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 Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016
or
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-03140
Northern States Power Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Wisconsin 39-0508315
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
1414 West Hamilton Avenue  
Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(715) 737-2625
(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.  x Yes  ¨ No

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 and 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).  x Yes  ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer ¨
   
Non-accelerated filer x
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes  x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at Nov. 2, 2015May 13, 2016
Common Stock, $100 par value 933,000 shares
Northern States Power Company (a Wisconsin corporation) meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H (2) to such Form 10-Q.
     



TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item l    
Item 2   
Item 4   
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1    
Item 1A
Item 4    
Item 5    
Item 6    
   
Certifications Pursuant to Section 3021
Certifications Pursuant to Section 9061
Statement Pursuant to Private Litigation1

This Form 10-Q is filed by Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation (NSP-Wisconsin).  NSP-Wisconsin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc.  Xcel Energy Inc. wholly owns the following subsidiaries: Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (NSP-Minnesota); Southwestern Public Service Company, a New Mexico corporation (SPS); Public Service Company of Colorado, a Colorado corporation (PSCo); and NSP-Wisconsin.  NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS are also referred to collectively as utility subsidiaries.  The electric production and transmission system of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin, which is operated on an integrated basis and is managed by NSP-Minnesota, is referred to collectively as the NSP System. Additional information on Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Xcel Energy) is available on various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).



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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
Three Months Ended Sept. 30 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30Three Months Ended March 31
2015 2014 2015 20142016 2015
Operating revenues          
Electric$224,666
 $216,289
 $634,571
 $625,663
$211,524
 $210,284
Natural gas11,088
 14,484
 91,273
 117,814
43,020
 63,296
Other407
 273
 1,090
 825
306
 380
Total operating revenues236,161
 231,046
 726,934
 744,302
254,850
 273,960
          
Operating expenses 
  
  
  
 
  
Electric fuel and purchased power, non-affiliates2,624
 2,707
 5,066
 11,887
3,981
 1,283
Purchased power, affiliates102,297
 105,092
 318,542
 321,550
108,714
 111,832
Cost of natural gas sold and transported4,375
 7,854
 54,933
 78,190
23,418
 42,438
Operating and maintenance expenses46,292
 47,899
 134,126
 140,563
48,619
 42,173
Conservation program expenses2,977
 3,005
 8,821
 8,692
3,066
 2,855
Depreciation and amortization23,019
 19,940
 66,908
 59,121
24,449
 21,361
Taxes (other than income taxes)7,045
 7,009
 21,151
 20,458
7,155
 7,232
Loss on Monticello life cycle management/extended power uprate project
 
 5,237
 

 5,237
Total operating expenses188,629
 193,506
 614,784
 640,461
219,402
 234,411
          
Operating income47,532
 37,540
 112,150
 103,841
35,448
 39,549
          
Other income (expense), net100
 (9) 384
 45
Other income, net449
 249
Allowance for funds used during construction — equity1,929
 1,576
 5,926
 4,915
810
 2,219
          
Interest charges and financing costs 
  
  
  
 
  
Interest charges — includes other financing costs of
$461, $408, $1,273 and $1,159, respectively
8,625
 7,701
 24,152
 21,536
Interest charges — includes other financing costs of
$462 and $402, respectively
8,604
 7,756
Allowance for funds used during construction — debt(931) (733) (2,865) (2,341)(347) (1,070)
Total interest charges and financing costs7,694
 6,968
 21,287
 19,195
8,257
 6,686
          
Income before income taxes41,867
 32,139
 97,173
 89,606
28,450
 35,331
Income taxes15,635
 12,109
 36,162
 33,319
10,819
 13,064
Net income$26,232
 $20,030
 $61,011
 $56,287
$17,631
 $22,267

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
Three Months Ended Sept. 30 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30Three Months Ended March 31
2015 2014 2015 20142016 2015
Net income$26,232
 $20,030
 $61,011
 $56,287
$17,631
 $22,267
Other comprehensive income 
  
       
Derivative instruments: 
  
       
Reclassification of losses to net income, net of tax of $13, $12, $37 and $38 for each of the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively19
 20
 57
 57
Reclassification of losses to net income, net of tax of $13 and $13, respectively19
 19
Other comprehensive income19
 20
 57
 57
19
 19
Comprehensive income$26,251
 $20,050
 $61,068
 $56,344
$17,650
 $22,286

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30Three Months Ended March 31
2015 20142016 2015
Operating activities      
Net income$61,011
 $56,287
$17,631
 $22,267
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Depreciation and amortization67,936
 60,017
24,829
 21,682
Deferred income taxes38,595
 28,691
5,284
 8,241
Amortization of investment tax credits(396) (504)(132) (132)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(5,926) (4,915)(810) (2,219)
Loss on Monticello life cycle management/extended power uprate project5,237
 

 5,237
Net derivative losses (gains)338
 (356)
Net derivative losses200
 554
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts receivable10,026
 7,761
(2,797) (5,496)
Accrued unbilled revenues12,657
 13,009
7,326
 10,428
Inventories2,847
 (5,172)6,717
 9,830
Other current assets14,471
 11,693
6,348
 11,335
Accounts payable(25,023) (9,910)2,325
 (11,851)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities(13,962) (35,546)1,856
 (1,404)
Other current liabilities5,948
 955
3,492
 1,289
Pension and other employee benefit obligations(3,931) (6,882)(7,264) (4,915)
Change in other noncurrent assets11
 (46)(319) (4)
Change in other noncurrent liabilities595
 1,013
798
 535
Net cash provided by operating activities170,434
 116,095
65,484
 65,377
      
Investing activities 
  
 
  
Utility capital/construction expenditures(171,586) (194,886)(44,655) (79,926)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction5,926
 4,915
810
 2,219
Other, net(90) (13)292
 (90)
Net cash used in investing activities(165,750) (189,984)(43,553) (77,797)
      
Financing activities 
  
 
  
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net(78,000) (60,000)
Proceeds from notes payable to affiliate
 30
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt98,038
 98,625
(Repayments of) proceeds from short-term borrowings, net(5,000) 2,000
Repayments of long-term debt
 (54)(14) (128)
Capital contributions from parent25,060
 68,011
Capital contributions (to) from parent(1,545) 25,210
Dividends paid to parent(40,265) (32,331)(15,322) (14,957)
Net cash provided by financing activities4,833
 74,281
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(21,881) 12,125
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents9,517
 392
50
 (295)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,285
 1,349
1,079
 1,285
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$10,802
 $1,741
$1,129
 $990
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 
  
 
  
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)$(18,647) $(17,313)$(6,305) $(5,791)
Cash received for income taxes, net9,662
 915
Cash (paid) received for income taxes, net(2,424) 625
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing transactions: 
  
 
  
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable$13,520
 $28,693
$9,586
 $14,550

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Assets      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$10,802
 $1,285
$1,129
 $1,079
Accounts receivable, net50,370
 60,396
59,175
 56,378
Accrued unbilled revenues40,910
 53,567
40,372
 47,698
Inventories21,838
 24,685
14,842
 21,559
Regulatory assets14,626
 20,036
13,824
 16,146
Prepaid taxes18,421
 28,628
19,786
 25,976
Deferred income taxes7,724
 8,201
8,900
 3,138
Prepayments and other2,872
 6,918
2,226
 2,387
Total current assets167,563
 203,716
160,254
 174,361
      
Property, plant and equipment, net1,789,334
 1,674,281
1,845,767
 1,828,079
      
Other assets 
  
 
  
Regulatory assets276,552
 280,693
291,774
 289,196
Other investments3,908
 3,818
3,751
 4,042
Other5,415
 4,612
384
 67
Total other assets285,875
 289,123
295,909
 293,305
Total assets$2,242,772
 $2,167,120
$2,301,930
 $2,295,745
      
Liabilities and Equity 
  
 
  
Current liabilities 
  
 
  
Current portion of long-term debt$1,196
 $1,235
$1,168
 $1,131
Short-term debt
 78,000
5,000
 10,000
Notes payable to affiliates500
 500
500
 500
Accounts payable32,777
 61,530
25,218
 34,317
Accounts payable to affiliates26,471
 26,524
27,275
 24,538
Dividends payable to parent13,664
 14,957
12,529
 15,322
Regulatory liabilities10,765
 16,940
15,634
 11,781
Environmental liabilities16,689
 29,116
17,453
 17,155
Accrued interest9,549
 7,945
Other24,379
 19,923
16,379
 15,778
Total current liabilities126,441
 248,725
130,705
 138,467
      
Deferred credits and other liabilities 
  
 
  
Deferred income taxes390,095
 348,180
406,150
 393,569
Deferred investment tax credits8,692
 9,089
8,428
 8,560
Regulatory liabilities141,659
 132,674
144,832
 141,289
Environmental liabilities79,153
 78,620
77,026
 77,441
Customer advances18,080
 17,623
19,162
 18,480
Pension and employee benefit obligations47,336
 51,313
42,453
 49,889
Other16,330
 16,151
16,220
 16,347
Total deferred credits and other liabilities701,345
 653,650
714,271
 705,575
      
Commitments and contingencies

 



 

Capitalization 
  
 
  
Long-term debt666,379
 567,056
661,448
 661,318
Common stock — 1,000,000 shares authorized of $100 par value; 933,000 shares
outstanding at Sept. 30, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2014, respectively
93,300
 93,300
Common stock — 1,000,000 shares authorized of $100 par value; 933,000 shares
outstanding at March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, respectively
93,300
 93,300
Additional paid in capital351,097
 322,276
394,553
 394,553
Retained earnings304,438
 282,398
307,843
 302,741
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(228) (285)(190) (209)
Total common stockholder’s equity748,607
 697,689
795,506
 790,385
Total liabilities and equity$2,242,772
 $2,167,120
$2,301,930
 $2,295,745

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (UNAUDITED)

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), the financial position of NSP-Wisconsin and its subsidiaries as of Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014;2015; the results of its operations, including the components of net income and comprehensive income, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015 and 2014;2015; and its cash flows for the ninethree months ended Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014.2015. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. These statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation. The Dec. 31, 20142015 balance sheet information has been derived from the audited 20142015 consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014.2015. These notes to the consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP on an annual basis have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014,2015, filed with the SEC on Feb. 23, 2014.22, 2016. Due to the seasonality of NSP-Wisconsin’s electric and natural gas sales, interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.

1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014,2015, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference.

2.Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued

Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Topic 606 (Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09), which provides a framework for the recognition of revenue, with the objective that recognized revenues properly reflect amounts an entity is entitled to receive in exchange for goods and services. The new guidance also includes additional disclosure requirements regarding revenue, cash flows and obligations related to contracts with customers. As a result of the FASB’s deferral of the standard’s required implementation date in July 2015, theThe guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2017. NSP-Wisconsin is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Deferred Taxes — In November 2015, the FASB issued Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, Topic 740 (ASU No 2015-17), which eliminates the requirement to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet based on the classification of the related asset or liability, and instead requires classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. This guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. Other than the prescribed classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent, NSP-Wisconsin does not expect the implementation of ASU 2015-17 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments — In January 2016, the FASB issued Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Subtopic 825-10 (ASU No. 2016-01), which among other changes in accounting and disclosure requirements, replaces the cost method of accounting for non-marketable equity securities with a model for recognizing impairments and observable price changes, and also eliminates the available-for-sale classification for marketable equity securities. Under the new guidance, other than when the consolidation or equity method of accounting is utilized, changes in the fair value of equity securities are to be recognized in earnings. This guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2017. NSP-Wisconsin is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 on its consolidated financial statements.


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Leases — In February 2016, the FASB issued Leases, Topic 842 (ASU No. 2016-02), which, for lessees, requires balance sheet recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases. Additionally, for leases that qualify as finance leases, the guidance requires expense recognition consisting of amortization of the right-of-use asset as well as interest on the related lease liability using the effective interest method. This guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. NSP-Wisconsin is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

Stock Compensation — In March 2016, the FASB issued Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, Topic 718 (ASU 2016-09), which amends existing guidance to simplify several aspects of accounting and presentation for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as presentation in the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. NSP-Wisconsin is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted

Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, Topic 810 (ASU No. 2015-02), which reduces the number of consolidation models and amends certain consolidation principles related to variable interest entities. ThisNSP-Wisconsin implemented the guidance will be effective for interimon Jan. 1, 2016, and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15. 2015, and early adoption is permitted. NSP-Wisconsin does not expect the implementation of ASU 2015-02 todid not have a materialsignificant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, Subtopic 835-30 (ASU No. 2015-03), which amends existing guidance to requirerequires the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt, instead of presentation as an asset. ThisNSP-Wisconsin implemented the new guidance will be effective for interimas required on Jan. 1, 2016, and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. Other thanas a result, $5.0 million of deferred debt issuance costs are presented as a deduction from the prescribed reclassificationcarrying amount of assets to an offset oflong-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets, NSP-Wisconsin does not expectsheet as of March 31, 2016, and $5.1 million of such deferred costs were retrospectively reclassified from other non-current assets to long-term debt on the implementationconsolidated balance sheet as of ASU 2015-03 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.Dec. 31, 2015.

Fair Value Measurement In May 2015, the FASB issued Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent), Topic 820 (ASU No. 2015-07), which removeseliminates the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy the fair values for investments measuredmeasurements using a net asset value methodology. This(NAV) methodology in the fair value hierarchy. NSP-Wisconsin implemented the guidance will be effective on a retrospective basis for interimJan. 1, 2016, and annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. Other than the reduced disclosure requirements, NSP-Wisconsin does not expect the implementation of ASU 2015-07 todid not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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3.Selected Balance Sheet Data
(Thousands of Dollars) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, net (a)
        
Accounts receivable $55,204
 $66,217
 $64,138
 $61,506
Less allowance for bad debts (4,834) (5,821) (4,963) (5,128)
 $50,370
 $60,396
 $59,175
 $56,378
(Thousands of Dollars) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories        
Materials and supplies $6,865
 $6,494
 $6,676
 $6,785
Fuel 6,376
 6,654
 5,881
 6,528
Natural gas 8,597
 11,537
 2,285
 8,246
 $21,838
 $24,685
 $14,842
 $21,559
(Thousands of Dollars) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Property, plant and equipment, net        
Electric plant $2,332,155
 $2,061,669
 $2,431,503
 $2,411,562
Natural gas plant 264,390
 255,465
 276,568
 275,376
Common and other property 124,584
 125,938
 134,327
 132,329
Construction work in progress 112,108
 231,413
 77,148
 65,755
Total property, plant and equipment 2,833,237
 2,674,485
 2,919,546
 2,885,022
Less accumulated depreciation (1,043,903) (1,000,204) (1,073,779) (1,056,943)
 $1,789,334
 $1,674,281
 $1,845,767
 $1,828,079

(a) 
Accounts receivable, net includes an immaterial amount due from affiliates as of Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014,2015, respectively.


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4.Income Taxes

Except to the extent noted below, Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 20142015 appropriately represents, in all material respects, the current status of other income tax matters, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Federal Audit NSP-Wisconsin is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files a consolidated federal income tax return. In the third quarter of 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of tax years 2010 and 2011, including the 2009 carryback claim. As of Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the IRS had proposed an adjustment to the federal tax loss carryback claims that would result in $13$14 million of income tax expense for the 2009 through 2011 and 2013 claims, the recently filed 20132014 claim, and the anticipated claim for 2014.2015. NSP-Wisconsin is not expected to accrue any income tax expense related to this adjustment. AsIn the fourth quarter of Sept. 30, 2015, the IRS had begunforwarded the appeals process;issue to the Office of Appeals (Appeals); however, the outcome and timing of a resolution is uncertain. The statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s 2009-20112009 through 2011 federal income tax returns expires in December 2016 following an extension to allow additional time for the appealsAppeals process. In the third quarter of 2015, the IRS commenced an examination of tax years 2012 and 2013. As of Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the IRS had not proposed any material adjustments to tax years 2012 and 2013.

State Audits NSP-Wisconsin is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated state income tax returns. As of Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, NSP-Wisconsin’s earliest open tax year that is subject to examination by state taxing authorities under applicable statutes of limitations is 2011. As of Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, there were no state income tax audits in progress.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits The unrecognized tax benefit balance includes permanent tax positions, which if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate (ETR). In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance includes temporary tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the ETR but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions $0.2
 $0.1
 $0.3
 $0.2
Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions 2.9
 2.9
 4.3
 4.3
Total unrecognized tax benefit $3.1
 $3.0
 $4.6
 $4.5

The unrecognized tax benefit amounts were reduced by the tax benefits associated with net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit carryforwards. The amounts of tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards are as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
NOL and tax credit carryforwards $(1.0) $(0.9) $(1.0) $(0.9)

It is reasonably possible that NSP-Wisconsin’s amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months as the IRS appeals processAppeals and audit progress and state audits resume. As the IRS appeals process moves closer to completion,Appeals and audit progress, it is reasonably possible that the change in theamount of unrecognized tax benefit is not expectedcould decrease up to be material.approximately $2 million.

The payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is partially offset by the interest benefit associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards. The payables for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 20142015 were not material. No amounts were accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 or Dec. 31, 2014.2015.

5.Rate Matters

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 and in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in NSP-Wisconsin’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of other rate matters, and are incorporated herein by reference.

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Pending Regulatory Proceedings — Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW)

Wisconsin 20162017 Electric and Gas Rate Case — In May 2015,On April 1, 2016, NSP-Wisconsin filed a request with the PSCW to increase rates for electric and natural gas service effective Jan. 1, 2016. NSP-Wisconsin requested an overall increase in annual electric rates of $27.4$17.4 million, or 3.92.4 percent, and an increase in natural gas rates of $5.9by $4.8 million, or 5.0 percent.3.9 percent, effective January 2017.

The electric rate filingrequest is based onfor the limited purpose of recovering increases in (i) generation and transmission fixed charges and fuel and purchased power expenses related to the interchange agreement with NSP-Minnesota, and (ii) costs associated with forecasted average rate base of $1.188 billion in 2017.

The natural gas rate request is for the limited purpose of recovering expenses related to the ongoing environmental remediation of a 2016 forecast test year, aformer manufactured gas plant site and adjacent area in Ashland, Wis.

No changes are being requested to the capital structure or the 10.0 percent return on equity (ROE) authorized by the PSCW in the 2016 rate case. As part of 10.2an agreement with stakeholders to limit the size and scope of the case, NSP-Wisconsin also agreed to an earnings cap, solely for 2017, in which 100 percent an equity ratio of 52.5 percent and a forecasted average net investment rate basethe earnings in excess of approximately $1.2 billion for the electric utility and $111.2 million for the natural gas utility.authorized ROE would be refunded to customers.

On Oct. 1, 2015, the PSCW Staff and other intervenors, including the Citizens Utility Board, filed their direct testimony in the case. The PSCW Staff recommended an electric rate increase of $10.4 million, or 1.5 percent, and a gas rate increase of $3.0 million, or 2.5 percent, based on a ROE of 10.0 percent and an equity ratio of 52.5 percent. The Citizens Utility Board recommended a ROE of 8.75 percent. Nonemajor components of the intervenors presented a complete revenue requirements analysis. The majority of the Staff adjustments relate to ROE, compensation issues and capital related forecast disputes.requested rate increases are summarized below:

Key dates in the procedural schedule are as follows:
Electric Rate Request (Millions of Dollars) Request
Rate base investments $11.0
Generation and transmission expenses (excluding fuel and purchased power) (a)
 6.8
Fuel and purchased power expenses 11.0
Subtotal 28.8
2015 fuel refund (9.5)
Department of Energy settlement refund (1.9)
Total electric rate increase $17.4

Initial Brief — Nov. 12, 2015;(a) Includes Interchange Agreement billings. The Interchange Agreement is a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) tariff under which NSP-Wisconsin and its affiliate, NSP-Minnesota, own and operate a single integrated electric generation and transmission system and both companies pay a pro-rata share of system capital and operating costs. For financial reporting purposes, these expenses are included in operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses.
Reply Brief — Nov. 19, 2015;
Natural Gas Rate Request (Millions of Dollars) Request
Environmental remediation expenses $4.8
Total natural gas rate increase $4.8

A PSCW decision is anticipated in December 2015; and
New rates effective on or about Jan.1,the fourth quarter of 2016.

Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings — Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)

Nuclear Project Prudence Investigation — In 2013, NSP-Minnesota completed the Monticello life cycle management (LCM)/extended power uprate (EPU) project. The multi-year project extended the life of the facility and increased the capacity from 600 to 671 megawatts (MW). in 2015. The Monticello LCM/EPU project expenditures were approximately $665 million. Total capitalized costs were approximately $748 million, which includes allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). In 2008, project expenditures were initially estimated at approximately $320 million, excluding AFUDC.


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In 2013, the MPUC initiated an investigation to determine whether the final costs for the Monticello LCM/EPU project were prudent.

In March 2015, the MPUC voted to allow for full recovery, including a return, on approximately $415 million of the total plant costs (inclusive of AFUDC), but only allow recovery of the remaining $333 million of costs with no return on this portion of the investment over the remaining life of the plant. Further, the MPUC determined that only 50 percent of the investment was considered used and usefulused-and-useful for 2014.  As a result of these determinations, and assuming the other state commissions within the NSP System jurisdictions adopt the MPUC’s decisions, Xcel Energy recorded an estimated pre-tax loss of $129 million in the first quarter of 2015. The2015, after which the remaining book value of the Monticello project representsrepresented the present value of the estimated future cash flows allowed for by the MPUC.flows. As NSP-Wisconsin shares in the costs of the Monticello plant through the Interchange Agreement with NSP-Minnesota, the MPUC decision also affects NSP-Wisconsin. NSP-Wisconsin’s portion of the $129 million pre-tax loss, recorded in the first quarter of 2015, was approximately $5 million.

Pending Regulatory Proceedings — Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)FERC

Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) ROE Complaints/ROE Adder — In November 2013, a group of customers filed a complaint at the FERC against certain MISO transmission owners (TOs), including NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin. The complaint argued for a reduction in the ROE in transmission formula rates in the MISO region from 12.38 percent to 9.15 percent, a prohibition on capital structures in excess of 50 percent equity, and the removal of ROE adders (including those for regional transmission organizationRegional Transmission Organization (RTO) membership and being an independent transmission company), effective Nov. 12, 2013.

Subsequently,In June 2014 the FERC issued and upheld an order adoptingadopted a new ROE methodology, which requires electric utilities to use a two-step discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates both short-term and long-term growth projections to estimate the cost of equity.


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The ROE complaint was set for full hearing procedures. The complainants and intervenors filed testimony recommending a ROE between 8.67 percent and 9.54 percent. The FERC staff recommended a ROE of 8.68 percent. The MISO TOs recommended a ROE not less than 10.8 percent. AnIn December 2015, an administrative law judge (ALJ) initial decision is anticipated to be issued by November 2015 andrecommended the FERC approve a ROE of 10.32 percent. A FERC order is expected to be issued no earlier than 2016.late 2016 or 2017.

Certain MISO TOs separately requested FERC approval of a 50 basis point ROE adder for RTO membership, ROE adder, which was approved effective Jan. 6, 2015, subject to the outcome of the ROE complaint. The total ROE, including the RTO membership adder, may not exceed the top of the discounted cash flow range under the new ROE methodology. Certain intervenors sought rehearing of this order, which the FERC order granting the ROE adder; FERC action is pending.denied in 2015.

Certain intervenors filedIn February 2015, a second complaint in February 2015was filed seeking to reduce the MISO region ROE from 12.38 percent to 8.67 percent, prior to anany adder.  A hearing has beenThe FERC set the second complaint for hearings, and established a refund effective date of Feb. 12, 2015 was established.2015. The complainantsMPUC, the North Dakota Public Service Commission, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and intervenors filed direct testimony in September 2015the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) joined a joint complainant/intervenor initial brief recommending ROEs between 8.72an ROE of either 8.82 percent and 9.13or 8.81 percent. FERC staff recommended a ROE of 8.78 percent. The MISO TOs filed answering testimony on Oct. 20, 2015, recommendingrecommended a ROE of not less than 10.7510.92 percent. FERC staff is expected to file testimony in November 2015, and a hearing is scheduled for February 2016. An ALJ initial decision is expected in June 2016 with a FERC decision inexpected no earlier than late 2016 or in 2017. Currently, the ROE refund obligation initiated under the November 2013 complaint is effective through May 2016. The MISO TOs sought rehearing of the FERC decision to allow back-to-back complaints. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin sought rehearing of the FERC’s decision not to order changes to the ROE used by non-jurisdictional MISO transmission owners (more than 20 municipal, cooperative and other utilities who are not respondents to the ROE complaints), which equals the ROE presently used by the jurisdictional MISO TOs. FERC action is pending.

NSP-Minnesota has recorded a current liability representing the current best estimate of a refund obligation associated with the new ROE, including the RTO membership adder, as of Sept. 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The new FERC ROE methodology is estimated to reduce transmission revenue, net of expense, between $7$8 million and $9$10 million, annually, for the NSP System.

6.Commitments and Contingencies

Except to the extent noted below and in Note 5 above, the circumstances set forth in Notes 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 and in Notes 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in NSP-Wisconsin’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of commitments and contingent liabilities, and are incorporated herein by reference. The following include commitments, contingencies and unresolved contingencies that are material to NSP-Wisconsin’s financial position.

Guarantees

NSP-Wisconsin provides a guarantee for payment of customer loans related to NSP-Wisconsin’s farm rewiring program. NSP-Wisconsin’s exposure under the guarantee is based upon the net liability under the agreement. The guarantee issued by NSP-Wisconsin limits its exposure to a maximum amount stated in the guarantee. The guarantee contains no recourse provisions and requires no collateral.


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The following table presents the guarantee issued and outstanding for NSP-Wisconsin:
(Millions of Dollars) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees issued and outstanding $1.0
 $1.0
Current exposure under these guarantees 0.1
 0.2
(Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantee issued and outstanding $1.0
 $1.0
Current exposure under this guarantee 0.1
 0.1

Environmental ContingenciesContingency

Ashland Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site — NSP-Wisconsin has been named a potentially responsible party (PRP) for contamination at a site in Ashland, Wis. The Ashland/Northern States Power Lakefront Superfund Site (the Ashland site)Site) includes property owned by NSP-Wisconsin, which was a site previously operated by a predecessor company as a MGP facility (the Upper Bluff), and two other properties: an adjacent city lakeshore park area (Kreher Park), on which an unaffiliated third party previously operated a sawmill and where NSP-Wisconsin believes wood treating operations were conducted;; and an area of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay adjoining the park (the Sediments).


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The U.S.In 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its Record of Decision (ROD) in 2010, which describes the, including their preferred remedy the EPA has selected for the cleanup of the Ashland site. For the Sediments at the Ashland site, the ROD preferred remedywhich is a hybrid remedy involving both dry excavation and wet conventional dredging methodologies (the Hybrid Remedy). The ROD also identifies the possibility of aA wet conventional dredging only remedy for the Sediments (the Wet Dredge), contingent upon the completion of a successful Wet Dredge pilot study.study, is another potential remedy.

In 2011, the EPA issued special notice letters identifying several entities, including NSP-Wisconsin, as PRPs, for future remediation at the Ashland site. As a result of settlement negotiations with NSP-Wisconsin, the EPA agreed to segment the Ashland site into separate areas. The first area (Phase I Project Area) includes soil and groundwater in Kreher Park and the Upper Bluff. The second area includes the Sediments.

In October 2012, under a settlement among the EPA, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Bad River and Red Cliff Bands of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians and NSP-Wisconsin was approved by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. This settlement resolves claims against NSP-Wisconsin for its alleged responsibility for the remediation of the Phase I Project Area. Under the terms of the settlement,agreement, NSP-Wisconsin agreed to perform the remediation of the Phase I Project Area but does not admit any liability with respect to(which includes the Ashland site. Fieldwork to addressUpper Bluff and Kreher Park areas of the Phase I Project Area at the Ashland site began at the end of 2012 and continues. Demolition activities occurred at the Ashland site in 2013. Soil, includingSite). The excavation and containment remedies are complete, and a long-term groundwater pump and treatment as well as containment wall remedies were completed in early 2015. In fall 2015, the ground water remedy was initiated at the site with the installation of groundwater wells and the start of construction on the groundwater treatment plant.program is now underway. The final design for the Phase I remedy was approved by the EPA in September 2015. The current cost estimate for the cleanup of the Phase I Project Area is approximately $57$68.1 million, of which approximately $39$50.5 million has already been spent. The settlement also resolves claims by the federal, state and tribal trustees against NSP-Wisconsin for alleged natural resource damages at the Ashland site, including both the Phase I Project Area and the Sediments.

Negotiations are ongoing between the EPA and NSP-Wisconsin regarding who will pay for or perform the cleanup of the Sediments and whatwhich remedy will be implemented at the site to address the Sediments. It is NSP-Wisconsin’s view that the Hybrid Remedy is not safe or feasible to implement.implemented. The EPA’s ROD for the Ashland site includes estimates that the cost of the Hybrid Remedy is between $63 million and $77 million, with a potential deviation in such estimated costs of up to 50 percent higher toor 30 percent lower. In November 2013, NSP-Wisconsin submitted a revised Wet Dredge pilot study work plan proposalbelieves the Hybrid Remedy is not safe or feasible to the EPA.implement. In May 2014, NSP-Wisconsin entered into a final administrative order on consent (AOC) for the Wet Dredge pilot study with the EPA. In early 2015, NSP-Wisconsin entered into an AOC to constructconstructed a breakwater at the site to serve as wave attenuation and containment for a wet dredge pilot study and full scale sediment remedy at the site. Construction ofEquipment mobilization for the breakwater is underway with anticipated completion in early 2016. A wet dredge pilot study is anticipated to commencecommenced in summerApril 2016.

In August 2012, NSP-Wisconsin also filed litigation againstThree other PRPs for their share of the cleanup costs for the Ashland site. A final settlement has been reached between NSP-Wisconsin, along with the EPA, and two of the PRPs, Wisconsin Central Ltd. and Soo Line Railroad Co. (collectively, the “Railroad PRPs”) resolving claims relating to the Railroad PRPs’ share of the costs of cleanup at the Ashland site. NSP-Wisconsin also entered into a second private party settlement agreement with LE Myers Co. Under the agreements, the Railroad PRPshave contributed $10.5 million and LE Myers Co. contributed $5.4$15.9 million to the costsremediation of the cleanup at the Ashland site. The agreements for the Railroad PRPssite, as a result of litigation and LE Myers Co. weresettlements approved by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in 2015 and payment has been received. As discussed below, existing PSCW policy requires that any payments received from2015. NSP-Wisconsin’s litigation effort against other PRPs be used to reduce the amount of the cleanup costs ultimately recovered from customers. Trial with the remaining PRPs for this matter, County of Ashland and City of Ashland, took place in May 2015. In September 2015, the Court ruled that the County of Ashland is not a liable party and the City of Ashland, although a liable party, is not required to contribute any funds to the cleanup of the site. NSP-Wisconsin filed a notice of appeal with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in October 2015.now complete.

At Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014,2015, NSP-Wisconsin had recorded a liability of $95.7$94.2 million and $107.694.4 million, respectively, for the Ashland siteSite based upon potential remediation and design costs together with estimated outside legal and consultant costs; of which $16.6$17.2 million and $28.917.0 million, respectively, waswere considered a current liability. NSP-Wisconsin’s potential liability, the actual cost of remediation and the time frame over which the amounts may be paidtiming of expenditures are subject to change. NSP-Wisconsin also continues to work to identify and access state and federal funds to apply to the ultimate remediation cost of the entire site. Unresolved issues or factors that could result in higher or lower NSP-Wisconsin remediation costs for the Ashland site include the cleanup approach implemented for the Sediments, which party implements the cleanup, the timing of when the cleanup is implemented and whether federal or state funding may be directed to help offset remediation costs at the Ashland site.


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NSP-Wisconsin has deferred the estimated site remediation costs as a regulatory asset, based on an expectation that the PSCW will continue to allow NSP-Wisconsin to recover payments for environmental remediation from its customers.asset. The PSCW has consistently authorized NSP-Wisconsin rate recovery for all remediation costs incurred at the Ashland site, and has authorized recovery of MGP remediation costs by other Wisconsin utilities. Under the established PSCW policy, once deferred MGP remediation costs are determined bySite. In a December 2012 decision, the PSCW agreed to be prudent, utilities are allowedallow NSP-Wisconsin to recover those deferredpre-collect certain costs, in natural gas rates, typically over a four- to six-year amortization period. The PSCW historically has not allowed utilities to recover their carrying costs on unamortized regulatory assets for MGP remediation.

The PSCW reviewed the existing MGP cost recovery policy as it applied to the Ashland site in the context of NSP-Wisconsin’s 2013 general rate case. In December 2012, the PSCW recognized the potential magnitude of the future liability for the cleanup at the Ashland site and granted an exception to its existing policy at the request of NSP-Wisconsin. The elements of this exception include: (1) approval to begin recovery of estimated Phase 1 Project costs beginning on Jan. 1, 2013; (2) approval to amortize these estimated costs over a ten-year period;period, and (3) approval to apply a three percent carrying cost to the unamortized regulatory asset. In a 2014 rate case decision,December 2015, the PSCW continued the cost recovery treatment with respect to the 2013 and 2014 cleanup costs for the Phase I Project Area and allowed NSP-Wisconsin to increase its 2014 amortization expense related to the cleanup by an additional $1.1 million to offset the need for a rate decrease for the natural gas utility. Cost recovery will continue at the level set in the 2014 rate case through 2015. In May 2015, NSP-Wisconsin filed itsapproved NSP-Wisconsin’s 2016 rate case in which it requestedrequest for an increase to the annual recovery for MGP clean-up costs from $4.7 million to $7.6 million. A decision is anticipatedIn April 2016, NSP-Wisconsin filed a limited natural gas rate case for recovering additional expenses associated with remediating the Site. If approved, the annual recovery of MGP clean-up costs would increase from $7.6 million in December 2015.2016 to $12.4 million in 2017.

Environmental Requirements

Water
Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) — In September 2015, the EPA issued a final ELG rule for power plants that use coal, natural gas, oil or nuclear materials as fuel and discharge treated effluent to surface waters as well as utility-owned landfills that receive coal combustion residuals. NSP-Wisconsin is currently reviewing the final rule and cannot predict, at this time, whether the costs of compliance with the final rule will have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows. NSP-Wisconsin believes that compliance costs would be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms.

Federal CWA Waters of the United States Rule In June 2015, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a final rule that significantly expands the types of water bodies regulated under the CWA and broadens the scope of waters subject to federal jurisdiction. The expansion of the term “Waters of the U.S.” will subject more utility projects to federal CWA jurisdiction, thereby potentially delaying the siting of new generation projects, pipelines, transmission lines and distribution lines, as well as increasing project costs and expanding permitting and reporting requirements. The rule went into effect in August 2015. On Oct. 9, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a nationwide stay of the final rule, pending further legal proceedings.

Air
Green House Gas (GHG) Emission Standard for Existing Sources — In June 2014, the EPA published its proposed rule on GHG emission standards for existing power plants. A final rule was published in October 2015. States must develop implementation plans by September 2016, with the possibility of an extension to September 2018. If a state decides not to submit a plan, the EPA will prepare a federal plan for the state. In addition, the EPA published a proposed model federal plan and will provide a 90-day public comment period on the federal plan once it has been published in the Federal Register. Among other things, the rule requires that state plans include enforceable measures to ensure emissions from existing power plants in the state achieve the EPA’s state-specific interim (2022-2029) and final (2030 and thereafter) emission performance targets. The plan will likely require additional emission reductions in states in which NSP-Wisconsin operates. Until NSP-Wisconsin has reviewed the final rule and has more information about state implementation plans, NSP-Wisconsin cannot predict whether the costs of compliance with the final rule will have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows. NSP-Wisconsin believes that compliance costs will be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms.

GHG New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) Proposal — In January 2014, the EPA re-proposed a GHG NSPS for newly constructed power plants which would set performance standards (maximum carbon dioxide emission rates) for coal- and natural gas-fired power plants. For coal power plants, the NSPS requires an emissions level equivalent to partial carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology; for natural gas-fired power plants, the NSPS reflects emissions levels from combined cycle technology with no CCS. The NSPS does not apply to modified or reconstructed existing power plants. In addition, installation of control equipment on existing plants would not constitute a “modification” to those plants under the NSPS program. The final rule was published in October 2015. NSP-Wisconsin does not anticipate the costs of compliance with the final rule will have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows.


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GHG NSPS for Modified and Reconstructed Power Plants — In June 2014, the EPA published a proposed NSPS that would apply to GHG emissions from power plants that are modified or reconstructed. A final rule was published in October 2015. A modification is a change to an existing source that increases the maximum achievable hourly rate of emissions. A reconstruction involves the replacement of components at a unit to the extent that the capital cost of the new components exceeds 50 percent of the capital cost of an entirely new comparable unit. The standards do not require installation of CCS technology. Instead, the standard for coal-fired power plants requires a combination of best operating practices and equipment upgrades. The standards for natural gas-fired power plants require emissions standards based on efficient combined cycle technology. These requirements would only apply if NSP-Wisconsin were to modify or reconstruct an existing power plant in the future in a way that triggers applicability of this rule.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) — CSAPR addresses long range transport of particulate matter and ozone by requiring reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx) from utilities in the eastern half of the United States, including Wisconsin, using an emissions trading program.

In August 2012, the United States District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacated the CSAPR and remanded it back to the EPA. The D.C. Circuit stated the EPA must continue administering the Clean Air Interstate Rule pending adoption of a valid replacement. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case to the D.C. Circuit. The Supreme Court held that the EPA’s rule design did not violate the Clean Air Act and that states had received adequate opportunity to develop their own plans. Because the D.C. Circuit overturned the CSAPR on two over-arching issues, there are many other issues the D.C. Circuit did not rule on that were considered on remand. In July 2015, the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion which found the reduction budgets exceed what is necessary for Texas to reduce its impact on downwind states that do not meet ambient air quality standards. The D.C. Circuit remanded the matter to the EPA to reconsider the emission budgets. While the EPA reconsiders emission budgets, the D.C. Circuit left CSAPR in effect.

In October 2014, the D.C. Circuit granted the EPA’s request to begin to implement CSAPR by imposing its 2012 compliance obligations starting in January 2015. While the litigation continues, the EPA is administering the CSAPR in 2015.

NSP-Wisconsin can operate within its CSAPR emission allowance allocation for SO2. NSP-Wisconsin is complying with the CSAPR for NOx in 2015 through operational changes or allowance purchases. CSAPR compliance in 2015 is not having a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Electric Generating Unit (EGU) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule — The final EGU MATS rule became effective in April 2012. The EGU MATS rule sets emission limits for acid gases, mercury and other hazardous air pollutants and requires coal-fired utility facilities greater than 25 MW to demonstrate compliance within three to four years of the effective date. In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to review the D.C. Circuit’s decision that upheld the MATS standard. By April 2015, the MATS compliance deadline, NSP-Wisconsin had met the EGU MATS rule by ending use of coal at Bay Front Unit 5. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court found that the EPA acted unreasonably by not considering the cost to regulate mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. The D.C. Circuit, on remand, will decide whether to leave MATS in effect while the EPA considers such costs in making a new determination. NSP-Wisconsin believes EGU MATS costs will be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms and does not anticipate a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Industrial Boiler (IB) Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Rules — In 2011, the EPA finalized IB MACT rules to regulate boilers and process heaters fueled with coal, biomass and liquid fuels, which would apply to NSP-Wisconsin’s Bay Front Units 1 and 2. The project to meet the requirements was completed in September 2015 with an estimated cost of approximately $20 million.

Revisions to the NAAQS for Ozone— In October 2015, the EPA revised the NAAQS for ozone by lowering the eight-hour standard from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. Current monitored air quality concentrations in areas of Wisconsin, where NSP-Wisconsin operates, are below the new standard. Therefore, NSP-Wisconsin does not expect a material impact on results of operations, financial position or cash flows.


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Legal Contingencies

NSP-Wisconsin is involved in various litigation matters that are being defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. The assessment of whether a loss is probable or is a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves a series of complex judgments about future events. Management maintains accruals for such losses that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. Management is sometimes unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss in certain situations, including but not limited to when (1) the damages sought are indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (3) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss. For current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on NSP-Wisconsin’s financial statements. Unless otherwise required by GAAP, legal fees are expensed as incurred.

Employment, Tort and Commercial Litigation

Gas Trading Litigation — e prime, inc. (e prime) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy.  e prime was in the business of natural gas trading and marketing, but has not engaged in natural gas trading or marketing activities since 2003.  Thirteen lawsuits were commenced against e prime and Xcel Energy (and NSP-Wisconsin, in two instances) between 2003 and 2009 alleging fraud and anticompetitive activities in conspiring to restrain the trade of natural gas and manipulate natural gas prices. The cases were consolidated in U.S. District Court in Nevada.  In 2009, five of the cases were settled and one was dismissed.  The U.S. District Court, in 2011, issued an order dismissing entirely six of the remaining seven lawsuits, and partially dismissing the seventh. Plaintiffs appealed the dismissals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit), which reversed the U.S. District Court. The matter was ultimately heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in early 2015, which agreed with the Ninth Circuit and remanded the matter to the U.S. District Court. In September 2015, the District Court held a status conference and set deadlines for certain litigation related activities in 2016. A trial date hasTrial dates have not yet been set, but isare not expected to occur prior to late 2016 or early 2017. Xcel Energy, NSP-Wisconsin and e prime have concluded that a loss is remote with respect to this matter.

7.Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments

Commercial Paper — NSP-Wisconsin meets its short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under its credit facility. Commercial paper outstanding for NSP-Wisconsin was as follows:
(Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015 Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2014 Three months Ended March 31, 2016 Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2015
Borrowing limit $150
 $150
 $150
 $150
Amount outstanding at period end 
 78
 5
 10
Average amount outstanding 
 46
 14
 39
Maximum amount outstanding 
 101
 38
 122
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis N/A
 0.27% 0.66% 0.44%
Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A
 0.55
 0.65
 0.70

Letters of Credit — NSP-Wisconsin uses letters of credit, generally with terms of one year, to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations. At Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014,2015, there were no letters of credit outstanding.

Credit Facility — In order to use its commercial paper program to fulfill short-term funding needs, NSP-Wisconsin must have a revolving credit facility in place at least equal to the amount of its commercial paper borrowing limit and cannot issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount exceeding available capacity under this credit facility. The line of credit provides short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings.

At Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, NSP-Wisconsin had the following committed credit facility available (in millions of dollars):
Credit Facility (a)
Credit Facility (a)
 
Drawn (b)
 Available
Credit Facility (a)
 
Drawn (b)
 Available
$150
 $
 $150
150
 $5
 $145

(a) 
This credit facility expires in October 2019.
(b) 
Includes outstanding commercial paper.


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All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facility. NSP-Wisconsin had no direct advances on the credit facility outstanding at Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014.2015.

Other Short-Term Borrowings The following table presents the notes payable of Clearwater Investments, Inc., a NSP-Wisconsin subsidiary, to Xcel Energy Inc.:
(Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
Notes payable to affiliates $0.5
 $0.5
 $0.5
 $0.5
Weighted average interest rate at period end 0.38% 0.51% 0.60% 0.87%

Long-Term Borrowings

In June 2015, NSP-Wisconsin issued $100 million of 3.3 percent first mortgage bonds due June 15, 2024.

8.Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value.  A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices.

Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts or priced with models using highly observable inputs.

Level 3 — Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those valued with models requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

Specific valuation methods include the following:

Cash equivalents — The fair values of cash equivalents are generally based on cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted net asset values.prices.

Interest rate derivatives The fair values of interest rate derivatives are based on broker quotes that utilize current market interest rate forecasts.

Commodity derivatives The methods used to measure the fair value of commodity derivative forwards and options utilize forward prices and volatilities, as well as pricing adjustments for specific delivery locations, and are generally assigned a Level 2.  When contractual settlements extend to periods beyond those readily observable on active exchanges or quoted by brokers, the significance of the use of less observable forecasts of long-term forward prices and volatilities on a valuation is evaluated, and may result in Level 3 classification.

Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements

NSP-Wisconsin enters into derivative instruments, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options for trading purposes and to manage risk in connection with changes in interest rates and utility commodity prices.


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Interest Rate Derivatives — NSP-Wisconsin enters into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for an anticipated debt issuance for a specific period.  These derivative instruments are generally designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.


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At Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, accumulated other comprehensive loss related to interest rate derivatives included $0.1 million of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the related hedged interest rate transactions impact earnings, including forecasted amounts for unsettled hedges, as applicable.

Commodity Derivatives — NSP-Wisconsin may enter into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices in its electric and natural gas operations, as well as for trading purposes. This could include the purchase or sale of natural gas to generate electric energy and natural gas for resale.

The following table details the gross notional amounts of commodity options at Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014:2015:
(Amounts in Thousands) (a)(b)
 Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014
Million British thermal units of natural gas 642
 18
(Amounts in Thousands)(a)(b)
March 31, 2016Dec. 31, 2015
Million British thermal units of natural gas
388

(a) 
Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities.
(b) 
Notional amounts for options are included on a gross basis, but are weighted for the probability of exercise.

Impact of Derivative Activities on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — There were immaterial pre-tax losses related to interest rate derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the three months ended Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014, and $0.1 million of net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015 and 2014.2015.

During the three months and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, changes in the fair value of natural gas commodity derivatives resulted in immaterial and $0.1 million of net losses recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities, respectively. For the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, changes in the fair value of natural gas commodity derivatives resulted in immaterial net losses and net gains of $0.7 million, respectively, recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities. The classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on commission approved regulatory recovery mechanisms.

Natural gas commodity derivatives settlement losses of $1.0$0.6 million and gains of $0.5$1.0 million were recognized for the ninethree months ended Sept. 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively, and were subject to purchased natural gas cost recovery mechanisms, which result in reclassifications of derivative settlement gains and losses out of income to a regulatory asset or liability, as appropriate. There were immaterial natural gas commodity derivatives settlement losses recognized during the three months ended Sept. 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

NSP-Wisconsin had no derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges during the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014.2015. Therefore, no gains or losses from fair value hedges or related hedged transactions were recognized for these periods.

Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations  NSP-Wisconsin continuously monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties to its interest rate derivatives and commodity derivative contracts prior to settlement, and assesses each counterparty’s ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts. Given this assessment, as well as an assessment of the impact of NSP-Wisconsin’s own credit risk when determining the fair value of derivative liabilities, the impact of considering credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives presented in the consolidated balance sheets.

NSP-Wisconsin employs additional credit risk control mechanisms when appropriate, such as letters of credit, parental guarantees, standardized master netting agreements and termination provisions that allow for offsetting of positive and negative exposures. Credit exposure is monitored and, when necessary, the activity with a specific counterparty is limited until credit enhancement is provided.


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Recurring Fair Value Measurements — There were no recognized recurring fair value measurements at March 31, 2016. The following tables presenttable presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, NSP-Wisconsin’s derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:basis at Dec. 31, 2015:

  Sept. 30, 2015
  Fair Value 
Fair Value
Total
 
Counterparty
Netting (a)
 
Total (b)
(Thousands of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3   
Current derivative assets            
Natural gas commodity $
 $292
 $
 $292
 $(22) $270
Total current derivative assets $
 $292
 $
 $292
 $(22) $270
Current derivative liabilities            
Natural gas commodity $
 $94
 $
 $94
 $(22) $72
Total current derivative liabilities $
 $94
 $
 $94
 $(22) $72

 Dec. 31, 2014 Dec. 31, 2015
 Fair Value 
Fair Value
Total
 
Counterparty
Netting (a)
 
Total (b)
 Fair Value 
Fair Value
Total
 
Counterparty
Netting (a)
 
Total (b)
(Thousands of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Current derivative assets                        
Natural gas commodity $
 $52
 $
 $52
 $
 $52
 $
 $15
 $
 $15
 $(11) $4
Total current derivative assets $
 $15
 $
 $15
 $(11) $4
Current derivative liabilities            
Natural gas commodity $
 $194
 $
 $194
 $(11) $183
Total current derivative liabilities $
 $194
 $
 $194
 $(11) $183

(a) 
NSP-Wisconsin nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its consolidated balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at Sept. 30, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2014.2015.  The counterparty netting amounts presented exclude settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements.
(b) 
Included in prepayments and other current assets balance of $2.9$2.4 million and $6.9 million at Sept. 30, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2014, respectively, and other current liabilities balance of $24.4$15.8 million at Sept. 30,Dec. 31, 2015, in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

As of Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014,2015, other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value were as follows:
 Sept. 30, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
(Thousands of Dollars) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current portion(a) $667,575
 $749,183
 $568,291
 $670,665
 $662,616
 $760,820
 $662,449
 $742,565
(a)
Amounts reflect the classification of debt issuance costs as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. See Note 2, Accounting Pronouncements for more information on the adoption of ASU 2015-03.

The fair value of NSP-Wisconsin’s long-term debt is estimated based on recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities. The fair value estimates are based on information available to management as of Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2014,2015, and given the observability of the inputs to these estimates, the fair values presented for long-term debt have been assigned a Level 2.

9.Other Income, (Expense), Net

Other income, (expense), net consisted of the following:
 Three Months Ended Sept. 30 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30 Three Months Ended March 31
(Thousands of Dollars) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2016 2015
Interest income $11
 $21
 $299
 $237
 $124
 $297
Other nonoperating income 72
 29
 202
 108
 158
 61
Insurance policy income (expense) 20
 (56) (109) (292) 170
 (106)
Other nonoperating expense (3) (3) (8) (8) (3) (3)
Other income (expense), net $100
 $(9) $384
 $45
Other income, net $449
 $249


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10.
Segment Information

Operating results from the regulated electric utility and regulated natural gas utility are each separately and regularly reviewed by NSP-Wisconsin’s chief operating decision maker.  NSP-Wisconsin evaluates performance based on profit or loss generated from the product or service provided.  These segments are managed separately because the revenue streams are dependent upon regulated rate recovery, which is separately determined for each segment.


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NSP-Wisconsin has the following reportable segments: regulated electric utility, regulated natural gas utility and all other.

NSP-Wisconsin’s regulated electric utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity primarily in portions of Wisconsin and Michigan. 
NSP-Wisconsin’s regulated natural gas utility segment purchases, transports, stores and distributes natural gas primarily in portions of Wisconsin and Michigan.
Revenues from operating segments not included above are below the necessary quantitative thresholds and are therefore included in the all other category.  Those primarily include investments in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits.

Asset and capital expenditure information is not provided for NSP-Wisconsin’s reportable segments because as an integrated electric and natural gas utility, NSP-Wisconsin operates significant assets that are not dedicated to a specific business segment, and reporting assets and capital expenditures by business segment would require arbitrary and potentially misleading allocations which may not necessarily reflect the assets that would be required for the operation of the business segments on a stand-alone basis.

To report income from operations for regulated electric and regulated natural gas utility segments, the majority of costs are directly assigned to each segment.  However, some costs, such as common depreciation, common operating and maintenance (O&M)O&M expenses and interest expense are allocated based on cost causation allocators.  A general allocator is used for certain general and administrative expenses, including office supplies, rent, property insurance and general advertising.
(Thousands of Dollars) Regulated Electric Regulated Natural Gas All Other Reconciling Eliminations Consolidated Total
Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015          
Operating revenues (a)
 $224,666
 $11,088
 $407
 $
 $236,161
Intersegment revenues 101
 177
 

 (278) 
Total revenues $224,767
 $11,265
 $407
 $(278) $236,161
Net income (loss) $28,285
 $(1,993) $(60) $
 $26,232
(Thousands of Dollars) Regulated Electric Regulated Natural Gas All Other Reconciling Eliminations Consolidated Total
Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014          
Operating revenues (a)
 $216,289
 $14,484
 $273
 $
 $231,046
Intersegment revenues 93
 425
 
 (518) 
Total revenues $216,382
 $14,909
 $273
 $(518) $231,046
Net income (loss) $21,227
 $(2,003) $806
 $
 $20,030
           
(Thousands of Dollars) 
Regulated
Electric
 
Regulated
Natural Gas
 All Other 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016          
Operating revenues (a)(b)
 $211,524
 $43,020
 $306
 $
 $254,850
Intersegment revenues 109
 80
 
 (189) 
Total revenues $211,633
 $43,100
 $306
 $(189) $254,850
Net income $11,501
 $6,092
 $38
 $
 $17,631
           
(Thousands of Dollars) 
Regulated
Electric
 
Regulated
Natural Gas
 All Other 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015          
Operating revenues (a)
 $210,284
 $63,296
 $380
 $
 $273,960
Intersegment revenues 109
 225
 
 (334) 
Total revenues $210,393
 $63,521
 $380
 $(334) $273,960
Net income (loss) $15,514
(b) 
$6,781
 $(28) $
 $22,267
(a) 
Operating revenues include $42$41 million and $33$38 million of affiliate electric revenue for the three months ended Sept. 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.
           
(Thousands of Dollars) 
Regulated
Electric
 
Regulated
Natural Gas
 All Other 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015          
Operating revenues (a)(b)
 $634,571
 $91,273
 $1,090
 $
 $726,934
Intersegment revenues 308
 475
 
 (783) 
Total revenues $634,879
 $91,748
 $1,090
 $(783) $726,934
Net income (loss) $57,586
(b) 
$3,714
 $(289) $
 $61,011

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(Thousands of Dollars) 
Regulated
Electric
 
Regulated
Natural Gas
 All Other 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014          
Operating revenues (a)
 $625,663
 $117,814
 $825
 $
 $744,302
Intersegment revenues 308
 4,191
 
 (4,499) 
Total revenues $625,971
 $122,005
 $825
 $(4,499) $744,302
Net income $48,092
 $5,565
 $2,630
 $
 $56,287
(a)
Operating revenues include $121 million and $97 million of affiliate electric revenue for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(b) 
Includes a net of tax charge related to the Monticello LCM/EPU project.  See Note 5.

11.Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 Three Months Ended Sept. 30 Three Months Ended March 31
 2015 2014 2015 2014 2016 2015 2016 2015
(Thousands of Dollars) Pension Benefits 
Postretirement Health
Care Benefits
 Pension Benefits 
Postretirement Health
Care Benefits
Service cost $1,190
 $1,132
 $7
 $9
 $1,104
 $1,190
 $6
 $7
Interest cost 1,630
 1,814
 164
 198
 1,704
 1,630
 163
 163
Expected return on plan assets (2,371) (2,411) (8) (13) (2,289) (2,371) (6) (8)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 27
 28
 (87) (88) 28
 28
 (88) (88)
Amortization of net loss 1,701
 1,654
 114
 167
 1,348
 1,701
 83
 114
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting $2,177
 $2,217
 $190
 $273
 $1,895
 $2,178
 $158
 $188

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  Nine Months Ended Sept. 30
  2015 2014 2015 2014
(Thousands of Dollars) Pension Benefits 
Postretirement Health
Care Benefits
Service cost $3,570
 $3,396
 $21
 $26
Interest cost 4,890
 5,442
 490
 593
Expected return on plan assets (7,113) (7,232) (23) (39)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 83
 84
 (263) (263)
Amortization of net loss 5,103
 4,962
 342
 500
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting $6,533
 $6,652
 $567
 $817

In January 2015,2016, contributions of $90.0$125.0 million were made across four of Xcel Energy’s pension plans, of which $4.9$7.4 million was attributable to NSP-Wisconsin. Xcel Energy does not expect additional pension contributions during 2015.2016.

12.Other Comprehensive Income

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Gains and Losses on
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Gains and Losses on
Cash Flow Hedges
(Thousands of Dollars) Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015 Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at July 1 $(247) $(324)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Jan. 1 $(209) $(285)
Losses reclassified from net accumulated other comprehensive loss 19
 20
 19
 19
Net current period other comprehensive income 19
 20
 19
 19
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Sept. 30 $(228) $(304)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31 $(190) $(266)

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Gains and Losses on
Cash Flow Hedges
(Thousands of Dollars) Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Jan. 1 $(285) $(361)
Losses reclassified from net accumulated other comprehensive loss 57
 57
Net current period other comprehensive income 57
 57
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Sept. 30 $(228) $(304)

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
  
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
(Thousands of Dollars) Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015 Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014 
Losses on cash flow hedges:     
Interest rate derivatives $32
(a) 
$32
(a) 
Total, pre-tax 32
 32
 
Tax benefit (13) (12) 
Total amounts reclassified, net of tax $19
 $20
 
 
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
  
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
(Thousands of Dollars) Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014  Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 
Losses on cash flow hedges:          
Interest rate derivatives $94
(a) 
$95
(a) 
 $32
(a) 
$32
(a) 
Total, pre-tax 94
 95
  32
 32
 
Tax benefit (37) (38)  (13) (13) 
Total amounts reclassified, net of tax $57
 $57
  $19
 $19
 

(a) 
Included in interest charges.


Item 2MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Discussion of financial condition and liquidity for NSP-Wisconsin is omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries. It is replaced with management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations set forth in general instructions H (2) (a) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).

Financial Review

The following discussion and analysis by management focuses on those factors that had a material effect on NSP-Wisconsin’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows during the periods presented, or are expected to have a material impact in the future. It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Due to the seasonality of NSP-Wisconsin’s electric and natural gas sales, such interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.


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Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed herein, are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information. The following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other securities filings (including NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2014 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31. 2015 and June 30, 2015), could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: general economic conditions, including inflation rates, monetary fluctuations and their impact on capital expenditures and the ability of NSP-Wisconsin and its subsidiaries to obtain financing on favorable terms; business conditions in the energy industry; including the risk of a slow down in the U.S. economy or delay in growth, recovery;recovery, trade, fiscal, taxation and environmental policies in areas where NSP-Wisconsin has a financial interest; customer business conditions; actions of credit rating agencies; competitive factors including the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by NSP-Wisconsin and its subsidiaries; unusual weather; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; cyber security threats and data security breaches; state, federal and foreign legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect cost and investment recovery, have an impact on rates or have an impact on asset operation or ownership;ownership or impose environmental compliance conditions; structures that affect the speed and degree to which competition enters the electric and natural gas markets; costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims; financial or regulatory accounting policies imposed by regulatory bodies; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; availability of cost of capital; and employee work force factors.

Results of Operations

NSP-Wisconsin’s net income was $61.0$17.6 million for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015first quarter of 2016 compared with $56.3$22.3 million for the same period in 2014. Higher electric margins, primarily due to an electric rate increase and weather-normalized sales growth,2015. The impact of the 2015 Monticello LCM/EPU project loss along with lower O&M expenseselectric and natural gas rate increases were partiallymore than offset by higher depreciation, unfavorable weather,O&M expenses and the impact of the Monticello LCM/EPU project loss.depreciation. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Monticello LCM/EPU project loss.

Electric Revenues and Margin

Electric production expenses tend to vary with the quantity of electricity sold and changes in the unit costs of fuel and purchased power. The electric fuel and purchased power cost recovery mechanism of the Wisconsin jurisdiction may not allow for complete recovery of all expenses and, therefore, changes in fuel or purchased power costs can impact earnings. The following table details the electric revenues and margin:
 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30 Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 2014 2016 2015
Electric revenues $635
 $626
 $212
 $210
Electric fuel and purchased power (324) (333) (113) (113)
Electric margin $311
 $293
 $99
 $97

The following tables summarize the components of the changes in electric revenues and electric margin for the ninethree months ended
Sept. 30:March 31:
 
Electric Revenues
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 vs. 2014 2016 vs. 2015
Retail rate increases (Wisconsin and Michigan) $8
Interchange agreement billings with NSP-Minnesota $8
 3
Retail rate increases (Wisconsin and Michigan) 3
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery 2
 (8)
Estimated impact of weather (3) (3)
Retail sales decline, excluding weather impact (2)
Other, net 1
 2
Total increase in electric revenues $9
 $2
 

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Electric Margin
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 vs. 2014 2016 vs. 2015
Interchange agreement billings with NSP-Minnesota $11
Fuel cost recovery 8
Retail rate increases (Wisconsin and Michigan) 3
 $8
Estimated impact of weather (3) (3)
Retail sales decline, excluding weather impact (2)
Fuel cost recovery (2)
Other, net 1
 (1)
Total increase in electric margin $18
 $2

Natural Gas Revenues and Margin
 
Total natural gas expense tends to vary with changing sales requirements and the cost of natural gas purchases. However, due to the design of purchased natural gas cost recovery mechanisms to recover current expenses for sales to retail customers, fluctuations in the cost of natural gas have little effect on natural gas margin. The following table details the natural gas revenues and margin:
 Nine Months Ended Sept. 30 Three Months Ended March 31
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 2014 2016 2015
Natural gas revenues $91
 $118
 $43
 $63
Cost of natural gas sold and transported (55) (78) (23) (42)
Natural gas margin $36
 $40
 $20
 $21

The following tables summarize the components of the changes in natural gas revenues and natural gas margin for the ninethree months ended Sept. 30:March 31:
 
Natural Gas Revenues
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 vs. 2014 2016 vs. 2015
Purchased natural gas adjustment clause recovery $(24) $(19)
Estimated impact of weather (3) (2)
Retail rate increase (Wisconsin) 1
Total decrease in natural gas revenues $(27) $(20)

Natural Gas Margin
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 vs. 2014 2016 vs. 2015
Estimated impact of weather $(3) $(2)
Other, net (1)
Retail rate increase (Wisconsin) 1
Total decrease in natural gas margin $(4) $(1)

Non-Fuel Operating Expenses and Other Items

O&M Expenses — O&M expenses decreasedincreased $6.4 million, or 4.615.3 percent, for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015.first quarter of 2016. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to Interchange Agreementinterchange agreement billings with NSP-Minnesota related to timing of transmission projects.projects and higher gas survey costs.
   
(Millions of Dollars) 2015 vs. 2014
Interchange agreement billings with NSP-Minnesota $(9)
Other, net 3
Total decrease in O&M expenses $(6)

Depreciation and Amortization — Depreciation and amortization increased $7.8$3.1 million, or 13.214.5 percent, for the nine monthsfirst quarter ended Sept. 30, 2015.2016. The increase was primarily attributedattributable to normal system expansion.capital investments.

Income Taxes Income tax expense increased $2.8decreased $2.2 million for the nine monthsfirst quarter ended Sept. 30, 20152016 compared with the same period in 2014. 2015. The increasedecrease in income tax expense was primarily due to higherlower pretax earnings in 2015.2016. The ETR was 37.238.0 percent for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2014.first quarter of 2016 compared with 37.0 percent for the same period in 2015. The higher ETR in 2016 is primarily due to decreased permanent plant-related adjustments (e.g., AFUDC-equity) in 2016.


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Public Utility Regulation

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Public Utility Regulation included in Item 1. of NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014, and Public Utility Regulation included in Item 2. of NSP-Wisconsin’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, appropriately represent,represents, in all material respects, the current status of public utility regulation, and are incorporated herein by reference.


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NSP System Resource Plans — In January 2015, NSP-Minnesota filed its 2016-2030 Integrated Resource Plan (the Plan) with the MPUC.

On Oct. 2,In October 2015, NSP-Minnesota filedproposed revisions to the Plan. The revised proposal addressed stakeholder recommendations as well as the then final Clean Power Plan (CPP) recently issued by the EPA. The revised Plan is based on four primary elements: (1) accelerate the transition from coal energy to renewables, (2) preserve regional system reliability, (3) pursue energy efficiency gains and grid modernization, and (4) ensure customer benefits. The provisions included in the Plan would allow for a 60 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and willis expected to result in 63 percent of NSP System energy being carbon-free by 2030. Specific terms of the proposal include:

The addition of 800 megawatts (MW)MW of wind and 400 MW of utility scale solar to the pre-2020 time-frame;
The addition of 1000 MW of wind and 1000 MW of utility scale solar between 2020-2030;
The retirement of Sherco Unit 2 in 2023 and Sherco Unit 1 in 2026;
The addition of a 230 MW (approximate capacity, actual size to be determined) natural gas combustion turbine in North Dakota by 2025;
Replacement of Sherco coal generation with a 780786 MW (approximate capacity, actual size to be determined) natural gas combined cycle unit at the Sherco site no later than 2026; and
Operation of the Monticello and Prairie IslandPI nuclear plants through their current license periods in the early 2030’s.

NSP-Minnesota believes this will provide substantial opportunities for the ownership of renewable generation and replacement thermal generation. In January 2016, NSP-Minnesota filed supplemental economic and renewable generation. The Plan is currently being reviewed by the MPUC.

CapX2020 — The estimated cost of the five major CapX2020 transmission projects is $2 billion.  NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin are responsible for approximately $1.1 billion of the total investment.  As of Sept. 30, 2015, Xcel Energy has invested $975.5 milliontechnical information in support of its $1.1 billion sharerevised Plan. While the CPP was subsequently stayed, the filing demonstrated anticipated compliance with the CPP while maintaining reasonable costs for customers. Additionally, NSP-Minnesota responded to MPUC inquiries regarding forecasted cost increases at PI (through end of licensed life) and committed to provide additional information if the five CapX2020 transmission projects.

In September 2015,MPUC wishes to further explore alternatives to operating PI through its current license periods. The MPUC has authorized the first 345 Kilovolt (KV) segmentDOC to engage an expert to aid in its analysis of PI information provided, the Hampton, Minn.results of which are expected to La Crosse, Wis. 161/345 KV transmission line was energized.influence NSP-Minnesota’s proposed resource portfolio in its next resource plan. Comments and reply comments on the Plan are due July 8, 2016 and Aug. 12, 2016, respectively. The segment stretches from the North Rochester Substation in Minn. to the Briggs Road Substation in Wis. The final segment of the projectMPUC is expected to go into servicemake a decision on the resource plan in the fall of 2016, although segments are being placed in service as they are completed.late 2016.

NSP-Wisconsin / American Transmission Company, LLC (ATC) - La Crosse, Wis. to Madison, Wis. Transmission Line — In October 2013, NSP-Wisconsin and ATC jointly filed an application with the PSCW for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for a new 345 Kilovolt transmission line that would extend from La Crosse, Wis. to Madison, Wis.  NSP-Wisconsin’s half of the line will be shared with three co-owners, Dairyland Power Cooperative, WPPI Energy and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency-Wisconsin. 

In April 2015, the PSCW issued its order approving a CPCN and route for the project. In June 2015, the PSCW denied two requests for rehearing. Two groups have appealed the CPCN Order to county circuit court. Court action is pending and the CPCN remains in full effect unless one of the parties seeks and receives a stay from the court and posts a bond to cover damages the utilities may incur due to delay. The 180-mile project is expected to cost approximately $580 million. NSP-Wisconsin’s portion of the investment is estimated to be approximately $207 million. NSP-Wisconsin and ATC anticipate beginning construction on the line in mid-2016, with completion by late 2018.


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2015 Electric Fuel Cost Recovery — NSP-Wisconsin’s electric fuel costs for the nine monthsyear ended Sept. 30,Dec. 31, 2015 were lower than authorized in rates and outside the two percent annual tolerance band established in the Wisconsin fuel cost recovery rules, primarily due to lower load as a result of mild weather, lower natural gas prices and lower purchased power prices in the MISO market. Under the fuel cost recovery rules, NSP-Wisconsin may retain the amount of over-recovery up to two percent of authorized annual fuel costs, or approximately $3.5 million. However, NSP-Wisconsin must defer the amount of over-recovery in excess of the two percent annual tolerance band for future refund to customers. Accordingly, NSP-Wisconsin recorded a deferral of approximately $5.9$9.2 million through Sept. 30,Dec. 31, 2015. The amount of the deferral could increase or decrease based on actual fuel costs incurred for the remainder of the year. In the first quarter ofMarch 2016, NSP-Wisconsin will filefiled a final reconciliation of 2015 actual fuel costs with the PSCW.PSCW, indicating the total amount to be refunded to customers, including interest, is $9.5 million, and increased the deferral accordingly. NSP-Wisconsin has proposed that the refund liability be used to offset the proposed increase in the 2017 test year rate case. The amount of any potential refund is subject to review and approval by the PSCW, which is not expected until mid-2016.

Summary of Recent Federal Regulatory Developments

The FERC has jurisdiction over rates for electric transmission service in interstate commerce and electricity sold at wholesale, hydro facility licensing, natural gas transportation, asset transactions and mergers, accounting practices and certain other activities of NSP-Wisconsin, including enforcement of North American Electric Reliability Corporation mandatory electric reliability standards. State and local agencies have jurisdiction over many of NSP-Wisconsin’s activities, including regulation of retail rates and environmental matters. See additional discussion in the summary of recent federal regulatory developments and public utility regulation sections of the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014.2015. In addition to the matters discussed below, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of other regulatory matters.


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FERC Order, New ROE Policy — In June 2014, the FERC adopted a new two-step ROE methodology for electric utilities. In March, 2015, FERC upheld the new ROE methodology and denied rehearing. The issue of how to apply the new FERC ROE methodology is being contested in various complaint proceedings. Two complaints against the MISO Transmission Owners, including NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin, are pending FERC action. FERC is not expected to issue orders in any of the litigated ROE complaint proceedings until 2016.2016 or 2017. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of the MISO ROE complaints.Complaints.

Formula Rate Treatment of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes (ADIT) - In 2015, the MISO Transmission Owners, including NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin filed separate changes to their transmission formula rates to modify the treatment of ADIT to comply with 2015 IRS guidance regarding how ADIT must be reflected in formula rates using future test years and a true-up. The filings are intended to ensure that NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin are in compliance with IRS rules and may continue to use accelerated tax depreciation. In December 2015, the FERC partially accepted the proposed NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin transmission formula rate changes, but rejected the changes regarding the treatment of ADIT in the formula rate true-up. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin sought clarification or rehearing of the FERC order partially rejecting the NSP System filing. FERC action on the NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin request for clarification remains pending.

SPP and MISO Complaints Regarding RTO Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) -SPP and MISO were involved in a long-running dispute regarding the interpretation of their JOA, which is intended to coordinate RTO operations along the MISO/SPP system boundary. SPP and MISO disagreed over MISO’s authority to transmit power between the traditional MISO region in the Midwest and the Entergy system. Several cases were filed with the FERC by MISO and SPP between 2011 and 2014. In June 2014, the FERC set the issues for settlement judge and hearing procedures.

In January 2016, the FERC approved a settlement between SPP, MISO and other parties that resolves various disputed matters and provide a defined settlement compensation plan by MISO to SPP. MISO will pay SPP $16 million for the two-year retroactive period (February 2014 to January 2016) and $16 million annually prospectively starting Feb. 1, 2016, subject to a true-up. In January 2016, SPP filed a proposal regarding distribution of the MISO revenues to SPP members. In March 2016, the FERC issued an order rejecting one component of the SPP filing, accepting the remainder of the SPP tariff proposal subject to refund, and setting the filing for settlement judge or hearing procedures. Separate settlement discussions are ongoing regarding the April 2014 MISO tariff change filing to recover SPP JOA charges in MISO rates. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin expect to be able to recover any resulting MISO charges in retail rates.

Item 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

NSP-Wisconsin maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of Sept. 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of NSP-Wisconsin’s management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and the procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that NSP-Wisconsin’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Effective January 2016, NSP-Wisconsin implemented the general ledger modules of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to improve certain financial and related transaction processes. During 2016 and 2017, NSP-Wisconsin will continue implementing additional modules and expects to begin conversion of existing work management systems to this new ERP system. In connection with this ongoing implementation, NSP-Wisconsin has updated and will continue updating its internal control over financial reporting, as necessary, to accommodate modifications to its business processes and accounting procedures. NSP-Wisconsin does not believe the implementation of the general ledger modules, which occurred during the period ended March 31, 2016, materially affected its internal control over financial reporting.  NSP-Wisconsin also does not expect the implementation of the additional modules to materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.

No changeother changes in NSP-Wisconsin’s internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, NSP-Wisconsin’s internal control over financial reporting.


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Part II — OTHER INFORMATION


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Item 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

NSP-Wisconsin is involved in various litigation matters that are being defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. The assessment of whether a loss is probable or is a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves a series of complex judgments about future events. Management maintains accruals for such losses that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. Management is sometimes unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss in certain situations, including but not limited to when (1) the damages sought are indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (3) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss.

Additional Information

See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of legal claims and environmental proceedings. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of proceedings involving utility rates and other regulatory matters.

Item 1A — RISK FACTORS

NSP-Wisconsin’s risk factors are documented in Item 1A of Part I of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014,2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K.

Item 4MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

Item 5OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 6 — EXHIBITS
*Indicates incorporation by reference
3.01*Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of NSP-Wisconsin (Exhibit 3.01 to Form S-4 (file no. 333-112033) dated Jan. 21, 2004).
3.02*By-Laws of Northern States Power Co. (a Wisconsin corporation) as Amended and Restated on Sept. 26, 2013. (Exhibit 3.02 to Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2013 (file no. 001-03140)).
Principal Executive Officer’s certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Principal Financial Officer’s certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
101The following materials from NSP-Wisconsin’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2015March 31, 2016 are formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.

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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.

  Northern States Power Company (a Wisconsin corporation)
   
Nov. 2, 2015May 13, 2016By:/s/ JEFFREY S. SAVAGE
  Jeffrey S. Savage
  Senior Vice President, Controller
  (Principal Accounting Officer)
   
  /s/ TERESA S. MADDENROBERT C. FRENZEL
  Teresa S. MaddenRobert C. Frenzel
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
  (Principal Financial Officer)

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