Residential$75,027
 $62,679
 $12,348
 19.7 %
Commercial and industrial, small57,090
 54,707
 2,383
 4.4
Commercial and industrial, large10,443
 9,489
 954
 10.1
Sales to public authorities27,544
 24,672
 2,872
 11.6
Total retail non-fuel base revenues (1)170,104
 151,547
 18,557
 12.2
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale859
 826
 33
 4.0
Total non-fuel base revenues170,963
 152,373
 18,590
 12.2
Fuel revenues:       
Recovered from customers during the period57,148
 26,219
 30,929
 
Under collection of fuel (2)5,822
 6,096
 (274) (4.5)
New Mexico fuel in base rates (3)
 16,602
 (16,602) 
Total fuel revenues (4)62,970
 48,917
 14,053
 28.7
Off-system sales:       
Fuel cost8,833
 8,398
 435
 5.2
Shared margins1,089
 852
 237
 27.8
Retained margins403
 213
 190
 89.2
Total off-system sales10,325
 9,463
 862
 9.1
Other (5)7,585
 7,112
 473
 6.7
Total operating revenues$251,843
 $217,865
 $33,978
 15.6
Average number of retail customers (6):       
Residential367,686
 361,812
 5,874
 1.6 %
Commercial and industrial, small41,860
 40,832
 1,028
 2.5
Commercial and industrial, large48
 49
 (1) (2.0)
Sales to public authorities5,622
 5,274
 348
 6.6
Total415,216
 407,967
 7,249
 1.8

(1)2016 excludes $11.3 million of relate back revenues in Texas from April 2016 through June 2016 which were recorded in August 2016.
(2)2017 includes $5.0 million related to the Palo Verde performance rewards, net.
(3)Historically, fuel and purchased power costs in the New Mexico jurisdiction were recorded through base rates and a FPPCAC that accounts for the changes in the costs of fuel relative to the amount included in base rates. Effective July 1, 2016, with the implementation of the NMPRC Final Order, these costs are no longer recovered through base rates but are recovered through the FPPCAC.
(4)Includes deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the New Mexico jurisdiction of $2.2 million and $1.9 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(5)Represents revenues with no related kWh sales.
(6)The number of retail customers presented is based on the number of service locations.

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Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):    
     Increase (Decrease)
Quarter Ended June 30:2016 2015 Amount Percent
kWh sales:       
Retail:       
Residential679,035
 640,940
 38,095
 5.9 %
Commercial and industrial, small633,714
 626,968
 6,746
 1.1
Commercial and industrial, large270,908
 278,822
 (7,914) (2.8)
Sales to public authorities405,277
 419,882
 (14,605) (3.5)
Total retail sales1,988,934
 1,966,612
 22,322
 1.1
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale20,668
 20,504
 164
 0.8
Off-system sales450,801
 517,752
 (66,951) (12.9)
Total wholesale sales471,469
 538,256
 (66,787) (12.4)
Total kWh sales2,460,403
 2,504,868
 (44,465) (1.8)
Operating revenues:       
Non-fuel base revenues:       
Retail:       
Residential$62,679
 $59,422
 $3,257
 5.5 %
Commercial and industrial, small54,707
 53,864
 843
 1.6
Commercial and industrial, large9,489
 9,879
 (390) (3.9)
Sales to public authorities24,672
 25,317
 (645) (2.5)
Total retail non-fuel base revenues151,547
 148,482
 3,065
 2.1
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale826
 689
 137
 19.9
Total non-fuel base revenues152,373
 149,171
 3,202
 2.1
Fuel revenues:       
Recovered from customers during the period26,219
 28,949
 (2,730) (9.4)
Under collection of fuel6,096
 4,855
 1,241
 25.6
New Mexico fuel in base rates16,602
 16,437
 165
 1.0
Total fuel revenues (1)48,917
 50,241
 (1,324) (2.6)
Off-system sales:       
Fuel cost8,398
 10,419
 (2,021) (19.4)
Shared margins852
 2,316
 (1,464) (63.2)
Retained margins213
 164
 49
 29.9
Total off-system sales9,463
 12,899
 (3,436) (26.6)
Other (2)7,112
 7,197
 (85) (1.2)
Total operating revenues$217,865
 $219,508
 $(1,643) (0.7)
Average number of retail customers (3):       
Residential361,812
 356,495
 5,317
 1.5 %
Commercial and industrial, small40,832
 40,213
 619
 1.5
Commercial and industrial, large49
 50
 (1) (2.0)
Sales to public authorities5,274
 5,273
 1
 
Total407,967
 402,031
 5,936
 1.5
Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):    
     Increase (Decrease)
Six Months Ended June 30:2017 2016 Amount Percent
kWh sales:       
Retail:       
Residential1,269,784
 1,248,120
 21,664
 1.7 %
Commercial and industrial, small1,147,967
 1,133,940
 14,027
 1.2
Commercial and industrial, large529,389
 515,834
 13,555
 2.6
Sales to public authorities758,937
 751,512
 7,425
 1.0
Total retail sales3,706,077
 3,649,406
 56,671
 1.6
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale32,639
 32,509
 130
 0.4
Off-system sales971,623
 1,029,474
 (57,851) (5.6)
Total wholesale sales1,004,262
 1,061,983
 (57,721) (5.4)
Total kWh sales4,710,339
 4,711,389
 (1,050) 
Operating revenues:       
Non-fuel base revenues:       
Retail:       
Residential$126,337
 $110,422
 $15,915
 14.4 %
Commercial and industrial, small90,875
 86,847
 4,028
 4.6
Commercial and industrial, large18,343
 17,582
 761
 4.3
Sales to public authorities45,094
 42,072
 3,022
 7.2
Total retail non-fuel base revenues (1)280,649
 256,923
 23,726
 9.2
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale1,322
 1,195
 127
 10.6
Total non-fuel base revenues281,971
 258,118
 23,853
 9.2
Fuel revenues:       
Recovered from customers during the period104,768
 48,753
 56,015
 
Under (over) collection of fuel (2) (3)(2,708) 1,993
 (4,701) 
New Mexico fuel in base rates (4)
 32,828
 (32,828) 
Total fuel revenues (5)102,060
 83,574
 18,486
 22.1
Off-system sales:       
Fuel cost20,361
 16,890
 3,471
 20.6
Shared margins3,302
 3,407
 (105) (3.1)
Retained margins862
 573
 289
 50.4
Total off-system sales24,525
 20,870
 3,655
 17.5
Other (6)14,622
 13,112
 1,510
 11.5
Total operating revenues$423,178
 $375,674
 $47,504
 12.6
Average number of retail customers (7):       
Residential366,497
 360,929
 5,568
 1.5 %
Commercial and industrial, small41,968
 40,684
 1,284
 3.2
Commercial and industrial, large49
 49
 
 
Sales to public authorities5,528
 5,324
 204
 3.8
Total414,042
 406,986
 7,056
 1.7

(1)2016 excludes $17.2 million of relate back revenues in Texas from January 12, 2016 through June 30, 2016 which were recorded in August 2016.
(2)Includes the portion of DOE refunds related to spent fuel storage of $1.4 million and $1.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, that were credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clauses.
(3)2017 includes $5.0 million related to the Palo Verde performance rewards, net.
(4)Historically, fuel and purchased power costs in the New Mexico jurisdiction were recorded through base rates and a FPPCAC that accounts for the changes in the costs of fuel relative to the amount included in base rates. Effective July 1, 2016, with the implementation of the NMPRC Final Order, these costs are no longer recovered through base rates but are recovered through the FPPCAC.
(5)Includes deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the New Mexico jurisdiction of $1.9$5.0 million and $4.0 million in 2017 and 2016, and 2015.respectively.
(2)(6)Represents revenues with no related kWh sales.
(3)(7)The number of retail customers presented is based on the number of service locations.


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Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):    Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):    
    Increase (Decrease)    Increase (Decrease)
Six Months Ended June 30:2016 2015 Amount Percent
Twelve Months Ended June 30:2017 2016 Amount Percent
kWh sales:              
Retail:              
Residential1,248,120
 1,202,593
 45,527
 3.8 %2,827,453
 2,816,665
 10,788
 0.4 %
Commercial and industrial, small1,133,940
 1,117,034
 16,906
 1.5
2,417,474
 2,401,420
 16,054
 0.7
Commercial and industrial, large515,834
 531,942
 (16,108) (3.0)1,044,300
 1,046,554
 (2,254) (0.2)
Sales to public authorities751,512
 762,975
 (11,463) (1.5)1,579,935
 1,574,105
 5,830
 0.4
Total retail sales3,649,406
 3,614,544
 34,862
 1.0
7,869,162
 7,838,744
 30,418
 0.4
Wholesale:              
Sales for resale32,509
 32,449
 60
 0.2
62,216
 63,407
 (1,191) (1.9)
Off-system sales1,029,474
 1,201,281
 (171,807) (14.3)1,869,657
 2,329,140
 (459,483) (19.7)
Total wholesale sales1,061,983
 1,233,730
 (171,747) (13.9)1,931,873
 2,392,547
 (460,674) (19.3)
Total kWh sales4,711,389
 4,848,274
 (136,885) (2.8)9,801,035
 10,231,291
 (430,256) (4.2)
Operating revenues:              
Non-fuel base revenues:              
Retail:              
Residential$110,422
 $106,362
 $4,060
 3.8 %$294,689
 $250,325
 $44,364
 17.7 %
Commercial and industrial, small86,847
 85,834
 1,013
 1.2
198,970
 188,449
 10,521
 5.6
Commercial and industrial, large17,582
 18,128
 (546) (3.0)39,831
 39,865
 (34) (0.1)
Sales to public authorities42,072
 42,575
 (503) (1.2)99,903
 90,741
 9,162
 10.1
Total retail non-fuel base revenues(1)256,923
 252,899
 4,024
 1.6
633,393
 569,380
 64,013
 11.2
Wholesale:              
Sales for resale1,195
 1,129
 66
 5.8
2,534
 2,521
 13
 0.5
Total non-fuel base revenues258,118
 254,028
 4,090
 1.6
635,927
 571,901
 64,026
 11.2
Fuel revenues:              
Recovered from customers during the period48,753
 63,371
 (14,618) (23.1)204,412
 113,147
 91,265
 80.7
Under (over) collection of fuel (1)1,993
 (10,832) 12,825
 
Under (over) collection of fuel (2) (3)10,192
 (517) 10,709
 
New Mexico fuel in base rates(4)32,828
 32,550
 278
 0.9
451
 72,407
 (71,956) (99.4)
Total fuel revenues (2)(5)83,574
 85,089
 (1,515) (1.8)215,055
 185,037
 30,018
 16.2
Off-system sales:              
Fuel cost16,890
 23,284
 (6,394) (27.5)42,404
 46,012
 (3,608) (7.8)
Shared margins3,407
 6,252
 (2,845) (45.5)5,527
 8,203
 (2,676) (32.6)
Retained margins573
 520
 53
 10.2
1,426
 1,415
 11
 0.8
Total off-system sales20,870
 30,056
 (9,186) (30.6)49,357
 55,630
 (6,273) (11.3)
Other (3)13,112
 14,081
 (969) (6.9)
Other (6) (7)34,101
 29,721
 4,380
 14.7
Total operating revenues$375,674
 $383,254
 $(7,580) (2.0)$934,440
 $842,289
 $92,151
 10.9
Average number of retail customers (4):       
Average number of retail customers (8):       
Residential360,929
 355,625
 5,304
 1.5 %364,922
 359,621
 5,301
 1.5 %
Commercial and industrial, small40,684
 40,127
 557
 1.4
41,656
 40,529
 1,127
 2.8
Commercial and industrial, large49
 50
 (1) (2.0)49
 49
 
 
Sales to public authorities5,324
 5,245
 79
 1.5
5,405
 5,289
 116
 2.2
Total406,986
 401,047
 5,939
 1.5
412,032
 405,488
 6,544
 1.6
 


(1)Included in the increase from 2016 to 2017 is $58.1 million related to the effects of the PUCT Final Order received in August 2016. See page 33 for a complete discussion.
(2)Includes the portion of DOE refunds related to spent fuel storage of $1.4 million and $1.6 million in 2017 and $5.8 million in 2016, and 2015, respectively, that were credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clauses.
(2)(3)2017 includes $5.0 million related to the Palo Verde performance rewards, net.
(4)Historically, fuel and purchased power costs in the New Mexico jurisdiction were recorded through base rates and a FPPCAC that accounts for the changes in the costs of fuel relative to the amount included in base rates. Effective July 1, 2016, with the implementation of the NMPRC Final Order, these costs are no longer recovered through base rates but are recovered through the FPPCAC.
(5)Includes deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the New Mexico jurisdiction of $4.0$9.7 million and $5.0$8.7 million in 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively.
(3)(6)Represents revenues with no related kWh sales.
(4)(7)Includes an Energy Efficiency Bonus of $0.8 million and $1.3 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(8)The number of retail customers presented is based on the number of service locations.

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Comparisons of kWh sales and operating revenues are shown below (in thousands):    
     Increase (Decrease)
Twelve Months Ended June 30:2016 2015 Amount Percent
kWh sales:       
Retail:       
Residential2,816,665
 2,650,095
 166,570
 6.3 %
Commercial and industrial, small2,401,420
 2,360,331
 41,089
 1.7
Commercial and industrial, large1,046,554
 1,077,752
 (31,198) (2.9)
Sales to public authorities1,574,105
 1,547,801
 26,304
 1.7
Total retail sales7,838,744
 7,635,979
 202,765
 2.7
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale63,407
 61,458
 1,949
 3.2
Off-system sales2,329,140
 2,548,183
 (219,043) (8.6)
Total wholesale sales2,392,547
 2,609,641
 (217,094) (8.3)
Total kWh sales10,231,291
 10,245,620
 (14,329) (0.1)
Operating revenues:       
Non-fuel base revenues:       
Retail:       
Residential$250,325
 $235,311
 $15,014
 6.4 %
Commercial and industrial, small188,449
 185,426
 3,023
 1.6
Commercial and industrial, large39,865
 39,076
 789
 2.0
Sales to public authorities90,741
 90,070
 671
 0.7
Total retail non-fuel base revenues569,380
 549,883
 19,497
 3.5
Wholesale:       
Sales for resale2,521
 2,278
 243
 10.7
Total non-fuel base revenues571,901
 552,161
 19,740
 3.6
Fuel revenues:       
Recovered from customers during the period113,147
 152,721
 (39,574) (25.9)
Over collection of fuel (1)(517) (21,081) 20,564
 97.5
New Mexico fuel in base rates72,407
 70,937
 1,470
 2.1
Total fuel revenues (2)185,037
 202,577
 (17,540) (8.7)
Off-system sales:       
Fuel cost46,012
 58,537
 (12,525) (21.4)
Shared margins8,203
 17,980
 (9,777) (54.4)
Retained margins1,415
 1,543
 (128) (8.3)
Total off-system sales55,630
 78,060
 (22,430) (28.7)
Other (3) (4)29,721
 30,664
 (943) (3.1)
Total operating revenues$842,289
 $863,462
 $(21,173) (2.5)
Average number of retail customers (5):       
Residential359,621
 354,497
 5,124
 1.4 %
Commercial and industrial, small40,529
 39,988
 541
 1.4
Commercial and industrial, large49
 49
 
 
Sales to public authorities5,289
 5,173
 116
 2.2
Total405,488
 399,707
 5,781
 1.4

(1)2016 includes the portion of a DOE refund related to spent fuel storage of $1.6 million that was credited to customers through the applicable fuel adjustment clause. 2015 includes the portion of two DOE refunds related to spent fuel which totaled $13.7 million offset in part by $2.2 million related to Palo Verde performance rewards, net.
(2)Includes deregulated Palo Verde Unit 3 revenues for the New Mexico jurisdiction of $8.7 million and $12.0 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(3)Includes an Energy Efficiency Bonus of $1.3 million and $2.0 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(4)Represents revenues with no related kWh sales.
(5)The number of retail customers presented is based on the number of service locations.

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Energy expenses
Our sources of energy include electricity generated from our nuclear and natural gas and coal generating plants and purchased power. After adding the new natural gas generating units (MPSMPS Units 1 & 2)and 2 in March 2015 and (MPS Unit 3)MPS Units 3 and 4 in May 2016 and September 2016, respectively, into the Company's system generation resources, Palo Verde represents approximately 30% of our net dependable generating capacity and approximately 51%52%, 58%,61% and 54%59% of our Company-generated energy for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively. Fluctuations in the price of natural gas, which also is the primary factor influencing the price of purchased power, have had a significant impact on our cost of energy.
Energy expenses decreased $4.8increased $9.1 million, or 7.8%16.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2016,2017, when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015,2016, primarily due to (i) decreasedincreased natural gas costs of $6.0$9.2 million due to a 17.4% decrease28.5% increase in the average pricecost of natural gas,MWhs generated and (ii) decreased coal costs of $0.7 million due to decreased generation. The decrease in energy expenses was partially offset by increased total purchased power costs of $1.9$3.1 million due to a 30.3%21.9% increase in the MWhs purchased. These increases in energy expenses were partially offset by decreased coal costs of $2.9 million as a result of the sale of our interest in Four Corners, a coal-fired generation station, on July 6, 2016.
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Fuel TypeCost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
(in thousands)     (in thousands)    (in thousands)     (in thousands)    
Natural gas$29,387
 1,032,439
 $28.46
 $35,349
 1,025,980
 $34.45
$38,602
 1,055,911
 $36.56
 $29,387
 1,032,439
 $28.46
Coal2,893
 82,143
 35.22
 3,600
 173,427
 20.76
37
(a)
 
 2,893
 82,143
 35.22
Nuclear10,863
 1,165,459
 9.32
 10,864
 1,203,902
 9.02
10,534
 1,151,530
 9.15
 10,863
 1,165,459
 9.32
Company-generated43,143
 2,280,041
 18.92
 49,813
 2,403,309
 20.73
Total49,173
 2,207,441
 22.28
 43,143
 2,280,041
 18.92
Purchased power:                      
Photovoltaic7,187
 88,765
 80.97
 7,126
 87,655
 81.30
7,479
 91,921
 81.36
 7,187
 88,765
 80.97
Other6,423
 239,329
 26.84
 4,616
 164,194
 28.11
9,242
 307,904
 30.02
 6,423
 239,329
 26.84
Total purchased power13,610
 328,094
 41.48
 11,742
 251,849
 46.62
16,721
 399,825
 41.82
 13,610
 328,094
 41.48
Total energy$56,753
 2,608,135
 21.76
 $61,555
 2,655,158
 23.18
$65,894
 2,607,266
 25.27
 $56,753
 2,608,135
 21.76

_______________
(a) The sale of our interest in Four Corners, a coal-fired generation station, closed on July 6, 2016. The cost reported in 2017 represents the
amortization of deferred coal mine reclamation obligations.
Energy expenses decreased $9.7increased $15.5 million, or 8.8%15.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015,2016, primarily due to (i) decreasedincreased natural gas costs of $13.6$14.2 million due to a 20.0% decrease31.5% increase in the average pricecost of natural gas,MWhs generated and (ii) decreased coalincreased total purchased power costs of $1.2$7.1 million due to decreased generation.a 37.8% increase in MWhs purchased. These decreasesincreases in energy expenses were partially offset by an increasedecreased coal costs of $5.3 million as a result of the sale of our interest in nuclear fuel expenses related toFour Corners, a $4.6 million reduction in the DOE refund in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.coal-fired generation station, on July 6, 2016.

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Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Fuel TypeCost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
(in thousands)     (in thousands)    (in thousands)     (in thousands)    
Natural gas$50,523
 1,669,869
 $30.26
 $64,097
 1,694,555
 $37.83
$64,708
 1,626,736
 $39.78
 $50,523
 1,669,869
 $30.26
Coal5,528
 163,149
 33.88
 6,716
 310,645
 21.62
245
(a)
 
 5,528
 163,149
 33.88
Nuclear21,411
(a)2,545,956
 9.11
 16,729
(a)2,566,096
 9.01
20,826
(b)2,515,057
 8.90
 21,411
(b)2,545,956
 9.11
Company-generated77,462
 4,378,974
 18.10
 87,542
 4,571,296
 20.55
Total85,779
 4,141,793
 21.09
 77,462
 4,378,974
 18.10
Purchased power:                      
Photovoltaic12,695
 156,529
 81.10
 11,929
 146,714
 81.31
12,778
 156,656
 81.57
 12,695
 156,529
 81.10
Other10,561
 444,486
 23.76
 10,988
 405,907
 27.07
17,616
 671,279
 26.24
 10,561
 444,486
 23.76
Total purchased power23,256
 601,015
 38.69
 22,917
 552,621
 41.47
30,394
 827,935
 36.71
 23,256
 601,015
 38.69
Total energy$100,718
 4,979,989
 20.58
 $110,459
 5,123,917
 22.81
$116,173
 4,969,728
 23.69
 $100,718
 4,979,989
 20.58
_______________
(a) CostsThe sale of our interest in Four Corners, coal-fired generation station, closed on July 6, 2016. The cost reported in 2017 represents the
amortization of deferred coal mine reclamation obligations.
(b) Cost includes a DOE refund related to spent fuel storage of $1.8$1.6 million and $6.4$1.8 million recorded in March 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Cost per MWh excludes these refunds.
Energy expenses increased $16.7 million, or 7.2%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2017, when compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to (i) increased natural gas costs of $17.2 million due to a 22.7% increase in the average cost of MWhs generated and (ii) increased total purchased power costs of $13.0 million due to a 23.6% increase in MWhs purchased. These increases in energy expenses were partially offset by (i) decreased coal costs of $11.9 million as a result of the sale of our interest in Four Corners, a coal-fired generation station, on July 6, 2016 and 2015,(ii) decreased nuclear costs of $1.6 million due to a 3.0% decrease in the average cost of MWhs generated and a 1.0% decrease in the MWhs generated with nuclear fuel.
 Twelve Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016
Fuel TypeCost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 (in thousands)     (in thousands)    
Natural gas$137,991
 3,507,771
 $39.34
 $120,787
 3,765,973
 $32.07
Coal871
(a)12,109
 71.93
 12,725
 510,248
 24.94
Nuclear43,193
(b)5,062,945
 8.84
 44,808
(b)5,116,546
 9.11
Total182,055
 8,582,825
 21.39
 178,320
 9,392,767
 19.17
Purchased power:           
Photovoltaic23,496
 289,927
 81.04
 23,261
 287,056
 81.03
Other43,369
 1,489,244
 29.12
 30,623
 1,152,284
 26.58
Total purchased power66,865
 1,779,171
 37.58
 53,884
 1,439,340
 37.44
Total energy$248,920
 10,361,996
 24.17
 $232,204
 10,832,107
 21.61
_____________
(a) The sale of our interest in Four Corners, coal-fired generation station, closed on July 6, 2016. The cost reported in 2017 represents the
amortization of deferred coal mine reclamation obligations.
(b) Cost includes a DOE refund related to spent fuel storage of $1.6 million and $1.8 million recorded in March 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cost per MWh excludes these refunds.

Other operations expense
Other operations expense increased $3.0 million, or 5.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to a (i) $3.0 million increase in A&G operating expenses primarily due to timing of the accrual of employee incentive compensation, an annual merit increase and increased regulatory expenses, and (ii) a $2.4 million increase in operating expenses at Palo Verde primarily due to a $1.6 million increase in the A&G load true up in 2017 compared

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Energy expenses decreased $36.8to 2016. These increases were partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease due to the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners in July 2016.
Other operations expense increased $0.8 million, or 13.7%0.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to a (i) $3.7 million increase in A&G operating expenses primarily due to timing of the accrual of employee incentive compensation, an annual merit increase and an increase in pension and benefit costs due to an increase in medical claims paid and other employee benefit costs, and (ii) a $2.2 million increase in operating expenses at Palo Verde primarily due to a $1.6 million increase in the A&G load true up in 2017 compared to 2016. These increases were partially offset by a $5.5 million decrease due to the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners in July 2016.
Other operations expense decreased $2.1 million, or 0.9%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, when2017, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015,2016 primarily due to decreased natural gas costs of $50.0(i) a $7.8 million decrease due to a 27.3%the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners in July 2016. This decrease in the average price of natural gas. The decrease in energy expenses was partially offset by (i) a $13.1$3.2 million reductionincrease in DOE refundA&G operating expenses primarily due to timing of the accrual of employee incentive compensation, an annual merit increase and increased regulatory expenses, (ii) a $1.0 million increase in operating expenses at Palo Verde primarily due to a $1.6 million increase in the A&G load true up in 2017 compared to 2016, and (iii) a $0.8 million increase in routine operating expenses at MPS.
Maintenance expense
Maintenance expense remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016.
Maintenance expense increased $3.5 million, or 9.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to (i) increased maintenance expense of $8.7 million for outages at Newman Units 1, 3, 4 & 5, and (ii) increased purchased photovoltaic power costsroutine maintenance of $1.4$2.4 million at MPS, Rio Grande and Newman. These increases were partially offset by (i) $5.5 million due to the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners in July 2016, (ii) $1.3 million decrease in maintenance expense for an outage at Rio Grande Unit 7 in 2016 with no comparable activity in 2017, and (iii) a 7.7% increase$1.0 million decrease in MWhs purchasedmaintenance expenses at Palo Verde.
Maintenance expense increased $2.5 million, or 3.6%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 20162017 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015.2017 primarily due to (i) increased maintenance expense of $8.9 million for outages at Newman Units 1, 3, 4 & 5, and (ii) increased routine maintenance of $2.3 million at MPS and Rio Grande. These increases were partially offset by (i) $7.4 million due to the sale of the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of Four Corners in July 2016, (ii) a $1.3 million decrease in maintenance expenses at Palo Verde, and (iii) a $1.1 million decrease in maintenance expense for an outage at Rio Grande Unit 7 in 2016 with no comparable activity in 2017.
 Twelve Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015
Fuel TypeCost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 Cost MWh 
Cost per
MWh
 (in thousands)     (in thousands)    
Natural gas$120,787
 3,765,973
 $32.07
 $170,807
 3,873,476
 $44.10
Coal12,725
 510,248
 24.94
 13,706
 634,673
 21.60
Nuclear44,808
(a)5,116,546
 9.11
 32,776
(b)5,116,789
 9.33
Total178,320
 9,392,767
 19.17
 217,289
 9,624,938
 24.13
Purchased power:           
Photovoltaic23,261
 287,056
 81.03
 21,880
 266,509
 82.10
Other30,623
 1,152,284
 26.58
 29,798
 914,970
 32.57
Total purchased power53,884
 1,439,340
 37.44
 51,678
 1,181,479
 43.74
Total energy$232,204
 10,832,107
 21.61
 $268,967
 10,806,417
 26.27
_____________Depreciation and amortization expense
(a) Costs includes a DOE refund relatedDepreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.4 million, or 5.7%, $2.7 million, or 5.8%, and $10.7 million, or 11.6%, for the three, six, and twelve months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, compared to spent fuel storagethe three, six, and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to (i) reductions of $1.8approximately $2.9 million, recorded$5.8 million, and $16.6 million, respectively, resulting from changes in depreciation rates as approved in the first quarter of 2016. Cost per MWh excludes this refund.
(b) Costs includes DOE refunds related to spent fuel storage of $6.4 million and $8.5 million recorded in the first quarter of 2015PUCT Final Order and in the third quarterNMPRC Final Order, and (ii) the sale of 2014,the Company's interest in Units 4 and 5 of the Four Corners Power Plant. These decreases were partially offset by increases in plant, including MPS Units 3 and 4, which were placed in service in May and September 2016, respectively. Cost per MWh excludes these refunds.
Other operations expenseTaxes other than income taxes
Other operations expense decreased $0.8Taxes other than income taxes increased $1.9 million, or 1.5%12.7%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended 2016, primarily due to increased revenue related taxes and increased property valuations in Texas as a result of MPS Units 3 and 4 being placed in service in 2016.
Taxes other than income taxes increased $2.9 million, or 9.5%, and $4.1 million, or 6.4%, for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to increased revenue related taxes and increased property valuations in Texas as a result of MPS Units 3 and 4 being placed in service in 2016. These increases were partially offset by decreased property taxes in New Mexico due to decreased property valuations.
Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) increased $2.0 million, or 41.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to decreased administrative and general payroll costs and employee incentive compensation.
Other operations expense increased $1.9 million, or 1.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to increased regulatory expense of $0.9 million related to the 2015 New Mexico rate case costs being expensed on a current basisinvestment and operation expenses at Palo Verde generating plant of $0.8 million.
Other operations expense increased $9.2 million, or 3.9% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarilyinterest income due to (i) increased administrative and general payroll costs and employee incentive compensation of $3.5 million, (ii) increased medical claims paid of $3.1 million, (iii) increased operation expenses at Palo Verde generation plant of $1.7 million, and (iv) increased regulatory expenses of $1.6 million related to the 2015 New Mexico rate case costs being expensed on a current basis. These increases were partially offset by a $2.2 million decreasehigher realized gains in benefit costs due to a change in actuarial assumptions used to calculate our employee pension plan.
Maintenance expense
Maintenance expense increased $0.6 million, or 2.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to an increase in the level of maintenance at Rio Grande, Four Corners and Palo Verde generating plants partially offset by a decrease in maintenance at Newman generating plant.
Maintenance expense increased $2.5 million, or 7.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to an increase in the level of maintenance at Four Corners and Rio Grande generating plants partially offset by a decrease in maintenance at Newman generating plant.
Maintenance expense decreased $3.1 million, or 4.3% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to (i) a decrease in the level of maintenance at Newman and Palo Verde generating plants; and (ii) a decrease in transmission and distribution maintenance expenses. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in maintenance at Four Corners generating plant.

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decommissioning trust funds in 2017. This increase was partially offset by decreased allowance for equity funds used during construction ("AEFUDC") resulting from lower average balances of CWIP and a reduction in the AEFUDC rate.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expenseOther income (deductions) increased $0.7 million, or 3.1%7.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to an increase in depreciable plant balances, including MPS Unit 3, which was placed in service in May 2016, partially offset by an increase in the estimated useful lives of certain intangible software assets effective July 2015.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.4 million or 5.5% and $5.9 million or 6.8% for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015 due to an increase in depreciable plant balances, primarily due to MPS Units 1 & 2 and the EOC, which were placed in service in March 2015, partially offset by an increase in the estimated useful lives of certain intangible software assets effective July 2015.
Taxes other than income taxes
Taxes other than income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were comparable2017 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. Taxes other than income taxes increased $2.9 million, or 4.6% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to an increase in plant balances.
Other income (deductions)
Other income (deductions) increased $2.1 million, or 71.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to increased investment and interest income due to higher realized gains in our decommissioning trust funds in 2016 and decreased miscellaneous deductions due to reduced donations,2017. This increase was partially offset by decreased allowance for equity funds used during construction ("AEFUDC") resulting from a reduction in the AEFUDC accrual rate net of AEFUDC earned from higher average balances of CWIP.
Other income (deductions) decreased $1.7 million, or 13.9% for the six months ended June 30,2016, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to decreased AEFUDC resulting from a reduction in the AEFUDC accrual rate and lower average balances of CWIP, partially offset by decreased miscellaneous deductions due to reduced donations.
Other income (deductions) decreased $2.5 million, or 9.3% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to(i) decreased AEFUDC resulting from lower averagesaverage balances of CWIP and a reduction in the AEFUDC accrual rate and (ii) gain on sale of land in 2016 with no comparable activity in 2017.
Other income (deductions) decreased $4.8 million, or 19.7%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to (i) decreased AEFUDC resulting from lower average balances of CWIP and a reduction in the AEFUDC rate and (ii) decreased miscellaneous other income due to net gains recognized on sale of assets in 2016 with no comparable activity in 2017. These decreases were partially offset by (i) increased investment and interest income due to higherlower realized gainslosses in our decommissioning trust funds in 2016 and (ii) decreased miscellaneous deductions due to reduced donations.funds.
Interest charges (credits)
Interest charges (credits) increased by $1.7$1.2 million, or 12.3%7.4%, for the three months ended June 30, 2016,2017, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015,2016, primarily due to increased(i) decreased allowance for borrowed funds used during construction ("ABFUDC") as a result of lower average balances of CWIP and a reduction in the ABFUDC accrual rate and (ii) an increase in interest expense on the $150 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2044 issued in March 2016.short-term borrowing for working capital purposes.
Interest charges (credits) increased by $3.3$3.6 million and $8.0 million, or 12.1%12.0% and 13.6%, for the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively, compared to the six and twelve months ended June 30, 2015,2016, primarily due to (i) increased interest expense on the $150 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2044 issued in March 2016, and (ii) decreased allowance for ABFUDC as a result of a reduction in ABFUDC accrual rate and lower average balances of CWIP.
Interest charges (credits) increased by $8.2 million, or 16.4%, for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to (i) interest expense on the $150 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2044 issued in December 2014 and March 2016 and (ii) decreased allowance for ABFUDC as a result of lower average balances of CWIP and a reduction in the ABFUDC accrual rate.rate and (iii) an increase in interest on short-term borrowing for working capital purposes.
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense increased $1.9$8.3 million, or 20.5%72.8%, $9.2 million, or 111.0%, and $30.4 million, or 93.1%, for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively. The increases compared to the three, months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to an increase in pre-tax incomesix and a decrease in AEFUDC. Income tax expense decreased $2.2 million, or 21.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income, offset by a decrease in AEFUDC. Income tax expense decreased $2.6 million, or 7.5% for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015,are primarily due to a decreaseincreases in pre-tax income.

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Tableincome and increases in state income taxes due to normalization as discussed in Note F of Contents


the Notes to Financial Statements.
New Accounting Standards
In April 2015, theSee Notes to Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Topic 715) to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this ASU. ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), to provide further clarification to ASU 2015-03 as it relates to the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line of credit arrangements. We implemented ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 in the first quarter of 2016, retrospectively to all prior periods presented in our financial statements. The implementation of ASU 2015-03 did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) to eliminate the requirement to categorize investments in the fair value hierarchy if the fair value is measured at net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient in the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance. Reporting entities must still provide sufficient information to enable users to reconcile total investments in the fair value hierarchy and total investments measured at fair value in the financial statements. Additionally, the scope of current disclosure requirements for investments eligible to be measured at NAV will be limited to investments to which the practical expedient is applied. This ASU is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU requires retrospective application. We implemented ASU 2015-07 in the first quarter of 2016, retrospectively to all prior periods presented in our fair value disclosures. This guidance required a revision of the fair value disclosures but did not impact our financial statements. The implementation of ASU 2015-07 did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods and early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 retrospectively in the first quarter of 2016. The implementation of ASU 2015-17 did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) to provide a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 is the result of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2014-09 provides that an entity should recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 was originally intended to be effective for annual periods and interim periods within that reporting period beginning after December 15, 2016, for public business entities. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities will apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within that reporting period. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent consideration. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 to clarify the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, which rescinds certain SEC Staff Observer comments that are codified in FASB ASC Topic 605 (Revenue Recognition), effective upon adoption of Topic 606. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, which makes narrow-scope amendments to ASU 2014-09, and provides practical expedients to simplify the transition to the new standard and to clarify certain aspects of the standard. Early adoption of ASU 2014-09 is permitted after December 15, 2016. We have not selected a transition method and we are currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments by addressing certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure. ASU 2016-01 generally requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities and loans is not changed by this ASU, but requires entities to record changes in other comprehensive income. Financial assets and financial liabilities must be separately presented by measurement category on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-01 clarifies the needStatements Note A for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The standard includes a requirement that businesses must report changes in the fair valuediscussion of their own liabilities in other comprehensive income instead of earnings, and this is the only provision of the update for which

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the FASB is permitting early adoption. The remaining provisions of this ASU become effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring qualitative and quantitative disclosures on leasing agreements. ASU 2016-02 maintains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases similar to the distinction under previous leases guidance for capital leases and operating leases. The impact of leases reported in the Company's operating results and statement of cash flows are expected to be similar to previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition in the statement of financial position, by the lessee, of a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. How leases are recorded in regard to financial position represents a significant change from previous GAAP. The lessee is permitted to make annew accounting policy election to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases. Implementation of the standard for public companies will be required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted for all entities. Adoption of the new lease accounting standard will require us to apply the new standard to the earliest period using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards either as equity or liabilities, and classification on the statements of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 significantly changes how companies measure and recognize credit impairment for many financial assets. The new current expected credit loss model will require companies to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets that are in the scope of the standard. The ASU also makes targeted amendments to the current impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. For public business entities, the provisions of ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within that reporting period beginning after December 15, 2019. Early implementation is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 will be applied in a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is implemented. We are currently assessing the future impact of this ASU.standards.
Inflation
For the last several years, inflation has been relatively low and, therefore, has had minimal impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
In March 2016, we issued $150 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due December 1, 2044 to repay outstanding short-term borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") used for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include funding capital expenditures. We continue to maintain a strong balance ofcapital structure in which common stock equity inrepresented 42.7% of our capital structure which supports our bond ratings, allowing us to obtain financing from the capital markets at a reasonable cost. At June 30, 2016, our capital structure, including commoncapitalization (common stock equity, long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings under the RCF, consistedRCF) as of 42.3% common stock equity and 57.7% debt.June 30, 2017. At June 30, 2016,2017, we had a balance of $9.6$11.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. Based on current projections, we believe that we will have adequate liquidity through our current cash balances, cash from operations and available borrowings under our RCF to meet all of our anticipated cash requirements for the next twelve months.months including the upcoming maturities of long term debt.
Our principal liquidity requirements in the near-term are expected to consist of capital expenditures to expand and support electric service obligations, expenditures for nuclear fuel inventory, interest payments on our indebtedness, cash dividend payments, and operating expenses including fuel costs, maintenance costs and taxes.taxes, payment of our $50.0 million Series B 4.47% Senior Notes which mature on August 15, 2017 and payment or remarketing of $33.3 million 2012 Series A 1.875% Pollution Control Bonds which are subject to mandatory tender for purchase on September 1, 2017.
Capital Requirements. During the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, our primary capital requirements primarily consisted of expenditureswere for the construction and purchase of our electric utility plant, cash dividend payments of common stock dividends and purchases of nuclear fuel. Projected utility construction expenditures are to add new generation, expand and update our transmission and distribution systems, and make capital improvements and replacements at Palo Verde and other generating facilities. MPS Units 1 and 2, the first two (of four) natural gas-fired 88 MW simple-cycle aeroderivative combustion turbines, were completed and placed in service during the first quarter of 2015. The total cost for these two units and the related common facilities and transmission systems, including AFUDC, was approximately $226 million. On May 3, 2016, we placed into commercial operation the third generating unit at the MPS and the related common facilities and transmission systems at a cost of approximately $81.3 million. MPS Unit 4 is projected to be completed in September 2016. In 2016 we have incurred approximately $24.4 million of the estimated $41.5 million in cost for the MPS, including AFUDC. Estimated cash construction expenditures in 2016 for all capital projects are approximately $234 million. See Part I, Item 1, “Business - Construction Program” in our 2015 Form 10-K. Cash capital expendituresCapital requirements for new electric utility plant were $102.8$108.1 million infor the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $147.02017 and $102.8 million infor the six months ended June 30, 2015.2016. Capital expenditures for 2017 are expected to be approximately $215.0 million. Capital requirements for purchases of nuclear fuel were $20.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, and $20.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $22.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015.2016.
On June 30, 2016,2017, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31$0.335 per share, or $12.5$13.6 million, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 15, 2016.16, 2017. We paid a total of $24.5$26.2 million in cash dividends during the six months ended June 30, 2016. On July 21, 2016 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per share payable on September 30, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 14, 2016.2017. At the current payoutdividend rate, we would expect to pay total cash dividends of approximately $49.6$53.4 million during 2016.2017. In addition, while we do not currently anticipate repurchasing shares of our common stock in 2016,2017, we may repurchase shares of our common stock in the future. Under our repurchase program, purchases can be made at open market prices or in private transactions, and repurchased shares are available for issuance under employee benefit and stock incentive plans, or may be retired. No shares of common stock were repurchased during the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. As of June 30, 2016,2017, a total of 393,816 shares remain eligibleavailable for repurchase under theour currently authorized stock repurchase program.
We willexpect to continue to maintain a prudent level of liquidity and monitor market conditions for debt and equity securities. We primarily utilize the distribution of dividends to maintain a balanced capital structure and supplement this effort with share repurchases when appropriate. Our liquidity needs can fluctuate quickly based on fuel prices and other factors and we are continuing to make investments in new electric plant and other assets in order to reliably serve our customers. In light of these factors, we expect it will be a number of years before we achieve a dividend payout equivalent to industry average.
Our cash requirements for federal and state income taxes vary from year to year based on taxable income, which is influenced by the timing of revenues and expenses recognized for income tax purposes. Income tax payments are expected to be minimal in 20162017 due to accelerated tax deductions, including bonus depreciation, available in 2016.2017.
We continually evaluate our funding requirements related to our retirement plans, other post-retirement benefit plans, and decommissioning trust funds. During the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, we contributed $2.8$6.5 million and $1.1$0.2 million to our retirement plans and other post-retirement benefits plan, respectively, and $2.2$2.3 million to our decommissioning trust funds. We are in compliance with the funding requirements of the federal government for our benefit plans. In addition, with respect to our nuclear plant decommissioning trust, we are in compliance with the funding requirements of the federal law and the ANPP Participation Agreement. We will continue to review our funding for these plans in order to meet our future obligations.
In 2010, the Companywe and Rio Grande Resources Trust (“RGRT”), a Texas grantor trust through which we finance our portion of fuel for Palo Verde, entered into a note purchase agreement with various institutional purchasers. Under the terms of the agreement, RGRT sold to the purchasers $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes. In August 2015, $15.0 million of these senior notes matured and were paid with borrowings under the RCF. In August 2016, $50.0 million of these senior notes were reclassified to current maturities of long-term debt on our Balance Sheet, as they will mature in August 2017.
Capital Resources. Cash provided by operations, $68.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and $40.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, is a significant source for funding capital requirements. The primary factors contributing to the increase in cash flows from operations were (i) the increase in net income and deferred income taxes, and (ii) changes in accounts payable and accounts receivable. A component of cash flows from operations is the change in net over-collection and under-collection of fuel revenues. The difference between fuel revenues collected and fuel expense incurred is deferred to be either refunded (over-recoveries) or surcharged (under-recoveries) to customers in the future. During the six months ended June 30,

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million of these senior notes matured and were paid with borrowings from the RCF.
Capital Resources. Cash provided by operations, $40.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and $60.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, is a significant source for funding capital requirements. The primary factors affecting the decrease in cash flows from operations were a reduction in earnings arising from regulatory lag and decreases in the net over-collection of fuel revenues. The growth in accounts receivable, primarily reflecting the implementation of interim rates in Texas, is offset by the deferral of the related revenues. Cash from operations has been impacted by the timing of the recovery of fuel costs through fuel recovery mechanisms in Texas and New Mexico and our sales for resale customer. We recover actual fuel costs from customers through fuel adjustment mechanisms in Texas, New Mexico, and from our sales for resale customer. We record deferred fuel revenues for the under-recovery or over-recovery of fuel costs until they can be recovered from or refunded to customers. In Texas, fuel costs are recovered through a fixed fuel factor. We can seek to revise our fixed fuel factor at least four months after our last revision except in the month of December based upon our approved formula which allows us to adjust fuel rates to reflect changes in costs of natural gas. We are required to request to refund fuel costs in any month when the over-recovery balance exceeds a threshold material amount and we expect fuel costs to continue to be materially over-recovered. We are permitted to seek to surcharge fuel under-recoveries in any month the balance exceeds a threshold material amount that we expect fuel cost recovery to continue to be materially under-recovered. Fuel over and under-recoveries are considered material when they exceed 4% of the previous twelve months' fuel costs. On May 1, 2015, we reduced our fixed fuel factor charged to our Texas retail customers by approximately 24% to reflect reduced fuel expense. During the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, we had an under-recoveryfuel over-recoveries of $2.7 million compared to under-recoveries of fuel costs of $2.0 million compared to an over-recovery of fuel costs of $10.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015.2016. At June 30, 2016,2017, we had a net fuel over-recoveryunder-recovery balance of $2.0$8.2 million, including an under-recovery of $8.5 million in Texas offset by an over-recovery of $1.1$0.3 million in New Mexico and an over-recovery of $1.0 millionMexico. Contributing to the under-recovery balance in Texas and an under-recoveryis the recognition of $0.1$5.0 million resulting from the settlement of the Texas fuel reconciliation in the FERC jurisdiction.second quarter of 2017. On November 30, 2016, we filed a request to increase our Texas fixed fuel factor by approximately 28.8% to reflect increased fuel expenses primarily related to an increase in the price of natural gas used to generate power. The increase in our Texas fixed fuel factor was effective on an interim basis on January 1, 2017 and was approved by the PUCT on January 10, 2017.
We maintain athe RCF for working capital and general corporate purposes and the financing of nuclear fuel through the RGRT. The RGRT, is the trust through which we finance our portion of nuclear fuel for Palo Verde, and is consolidated in our financial statements. On January 14, 2014,9, 2017, we amended and extended our $300 million RCF, which includes anexercised the option to expandextend the maturity of the RCF by one year to January 14, 2020 and to increase the size of the facility by $50 million to $350 million. We still have the option to extend the facility by one additional year to January 2021 and to increase the RCF by up to $50 million (up to a total of $400 million,million) upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, more fully set forth in the agreement, including obtaining commitments from lenders or third party financial institutions. The amended facility extends the maturity from September 2016 to January 2019. In addition, we may extend the January 2019 maturity, subject to lenders' approval, by two additional one year periods. The total amount borrowed for nuclear fuel by RGRT, excluding debt issuance costs, was $133.9 million at June 30, 2017, of which $38.9 million had been borrowed under the RCF, and $95.0 million was borrowed through the issuance of senior notes. Borrowings by RGRT for nuclear fuel, excluding debt issuance costs, were $129.6 million atas of June 30, 2016, of which $34.6 million had been borrowed under the RCF and $95.0 million was borrowed through senior notes. Asthe issuance of June 30, 2016, the amount available for borrowing under our $300 million RCF is $197.9 million. At June 30, 2015, the total amounts borrowed for nuclear fuel by RGRT, excluding debt issuance costs, was $128.1 million of which $18.1 million was borrowed under the RCF and $110.0 million was borrowed through senior notes. Interest costs on borrowings to finance nuclear fuel are accumulated by RGRT and charged to us as fuel is consumed and recovered from customers through fuel recovery charges. RCFAt June 30, 2017, $140.0 million was outstanding balancesunder the RCF for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include funding capital expenditures, wereexpenditures. At June 30, 2016, $67.0 million was outstanding under the RCF for working capital and $110.0 milliongeneral corporate purposes. Total aggregate borrowings under the RCF at June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.2017 were $178.9 million with an additional $171.1 million available to borrow, after giving consideration to the $50 million increase on January 9, 2017.
We received approval from the NMPRC on October 7, 2015, and from the FERC on October 19, 2015, to issue up to $310$310.0 million in new long-term debt and to guarantee the issuance of up to $65$65.0 million of new debt by the RGRT to finance future purchases of nuclear fuel and to refinance existing nuclear fuel debt obligations. We also requested approval from the FERC to continue to utilize our existing RCF without change from the FERC’s previously approved authorization. The FERC authorization is effective from November 15, 2015 through November 15, 2017. The approvals granted in these cases supersede prior approvals. Under this authorization, on March 24, 2016, the Companywe issued $150$150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due December 1, 2044. The proceeds from the issuance of these senior notes, after deducting the underwriters' commission, were $158.1 million. These proceeds include accrued interest of $2.4 million and a $7.1 million premium before expenses. The effective interest rate is approximately 4.77%. The net proceeds from the sale of these senior notes were used to repay outstanding short-term borrowings under the RCF used for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include funding capital expenditures. These senior notes constitute an additional issuance of the Company’sour 5.00% Senior Notes due 2044, of which $150$150.0 million was previously issued on December 1, 2014, for a total principal amount outstanding of $300$300.0 million.


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


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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates, equity prices and commodity prices. See our 20152016 Form 10-K, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," for a complete discussion of the market risks we face and our market risk sensitive assets and liabilities. As of June 30, 20162017, there have been no material changes in the market risks we face or the fair values of assets and liabilities disclosed in Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," in our 20152016 Form 10-K Annual Report.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Act. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that, as of June 30, 20162017, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 20162017, that materially affected, or that were reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

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

Item 1A.Risk Factors
Our 20152016 Form 10-K includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors.

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

(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Period
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Paid per Share
(Including
Commissions)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of a
Publicly
Announced
Program
Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
April 1 to April 30, 2016


393,816
May 1 to May 31, 2016


393,816
June 1 to June 30, 2016


393,816
Period 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
(Including
Commissions)
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of a
Publicly
Announced
Program
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
April 1 to April 30, 2017 746
 $51.65
 
 393,816
May 1 to May 31, 2017 
 
 
 393,816
June 1 to June 30, 2017 
 
 
 393,816
_____________________
(a) Represents shares of common stock delivered to us as payment of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of
restricted stock held by our employees, not considered part of the 2011 Plan.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.Other Information
Investors should note that we announce material financial information in SECSecurities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on new guidance from the SEC, we may also use the Investor Relations section of our website (www.epelectric.com) to communicate with investors about our company. It is possible that the financial and other information we post there could be deemed to be material information. The information on our website is not part of this document.

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

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  
 EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
  
By:/s/ NATHAN T. HIRSCHI
 Nathan T. Hirschi
 Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
 (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
Dated: August 5, 20164, 2017

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EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit
10.01
Form of Directors' Restricted Stock Award Agreement between the Company and certain directors of the Company. (Identical in all material respects to Exhibit 10.07 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999).
   
15
 Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information
   
31.01
 Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32.01
 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
101.INS
 XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Linkbase Document
   
101.CAL
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 



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