______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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

OR

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission
File Number
Registrants; State of Incorporation;
Address; and Telephone Number
IRS Employer
Identification No.
   
1-11337
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
700 North Adams Street
P. O. Box 19001
Green Bay, WI 54307-9001
920-433-4901
39-1775292
   
1-3016
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
700 North Adams Street
P. O. Box 19001
Green Bay, WI 54307-9001
800-450-7260
39-0715160

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
WPS Resources CorporationYes [x] No [ ]
Wisconsin Public Service CorporationYes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, (as definedaccelerated filers, or non-accelerated filers. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Act.

WPS Resources Corporation
Yes [x] No   Large Accelerated filer [X]Accelerated filer [ ]Non-accelerated filer [ ]
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
Yes   Large Accelerated filer [ ] No [xAccelerated filer [ ]Non-accelerated filer [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

WPS Resources CorporationYes [ ] No [x ]
Wisconsin Public Service CorporationYes [ ] No [x ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
Common stock, $1 par value,
38,094,76140,306,482 shares outstanding at
October 31, 2005April 30, 2006
  
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
Common stock, $4 par value,
23,896,962 shares outstanding at
October 31, 2005April 30, 2006
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________








WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
AND
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005MARCH 31, 2006
 
CONTENTS
  
Page
   
 4
   
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
 
 5
 6
 7
   
 
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
 8
 9
 10
 11
   
 12-39
 
WPS Resources Corporation and Subsidiaries
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Subsidiaries
12-35
   
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for 
 36-7040-64
 71-8065-70
   
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk8171
   
Controls and Procedures8272
   
OTHER INFORMATION
8373
   
Legal Proceedings8373
   
Other InformationRisk Factors8373
   
Exhibits8474
   
 85-8675-76

   




 
CONTENTS
(continue)
 
Page
   
 8777
  
12.1WPS Resources Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
12.2Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for WPS Resources Corporation
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for WPS Resources Corporation
31.3Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
31.4Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
32.1Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for WPS Resources Corporation
32.2Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  


 
-2-



Commonly Used Acronyms
ATCAmerican Transmission Company LLC
DOEUnited States Department of Energy
DPCDairyland Power Cooperative
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
ESIWPS Energy Services, Inc.
ESOPEmployee Stock Ownership Plan
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
MISOMidwest Independent Transmission System Operator
MPSCMichigan Public Service Commission
PDIWPS Power Development, LLC
PSCWPublic Service Commission of Wisconsin
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards
UPPCOUpper Peninsula Power Company
WDNRWisconsin Department of Natural Resources
WPSCWisconsin Public Service Corporation




-3-




Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical data and statements of current fact, the information contained or incorporated by reference in this document constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.1934, as amended. Any references to plans, goals, beliefs or expectations in respect to future events and conditions or to estimates are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that statements of our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks and should be viewed with caution. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors.

In addition to statements regarding trends or estimates in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, forward-looking statements included or incorporated in this report include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future:

·Revenues or expenses,
·Capital expenditure projections, and
·Financing sources.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this report. Some risk factors that could cause results different from any forward-looking statement include those described in Item 1A of thoseour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and as such may be amended or supplemented in Item 1A of this report. Other factors include:

·ReceiptTimely completion of the purchase of the Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila, Inc. (including receipt of the required regulatory approvals forapproval in Minnesota) and the acquisitionsuccessful integration of both the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila;operations;
·Resolution of pending and future rate cases and negotiations (including the recovery of deferred costs) and other regulatory decisions regarding WPSC and UPPCO;impacting WPS Resources' regulated businesses;
·The impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory changes, including legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry, changes in environmental, tax and other laws and regulations to which WPS Resources and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws and regulations;
·Current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries, including manufactured gas plant site cleanup, and pending EPA investigations of WPSCWPSC's generation facilities;facilities and the appeal of the decision in the contested case proceeding regarding the Weston 4 air permit;
·Resolution of audits by the Internal Revenue Service and various state revenue agencies;
·The effects, extent, and timing of additional competition or regulation in the markets in which WPS Resources'our subsidiaries operate;
·The impact of fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates, and customer demand;
·Available sources and costs of fuels and purchased power;
·Ability to control costs (including costs of decommissioning generation facilities);costs;
·Investment performance of employee benefit plans;plan assets;
·Advances in technology;
·Effects of and changes in political, legal, and economic conditions and developments in the United States and Canada;
·The performance of projects undertaken by nonregulated businesses and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities;
·Potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed (such as the acquisition of the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila, Inc., construction of the Weston 4 generationpower plant, and additional investment in ATC related to construction of the Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, transmission line);
·The direct or indirect effect resulting from terrorist incidents, natural disasters, or responses to such incidents;events;
·Financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts, including credit ratings and risks associated with commodity prices, interest rates, and counterparty credit;
·Weather and other natural phenomena; and
·The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies.

Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, WPS Resources and its subsidiarieswe undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this report.

 
-4-


 

              
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
              
Item 1. Financial Statements
              
              
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
 
              
              
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(Unaudited)
 
September 30
September 30
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(Millions, except per share amounts) 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
                    
Nonregulated revenue 
$
1,396.0
 $812.8 
$
3,478.1
 $2,596.8  
$
1,598.9
 $1,076.0 
Utility revenue  
361.3
  279.1  
1,093.6
  941.6   
439.1
  410.9 
Total revenues
  
1,757.3
  1,091.9  
4,571.7
  3,538.4   
2,038.0
  1,486.9 
                    
Nonregulated cost of fuel, gas, and purchased power  
1,335.2
  784.5  
3,324.2
  2,499.9 
Utility cost of fuel, gas, and purchased power  
190.5
  97.3  
526.8
  404.9 
Nonregulated cost of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power  
1,502.6
  1,017.9 
Utility cost of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power  
269.1
  201.6 
Operating and maintenance expense  
124.0
  123.9  
399.4
  394.1   
131.2
  133.3 
Depreciation and decommissioning expense  
23.8
  26.1  
119.6
  78.4   
24.1
  29.2 
Gain on sale of emission allowances  
-
  -  
(86.8
)
 - 
Impairment loss  
-
  -  
80.6
  - 
Taxes other than income  
11.8
  11.5  
35.7
  34.8   
13.3
  12.0 
Operating income
  
72.0
  48.6  
172.2
  126.3   
97.7
  92.9 
                    
Miscellaneous income  
9.6
  9.9  
62.8
  20.8   
8.5
  7.7 
Interest expense  
(15.6
)
 (14.9) 
(56.2
)
 (44.2)  
(18.2
)
 (16.2)
Minority interest  
1.2
  1.2  
3.4
  2.3   
1.2
  1.0 
Other income (expense)
  
(4.8
)
 (3.8) 
10.0
  (21.1)
Other expense
  
(8.5
)
 (7.5)
                    
Income before taxes  
67.2
  44.8  
182.2
  105.2   
89.2
  85.4 
Provision for income taxes  
18.3
  9.3  
41.9
  20.9   
28.3
  18.7 
Net income before preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
  
48.9
  35.5  
140.3
  84.3   
60.9
  66.7 
                    
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary  
0.7
  0.7  
2.3
  2.3   
0.8
  0.8 
Income available for common shareholders
 
$
48.2
 $34.8 
$
138.0
 $82.0  
$
60.1
 $65.9 
                    
                    
Average shares of common stock
                    
Basic
  
38.2
  37.4  
38.0
  37.2   
40.3
  37.8 
Diluted
  
38.6
  37.6  
38.3
  37.5   
40.6
  38.1 
                    
Earnings per common share
                    
Basic 
$
1.26
 $0.93 
$
3.63
 $2.20  
$
1.49
 $1.74 
Diluted 
$
1.25
 $0.93 
$
3.60
 $2.19  
$
1.48
 $1.73 
                    
Dividends per common share declared
 
$
0.565
 $0.555 
$
1.675
 $1.645  
$
0.565
 $0.555 
                    
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.       
                    
 
 
-5-

 

          
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
 
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
          
          
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
 
September 30
 December 31  
March 31
 December 31 
(Millions) 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
          
Assets
              
Cash and cash equivalents 
$
27.4
 $40.0  
$
22.7
 $27.7 
Accounts receivable - net of reserves of $9.4 and $8.0, respectively  
796.6
  531.3 
Accounts receivable - net of reserves of $11.4 and $12.7, respectively  
781.8
  1,005.6 
Accrued unbilled revenues  
71.2
  113.2   
122.4
  151.3 
Inventories  
272.9
  196.1   
351.5
  311.4 
Current assets from risk management activities  
1,355.9
  376.5   
728.0
  906.4 
Assets held for sale  
0.8
  24.1 
Other current assets  
70.9
  91.5   
82.4
  105.4 
Current assets
  
2,595.7
  1,372.7   
2,088.8
  2,507.8 
              
Property, plant, and equipment, net of reserves of $1,097.9 and $1,588.5, respectively  
2,056.0
  2,076.5 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts  
-
  344.5 
Property, plant, and equipment, net of reserves of $1,132.6 and $1,109.3, respectively  
2,093.0
  2,049.4 
Regulatory assets  
234.7
  160.9   
267.8
  272.0 
Long-term assets from risk management activities  
241.0
  74.6   
215.2
  226.5 
Restricted cash for acquisition  
314.9
  - 
Other  
351.1
  347.6   
437.7
  399.5 
Total assets
 
$
5,478.5
 $4,376.8  
$
5,417.4
 $5,455.2 
              
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
              
Short-term debt 
$
148.0
 $292.4  
$
645.6
 $264.8 
Current portion of long-term debt  
3.7
  6.7   
4.0
  4.0 
Accounts payable  
851.2
  589.4   
842.2
  1,078.9 
Current liabilities from risk management activities  
1,364.0
  338.6   
622.9
  852.8 
Deferred income taxes  
4.4
  9.1   
16.4
  13.5 
Other current liabilities  
153.4
  73.2   
142.5
  117.8 
Current liabilities
  
2,524.7
  1,309.4   
2,273.6
  2,331.8 
              
Long-term debt  
869.6
  865.7   
867.2
  867.1 
Deferred income taxes  
18.6
  71.0   
74.2
  58.8 
Deferred investment tax credits  
15.1
  16.2   
14.1
  14.5 
Regulatory liabilities  
379.3
  288.3   
338.1
  373.2 
Environmental remediation liabilities  
66.9
  68.4   
67.4
  67.4 
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations  
77.5
  94.6   
74.2
  82.1 
Long-term liabilities from risk management activities  
197.8
  62.5   
169.5
  188.4 
Asset retirement obligations  
2.8
  366.6 
Other  
109.7
  91.2   
117.7
  116.6 
Long-term liabilities
  
1,737.3
  1,924.5   
1,722.4
  1,768.1 
              
Commitments and contingencies
              
              
Preferred stock of subsidiary with no mandatory redemption  
51.1
  51.1   
51.1
  51.1 
Common stock equity  
1,165.4
  1,091.8   
1,370.3
  1,304.2 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
5,478.5
 $4,376.8  
$
5,417.4
 $5,455.2 
              
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.       
              
 
 
-6-

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
 
          
          
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
March 31
 
(Millions) 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
Operating Activities
              
Net income before preferred stock dividends of subsidiary 
$
140.3
 $84.3  
$
60.9
 $66.7 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities              
Depreciation and decommissioning  
119.6
  78.4   
24.1
  29.2 
Amortization of nuclear fuel and other  
43.0
  35.2 
Realized gain on investments held in trust, net of regulatory deferral  
(15.7
)
 (3.3)
Amortization  
12.3
  12.2 
Unrealized gain on investments  
-
  (2.0)
Pension and postretirement expense  
37.8
  30.4   
12.0
  12.5 
Pension and postretirement funding  
(8.2
)
 -   
-
  (3.0)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credit  
(41.3
)
 9.2   
6.6
  3.1 
Unrealized gains on nonregulated energy contracts  
(22.0
)
 - 
Unrealized (gains) losses on nonregulated energy contracts  
(33.4
)
 0.5 
Gain on sale of partial interest in synthetic fuel operation  
(5.5
)
 (5.6)  
(1.8
)
 (1.7)
Gain on sale of emission allowances  
(86.8
)
 - 
Impairment loss  
80.6
  - 
Deferral of Kewaunee outage costs  
(57.8
)
 -   
-
  (15.8)
Other  
(31.8
)
 (20.8)  
5.5
  (9.9)
Changes in working capital              
Receivables, net  
(231.8
)
 137.6   
253.2
  4.9 
Inventories  
(52.4
)
 (15.1)  
(58.1
)
 45.2 
Other current assets  
6.4
  (0.1)  
22.6
  13.3 
Accounts payable  
258.0
  (57.5)  
(257.8
)
 (14.3)
Other current liabilities  
40.0
  (13.4)  
4.7
  28.7 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  
172.4
  259.3   
50.8
  169.6 
              
Investing Activities
              
Capital expenditures  
(293.7
)
 (199.4)  
(65.8
)
 (60.2)
Sale of property, plant and equipment  
3.8
  4.7   
1.2
  1.1 
Sale of emission allowances  
110.9
  - 
Purchase of emission allowances  
(17.6
)
 - 
Purchase of equity investments and other acquisitions  
(48.5
)
 (37.5)  
(27.3
)
 (16.5)
Proceeds from sale of Kewaunee power plant  
112.5
  - 
Proceeds from liquidation of non-qualified decommissioning trust  
127.1
  - 
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  
-
  (4.1)
Sales of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  
-
  3.9 
Restricted cash for acquisition  
(314.9
)
 - 
Other  
(1.0
)
 22.3   
0.3
  (0.6)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
  
11.1
  (209.9)
Net cash used for investing activities
  
(424.1
)
 (76.4)
              
Financing Activities
              
Short-term debt - net  
(141.8
)
 102.4 
Repayment of long-term debt and note to preferred stock trust  
(1.9
)
 (105.7)
Short-term debt, net  
380.8
  (76.8)
Repayment of long-term debt  
-
  (0.8)
Payment of dividends              
Preferred stock  
(2.3
)
 (2.3)  
(0.8
)
 (0.8)
Common stock  
(63.0
)
 (60.9)  
(22.5
)
 (20.8)
Issuance of common stock  
23.7
  22.3   
6.4
  9.9 
Other  
(10.8
)
 (0.8)  
4.4
  5.2 
Net cash used for financing activities
  
(196.1
)
 (45.0)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
  
368.3
  (84.1)
       
Change in cash and cash equivalents
  
(12.6
)
 4.4   
(5.0
)
 9.1 
       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  
40.0
  50.7   
27.7
  40.0 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
27.4
 $55.1  
$
22.7
 $49.1 
              
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statementsThe accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements       
       
 
-7-


     
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
              
              
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
(Unaudited)
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
(Millions) 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
                  
Operating revenues
                    
Electric 
$
266.7
 $214.6 
$
705.8
 $603.2  
$
229.4
 $219.8 
Gas  
71.8
  45.6  
336.2
  288.8   
193.0
  174.6 
Total operating revenues
  
338.5
  260.2  
1,042.0
  892.0   
422.4
  394.4 
Operating expenses
                    
Electric production fuels  
55.7
  35.5  
142.1
  102.6   
32.1
  36.8 
Purchased power  
75.2
  26.7  
127.3
  80.9   
79.9
  32.1 
Gas purchased for resale  
52.6
  28.8  
247.1
  203.4 
Natural gas purchased for resale  
148.2
  128.3 
Other operating expenses  
68.7
  72.1  
230.5
  226.8   
67.3
  80.3 
Maintenance  
13.4
  16.7  
50.6
  56.8   
15.1
  17.9 
Depreciation and decommissioning  
19.7
  21.9  
107.0
  66.7   
19.8
  25.1 
Federal income taxes  
8.6
  11.5  
23.7
  30.5   
12.1
  17.0 
Investment tax credit restored  
(0.3
)
 (0.3) 
(1.0
)
 (1.0)  
(0.3
)
 (0.3)
State income taxes  
4.2
  3.5  
7.2
  8.6   
2.8
  4.1 
Gross receipts tax and other  
9.7
  9.4  
29.7
  28.8   
10.9
  10.1 
Total operating expense
  
307.5
  225.8  
964.2
  804.1   
387.9
  351.4 
Operating income
  
31.0
  34.4  
77.8
  87.9   
34.5
  43.0 
Other income and (deductions)
                    
Allowance for equity funds used during construction  
0.4
  0.5  
1.3
  1.5   
0.1
  0.4 
Other, net  
3.6
  5.9  
51.2
  14.9   
2.8
  5.0 
Income taxes  
0.1
  (1.2) 
(16.8
)
 (2.2)  
(0.4
)
 (1.0)
Total other income
  
4.1
  5.2  
35.7
  14.2   
2.5
  4.4 
Interest expense
                    
Interest on long-term debt  
7.4
  7.4  
22.4
  22.4   
7.3
  7.4 
Other interest  
1.4
  1.2  
4.6
  3.0   
2.7
  1.7 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  
(0.1
)
 (0.2) 
(0.4
)
 (0.5)  
-
  (0.1)
Total interest expense
  
8.7
  8.4  
26.6
  24.9   
10.0
  9.0 
Net income
  
26.4
  31.2  
86.9
  77.2   
27.0
  38.4 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
  
0.7
  0.7  
2.3
  2.3   
0.8
  0.8 
Earnings on common stock
 
$
25.7
 $30.5 
$
84.6
 $74.9  
$
26.2
 $37.6 
                    
                    
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.        
      
 
 
-8-

 

     
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
          
          
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
 
September 30
 December 31  
March 31
 December 31 
(Millions) 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
ASSETS
          
          
Utility plant
          
Electric 
$
1,869.2
 $2,223.9  $1,941.2 $1,915.1 
Gas  
530.9
  510.0   553.5  548.5 
Total  
2,400.1
  2,733.9   2,494.7  2,463.6 
Less - Accumulated depreciation  
973.2
  1,189.3   999.8  979.9 
Total  
1,426.9
  1,544.6   1,494.9  1,483.7 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts  -  344.5 
Construction in progress  
351.2
  153.1   316.9  285.0 
Nuclear fuel, less accumulated amortization  -  24.6 
Net utility plant
  
1,778.1
  2,066.8   1,811.8  1,768.7 
              
Current assets
              
Cash and cash equivalents  
4.0
  3.5   0.7  2.5 
Customer and other receivables, net of reserves of $6.1 at September 30, 2005       
and $5.5 at December 31, 2004  
109.1
  106.2 
Customer and other receivables, net of reserves of $8.5 at March 31, 2006       
and December 31, 2005  194.4  170.8 
Receivables from related parties  
13.9
  9.1   7.9  3.9 
Accrued unbilled revenues  
35.4
  68.4   58.6  78.1 
Fossil fuel, at average cost  
21.2
  15.2   17.4  18.2 
Gas in storage, at average cost  
78.0
  60.2   27.1  81.1 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  
23.0
  28.3   23.6  23.8 
Assets from risk management activities  
46.2
  5.7   12.2  29.3 
Prepaid gross receipts tax  22.1  29.8 
Prepayments and other  
23.7
  39.3   14.2  30.3 
Total current assets
  
354.5
  335.9   378.2  467.8 
              
Regulatory assets
  
230.2
  156.5   262.1  266.4 
Goodwill
  
36.4
  36.4   36.4  36.4 
Investments and other assets
  
149.9
  173.0   146.6  147.2 
Total assets
 
$
2,549.1
 $2,768.6  $2,635.1 $2,686.5 
              
              
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
              
              
Capitalization
              
Common stock equity 
$
957.0
 $899.7  $1,002.8 $996.5 
Preferred stock with no mandatory redemption  
51.2
  51.2   51.2  51.2 
Long-term debt to parent  
11.6
  12.0   11.4  11.5 
Long-term debt  
496.1
  496.0   496.2  496.1 
Total capitalization
  
1,515.9
  1,458.9   1,561.6  1,555.3 
              
Current liabilities
              
Short-term debt  
42.0
  101.0   93.0  85.0 
Accounts payable  
160.0
  145.1   159.4  214.6 
Payables to related parties  
10.4
  8.9   5.3  15.6 
Accrued interest and taxes  
11.7
  8.1   8.9  8.1 
Accrued pension contribution  25.3  25.3 
Accrued post retirement contribution  19.7  0.7 
Other  
72.9
  20.5   43.1  25.0 
Total current liabilities
  
297.0
  283.6   354.7  374.3 
              
Long-term liabilities and deferred credits
              
Accumulated deferred income taxes  
112.3
  130.1 
Deferred income taxes  135.5  132.5 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  
14.2
  15.2   13.3  13.6 
Regulatory liabilities  
360.5
  271.1   320.2  354.6 
Environmental remediation liability  
65.3
  66.7   65.7  65.8 
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations  
75.9
  92.9   72.7  80.5 
Asset retirement obligations  
0.4
  364.4 
Payables to related parties  
16.8
  18.6   16.4  17.0 
Other long-term liabilities  
90.8
  67.1   95.0  92.9 
Total long-term liabilities and deferred credits
  
736.2
  1,026.1   718.8  756.9 
              
Commitments and contingencies
  
-
  -        
Total capitalization and liabilities
 
$
2,549.1
 $2,768.6  $2,635.1 $2,686.5 
              
              
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.       
       
 
 
-9-

 

     
     
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
          
          
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION (Unaudited)
 
September 30
 December 31  
March 31
 December 31 
(Millions, except share amounts) 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
          
Common stock equity
            
Common stock 
$
95.6
 $95.6  
$
95.6
 $95.6 
Premium on capital stock  
549.7
  516.0   
598.1
  595.8 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  
(20.7
)
 (20.7)  
(3.8
)
 (3.8)
Retained earnings  
332.4
  308.8   
312.9
  308.9 
Total common stock equity
  
957.0
  899.7   
1,002.8
  996.5 
              
Preferred stock
              
Cumulative, $100 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized              
with no mandatory redemption -              
              
Series Shares Outstanding
              
5.00% 131,916  
13.2
  13.2   
13.2
  13.2 
5.04% 29,983  
3.0
  3.0   
3.0
  3.0 
5.08% 49,983  
5.0
  5.0   
5.0
  5.0 
6.76% 150,000  
15.0
  15.0   
15.0
  15.0 
6.88% 150,000  
15.0
  15.0   
15.0
  15.0 
Total preferred stock
  
51.2
  51.2   
51.2
  51.2 
              
Long-term debt to parent
              
Series Year Due
              
8.76% 2015  
4.8
  5.0   
4.7
  4.7 
7.35% 2016  
6.8
  7.0   
6.7
  6.8 
Total long-term debt to parent
  
11.6
  12.0   
11.4
  11.5 
              
Long-term debt
              
First mortgage bonds              
Series Year Due
              
6.90% 2013  
22.0
  22.0   
22.0
  22.0 
7.125% 2023  
0.1
  0.1   
0.1
  0.1 
Senior notes              
Series Year Due
              
6.08% 2028  
50.0
  50.0 
6.125% 2011  
150.0
  150.0   
150.0
  150.0 
4.875% 2012  
150.0
�� 150.0   
150.0
  150.0 
4.8% 2013  
125.0
  125.0   
125.0
  125.0 
6.08% 2028  
50.0
  50.0 
Total  
497.1
  497.1   
497.1
  497.1 
Unamortized discount and premium on bonds, net  
(1.0
)
 (1.1)  
(0.9
)
 (1.0)
Total  
496.2
  496.1 
Current portion  
-
  - 
Total long-term debt
  
496.1
  496.0   
496.2
  496.1 
Total capitalization
 
$
1,515.9
 $1,458.9  
$
1,561.6
 $1,555.3 
              
              
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.       
       
 
 
-10-


WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
      
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
  
September 30
(Millions) 
2005
 2004 
      
Operating Activities
     
Net income 
$
86.9
 $77.2 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities       
Depreciation and decommissioning    
107.0
  66.7 
Amortization   
30.1
  29.4 
Deferred income taxes   
(20.8
)
 12.8 
Investment tax credit restored    
(1.0
)
 (1.0)
Allowance for funds used during construction   
(1.7
)
 (1.5)
Realized gain on investments    
(15.7
)
 (3.3)
Equity income   
(8.4
)
 (10.7)
Pension and post retirement expense   
29.0
  22.0 
Pension and post retirement funding   
(8.2
)
 - 
Deferral of Kewaunee outage expenses   
(57.8
)
 - 
Other   
(21.6
)
 (6.0)
Changes in - 
       
 Customer and other receivables  
(22.0
)
 15.3 
 Accrued utility revenues  
33.0
  24.6 
 Fossil fuel inventory  
(5.4
)
 (0.8)
 Gas in storage  
(17.8
)
 (16.4)
 Miscellaneous assets  
15.5
  (3.7)
 Accounts payable  
6.8
  (2.2)
 Accrued taxes and interest  
4.3
  (0.3)
 Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities  
3.8
  3.6 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  
136.0
  205.7 
        
Investing Activities
       
Capital expenditures  
(283.9
)
 (185.4)
Proceeds from the sale of Kewaunee power plant  
112.5
  - 
Proceeds from the liquidation of non-qualified decommissioning trust  
127.1
  - 
Other  
(0.3
)
 16.4 
Net cash used for investing activities
  
(44.6
)
 (169.0)
        
Financing Activities
       
Short-term debt - net  
(59.0
)
 31.0 
Payments of long-term debt  
(0.3
)
 (50.2)
Net equity contributions from parent  
30.0
  40.0 
Dividends to parent  
(60.8
)
 (56.3)
Preferred stock dividends  
(2.3
)
 (2.3)
Other  
1.5
  1.7 
Net cash used for financing activities
  
(90.9
)
 (36.1)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
  
0.5
  0.6 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  
3.5
  4.7 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
4.0
 $5.3 
        
        
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.
      
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
      
      
 
Three Months Ended   
 
  
March 31   
 
(Millions) 
2006
 2005 
      
Operating Activities
     
Net income 
$
27.0
 $38.4 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities       
Depreciation and decommissioning    
19.8
  25.1 
Amortization   
0.4
  11.1 
Unrealized gain on investments    
-
  (2.0)
Pension and post retirement expense   
9.0
  9.4 
Pension and post retirement funding   
-
  (3.0)
Deferral of Kewaunee outage costs   
-
  (15.8)
Other, net   
2.8
  0.1 
Changes in - 
       
 Customer and other receivables  
(20.2
)
 (26.3)
 Accrued utility revenues  
19.5
  11.4 
 Fossil fuel inventory  
1.0
  (1.2)
 Gas in storage  
54.0
  51.3 
 Miscellaneous assets  
24.0
  12.6 
 Accounts payable  
(77.0
)
 (37.5)
 Accrued taxes and interest  
0.8
  3.7 
 Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities  
15.2
  10.0 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  
76.3
  87.3 
        
Investing Activities
       
Capital expenditures  
(61.3
)
 (57.4)
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  
-
  (4.1)
Sales of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  
-
  3.9 
Other  
(1.9
)
 (1.2)
Net cash used for investing activities
  
(63.2
)
 (58.8)
        
Financing Activities
       
Short-term debt - net  
8.0
  - 
Dividends to parent  
(22.0
)
 (20.3)
Preferred stock dividends  
(0.8
)
 (0.8)
Other  
(0.1
)
 (0.1)
Net cash used for financing activities
  
(14.9
)
 (21.2)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
  
(1.8
)
 7.3 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  
2.5
  3.5 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
0.7
 $10.8 
        
        
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.       
        
 
 
-11-

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2005March 31, 2006


NOTE 1--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

We have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements of WPS Resources and WPSC under the rules and regulations of the SEC. These financial statements have not been audited. Management believes that these financial statements include all adjustments (which unless otherwise noted include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results for each period shown. Certain items from the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. We have condensed or omitted certain financial information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual audited financial statements. These condensed financial statements should be read along with the audited financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and along with the revised financial statements and related disclosures included in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2005 (filed with the SEC on August 26, 2005).

For all periods presented, certain assets and liabilities of Sunbury have been reclassified as held and used and Sunbury's results of operations and cash flows have been reclassified into continuing operations. See Note 4, Assets Held for Sale, for more information.2005.

NOTE 2--CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

We consider short-termShort-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to beare reported as cash equivalents.

The following is supplemental disclosure to the WPS Resources and WPSC Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

   
(Millions)
 Nine Months Ended September 30              Three Months Ended March 31 
WPS Resources 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
Cash paid for interest 
$
38.9
 $34.1  
$
9.8
 $8.7 
Cash paid for income taxes  
47.4
  26.7  
$
5.5
 $0.5 
              
WPSC              
Cash paid for interest 
$
21.1
 $19.9  
$
6.6
 $6.2 
Cash paid for income taxes  
39.5
  25.3 
Cash paid (received) for income taxes 
$
1.4
 $(3.0)

During the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2006, and March 31, 2005, accounts payable related to Weston 4 construction costs increased approximately $23.6$9.8 million and $33.3 million, respectively, and accordingly, arewere treated as non-cash investing activities. Weston 4 construction costs funded through accounts payable were not significant during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

NOTE 3--RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

As part of our regular operations, WPS Resources enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage market risks such as changes in commodity prices and interest rates.

WPS Resources accounts for its derivative contracts in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and financial reporting standards for derivative instruments and requires, in part, that we recognize certain derivative instruments on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities at their fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value of the derivatives are recorded currently in earnings unless certain
-12-

hedge accounting criteria are met. WPS Resources classifies mark-to-market gains and losses on derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting as a component of revenues. If the derivatives qualify for regulatory deferral subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," the derivatives are marked to fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133 and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.

-12-


The following table shows WPS Resources’Resources' assets and liabilities from risk management activities:

  Assets Liabilities 
 
(Millions)
 
March 31,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
March 31,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
Utility Segments
         
  Commodity contracts 
$
9.6
 $22.0 
$
3.7
 $- 
  Financial transmission rights  
4.2
  14.5  
0.4
  1.8 
Nonregulated Segments
             
  Commodity and foreign currency contracts  
864.4
  
1,058.6
  
747.4
  971.7 
  Fair value hedges - commodity contracts  
7.6
  
4.2
  
1.9
  12.9 
  Cash flow hedges             
    Commodity contracts  
53.0
  33.6  
35.6
  50.1 
    Interest rate swaps  
4.4
  -  
3.4
  4.7 
Total
 
$
943.2
 $1,132.9 
$
792.4
 $1,041.2 
Balance Sheet Presentation
             
Current 
$
728.0
 $906.4 
$
622.9
 $852.8 
Long-term  
215.2
  226.5  
169.5
  188.4 
Total
 
$
943.2
 $1,132.9 
$
792.4
 $1,041.2 
      
  Assets Liabilities 
 
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2005
 
December 31,
2004
 
September 30,
2005
 
December 31,
2004
 
Utility Segment
             
  Natural gas and electric purchase contracts 
$
31.6
 $11.0 
$
-
 $- 
  Financial transmission rights  
25.6
  -  
3.5
  
0.6
 
Nonregulated Segments
             
  Commodity and foreign currency contracts  
1,450.7
  396.5  
1,387.1
  366.6 
  Fair value hedges  
4.9
  3.8  
32.8
  2.3 
  Cash flow hedges             
    Commodity contracts  
84.1
  39.8  
132.9
  22.9 
    Interest rate swaps  
-
  -  
5.5
  8.7 
Total
 
$
1,596.9
 $451.1 
$
1,561.8
 $401.1 
Balance Sheet Presentation
             
Current 
$
1,355.9
 $376.5 
$
1,364.0
 $338.6 
Long-Term  
241.0
  74.6  
197.8
  62.5 
Total
 
$
1,596.9
 $451.1 
$
1,561.8
 $401.1 

Assets and liabilities from risk management activities are classified as current or long-term based upon the maturities of the underlying financial instruments.

Utility SegmentSegments

WPSC has entered intoThe derivatives listed in the above table as "Commodity contracts" include a limited number of natural gas and electric purchase contracts thatat WPSC as well as financial derivative contracts (NYMEX futures) used to mitigate the market price volatility of natural gas used by WPSC for the generation of electricity. The electric utility segment also uses financial instruments to manage transmission congestion costs, which are accounted for as derivatives and shown in the above table. In addition,table as "Financial transmission rights" includes financial. Derivative instruments used to manageat the transmission congestion costselectric utility segment are entered into in accordance with the terms of the electric utility. The PSCWrisk management policy and plan approved by the recognition of a regulatory asset or liability forPSCW. Changes in the fair value of derivative amounts.instruments are recognized as regulatory assets or liabilities as our regulators have allowed deferral of the mark-to-market effects of derivative instruments at the utilities. Thus, management believes any gains or losses resulting from the eventual expiration or settlement of these derivative instruments will be collected from or refunded to customers.

Nonregulated Segments

The derivatives in the nonregulated segments not designated as hedges under generally accepted accounting principles are primarily commodity contracts used to manage price risk associated with natural gas and electric energy purchase and sale activities electric energy contracts, and foreign currency contracts used to manage foreign currency exposure related to our nonregulatedESI's Canadian businesses.operations. In addition, PDIESI entered into a series of derivative contracts (options) covering a specified number of barrels of oil in order to manage exposure to the risk of an increase in oil prices that could reduce the amountresult in a phase-out of Section 2929/45K federal tax credits that can be recognized from PDI'sESI's investment in a synthetic fuel production facility for 2005-2007.2006 and 2007. See Note 11, 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," for more information. Changes in the fair value of non-hedge derivatives are recognized currently in earnings.

Our nonregulated segments also enter into derivative contracts that are designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges. Fair value hedges are used to mitigate the risk of changes in the price of natural gas held in storage. The changes in the fair value of these hedges are recognized currently in earnings, as are the changes in fair value of the hedged items. Fair value hedge ineffectiveness recorded in nonregulated revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was a pre-tax gain of $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, and was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2005. At March 31, 2006, and 2005, pre-tax mark-to-market losses of $4.9 million and

 
-13-


nine months ended September 30, 2005, and 2004. At September 30, 2005, a pre-tax mark-to-market loss of $5.1$2.8 million, related to changes in the difference between the spot and forward prices of natural gas waswere excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. This loss wasThese losses were reported directly in earnings. The amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness at December 31, 2004, was not significant.

Commodity contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges extend through October 2007March 2009 and are used to mitigate the risk of cash flow variability associated with the future purchases and sales of natural gas and electricity. To the extent they are effective, the changes in the values of these contracts are included in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes. Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness recorded in nonregulated revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income related to commodity contracts was not significant for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, and 2004.2005. When testing for effectiveness, no portion of the derivative instruments was excluded. Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income related to these cash flow hedges will be recognized in earnings as the related contracts are settled, if the hedge becomes ineffective, or if it is probable that the hedged transaction will not occur. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005, and September 30, 2004, weMarch 31, 2006, the amount reclassified a $3.1 million and a $2.8 million net-of-tax gain, respectively, from other comprehensive income into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting for certain hedge transactions.transactions related to commodity contracts was not significant. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we reclassified a $0.8 million after-tax gain from other comprehensive income into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting for certain hedge transactions related to commodity contracts. In the next 12 months, subject to changes in market prices of natural gas and electricity, we expect that a net-of-tax lossan after-tax gain of $27.4$5.9 million will be recognized in earnings as contracts are settled. We expect this amount to be substantially offset by settlement of the related nonderivative contracts.contracts that are being hedged.

In the second quarter of 2005, a variable rate non-recourse debt instrument used to finance the purchase of Sunbury was restructured to a WPS Resources variable rate obligation. An interest rate swap used to fix the interest rate on the Sunbury non-recourse debt had beenwas previously designated as a cash flow hedge. As a result of the debt restructuring, the hedged transaction will no longer occur. This resulted in the recognition of a $9.1 million pre-tax loss (equivalent to the mark-to-market value of the swap at the date of restructuring), which was recorded as a component of interest expense in the second quarter of 2005. This loss was previously deferred as a component of other comprehensive income pursuant to hedge accounting rules.occurred. Subsequent to the restructuring, the interest rate swap was re-designated as a cash flow hedge, along with an additional interest rate swap, to fix the interest rate on the WPS Resources obligation. The changes in the fair value of the effective portion of these swaps are included in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes, while the changes related to the ineffective portion are recorded in earnings. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, cash flow hedge ineffectiveness recorded in earnings related to these swaps was not significant. Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income related to these swaps will be recognized as a component of interest expense as the interest becomes due. In the next 12 months, we expect to recognize $0.1a $0.5 million inpre-tax reduction to interest expense related to these swaps, assuming interest rates comparable to those at September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. We did not exclude any components of the derivative instruments' change in fair value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

NOTE 4--ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

In the secondfirst quarter of 2005, PDI sold all2006, WPS Resources entered into a forward-starting swap with a ten-year term beginning in August 2006 with a notional amount of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances. Prior$200 million to this decision, PDI had marketed for salehedge a portion of the Sunbury plant and certain other related assets (primarily inventory and unallocated emission allowances) in combinationinterest rate risk associated with the allocated emission allowances.planned issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt securities in 2006. The Sunbury facility sells power on a wholesale basisswap protects against the risk of changes in future interest payments resulting from changes in benchmark rates between the date of hedge inception and previously provided energy for a 200-megawatt around-the-clock outtake contract that expired on December 31, 2004. Following Duquesne Power, L.P.'s terminationthe date of the previously announced agreement to sell Sunbury to Duquesnedebt issuance. This derivative instrument qualifies for approximately $120 million, PDI continued to pursuecash flow hedge treatment and is considered highly effective in hedging the sale of Sunbury withbenchmark interest rate risk on the assistance of an investment banking firm, butforecasted debt issuance. As a suitable buyer was not found.

Total sales proceeds fromresult, changes in the sale of Sunbury's emission allowances were $109.9 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $85.9 million. The salefair value of the emission allowances provides PDI with more time to consider various alternatives forswap are recorded through other comprehensive income, net of taxes. The swap will be terminated when the Sunbury plant. All available solid fuel units atrelated debt is issued, and amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings as the Sunbury plant were operated through September 30, 2005 due to favorable market conditions. Should market conditions decline, PDI will consider placingrelated interest expense on the plant in a stand-by mode of operation, which serves to minimizedebt accrues.

 
-14-

future operating expenses while maintaining several options (including closing the plant, retaining the plant and operating it during favorable economic periods, or a potential future sale of the plant).

Prior to the decision to sell the allocated emission allowances separately, the Sunbury plant, allocated emission allowances, and other related assets had been classified as held for sale as a combined asset disposal group, and Sunbury's results of operations and related cash flows had been reported as discontinued operations. However, because PDI is no longer committed to the sale of Sunbury as its only option, generally accepted accounting principles require those assets and liabilities previously classified as held for sale that no longer meet the held for sale criteria outlined in SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," to be reclassified to the appropriate held and used categories for all periods presented. As a result, the allocated emission allowances that were sold in May 2005 remain classified as held for sale for all applicable periods presented, but the Sunbury plant, unallocated emission allowances, and other related assets and liabilities were reclassified as held and used. Furthermore, Sunbury's results of operations were reclassified as components of continuing operations for all periods presented.
All long-lived assets reclassified as held and used are required to be recorded individually at the lower of their carrying value before they were classified as assets held for sale (adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had they been continuously classified as held and used) or fair value at the date the held for sale criteria was no longer met. Upon reclassification of the Sunbury plant and related assets as held and used in the second quarter of 2005, PDI recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $80.6 million. The impairment charge substantially offset the gain on the sale of the emission allowances.

The major classes of assets held for sale are as follows:
      
  
September 30,
 December 31, 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004 
Property, plant, and equipment, net 
$
0.8
 $0.8 
Other assets:       
Emission allowances  
-
  23.3 
Assets held for sale 
$
0.8
 $24.1 

PDI financed Sunbury with equity from WPS Resources and debt financing, including non-recourse debt and a related interest rate swap. The interest rate swap was designated as a cash flow hedge. WPS Resources is required to recognize the amount accumulated within other comprehensive income currently in earnings if management determines that the hedged transactions (i.e., future interest payments on the debt) will not continue. Sunbury's non-recourse debt was restructured to a WPS Resources obligation in the second quarter of 2005 in conjunction with the sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances. The restructuring of the Sunbury non-recourse debt to a WPS Resources obligation triggered a $9.1 million pre-tax loss (the mark-to-market value of the swap at the date of the restructuring), which was recorded as a component of interest expense in the second quarter of 2005. This loss was previously deferred as a component of other comprehensive income pursuant to hedge accounting rules.

NOTE 5--ACQUISITIONS4--ACQUISITIONS AND SALES OF ASSETS

AgreementSale of Kimball Storage Field

In April 2006, ESI sold WPS ESI Gas Storage, LLC, which owns a natural gas storage field located in the Kimball Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. ESI utilized this facility primarily for structured wholesale natural gas transactions as natural gas storage spreads presented arbitrage opportunities. ESI was not actively marketing this facility for sale, but believed the price being offered was above the value it would realize from continued ownership of the facility. Proceeds received in April from the sale of the Kimball natural gas storage field, stored gas, and other related assets were $19.9 million, which is expected to result in a pre-tax gain of approximately $9 million in the second quarter of 2006. The transaction is still subject to certain working capital and other post-closing adjustments.

Sale of Guardian Pipeline

On March 30, 2006, WPS Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of WPS Resources, entered into an agreement to sell its one-third interest in Guardian Pipeline, LLC to Northern Border Partners, LP for $38.5 million The transaction closed in April 2006, resulting in the recognition of a pre-tax gain of approximately $6 million in the second quarter of 2006. WPS Investments, LLC's one-third interest in Guardian Pipeline, LLC was accounted for using the equity method at March 31, 2006.

Purchase of Aquila's Michigan and Minnesota Natural Gas Distribution Operations

On September 21, 2005, WPS Resources, through wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into two definitive agreements with Aquila, Inc. (Aquila) to acquire Aquila'sits natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Minnesota for approximately $558 million, exclusive of direct costs of the acquisition. The purchase price also excludeswill be adjusted for certain adjustments related to working capital balances, including accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, inventory, and certain other current assets. The purchase priceassets, and is also subject to certain other closing and post-closing adjustments, primarily net plant adjustments.

-15-

The Minnesota natural gas assets provideOn April 1, 2006, WPS Resources, through its wholly owned subsidiary Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation (MGUC), completed the acquisition of the natural gas distribution service to about 200,000 customers throughout the stateoperations in 165 cities and communities including Grand Rapids, Pine City, Rochester, and Dakota County with 226 employees. Annual natural gas throughput is approximately 761 million therms per year, which is almost as large as WPS Resources' existing regulated natural gas operations. The assets operate under a cost-of-service environment and are currently allowed an 11.71% return on equity on a 50% equity component of the regulatory capital structure.

Michigan from Aquila. The Michigan natural gas assets provide natural gas distribution service to about 161,000 customers, mainly in southern Michigan in 147 cities and communities includingthroughout Otsego, Grand Haven, and Monroe with 182 employees. Annual natural gas throughput is approximately 360 million therms per year. Like Minnesota, thecounties. The assets also operate under a cost-of-servicecost of service environment and are currently allowed an 11.4% return on equity on a 45% equity component of the regulatory capital structure.

WPS Resources plans that permanentpaid total cash consideration of $314.9 million for the Michigan natural gas distribution operations, which includes estimated closing adjustments of $45.4 million related primarily to purchased working capital. The transaction was initially funded with commercial paper borrowings supported by the revolving credit agreements entered into with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank and Bank of America Securities LLC (see Note 6 "Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit" for more information on the revolving credit agreements). WPS Resources placed $314.9 million of cash into escrow for the acquisition at March 31, 2006. Cash held in escrow is recorded as "restricted cash for acquisition" within long-term assets on the WPS Resources Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Aquila took legal possession of the escrowed funds on April 1, 2006. Permanent financing for the acquisition will be issued later this year and is expected to include a combination of common equity, long-term debt instruments, and possibly other hybrid securities. The transaction will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in the second quarter of 2006. The final purchase price is still subject to post-closing adjustments.

The Minnesota natural gas assets provide natural gas distribution service throughout the state in 165 cities and communities including Grand Rapids, Pine City, Rochester, and Dakota County. Like Michigan, the assets also operate under a cost of service environment and are currently allowed an 11.7% return on equity on a 50% equity component of the regulatory capital structure. The transaction remains subject to approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Assuming this approval is obtained in a timely manner, WPS Resources anticipates closing the transaction in the summer of 2006.

-15-


WPS Resources anticipates permanent financing for both the acquisitions to be raised through the issuance of a combination of equity, long-term debt, and long-term debt.

The transaction is subject to various state andpossibly other regulatory approvals, including approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, and is subject to compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Assuming all approvals are obtained in a timely manner, WPS Resources anticipates closing both transactions in the first half of 2006.

Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant

In early July 2005, Kewaunee returned to service following an unplanned outage that began in February 2005. On July 5, 2005, WPSC completed the sale of its 59% ownership interest in Kewaunee to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC, a subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. At the same time, Wisconsin Power and Light Company sold its 41% ownership interest to Dominion. The major benefits of the sale for WPSC included shifting financial risk from utility customers and shareholders to Dominion, greater certainty of future costs, and the return of the nonqualified decommissioning funds to customers.

WPSC's share of the cash proceeds from the sale was $112.5 million. Dominion received the assets in WPSC's qualified decommissioning trust and assumed responsibility for the eventual decommissioning of Kewaunee. These trust assets had a pre-tax fair value of $243.6 million at closing. WPSC retained ownership of the assets contained in its nonqualified decommissioning trust. The sale of Kewaunee resulted in a loss of $12.1 million, which includes the proceeds from the sale less the net assets sold, adjusted by several additional items. The most significant of these adjustments is the fair value of an indemnity issued to cover certain costs Dominion may incur related to the recent unplanned outage. In addition, the adjustments include certain costs related to the termination of the plant operating agreement and withdrawal from WPS Resources' investment in the Nuclear Management Company ("NMC"), which served as the licensed operator of Kewaunee. WPSC has received approval from the PSCW for deferral of the loss resulting from this transaction and related costs. WPSC has proposed that proceeds of $127.1 million received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust assets be refunded to customers, net of the loss on the sale of the plant assets and costs related to the 2004 and 2005 Kewaunee outages. See Note 16, Regulatory Environment, for more information.

At the closing date, WPSC's share of the carrying value of the assets and liabilities that were included within the sale agreement, or that were otherwise eliminated pursuant to the sale, were as follows:
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(Millions)
 
July 5, 2005
 
    
Qualified decommissioning trust fund 
$
243.6
 
Other utility plant, net  
165.4
 
Other current assets  
5.5
 
Total assets 
$
414.5
 
     
Regulatory liabilities 
$
(72.1
)
Accounts payable  
2.5
 
Asset retirement obligations  
376.4
 
Total liabilities 
$
306.8
 

Upon the closing of the sale, WPSC entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Dominion to purchase energy and capacity consistent with volumes available when WPSC owned Kewaunee. The power purchase agreement extends through 2013 when the plant's current operating license will expire. Fixed monthly payments under the power purchase agreement will approximate the expected costs of production had WPSC continued to own the plant. Therefore, management believes that the sale of Kewaunee and the related power purchase agreement provides more price certainty for WPSC's customers and reduces WPSC's risk profile. In April 2004, WPSC entered into an exclusivity agreement with Dominion. Under this agreement, if Dominion decides to extend the operating license of Kewaunee, Dominion can negotiate only with WPSC during the exclusivity period for 59% of the plant output under a new power purchase agreement that would extend beyond Kewaunee's current operating license termination date. The exclusivity period started on the closing date of the sale, July 5, 2005, and extends through December 21, 2011, after which Dominion can negotiate with other parties.

hybrid securities.

NOTE 6--GOODWILL5--GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill recorded by WPS Resources was $36.8 million at September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2004.2005. Of this amount, $36.4 million is recorded in WPSC's natural gas segment relating to its merger with Wisconsin Fuel and Light. The remaining $0.4 million of goodwill relates to PDI.ESI.

Goodwill and purchased intangible assets are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Emission allowances are recorded at the lower of cost or market. Information in the tables below relates to total purchased identifiable intangible assets for the periods indicated.
    
(Millions)
 
September 30, 2005
 
 
Asset Class
 
Average Life
(Years)
 
Gross
Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Emission allowances
  
1 to 30
 
$
16.7
 
$
(13.0
)
$
3.7
 
Customer related
  
1 to 8
  
10.5
  
(5.2
)
 
5.3
 
Other
  
1 to 30
  
4.2
  
(1.6
)
 
2.6
 
Total
    
$
31.4
 
$
(19.8
)
$
11.6
 
   
   
(Millions)
 December 31, 2004
 
Asset Class
  
Average Life
(Years)
  
Gross
Carrying Amount
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  Net 
Emission allowances  1 to 30 $15.8 $(0.9)$14.9 
Customer related  1 to 8  11.2  (4.6) 6.6 
Other  1 to 30  4.2  (1.6) 2.6 
Total    $31.2 $(7.1)$24.1 

An impairment charge related to Sunbury, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2005, included the write-down of $6.6 million of unallocated emission allowances. These emission allowances were reflected in the above table at December 31, 2004 (see Note 4, Assets Held for Sale, for more
(Millions)
 
March 31, 2006
 December 31, 2005 
 
 
Asset Class
 
Gross
Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross
Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net 
Emission allowances
 
$
34.4
 
$
(11.8
)
$
22.6
 $41.2 $(22.2)$19.0 
Customer related
  
9.2
  
(5.0
)
 
4.2
  10.2  (5.6) 4.6 
Other
  
5.1
  
(0.9
)
 
4.2
  4.2  (0.9) 3.3 
Total
 
$
48.7
 
$
(17.7
)
$
31.0
 $55.6 $(28.7)$26.9 
 
-17-

information). Because PDI sold all of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances in the first half of 2005, emission allowances are currently purchased in the market as needed for the operation of this plant.

Intangible asset amortization expense, in the aggregate, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, and September 30, 2004, was $13.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Intangible asset amortization expense, in the aggregate, for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2006, and March 31, 2005, and September 30, 2004, was $10.1$12.3 million and $1.0$0.6 million, respectively.

Amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is estimated as follows:

Estimated Future Amortization Expense:Expense (millions)
 
For threenine months ending December 31, 20052006$1.9 million
For year ending December 31, 20061.6 million21.0
For year ending December 31, 20071.3 million1.5
For year ending December 31, 20081.5 million1.4
For year ending December 31, 20091.2 million
For year ending December 31, 20101.0

NOTE 7--SHORT-TERM6--SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT

WPS Resources has a syndicated $500 million five-year revolving credit facility which expires in June 2010. WPSC has a syndicated $115 million five-year revolving credit facility containing annual trigger date provisions to provide short-term borrowing flexibility and security for commercial paper outstanding.

In November 2005, WPS Resources entered into two unsecured revolving credit agreements of $557.5 million and $300 million with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank and Bank of America Securities LLC. These credit facilities are bridge facilities intended to backup commercial paper borrowings related to the purchase of the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila and to support purchase price adjustments related to working capital at the time of the closing of the transactions. The capacity under the bridge facilities will be reduced by the amount of proceeds from any long-term financing we complete, with the exception of proceeds received from the November 2005 equity offering. The credit agreements will be further reduced as permanent or replacement financing is secured. Under the $300 million credit agreement, loans cannot exceed the purchase price adjustments in connection with the Aquila acquisitions and no more than $200 million can be borrowed for purchase price adjustments related to the first acquisition. Under the $300 million facility, these loan commitments will be reduced by one-third 90 days after the consummation of the applicable acquisition with the remaining two-thirds due 180 days after the consummation of the applicable acquisition (or earlier if long-term financing or replacement credit agreements are executed). Both of these credit agreements mature on September 5, 2007, and have representations and covenants that are similar to those in our existing

-16-


credit facilities. On March 31, 2006, in order to meet short-term financing requirements related to the acquisition of the Michigan natural gas operations from Aquila, WPS Resources issued $269.5 million of commercial paper supported by the $557.5 million credit agreement and $45.4 million of commercial paper supported by the $300 million credit agreement. See Note 4, "Acquisitions and Sales of Assets," for more information related to the purchase of Michigan natural gas distribution operations, and the anticipated purchase of the Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila.

The information in the table below relates to WPS Resources' short-term debt and lines of credit as of the time periods indicated.

     
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2005
 
December 31,
2004
  
March 31,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
Commercial paper outstanding 
$
138.0
 $279.7  
$
635.6
 $254.8 
Average discount rate on outstanding commercial paper  
3.95
%
 2.46%  
4.99
%
 4.54%
Short-term notes payable outstanding 
$
10.0
 $12.7  
$
10.0
 $10.0 
Average interest rate on short-term notes payable  
3.67
%
 2.52%  
4.65
%
 4.32%
Available under lines of credit 
$
404.5
 $161.9 
Available (unused) lines of credit 
$
195.4
 $249.1 

The commercial paper at September 30March 31 had varying maturity dates ranging from OctoberApril 3 through OctoberApril 17, 2005.2006.

The information in the table below relates to WPSC's short-term debt and lines of credit as of the time periods indicated.

     
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2005
 
December 31,
2004
  
March 31,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
Commercial paper outstanding 
$
32.0
 $91.0  
$
83.0
 
$
75.0
 
Average discount rate on outstanding commercial paper  
3.94
%
 2.44%  
4.96
%
 
4.54
%
Short-term notes payable outstanding 
$
10.0
 $10.0  
$
10.0
 
$
10.0
 
Average interest rate on short-term notes payable  
3.67
%
 2.26%  
4.65
%
 
4.32
%
Available under lines of credit 
$
79.2
 $20.2 
Available (unused) lines of credit 
$
28.2
 
$
36.2
 

The commercial paper at March 31 had varying maturity dates ranging from October 7April 14 through OctoberApril 17, 2005.2006.

 
-18--17-


NOTE 7--LONG-TERM DEBT

NOTE 8--LONG-TERM DEBT

(Millions)

September 30,
 2005

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

First mortgage bonds – WPSC

 

 

 

Series

Year Due

 

 

 

6.90%

2013

$ 22.0

$ 22.0

 

7.125%

2023

0.1

0.1

 

 

 

Senior notes – WPSC

 

 

 

Series

Year Due

 

 

 

6.125%

2011

150.0

150.0

 

4.875%

2012

150.0

150.0

 

4.80%

2013

125.0

125.0

 

6.08%

2028

50.0

50.0

 

 

 

First mortgage bonds – UPPCO

 

 

 

Series

Year Due

 

 

 

9.32%

2021

15.3

15.3

 

 

 

Unsecured senior notes – WPS Resources

 

 

 

Series

Year Due

 

 

 

7.00%

2009

150.0

150.0

 

5.375%

2012

100.0

100.0

 

 

 

Unsecured term loan due 2010 – WPS Resources

65.6

-

Term loans – non-recourse, collateralized by nonregulated assets

17.7

82.3

Tax exempt bonds                 

27.0

27.0

Senior secured note

2.5

2.7

Total

875.2

874.4

Unamortized discount and premium on bonds and debt

(1.9)

                 (2.0)

Total long-term debt

873.3

872.4

Less current portion

(3.7)

               (6.7)

Total long-term debt

$869.6

$865.7

On June 17, 2005, $62.9 million of non-recourse debt at PDI collateralized by nonregulated assets was converted to a five-year WPS Resources obligation as a result of the sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances. In addition, $2.7 million drawn on a line of credit at PDI was rolled into the five-year WPS Resources obligation. The floating interest rate on the total five-year WPS Resources’ obligation of $65.6 million has been fixed at 4.595% through two interest rate swaps.

 
(Millions)
 
March 31,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
          
First mortgage bonds - WPSC      
   
Series 
  
Year Due
       
   6.90% 2013 
$
22.0
 $22.0 
   7.125% 2023  
0.1
  0.1 
              
Senior notes - WPSC      
  
Series 
  
Year Due
       
   6.125% 2011  
150.0
  150.0 
   4.875% 2012  
150.0
  150.0 
   4.80% 2013  
125.0
  125.0 
   6.08% 2028  
50.0
  50.0 
              
First mortgage bonds - UPPCO      
   
Series 
  
Year Due
       
   9.32% 2021  
14.4
  14.4 
              
Unsecured senior notes - WPS Resources      
   
Series 
  
Year Due
       
   7.00% 2009  
150.0
  150.0 
   5.375% 2012  
100.0
  100.0 
       
Unsecured term loan due 2010 - WPS Resources 
65.6
  65.6 
Term loans - non-recourse, collateralized by nonregulated assets 
16.4
  16.4 
Tax exempt bonds 
 
27.0
  27.0 
Senior secured note 
2.4
  2.4 
Total 
872.9
  872.9 
Unamortized discount and premium on bonds and debt 
(1.7
)
 (1.8)
Total debt 
871.2
  871.1 
Less current portion 
(4.0
)
 (4.0)
Total long-term debt
$
867.2
 $867.1 

NOTE 9--ASSET8--ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Legal retirement obligations, as defined byUnder the provisions of SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," previouslyand Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations," WPS Resources has recorded liabilities for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The utility segments identified asset retirement obligations primarily related to asbestos abatement at certain generation facilities, office buildings, and service centers; disposal of PCB-contaminated transformers; and closure of fly-ash landfills at certain generation facilities. In accordance with SFAS No. 71, the utilities establish regulatory assets and liabilities to record the differences between ongoing expense recognition under SFAS No. 143 and Interpretation No. 47, and the rate-making practices for retirement costs authorized by the PSCW and MPSC. Asset retirement obligations identified at WPSC related primarilyESI relate to the final decommissioning of Kewaunee. As discussed in Note 5, Acquisitions and Sales of Assets, the sale of Kewaunee to Dominion was completed on July 5, 2005. As a result of the sale, Dominion assumed the asset retirement obligation related to Kewaunee.

PDI identified a legal retirement obligation related to theasbestos abatement at certain generation facilities as well as closure of an ash basin located at Sunbury. The asset retirement obligation associated with Sunbury isobligations are recorded as a liability onother long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
-19-

Sheets of WPS Resources and WPSC.

The following table describesshows all changes to the asset retirement obligation liabilities of WPS Resources.
        
(Millions)
 WPSC PDI Total 
Asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2004 $364.4 $2.2 $366.6 
Accretion expense  12.4  0.2  12.6 
Asset retirement obligation transferred to Dominion  (376.4) -  (376.4)
Asset retirement obligation at September 30, 2005 $0.4 $2.4 $2.8 

(Millions)
 WPSC UPPCO ESI Total 
Asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2005 $7.7 $0.9 $6.3 $14.9 
Accretion expense  0.1  -  0.1  0.2 
Asset retirement obligations at March 31, 2006
 
$
7.8
 
$
0.9
 
$
6.4
 
$
15.1
 


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NOTE 10--INCOME9--INCOME TAXES

For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2006, and 2005, and 2004, WPS Resources' and WPSC's provision for income taxes was calculated in accordance with APB Opinion No. 28, "Interim Financial Reporting." Accordingly, our interim effective tax rate reflects our projected annual effective tax rate. The effective tax rate differs from the federal tax rate of 35%, primarily due to the effects of tax credits and state income taxes.

NOTE 11--COMMITMENTS10--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commodity and Purchase Order Commitments

WPS Resources routinely enters into long-term purchase and sale commitments that have various quantity requirements and durations. The commitments described below are as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

ESI has unconditional purchase obligations related to energy supply contracts that total $4.2$4.9 billion. Substantially all of these obligations end by 2009,2008, with obligations totaling $16.5$239.0 million extending from 20102009 through 2015.2016. The majority of the energy supply contracts are to meet ESI's obligations to deliver energy to its customers.

WPSC has obligations related to coal, purchased power, and natural gas. All pertinent nuclear fuel contracts were assigned to Dominion with the July 5, 2005, sale of Kewaunee to Dominion. Obligations related to coal supply and transportation extend through 2016 and total $346.5$458.6 million. Through 2016, WPSC has obligations totaling $1.5$1.4 billion for either capacity or energy related to purchased power, including the obligation under the power purchase agreement with Dominion Kewaunee, LLC.power. Also, there are natural gas supply and transportation contracts with total estimated demand payments of $126.6$117.3 million through 2017. WPSC expects to recover these costs in future customer rates. Additionally, WPSC has contracts to sell electricity and natural gas to customers.

PDI has entered into purchase contracts totaling $6.8 million. The majority of these contracts relate to coal purchases for the PDI coal plants.

UPPCO has made commitments for the purchase of commodities, mainly capacity or energy related to purchased power, which total $26.4$45.7 million and extend through 2010.

WPS Resources also has commitments in the form of purchase orders issued to various vendors. At September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, these purchase orders totaled $485.7$543.1 million and $471.6$513.2 million for WPS Resources and WPSC, respectively. The majority of these commitments relate to large construction projects, including construction of the 500-megawatt Weston 4 coal-fired generation facility near Wausau, Wisconsin.

Environmental

EPA Section 114 Request

In November 1999, the EPA announced the commencement of a Clean Air Act enforcement initiative targeting the utility industry. This initiative resulted in the issuance of several notices of violation/findings of violation and the filing of lawsuits against utilities. In these enforcement proceedings, the EPA claims that the utilities made modifications to the coal-fired boilers and related equipment at the utilities' electric generation stations without first obtaining appropriate permits under the EPA's pre-construction permit program and without installing appropriate air pollution control equipment. In addition, the EPA is
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claiming, in certain situations, that there were violations of the Clean Air Act's "new source performance standards." In the matters where actions have been commenced, the federal government is seeking penalties and the installation of pollution control equipment.

In December 2000, WPSC received from the EPA a request for information under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act. The EPA sought information and documents relating to work performed on the coal-fired boilers located at WPSC's Pulliam and Weston electric generation stations. WPSC filed a response with the EPA in early 2001.

On May 22, 2002, WPSC received a follow-up request from the EPA seeking additional information regarding specific boiler-related work performed on Pulliam Units 3, 5, and 7, as well as information on WPSC's life extension program for Pulliam Units 3-8 and Weston Units 1 and 2. WPSC made an initial response to the EPA's follow-up information request on June 12, 2002, and filed a final response on June 27, 2002.

In 2000 and 2002, Wisconsin Power and Light Company received a similar series of EPA information requests relating to work performed on certain coal-fired boilers and related equipment at the Columbia generation station (a facility located in Portage, Wisconsin, jointly owned by Wisconsin Power and Light Company, Madison Gas and Electric Company, and WPSC). Wisconsin Power and Light Company is the operator of the plant and is responsible for responding to governmental inquiries relating to the operation of the facility. Wisconsin Power and Light Company filed its most recent response for the Columbia facility on July 12, 2002.

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Depending upon the results of the EPA's review of the information provided by WPSC and Wisconsin Power and Light Company, the EPA may issue "notices of violation" or "findings of violation" asserting that a violation of the Clean Air Act occurred and/or seek additional information from WPSC and/or third parties who have information relating to the boilers or close out the investigation. To date, the EPA has not responded to the filings made by WPSC and Wisconsin Power and Light. In addition, under the federal Clean Air Act, citizen groups may pursue a claim. WPSC has no notice of such a claim based on the information submitted to the EPA.

In response to the EPA Clean Air Act enforcement initiative, several utilities have elected to settle with the EPA, while others are in litigation. In general, those utilities that have settled have entered into consent decrees which require the companies to pay fines and penalties, undertake supplemental environmental projects, and either upgrade or replace pollution controls at existing generating units or shut down existing units and replace these units with new electric generating facilities. Several of the settlements involve multiple facilities. The fines and penalties (including the capital costs of supplemental environmental projects) associated with these settlements range between $7 million and $44$30 million. Factors typically considered in settlements include, but are not necessarily limited to, the size and number of facilities as well as the duration of alleged violations and the presence or absence of aggravating circumstances. The regulatory interpretations upon which the lawsuits or settlements are based may change based on future court decisions that may be rendered in pending litigations.

If the federal government decided to bring a claim against WPSC and if it were determined by a court that historic projects at WPSC's Pulliam and Weston plants required either a state or federal Clean Air Act permit, WPSC may, under the applicable statutes, be required to:

·shut down any unit found to be operating in non-compliance,
·install additional pollution control equipment,
·pay a fine, and/or
·pay a fine and conduct a supplemental environmental project in order to resolve any such claim.

At the end of December 2002 and October 2003, the EPA issued new rules governing the federal new source review program. These rules were subsequently challenged in the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals. On June 24, 2005, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals issued its opinion on the EPA's 2002 new source review reform rule. The ruling upheld most of the 2002 rule, but did strike down some provisions. The rules are not yet effective in Wisconsin. They are also not retroactive.
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Wisconsin has proposed amending its new source review program to substantially conform to the federal regulations. The Wisconsin rules are not anticipated to be finalized before 2006.

Pulliam Air Permit Violation Lawsuit

On July 12, 2005, theThe Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin notified WPS Resources of their intent to filefiled a citizen enforcement action withcomplaint in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin on October 19, 2005. The lawsuit was filed pursuant to the citizen suit provisions of the Clean Air Act. The Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin indicated that the lawsuit will seek penalties, injunctive relief, and costs of litigation. The notice referencedcomplaint references opacity exceedances reported by the Pulliam facility located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from 1999 through the first quarter of 2005, and2005. The notice also alleges monitoring violations from 1999 through 2004. The notice also alleged2004, exceedances of the Clean Air Act operating permit in 2002, exceedances of the permit issued for eight diesel generators in 2001, and exceedances of the permit for one of the combustine turbine.

On October 20, 2005,combustion turbines. The lawsuit seeks penalties, injunctive relief, and costs of litigation. WPSC filed an answer to the Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin filedcomplaint on March 6, 2006, asserting a civil lawsuit claiming that WPSC's Pulliam facility located in Green Bay, Wisconsin violated provisionsnumber of its air permit with respect to particulates, nitrogen oxide, and visible emissions; however, WPSC has not been served to date.affirmative defenses. The Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin have stated a willingness to discuss the alleged violations. WPSC is investigatingviolations and the claims.parties have engaged in settlement negotiations.

Weston 4 Air Permit

On November 15, 2004, the Sierra Club filed a petition with the WDNR under Section 285.61, Wis. Stats., seeking a contested case hearing on the air permit issued for the Weston 4 generation station. On December 2, 2004, the WDNR granted the petition and forwarded the matter to the Division of Hearings and Appeals. In its petition, the Sierra Club raised legal and factual issues with the permit and with the process used by WDNR to develop the air emission limits and conditions. In addition, both WPSC and the Sierra Club filed motions forCertain issues were decided on summary judgment on certainin favor of the issues. A decision regarding summary judgment was issued. In the ruling, the Administrative Law Judge denied the motion of Sierra Club and granted summary judgment to WPSC with respect to certain claims of Sierra Club claims consistent with the rulings rendered in Wisconsin Energy's Elm Road proceeding. The contested case hearing in the matter was held during the last week of September 2005. The hearing addressed the remaining issues, which are generally related to the emission limits specified in the permit and the pollution controls to be used to achieve these limits. TheIn February 2006, the Administrative Law Judge affirmed the Weston 4 air permit with modifications to the emission limits for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide from the coal-fired boiler and particulate from the cooling tower. The modifications set a briefing schedulelimits that are more stringent than those set by the WDNR. The Sierra Club and indicated that a decision would be issued in January 2006. IfWPSC filed petitions for judicial review of the Administrative Law Judge's decision requires modificationswith the circuit court, both of which are pending. WPSC's petition is limited to a review

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of the decision related to sulfur dioxide limitations. The filing of the petitions did not stay the Administrative Law Judge's decision. WPSC expects that the WDNR intends to revise the air permit construction delays and/or increased construction costs could result.consistent with that decision unless otherwise directed by the court.

Weston 4 Discovery Complaint

On December 16, 2005, the Sierra Club filed an complaint with the PSCW alleging that WPSC failed to respond accurately and completely to a PSCW staff request for information about air pollution control technology available for the Weston 4 electric generating facility, the construction of which was authorized by the PSCW in October 2004. Following an informal investigation, the PSCW determined that, although the alleged failure to provide the information did not adversely affect the outcome of the case, WPSC may not have fully complied with the PSCW's procedural rules. Based on this determination, the PSCW referred the matter to the Wisconsin Attorney General for investigation and potential enforcement action. WPSC does not believe that it violated the PSCW's procedural rules. Moreover, both the PSCW and the WDNR have determined that any error by WPSC would not have impacted the outcome of the cases involved. Nonetheless, the referral to the Attorney General could result in enforcement action against WPSC. Any such enforcement action may result in a civil forfeiture or fine.

Weston Site OperationOperating Permit

On April 18 and April 26, 2005, WPS Resources notified the WDNR that the existing Weston facility was not in compliance with certain provisions of the "Title V" air operating permit that was issued to the facility in October 2004. These provisions include: (1) the particulate emission limits applicable to the coal handling equipment; (2) the carbon monoxide (CO) limit for Weston combustion turbines; and (3) the limitation on the sulfur content of the fuel oil stored at the Weston facility. On July 27, 2005, WPSC received a notice of violation (NOV) from the WDNR asserting that the existing Weston facility is not in compliance with certain provisions of the permit. TheIn response to the NOV, a compliance plan was submitted to the WDNR. Subsequently, stack testing was performed, which indicated continuing exceedances of the particulate limits from the coal handling equipment. On January 19, 2006, WPSC received from the WDNR a Notice of Noncompliance (NON) seeking further information about the alleged noncompliance is based on information previouslynon-compliance event. WPSC provided by WPSCa response to the WDNR and is in April 2005. Thethe process of seeking to have the permit revised. On February 20, 2006, the WDNR issued an NOV classifies certainwhich incorporated most of the alleged violations as "high priority" undernoncompliance events described above (the alleged exceedances of the EPA's high priority violation policy.CO limit was not included) and added issues relating to opacity monitoring and the operation of a particulate source for three days without a functioning baghouse. Under the WDNR’sWDNR's stepped enforcement process, an NOV is the first step in the WDNR’sWDNR's enforcement procedure. If the WDNR decides to continue the enforcement process, the next step is a “referral”"referral" of the matter to the Wisconsin Attorney General’sGeneral's Office. WPS ResourcesIn addition, citizen groups may seek to initiate enforcement prior to the filing of any lawsuit by the Wisconsin Attorney General's Office or may seek to intervene in the Title V operating permit revision process. WPSC is seeking to amend the applicable permit limits and is taking corrective action. At this time, we believe that our exposure to fines or penalties related to this noncompliance would not have a material impact on our financial results.
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Mercury and Interstate Air Quality Rules

On October 1, 2004, the mercury emission control rule became effective in Wisconsin. The rule requires WPSC to control annual system mercury emissions in phases. The first phase will occur in 2008 and 2009. In this phase, the annual mercury emissions are capped at the average annual system mercury emissions for the period 2002 through 2004. The next phase will run from 2010 through 2014 and requires a 40% reduction from average annual 2002 through 2004 mercury input amounts. After 2015, a 75% reduction is required with a goal of an 80% reduction by 2018. Because federal regulations were promulgated in March 2005, we believe the state of Wisconsin will revise the Wisconsin rule to be consistent with the federal rule. However, the state of Wisconsin has filed suit against the federal government along with other states in opposition to the rule. WPSC estimates capital costs of approximately $14 million to achieve the proposed 75% reductions. The capital costs are expected to be recovered in a future rate case.cases.

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In December 2003,March 2005, the EPA proposedfinalized the mercury "maximum achievable control technology" standards and an alternative mercury "cap and trade" program substantially modeled on the Clear Skies legislation initiative. The EPA also proposedfinalized the Clean Air Interstate Rule (formerly known as the Interstate Air Quality Rule), which wouldwill reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from utility boilers located in 29 states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. In March 2005, the EPA finalized both the mercury rule and the Clean Air Interstate Rule.

The final mercury rule establishes New Source Performance Standards for new units based upon the type of coal burned. Weston 4 will install and operate mercury control technology with the aim of achieving a mercury emission rate less than that in the final EPA mercury rule.

The final mercury rule also establishes a mercury cap and trade program, which requires a 21% reduction in national mercury emissions in 2010 and a 70% reduction in national mercury emissions beginning in 2018. Based on the final rule and current projections, WPSC anticipates meeting the mercury rule cap and trade requirements at a cost similarand does not anticipate incurring costs to the costcomply incremental to those required to comply with the Wisconsin rule.

PDI'sESI's current analysis indicates that additional emission control equipment on its existing units may be required. Excluding Sunbury, PDIESI estimates the capital cost for the remaining units to be approximately $1 million to achieve a 70% reduction. Including Sunbury, the total PDIESI mercury control costs could approximate $33 million, depending upon how this facility is operated.

The final Clean Air Interstate Rule requires reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions in two phases. The first phase requires about a 50% reduction beginning in 2009 for nitrogen oxide and beginning in 2010 for sulfur dioxide. The second phase begins in 2015 for both pollutants and requires about a 65% reduction in emissions. The rule allows the affected states (including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York) to either require utilities located in the state to participate in the EPA's interstate cap and trade program or meet the state's emission budget for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide through measures to be determined by the state. The states have not adopted a preference as to which option they would select, but the states are investigating the cap and trade program, as well as alternatives or additional requirements. Consequently, the effect of the rule on WPSC's and PDI'sESI's facilities is uncertain, since it depends upon how the states choose to implement the final Clean Air Interstate Rule.

Currently, WPSC is evaluating a number of options that include using the cap and trade program and/or installing controls. For planning purposes, it is assumed that additional sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide controls will be needed on existing units or the existing units will need to be converted to natural gas by 2015. The installation of any controls and/or any conversion to natural gas will need to be scheduled as part of WPSC's long-term maintenance plan for its existing units. As such, controls or conversions may need to take place before 2015. On a preliminary basis and assuming controls or conversion are required, WPSC estimates capital costs of $257 million in order to meet an assumed 2015 compliance date. This estimate is based on costs of current control technology and current information regarding the final EPA rule. The costs may change based on the requirements of the final state rules.
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PDIESI is evaluating the compliance options for the Clean Air Interstate Rule. Additional nitrogen oxide controls on some of PDI'sESI's facilities may be necessary, and would cost approximately $41$40 million. The cost estimate is largely dependent upon how Sunbury will be operated going forward. See Note 4, Assets Held for Sale, for additional information on Sunbury. Additional sulfur dioxide reductions are unlikely. Also, PDIESI will evaluate a number of options including using the cap and trade program, fuel switching, and/or installing controls.

Clean Air Regulations

Most of the generation facilities owned by PDIESI are located in an ozone transport region. As a result, these generation facilities are subject to additional restrictions on emissions of nitrogen oxide. Throughout 2005oxide and in future years, PDI estimates purchasing nitrogen oxide emission allowances at market rates, as needed, to meet its requirements for the Sunbury generation facility.

PDIsulfur dioxide. ESI began 2005 with 17,000 sulfur dioxide emission allowances for its generation facilities that are required to participate in the sulfur dioxide emission program. However, a majority of these allowances were sold in the second quarter of 2005, requiring a higher level of purchases for the remainder of the year. During the remainder of 2005

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and infor 2006. In future years, PDI estimates purchasingESI expects to purchase sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission allowances at market rates, as needed, to meet its requirements for the Sunbury generation facility.

Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal

The federal government is responsible for the disposal or permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE is currently preparing an application to license a permanent spent nuclear fuel storage facility in the Yucca Mountain area of Nevada.

Spent nuclear fuel is currently being stored at the Kewaunee plant. At current production levels, the plant has sufficient storage for all fuel assemblies until 2009 with full core offload. Additional capacity will be needed by 2010 to maintain full core offload capability.

The United States government through the DOE was under contract with WPSC for the pick up and long-term storage of Kewaunee's spent nuclear fuel. Because the DOE has failed to begin scheduled pickup of the spent nuclear fuel, WPSC incurred costs for the storage of the spent nuclear fuel. WPSC is a participant in a suit filed against the federal government for breach of contract and failure to pick up and store the spent nuclear fuel. The case was filed on January 22, 2004, in the United States Court of Federal Claims. The case has been temporarily stayed until June 20, 2006.

In July 2005, WPSC sold Kewaunee to a subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. Pursuant to the terms of the sale, Dominion has the right to pursue the spent nuclear fuel claim and WPSC will retain the contractual right to an equitable share of any future settlement or verdict. The total amount of damages sought is unknown at this time.

Other Environmental Issues

Groundwater testing at a former ash disposal site of UPPCO indicated elevated levels of boron and lithium. Supplemental remedial investigations were performed, and a revised remedial action plan was developed. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approved the plan in January 2003. UPPCO received an order from the MPSC permitting deferral and future recovery of these costs. A liability of $1.4$1.3 million and an associated regulatory asset of $1.4$1.3 million were recorded at March 31, 2006, for estimated future expenditures associated with remediation of the site. In addition, UPPCO has an informal agreement, with the owner of another landfill, under which UPPCO has agreed to pay 17% of the investigation and remedial costs. It is estimated that the cost of addressing the site over the next 3 yearsyear will be $1.6$1.8 million. UPPCO has recorded $0.3 million of this amount as its share of the liability as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

There is increasing concern over the issue of climate change and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions. WPS Resources is evaluating both the technical and cost implications which may result from a future greenhouse gas regulatory program. This evaluation indicates that it is probable that any regulatory program that caps emissions or imposes a carbon tax will increase costs for WPS Resources and its customers. At this time, there is no commercially available technology for removing carbon dioxide from a pulverized coal-fired plant, but significant research is in progress. Efforts are underway within the utility industry to develop cleaner ways to burn coal. The use of alternate fuels is also being explored by the industry, but there are many costs and availability issues. Based on the complexity and uncertainty of the climate issues, a risk exists that future carbon regulation will increase the cost of electricity produced at coal-fired generation units. However, we believe the capital expenditures we are making at our generation units are appropriate under any reasonable mandatory greenhouse gas program. WPS Resources will continue to monitor and manage potential risks and opportunities associated with future greenhouse gas regulatory actions.

Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation

WPSC continues to investigate the environmental cleanup of ten manufactured gas plant sites. Cleanup of the land portion of the Oshkosh, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Manitowoc, and two Sheboygan sites in Wisconsin is completed. Groundwater treatment and monitoring at these sites will continue into the

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future. Cleanup of the land portion of four sites will be addressed in the future. River sediment remains to be addressed at sites with sediment contamination, and priorities will be determined in consultation with the EPA. In late 2004, WPSC purchased the Menominee site property. Clean up of this site is expected to begin in the near future. WorkThe additional work at the other sites remains to be scheduled.

WPSC is currently in the process of transferringhas transferred sites with sediment contamination formally under WDNR jurisdiction to the EPA Superfund Alternatives Program. Under the EPA's program, the remedy decision will be based on risk-based criteria typically used at Superfund sites. WPSC estimated the future undiscounted investigation and cleanup costs as of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, to be $65.3$66 million. WPSC may adjust these estimates in the future, contingent upon remedial technology, regulatory requirements, remedy determinations, and the assessment of natural resource damages. WPSC has received $12.7 million to date in insurance recoveries. WPSC expects to recover actual cleanup costs, net of insurance recoveries, in future customer rates. Under current PSCW policies, WPSC will not recover carrying costs associated with the cleanup expenditures.

Stray Voltage ClaimsMGUC, which acquired retail natural gas operations in Michigan from Aquila in the second quarter of 2006, is responsible for the environmental impacts at 11 manufactured gas plant sites. Removal of the most contaminated soil has been completed at seven sites. Future investigations are needed at many of the sites to evaluate on-site, off-site, and sediment impacts.

From timeMGUC has estimated future investigation and remediation costs of approximately $25 million. The MPSC has historically authorized recovery of these costs. An environmental liability and related regulatory asset will be recorded in the second quarter of 2006 to time, WPSC has been sued by dairy farmers who allege that they have suffered lossreflect the expected investigation and clean-up costs relating to these sites.

As these 11 sites are integrated into the corporate gas plant site management program, cost estimates may change. We will also evaluate the feasibility of milk production and other damages supposedly due to "stray voltage" fromtransferring the operation of WPSC's electrical system. Past cases have been resolved without any material adverse effect onMGUC sites into the financial statements
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of WPSC. One case, Allen v. WPSC, has been remanded from the court of appeals to the trial court for a determination of whether a post-verdict injunction is warranted. A second case, Pollack v. WPSC, was tried and ended in a defense verdict on May 5, 2005, and that case is concluded. A third case, Seidl v. WPSC, was tried to a jury in October 2004, but ended in a mistrial. On June 21, 2005, the trial judge granted WPSC's motion for a directed verdict. The Seidl plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that dismissal.EPA Superfund Alternative Program.

The PSCW has established certain requirements regarding stray voltage for all utilities subject to its jurisdiction. The PSCW has defined what constitutes "stray voltage," established a level of concern at which some utility corrective action is required, and set forth test protocols to be employed in evaluating whether a stray voltage problem exists. Based upon the information available to it to date, WPSC believes that it was in compliance with the PSCW's orders, and the plaintiffs did not have a stray voltage problem as defined by the PSCW for which WPSC is responsible. Nonetheless, in 2003, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin ruled in the case Hoffmann v. WEPCO that a utility could be liable in tort to a farmer for damage from stray voltage even though the utility had complied with the PSCW's established level of concern.

On February 15, 2005, the Court of Appeals affirmed the jury verdict in Allen v. WPSC, which awarded the plaintiff approximately $0.8 million for economic damages and $1 million for nuisance. The Court of Appeals also remanded to the trial court the issue of whether an injunction should be issued for additional proceedings. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin denied WPSC's petition to review the Court of Appeals decision. The judgment has been paid to the plaintiff. The trial judge must now decide whether an injunction should be issued. The expert witnesses retained by WPSC do not believe that there is any scientific basis for concluding that electricity from the utility system is currently creating any problem on the plaintiff's land. Accordingly, WPSC does not believe there is any basis for issuing an injunction, and intends to vigorously contest the portion of the case that will be remanded for further proceedings.

On August 2, 2005, a judgment was entered dismissing the Seidls’ stray voltage case and awarding WPSC its costs, which were approximately $63,000. On September 14, 2005, the Seidls filed a notice of appeal from that judgment. The appeal asserts that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to grant the motion to dismiss because of the passage of time, and that there was sufficient evidence in the record that WPSC was negligent in distributing electricity to the Seidls to require a jury to resolve that issue. It typically takes about a year to resolve appeals. WPSC believes it has meritorious arguments which support the judgment and plans to vigorously contest the appeal.

WPSC has insurance coverage for the pending claims, but the policies have customary self-insured retentions per occurrence. Based upon the information known at this time and the availability of insurance, WPSC believes that the total cost to it of resolving the two remaining actions will not be material.
Flood Damage

On May 14, 2003, a fuse plug at the Silver Lake reservoir owned by UPPCO was breached. This breach resulted in subsequent flooding downstream on the Dead River, which is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Marquette, Michigan.

A dam owned by Marquette Board of Light and Power, which is located downstream from the Silver Lake reservoir near the mouth of the Dead River, also failed during this event. In addition, high water conditions and siltation resulted in damage at the Presque Isle Power Plant owned by Wisconsin Electric Power Company. Presque Isle, which is located downstream from the Marquette Board of Light and Power dam, was ultimately forced into a temporary shutdown.

The FERC's Independent Board of Review issued its report in December of 2003 and concluded that the root cause of the incident was the failure of the design of the fuse plug to take into account the highly erodible nature of the fuse plug's foundation materials and spillway channel, resulting in the complete loss of the fuse plug, foundation, and spillway channel, whichchannel. This caused the release of Silver Lake far beyond the
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intended design of the fuse plug. The fuse plug for the Silver Lake reservoir was designed by an outside engineering firm.

UPPCO has worked with federal and state agencies in their investigations. UPPCO is still in the process of investigating the incident. WPS Resources maintains a comprehensive insurance program that includes UPPCO and which provides both property insurance for its facilities and liability insurance for liability to third parties. WPS Resources is insured in amounts that it believes are sufficient to cover its responsibilities in connection with this event. Deductibles and self-insured retentions on these policies are not material to WPS Resources.

As of May 13, 2005, several lawsuits were filed by the claimants and putative defendants relating to this incident. The suits that have been filed against UPPCO, WPS Resources, and WPSC include the following claimants: WE Energies,Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Cleveland Cliffs, Inc., Board of Light and Power

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of the City of Marquette, the City of Marquette, the County of Marquette, Dead River Campers, Inc., Marquette County Road Commission, SBC, and various land and homeownershome owners along the Silver Lake reservoir and Dead River system. WPS Resources is defending these lawsuits and is seeking resolution of all claims and litigation where possible. UPPCO filed a suit against the engineering company that designed the fuse plug (MWH Americas, Inc.) and the contractor who built it (Moyle Construction, Inc.). UPPCO has reached a confidential settlement with Wisconsin Electric Power Company resolving Wisconsin Electric Power Company's claims. The settlement payment has been reimbursed by WPS Resource's insurer and, therefore, did not have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. WPS Resources has also settled several small claims with various landowners that are also covered by insurance. WPS Resources is defending the remaining lawsuits filed against it and is seeking resolution of all claims and litigations where possible. A trial date in September 2007 has been set for the remaining cases.

In November 2003, UPPCO received approval from the MPSC and the FERC for deferral of costs that are not reimbursable through insurance or recoverable through the power supply cost recovery mechanism. Recovery of costs deferred will be addressed in future rate proceedings.

In January 2005, UPPCO has announced its decision to restore Silver Lake as a reservoir for power generation pending approval of aan economically feasible design by the FERC. The FERC has required that a board of consultants evaluate and oversee the new construction. The board of consultantsdesign approval process. UPPCO is developing a timeline for the project, but early estimates call for work to begin in 2006 and be completed in 2008, provided the FERC approves an economically feasible design. Once work is done, Silver Lake is expected to reviewtake approximately two years to refill, based upon natural precipitation.

Stray Voltage Claims

From time to time, WPSC has been sued by dairy farmers who allege that they have suffered loss of milk production and other damages supposedly due to "stray voltage" from the design optionsoperation of WPSC's electrical system. Past cases have been resolved without any material adverse effect on the financial statements of WPSC. One case, Allen v. WPSC, was remanded from the court of appeals to the trial court for a determination of whether a post-verdict injunction is warranted. A second case, Pollack v. WPSC, was tried and ended in a defense verdict on May 5, 2005, and that case is concluded. A third case, Seidl v. WPSC, was dismissed on June 21, 2005, when the trial judge granted WPSC's motion for a directed verdict. The Seidl plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that dismissal. WPSC believes it has meritorious arguments supporting the dismissal and WPSC plans to vigorously contest the appeal.

On February 15, 2005, the Court of Appeals affirmed the jury verdict in Allen v. WPSC, which awarded the plaintiff $0.8 million for economic damages and $1 million for nuisance. All appeals have been exhausted and the judgment has been paid to the plaintiff, but the plaintiff is still seeking an injunction. The injunction issues are scheduled to be tried in September 2006. The expert witnesses retained by WPSC do not believe that there is any scientific basis for concluding that electricity from the utility system is currently creating any problem on the plaintiff's land. Accordingly, WPSC does not believe there is any basis for issuing an injunction, and intends to contest the plaintiff's claim.

Three cases, Theuerkauf v. WPSC, Wojciehowski Brothers Farms v. WPSC, and Schmoker v. WPSC were filed in the fallfourth quarter of 2005, prior2005. The Theuerkauf case was brought by Michigan farmers and was in federal court in Green Bay, but has recently settled for an amount within the self-insured retention. The Wojciehowski case was brought in Wisconsin state court in Marinette County. The Schmoker case was brought in Wisconsin state court in Winnebago County. While these two cases are still in the early stages and it is too early to construction, with construction expectedaccurately predict their likely outcomes, based on currently available information, WPSC believes it has meritorious defenses to the plaintiff's claims and intends to vigorously defend them.

The PSCW has established certain requirements regarding stray voltage for all utilities subject to its jurisdiction. The PSCW has defined what constitutes "stray voltage," established a level of concern at which some utility corrective action is required, and set forth test protocols to be completedemployed in 2006.evaluating whether a stray voltage problem exists. However, in 2003, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin ruled in the case Hoffmann v. WEPCO that a utility could be liable in tort to a farmer for damage from stray voltage

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even though the utility had complied with the PSCW's established level of concern. Thus, despite the fact that WPSC believes it abides by the applicable PSCW requirements, it is not immune from the tort suits such as these under Wisconsin law.

WPSC has insurance coverage for the pending claims, but the policies have customary self-insured retentions per occurrence. Based upon the information known at this time and the availability of insurance, WPSC believes that the total cost to it of resolving these five actions will not be material.

Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, Transmission Line

Construction of the 220-mile, 345-kilovolt Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, transmission line began in the first quarter of 2004 with the Minnesota portion completed in early 2005. Construction in Wisconsin began on August 8, 2005.

ATC has assumed primary responsibility for the overall management of the project and will own and operate the completed line. WPSC received approval from the PSCW and the FERC to transferand subsequently transferred ownership of the project to ATC. WPSC will continue to manage obtaining the private property rights, design, and construction of the Wisconsin portion of the project.

In December 2003, the PSCW issued an amendedThe Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity per ATC's requestand other permits needed for relief. This decision was appealed to the Dane County Circuit Court by certain landowners. The court affirmed the PSCW's decision,construction have been received and no appeal has been filed during the allowed time allotted for appeals. On July 25, 2005, the Administrative Law Judge issued the WDNR permit and water quality certification, subject to certain conditions. The conditions were acceptable to ATC and WPSC. Project opponents did not file an appeal of the Administrative Law Judge’s decision within the specified time, and it too isare final. In addition, on August 5, 2005, the new law allowing condemnation of county land for transmission lines approved by the PSCW became effective. In light of this legislation, Douglas County negotiated an easement agreement with ATC that allows the project to be constructed across county land on the route originally selected by the PSCW. On September 15, 2005, the Douglas County Board approved that agreement. Accordingly, the lawsuit against Douglas County to force it to provide easements for the project is beinghas been dismissed as moot, and ATC has asked the PSCW to close the docket, which was opened to examine alternative routes in Douglas County.

WPS Resources committed to fund 50% of total project costs incurred up to $198 million and will receive additional equity in the ATC in exchange for the project funding. Under its agreement, to fund approximately half of the Wausau to Duluth transmission line, WPS Resources invested $35.4$16.1 million in ATC during the ATC for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, bringing WPS Resources’Resources' investment in the
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ATC related to the project to $63.0$102.8 million since the inception of the project. WPS Resources may terminate funding if the project extends beyond January 1, 2010. On December 19, 2003, WPSC and ATC received approval from the PSCW to continue the project at a revised cost estimate of $420.3 million to reflect additional costs for the project resulting from time delays, added regulatory requirements, changes and additions to the project, and ATC overhead costs. WPS Resources has the right, but not the obligation, to provide additional funding in excess of $198 million for up to 50% of the revised cost estimate. The final portion of the line is expected to be placed in service in 2008. Allete Inc. has anexercised its option to fund a portion of this commitmentthe Wausau to Duluth transmission line. WPSC and intendsAllete agreed that Allete will fund up to fund $60 million byof the end of 2006. This would ultimately decreasefuture capital calls for the amount of additional equity WPS Resources has in the ATC. Forline. Considering this, for the period October 2005January 2006 through Novemberthe anticipated completion of the line in 2008, WPS Resources expects to fund up to approximately $141$61 million for its portion of the Wausau to Duluth transmission line assuming Allete, Inc. does not exercise its option, and approximately $81 million if Allete, Inc. does exercise this option.line.

Beaver Falls

PDI'sESI's Beaver Falls generation facility in New York has been out of service since late June 2005. An unplanned outage was caused by the failure of the first stage turbine blades. At this time, inclusiveInclusive of estimated insurance recoveries, PDIESI estimates at this time that it will cost between $3 million and $5 million to repair the turbine and replace the damaged blades. Depending on the amount of insurance recovery, ESI could incur significantly higher net out-of-pocket costs than originally estimated to repair the damage. Resolution of the insurance claim is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2006. In addition, ESI continues to attempt to renegotiate an existing steam off-take agreement with a counterparty, the outcome of which will significantly impact its ability to recover costs. If the estimated repair costs are subsequently revised upward or if thesignificant repair costs are not fully recoverable through insurance or ESI is not able to renegotiate the terms of the steam off-take agreement, then a possibility exists that ESI would not repair the repairs either will not be made or will cause theplant, in which case undiscounted cash flows related to future operations tomay be insufficient to recover the carrying value of the plant, resulting in an impairment. The carrying value of the Beaver Falls generation facility at September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, is $18.6$17.8 million.

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Synthetic Fuel Production Facility

We have significantly reduced our consolidated federal income tax liability for the past four years through tax credits available to us under Section 2929/45K of the Internal Revenue Code for the production and sale of solid synthetic fuel produced from coal. These tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of 2007 and are provided as an incentive for taxpayers to produce fuelsfuel from alternate sources and reduce domestic dependence on imported oil. This incentive is not deemed necessary if the price of oil increases sufficiently to provide a natural market for these fuels.the fuel. Therefore, the tax creditcredits in a given year isare subject to phase outphase-out if the annual average reference price of oil within that year exceeds a minimum threshold price set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and isare eliminated entirely if the average annual reference price increases beyond a phase-out price.maximum threshold price set by the IRS. The reference price of a barrel of oil is an estimate of the annual average wellhead price per barrel for domestic crude oil, which have in recent history been approximately $6 below the NYMEX price of a barrel of oil. The threshold price at which the credit begins to phase outphase-out was set in 1980 and is adjusted annually for inflation. For 2004,inflation; the reference price was $36.75,IRS releases the threshold price was $51.35, andfinal numbers for a given year in the credits would have been eliminated hadfirst part of the reference price exceeded $64.47. For 2005, the estimated threshold price is $52.57, and the credits will be eliminated if the reference price exceeds $65.99.following year.

Numerous events have recently increased domestic crude oil prices, including concerns about terrorism and foreign relations, storm-related supply disruptions, and worldwide demand. Although we do not expect the amount of our 2005 Section 29 tax credits to be adversely affected by oil prices given the current forward price curve for crude oil, we cannot predict with any certainty the future price of a barrel of oil. Therefore, in order to managemitigate exposure to the risk of an increase in oil prices that could reduce the amount of 2005, 2006, and 2007 Section 2929/45K federal tax credits that could be recognized, PDIESI entered into a series of derivative (option) contracts, beginning in the first quarter of 2005, covering a specified number of barrels of oil. These derivativesIf no phase-out were to occur in 2006 and 2007, we would expect to recognize approximately $26 million of Section 29/45K federal tax credits in each of these years. Based upon 2006 actual year-to-date and forward oil prices, we are anticipating significant phase-outs of 2006 and 2007 Section 29/45K federal tax credits. However, we cannot predict with certainty the future price of a barrel of oil and, therefore, have no way of knowing what portion of our 2006 and 2007 tax credits will ultimately be phased out, or if any phase-out will occur. ESI estimates that 2006 Section 29/45K federal tax credits will begin phasing out if the annual average NYMEX price of a barrel of oil reaches approximately $60, with a total phase-out if the annual average NYMEX price of a barrel of oil reaches approximately $74. At March 31, 2006, based upon estimated annual average oil prices, we anticipated that approximately 51% of the 2006 tax credits that otherwise would be available from the production and sale of synthetic fuel would be phased-out. Based on the amount of the anticipated Section 29/45K phase-out at March 31, 2006, our 2006 annual production assumption is that it is more likely than not that WPS Resources (in order to save on production costs) would also begin curtailing our share of production sometime late in the third quarter of 2006. However, our hedged position may offer a number of alternatives to improve expected results that do not involve production curtailment. For the year ending December 31, 2006, including the projected production curtailment and tax credit phase-out, we expect to recognize the benefit of Section 29/45K federal tax credits totaling approximately $10 million. However, the actual amount of tax credits recognized in 2006 could differ substantially from our March 31, 2006, estimate based upon actual average annual oil prices.

There is proposed federal legislation that would establish the 2006 reference price used to determine the phase-out for 2006 based upon the previous calendar year. If the proposed legislation becomes law, we do not anticipate that any phase-out of 2006 Section 29/45K federal tax credits would occur. However, ESI cannot predict what impact, if any, this proposed legislation would have on the value of the tax credits in 2007, but it could provide an opportunity for ESI to utilize its 2006 derivative (option) contracts to mitigate approximately 100%, 95%,the risk of 2007 tax credit phase-outs. However, we cannot provide any certainty that the proposed federal legislation will be enacted into law, and; therefore, we have not relied on the proposed legislation in determining the amount of Section 29/45K federal tax credits to recognize in first quarter of 2006.

ESI has derivative (option) contracts that mitigate substantially all of the Section 29/45K tax credit exposure in 2006 and 40% of the Section 29 tax credit exposure in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively.2007. The derivative contracts involve purchased and written call options that provide for net cash settlement at expiration based on the annual average NYMEX trading price of oil in relation to the strike price of each option. Net premiums paid to date for options to mitigate exposure to Section 29/45K federal tax credit phase-outs in 2006 and 2007 totaled $15.7 million, including $1.3 million of net option premiums paid in April 2006 ($12.4 million for 2006

 
Our ability to fully utilize the Section 29 tax credits available to us in connection with our remaining interest in a synthetic fuel production facility will depend on whether the amount of our federal income tax liability is sufficient to permit the use of such credits. Other future tax legislation and Internal Revenue Service review may also affect the value of the tax credits and the value of our share of the facility. In 2005, we recognized $24.1 million in Section 29 tax credits. At September 30, 2005, we determined that it was not necessary to record a reserve against any portion of the deferred tax asset related to these
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credits. We haveoptions and $3.3 million for 2007 options), all of which are recorded as risk management assets and liabilities on the tax benefitbalance sheet. Essentially, ESI paid $12.4 million for options ($7.4 million after-tax) to protect the value of approximately $133.3$26 million of Section 29 tax credits as reductions to income tax expense from the project's inception in June 1998 through September 30, 2005. As a result of alternative minimum tax rules, approximately $71.6 million of this tax benefit has been carried forward as a deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2005. These alternative minimum tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely. The tax benefit recorded with respect to WPS Resources' share of tax credits in 2006 and $3.3 million for options ($2.0 million after-tax) to protect the value of approximately $10 million of tax credits in 2007. ESI has not hedged an estimated $16 million of 2007 tax credits. ESI does not expect to mitigate exposure on the remaining 2007 tax credits until the above referenced federal legislation is settled. The derivative contracts have not been designated as hedging instruments and, as a result, changes in the fair value of the options are recorded currently as a component of nonregulated revenue. This results in mark-to-market gains being recognized in earnings in different periods, compared to any offsetting tax credit phase-outs. For example, from the facility is basedinception of ESI's Section 29/45K hedging strategy in the first quarter of 2005 through March 31, 2006, total pre-tax mark-to-market and realized gains recognized on our expected consolidated2006 oil options were $11.9 million, while total pre-tax mark-to-market gains recognized on 2007 oil options were $6.8 million. These pre-tax gains compared to an estimated $4.9 million tax liability for all opencredit phase-out that was recognized in the first quarter of 2006 (no tax years including the current year, and all future yearscredit phase-outs were recognized in which we expect2005).

In addition to utilize deferredexposure from federal tax credits, ESI has also historically received royalties tied to offset our futurethe amount of synthetic fuel produced as well as variable payments from a counterparty related to its 30% sell-down of ECO Coal Pelletization #12 in 2002. Royalties and variable payments received in 2006 and 2007 could decrease if a phase-out occurs, or if synthetic fuel production is reduced. While variable payments are received by ESI quarterly, royalties are a function of annual synthetic fuel production and are generally not received until later in the year.

The following table shows the impact that ESI's investment in the synthetic fuel production facility, including derivative (option) contract activity, had on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarters ended March 31. An explanation for the change in tax liability. Reductionscredits is discussed in our expected consolidated tax liabilitymore detail within "Results of Operations - WPS Resources." Amounts recorded as a component of miscellaneous income did not change significantly between periods.

Amounts are pre-tax, except tax credits (millions)
 Income (loss) 
      
  
2006
 2005 
Provision for income taxes:       
Section 29/45K federal tax credits recognized 
$
4.5
 $12.8 
        
Nonregulated revenue:       
Mark-to-market gains on 2005 oil options  
-
  2.1 
Mark-to-market gains on 2006 oil options  
6.0
  0.4 
Net realized gains on 2006 oil options  
2.0
  - 
Mark-to-market gains on 2007 oil options  
2.4
  0.3 
        
Miscellaneous income:       
Operating losses - synthetic fuel facility  
(4.7
)
 (4.2)
Variable payments received  
0.9
  0.9 
Royalty income recognized  
-
  - 
Deferred gain recognized  
0.6
  0.6 
Interest received on fixed note receivable  
0.3
  0.4 
        
Minority interest  
1.2
  1.1 

NOTE 11--GUARANTEES

As part of normal business, WPS Resources and its subsidiaries enter into various guarantees providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries. These guarantees are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness otherwise attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis, thereby facilitating the extension of sufficient credit to accomplish the subsidiaries' intended commercial purposes.

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Most of the guarantees issued by WPS Resources include inter-company guarantees between parents and their subsidiaries, which are eliminated in consolidation, and guarantees of the subsidiaries' own performance. As such, these guarantees are excluded from the recognition and measurement requirements of FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantors' Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for anyGuarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others."

At March 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, outstanding guarantees totaled $1,295.1 million, and $1,310.6 million, respectively, as follows:

WPS Resources' Outstanding Guarantees
(Millions)
 
March 31, 2006
 December 31, 2005 
Guarantees of subsidiary debt 
$
27.2
 $27.2 
Guarantees supporting commodity transactions of subsidiaries  
1,104.6
  1,154.7 
Standby letters of credit  
149.0
  114.3 
Surety bonds  
0.8
  0.8 
Other guarantees  
13.5
  13.6 
Total guarantees 
$
1,295.1
 $1,310.6 

            
WPS Resources' Outstanding Guarantees
(Millions)
 
 
Commitments Expiring
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
At March 31, 2006
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
4 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Guarantees of subsidiary debt $27.2 $- $- $- $27.2 
Guarantees supporting commodity transactions of subsidiaries  1,104.6  993.9  27.7  23.6  59.4 
Standby letters of credit  149.0  148.3  0.7  -  - 
Surety bonds  0.8  0.8  -  -  - 
Other guarantees  13.5  -  -  13.5  - 
Total guarantees $1,295.1 $1,143.0 $28.4 $37.1 $86.6 

At March 31, 2006, WPS Resources had outstanding $27.2 million in corporate guarantees supporting indebtedness. Of that total, $27.0 million supports outstanding debt at one of ESI's subsidiaries. The underlying debt related to these years could resultguarantees is reflected on WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

WPS Resources' Board of Directors has authorized management to issue corporate guarantees in disallowancethe aggregate amount of previously recorded credits, and/or a changeup to $1.5 billion to support the business operations of ESI. WPS Resources primarily issues the guarantees to counterparties in the wholesale electric and natural gas marketplace to provide them assurance that ESI will perform on its obligations and permit ESI to operate within these markets. At March 31, 2006, WPS Resources provided parental guarantees in the amount of $1,101.7 million, reflected in the taxabove table, for ESI's indemnification obligations for business operations, including $8.1 million of guarantees that received specific authorization from WPS Resources' Board of Directors and are not included in the $1.5 billion general authorized amount. Of the parental guarantees provided by WPS Resources, the outstanding balance at March 31, 2006, which WPS Resources would be obligated to support, is approximately $324 million.

Another $2.9 million of corporate guarantees support energy and transmission supply at UPPCO and are not reflected on WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. In February 2005, WPS Resources' Board of Directors authorized management to issue corporate guarantees in the aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million to support the business operations of UPPCO. Corporate

-29-


guarantees issued in the future under the Board authorized limit may or may not be reflected on WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, depending on the nature of the guarantee.

At WPS Resources' request, financial institutions have issued $149.0 million in standby letters of credit for the benefit deferredof third parties that have extended credit to future periods.certain subsidiaries. Of this amount, $143.9 million has been issued to support ESI's operations. Included in the $143.9 million is $2.5 million that has specific authorization from WPS Resources Board of Directors and is not included in the $1.5 billion guarantee limit. The remaining $141.4 million counts against the $1.5 billion guarantee limit authorized for ESI. If a subsidiary does not pay amounts when due under a covered contract, the counterparty may present its claim for payment to the financial institution, which will request payment from WPS Resources. Any amounts owed by our subsidiaries are reflected in WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At March 31, 2006, WPS Resources furnished $0.8 million of surety bonds for various reasons including worker compensation coverage and obtaining various licenses, permits, and rights-of-way. Of the $0.8 million of surety bonds, $0.3 million supports ESI and is included in the $1.5 billion guarantee limit authorized for ESI. Liabilities incurred as a result of activities covered by surety bonds are included in the WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

A portionguarantee of future payments$4.6 million listed in the above table under oneother guarantees was issued by WPSC to indemnify a third party for exposures related to the construction of utility assets. This amount is not reflected on WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, as this agreement was entered into prior to the agreements coveringeffective date of FASB Interpretation No. 45.

In conjunction with the sale of Kewaunee, WPSC and Wisconsin Power and Light agreed to indemnify Dominion for 70% of any and all reasonable costs resulting from or arising from the resolution of any design bases documentation issues that are incurred prior to completion of Kewaunee's scheduled maintenance period for 2009 up to a portionmaximum combined exposure of our interest in$15 million for WPSC and Wisconsin Power and Light. WPSC believes that it will expend its share of costs related to this indemnification and, as a result, recorded the facility is contingentfair value of the liability, or $8.9 million, as a component of the loss on the facility's continued productionsale of synthetic fuel. In the event of a
Section 29 tax credit phase-out in 2006 and 2007, a possibility exists that the level of synthetic fuel production at the facility would be reduced. If the facility reduces production, PDI may see an adjustment in the $7 million annual pre-tax gains expected to be realized through 2007 from the sell-down.Kewaunee.

Dairyland Power CooperativeWPSC also agreed to indemnify Dominion for losses resulting from potential breaches of WPSC's representations and warranties under the sale agreement. The indemnification is limited to approximately $18 million and expires in July 2006. WPSC believes the likelihood of having to make any material cash payments under the sale agreement as a result of breaches of representations and warranties is remote.

Dairyland Power Cooperative has confirmedIn April 2006, ESI entered into a $150 million credit agreement to finance its intentmargin requirements related to purchase a 30% interest in Weston 4natural gas and electric contracts traded on the NYMEX and the Intercontinental Exchange. Future borrowings under this agreement will be guaranteed by signing a joint plant agreement in November 2004,WPS Resources and subject to a numberthe aggregate $1.5 billion guarantee limit authorized for ESI by WPS Resources' Board of conditions. The agreement with Dairyland Power Cooperative is part of our continuing plan to provide least-cost, reliable energy for the increasing electric demand of our customers. WPS Resources anticipates closing on the agreement with Dairyland Power Cooperative by the end of 2005, at which time Dairyland Power Cooperative will remit payment to WPSC in an amount equal to 30% of total costs already incurred by WPSC related to Weston 4 and thereafter will fund 30% of future costs.Directors.

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NOTE 12--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for WPS Resources' benefit plans for the three months ended September 30:
      
WPS Resources 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004 
Net periodic benefit cost
             
Service cost 
$
6.0
 $5.2 
$
2.0
 $1.8 
Interest cost  
10.0
  10.0  
4.1
  4.1 
Expected return on plan assets  
(10.9
)
 (11.5) 
(3.1
)
 (2.9)
Amortization of transition obligation  
-
  -  
0.1
  0.1 
Amortization of prior-service cost (credit)  
1.3
  1.4  
(0.6
)
 (0.5)
Amortization of net loss  
2.2
  1.2  
1.4
  0.7 
Net periodic benefit cost 
$
8.6
 $6.3 
$
3.9
 $3.3 
March 31:

WPS Resources 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
(Millions)
 
2006
 2005 
2006
 2005 
Net periodic benefit cost
         
Service cost 
$
5.9
 $6.2 
$
1.8
 $2.0 
Interest cost  
10.0
  10.1  
3.9
  4.2 
Expected return on plan assets  
(10.5
)
 (10.9) 
(3.1
)
 (3.1)
Amortization of transition obligation  
-
  -  
0.1
  0.1 
Amortization of prior-service cost (credit)  
1.3
  1.4  
(0.5
)
 (0.6)
Amortization of net loss  
2.1
  2.0  
1.0
  1.1 
Net periodic benefit cost 
$
8.8
 $8.8 
$
3.2
 $3.7 

WPSC's share of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30March 31 is included in the table below:
      
WPSC 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004 
Net periodic benefit cost
             
Service cost 
$
4.8
 $4.2 
$
1.9
 $1.6 
Interest cost  
8.4
  8.3  
3.7
  3.7 
Expected return on plan assets  
(9.6
)
 (10.2) 
(3.0
)
 (2.8)
Amortization of transition obligation  -  -  
0.1
  0.1 
Amortization of prior-service cost (credit)  
1.2
  1.3  
(0.5
)
 (0.5)
Amortization of net loss  
1.5
  0.5  
1.2
  0.6 
Net periodic benefit cost 
$
6.3
 $4.1 
$
3.4
 $2.7 
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The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for WPS Resources' benefit plans for the nine months ended September 30:
      
WPS Resources 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004 
Net periodic benefit cost
             
Service cost 
$
17.9
 $15.4 
$
6.0
 $5.7 
Interest cost  
30.2
  29.9  
12.4
  12.8 
Expected return on plan assets  
(32.7
)
 (34.4) 
(9.4
)
 (8.7)
Amortization of transition obligation  
0.1
  0.1  
0.3
  0.3 
Amortization of prior-service cost (credit)  
4.0
  4.3  
(1.6
)
 (1.7)
Amortization of net loss  
6.5
  3.3  
4.1
  3.4 
Net periodic benefit cost 
$
26.0
 $18.6 
$
11.8
 $11.8 

WPSC's share of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30 is included in the table below:
     
WPSC 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
  
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
2006
 2005 
Net periodic benefit cost
                      
Service cost 
$
14.5
 $12.5 
$
5.6
 $5.2  
$
4.5
 $4.9 
$
1.7
 $1.8 
Interest cost  
25.1
  24.9  
11.3
  11.5   
8.3
  8.4  
3.5
  3.8 
Expected return on plan assets  
(28.7
)
 (30.6) 
(9.1
)
 (8.5)  
(9.1
)
 (9.6) 
(3.0
)
 (3.0)
Amortization of transition obligation  
0.1
  0.1  
0.3
  0.3   -  -  
0.1
  0.1 
Amortization of prior-service cost (credit)  
3.6
  3.8  
(1.4
)
 (1.4)  
1.2
  1.2  
(0.5
)
 (0.5)
Amortization of net loss  
4.3
  1.6  
3.5
  2.6   
1.4
  1.4  
0.9
  0.9 
Net periodic benefit cost 
$
18.9
 $12.3 
$
10.2
 $9.7  
$
6.3
 $6.3 
$
2.7
 $3.1 

Contributions to the plans are made in accordance with legal and tax requirements and do not necessarily occur evenly throughout the year. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005, $8.2 million ofMarch 31, 2006, no contributions were made to the pension benefit plan and no contributions were made to theor other postretirement benefit plans. WPS Resources expects to contribute an additional $20.4$25.3 million to its pension plan and $19.7 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2005.the remainder of 2006.

NOTE 13--STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

WPS Resources has four stock-based compensation plans: the 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan ("2005 Omnibus Plan"), the 2001 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan ("2001 Omnibus Plan"), the 1999 Stock Option Plan ("Employee Plan"), and the 1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan ("Director Plan"). Under the provisions of the 2005 Omnibus Plan, the number of shares of stock that may be issued in satisfaction of plan awards may not exceed 1,600,000. No additional stock-based compensationawards will be issued under the 2001 Omnibus Plan or the Employee Plan, although the plans will continue to exist for purposes of the existing outstanding stock-based compensation. The number of shares issuable under each of the aforementioned stock-based compensation plans, each outstanding award, and stock option exercise prices are subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, or other similar transaction. At January 1, 2006, only stock options and performance stock rights were outstanding under the aforementioned plans.

Prior to January 1, 2006, WPS Resources accountsaccounted for thesethe plans under the recognition and measurement principlesprovisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,Employees." Accordingly, WPS Resources provided pro forma disclosure amounts in accordance with SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and related interpretations. Upon grantDisclosure," as if the fair value method defined by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," had been applied.

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Effective January 1, 2006, WPS Resources adopted the fair value recognition provisions of stock options, no stock-based employeeSFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment," using the modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, prior periods' results are not restated. Stock-based compensation cost is reflectedfor the first quarter of 2006 includes compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards granted prior to, but not yet fully vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in net income, asaccordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, adjusted for estimated future forfeitures. There was no material cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle recorded upon adoption of SFAS No 123R. Stock-based compensation cost for all optionsawards granted under these plansafter January 1, 2006, will be recognized based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. The implementation of SFAS No. 123R had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stockimmaterial impact on the date of grant. cash flows from operations and cash flows from financing activities.

The following table illustrates the effect on income available for common shareholders and earnings per share iffor the companyfirst quarter of 2005, had WPS Resources applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting123:

 
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005
 
    
Income available for common shareholders
   
As reported $65.9 
Add: Stock-based compensation expense using the intrinsic value method - net of tax  0.4 
Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense using the fair value method - net of tax  (0.4)
Pro forma $65.9 
     
Basic earnings per common share
    
  As reported $1.74 
  Pro forma  1.74 
     
Diluted earnings per common share
    
  As reported $1.73 
  Pro forma  1.73 

Stock Options

Under the provisions of the 2005 Omnibus Plan, no single employee who is the chief executive officer of WPS Resources or any of the other four highest compensated officers of WPS Resources and its subsidiaries can be granted options for Stock-Basedmore than 250,000 shares during any calendar year. Stock options are granted by the Compensation" Committee of the Board of Directors and may be granted at any time. No stock options will have a term longer than ten years. The exercise price of each stock option is equal to stock-based employee compensation:the fair market value of the stock on the date the stock option is granted. Under the 2005 and 2001 Omnibus Plans and the Employee Plan, one-fourth of the stock options granted vest and become exercisable each year on the anniversary of the grant date.

The number of stock options granted under the Director Plan may not exceed 100,000, and the shares to be delivered will consist solely of treasury shares. Stock options are granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No options may be granted under this plan after December 31, 2008. All options have a ten-year term, but they may not be exercised until one year after the date of grant. Options granted under this plan are immediately vested. The exercise price of each option is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date the stock options were granted.

The fair values of stock option awards outstanding at January 1, 2006, were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock options granted after the implementation of SFAS No. 123R will be valued using a binomial lattice model. No stock options were granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, and no modifications were made to previously issued awards. Total pre-tax

-29--32-


compensation expense recognized during the first quarter of 2006 for stock options was $0.2 million, of which $0.1 relates to WPSC. The total compensation cost capitalized for the same period was immaterial.

As of March 31, 2006, $1.4 million of total pre-tax compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

Cash received from option exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2006, totaled $0.5 million. The tax benefit realized from these option exercises totaled $0.1 million.

A summary of stock option activity for the first quarter of 2006 is presented below:

 Stock OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2005    
2001 Omnibus Plan
1,194,441$41.72  
2005 Omnibus Plan
325,34754.85  
Employee Plan
156,97333.99  
Director Plan
12,00025.50  
Exercised during the quarter    
2001 Omnibus Plan
13,01438.61 $0.2
Outstanding at March 31, 2006    
2001 Omnibus Plan
1,181,42741.757.298.8
2005 Omnibus Plan
325,34754.859.69-
Employee Plan
156,97333.994.482.4
Director Plan
12,00025.503.740.3
Options exercisable at March 31, 2006    
2001 Omnibus Plan
697,79739.316.786.9
Employee Plan
156,97333.994.482.4
Director Plan
12,00025.503.740.3

No options expired or were forfeited during the first quarter of 2006.

The aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding and exercisable options in the above table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had they all exercised their options at March 31, 2006. This is calculated as the difference between WPS Resources' closing stock price on March 31, 2006, and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options.

Other Stock-Based Compensation Awards

A portion of the long-term incentive is awarded in the form of performance stock rights. No more than 400,000 of the shares authorized for issuance under the provisions of the 2005 Omnibus Plan can be granted as performance shares. In addition, no single employee who is the chief executive officer of WPS Resources or any of the other four highest compensated officers of WPS Resources and its subsidiaries can receive a payout in excess of 50,000 performance shares during any calendar year. Performance stock rights vest over a three-year performance period and are paid out in shares of WPS Resources' common stock. The number of shares paid out is calculated by multiplying a performance percentage by the number of outstanding stock rights at the completion of the vesting period. The performance multiplier is based on the total shareholder return of WPS Resources' common stock relative to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies. The payout may range from 0% to 200% of target.

 
      
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004 
          
Income available for common shareholders
             
As reported 
$
48.2
 $34.8 
$
138.0
 $82.0 
Add: Stock-based compensation expense
  using the intrinsic value method - net of tax
  
0.3
  0.2  
1.6
  0.7 
Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense
  using the fair value method - net of tax
  
(0.4
)
 (0.3) 
(1.1
)
 (0.9)
Pro forma 
$
48.1
 $34.7 
$
138.5
 $81.8 
              
Basic earnings per common share
             
  As reported 
$
1.26
 $0.93 
$
3.63
 $2.20 
  Pro forma  
1.26
  0.93  
3.64
  2.20 
              
Diluted earnings per common share
             
  As reported 
$
1.25
 $0.93 
$
3.60
 $2.19 
  Pro forma  
1.25
  0.92  
3.62
  2.18 
-33-


The fair values of performance stock right awards outstanding at January 1, 2006, were estimated using WPS Resources' common stock price on the date of grant, less the present value of expected dividends over the three-year vesting period, assuming a payout of 100% of target. Performance stock rights granted after the implementation of SFAS No. 123R will be valued using the Monte Carlo valuation model. No performance stock rights were granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, and no modifications were made to previously issued awards. Pre-tax compensation expense recorded for performance stock rights was $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2006, of which $0.4 relates to WPSC. The total compensation cost capitalized was immaterial.

The total intrinsic value of performance shares distributed during the quarter (related to the December 2002 grant) was $2.4 million. The tax benefit realized due to the distribution of performance shares totaled $1.0 million.
As of March 31, 2006, $3.9 million of total pre-tax compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding performance stock rights is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.

A summary of the activity of the performance stock rights plan for the first quarter of 2006 is presented below:

 
Performance
Stock Rights
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2005211,421$41.93
Distributed during the quarter37,600$31.60
Outstanding at March 31, 2006
173,821
$44.16

Performance stock rights vested at December 31, 2005, were paid out during the first quarter of 2006. The actual number of shares of WPS Resources' common stock distributed totaled 45,121 based on a payout of 120% of target. None of the stock rights outstanding at March 31, 2006, were exercisable at March 31, 2006. No stock rights expired or were forfeited during the quarter.

NOTE 14--COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," requires the reporting of other comprehensive income in addition to income available for common shareholders. Total comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by shareholders and distributions to shareholders. WPS Resources' total comprehensive income is:
    
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004 
Income available for common shareholders 
$
48.2
 $34.8 
Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(13.5) and $(1.0)  
(21.3
)
 (1.7)
Foreign currency translation  
0.4
  - 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax  
0.5
  - 
Total comprehensive income 
$
27.8
 $33.1 

   
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
Income available for common shareholders 
$
138.0
 $82.0  
$
60.1
 $65.9 
Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(20.5) and $5.2  
(32.0
)
 7.6 
Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $12.0 and $(8.7)  
18.6
  (13.6)
Foreign currency translation  
0.1
  -   
-
  (0.7)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax  
0.6
  - 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
of $0.1 for both periods
  
0.2
  0.2 
Total comprehensive income 
$
106.7
 $89.6  
$
78.9
 $51.8 

The following table shows the changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensiveaccumulated other comprehensive Income from December 31, 2004,2005, to September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

(Millions)
      
December 31, 2004 balance $(16.1)
December 31, 2005 balance $(10.4)
Cash flow hedges  (32.0)  18.6 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  0.1 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities  0.6   0.2 
September 30, 2005 balance $(47.4)
March 31, 2006 balance
 
$
8.4
 


 
-30--34-


NOTE 15--EARNINGS PER SHARE
      
 
WPS Resources' common stock shares, $1 par value
 
September 30,
2005
 
December 31,
2004
 
Common stock outstanding, $1 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized  
38,091,465
  
37,500,791
 
Treasury shares  
12,000
  12,000 
Average cost of treasury shares 
$
25.19
 $25.19 
Shares in deferred compensation rabbi trust  
267,794
  229,238 
Average cost of deferred compensation rabbi trust shares 
$
40.13
 $36.84 

WPS Resources' common stock shares, $1 par value
March 31,
2006
December 31,
2005
Common stock outstanding, $1 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized
40,266,630
40,089,898
Treasury shares
12,000
12,000
Average cost of treasury shares
$25.19
$25.19
Shares in deferred compensation rabbi trust
271,165
270,491
Average cost of deferred compensation rabbi trust shares
$41.09
$40.29

EarningsBasic earnings per share isare computed by dividing income available for common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing income available for common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period adjusted for the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive securities. Such dilutive items include in-the-money stock options, restricted shares, and performance share grants.grants, and shares related to the forward equity transaction. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the yearsperiods shown excludes some stock option plan shares that had an anti-dilutive effect. The shares having an anti-dilutive effect are not significant for any of the periods shown. The following table reconciles the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

     
Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
2005
 2004 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
Income available to common shareholders 
$
48.2
 $34.8 
$
138.0
 $82.0  
$
60.1
 $65.9 
Basic weighted average shares  
38.2
  37.4  
38.0
  37.2   
40.3
  37.8 
Incremental issuable shares  
0.4
  0.2  
0.3
  0.3   
0.3
  0.3 
Diluted weighted average shares  
38.6
  37.6  
38.3
  37.5   
40.6
  38.1 
Basic earnings per common share 
$
1.26
 $0.93 
$
3.63
 $2.20  
$
1.49
 $1.74 
Diluted earnings per common share 
$
1.25
 $0.93 
$
3.60
 $2.19  
$
1.48
 $1.73 

NOTE 16--REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Wisconsin

On November 5, 2004,April 25, 2006, WPSC filed an application with the PSCW a stipulation agreement with various interveners to defer all incremental costs, including carrying costs, resulting from unexpected problems encountered inrefund a portion of the 2004 refueling outage at Kewaunee. During the refueling outage, an unexpected problem was encountered with equipment used for lifting the reactor vessel internal components to perform a required 10-year inspection. These equipment problems caused the outage to be extended by approximately three weeks. On November 11, 2004, the PSCW authorized WPSC to defer the replacementdifference between fuel costs related to the extended outage. On November 23, 2004, the PSCW authorized WPSC to defer purchased power costs ($5.6 million) and operating and maintenance expenses ($1.6 million) related to the extended outage, effective from when the problemsthat were discovered, including carrying costs at WPSC's authorized weighted average cost of capital. Kewaunee returned to service on December 4, 2004. On February 18, 2005, WPSC filed for PSCW approval to recover these costs. The PSCW is reviewing the costs associated with this outage and WPSC expects these costs to be addressedprojected in the 2006 Wisconsin retail rate case which shouldand actual Wisconsin retail fuel costs incurred from January through March 2006 as well as the projected savings in April through June 2006. This refund will be settled in December 2005.a credit to customers' bills over the months of May 2006 to August 2006. A current liability of $9.4 million has been recorded at March 31, 2006, for a portion of the savings realized through March 31. Rates remain subject to refund under the agreement through the end of the year.

On February 20, 2005, Kewaunee was temporarily removed from service after a potential design weakness was identified in its auxiliary feedwater system. Plant engineering staff identified the concern and the unit was shut down in accordance with the plant license. A modification was made to resolve the issue and the unit went back into service at 100% power on July 4, 2005.March 31, 2006, WPSC filed a request with the PSCW on March 11,to increase retail electric and natural gas rates 14.4% ($125.1 million) and 3.9% ($22.6 million), respectively for 2007. The proposed retail electric rate increase is required because of increased costs associated with electric transmission, (including the recovery of 2007 MISO costs, and deferred MISO costs from 2005 and 2006), higher fuel and purchased power costs (including the recovery of deferred costs for deferral of replacement powerreduced coal deliveries in 2005 and operating and maintenance expenses incurred to address the design weakness and engineering issues identified. On March 17, 2005, the PSCW authorized WPSC to defer replacement fuel2006), costs related to the outage. On April 8, 2005,construction of Weston 4 and the PSCW approved deferraladditional personnel to maintain and operate the plant, and costs to maintain the Weston 3 generation unit and the De Pere Energy Center. The proposed retail natural gas rate increase is driven by infrastructure improvements necessary to ensure the reliability of the operatingnatural gas distribution system and maintenance costs, including carrying costs at the mostremediation of former manufactured gas sites. This filing included an 11.0% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 60.35% in its regulatory capital structure.

 
-31--35-


recently authorized pre-tax weighted average costOn December 22, 2005, the PSCW issued a final written order authorizing a retail electric rate increase of capital. WPSC$79.9 million (10.1%) and a retail natural gas rate increase of $7.2 million (1.1%), effective January 1, 2006. The 2006 rates reflect an 11.0% return on common equity. The PSCW also filedapproved a common equity ratio of 59.7% in its regulatory capital structure. The retail electric rate increase was required primarily because of higher fuel and purchased power costs (including costs associated with FERCthe Fox Energy Center power purchase agreement), and also for approvalcosts related to defer these costs in the wholesale jurisdiction. FERC is in the processconstruction of investigating the justnessWeston 4, higher transmission expenses, and reasonablenessrecovery of the recoverya portion of the costs and will subsequently rule on the filing. For our Michigan retail customers, fuel costs are recovered through a pass through fuel adjustment clause and no deferral request is needed. Through July 4, 2005, WPSC had deferred $46.2 million of replacement power costs and $11.6 million of operating and maintenance expenses related to thisthe 2005 Kewaunee outage. WPSC believes recoveryPartially offsetting the items discussed above, retail electric rates were lowered to reflect a refund to customers in 2006 of these costs in future rates is probable and anticipates the PSCW will address recoverya portion of the deferred costs inproceeds received from the 2006 rate case. On July 5, 2005, WPSC sold its 59% share of Kewaunee to Dominion. See Note 5, Acquisitions and Sales of Assets, for further information on the sale of Kewaunee.

As part of the Kewaunee sale, the PSCW approved the refund of the valueliquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund to customers. The detailsas a result of the distributionsale of Kewaunee. The retail natural gas rate increase was driven by infrastructure improvements necessary to ensure the reliability of the refund will be addressed in the 2006 rate case. A proposal to refund the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund to customers was also approved by the FERC with no specification of the details for distribution. Subsequently, onnatural gas distribution system.

On June 7, 2005, WPSC filed with the PSCW, the MPSC, and the FERC a request for establishment of a cooperative joint proceeding for approval of the Kewaunee wind-up plan. The wind-up plan providesproposed that the refunds due to both retail and wholesale customers ofrelated to proceeds received from the valueliquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund be offset by the net loss on the sale of the plant and also by certain costs related to the 2004 and 2005 Kewaunee related deferred costs applicable to each customer class.outages. The wind-up plan also seeksproposed to begin the amortization of the net regulatory liability as a credit to customer rates as of the effective date of the PSCW’sPSCW's order (expected(January 1, 2006). The FERC subsequently denied the request for joint proceeding with the PSCW. The wind-up plan was addressed by the PSCW in WPSC's 2006 rate case (discussed above). The PSCW ruled in the 2006 rate case that the deferred assets and liabilities related to the Kewaunee matters should be treated separately and not netted as WPSC initially proposed in its wind-up plan. In the 2006 rate case, the PSCW determined that Wisconsin retail customers were entitled to be refunded approximately 85% of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund based on a historical allocation methodology, or approximately $108 million of the total $127.1 million of proceeds received, over a two-year period beginning on January 1, 2006)2006 (in addition to the refund of carrying costs on the unamortized balance at the authorized pre-tax weighted average cost of capital). In 2005, the MPSC ruled that WPSC's Michigan customers were entitled to be refunded approximately 2% of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning fund and refunding to Michigan customers began in the third quarter of 2005. At March 31, 2006, WPSC had recorded a $113.1 million regulatory liability representing the amount of proceeds received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund remaining to be refunded to both retail and wholesale customers. On August 8, 2005, the FERC accepted the proposed refund plan for filing and set it for hearingimplemented the plan effective January 1, 2006, subject to refund upon final resolution. Settlement discussions between WPSC and settlement procedures; however, FERC denied the request for joint proceeding with the PSCW. The PSCW plans to address these issues as part of the 2006 rate case. FERC is holding a settlement discussion with WPSCwholesale parties contesting WPSC's refund plan were held both in the fourth quarter of 2005.

2005 and in the first quarter of 2006, and final resolution was reached between WPSC and one party on this matter, pending FERC approval. On April 1, 2005, WPSC filed an application25, 2006, formal settlement discussions were terminated with the PSCW for an 11.4% increase in retail electric rates ($89.7 million in revenues) and a 2.09% increase in natural gas rates ($10.0 million in revenues), both toremaining parties. The issues will be effective January 1, 2006. Factors drivinglitigated at the requested 2006 retail electric rate increase include costs of transmission, costs for the construction of Weston 4, and increased purchased power costs. The natural gas rate increase is primarily related to increases in environmental monitoring costs and the cost of distribution system improvements. These electric amounts do not include adjustments for the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund, the loss on the sale of Kewaunee, or the Kewaunee outages, all of which are discussed above.

On October 6, 2005, WPSC updated the previously filed 2006 rate case application with the PSCW for an additional 5.7% increase ($44.6 million increase in revenues) to the electric generation fuel cost. The update to the rate case is due to the drastic increase in natural gas prices, including the effect of production and supply disruptions in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. WPSC initially used 2006 natural gas futures prices from Fall 2004 to predict the 2006 cost of fuel for its natural gas-fired electric generation facilities.

The amount of fuel and purchased power costs WPSC is authorized to recover in rates is established in its PSCW general rate filings. If the actual fuel and purchased power costs vary from the authorized level by more than 2% on an annualized basis, WPSC is allowed, or may be required, to file an application adjusting rates for the remainder of the year to reflect revised annualized cost estimates. At March 31, 2005, excluding the impact of the Kewaunee outage (which was deferred), WPSC was experiencing actual fuel and purchased power costs that were more than 2% lower than the currently approved level. As a result, on April 14, 2005, the PSCW reopened WPSC's 2005 rate case for potential refund of fuel and purchased power costs. Therefore, revenues collected after that date were subject to refund pending a review of projected fuel costs for 2005. Rates would be adjusted downward for the balance of the year if projected costs were deemed to be more than 2% less than the amount allowed in the 2005 rate case. At June 30, 2005, WPSC had recorded a refund liability of $2.1 million to reflect the potential fuel refund due to customers. Subsequently, due to the drastic increase in natural gas prices, projected fuel costs for 2005 are expected to be more than 2% higher than the currently approved level, and the $2.1 million refund liability recorded in June was reversed during the third quarter of 2005.

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WPSC primarily receives coal for all of its coal-fired plants from the Power River Basin (PRB) region in Wyoming. Delivery of coal from the PRB region has been disrupted by train derailments and other operational problems purportedly caused by deteriorated rail track beds of approximately 100 miles in length in Wyoming. Repair and reconstruction of the rail line, jointly owned by BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad, is expected to extend until December 1, 2005 with remaining repairs completed in the Spring of 2006. Coal shipments and rail operations are expected to return to normal levels when construction activity is halted in December; however, deliveries may be delayed again in the Spring of 2006 as construction activity resumes. Reduced shipments of coal from Wyoming mines in the PRB will reduce PRB coal available for WPSC generating facilities. WPSC implemented a mitigation plan to conserve existing coal supplies and to obtain additional coal supplies from sources other than the PRB. The mitigation plan is resulting in increased incremental fuel and purchased power costs for WPSC. Therefore, on September 9, 2005, WPSC requested authorization to defer all incremental fuel and purchased power costs incurred, including carrying costs at WPSC’s most recent authorized pre-tax weighted cost of capital, as a result of the railroads’ reduction in coal deliveries and the actions taken by WPSC to manage coal supplies in this emergency situation. On September 23, 2005, the PSCW approved WPSC’s request for deferred treatment of the incremental fuel costs. As of September 30, 2005, $4.1 million was deferred.

On September 21, 2005, WPSC announced the acquisition of the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations of Aquila, Inc. (Aquila). See Note 5, Acquisitions and Sales of Assets, for further information on the acquisition of these assets. In relation to the acquisition, WPS Michigan Utilities, Inc. and Aquila jointly filed with the MPSC on October 10, 2005, for approval of the termination of Aquila’s duty to provide natural gas service in Michigan and for WPS Michigan Utilities to provide natural gas service in the Michigan service territory of Aquila pursuant to the rates, terms, and conditions in Aquila’s current tariff book. Also in relation to the acquisition, on October 17, 2005, WPS Minnesota Utilities, Inc. and Aquila jointly filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve the sale of the Minnesota assets of Aquila’s two divisions, Aquila Networks-PNG and Aquila Networks-NMU, to WPS Minnesota Utilities pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 21, 2005. The MPSC and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission have not yet ruled on the filings.FERC.

Michigan

On December 8, 2004,January 3, 2006, UPPCO submittedfiled a request to the MPSC to approve UPPCO's proposed treatment of the pre-tax gains from certain sales of undeveloped and partially developed land located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as appropriate for ratemaking purposes. On February 4, 2005, UPPCO submitted an application to the MPSC for a 7.6% increase inits retail electric rates ($5.7by $6.6 million (8.1%), with an 11.5% return on equity, and a common equity ratio of 55% in revenues).its regulatory capital structure. It is anticipated that, unless settled earlier, the MPSC will act on this request by the fourth quarter of 2006. UPPCO also requested interim rate recovery of 6.0% ($4.5 millionrates effective in revenues)the second quarter, subject to allow UPPCO to recover costs during the timerefund, while the MPSC reviews the entire request. A hearing with the MPSC on the interim request took place on April 17, 2006, and an order is reviewingexpected to be effective in the full case.second quarter of 2006. The retail electric rate increase wasis required duein order to costs associated with improvingimprove service quality and reliability, upgrade technology, upgrades, and managingmanage rising employee and retiree benefit costs. On April 28, 2005, the MPSC issued an order authorizing UPPCO to retain 100% of the pre-tax gains on certain lands owned up to $18.5 million and 73% of any pre-tax gains over that amount and UPPCO withdrew theUPPCO's last retail electric rate increase request. In addition, UPPCO will voluntarily forego filing for retail electric service base rate increases until January 1, 2006, except UPPCO may file for MPSC consideration of deferred accounting of any governmental mandates during the moratorium and for any unusual and extraordinary events that would cause serious financial harm to UPPCO. Further, UPPCO's Power Supply Cost Recovery Clause is not subject to the filing moratorium. UPPCO intends to file a 2006 rate case with the MPSC.was in December 2002.

-36-


Federal

Through a series of orders issued by the FERC, Regional Through and Out Rates for transmission service between the MISO and the PJM Interconnection were eliminated effective December 1, 2004. To compensate transmission owners for the revenue they will no longer receive due to this rate elimination, the FERC ordered a transitional pricing mechanism called the Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment (SECA) to be put into place, which will beplace. Load-serving entities paid by load serving entities. On February 10, 2005, FERC issued an order requesting compliance filingsthese SECA charges during a 16-month transition period from transmission providers implementing the SECA effective December 1, 2004, subjectthrough March 31, 2006. Total exposure for the 16-month transitional period, is $19.2 million for ESI, of which approximately $17 million relates to refundits Michigan retail electric business and surcharge, as appropriate. Public hearings will be held$2 million relates to its Ohio retail electric business. During the 16 months ended March 31, 2006, ESI has received billings of $19.2 million for these charges, of which $14.7 million has been expensed.

-33-

regarding the compliance filings. The application and legality of the SECA is being challenged by many load-serving entities, including ESI. On February 28, 2005, ESI filed a motion for a Partial Stay of the February 10, 2005, FERC order, proposing that SECA charges on its Michigan load be postponed until a FERC order approves a decision or settlement in the formal hearing proceeding. FERC denied this motion on May 4, 2005. On June 3, 2005, ESI filed with FERC a request for rehearing of the order denying stay. ESI also participated in a joint petition to the District of Columbia Circuit Court in an attempt to obtain a final order from the FERC on rehearing of the initial SECA order. ESI will continuecontinues to pursue all avenues to appeal and/or reduce the SECA obligations. In the interim, theIt is probable that ESI's total exposure will be managed through customerreduced by at least $4.5 million because of inconsistencies between the FERC's SECA order and the transmission owners' compliance filings (representing the difference between the amount ESI has paid for SECA charges and other available avenues, where feasible.the amount that has been expensed as of March 31, 2006, as discussed above). ESI anticipates settling a significant portion of its SECA matters through vendor negotiations in the first half of 2006 and reached a $1 million settlement agreement with one of its vendors in January 2006. Resolution of issues to be raised in thean upcoming SECA hearing offer the possibility of further reductions in ESI's exposure, but the extent is unknown at present. Through existing contracts, ESI has the ability to pass a portion of the SECA charges on to customers and has begun to dobeen doing so. Since SECA is a transition charge endingthat ended on March 31, 2006, it does not directly impact ESI's long-term competitiveness.

The SECA is also an issue for WPSC and UPPCO, who have intervened and protested a number of proposals in this docket because they believe those proposals could result in unjust, unreasonable, and discriminatory charges for customers. It is anticipated that most of the SECA rate charges incurred by WPSC and UPPCO and any refunds will be passed on to customers through rates. WPSC and UPPCO have reached a settlement in principle with American Electric Power and Commonwealth Edison, which has been filed with the settlement judge. If this settlement is certified by the settlement judge and approved by the FERC, which is anticipated, American Electric Power and Commonwealth Edison will refund almost $1 million of the approximately $4 million paid by WPSC in the transition period.

Other

On September 21, 2005, WPS Resources announced that it had entered into agreements to acquire the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations of Aquila. See Note 4, "Acquisitions and Sales of Assets," for further information on the acquisition of these assets. In relation to the acquisition, WPS Michigan Utilities, Inc. (which subsequently changed its name to Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation) and Aquila jointly filed with the MPSC on October 10, 2005, for approval of the termination of Aquila's duty to provide natural gas service in Michigan and for WPS Michigan Utilities to provide natural gas service in the Michigan service territory of Aquila pursuant to the rates, terms, and conditions in Aquila's current tariff book. On November 10, 2005, approval was obtained from the MPSC for the Michigan transaction. WPS Resources closed on the Michigan acquisition on April 1, 2006. On October 17, 2005, WPS Minnesota Utilities, Inc. (which subsequently changed its name to Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation) and Aquila jointly filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve the sale of the Minnesota assets of Aquila's two divisions, Aquila Networks-PNG and Aquila Networks-NMU, to WPS Minnesota Utilities pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 21, 2005. We anticipate that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will rule on this matter in the second quarter of 2006, and that the transaction will close this summer.

-37-


NOTE 17--SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS

We manage our reportable segments separately due to their different operating and regulatory environments. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2005, WPS Resources reported two nonregulated segments, ESI and PDI. In the fourth quarter of 2005, WPS Resources' Chief Executive Officer and its Board of Directors decided to view ESI and PDI as one business; therefore, corresponding changes were made to the segment information reported to them. Effective in the fourth quarter of 2005, WPS Resources began reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors one nonregulated segment, ESI. Segment information related to prior periods has been reclassified to reflect this change.

Our utility businesstwo regulated segments areinclude the regulated electric utility operations of WPSC and UPPCO, and the regulated natural gas utility operations of WPSC. Our other reportable segments include two nonregulated companies, ESIWPSC and PDI.certain transition costs related to the acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and the anticipated acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Minnesota from Aquila. As discussed above, ESI is a diversifiedour primary nonregulated segment offering natural gas, electric, and alternate fuel supplies as well as energy supplymanagement and consulting services company. PDI is an electricto retail and wholesale customers, and marketing power from its generation company.plants that are not under contract to third parties. The Other segment, another nonregulated segment, includes the operations of WPS Resources and WPS Resources Capital Corporation as holding companies, along with the nonutility activities at WPSC and UPPCO.

  
Regulated Utilities
 
Nonutility and Nonregulated Operations
     
Segments of Business
(Millions)
 
Electric
Utility
(1)
 
Gas
Utility(1)
 
Total
Utility(1)
 
ESI
 
PDI
 
Other(1)
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
WPS Resources
Consolidated
 
                          
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005
                         
External revenues 
$
289.6
 
$
71.6
 
$
361.2
 
$
1,328.8
 
$
67.3
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
1,757.3
 
Intersegment revenues  
9.0
  
0.2
  
9.2
  
12.1
  
10.5
  
0.3
  
(32.1
)
 
-
 
Income available for common shareholders  
28.0
  
(3.5
)
 
24.5
  
8.9
  
13.2
  
1.6
  
-
  
48.2
 
                          
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2004
                         
External revenues $233.5 $45.5 $279.0 $782.4 $30.5 $- $- $1,091.9 
Intersegment revenues  5.5  0.1  5.6  (2.9) 8.4  0.3  (11.4) - 
Income available for common shareholders  32.1  (3.3) 28.8  2.5  4.2  (0.7) -  34.8 
                          
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005
                         
External revenues 
$
757.9
 
$
335.7
 
$
1,093.6
 
$
3,338.7
 
$
139.4
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
4,571.7
 
Intersegment revenues  
25.0
  
0.5
  
25.5
  
18.4
  
27.8
  
0.9
  
(72.6
)
 
-
 
Income available for common shareholders  
72.4
  
8.6
  
81.0
  
25.3
  
28.7
  
3.0
  
-
  
138.0
 
                          
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004
                         
External revenues $657.1 $284.5 $941.6 $2,518.0 $78.8 $- $- $3,538.4 
Intersegment revenues  15.6  4.3  19.9  4.3  19.7  0.9  (44.8) - 
Income available for common shareholders  60.2  9.9  70.1  16.7  (5.0) 0.2  -  82.0 
(1)  Includes only utility operations. Nonutility operations are included in the Other column.
  
Regulated Utilities
 
Nonutility and Nonregulated Operations
     
Segments of Business
(Millions)
 
Electric
Utility(1)
 
Gas
Utility(1)
 
Total
Utility(1)
 
 
ESI
 
 
Other(1)
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
WPS Resources
Consolidated
 
                
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2006
               
External revenues 
$
246.2
 
$
193.0
 
$
439.2
 
$
1,598.8
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
2,038.0
 
Intersegment revenues  
10.2
  
-
  
10.2
  
1.3
  
0.3
  
(11.8
)
 
-
 
Income available for
common shareholders
  
15.5
  
6.7
  
22.2
  
37.1
  
0.8
  
-
  
60.1
 
                       
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005
                      
External revenues $236.3 $174.6 $410.9 $1,076.0 $- $- $1,486.9 
Intersegment revenues  7.7  -  7.7  1.1  0.3  (9.1) - 
Income available for
common shareholders
  23.5  14.0  37.5  28.2  0.2  -  65.9 

-34-

WPSC's principal business segments are the regulated electric utility operations and the regulated gas utility operations.
   
Regulated Utilities
       
 
Segments of Business
(Millions)
 
 Electric
Utility(1)
  
Gas
Utility(1)
  
Total
Utility
  
Other
 
Reconciling
Eliminations 
  
WPSC
Consolidated
 
              
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005
             
External revenues 
$
266.7
 
$
71.8
 
$
338.5
 
$
0.4
 
$
(0.4
)
$
338.5
 
Earnings on common stock  
26.7
  
(3.5
)
 
23.2
  
2.6
  
(0.1
)
 
25.7
 
                    
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2004
                   
External revenues $214.6 $45.6 $260.2 $0.4 $(0.4)$260.2 
Earnings on common stock  31.5  (3.3) 28.2  2.3  -  30.5 
                    
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005
                   
External revenues 
$
705.8
 
$
336.2
 
$
1,042.0
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
1,042.0
 
Earnings on common stock  
69.7
  
8.6
  
78.3
  
6.3
  
-
  
84.6
 
                    
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004
                   
External revenues $603.2 $288.8 $892.0 $1.1 $(1.1)$892.0 
Earnings on common stock  58.1  9.9  68.0  6.9  -  74.9 
(1)Includes only utility operations. Nonutility operations are included in the Other column.

WPSC's principal business segments are the regulated electric utility operations and the regulated natural gas utility operations.

  
Regulated Utilities
       
Segments of Business
(Millions)
 
Electric
Utility(1)
 
Gas
Utility(1)
 
Total
Utility
 
Other
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
WPSC
Consolidated
 
              
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2006
             
External revenues 
$
229.4
 
$
193.0
 
$
422.4
 
$
0.4
 
$
(0.4
)
$
422.4
 
Earnings on common stock  
14.1
  
10.7
  
24.8
  
1.4
  
-
  
26.2
 
                    
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005
                   
External revenues $219.8 $174.6 $394.4 $0.4 $(0.4)$394.4 
Earnings on common stock  22.4  14.0  36.4  1.2  -  37.6 

(1)Includes only utility operations. Nonutility operations are included in the Other column.

 
-38-


NOTE 18--NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment," which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and requires companies to measure the cost of share-based awards at the grant date fair value. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. SFAS No. 123R will be effective for WPS Resources on January 1, 2006. SFAS No. 123R offers companies alternative methods of adopting this standard. The impact on WPS Resources' financial position and results of operations will be dependent upon a number of factors, including share-based payments made in 2006. Because we do not know the amount of share-based payments to be made inApril 2006, we cannot yet estimate the effect of this standard on our financial position and results of operations.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-6, "Determining the Variability to Be Considered in Applying FASB Interpretation No. 47,46(R)." This Staff Position clarifies that a qualitative analysis of the design of an entity should be used to determine the variability to be considered in applying Interpretation No. 46(R), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." In particular, the following steps should be used as the basis for that determination: (1) analyze the nature of the risks in the entity, and (2) determine the purpose(s) for which the entity was created and determine the variability (created by the risks identified in step (1)) the entity is designed to create and pass along to its interest holders. The guidance is to be applied prospectively beginning the first day of the first reporting period beginning after June 15, 2006. WPS Resources does not expect this guidance to have a significant impact on its financial statements.

In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty." InterpretationThis guidance addresses the following issues: (1) whether two or more exchange transactions involving inventory with the same counterparty are entered into in contemplation of one another and should be viewed as a single exchange transaction within the scope of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 47 clarifies that the term Conditional Asset Retirement Obligation as used in FASB Statement No. 143,29, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,Non-monetary Transactions," refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activityand (2) whether non-monetary exchanges of inventory in which the timing and/same line of business should be recognized at fair value. This consensus is effective for all arrangements entered into in reporting periods beginning after March 15, 2006, and for modifications or methodrenewals of settlement are conditional on a future eventexisting arrangements after that may or may not be within the control of the entity. Accordingly, an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a Conditional Asset Retirement Obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated.date. WPS Resources is required to adopt the provisions of Interpretation No. 47 as of December 31, 2005. WPS Resources has not yet determinedcurrently analyzing the impact that the adoption of Interpretation No. 47 will havethis guidance on its financial position or results of operations. If expenses under Interpretation No. 47 for WPSC and UPPCO differ from expenses recovered currently in rates, management will assess the probability of recovering this difference in future rates. To the extent future recovery is probable, a regulatory asset would be recognized in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 71.statements.

-35--39-

 


INTRODUCTION - WPS RESOURCES

WPS Resources is a diversified holding company operating through subsidiaries that is exempt from the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.provide energy and related services. Our wholly owned subsidiaries include two regulated utilities, WPSC (which is an operating entityand UPPCO, as well as a holding company exemptcertain transition costs related to the acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and the anticipated acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Minnesota from the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935) and UPPCO.Aquila, Inc. (Aquila). Another wholly owned subsidiary, WPS Resources Capital Corporation, is a holding company for our nonregulated businesses, including ESI and PDI.subsidiary.

Strategic Overview

The focal point of WPS Resources' business plan is the creation of long-term value for our shareholders (throughand our customers through growth, operational excellence, and asset management)management, risk management, and the continued emphasis on reliable, competitively priced, and environmentally sound energy services for our customers.and energy related services. We are seeking growth of our utilityregulated and nonregulated portfolio but we areand placing an emphasis on regulated growth. A discussion of the essential components of our business plan is set forth below:

Maintain and Grow a Strong Regulated Utility Base - We are focusing on growth in our utilityregulated operations. A strong regulated utility base is important in order to maintain a strong balance sheet, predictable cash flows, a desired risk profile, attractive dividends, and quality credit ratings, which are critical to our success. WPS Resources believes the following recent eventsdevelopments have helped, or will help maintain and grow its strongregulated utility base:

·In 2004, WPSC signed power sales contracts with Consolidated Water Power through December 31, 2017, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc. through April 30, 2021, in order to bolster growth beyond the normal utility growth rate.
·  WPSC is also expanding its regulated generation fleet in order to meet growing electric demand and ensure the continued reliabilityreliability. Construction of energy services. Construction is underway on the 500-megawatt coal-fired Weston 4 base-load power plant located near Wausau, Wisconsin.Wisconsin, is underway, in partnership with DPC. In addition, WPSC also continues to pursueis pursuing plans to construct other electric generatinggeneration facilities but details relatingin the future, in particular to fuel typemeet new energy efficiency and in-service dates have yet to be determined.renewables standards enacted in Wisconsin.
·In September 2005, WPS Resources entered into a definitive agreementagreements with Aquila Inc. to acquire Aquila'sits natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Minnesota. Subject to various regulatory approvals, these transactions areMinnesota and completed the acquisition of the Michigan operations on April 1, 2006. The purchase of the operations in Minnesota is expected to close in the first halfsummer of 2006, and will more than doubleafter approval is received from the sizeMinnesota Public Utilities Commission. The addition of these regulated assets in close proximity to WPS Resource's current utilityResources' existing regulated electric and natural gas business.
·  WPS Resources currently owns approximately 28% of ATC, which is a utility operation that owns, builds, maintains, and operates high voltage electric transmission lines primarilyoperations in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Michigan will transition WPS Resources to a larger and stronger regional energy company.
·We continue to increase our ownership interestinvest in the ATC throughand receive additional equity interest received as consideration for funding a portion of the Duluth, Minnesota, to Wausau, Wisconsin, transmission line.line and currently expect this interest to contribute between 10% and 15% of earnings, on average.
·WPSC continues to invest in environmental projects to improve air quality and meet the requirements set by environmental regulators. Capital projects to construct and upgrade equipment to meet or exceed required environmental standards are planned each year.

Integrate Resources to Provide Operational Excellence - WPS Resources is committed to integrating the resources of its regulated business units (in accordance withand also its nonregulated business units, while maintaining any and all applicable regulatory restrictions)and legal restrictions. This will provide the best value to all customers by leveraging theirthe individual capabilities and expertise across the company.of each unit and assist in lowering costs for certain activities.

·  This strategy is evident at our nonregulated subsidiaries, where we have restructured the management of our two primary nonregulated subsidiaries (ESI and PDI). Currently, we have one executive management team overseeing the operations of all of our nonregulated businesses. ESI also continues to optimize the value of PDI's merchant generation fleet and reduce the market price risk while extracting additional value from these plants, through the use of various financial and physical instruments (such as forwards, futures, options, and swaps), which has provided more predictable revenues and margin.
 
-36--40-

 
·CombiningWe have integrated resources at our nonregulated subsidiaries by restructuring the management teams of ESI and PDI and taking measures to reduce merchant generation market risk.
·This strategy will also be demonstrated in our regulated business by optimally sourcing work and combining resources to achieve best practices ofat WPSC, UPPCO, and the Aquila natural gas distribution businessesoperations in Michigan and Minnesota, (expected to be acquired in 2006) is expected to enhance operations of our overall natural gas distribution businesses.operational excellence, and sustainable value for customers and shareholders.

Strategically Grow Nonregulated Businesses - ESI looks towill grow its electric and natural gas business targeting growth in the northeastern United States and adjacent portions of Canada (through strategic acquisitions, market penetration ofin existing businesses,markets, and new product offerings), which is by targeting growth in areas where it has market expertise and through "strategic hiring" in other areas. ESI has the most market expertise. PDIalso focuses on optimizing the operational efficiency of its existing portfolio of assets and pursues compatible power development projects and the acquisition of generation assets that strategically fit with ESI'sits customer base and market expertise. The acquisition of Advantage Energy in July 2004 provided ESI with enhanced opportunities to compete in the New York market and had a positive impact on ESI's margin in the first half of 2005.

·ESI began offering retail electric products primarily to large commercial and industrial customers in Illinois and New Hampshire and plans on marketing these products in the second quarter of 2006 in Rhode Island. Previously, in 2005, ESI was only offering natural gas products and energy management services to customers in Illinois and did not offer retail electric products in New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
·ESI began developing a product offering in the Texas retail electric market in 2005. Entry into Texas, with its thriving market structure, provides ESI with an opportunity to leverage the infrastructure and capability ESI developed to provide products and services that it believes customers will value. ESI plans on serving customers in the Texas market starting in the third quarter of 2006.
·ESI began marketing electric products to customers in Massachusetts in 2005 and has had initial success in signing up commercial and industrial customers.

Place Strong Emphasis on Asset and Risk Management -Our asset management strategy calls for the continuing dispositioncontinuous assessment of our existing assets and acquisition of assets in a manner that enhances our earnings capability. The acquisition portion of this strategy calls for the acquisition of assets that complement our existing businessesbusiness and strategy. This strategy such as the pending acquisitions of Aquila's natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Minnesota, which are expected to be accretive to earnings (excluding one-time transition costs) over the first 12 months following the close of the acquisition, as well as ESI's 2004 acquisition of Advantage Energy. The utilities are the backbone of our earnings, and we expect ESI and PDI to continue to provide between 15 and 25 percent of our earnings in the future.

Another portion of the strategyalso calls for the disposition of assets, including plants and entire business units, which are either no longer required for operations. The salestrategic to ongoing operations, are not performing as needed, or would reduce our risk profile. We maintain a portfolio approach to risk and earnings and expect ESI to provide between 20 and 30 percent of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances was completedour earnings in May 2005 for $109.9 million. The proceeds received from the sale enabled Sunbury to eliminate its non-recourse debt obligation, which provided greater flexibility as PDI evaluates its options related to Sunbury. These options range from closing the plant, operating the plant only during favorable economic periods, to a future sale. We also sold WPSC's Kewaunee plant in July 2005. The major benefits of the Kewaunee sale include transferring financial risk from WPSC's electric customers and WPS Resources' shareholders to Dominion, greater certainty of future energy costs through a purchase power agreement, and being able to return the non-qualified decommissioning funds to our customers.future.

·The acquisition of the Michigan natural gas distribution operations from Aquila in April 2006, and the anticipated acquisition of the Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila will transition WPS Resources into a larger and stronger regional energy company.
·On March 30, 2006, a subsidiary of WPS Resources entered into an agreement to sell its one-third interest in Guardian Pipeline, LLC to Northern Border Partners, LP for $38.5 million. The transaction closed in April 2006, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $6 million in the second quarter of 2006. We believe it will provide a good opportunity to redeploy the proceeds into other investment opportunities providing value to our shareholders.
·In April 2006, ESI sold WPS ESI Gas Storage, LLC, which owns a natural gas storage field in Kimball Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. ESI utilized this facility primarily for structured wholesale natural gas transactions as natural gas storage spreads presented arbitrage opportunities. ESI was not actively marketing this facility for sale, but believed the price being offered was above the value it would realize from continued ownership of the facility. Proceeds received in April from the sale of the Kimball natural gas storage field, stored gas, and other related assets were $19.9 million, which is expected to result in a pre-tax gain of approximately $9 million in the second quarter of 2006.
·We also continue to evaluate alternatives for the sale of our identified real estate holdings no longer needed for operation.

The risk management strategy, in addition to evaluate alternatives forasset risk management, includes the salemanagement of market, credit and operational risk through the balancenormal course of our identified real estate holdings no longer needed for operation. A significant portion of our expected land sales are at UPPCO and will benefit our customers as well as our shareholders. UPPCO withdrew a rate increase request that it filed in February 2005 after the MPSC approved its requested regulatory treatment of these land sales by sharing gains between customers and shareholders.business.
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·Forward purchases and sales of electric capacity, energy, natural gas, and other commodities allow for opportunities to secure prices in a volatile price market.
·An initiative we call "Competitive Excellence" is being deployed across our entire company. Competitive Excellence strives to eliminate work that does not provide value for our customers. This will create more efficient processes, improve the effectiveness of employees, and reduce costs.

Business Operations

Our regulated and nonregulated businesses have distinct competencies and business strategies,strategies. They offer differing energy and energy related products and services, and experience a wide array of risks and challenges and are viewed uniquely by management.challenges. The "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Introduction - WPS Resources," appearing in the 2004our 2005 Form 10-K included a discussion of these topics. There have not been significant changes to the content of the matters discussed in the above referenced sectionSection of the 2004our 2005 Form 10-K; however, certain tables have been updated and included below to reflect current information. These tables should be read in conjunction with the discussion appearing in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Introduction - WPS Resources," appearing in the 2004our 2005 Form 10-K.

The table below discloses future natural gas and electric sales volumes under contract at ESI as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. Contracts are generally one to three years in duration. ESI expects that its ultimate sales volumes in 20052006 and beyond will exceed the volumes shown in the table below as it continues to seek growth opportunities and existing customers who do not have long-term contracts continue to buy their short-term requirements from ESI.
-37-


Forward Contracted Volumes at September 30, 20053/31/2006 (1)
 
October 1, 2005
through
September 30, 20064/01/06 to
3/31/07
 
October 1, 200604/01/07 to
03/31/08
through
September 30,After March 31, 2008
 
      
Wholesale sales volumes - billion cubic feet  
115.8137.0
  
12.314.8
5.8
 
Retail sales volumes - billion cubic feet  
151.1184.0
  
47.041.0
37.4
 
Total natural gas sales volumes  
266.9321.0
  
59.355.8
43.2
 
        
Wholesale sales volumes - million kilowatt-hours  
10,95116,131
  
4,8037,027
4,346
 
Retail sales volumes - million kilowatt-hours  
2,3741,868
  
751430
140
 
Total electric sales volumes  
13,32517,999
  
5,5547,457
4,486
 

(1) This table represents physical sales contracts for natural gas and electric power for delivery or settlement in future periods; however, there is a possibility that some of the contracted volumes reflected in the above table could be net settled. Management has no reason to believe that gross margins that will be generated by the contracts included above will vary significantly from those experienced historically.

For comparative purposes, the future natural gas and electric sales volumes under contract at September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, are shown below. ActualThe actual electric and natural gas sales volumes for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2006, and 2005 and 2004 are disclosed within Results of Operations - WPS Resources, ESI Segment Operations below.

      
 
 
Forward Contracted Volumes at September 30, 2004 (1)
 
October 1, 2004
through
September 30, 2005
 
October 1, 2005
through
September 30, 2007
 
      
Wholesale sales volumes - billion cubic feet  91.3  13.6 
Retail sales volumes - billion cubic feet  162.9  48.9 
Total natural gas sales volumes  254.2  62.5 
        
Wholesale sales volumes - million kilowatt-hours  5,523  1,032 
Retail sales volumes - million kilowatt-hours  3,730  1,832 
Total electric sales volumes  9,253  2,864 
-42-

Forward Contracted Volumes at 3/31/2005 (1)
04/01/05 to
03/31/06
04/01/06 to
03/31/07
After
March 31, 2007
    
Wholesale sales volumes - billion cubic feet111.76.71.7
Retail sales volumes - billion cubic feet155.630.712.6
Total natural gas sales volumes267.337.414.3
    
Wholesale sales volumes - million kilowatt-hours8,0321,7531,584
Retail sales volumes - million kilowatt-hours3,8631,575285
Total electric sales volumes11,8953,3281,869

(1) This table represents physical sales contracts for natural gas and electric power for delivery or settlement in future periods; however, there is a possibility that some of the contracted volumes reflected in the above table could be net settled. Management has no reason to believe that gross margins that will be generated by these contracts will vary significantly from those experienced historically.

Both retail and wholesale natural gas volumes under contract have increased as of March 31, 2006, compared to March 31, 2005. The increase in retail natural gas volumes under contract was driven by continued customer growth in Canada. Also, ESI has been able to lock in contracts with retail natural gas customers in other markets due to a decline in natural gas prices compared to the latter half of 2005. In the first quarter of 2006, customers were more inclined to lock in prices related to their natural gas purchases, compared to the first quarter of 2005. Increased volatility in natural gas prices and high natural gas storage spreads (future natural gas sales prices were higher than the near term price of natural gas) increased the profitability of natural gas transactions, driving the increase in wholesale natural gas sales volumes under contract at March 31, 2006, compared to March 31, 2005. Wholesale electric volumes under contract increased significantly at March 31, 2006. ESI continues to expand its wholesale origination capabilities with a focus on physical, customer-based purchase and sale agreements in areas where it has market expertise. The emphasis ESI is placing on its originated wholesale customer electric business is producing encouraging results and, as a result, ESI has recently locked in numerous contracts to provide electricity to customers in the future. Retail electric sales volumes under contract have decreased at March 31, 2006. ESI has experienced significant customer attrition in Michigan as a result of tariff changes granted to Michigan utilities and high wholesale energy prices. ESI's retail electric aggregation sales in Ohio ended on December 31, 2005, with the expiration of ESI's contracts with its Ohio aggregation customers.

In order to mitigate its exposure to credit risk, ESI employs credit policies. As a result of these credit policies, ESI has not experienced significant write-offs from its large wholesale counterparties to date. The table below summarizes ESI's wholesale counterparty credit exposure, categorized by maturity date, as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. At September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, ESI had net exposure with one non-rated counterpartytwo investment grade counterparties that waswere more than 10% of total exposure, including collateral. Totalexposure. Net exposure with this counterpartythese counterparties was $41.2$47.9 million and is included in the table below.
 
-38--43-

 
Counterparty Rating (Millions) (1)
 
Exposure (2)
 
Exposure Less
Than 1 Year
 
Exposure 1
to 3 Years
 
Exposure 4
to 5 years
 
          
Investment grade - regulated utility $32.0 $22.4 $7.2 $2.4 
Investment grade - other  125.4  72.8  48.3  4.3 
              
Non-investment grade - regulated utility  6.9  6.9  -  - 
              
Non-rated - regulated utility (3)
  14.1  4.6  7.8  1.7 
Non-rated - other (3)
  64.8  52.8  10.0  2.0 
              
Exposure $243.2 $159.5 $73.3 $10.4 
          
Counterparty Rating (Millions) (1)
 
Exposure (2)
 
Exposure Less
Than 1 Year
 
Exposure 1
to 3 Years
 
Exposure 4
to 5 years
 
          
Investment grade - regulated utility $13.7 $13.7 $- $- 
Investment grade - other  305.0  223.8  76.0  5.2 
              
Non-investment grade - regulated utility  32.2  32.2  -  - 
Non-investment grade - other  4.9  4.9  -  - 
              
Non-rated - regulated utility (3)
  -  -  -  - 
Non-rated - other (3)
  97.1  85.4  10.3  1.4 
              
Total Exposure $452.9 $360.0 $86.3 $6.6 

(1) The investment and non-investment grade categories are determined by publicly available credit ratings of the counterparty or the rating of any guarantor, whichever is higher. Investment grade counterparties are those with a senior unsecured Moody's rating of Baa3 or above or a Standard & Poor's rating of BBB- or above.

(2)
Exposure considers netting of accounts receivable and accounts payable where netting agreements are in place as well as netting mark-to-market exposure. Exposure is before consideration of collateral from counterparties. Collateral, in the form of cash and letters of credit, received from counterparties totaled $68.4 million at September 30, 2005, $63.0 million from investment grade counterparties, and $5.4(2) Exposure considers netting of accounts receivable and accounts payable where netting agreements are in place as well as netting mark-to-market exposure. Exposure is before consideration of collateral from counterparties. Collateral, in the form of cash and letters of credit, received from counterparties totaled $63.0 million at March 31, 2006, $39.1 million from investment grade counterparties, and $23.9 million from non-rated counterparties.

(3) Non-rated counterparties include stand-alone companies, as well as unrated subsidiaries of rated companies without parental credit support. These counterparties are subject to an internal credit review process.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - WPS RESOURCES

ThirdFirst Quarter 20052006 Compared with ThirdFirst Quarter 20042005

WPS Resources Overview

WPS Resources' results of operations for the three monthsquarters ended September 30March 31 are shown in the following table:

       
WPS Resources' Results
(Millions, except share amounts)
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
Change
  
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
Change
 
              
Consolidated operating revenues 
$
1,757.3
 $1,091.9  60.9%
Income available for common shareholders 
$
48.2
 $34.8  38.5% 
$
60.1
 $65.9  (8.8%)
Basic earnings per share 
$
1.26
 $0.93  35.5% 
$
1.49
 $1.74  (14.4%)
Diluted earnings per share 
$
1.25
 $0.93  34.4% 
$
1.48
 $1.73  (14.5%)

The $665.4 million increase in consolidated operating revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same quarter in 2004, was driven by a $561.4 million (72.0%) increase in revenue at ESI, an $85.8 million (30.1%) increase in utility revenue, and a $38.9 million (100.0%) increase in PDI revenue. Higher revenue at ESI was driven by an increase in natural gas prices, continued expansion of the Canadian natural gas business, and higher volumes related to an increase in structured wholesale natural gas transactions. Electric utility revenue increased $59.6 million, primarily due to higher electric sales volumes related to warmer summer weather conditions and new power sales agreements with wholesale customers, and an approved retail electric rate increase. Gas utility revenue increased $26.2 million due to an increase in the per-unit cost of natural gas, higher natural gas throughput volumes, and an approved rate increase. The increase in revenue at PDI was driven by higher revenue at Sunbury due to increased opportunities to sell power into the market due to the expiration of a fixed price outtake contract and mark-to-market gains on derivatives utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits. Revenue changes by reportable segment are discussed in more detail below.
-39-

Income available for common shareholders was $48.2$60.1 million ($1.261.49 basic earnings per share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to $34.8$65.9 million ($0.931.74 basic earnings per share) for the same quarter in 2004.2005. Significant factors impacting the change in earnings and earnings per share are as follows (and are discussed in more detail below).

·  PDI's earnings increased $9.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The increase in PDI's earnings can be attributed to mark-to-market and realized gains on derivative instruments utilized to protect a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits and significant improvements in Sunbury's margin, partially offset by a decrease in Section 29 federal tax credits recognized during the quarter.
:
 
·ESI'sElectric utility earnings increased $6.4decreased $8.0 million, driven by a $22.1from $23.5 million improvement in its natural gas margin duringfor the quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2005, to $15.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The decrease in electric utility earnings was driven by residential customer conservation efforts and the negative impact warmer weather conditions had on the electric utility margin in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005. The Kewaunee power purchase agreement and the prior year. ESI's electric marginrefund of a portion of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the Kewaunee nonqualified nuclear decommissioning fund had little impact on earnings as these items were offset with revenues and operating expenses.
-44-

·Natural gas utility earnings decreased $6.9$7.3 million, driven by lower margin from portfolio optimization strategies and lower margin from retail electric operations in Michigan. Partially offsetting$14.0 million for the overall margin improvement was a $5.7quarter ended March 31, 2005, to $6.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to an $8.8 million increase in ESI's operating and maintenance expenses (driven by $4.1 million of transition costs associated with the acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and the anticipated acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Minnesota from Aquila), and a $1.5 million decrease in the natural gas margin, driven by warmer weather conditions and customer conservation efforts.
·ESI's earnings increased $8.9 million, from $28.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, to $37.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Higher earnings were driven by a $34.1 million increase in margin, partially offset by an $8.3 million decrease in tax credits recognized and a $3.9 million increase in operating expenses.
·Earnings at the Holding Company and other segment increased $0.6 million, from $0.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, to $0.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The increase was primarily related to continued business expansion.a $3.7 million increase in pre-tax earnings from ATC, substantially offset by a $2.7 million increase in operating expenses.

·UtilityThe change in basic earnings decreased $4.3per share was impacted by the items discussed above as well as an increase of 2.5 million (14.9%), largely dueshares in the weighted average number of outstanding shares of WPS Resources' common stock for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the negative impact that increasing natural gas prices had on thirdsame quarter margin atin 2005. WPS Resources' issuance of 1.9 million additional shares of common stock through a public offering in November 2005 was the electric utility. Earnings were also negatively impacted because certain costs incurred in the third quarter of 2005 related to plant outages, carrying costs on capital additions, and other costs (which are recovered in rates relatively evenly throughout the year) were partially recovered in revenue during the first six months of the year, leading to higher earnings in those periods.

·  A $2.6 million pre-tax increase (approximately $1.6 million after taxes) in equity earnings from our investment in the ATC also contributedprimary contributor to the increase in income available for common shareholders.the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Additional shares were also issued in 2005 and in the first quarter of 2006 under the Stock Investment Plan and certain stock-based employee benefit plans.

Overview of Utility Operations

Utility operations include (1) the electric utility segment, consisting of the electric operations of WPSC and UPPCO, and (2) the gas utility segment, consisting of the natural gas operations of WPSC.WPSC as well as certain transition costs related to the acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and the anticipated acquisition of retail natural gas distribution operations in Minnesota from Aquila. Income available for common shareholders attributable to the electric utility segment was $28.0$15.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to $32.1$23.5 million for the same quarter ended September 30, 2004. The net lossin 2005. Income available for common shareholders attributable to the gas utility segment was $3.5$6.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to a net loss of $3.3$14.0 million for the same quarter ended September 30, 2004.in 2005.

Electric Utility Segment Operations

   
WPS Resources' Electric Utility Three Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31,  
Segment Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change  
2006
 2005 Change 
              
Revenue 
$
298.6
 $239.0  24.9%
Revenues 
$
256.4
 $244.0  5.1%
Fuel and purchased power costs  
150.0
  74.7  100.8%  
125.7
  80.7  55.8%
Margin 
$
148.6
 $164.3  (9.6%)
Margins 
$
130.7
 $163.3  (20.0%)
                    
Sales in kilowatt-hours  
4,207.4
  3,730.0  12.8%  
3,827.9
  3,680.4  4.0%

Electric utility revenue increased $59.6$12.4 million (24.9%(5.1%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter ended September 30, 2004. Electric utility revenue increasedin 2005, largely due to an increase in electric sales volumes and an approved annual electric rate increase for WPSC's Wisconsin retail customers. Electriccustomers and a 4.0% increase in electric sales volumes increased 12.8%, primarily due to significantly warmer weather in the third quarter ofvolumes. In December 2005, compared to the third quarter of 2004, and new power sales agreements that were
-40-

entered into with wholesale customers. As a result of the warm weather, WPSC set all-time records for peak electric demand in the third quarter of 2005. On December 21, 2004, the PSCW approved a retail electric rate increase of $60.7$79.9 million (8.6%(10.1%), effective January 1, 2005.2006. The retail electric rate increase was required primarily to recover increased costs related tobecause of higher fuel and purchased power costs (including costs associated with the Fox Energy Center power purchase agreement), and also for costs related to the construction of the Weston 4, base-load generation facility,higher transmission expenses, and benefit costs.recovery of a portion of the costs related to the 2005 Kewaunee outage. Partially offsetting the items discussed above, rates were lowered to reflect a refund to customers in 2006 of a portion of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund as a result of the sale of Kewaunee. The increase in electric

-45-


sales volumes was largely due to a 15% increase in wholesale sales volumes, driven by higher demand from existing WPSC wholesale customers. The increase in electric sales volumes to the wholesale customers was largely offset by a decrease in electric sales volumes to higher margin residential customers, resulting from residential customer conservation efforts and warmer weather during the heating season in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. Residential customers are taking measures to conserve energy as a result of recent rate increases.

The electric utility margin decreased $15.7$32.6 million (9.6%(20.0%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The decrease can be attributed toin electric margin was driven by a $16.6$33.5 million (10.9%(22.2%) decrease in WPSC's electric margin, which was largely driven byprimarily related to the sale of Kewaunee on July 5, 2005, and the related power purchase agreement. Prior to the sale of Kewaunee, only nuclear fuel expense was reported as a component of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs.power. Subsequent to the sale, all payments to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC (Dominion) for power purchased from Kewaunee are reported as componentsa component of utility cost of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs.power. These include both variable payments for energy delivered and fixed payments. As a result of the sale, WPSC no longer incurs operating and maintenance expense,expenses, depreciation and decommissioning expense, or interest expense forrelated to Kewaunee.

Excluding the $21.0$24.0 million of fixed paymentpayments made to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC in the thirdfirst quarter of 2005,2006, WPSC's electric utility margin decreased $9.5 million, which was driven by a $13.8 million decrease in rates related to the refund of a portion of the Kewaunee nonqualified decommissioning fund to customers. Pursuant to regulatory accounting, the decrease in margin related to this refund was offset by a corresponding decrease in operating and maintenance expenses as explained below and, therefore, did not have a significant impact on earnings. Adjusting for the decrease in revenues related to the refund, the electric utility margin increased $5.3$4.3 million. The retail electric rate increase and an increase in margin related to higher sales volumes to wholesale customers drove the remaining net increase in the electric utility margin. However, the increase in margin provided by the rate increase and the increase in wholesale electric sales volumes, was largely offset by a decrease in electric sales volumes to WPSC's higher margin residential electric customers. Residential customer conservation efforts and weather that was approximately 11% warmer during the heating season drove the decrease in residential sales volumes.
Gas Utility Segment Operations

WPS Resources' Three Months Ended March 31,  
Gas Utility Segment Results (Millions)
 
2006
 2005 Change 
        
Revenues 
$
193.0
 $174.6  10.5%
Purchased gas costs  
148.2
  128.3  15.5%
Margins 
$
44.8
 $46.3  (3.2%)
           
Throughput in therms  
266.9
  308.7  (13.5%)

Natural gas utility revenue increased $18.4 million (10.5%) for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter in the prior year. This increase was driven by the increase in electric sales volumes and the rate increase discussed above, but was largely offset by higher per-unit fuel and purchased power costs.

The quantity of power purchased by WPSC during the quarter ended September 30, 2005, increased approximately 168% compared to the same quarter in 2004, and fuel and purchased power costs were approximately 68% higher on a per-unit basis. The increase in the quantity of power purchased was largely due to power purchased from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC as previously discussed, warm weather conditions, WPSC's need to conserve coal because of coal supply issues (see Other Future Considerations), and a planned outage at WPSC's Weston 3 generation plant that began in the third quarter of 2005. The increase in the per-unit cost of fuel and purchased power was driven by the sale of Kewaunee (primarily related to $21.0 million of fixed payments being recorded as a component of fuel and purchased power costs), congestion charges and line loss charges that were not fully offset by credits from MISO, increased coal costs related to procurement of coal from alternate sources, and the need to supply more energy from higher cost peaking units due to warm weather conditions, coal conservation efforts, and a planned outage at WPSC's Weston 3 generation plant that began in the third quarter of 2005. The PSCW approved the deferral of increased fuel and purchased power costs related to the MISO and coal supply matters discussed above and WPSC deferred $15.9 million of costs related to these issues in the third quarter of 2005. Excluding deferred costs, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $68.7 million. As discussed above, approximately $21.0 million of the increase in purchased power costs related to the Kewaunee fixed payments. Excluding these fixed payments, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $47.7 million and total fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the quarter exceeded the amount recovered from ratepayers (as approved in the 2005 rate case), therefore, having a negative impact on margin.

The PSCW allows WPSC to adjust prospectively the amount billed to Wisconsin retail customers for fuel and purchased power if costs are above or below approved levels by more than 2% on an annualized basis. At June 30, 2005, WPSC was experiencing fuel and purchased power costs that were more than 2% lower than the approved level. However, primarily because of the high cost of naturalNatural gas resulting from the impact hurricanes had on natural gas supply in combination with the need to run the natural gas fired peaker units more in the third quarter, at September 30, 2005, WPSC projects that actual fuel and purchased power costs for 2005 could be significantly higher than what was allowed in the 2005 rate case.
Electric utility earnings decreased $4.1 million (12.8%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004, largely driven by the higher fuel and purchased power costs discussed above. Earnings were also negatively impacted because certain costs incurred in the third quarter of 2005 related to plant outages, carrying costs on capital additions, and other costs (which are recovered in rates relatively evenly throughout the year) were partially recovered in revenue during the first six months of the year, leading to higher earnings in those periods.
-41-


Gas Utility Segment Operations
    
WPS Resources' Three Months Ended September 30, 
Gas Utility Segment Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenue 
$
71.8
 $45.6  57.5%
Purchased natural gas costs  
52.6
  28.8  82.6%
Margin 
$
19.2
 $16.8  14.3%
           
Throughput in therms  
128.6
  104.1  23.5%

Gas utility revenue increased $26.2 million (57.5%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. Gas utility revenue increased primarily as a result of an increase in the per-unit costprice of natural gas higher natural gas throughput volumes, and a rate increase. Natural gas costs increased 15.6%were 36.9% higher (on a per-unit basis) forduring the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter ended September 30, 2004.in 2005. Following regulatory practice, WPSC passes changes in the total cost of natural gas on to customers through a purchased gas adjustment clause, as allowed by the PSCW and the MPSC. Natural gas throughput volumes increased 23.5%, primarily related to an increase in interdepartmental sales fromIn December 2005, the natural gas utility to the electric utility as a result of increased electric generation from natural gas fired combustion turbines. The PSCW issued a final order authorizing aan annual natural gas rate increase of $5.6$7.2 million (1.1%), effective January 1, 2005.2006. The rate increase was required as a result of infrastructure improvements necessary to ensure the reliability of the natural gas distribution system. The increase in natural gas utility revenue was partially offset by a 13.5% decrease in natural gas throughput volumes, primarily driven by higher benefit costs andrelated to weather that was 11% warmer during the costheating season in the first quarter of distribution system improvements.2006. Customers are also taking measures to conserve energy as a result of the high natural gas prices.

-46-


The natural gas utility margin increased $2.4decreased $1.5 million (14.3%(3.2%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The higher natural gas utilitywarmer weather (discussed above), resulted in an approximate $3.4 million decrease in margin was largely dueand residential customer conservation efforts also contributed to the rate increase mentioned above. The increase in interdepartmental sales volumes to WPSC's electric utility also had a positive impact on the natural gas margin.

The gas utility realized a net loss of $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The higher net loss was attributed to an increase in operating and maintenance expenses and depreciation expense incurredmargin decrease. These decreases were partially offset by the gas utility.rate increase.

Overview of NonregulatedESI Operations

Nonregulated operations consist ofESI offers natural gas, electric, and other sales atalternative fuel supplies, as well as energy management and consulting services, to retail and wholesale customers. ESI a diversified energy supply, services, and natural gas storage company, and the operations of PDI, analso owns several merchant electric generation company.plants, primarily in the Midwest and Northeastern United States and adjacent portions of Canada.

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2005, WPS Resources reported two nonregulated segments, ESI and PDI are both reportable segments.PDI. Effective in the fourth quarter of 2005, WPS Resources began reporting one nonregulated segment, ESI. Segment information related to prior periods has been reclassified to reflect this change.

Income available for common shareholders attributable to ESI was $8.9$37.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to $2.5$28.2 million for the same quarterperiod in 2004. The $6.4 million increase in earnings at ESI was primarily the result of higher natural gas margins.2005.

Income available
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Millions except natural gas sales volumes)
 
2006
 2005 Change 
        
Nonregulated revenues 
$
1,600.1
 $1,077.1  48.6%
Nonregulated cost of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power  
1,509.4
  1,020.5  47.9%
Margins 
$
90.7
 $56.6  60.2%
Margin Detail          
Electric and other margins 
$
52.4
 $36.4  44.0%
Natural gas margins 
$
38.3
 $20.2  89.6%
           
Gross volumes (includes volumes both physically delivered and net settled)
          
Wholesale electric sales volumes in kilowatt-hours  
14,308.7
  8,570.3  67.0%
Retail electric sales volumes in kilowatt-hours  
1,209.4
  2,047.0  (40.9%)
Wholesale natural gas sales volumes in billion cubic feet  
79.8
  61.2  30.4%
Retail natural gas sales volumes in billion cubic feet  
100.4
  90.5  10.9%
           
Physical volumes (includes only transactions
settled physically for the periods shown)
          
Wholesale electric sales volumes in kilowatt-hours  
781.3
  990.3  (21.1%)
Retail electric sales volumes in kilowatt-hours  
1,001.9
  1,754.5  (42.9%)
Wholesale natural gas sales volumes in billion cubic feet  
74.2
  57.9  28.2%
Retail natural gas sales volumes in billion cubic feet  
96.1
  77.9  23.4%

ESI's revenues increased $523.0 million (48.6%) for common shareholders attributablethe quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to PDI was $13.2the same quarter in 2005, primarily driven by increased natural gas and electricity prices, higher retail and wholesale natural gas volumes, and higher wholesale electric volumes.

ESI's margin increased $34.1 million (60.2%), from $56.6 million for the quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2005, compared to $4.2$90.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. PDIMarch 31, 2006. The strong performance of ESI's wholesale electric operations in 2005 continued into the first quarter of 2006. Additionally, ESI's wholesale natural gas operations benefited from realized gains and mark-to-market gains on derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits and improved margin from Sunbury, partially offset by a decrease in Section 29 federal tax credits recognized during the quarter.
ESI's Segment Operations

Total segment revenues at ESI were $1,340.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to $779.5 million for the same quarter in 2004. The total margin at ESI was $32.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to $16.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. ESI's nonregulatedvolatile natural gas prices and electric operationshigh natural gas storage spreads (future natural gas sales prices were higher than the near term price of natural gas). Many other items also contributed to the year-over-year net increase in margin and, as a result, a table has been provided to summarize significant changes. Variances included under "Other significant items" in the table below are the primary contributors to revenues and margins and are discussed below.generally

-42--47-


    
ESI's Natural Gas Results Three Months Ended September 30, 
(Millions, except sales volumes)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Nonregulated natural gas revenue 
$
1,153.4
 $645.2  78.8%
Nonregulated natural gas cost of sales  
1,133.1
  647.0  75.1%
Margin 
$
20.3
 $(1.8) - 
           
Wholesale sales in billion cubic feet (1)
  
78.4
  47.3  65.8%
Retail sales in billion cubic feet (1)
  
59.2
  77.7  (23.8%)
(1) Represents gross physical volumes.

ESI's natural gas revenue increased $508.2 million (78.8%), driven by higher natural gas prices, continued expansion of ESI's Canadian natural gas business, and higher volumes related to an increase in structured wholesale natural gas transactions.

The natural gas margin at ESI increased $22.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The margin related to retail natural gas operations increased $12.1 million, largely due to improved management of supply for Ohio residential and commercial customers (including mark-to-market gains on options utilized to manage supply costs which expire between November 2005 and September 2006). The margin related to wholesale natural gas operations increased $10.0 million, primarily driven by the natural gas storage cycle. The natural gas storage cycle contributed $10.4 million of the increase in ESI's natural gas margin (for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the natural gas storage cycle had a $0.6 million favorable impact on margin, compared with a $9.8 million negative impact on margin for the same period in 2004). At September 30, 2005, there was a $5.1 million difference between the market value of natural gas in storage and the market value of future sales contracts (net unrealized loss), related to the 2005/2006 natural gas storage cycle. This difference between the market value of natural gas in storage and the market value of future sales contracts related to the 2005/2006 storage cycle is expected to vary with market conditions, but will reverse entirely and have a positive impact on earnings when all of the natural gas is withdrawn from storage.

    
ESI's Electric Results Three Months Ended September 30, 
(Millions)
 
 2005
 2004 Change 
        
Nonregulated electric revenue 
$
186.9
 $133.9  39.6%
Nonregulated electric cost of sales  
175.5
  115.6  51.8%
Margin 
$
11.4
 $18.3  (37.7%)
           
Wholesale sales volumes in kilowatt-hours (1)
  
334.2
  579.2  (42.3%)
Retail sales volumes in kilowatt-hours (1)
  
1,746.5
  2,027.2  (13.8%)
(1) Represents gross physical volumes.

ESI's electric revenue increased $53.0 million (39.6%). Higher energy market prices were partially offset by lower volumes from retail electric operations in Michigan in the third quarter of 2005.

ESI's electric margin decreased $6.9 million (37.7%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The margin attributed to wholesale electric operations decreased $6.7 million, driven primarily by a decrease in the margin contributed by portfolio optimization strategies. Period-by-period variability in the margin contributed by these activities is expected due to constantly changing market conditions and timing of gain and loss recognition on certain transactions pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles. The retailand gains and losses that do not frequently occur in ESI's business. All variances depicted in the table are discussed in more detail below.

(Millions)
 
Increase
(Decrease) in Margin for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 Compared to Quarter Ended March 31, 2005
 
    
Electric and other margins
   
Realized and unrealized gains on structured origination contracts $5.3 
ESI generation  (2.3)
Retail electric operations (primarily Michigan and Ohio)  (10.2)
Other wholesale electric operations  15.8 
     
Other significant items:    
Oil option activity, net  7.6 
Unrealized gains on non-qualifying hedges  2.0 
Increased costs related to the liquidation of an electric supply contract in 2005  (2.2)
     
Net increase in electric and other margins $16.0 
     
Natural gas margins
    
Realized natural gas margins (primarily wholesale as well as Canada and Michigan retail) $5.7 
     
Other significant items:    
Spot to forward differential  3.1 
Unrealized loss on Ohio mass market options  (3.2)
Other mark-to-market activity  12.5 
     
Net increase in natural gas margins $18.1 
     
Total increase in ESI's margin $34.1 

ESI's electric margin decreased $0.2and other margins increased $16.0 million (44.0%) for the quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005. The following items were the most significant contributors to the net change in ESI's electric and other margins:

·
Realized and unrealized gains on structured origination contracts - ESI's electric and other margin increased $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005, due to realized and unrealized gains from origination contracts involving the sale of energy through structured transactions to wholesale customers (primarily several municipalities in the northeastern United States). These origination contracts were not in place in the first quarter of 2005. ESI continues to expand its wholesale origination capabilities with a focus on physical, customer-based purchase and sale agreements in areas where it has market expertise.
·
ESI generation - The margin from ESI's electric generation facilities decreased $2.3 million (11.4%), from $20.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, to $17.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The decrease was driven by a $2.9 million (22.5%) decrease in margin at ESI's Sunbury generation facility. While sales volumes at Sunbury did not change significantly from the first quarter of the prior year, the cost of fuel and emission allowances was significantly higher than in the prior year, a trend that is expected to continue for the remainder of the year. The decrease in margin at Sunbury was partially offset by an increase in margin at ESI's Canada and New England hydroelectric generation facilities, which was driven by increased sales volumes related to higher water flows.
· Retail electric operations (primarily Michigan and Ohio) - The margin from retail electric operations decreased $10.2 million. The margin from retail electric operations in Michigan decreased $5.9 million and the margin from retail electric operations in Ohio decreased $1.8 million. ESI has
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experienced significant customer attrition in Michigan as a result of tariff changes granted to Michigan utilities and high wholesale energy prices (See "Other Future Considerations" for more information on ESI's retail electric operations in Michigan). ESI's retail electric aggregation sales in Ohio ended on December 31, 2005, with the expiration of ESI's contracts with Ohio aggregation customers. ESI remains prepared to offer future retail electric service in Ohio and increase future retail electric service in Michigan as the regulatory climate and market conditions allow.
·
Other wholesale electric operations - A $15.8 million increase in margin from other wholesale electric operations was driven by an increase in net realized and unrealized gains related to trading activities utilized to optimize the value of ESI's merchant generation fleet and customer supply portfolios. As part of its trading activities, ESI seeks to generate profits from the volatility of the price of electricity, by purchasing or selling contracts in established wholesale markets (primarily in the northeastern portion of the United States where ESI has market expertise) under risk management policies set by management and approved by WPS Resources' Board of Directors. ESI also seeks to maximize the value of its generation and customer supply portfolios to reduce market price risk and extract additional value from these assets through the use of various financial and physical instruments (such as forward contracts and options). Period-by-period variability in the margin contributed by ESI's optimization strategies and trading activities is expected due to constantly changing market conditions. ESI continues to produce strong results from its optimization and trading activities and believes it maintains a relatively low risk profile. A diverse mix of products and markets, combined with disciplined execution and exit strategies have allowed ESI to consistently generate economic value and earnings while staying within WPS Resources' Board of Directors' authorized value-at-risk (VaR) limits. For more information on VaR, see "Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk."
·
Oil option activity, net - An increase in mark-to-market and realized gains on derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of ESI's Section 29/45K federal tax credits in 2006 and 2007 contributed $7.6 million to the increase in its electric and other margin. The derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments and, as a result, changes in the fair value are recorded currently in earnings. The benefit from Section 29/45K federal tax credits during a period is primarily based upon estimated annual synthetic fuel production levels, annual earnings projections, and any impact projected annual oil prices may have on the realization of the Section 29/45K federal tax credits. This results in mark-to-market gains or losses being recognized in different periods, compared to any tax credit phase-outs that may be recognized. For more information on Section 29/45K federal tax credits, see Note 10 to the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, "Commitments and Contingencies."
·
Unrealized gains on non-qualifying hedges - ESI mitigates market price risk fluctuations associated with its merchant generation fleet using derivative instruments; including basis swaps, futures, forwards, and options, in addition to other instruments. Derivative instruments used to mitigate the market price risk associated with ESI's Niagara generation facility do not qualify for hedge accounting under generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, these derivative instruments were required to be marked-to-market, resulting in the recognition of a $2.0 million unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2006. For the remainder of 2006, the derivative instruments will continue to be marked-to-market, without a corresponding offset related to the power expected to be generated from Niagara. Generation plants are not considered derivative instruments, therefore, no gain or loss is recognized on power that can be produced from ESI's Niagara generation facility until it is sold into the market.
·
Increased costs related to the liquidation of an electric supply contract in 2005 - In the fourth quarter of 2005, an electricity supplier exiting the wholesale market in Maine requested that ESI liquidate a firm contract to buy power in 2006 and 2007. At that time, ESI recognized an $8.2 million gain related to the liquidation of the contract and entered into a new contract with another supplier for firm power in 2006 and 2007 to supply its customers in Maine. The cost to purchase power under the new contract was more than the cost under the liquidated contract. As a result of the termination of this contract, purchased power costs to serve customers in Maine will be $6.4 million higher for the year ended December 31, 2006, and slightly higher than the original contracted amount in 2007. The liquidation of this contract had a $2.2 million negative impact on the electric and other margin in the first quarter of 2006, resulting from higher purchased power costs recorded under the new contracts.


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The natural gas margin at ESI increased $18.1 million (89.6%) for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004, primarily relatedMarch 31, 2005. The following items were the most significant contributors to a $4.4 million decreasethe change in margin from retail electric operations in Michigan, partially offset by a $3.4 million increase in margin from operations in Maine and Ohio.
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ESI's natural gas margin:

Higher transmission-related charges resulting from the Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment, which was implemented on December 1, 2004, as ordered by the FERC as part of the implementation of MISO, have negatively impacted the margin from retail electric operations in Michigan. In addition, tariff changes granted to the regulated utilities in Michigan in 2004, coupled with high wholesale energy prices, have significantly lowered the savings customers can obtain from contracting with non-utility suppliers. The tariff changes enable Michigan utilities to charge a fee to electric customers choosing non-utility suppliers in order to recover certain stranded costs. ESI has experienced some customer attrition as a result of the tariff changes and higher wholesale prices, which has negatively impacted its margin. In the third quarter of 2005, ESI realized a $2.8 million gain from the sale of power that was intended to supply customers that chose to return to utility suppliers, representing 30-40% of ESI's current Michigan load. The increase in margin in Ohio was due to improved supply pricing compared to the fixed sales price, while the favorable margin increase in Maine was due to additional load and better supply management.

PDI's Segment Operations
    
PDI's Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 
(Millions)
 
 2005
 2004 Change 
        
Nonregulated other revenues 
$
77.8
 $38.9  100.0%
Nonregulated other cost of sales  
46.2
  26.9  71.7%
Margins 
$
31.6
 $12.0  163.3%

PDI's revenue increased $38.9 million (100.0%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. A $17.8 million increase in revenue at Sunbury was primarily related to more opportunities to sell power into the market (made possible by the expiration of a fixed price outtake contract on December 31, 2004, and higher energy market prices). Sunbury's sales volumes increased approximately 14% and the price received from energy sold into the market in the third quarter of 2005 more than doubled over the price realized from sales under the fixed price outtake contract in place in 2004. A $9.0 million mark-to-market gain (net of related premium amortization), and a
$1.9 million realized gain on derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits also contributed to the higher revenue. Revenue at PDI's Combined Locks Energy Center increased $6.2 million, largely due to increasing energy prices and new opportunities to sell power into the MISO market in 2005.

PDI's margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, increased $19.6 million (163.3%), compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. Mark-to-market and realized gains on derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits (as discussed above) drove $10.9 million of the margin increase. Sunbury's margin improved $8.7 million (193.5%), primarily due to more opportunities to sell power into the market (discussed above). The favorable energy prices made it economical for Sunbury to operate all available solid fuel units during the third quarter of 2005.

PDI, through a subsidiary, is part owner of a synthetic fuel producing facility that generates Section 29 federal tax credits. The Section 29 federal tax credits are subject to phase out if domestic crude oil prices reach specified levels. To manage exposure to the risk that an increase in oil prices could reduce the recognizable amount of 2005, 2006, and 2007 Section 29 tax credits, PDI entered into a series of derivative contracts covering a specified number of barrels of oil. These derivatives were entered into in 2005 and mitigate approximately 100%, 95%, and 40% of the Section 29 federal tax credit exposure related to rising oil prices in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. The derivative contracts involve purchased and written call options that provide for net cash settlement at expiration based on the average New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) trading price of oil in relation to the strike price of each option. The derivative contracts have not been designated as hedging instruments and, as a result, changes in the fair value of the options are recorded currently in earnings. The timing of recognizing changes in the fair value of these options likely will not correspond with the timing of when Section 29 federal tax credits are, or would have been, recognized. As of September 30, 2005, average annual oil prices for 2005 were below the level where tax credit phase out is anticipated to occur.
·
Realized natural gas margins (primarily wholesale as well as Canada and Michigan retail) - Realized natural gas margins increased $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year. The majority of this increase was due to an increase in structured wholesale natural gas transactions related to an increase in the volatility of the price of natural gas and high natural gas storage spreads during the first quarter of 2006. The remaining increase in the realized natural gas margin was driven by retail natural gas operations in Canada and Michigan due to customer growth.
·
Spot to forward differential- The natural gas storage cycle contributed $3.1 million to ESI's margin. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the natural gas storage cycle had a $0.9 million positive impact on ESI's natural gas margin, compared to a $2.2 million negative impact on margin for the same period of 2005. At March 31, 2006, there was a $4.9 million difference between the market value of natural gas in storage and the market value of future sales contracts (net unrealized loss), related to the 2006/2007 natural gas storage cycle. This $4.9 million difference between the market value of natural gas in storage and the market value of future sales contracts (net unrealized loss) related to the 2006/2007 storage cycle is expected to vary with market conditions, but will reverse entirely and have a positive impact on earnings when all of the natural gas is withdrawn from storage.
·
Unrealized loss on Ohio mass market options- A $3.2 million mark-to-market loss on options utilized to manage supply costs for Ohio mass market customers, which were purchased in the latter half of 2005 and expire in varying months through September 2006, had a negative impact on ESI's natural gas margin in the first quarter of 2006. These contracts are utilized to reduce the risk of price movements and changes in consumer consumption patterns. Earnings volatility results from the application of derivative accounting rules to the options (requiring that these derivative instruments be marked-to-market), without a corresponding mark-to-market offset related to the customer contracts. Full requirements natural gas contracts with ESI's customers are not considered derivatives and, therefore, no gain or loss is recognized on these contracts until settlement.
·
Other mark-to-market activity - Mark-to-market gains on derivatives not previously discussed totaling $8.9 million were recognized in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the recognition of $3.6 million of mark-to-market losses on other derivative instruments in the first quarter of 2005. A significant portion of the difference relates to changes in the fair market value of basis swaps utilized to mitigate market price risk associated with natural gas transportation contracts and certain natural gas sales contracts. Earnings volatility results from the application of derivative accounting rules to the basis swaps (requiring that these derivative instruments be marked-to-market), without a corresponding mark-to-market offset related to the physical natural gas transportation contracts or the natural gas sales contracts (as these contracts are not considered derivative instruments). Therefore, no gain or loss is recognized on the transportation contracts or customer sales contracts until settlement.
 
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Overview of Holding Company and Other Segment Operations

Holding Company and Other operations include the operations of WPS Resources and WPS Resources Capital as holding companies and the nonutility activities ofat WPSC and UPPCO. Holding Company and Other operations hadrecognized earnings of $1.6$0.8 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to a net lossearnings of $0.7$0.2 million during the same period in 2004.2005. A $2.6$3.7 million increase in pre-tax equity earnings from ATC drove the increase in earnings. Pre-tax equity earnings from ATC were $6.6$8.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to $4.0$5.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. Partially offsetting the increase in earnings from ATC, operating expenses increased $2.7 million.

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Operating Expenses

Operating Expenses
   
 Three Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
WPS Resources' Operating Expenses (Millions)
 
 2005
 2004 Change  
 2006
 2005 Change 
              
Operating and maintenance expense 
$
124.0
 $123.9  -% 
$
131.2
 $133.3  (1.6%)
Depreciation and decommissioning expense  
23.8
  26.1  (8.8%)  
24.1
  29.2  (17.5%)
Taxes other than income  
11.8
  11.5  2.6%  
13.3
  12.0  10.8%

Operating and Maintenance Expense

Overall, operatingOperating and maintenance expenses did not change significantlydecreased $2.1 million (1.6%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. WPSC'ssame period in 2005. Utility operating and maintenance expenses decreased $6.7$9.0 million (8.5%), driven by a $10.0$15.8 million decrease related to Kewaunee. WPSC sold its 59% interest in Kewaunee to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC on July 5, 2005, and currently purchases 59% of the output from this facility through a power purchase agreement. The decrease in operating and maintenance expenses as a result of the Kewaunee sale, wereat WPSC, partially offset by increases$4.1 million of transition costs incurred in transmissionthe first quarter of 2006 related to the acquisition of Michigan retail natural gas distribution operations and the anticipated acquisition of Minnesota retail natural gas distribution operations from Aquila. The transition costs primarily related to outsourcing transition costs and pensionother legal and postretirement expense. consulting fees. WPS Resources will be outsourcing certain customer functions of the Michigan and Minnesota operations to a third-party vendor. The following items were the most significant contributors to the $15.8 million decrease in operating and maintenance expenses at WPSC:

·WPSC refunded $13.8 million of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the Kewaunee nonqualified decommissioning fund to ratepayers in the first quarter of 2006. This reduction in revenue was offset by a related decrease in operating expenses, due to the partial amortization of the regulatory liability recorded for the refund of this fund.
·Operating and maintenance expenses related to the Kewaunee nuclear plant decreased approximately $12 million due to the sale of this facility in July 2005. The decrease in operating and maintenance expenses related to Kewaunee did not have a significant impact on net income as WPSC is still purchasing power from this facility in the same amount as its original ownership interest. The cost of the power is included as a component of utility cost of purchased power.
·Write-offs of uncollectible customer accounts increased $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005, due primarily to higher energy costs.
·Excluding Kewaunee, maintenance expenses at WPSC increased $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the first quarter of 2005. Planned maintenance was required on certain combustion turbines in the first quarter of 2006, and maintenance expenses related to electric distribution assets also increased.
·In the first quarter of 2006, WPSC began amortizing costs that were deferred related to the 2005 Kewaunee outage. In the first quarter of 2006, $0.4 million of costs were amortized, compared to the deferral of $1.1 million of costs related to the outage in the first quarter of 2005, resulting in a $1.5 million increase in operating and maintenance expense.
·Customer account expenses increased $1.2 million, driven by an increase in consulting fees related to the implementation of a new software system.
·Transmission-related expenses increased $1.0 million.

Operating and maintenance expenses at ESI increased $5.7$3.9 million, primarilylargely due to higher payroll benefits, and otherbenefit costs related to continued business expansion. PDI's operating and maintenance expenses increased $2.8 million, primarily related to costs incurred to repair damaged compressor blades at PDI's Syracuse generation facility in New York.

Operating and maintenance expenses related to the Holding Company and Other Segmentsegment operations decreased $1.2 million, driven by a decrease in legal and consulting expenses.increased $2.7 million.

Depreciation and Decommissioning Expense

Depreciation and decommissioning expense decreased $2.3$5.1 million (8.8%(17.5%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, driven by a $3.1$4.7 million decrease in

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depreciation expense resulting from the sale of Kewaunee in July 2005, and lower$2.0 million of decommissioning expense that was recorded in the first quarter of 2005. Subsequent to the sale of Kewaunee in July 2005, decommissioning expense is no longer recorded. In the first quarter of 2005, realized gains on decommissioning trust assets partially offset by additional depreciation due to continued capital investment. Realized gains on decommissioning trust assets are partiallywere substantially offset by decommissioning expense pursuant to regulatory practice.practice (see analysis of "Other Income (Expense)" below). Additional depreciation expense related to continued capital investments at WPSC partially offset the decreases discussed above.

Taxes Other Than Income

Taxes other than income increased $1.3 million (10.8%), primarily due to an increase in gross receipts taxes paid by WPSC as a result of higher revenues.

Other Income (Expense)

   
 Three Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
WPS Resources' Other Income (Expense) (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change  
2006
 2005 Change 
              
Miscellaneous income 
$
9.6
 $9.9  (3.0%) 
$
8.5
 $7.7  10.4%
Interest expense  
(15.6
)
 (14.9) 4.7%  
(18.2
)
 (16.2) 12.3%
Minority interest  
1.2
  1.2  -%  
1.2
  1.0  20.0%
Other income (expense) 
$
(4.8
)
$(3.8) 26.3%
Other expense 
$
(8.5
)
$(7.5) 13.3%
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Miscellaneous Income

Miscellaneous income decreased $0.3increased $0.8 million (3.0%(10.4%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The decreaseincrease in miscellaneous income was driven by a $1.4$3.7 million higher loss recognizedincrease in pre-tax equity earnings from ATC, partially offset by PDI from its investments in a synthetic fuel producing facility and a decrease inrelating to $2.4 million of realized gains on the nonqualified nuclear decommissioning trust assets due to the liquidation of the decommissioning trust assetsrecorded in the secondfirst quarter of 2005 as a result of2005. Pursuant to regulatory practice, the Kewaunee sale. The increased lossincrease in miscellaneous income related to the synthetic fuel producing facility2005 realized gains was drivensubstantially offset by more production being allocated to PDI's subsidiary (ECO Coal Pelletization #12 LLC) in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 and an increase in the cost of fuel produced from this facility. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.6 million increasedecommissioning expense in equity earnings from ATC.2005.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.7$2.0 million (4.7%(12.3%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The increasesame period in interest expense was2005, due primarily related to an increase in the average amount of short-term debt outstanding duringand higher interest rates on short-term debt. In the thirdfirst quarter of 2005, compared to the third quarter of 2004. While average short-term debt levels increased, primarily to fund capital expenditures related to the Weston 4 base-load plant and the Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota transmission line,2006, short-term debt was reduced significantly inprimarily utilized to fund the third quarterconstruction of 2005 due to proceeds received from the sale of Kewaunee.Weston 4, and for working capital requirements at ESI.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 27.2%31.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to 20.8%21.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase in the effective tax rate was driven by higher income before taxesa decrease in Section 29/45K federal tax credits recognized in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. Our ownership interest in the synthetic fuel operation resulted in recognizing the tax benefit of Section 29/45K federal tax credits totaling $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to $12.8 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in Section 29/45K federal tax credits recognized was driven by the impact high oil prices may have on our ability to realize the benefit of Section 29/45K federal tax credits and also due to timing of recognizing tax credits in interim financial statements as required by generally accepted accounting principles.

At March 31, 2006, based upon estimated annual average oil prices, we anticipated that approximately 51% of the 2006 tax credits that otherwise would be available from the production and sale of synthetic fuel would be phased-out. Based on the amount of the anticipated Section 29/45K phase-out at March 31, 2006, our 2006 annual production assumption is that it is more likely than not that

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WPS Resources (in order to save on production costs) will also begin curtailing our share of production sometime late in the third quarter of 2005, compared2006. However, our hedged position may offer a number of alternatives to improve expected results that do not involve production curtailment. WPS Resources estimates that an additional $4.9 million of tax credits would have been recognized in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004, in combination with a decrease in Section 29 federal2006 absent the projected production curtailment and tax credits recognized.credit phase-out.

Generally accepted accounting principles require our year-to-date interim effective tax rate to reflect our projected annual effective tax rate. As a result, we estimate the effective tax rate for the year and, based upon year-to-date pre-tax earnings, record tax expense for the period to reflect the projected annual effective tax rate. Therefore, although Section 2929/45K federal tax credits are produced approximately ratably throughout the year, the amount of credits reflected in the tax provision for income taxes during the quarterquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2006, and 2005, was based upon the projected annual effective tax rate and year-to-date pre-tax earnings.

Our ownership interestfor each year, resulting in the synthetic fuel operation resulteda decrease in recognizing the tax benefit of Section 29 federal tax credits totaling $5.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and $7.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. As noted above, the amount of Section 29 federal tax credits recognized is based uponin the estimated annual effective tax rate and is not necessarily reflectivefirst quarter of tax credits produced during the period. 2006, compared to 2005.

For the year ending December 31, 2005,2006, including the projected production curtailment and phase-out, we expect to recognize the benefit of Section 2929/45K federal tax credits totaling approximately $25.7 million.$10 million, excluding hedging strategies. If no phase-out occurs then we would expect to recognize approximately $26 million of tax credits in 2006, however, based upon current legislation, oil prices would have to drop considerably during the remainder of the year to avoid any phase-out. For the year ended December 31, 2004,2005, we recognized the benefit of Section 2929/45K federal tax credits totaling $27.8$26.1 million.
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See Note 10 "Nine Months 2005 Compared with Nine Months 2004Commitments and Contingencies

WPS Resources Overview

WPS Resources' results of operations," for the nine months ended September 30 are shown in the following table:

        
WPS Resources' Results
(Millions, except share amounts)
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
Change
 
        
Consolidated operating revenues 
$
4,571.7
 $3,538.4  29.2%
Income available for common shareholders 
$
138.0
 $82.0  68.3%
Basic earnings per share 
$
3.63
 $2.20  65.0%
Diluted earnings per share 
$
3.60
 $2.19  64.4%

The $1,033.3 million increase in consolidated operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, was largely driven by an $834.8 million (33.1%) increase in revenue at ESI and a $157.6 million (16.4%) increase in utility revenue. Higher revenue at ESI was driven by an increase in natural gas prices, continued expansion of the Canadian natural gas business, and higher volumesmore information related to an increase in structured wholesale natural gas transactions. Electric utility revenue increased $110.2 million (16.4%), primarily due to an approved retail electric rate increase, and higher electric sales volumes related to warmer summer weather conditions and new power sales agreements with wholesale customers. Gas utility revenue increased $47.4 million due primarily to an increase in the per-unit cost of natural gas, an approved rate increase, and higher natural gas throughput volumes. Revenue changes by reportable segment are discussed in more detail below.

Income available for common shareholders was $138.0 million ($3.63 basic earnings per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $82.0 million ($2.20 basic earnings per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Significant factors impacting the change in earnings and earnings per share are as follows (and are discussed in more detail below).

·  PDI realized earnings of $28.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to a net loss of $5.0 million for the same period in 2004, which correlates to a $33.7 million increase in earnings at PDI. PDI' s margin increased $45.2 million, largely due to a $25.2 million improvement in Sunbury's margin, and a combination of mark-to-market and realized gains on certain derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits. PDI also benefited from an $8.2 million increase in Section 29 federal tax credits recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. PDI's operating results were negatively impacted by an $80.6 million pre-tax impairment loss that was required to write down Sunbury's assets to fair market value and the recognition of $9.1 million of interest expense related to the termination of Sunbury's interest rate swap; however, these losses were substantially offset by an $86.8 million pre-tax gain recognized on the sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances.

·  Warmer temperatures during the cooling season in 2005, compared to 2004, and a retail electric rate increase favorably impacted WPSC's electric margin, contributing to a $12.2 million increase in electric utility earnings; however, the increase in electric utility earnings at WPSC was partially offset in the third quarter of 2005 by rising natural gas prices.

·  ESI's earnings increased $8.6 million (51.5%), driven by a $30.3 million increase in natural gas margin, primarily related to natural gas operations in Ohio. ESI's electric margin decreased $9.2 million, driven by lower margins from retail electric operations in Michigan. Partially offsetting the overall margin improvement was a $7.1 million increase in ESI's operating and maintenance expenses related to continued business expansion.
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·  A $6.2 million pre-tax increase in equity earnings (approximately $3.7 million after taxes) from our investment in the ATC also contributed to the increase in income available for common shareholders.

Overview of Utility Operations

Income available for common shareholders attributable to the electric utility segment was $72.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $60.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Income available for common shareholders attributable to the gas utility segment was $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

Electric Utility Segment Operations
    
WPS Resources' Electric Utility Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Segment Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenue 
$
782.9
 $672.7  16.4%
Fuel and purchased power costs  
309.9
  216.9  42.9%
Margin 
$
473.0
 $455.8  3.8%
           
Sales in kilowatt-hours  
11,691.1
  10,792.0  8.3%

Electric utility revenue increased $110.2 million (16.4%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Electric utility revenue increased largely due to an approved electric rate increase for WPSC's Wisconsin retail customers and an increase in electric sales volumes. On December 21, 2004, the PSCW approved a retail electric rate increase of $60.7 million (8.6%), effective January 1, 2005. Electric sales volumes increased 8.3%, primarily due to significantly warmer weather during the second and third quarters of 2005, compared to the same periods in 2004, and new power sales agreements that were entered into with wholesale customers. As a result of the warm weather, both WPSC and UPPCO set all-time records for peak electric demand in the second and third quarters of 2005.

The electric utility margin increased $17.2 million (3.8%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. WPSC's electric margin increased
$16.7 million ($37.7 million if the $21.0 million fixed payment made for power purchased from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC in the third quarter of 2005 was excluded), which was primarily driven by the retail electric rate increase and the increase in electric sales volumes discussed above.

The quantity of power purchased by WPSC during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased 95% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and fuel and purchased power costs were approximately 47% higher on a per-unit basis. The increase in the quantity of power purchased was largely due to an unscheduled outage at Kewaunee, which began in February 2005 (with this unit returning to service just prior to the sale of this facility to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC on July 5, 2005), power purchased from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC as previously discussed, warm weather conditions, and coal conservation efforts. The increase in the per-unit cost of fuel and purchased power was driven by the Kewaunee sale (primarily related to the $21.0 million of fixed payments recorded as a component of fuel and purchased power costs), congestion charges and line loss charges that were not fully offset by credits from MISO, the need to supply more energy from higher cost peaking units due to warm weather conditions and coal conservation efforts, and the rising price of natural gas used as fuel for the peaking units. The 2005 unscheduled outage at Kewaunee did not have a significant impact on the electric utility margin as the PSCW approved deferral of unanticipated fuel and purchased power costs directly related to the outage. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, $46.2 million of fuel and purchased power costs were deferred in conjunction with the Kewaunee outage. The PSCW also approved the deferral of increased fuel and purchased power costs related to the MISO and coal supply
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matters, and WPSC deferred $16.3 million of costs related to these issues during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding deferred costs, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $85.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, primarily related to the significant increase in natural gas prices after the hurricanes disrupted natural gas supply. As discussed above, approximately $21.0 million of the increase in purchased power costs related to the Kewaunee fixed payments. Excluding these fixed payments, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $64.9 million and total fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, exceeded the amount recovered from ratepayers (as approved in the 2005 rate case) and, therefore, had a negative impact on margin.

Warmer temperatures during the cooling season in 2005, compared to 2004, and a retail electric rate increase favorably impacted WPSC's electric margin, contributing to a $12.2 million increase in electric utility earnings; however, the increase in electric utility earnings at WPSC was partially offset in the third quarter of 2005 by the rising natural gas prices discussed above.

Gas Utility Segment Operations
    
WPS Resources' Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Gas Utility Segment Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenue 
$
336.2
 $288.8  16.4%
Purchased natural gas costs  
247.1
  203.4  21.5%
Margin 
$
89.1
 $85.4  4.3%
           
Throughput in therms  
599.9
  571.1  5.0%

Gas utility revenue increased $47.4 million (16.4%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Gas utility revenue increased primarily as a result of an increase in the per-unit cost of natural gas, a natural gas rate increase, and higher natural gas throughput volumes. Natural gas costs increased 12.5% (on a per-unit basis) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. The PSCW issued a final order authorizing a natural gas rate increase of $5.6 million (1.1%), effective January 1, 2005. Natural gas throughput volumes increased 5.0%, primarily related to an increase in interdepartmental sales from the natural gas utility to the electric utility as a result of increased generation from combustion turbines. The combustion turbines were dispatched more often due to the Kewaunee outage, warm weather conditions, and coal conservation efforts. Higher natural gas throughput volumes from interdepartmental sales to the electric utility were partially offset by lower natural gas throughput volumes to residential customers, related primarily to milder weather in the first half of 2005, compared to the same period in 2004.

The natural gas utility margin increased $3.7 million (4.3%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The higher natural gas utility margin was largely due to the rate increase mentioned above. The increase in interdepartmental sales volumes to WPSC's electric utility also had a positive impact on the natural gas margin.

Income available for common shareholders attributed to the gas utility decreased $1.3 million (13.1%). The higher margin was more than offset by an increase in operating and maintenance expenses at the gas utility.

Overview of Nonregulated Operations

Income available for common shareholders attributable to ESI was $25.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $16.7 million for the same period in 2004. The $8.6 million increase in earnings at ESI was primarily the result of higher natural gas margins.

Income available for common shareholders attributable to PDI was $28.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to a net loss of $5.0 million for the same period in 2004. The
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earnings improvement was largely due to margin improvements (discussed below). PDI also benefited from an increase in Section 2929/45K federal tax credits recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. PDI's operating results were negatively impacted by an $80.6 million pre-tax impairment loss that was required to write down Sunbury's long-lived assets to fair market value and the recognition of $9.1 million in interest expense related to the termination of Sunbury's interest rate swap; however, these losses were substantially offset by an $86.8 million pre-tax gain recognized on the sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances.

ESI's Segment Operationscredits.

Total segment revenues at ESI were $3,357.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $2,522.3 million for the same period in 2004. The total margin at ESI was $90.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $68.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. ESI's nonregulated natural gas and electric operations are the primary contributors to revenues and margins and are discussed below.

    
ESI's Natural Gas Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Millions, except sales volumes)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Nonregulated natural gas revenue 
$
2,947.1
 $2,126.5  38.6%
Nonregulated natural gas cost of sales  
2,893.1
  2,102.8  37.6%
Margin 
$
54.0
 $23.7  127.8%
           
Wholesale sales in billion cubic feet (1)
  
195.0
  174.4  11.8%
Retail sales in billion cubic feet (1)
  
202.5
  222.1  (8.8%)
(1) Represents gross physical volumes.

ESI's natural gas revenue increased $820.6 million (38.6%), driven by higher natural gas prices, continued expansion of ESI's Canadian natural gas business, and higher volumes related to an increase in structured wholesale natural gas transactions.

The natural gas margin at ESI increased $30.3 million (127.8%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. The margin related to retail natural gas operations increased $19.5 million, largely due to improved management of supply for Ohio residential and commercial customers (including mark-to-market gains on options utilized to manage supply costs which expire between November 2005 and September 2006), and new customers in Ohio. The margin related to wholesale natural gas operations increased $10.8 million, driven primarily by results of the natural gas storage cycle and a $3.3 million favorable settlement with a counterparty. The natural gas storage cycle had a $5.0 million positive impact on ESI's natural gas margin (for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the natural gas storage cycle had a $4.4 million negative impact on margin, compared with a $9.4 million negative impact on margin for the same period in 2004). The remaining increase was related to higher margin from structured wholesale natural gas transactions (the profitability and volume of these products were higher due to the increased variability in the price of natural gas during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004).
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ESI's Electric Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Millions)
 
 2005
 2004 Change 
        
Nonregulated electric revenue 
$
408.0
 $394.1  3.5%
Nonregulated electric cost of sales  
373.8
  350.7  6.6%
Margin 
$
34.2
 $43.4  (21.2%)
           
Wholesale sales volumes in kilowatt-hours (1)
  
723.4
  2,796.1  (74.1%)
Retail sales volumes in kilowatt-hours (1)
  
5,142.2
  5,237.9  (1.8%)
(1) Represents gross physical volumes.

ESI's electric revenue increased $13.9 million (3.5%). Increased revenue from the July 2004 acquisition of Advantage Energy and higher energy market prices were partially offset by a decrease in wholesale electric sales volumes related to ESI's prior participation in the New Jersey Basic Generation Services Program, which ended on May 31, 2004, and lower sales volumes from retail electric operations in Michigan during 2005.

ESI's electric margin decreased $9.2 million (21.2%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. The retail electric margin decreased $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004, driven by a $12.6 million decrease in margin from retail electric operations in Michigan. The decrease in margin related to retail electric operations in Michigan was partially offset by positive operating results from Advantage Energy and an increase in margin from operations in Maine and Ohio. Higher transmission-related charges resulting from the Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment, which was implemented on December 1, 2004, as ordered by the FERC as part of the implementation of the MISO, have negatively impacted the margin from retail electric operations in Michigan. In addition, tariff changes granted to the regulated utilities in Michigan in 2004, coupled with high wholesale energy prices, have significantly lowered the savings customers can obtain from contracting with non-utility suppliers. The tariff changes enable Michigan utilities to charge a fee to electric customers choosing non-utility suppliers in order to recover certain stranded costs. ESI has experienced some customer attrition as a result of the tariff changes and higher wholesale energy prices, which has negatively impacted its margin. In the third quarter of 2005, ESI realized a $2.8 million gain from the sale of power that was intended to supply customers that chose to return to utility suppliers, representing 30-40% of ESI's current Michigan load. The increase in margin in Ohio was due to improved supply pricing compared to the fixed sales price, while the margin increase in Maine was due to additional load and better supply management. The margin attributed to wholesale electric operations decreased $3.7 million, driven primarily by a decrease in the margin contributed by portfolio optimization strategies. Period-by-period variability in the margin contributed by these activities is expected due to constantly changing market conditions and timing of gain and loss recognition on certain transactions pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles.

PDI's Segment Operations
    
PDI's Operating Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Millions)
 
 2005
 2004 Change 
        
Nonregulated other revenues 
$
167.2
 $98.5  69.7%
Nonregulated other cost of sales  
98.9
  75.4  31.2%
Margins 
$
68.3
 $23.1  195.7%

PDI's revenue increased $68.7 million (69.7%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. A $28.4 million (60.8%) increase in revenue at Sunbury was primarily related to more opportunities to sell power into the market (made possible by the expiration of a fixed price outtake contract on December 31, 2004, and higher energy market prices). Sunbury's sales volumes were flat over the prior year; however, the average price received from energy sold into the market for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was $62.55 per megawatt-hour, compared to an
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average price received from energy sold into the market of $48.39 per megawatt-hour for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and an average selling price of $26.96 per megawatt-hour to the counterparty under the fixed price outtake contract for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. A $12.9 million mark-to-market gain (net of related premium amortization) and a $1.9 million realized gain on derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits also contributed to the higher revenue. Revenue at PDI's Combined Locks Energy Center in Wisconsin increased $10.2 million, largely due to increasing energy prices and new opportunities to sell power into the MISO market in 2005. A combined $11.2 million increase in revenue was realized at PDI's steam boiler in Oregon and its Stoneman generating facility in Wisconsin. The increase in revenue from the steam boiler in Oregon was driven by higher demand for energy from the steam customer at this facility and an increase in the price of energy sold. Revenue at the Stoneman generating facility increased as a result of a two-year power sales agreement that was entered into in the second quarter of 2004.

PDI's margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased $45.2 million (195.7%), compared to the same period in 2004. Sunbury's margin improved $25.2 million (427.1%), primarily due to more opportunities to sell power into the market (discussed above). Mark-to-market and realized gains on derivative instruments utilized to protect the value of a portion of PDI's Section 29 federal tax credits drove $14.8 million of the margin increase. Higher contracted selling prices benefited PDI's Niagara facility in New York and its Westwood facility in Pennsylvania, resulting in a combined $3.8 million margin increase at these facilities.

Overview of Holding Company and Other Segment Operations

Holding Company and Other operations had earnings of $3.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in earnings was driven by an increase in equity earnings from ATC and $1.5 million of deferred financing costs that were written off in the first quarter of 2004. Pre-tax equity earnings from ATC were $17.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. These increases were partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in equity earnings from Wisconsin River Power Company (resulting from fewer land sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005) and $1.2 million of increased interest costs and deferred financing fees related to restructuring Sunbury's debt to a WPS Resources' obligation in June 2005.

Operating Expenses
    
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
WPS Resources' Operating Expenses (Millions)
 
 2005
 2004 Change 
        
Operating and maintenance expense 
$
399.4
 $394.1  1.3%
Depreciation and decommissioning expense  
119.6
  78.4  52.6%
Gain on sales of emission allowances  
(86.8
)
 -  - 
Impairment loss  
80.6
  -  - 
Taxes other than income  
35.7
  34.8  2.6%

Operating and Maintenance Expense

Operating and maintenance expenses increased $5.3 million (1.3%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. Utility operating and maintenance expenses decreased $3.2 million, primarily related to a $2.5 million decrease at WPSC. The decrease in operating and maintenance expense at WPSC was driven by a $10.0 million decrease related to Kewaunee in the third quarter of 2005, compared to the third quarter of 2004. WPSC sold its 59% interest in Kewaunee to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC on July 5, 2005, and currently purchases 59% of the output of this facility from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC through a power purchase agreement. The decrease in operating and maintenance expenses as a result of the Kewaunee sale, was partially offset by increases in transmission costs and pension and postretirement expense. The unplanned outage at Kewaunee earlier in 2005 did not significantly impact the period-over-period change in operating and maintenance
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expenses as the PSCW approved the deferral of incremental operating and maintenance expenses that were incurred as a direct result of the unplanned outage. Operating and maintenance costs of $11.6 million were deferred during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, related to this outage. Operating expenses at ESI increased $7.1 million, primarily due to higher payroll, benefits, and other costs related to continued business expansion. Operating and maintenance expenses at PDI increased $3.1 million, driven by a $1.9 million increase in operating and maintenance expense at PDI's Syracuse generation facility in New York related to costs incurred to repair damaged compressor blades, and a $0.7 million write-down of spare parts inventory at Sunbury in the second quarter of 2005. Operating expenses related to Holding Company and Other Segment operations decreased $1.3 million, driven by a decrease in legal and consulting expenses.

Depreciation and Decommissioning Expense

Depreciation and decommissioning expense increased $41.2 million (52.6%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, largely due to an increase of $40.3 million at WPSC. Approximately $38 million of the increase resulted from increased gains on decommissioning trust assets prior to the sale of Kewaunee. The remaining increase related to continued capital investment, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation that resulted from the sale of the Kewaunee assets in July 2005. Realized gains on decommissioning trust assets were partially offset by decommissioning expense pursuant to regulatory practice (see the detailed discussion in Miscellaneous Income below).

Gain on Sale of Emission Allowances

PDI completed the sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances in May 2005. The sales proceeds were $109.9 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $85.9 million. PDI also sold a small amount of Sunbury's emission allowances in the first quarter of 2005, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $0.9 million. For more information on Sunbury, see Note 4, Assets Held for Sale, to Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

Impairment Loss

The sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances in May 2005, provided PDI with more time to evaluate various options related to Sunbury. These options range from closing the plant, retaining the plant and operating it during favorable economic periods, or a future sale. Because WPS Resources is no longer committed to the sale of Sunbury as its only option, generally accepted accounting principles require all long-lived assets that were previously classified as held for sale to be reclassified as held and used at the lower of their carrying value before they were classified as held for sale adjusted for depreciation that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used, or fair value at the date the held for sale criteria was no longer met. Upon reclassification of the Sunbury plant and related assets as held and used in the second quarter of 2005, PDI recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $80.6 million. The impairment charge reflects the reduction in the fair value of the Sunbury plant without the related emission allowances. For more information on Sunbury, see Note 4, Assets Held for Sale, to Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

Other Income (Expense)
    
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
WPS Resources' Other Income (Expense) (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Miscellaneous income 
$
62.8
 $20.8  201.9%
Interest expense  
(56.2
)
 (44.2) 27.1%
Minority interest  
3.4
  2.3  47.8%
Other income (expense) 
$
10.0
 $(21.1) - 

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Miscellaneous Income

Miscellaneous income increased $42.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. Approximately $38 million of the increase in miscellaneous income related to realized gains on the nonqualified nuclear decommissioning trust assets. The nonqualified decommissioning trust assets were placed in more conservative investments in the second quarter of 2005 in anticipation of the sale of Kewaunee, which was completed on July 5, 2005. Pursuant to regulatory practice, the increase in miscellaneous income related to the realized gains was offset by an increase in decommissioning expense. Overall, the change in the investment strategy for the nonqualified decommissioning trust assets had no impact on income available for common shareholders. An increase of $6.2 million in equity earnings from WPS Resources' investment in ATC and a $1.5 million write-off in the first quarter of 2004 of previously deferred financing costs associated with the redemption of the trust preferred securities also contributed to the increase in miscellaneous income. The increases were partially offset by a $2.6 million higher loss recognized by PDI from its investments in a synthetic fuel producing facility and a $1.4 million decrease in equity earnings from Wisconsin River Power Company (resulting from fewer land sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004). The increased loss related to the synthetic fuel producing facility was driven by more production being allocated to PDI's subsidiary (ECO Coal Pelletization #12 LLC) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004 and an increase in the cost of fuel produced from this facility.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $12.0 million (27.1%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in interest expense was primarily related to terminating the interest rate swap pertaining to Sunbury's non-recourse debt obligation in the second quarter of 2005. The interest rate swap was previously designated as a cash flow hedge and, as a result, the mark-to-market losses were recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. WPS Resources is required to recognize the amount accumulated within other comprehensive income as a component of interest expense when the hedged transactions (future interest payments on debt) are no longer probable of occurring. As a result, the restructuring of the Sunbury non-recourse debt to a WPS Resources' obligation in June 2005 triggered the recognition of $9.1 million of interest expense related to the mark-to-market value of the swap at the date of restructuring. The remaining increase in interest expense was primarily related to an increase in the average level of short-term debt outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004.

Minority Interest

The increase in minority interest occurred because the minority owner of PDI's subsidiary, ECO Coal Pelletization #12 LLC, was not allocated any production from the synthetic fuel facility for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 23.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to 19.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Although more tax credits were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, the effective tax rate increased as a result of a 73.2% increase in income before taxes.

Generally accepted accounting principles require our year-to-date interim effective tax rate to reflect our projected annual effective tax rate. As a result, we estimate the effective tax rate for the year and, based upon year-to-date pre-tax earnings, record tax expense for the period to reflect the projected annual effective tax rate. Therefore, although Section 29 federal tax credits are produced approximately ratably throughout the year, the amount of credits reflected in the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, and 2004, was based upon the projected annual effective tax rate and year-to-date pre-tax earnings.
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Our ownership interest in the synthetic fuel operation resulted in recognizing the tax benefit of Section 29 federal tax credits totaling $24.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, and $15.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. As noted above, the amount of Section 29 federal tax credits recognized is based upon the estimated annual effective tax rate and is not necessarily reflective of tax credits produced during the period. For the year ending December 31, 2005, we expect to recognize the benefit of Section 29 federal tax credits totaling approximately $25.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we recognized the benefit of Section 29 federal tax credits totaling $27.8 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - WPS RESOURCES

We believe that our cash balances, liquid assets, operating cash flows, access to equity capital markets, and borrowing capacity made available because of strong credit ratings, when taken together, provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to expansion of existing businesses and development of new projects. However, our operating cash flows and access to capital markets can be impacted by macroeconomic factors outside of our control. In addition, our borrowing costs can be impacted by short-short-term and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies. Currently, we believe our credit ratings are among the best in the energy industry (see the "Financing Cash Flows - Credit Ratings," section below).

Operating Cash Flows

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, net cash provided by operating activities was $172.4$50.8 million, compared with $259.3$169.6 million duringfor the nine months ended September 30, 2004.same quarter in 2005. The $118.8 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was driven by changesa $113.2 million increase in cash required to fund working capital mostly at ESI. Lower wholesale sales volumesrequirements, primarily at ESI, which resulted from an increase in natural gas inventories from December 31, 2005, to March 31, 2006, compared to a decrease in natural gas inventories from December 31, 2004, to March 31, 2005. The increase in natural gas inventories is related to an increase in structured wholesale natural gas transactions in the fourthfirst quarter of 2004, compared2006 due to an increase in the fourth quartervolatility of 2003, resulted in lower receivable balances to be collected in 2005, compared to 2004. In addition, more favorablethe price of natural gas and high natural gas storage opportunities in 2005 resulted in higher inventory levels for ESI at September 30, 2005, compared to September 30, 2004.spreads.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by investing activities was $11.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $209.9 million used for investing activities was $424.1 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2006, compared to $76.4 million during the same quarter in 2005. The change is primarily due to proceeds$314.9 million of $112.5 million and $127.1 million received fromcash that was placed in escrow to finance the sale of Kewaunee and the liquidationApril 1, 2006 acquisition of the Michigan natural gas distribution operations from Aquila, and $17.6 million required to purchase emission allowances, primarily related non-qualified decommissioning trust, respectively, along with $110.9 million of proceeds fromto operations at Sunbury. Also contributing to the sale of Sunbury's emission allowances. These proceeds were partially offset byincrease in cash used for investing activities was an increase in capital expenditures of $94.3$5.6 million (mostly related to WPSC), as well as increased contributions to ATC.

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During the first ninethree months of 2005,2006, WPS Resources invested $35.4$16.1 million in ATC (related to its requirement to fund a portion of the Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, transmission line), compared to $18.0$12.1 million in the first ninethree months of 2004.2005. This increased WPS Resources' consolidated ownership interest in ATC to approximately 28%33%. WPS Resources contributed $12.6 million of capital to ECO Coal Pelletization #12 in the first nine months of 2005 compared to $12.0 million in the first nine months of 2004.
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Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures by business segment for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30March 31 are as follows:

     
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
          
Electric utility 
$
264.6
 $144.6  
$
59.1
 $53.0 
Gas utility  
25.2
  47.6   
4.4
  5.3 
ESI  
0.1
  1.2   
1.9
  1.7 
PDI  
2.9
  3.4 
Other  
0.9
  2.6   
0.4
  0.2 
WPS Resources consolidated 
$
293.7
 $199.4  
$
65.8
 $60.2 

The increase in capital expenditures at the electric utility for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2004,2005, is mainly due to higher capital expenditures associated with the construction of Weston 4. Gas utility capital expenditures decreased primarily due to the completion of the automated meter-reading project.

Dairyland Power Cooperative has confirmed its intent to purchase an interest in Weston 4, subject to a number of conditions. If the purchase is completed, electric utility expenditures made by WPSC for Weston 4 will be reduced by 30 percent. The agreement with Dairyland Power Cooperative is part of our continuing plan to provide least-cost, reliable energy for the increasing electric demand of our customers and to reduce risk. We expect to close on this transaction by the end of 2005.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by financing activities was $368.3 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to net cash used for financing activities was $196.1of $84.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $45.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.same quarter in 2005. The increasechange is primarily attributed to increased repayments$380.8 million of cash received from commercial paper borrowings in the first quarter of 2006 ($314.9 million of which was placed into escrow to finance the April 1, 2006, acquisition of the Michigan natural gas distribution operations from Aquila), with the balance used for construction expenditures related to Weston 4 and other general corporate purposes. In 2005, WPS Resources was able to pay down $76.8 million of commercial paper in 2005, partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt in 2004 using the proceedsborrowings from a 2003 issuance of common stock at WPS Resources.cash received from operating activities.

Significant Financing Activities

WPS Resources had $138.0 million inoutstanding commercial paper borrowings of $635.6 million and $202.9 million at September 30,March 31, 2006, and 2005, compared to $130.9 million inoutstanding commercial paper borrowings at September 30, 2004.respectively. WPS Resources had other outstanding short-term debt of $10.0 million and $12.7 million as of September 30,March 31, 2006, and 2005, and 2004, respectively.

In 2005the first quarter of 2006 and 2004,2005, we issued new shares of common stock under our Stock Investment Plan and under certain stock-based employee benefit and compensation plans. As a result of these plans, equity increased $26.1$6.4 million and $22.3$12.2 million infor the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2006, and 2005, and 2004, respectively. WPS Resources did not repurchase any existing common stock during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, or 2004.

On June 17, 2005, $62.9 million of non-recourse debt at a PDI subsidiary that was used to finance the purchase of Sunbury was converted to a five-year WPS Resources obligation in connection with the sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances. An additional $2.7 million drawn on a line of credit at PDI was rolled into the five-year WPS Resources obligation. The floating interest rate on the total five-year WPS Resources obligation of $65.6 million has been fixed at 4.595% through two interest rate swaps.

On January 19, 2004, WPSC retired $49.9 million of its 7.125% series first mortgage bonds. These bonds had an original maturity date of July 1, 2023.
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On January 8, 2004, WPS Resources retired $50.0 million of its 7.0% trust preferred securities. As a result of this transaction, WPSR Capital Trust I, a Delaware business trust, was dissolved.2005.

Credit Ratings

WPS Resources and WPSC use internally generated funds and commercial paper borrowings to satisfy most of their capital requirements. WPS Resources also periodically issues long-term debt and common stock to reduce short-term debt, maintain desired capitalization ratios, and fund future growth. WPS Resources may seek nonrecourse financing for funding nonregulated acquisitions. WPS Resources' commercial paper borrowing program provides for working capital requirements of the nonregulated businesses and UPPCO. WPSC has its own commercial paper borrowing program. WPSC also periodically issues long-term debt, receives equity contributions from WPS Resources, and makes payments for return of capital to WPS Resources to reduce short-term debt, fund future growth, and

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maintain capitalization ratios as authorized by the PSCW. The specific forms of long-term financing, amounts, and timing depend on the availability of projects, market conditions, and other factors.

The current credit ratings for WPS Resources and WPSC are listed in the table below.
   
Credit RatingsStandard & Poor'sMoody's
WPS Resources
   Senior unsecured debt
   Commercial paper
   Credit facility
 
A
A-1
-
 
A1
P-1
A1
WPSC
   Senior secured debt
   Preferred stock
   Commercial paper
   Credit facility
 
A+
A-
A-1
-
 
Aa2
A2
P-1
Aa3

In JanuarySeptember 2005, Standard & Poor's downgraded its ratings for WPSC one level to the rating identified above and established a negative outlook. At the same time, Standard & Poor's affirmed WPS Resources' ratings but changed the outlook from stable to negative. In taking these actions, Standard & Poor's cited WPSC's substantial capital spending program and the risk profile of WPS Resources' nonregulated businesses.

In September 2005, Standard & Poor’shad placed all of WPS Resources’Resources' and WPSC’sWPSC's credit ratings on CreditWatch with negative implications as a result of WPS Resources’Resources' announcement that it entered into a definitive agreement with Aquila Inc. to acquire Aquila'sits natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Minnesota. AlthoughHowever, in January 2006, Standard & Poor’s notedPoor's removed WPS Resources and WPSC from CreditWatch and affirmed WPS Resources' "A" corporate credit rating and "A" senior unsecured debt rating. Also, the corporate credit ratings of WPSC were affirmed at "A+." Standard & Poor's stated that the consolidated ratings of WPS Resources’ businessResources reflected the strength and cash flow stability of its utility subsidiaries and the two relatively low risk profile couldnatural gas utilities being acquired. Standard & Poor's outlook continues to be strengthened withnegative for WPS Resources and WPSC as the inclusioncompanies have several events that must be successfully completed before the companies' performance can be considered stable. WPS Resources must successfully complete the integration of the additionalretail natural gas distribution utilities, they will not removeoperations acquired in Michigan and also the CreditWatch with negative implications until meeting with the company to assess the assets to be acquired, better understand the integration strategy, and review a new financial forecast that incorporates the two proposedretail natural gas acquisitions.operations being acquired in Minnesota, and WPSC must complete the construction of Weston 4 on time and on budget.

Similarly, inIn September 2005, Moody’sMoody's announced no change to the current ratings as a result of WPS Resources' announcement that it entered into a definitive agreement with Aquila to acquire its natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Minnesota, but changed the rating outlook for WPS Resources and WPSC from stable to negative, citing a potential risk that the company’scompany's leverage may increase over the next several years.

Still, weWe believe these ratings continue to be among the best in the energy industry and allow us to access commercial paper and long-term debt markets on favorable terms. Credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, are subject to change, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Rating agencies use a number of both quantitative and qualitative measures in determining a company's credit rating. These measures include but are not limited to, business risk, liquidity risk, competitive
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position, capital mix, financial condition, predictability of cash flows, management strength, and future direction. Some of the quantitative measures can be analyzed through a few key financial ratios, while the qualitative measures are more subjective.

WPS Resources and WPSC hold credit lines to back 100% of their commercial paper borrowing and letters of credit. These credit facilities are based on a credit rating of A-1/P-1 for both WPS Resources' commercial paperResources and A-1/P-1 for WPSC's commercial paper.WPSC. A significant decrease in the commercial paper credit ratings could adversely affect the companies by increasing the interest rates at which they can borrow and potentially limiting their accessthe availability of funds to fundsthe companies through the commercial paper market. A restriction in the companies' ability to use commercial paper borrowing to meet working capital needs would require them to secure funds through alternate sources resulting in higher interest expense, higher credit line fees, and a potential delay in the availability of funds.

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ESI maintains underlying agreements to support its electric and natural gas trading operations. In the event of a deterioration of WPS Resources' credit rating, many of these agreements allow the counterparty to demand additional assurance of payment. This provision could pertain to existing business, new business, or both with the counterparty. The additional assurance requirements could be met with letters of credit, surety bonds, or cash deposits and would likely result in WPS Resources being required to maintain increased bank lines of credit or incur additional expenses, and could restrict the amount of business ESI canwould be able to conduct.

ESI uses the NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and over-the-counter financial markets to hedgemitigate its exposure to physical customer obligations. These hedgescontracts are closely correlated to the customer contracts, but price movements on the hedge contracts may require financial backing. Certain movements in price for contracts through the NYMEX exchange require posting of cash deposits equal to the market move. For the over-the-counter market, the underlying contract may allow the counterparty to require additional collateral to cover the net financial differential between the original contract price and the current forward market. Increased requirements related to market price changes usually only result in a temporary liquidity need that will unwind as the sales contracts are fulfilled.

Future Capital Requirements and Resources

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the contractual obligations of WPS Resources, including its subsidiaries.
                  
   Payments Due By Period    Payments Due By Period 
Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2005
(Millions)
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2006
(Millions)
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
                      
Long-term debt principal and interest payments $1,276.2 $28.1 $111.0 $262.0 $875.1  $1,248.2 $55.4 $111.7 $312.4 $768.7 
Operating leases  23.9 1.4 7.5 5.8 9.2   21.4 3.4 7.2 4.8 6.0 
Commodity purchase obligations  6,188.3 1,601.8 3,091.7 577.7 917.1   6,928.9 3,220.2 2,264.3 722.3 722.1 
Purchase orders  485.7 270.4 184.4 30.9 -   543.1 421.8 120.5 0.8 - 
Capital contributions to equity method investment  168.7 27.6 134.1 7.0 -   62.9 23.8 39.1 - - 
Other  419.0 30.6 89.6 49.7 249.1   383.8 45.0 72.4 38.9 227.5 
Total contractual cash obligations $8,561.8 $1,959.9 $3,618.3 $933.1 $2,050.5  $9,188.3 $3,769.6 $2,615.2 $1,079.2 $1,724.3 

Long-term debt principal and interest payments represent bonds issued, notes issued, and loans made to WPS Resources and its subsidiaries. We record all principal obligations on the balance sheet. Commodity purchase obligations represent mainly commodity purchase contracts of WPS Resources and its subsidiaries. Energy supply contracts at ESI included as part of commodity purchase obligations are generally entered into to meet obligations to deliver energy to customers. WPSC and UPPCO expect to
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recover the costs of their contracts in future customer rates. Purchase orders include obligations related to normal business operations and large construction obligations, including 100% of Weston 4 obligations; however, we expectobligations. The sale of a 30% interest in Weston 4 to DPC was completed in November 2005, but WPSC retains the legal obligation to initially remit payment to third parties for 100% of all construction costs incurred, 30% of these costswhich will subsequently be billed to be paid by Dairyland Power Cooperative after the close of Dairyland’s purchase of 30% of Weston 4, which is expected to close late in the year. Included in the purchase orders listed in the table above, is $301.2 million related to Weston 4 purchase obligations.DPC. Capital contributions to equity method investment include our commitment to fund a portion of theATC's Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, transmission line.line together with ATC. Other mainly represents expected pension and postretirement funding obligations. The table above does not reflect obligations under the definitive agreementagreements with Aquila Inc. to acquire Aquila’sits natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Minnesota. Other mainly represents expected pensionMinnesota, which are discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions and postretirement funding obligations.Sales of Assets," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

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Capital Requirements

WPSC makes large investments in capital assets. Net construction expenditures are expected to be approximately $1.0 billion$906.4 million in the aggregate for the 20052006 through 20072008 period. The largest of these expenditures is for the construction of Weston 4, for which4. WPSC is expected to incur costs of $419approximately $278 million between 2005from 2006 through 2007, assuming2008 related to its 70% ownership after the expected purchase of a 30% interest in Weston 4 by Dairyland Power Cooperative.this facility.

As part of its regulated utility operations, on September 26, 2003, WPSC submitted an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to the PSCW seeking approval to construct Weston 4, a 500-megawatt coal-fired generation facility near Wausau, Wisconsin. The facility is estimated to cost approximately $779 million (including the acquisition of coal trains), of which WPSC will beis responsible for slightly more than 70% assuming Dairyland Power Cooperative purchases their expected(approximately $549 million) of the costs. In November 2005, DPC purchased a 30% ownership interest in Weston 4. Through September 30, 2005,4, remitting proceeds of $95.1 million for its share of the construction costs (including carrying charges) as of the closing date of the sale. WPSC is responsible for slightly more than 70% of the costs because of certain common facilities that will be installed as part of the project. WPSC will have a larger than 70% interest in these common facilities. DPC will be billed by WPSC for 30% of all remaining costs to complete the construction of the plant. As of March 31, 2006, WPSC has incurred a total cost of $295$316.6 million related to thisits ownership interest in the project. In addition to the costs discussed above, WPSC expects to incur additional construction costs through the date the plant goes into service of about $75approximately $66 million to fund construction of the transmission facilities required to support Weston 4. ATC will reimburse WPSC for the construction costs of thethese transmission facilities and related carrying costs when Weston 4 becomes commercially operational, which is expected to occur in June 2008.

On October 7, 2004, we received the final PSCW order granting authority to proceed with construction of Weston 4, contingent upon receipt of an air permit. The air permit was issued by the WDNR on October 19, 2004. We believe the air permit is one of the most stringent in the nation, which means that Weston 4 will be one of the cleanest plants of its kind in the United States. Construction began in October 2004. On November 15, 2004, a petition was filed with the WDNR contesting the air permit issued. On December 2, 2004, the WDNR granted the petition and forwarded the matter to the Division of Hearings and Appeals. Construction continues, and a contested case hearing on the air permit was held in September 2005. A decision from the Administrative Law Judge is expected in January 2006.
Other significant anticipated construction expenditures for WPSC during thisthe three-year period (20052006 through 2007) include:

·  mercury and pollution control projects - $84 million
·  corporate services infrastructures - $34 million
2008 include approximately $361 million of distribution projects (including replacement of utility poles, transformers, meters, etc.), environmental projects of approximately $167 million, other expenditures at WPSC generation plants to ensure continued reliability of these facilities of approximately $59 million, and corporate services infrastructure projects of approximately $33 million.

On April 18, 2003, the PSCW approved WPSC's request to transfer its interest in the Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, transmission line to the ATC. WPS Resources committed to fund 50% of total project costs incurred up to $198 million, andmillion. WPS Resources will receive additional equity in the ATC in exchange for the project funding. WPS Resources may terminate funding if the project extends beyond January 1, 2010. On December 19, 2003, WPSC and ATC received approval to continueThe total cost of the project is estimated at a revised cost estimate of $420.3 million to reflect additional costs for the project resulting from time delays, added regulatory requirements, changes and additions to the project, and ATC overhead costs. The final portion ofit is expected that the line is expected towill be completed and placed in service in 2008. WPS Resources has the right, but not the obligation, to provide additional funding in excess of $198 million up to 50% of the revised cost estimate. However, WPS Resources' future funding of the line will be reduced by the amount funded by Allete, Inc. Allete has anexercised its option to fund a portion of this commitmentthe Wausau to Duluth transmission line. WPSC and intendsAllete agreed that Allete will fund up to fund $60 million byof future capital calls for the end of 2006. This would ultimately decrease the amount of additional equity WPS Resources has in the ATC. Forline. Considering this, for the period 2005January 2006 through 2009,the completion of the line in 2008, WPS Resources expects to fund up to approximately $176$61 million for
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its portion of the Wausau to Duluth transmission line assuming Allete, Inc. does not exercise its option, and approximately $116 million if Allete does exercise its option. The $176 million of capital contributions includes approximately $35 million of contributions made to the ATC in the first nine months of 2005.line.

WPS Resources expects to provide additional capital contributions to ATC of approximately $53$78 million for the period 20052006 through 20072008 for other projects, assuming Allete does not exercise its option. If Allete does exercise its option, this amount will be reduced to $46 million.projects.

UPPCO is expected to incur construction expenditures of about $49$48 million in the aggregate for the period 20052006 through 2007,2008, primarily for electric distribution improvements and repairs and safety measures at hydroelectric facilities.

Capital expenditures identified at PDIESI for 20052006 through 20072008 are expected to be approximately $3 million.

Capital expenditures identified at ESI for 2005 through 2007 are expected to be approximately $8$16 million, largely due to expenditures related to Advantage Energy,scheduled major maintenance projects at ESI's generation facilities and computer equipment related to business expansion and normal technology upgrades.

All projected capital and investment expenditures are subject to periodic review and revision and may vary significantly from the estimates depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to,

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industry restructuring, regulatory constraints, acquisition opportunities, market volatility, and economic trends. Other capital expenditures for WPS Resources and its subsidiaries for 20052006 through 20072008 could be significant depending on its success in pursuing development and acquisition opportunities. When appropriate, WPS Resources may seek nonrecourse financing for a portion of the cost of these acquisitions.

Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, both WPS Resources and WPSC were in compliance with all of the covenants under their lines of credit and other debt obligations.

For the period 20052006 through 2007,2008, WPS Resources plans to use internally generated funds net of forecasted dividend payments, cash proceeds from asset sales, and debt and equity financings to fund capital requirements. WPS Resources plans to maintain current debt to equity ratios at appropriate levels to support current credit ratings and corporate growth. Management believes WPS Resources has adequate financial flexibility and resources to meet its future needs.

In April 2006, WPS Resources filed a shelf registration under the SEC new securities offering reform rules for the ability to issue debt, equity, and certain types of hybrid securities. This shelf registration statement includes the unused capacity remaining under WPS Resources' prior registration statement. Specific terms and conditions of securities issued will be determined prior to the actual issuance of any specific security. Under the new SEC securities offering reform rules, WPS Resources will be able to issue securities under this registration statement for three years. WPS Resources' Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of up to $700 million of equity, debt, or other securities under this shelf registration statement.

In April 2006, ESI entered into a $150 million credit agreement to finance its margin requirements related to natural gas and electric contracts traded on the NYMEX and the Intercontinental Exchange. Future borrowings under this agreement will be guaranteed by WPS Resources and subject to the aggregate $1.5 billion guarantee limit authorized for ESI by WPS Resources' Board of Directors.

In March 2006, WPS Resources entered into a $47 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with Citibank, N.A. The credit agreement supports two letters of credit for ESI business operations and will mature on May 31, 2006. This credit agreement has representations and covenants that are similar to those in our existing credit facilities.

In November 2005, WPS Resources entered into two unsecured revolving credit agreements of $557.5 million and $300 million with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank and Bank of America Securities LLC. These credit facilities are bridge facilities intended to backup commercial paper borrowings related to the purchase of the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila and to support purchase price adjustments related to working capital at the time of the closing of the transactions. The capacity under the bridge facilities will be reduced by the amount of proceeds from any long-term financing we complete, with the exception of proceeds from the November 2005 equity offering. The credit agreements will be further reduced as permanent or replacement financing is secured. Under the $300 million credit agreement, loans cannot exceed the purchase price adjustments in connection with the Aquila acquisitions and no more than $200 million can be borrowed for purchase price adjustments related to the first acquisition. Under the $300 million facility, these loan commitments will be reduced by one-third 90 days after the consummation of the applicable acquisition with the remaining two-thirds due 180 days after the consummation of the applicable acquisition (or earlier if long-term financing or replacement credit agreements are executed). Both of these credit agreements mature on September 5, 2007. These credit agreements have representations and covenants that are similar to those in our existing credit facilities. On March 31, 2006, in order to meet short-term financing requirements related to the acquisition of the Michigan natural gas operations from Aquila, WPS Resources issued $269.5 million of commercial paper supported by the $557.5 million credit agreement and $45.4 million of commercial paper supported by the $300 million credit agreement. See

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Note 4, "Acquisitions and Sales of Assets," for more information related to the purchase of Aquila's Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations.

In November 2005, WPS Resources entered into a forward equity sale agreement with an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as forward purchaser, relating to 2.7 million shares of WPS Resources' common stock. In connection with the forward agreement, and at WPS Resources' request, J.P. Morgan Securities borrowed an equal number of shares of WPS Resources' common stock from stock lenders and sold the borrowed shares to the public. Subject to certain exceptions, WPS Resources has the abilityright to issue upelect physical or cash settlement of the forward sale agreement on a date or dates to $450.0be specified by WPS Resources within approximately one year of the date of the original public offering. WPS Resources expects to physically settle the forward agreement and use the proceeds to partially finance the acquisition of the Michigan natural gas distribution operations from Aquila, the proposed acquisition of the Minnesota natural gas distribution operations of Aquila, and for general corporate purposes. If the forward agreement would have been physically settled by delivery of shares at March 31, 2006, WPS Resources would have received $139.0 million, based on the March 31, 2006, forward share price of debt$51.49 per share for the 2.7 million shares, net of underwriting discounts and commissions. The forward equity agreement had no initial fair value. At settlement, the forward equity sale agreement will be recorded within equity. The use of a forward agreement allows WPS Resources to avoid market uncertainty by pricing a stock offering under its currently effective shelf registration statement. WPSC hasthen existing market conditions, while mitigating share dilution by postponing the ability to issue up to an additional $375.0 millionissuance of debt under its currently effective shelf registration statements.stock until funds are needed.

OnIn June 2, 2005, WPS Resources entered into an unsecured $500 million 5-year credit agreement. This revolving credit line replaces the former 364-day credit line facilities, which had a borrowing capacity of $400 million. WPSC also entered into a new 5-year credit facility, for $115 million, to replace its former 364-day credit line facility for the same amount. The credit lines are used to back 100% of WPS Resources' and WPSC's commercial paper borrowing programs and the majority of letters of credit for WPS Resources and WPSC. As of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, there was a total of $404.5$167.2 million and $79.2$28.2 million available under WPS Resources' and WPSC's credit lines, respectively.

In May 2005, PDI entered into transactions with multiple counterparties to sell the allocated emission allowances associated with Sunbury. In July 2005, WPSC sold its portion of Kewaunee. A portion of the proceeds from the Kewaunee sale was used to retire short-term debt at WPSC. The remainder of the proceeds from the sale of both the Sunbury emissions allowances and Kewaunee will be used by WPS Resources for investing activities and general corporate purposes of its subsidiaries, including reducing the amount of outstanding debt. For more information regarding these sales, see the discussion below under Other Future Considerations.
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WPS Resources intends to sign bridge credit agreements of $557.5 million and $300 million in early November 2005. The bridge facilities are intended to backup commercial paper borrowing related to the purchase of the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila and to support purchase price adjustments related to working capital at the time of the closing of the transactions. The capacity under the bridge facilities will be reduced by the amount of proceeds from any long-term financing we complete prior to closing, with the exception of proceeds from a common stock sale scheduled to occur prior to signing the purchase agreements. The credit agreements will be further reduced as permanent or replacement financing is secured at the time of closing the transactions, and will expire by September 2007. The bridge credit agreements have representations and covenants that are similar to those in our existing credit facilities.

WPS Resources plans to permanently finance the acquisition of the Michigan and Minnesota natural gas distribution operations from Aquila with a combination of debt and equity.

Other Future Considerations

Agreement to Purchase Aquila's Michigan and Minnesota Natural Gas Distribution Operations

On September 21, 2005, WPS Resources, through wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into two definitive agreements with Aquila Inc. to acquireFor an update on the acquisition of Aquila's natural gas distribution operationsNatural Gas Distribution Operations in Michigan and Minnesota, for approximately $558 million, exclusivesee Note 4, "Acquisition and Sales of direct costs of the acquisition. The purchase price also excludes certain adjustments related to working capital, including accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, inventory, and certain other current assets. The purchase price is also subject to certain other closing and post-closing adjustments, primarily net plant adjustments.

The Minnesota natural gas assets provide natural gas distribution service to about 200,000 customers throughout the state in 165 cities and communities including Grand Rapids, Pine City, Rochester, and Dakota County with 226 employees. Annual natural gas throughput is approximately 761 million therms per year, which is almost as large as WPS Resources' existing regulated natural gas operations. The assets operate under a cost-of-service environment and are currently allowed an 11.71% return on equity on a 50% equity component of the regulatory capital structure.

The Michigan natural gas assets provide natural gas distribution service to about 161,000 customers, mainly in southern Michigan in 147 cities and communities including Otsego, Grand Haven, and Monroe with 182 employees. Annual natural gas throughput is approximately 360 million therms per year. Like Minnesota, the assets also operate under a cost-of-service environment and are currently allowed an 11.4% return on equity on a 45% equity component of the regulatory capital structure.

WPS Resources plans that permanent financing for the acquisition will be raised through the issuance of a combination of equity and long-term debt.

The transaction is subject to various state and other regulatory approvals, including approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, and is subject to compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Assuming all approvals are obtained in a timely manner, WPS Resources anticipates closing the transactions in the first half of 2006.

Excluding one-time integration costs, the transaction is expected to be accretive to WPS Resources' earnings over the first 12 months following the close of the acquisition. WPS Resources anticipates maintaining its current dividend policy following the closing.

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AssetsSunbury."

WPS Resources made capital contributions of $1.0 million to Sunbury during the first nine months of 2005. In 2004, WPS Resources made capital contributions of $24.5 million to Sunbury, all during the first nine months of 2004. Contributions made in the first nine months of 2005 were necessary to meet certain working capital requirements. In 2004, WPS Resources' Board of Directors granted authorization to contribute up to $32.8 million of capital to Sunbury. At September 30, 2005, $7.3 million of the originally authorized amount remains available for contribution. Financial results for Sunbury have improved in 2005, compared to 2004, primarily due to more opportunities to sell power into the market as the result of the expiration of a fixed price outtake contract on December 31, 2004. Current energy market prices are significantly higher than the fixed price received under the expired contract.

The sale of Sunbury's allocated emission allowances was completed in May 2005. Total sales proceeds of $109.9 million were utilized by Sunbury to eliminate its nonrecourse debt obligation, which provided PDI with flexibility to consider various alternatives for the plant. All available solid fuel units at the Sunbury plant were operated through September 30, 2005, due to favorable market conditions. Should market conditions decline, PDI will consider placing the plant in a stand-by mode of operation, which will serve to minimize future operating expenses while maintaining several options for the plant (including closing the plant, retaining the plant and operating it during favorable economic periods, or a potential future sale of the plant). Dispatching Sunbury in a stand-by mode of operation will help focus production on higher-priced periods, generally in the winter and mid-summer months. The success of a stand-by mode of operation will depend on Sunbury's ability to minimize costs during non-operating periods. Current projections show Sunbury dispatching and achieving positive cash flows for the remainder of the year; therefore, it appears that the authorized level of capital available to meet the cash flow needs of Sunbury is sufficient through 2005.

Kewaunee

In early July 2005, Kewaunee returned to service following an unplanned outage that began in February 2005. As approved by the PSCW and FERC, WPSC deferred outage costs associated with incremental fuel, purchased power, and operating and maintenance costs.

On July 5, 2005, WPSC completed the sale of its 59% ownership interest in Kewaunee to a subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. At the same time, Wisconsin Power and Light Company sold its 41% ownership interest to Dominion. The major benefits of the sale for WPSC included shifting financial risk from utility customers and shareholders to Dominion, greater certainty of future costs, and the return of nonqualified decommissioning funds to customers.

WPSC's share of the cash proceeds from the sale was $112.5 million. Dominion received the assets in WPSC's qualified decommissioning trust and assumed responsibility for the eventual decommissioning of Kewaunee. These trust assets had a pre-tax fair value of $243.6 million at closing. WPSC retained ownership of the assets contained in its nonqualified decommissioning trust. The sale of Kewaunee resulted in a loss of $12.1 million, which equals the proceeds from the sale less the net assets sold, adjusted by several additional items. The most significant of these adjustments is the fair value of an indemnity issued to cover certain costs Dominion may incur related to the recent unplanned outage. In addition, the adjustments included certain costs related to the termination of the plant operating agreement and withdrawal from WPS Resources' investment in the Nuclear Management Company ("NMC"), which served as the licensed operator of Kewaunee. WPSC has received approval from the PSCW for deferral of the loss resulting from this transaction and related costs. WPSC has proposed that proceeds of $127.1 million received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust assets be refunded to customers, net of the loss on the sale of the plant assets and costs related to the 2004 and 2005 Kewaunee outages.

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Beaver Falls

PDI'sFor a discussion of Beaver Falls generation facility in New York has been out of service since late June 2005. An unplanned outage, was caused by the failure of the first stage turbine blades. At this time, inclusive of estimated insurance recoveries, PDI estimates that it will cost between $3see Note 10, "Commitments and $5 million to repair the turbine and replace the damaged blades. If the estimated repair costs are subsequently revised upward or the repair costs are not fully recoverable through insurance, then a possibility exists that the repairs either will not be made or will cause the undiscounted cash flows related to future operations to be insufficient to recover the carrying value of the plant, resulting in an impairment. The carrying value of the Beaver Falls generation facility at September 30, 2005 is $18.6 million.Contingencies."

Asset Management Strategy

WPS Resources is finalizing its sales strategycontinues to evaluate alternatives for the sale of the balance of itsour identified real estate holdings no longer needed for operations.operation.
 
Regulatory Matters and Rate Trends

Under the prevailing Wisconsin fuel rules, WPSC's 2006 electric rates are subject to adjustment when electric generation fuel and purchased power costs fall outside of a pre-determined band. This band was set at +2.0% and -0.5%, for 2006 by the PSCW. On March 8, 2006, the PSCW filed a notice of proceeding to review fuel rates as WPSC fuel costs were below the  -0.5% limit. On April 25, 2006, WPSC filed with the PSCW a stipulation and agreement with various interveners to refund a portion of the difference between fuel costs that were projected in the 2006 Wisconsin retail rate case and actual Wisconsin retail fuel costs incurred from January through March 2006 as well as the projected savings in April through June 2006. This refund will be a credit to customers' bills over the months of May 2006 to August 2006. A current liability of $9.4 million has been recorded at March 31, 2006 for a portion of the

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savings realized through March 31. Rates remain subject to refund under the agreement through the end of the year.

Because a significant portion of WPSC's electric load is served by natural gas-fired generation, the volatile nature of natural gas prices, and the relatively narrow tolerance band in Wisconsin, the likelihood for future rate adjustment in 2006 is strong. To mitigate the risk of the potential for unrecoverable fuel costs in 2006 due to market price volatility, WPSC is employing risk management techniques pursuant to its PSCW approved Risk Plan and Policy, including the use of derivative instruments such as futures and options.

The price of natural gas is currently high compared to historical levels. While the WPSC natural gas utility is authorized one-for-one recovery of prudently incurred natural gas costs in both the Wisconsin and Michigan jurisdictions, the currently high natural gas rates could impact the ability of retail customers to pay for natural gas service and, therefore, increase WPSC's exposure to write-offs during 2006.
In WPSC's 2006 retail electric rate proceeding, the PSCW applied a "financial harm" test when considering the rate recovery of deferred costs previously authorized for accounting purposes. While the application of a financial harm test is authorized, it has not been applied in the past by the PSCW when considering the rate recovery of costs that were previously authorized for deferral. In WPSC's 2006 rate proceeding, after applying the financial harm test, the PSCW disallowed rate recovery of the 2004 extended outage at Kewaunee. The PSCW also disallowed recovery of 50% of the pre-tax loss realized on the sale of Kewaunee. None of these disallowed costs were found to be imprudent by the PSCW. In light of the PSCW's decision, WPSC still believes it is probable that all regulatory assets recorded at March 31, 2006, will be able to be collected from ratepayers.

For a discussion of regulatory considerations,filings and decisions, see Note 16, "Regulatory Environment.," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

In both 2005 and 2006, forecasting and monitoring fuel costs have become extremely difficult for both the PSCW and WPSC. These challenges can be attributed to the implementation of the MISO Day 2 market and the recent volatility in natural gas prices. The PSCW has received several applications from various Wisconsin electric utilities under the PSC Chapter 116 fuel rules for large rate increases due to increased gas prices, and, on February 7, 2006, the PSCW opened a docket to review the fuel rules. WPSC submitted comments in hopes that revisions will be made to the current fuel rules. WPSC believes that the PSCW's role should be one of approving a utility's overall fuel cost management plan and determining prudence after the fact.

Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act

On March 17, 2006, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed Senate Bill 459, the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act, requiring that by 2015 10% of the state's electricity be generated from renewable sources, in an effort to increase the use of renewable energy in Wisconsin, promote the development of renewable energy technologies, and strengthen the state's energy efficiency programs. As of March 31, 2006, approximately 4% of WPS Resources' generation is from renewable sources. WPS Resources continuously evaluates alternatives for cost effective renewable energy sources and will secure reliable and efficient renewable energy sources to meet the 10% requirement by 2015.

Industry Restructuring - Michigan

-Ohio-

In May 1999, the Ohio Legislature passed Senate Bill 3, which introduced market-based rates and instituted competitive retail electric services. The bill also established a market development period beginning January 1, 2001, and extending no later than December 31, 2005, after which rates would be set at market-based prices. During this market development period, ESI had contracted to be the supplier for approximately 100,000 residential, small commercial, and government facilities in the FirstEnergy service areas under the State of Ohio provisions for Opt-out Electric Aggregation Programs.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio requested the Ohio electric distribution utilities to file rate stabilization plans covering the 2006-2008 time period to avoid rate shock at the end of the market development period. A plan submitted by FirstEnergy establishes electric rates for consumers beginning in 2006 if a competitive bid auction ordered by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio does not produce better benefits. The price resulting from an auction conducted on December 8, 2004, was inadequate. Because the FirstEnergy plan is priced lower than current market power prices, ESI will discontinue service to customers of the existing aggregation programs after the expiration of those contracts in December 2005. For 2006, the loss of these customers is estimated to have a $3.8 million negative impact on ESI's gross margin.

On September 23, 2004, an Ohio House Bill was introduced, proposing change to the electric restructuring law. The bill proposes to give the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio explicit authority to implement rate stabilization plans in certain circumstances. Recent news releases indicate an increased momentum in the Ohio General Assembly for legislation that would make major changes to Senate Bill 3 in 2005.

The Ohio Senate held meetings during March 2005 to hear from all parties involved as they develop a statewide energy policy (natural gas and electric). The Senate heard and considered such issues as rolling back Senate Bill 3, pushing ahead with electric deregulation, and the need for rate-based utility construction of new power plants in the state. In addition to the electric issues, the Senate also heard about natural gas issues. ESI participated and testified, urging the Senate to move forward to implement a competitive environment. If the regulatory climate and market allow, ESI may bring electric power market opportunities to Ohio communities for 2007.

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-Michigan-

Under the current Electric Choice program in Michigan, ESI through its Michigan subsidiary, has established itself as a significant supplier to the industrial and commercial markets. However, recentprolonged high wholesale energy prices coupled with bothrecently approved and pending tariff changes for the regulated utilities have significantly loweredalmost eliminated the savings customers can obtain from contracting with non-utility suppliers. As a result, many customers have returned to the bundled tariff service of the incumbent utility.utilities. The high wholesale energy prices and tariff changes have caused a reduction in new business and renewals for ESI, decreasing contracted demand levels fromESI. ESI's Michigan retail electric business for the first quarter of 2006 declined to less than one-third the peak megawatts it was in 2005. However, both

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Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy have initiated proceedings before the MPSC for rate increases relating to the recovery of substantial power supply costs incurred but not included in rates in 2005. In addition, Electric Choice advocates continue their efforts at both the MPSC and the Legislature. These efforts focus on the removal and reversal of stranded cost charges and securing a high of approximately 900 megawatts to a current level of 465 megawatts. The MPSC is expected to provide orders in two significant proceedings by the end of the year that will clarify the outlookcorresponding energy benefit for Electric Choice.Choice customers who must pay Securitization and Nuclear Decommissioning charges.

The status of Michigan's electric markets hasand more specifically the MPSC's Capacity Needs Report of January 3, 2006, have been the subject of hearings in both the Senate and House Energy Committees. However,In addition, on April 6, 2006, Governor Granholm issued an Executive Directive instructing MPSC Chair Peter Lark to complete a state energy plan no newlater than December 31, 2006. If legislation has been proposed to date. The Senate bills that were introduced in 2004 contained provisions that would have substantially harmedrolling back the Electric Choice market and returned Michigan to a model of the regulated supply monopoly. If similar legislation is proposed and passed,enacted, it could diminish the benefits of competitive supply for Michigan business customers. The impact on ESI of all the above coupled with the volatile wholesale power market could range from maintainingsignificantly increasing Michigan business with little or no growth to an inability to re-contract any business, leading to a possible decision by ESI to exit Michigan's retail electric market and redirect resources to more vibrant markets. It is not unreasonable to expect changes, either from the legislature or the MPSC, that will have some level of negative impact on ESI, butHowever, it is unlikely that Michigan customersthe most significant stakeholder, the customer, will lose allstand for any set of the benefits of competition and revert back to a fully regulated monopoly supply.outcomes that eradicates Electric Choice. ESI is actively participating in the legislative and regulatory process in order to protect its interests in Michigan.

-MidwestExpansion of Operations into Texas

In the fourth quarter of 2005, ESI began developing a product offering in the Texas retail electric market. Due to the thriving Texas market structure (unencumbered by a regulated offering that is not market based) and having been presented with a good opportunity to enter the Texas retail market, ESI hired experienced personnel in that region. ESI is currently developing systems, processes, and controls and expects to be an approved competitive supplier before the end of the second quarter with delivery to customers in the third quarter 2006. ESI previously had a market presence in Houston with natural gas producer services originators. While historically ESI limited its retail activities to the northeastern quadrant of the United States and the adjacent portion of Canada, the entry into the Texas market offers an opportunity to leverage the infrastructure and capability ESI developed to provide products and services that it believes customers will value.

Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment

For a discussion of SECA, see the Note 16, "Regulatory Environment," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

-Section 29/45K Federal Tax Credits-

For a discussion of Section 29/45K federal tax credits, see the Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

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-Peshtigo River Land Donation-

In 2004, WPS Resources submitted a request to have the IRS conduct a pre-filing review of a tax position related to its 2004 tax return. The tax position is related to the value of the Peshtigo River land donated to the WDNR in 2004, for which WPS Resources recorded a $4.1 million income tax benefit. In April 2006, the IRS notified WPS of their intent to audit the 2004 WPSR consolidated tax return. Based on an opening discussion, a limited issue focused examination will be conducted covering several issues, including the Peshtigo River Land donation. We believe our position is appropriate and will pursue this matter if challenged by the IRS upon examination of the tax return.

Environmental

See Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of environmental considerations.

Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator-Operator

WPSC, UPPCO, and ESI are members of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO),MISO, which introduced its "Day 2" energy markets on April 1, 2005, when it began centrally dispatching wholesale electricity along with providingprovides transmission service throughout muchand operates a market in the Midwest, including Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of the Midwest. The new marketMichigan, and is based on a locational marginal pricing system, which is similar to that used by the successful PJM regional transmission organization.system. The pricing mechanism expandsexpanded the existing market from a physical market to also include financial implicationsinstruments and is intended to send price signals to stakeholders where generation or transmission system expansion is needed. This methodology is consistent with and responsive to
Although the FERC direction over the past four years to develop a standard competitive generation market. Based upon the early results of the transition, it does not appear that the new market will have a material ongoing impact on the financial results of WPS Resources. WPS Resources will continue to work closely with the MISO and the FERC to ensure that any issues are dealt with such that the financial impacthas been operating well, there continues to be minimal. WPSC has been granted approval by the PSCW to defer costs and benefits related to the new market for inclusion in future rates for its Wisconsin retail electric customers. Costs and benefits related to WPSC's and UPPCO's Michigan and wholesale electric customers will also flow through fuel adjustment mechanisms.
Although the market is running well so far, there are still market issues that must be resolved. MISO "Day 2"Day 2 has the potential to significantly impact the cost of transmission for eastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan system, including WPSC and UPPCO, as well as our marketing affiliates in the MISO footprint, such as ESI. Under this market-based approach, where there is abundant transmission capacity, overall costs should be less due to the ability to access cheaperlower cost generation from across the MISO footprint. For areas with narrowly constrained transmission capacity, such as Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, costs could be higher due to the congestion and marginal loss pricing components. For the utilities in eastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, mechanisms have been deployed to offset these potential increased costs in the first five years of the "Day 2"Day 2 market. If the market works appropriately, the costs to ESI, excluding the Seams Elimination Charge AdjustmentSECA (discussed below)in the Federal section within Note 16, "Regulatory Environment," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements), should be similar to the pre-"Day 2"pre-Day 2 market costs. If there are incremental costs or savings to WPSC and UPPCO, they wouldwill be passed through to our customers under existing tariffs.
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WPSC and UPPCO received approval from their respective commissions to defer costs associated with implementation of the MISO Day 2 market ($21.5 million has been deferred through March 31, 2006); however, WPSC and UPPCO face regulatory risk associated with being able to collect these costs from customers in future periods.

WPSC has established an energy market risk policy and a risk management plan to facilitate utilization of financial instruments for managing market risks associated with the "Day 2"Day 2 energy market. The PSCW has approved this plan, allowing WPSC to pass the costs and benefits of several specific risk management strategies through the PSCW's fuel rules, deferral, or escrow processes.

Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment

Through a series As of orders issued by FERC, Regional Through and Out Rates for transmission service between the MISO and the PJM Interconnection were eliminated effective December 1, 2004. To compensate transmission owners for the revenue they will no longer receive due to this elimination, the FERC ordered a transitional pricing mechanism called the Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment (SECA) to be put into place. Load-serving entities will pay these SECA charges during a 16-month transition period from December 1, 2004, through March 31, 2006. ESI is a load-serving entity and will be billed based on its power imports into MISO from PJM during 2002 and 2003. Total exposure for the 16-month transitional period, taken from proposed compliance filings by the transmission owners, is approximately $19.2 million total for ESI, of which $17.4 million is for Michigan and $1.8 million is for Ohio. Through September 30, 2005, ESI has made payments totaling $10.2 million for these charges, of which $7.6 million has been expensed.

On February 10, 2005, the FERC issued an order requesting compliance filings from transmission providers implementing the SECA effective December 1, 2004, subject to refund and surcharge, as appropriate. Public hearings will be held regarding the compliance filings. The application and legality of the SECA is being challenged by many load-serving entities, including ESI. On February 28, 2005, ESI filed a motion for a Partial Stay of the February 10, 2005, FERC order, proposing that SECA charges on its Michigan load be postponed until a FERC order approves a decision or settlement in the formal hearing proceeding. The FERC denied this motion on May 4, 2005. On June 3, 2005, ESI filed with FERC a request for rehearing of the order denying stay. ESI also participated in a joint petition to the District of Columbia Circuit Court in an attempt to obtain a final order from the FERC on rehearing of the initial SECA order. In the interim, the exposure will be managed through customer charges and other available avenues, where feasible. It is probable that ESI's total exposure will be reduced by up to $4.8 million because of inconsistencies between the FERC's SECA order and the transmission owners' compliance filings (upon which current obligations are based). Resolution of issues to be raised in the SECA hearing offer the possibility of further reductions in ESI's exposure, but the extent is unknown at present. Through existing contracts, ESI has the ability to pass a portion of the SECA charges on to customers and has begun to do so. Since SECA is a transition charge ending on March 31, 2006, it does not directly impact ESI's long-term competitiveness.risk mitigation opportunities have been implemented to manage both regulatory risk and risks associated with the Day 2 energy market.

The SECA is alsoMISO participants offer their generation and bid their customer load into the market on an issuehourly basis. This results in net receipts from, or net obligations to, MISO for WPSCeach hour of each day. MISO aggregates these hourly transactions and UPPCO, who have intervenedcurrently provides updated settlement statements which may reflect billing adjustments and protested a number of proposals in this docket because those proposals could result in unjust, unreasonable,an increase or decrease to the net receipt from or net obligation to MISO. The billing adjustments may or may not be recovered through the rate recovery process. Market participants may dispute the updated settlement statements and discriminatory charges for electric customers. It is anticipated that most of the SECA charges incurred by WPSC and UPPCO and any refunds will be passed through customer rates.related charges.

Coal Supply

In May 2005, WPSC received notificationAt the end of each month, the amount due from its coal transportation suppliers that extensive maintenanceor payable to MISO is required on the railroad tracks that lead into and out of the Powder River Basin. The notification stated that the maintenance efforts were expected to result inestimated for those operating days where a 15-20% reduction7-day settlement statement is not yet available, thus significant changes in the amount of contracted deliveries of Powder River Basin coal to certain of WPSC's coal generating facilities through November 2005. Actual coal deliveries in the third quarter were approximately 15% below the level of deliveries originally contracted. As a result of the notificationestimates and subsequent reduction in coal deliveries, WPSC has continued to take steps to conserve coal usage and has secured some alternative coal supplies at its affected generation facilities. Although WPSC believes it has minimized and will continue to minimize the adverse impact on its fuel and purchased power costs, the conservation efforts reduced the capacity factors of the coal generating units, requiring WPSC to generate power from higher cost units and to purchase power through other higher cost generating resources in the MISO. At this

 
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time, WPSC does not expect the coal shortages tonew information provided by MISO in subsequent settlement statements or through tariff interpretation changes could have a significantmaterial impact on earnings as costs related to this matter have been approved for deferral by the PSCW.

Income Taxes

-American Jobs Creation Actour results of 2004-

On October 22, 2004, the President of the United States signed into law the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 ("2004 Jobs Act"). The 2004 Jobs Act introduces a new tax deduction, the "United States production activities deduction." This domestic production provision allows as a deduction an amount equal to a specified percent of the lesser of the qualified production activities income of the taxpayer for the taxable year or taxable income for the taxable year. The deduction is phased in, providing a deduction of three percent of income through 2006, six percent of income through 2009, and nine percent of income after 2009. On December 21, 2004, the FASB issued staff position ("FSP") 109-1, effective the same day, on accounting for the effects of the domestic production deduction provisions. FSP 109-1 said the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction rather than a tax rate reduction. FSP 109-1 also said the special deduction should be considered by an enterprise in measuring deferred taxes when graduated tax rates are a significant factor and also in assessing whether a valuation allowance is necessary. On December 8, 2004, the PSCW issued an order authorizing WPSC to defer the revenue requirements impacts resulting from the 2004 Jobs Act. The Internal Revenue Service and Department of Treasury issued interim guidance on January 19, 2005, covering the implementation of the domestic production provision of the 2004 Jobs Act. WPSC has recorded the estimated tax impact of this deduction in its financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. However, pursuant to regulatory treatment, the majority of the tax benefits derived were deferred and will be passed on to customers in future rates.

-Section 29 Federal Tax Credits-

We have significantly reduced our consolidated federal income tax liability for the past four years through tax credits available to us under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code for the production and sale of solid synthetic fuel from coal. These tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of 2007 and are provided as an incentive for taxpayers to produce fuels from alternate sources and reduce domestic dependence on imported oil. This incentive is not deemed necessary if the price of oil increases sufficiently to provide a natural market for these fuels. Therefore, the tax credit in a given year is subject to phase out if the reference price of oil within that year exceeds a threshold price set by the IRS and is eliminated entirely if the reference price increases beyond a phase-out price. The reference price of a barrel of oil is an estimate of the annual average wellhead price per barrel for domestic crude oil. The threshold price at which the credit begins to phase out was set in 1980 and is adjusted annually for inflation; the IRS releases the final numbers for a given year in the first part of the following year. For 2004, the reference price was $36.75, the threshold price was $51.35, and the credits would have been eliminated had the reference price exceeded $64.47. For 2005, the estimated threshold price is $52.57, and the credits will be eliminated if the reference price exceeds $65.99.

Numerous events have recently increased domestic crude oil prices, including concerns about terrorism, storm-related supply disruptions, and worldwide demand. Although we do not expect the amount of our 2005 Section 29 tax credits to be adversely affected by oil prices given the current forward price curve for crude oil, we cannot predict with any certainty the future price of a barrel of oil. Therefore, in order to manage exposure to the risk of an increase in oil prices that could reduce the amount of 2005, 2006, and 2007 Section 29 tax credits that could be recognized, PDI entered into a series of derivative contracts covering a specified number of barrels of oil. These derivatives mitigate approximately 100%, 95%, and 40% of the Section 29 tax credit exposure in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. The derivative contracts involve purchased and written call options that provide for net cash settlement at expiration based on the average NYMEX trading price of oil in relation to the strike price of each option. Subsequent to the initial execution date, the 2005 hedged position was optimized by adjusting the monthly option strike prices upward. Premiums paid, net of optimization and settlements, totaled $15.0 million ($0.6 million for 2005 options, $11.1 million for 2006 options, and $3.3 million for 2007
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options), all of which are recorded in Risk management assets on the balance sheet and will be amortized over the applicable periods. The derivative contracts have not been designated as hedging instruments and, as a result, changes in the fair value of the options are recorded currently in earnings. As of September 30, 2005, unrealized pre-tax mark-to-market gains of $5.3 million, $5.7 million, and $4.4 million were recorded for the 2005, 2006, and 2007 options, respectively, and a $1.9 million gain was realized related to the 2005 contracts.

-Peshtigo River Land Donation-

In 2004, WPS Resources submitted a request to have the Internal Revenue Service conduct a pre-filing review of a tax position related to the 2004 tax return. The tax position related to the value of the Peshtigo River land donated to the WDNR in 2004. A pre-filing review of the land donation deduction was initiated by the Internal Revenue Service in the first quarter of 2005; however, in the second quarter, WPS Resources and the Internal Revenue Service mutually agreed to withdraw this issue from the pre-filing review process, citing an inability to reach a consensus on the tax treatment and value of the land donated. In 2004, WPS Resources recorded a $4.1 million income tax benefit related to the Peshtigo River land donation. We believe the value we placed on the land donated was reasonable and will continue to pursue this matter if challenged by the Internal Revenue Service upon examination of the tax return.

GUARANTEES AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS - WPS RESOURCES

As part of normal business, WPS Resources and its subsidiaries enter into various guarantees providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries. These guarantees are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness otherwise attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis, thereby facilitating the extension of sufficient credit to accomplish the subsidiaries' intended commercial purposes.

The guarantees issued by WPS Resources include inter-company guarantees between parents and their subsidiaries, which are eliminated in consolidation, and guarantees of the subsidiaries' own performance. As such, these guarantees are excluded from the recognition, measurement, and disclosure requirements of FIN No. 45, "Guarantors' Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others."

At September 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004, outstanding guarantees totaled $1,182.7 million and $977.9 million, respectively, as follows:
      
WPS Resources' Outstanding Guarantees
(Millions)
 
September 30, 2005
 December 31, 2004 
Guarantees of subsidiary debt 
$
27.2
 $27.2 
Guarantees supporting commodity transactions of subsidiaries  
1,073.9
  863.9 
Standby letters of credit  
76.0
  80.9 
Surety bonds  
0.7
  0.6 
Other guarantee  
4.9
  5.3 
Total guarantees 
$
1,182.7
 $977.9 
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WPS Resources' Outstanding Guarantees
(Millions)
 
Commitments Expiring
 
Total Amounts
Committed At
September 30,
2005
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
4 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Guarantees of subsidiary debt 
$
27.2
 $- $- $- $27.2 
Guarantees supporting commodity transactions of subsidiaries  
1,073.9
  896.5  118.2  15.2  44.0 
Standby letters of credit  
76.0
  60.4  15.6  -  - 
Surety bonds  
0.7
  0.7  .  -  - 
Other guarantee  
4.9
  -  -  4.9  - 
Total guarantees 
$
1,182.7
 $957.6 $133.8 $20.1 $71.2 

At September 30, 2005, WPS Resources had outstanding $27.2 million in corporate guarantees supporting indebtedness. Of that total, $27.0 million supports outstanding debt at one of PDI's subsidiaries. The underlying debt related to these guarantees is reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At September 30, 2005, WPS Resources' Board of Directors had authorized management to issue corporate guarantees in the aggregate amount of up to $1.2 billion to support the business operations of ESI and PDI. On October 27, 2005, WPS Resources' Board of Directors authorized an additional $150 million of corporate guarantees to support the business operations of ESI and PDI bringing the aggregate amount to $1.35 billion. WPS Resources primarily issues guarantees for indemnification obligations related to business purchase agreements and to counterparties in the wholesale electric and natural gas marketplace to provide counterparties the assurance that ESI and PDI will perform on their obligations and permit ESI and PDI to operate within these markets. At September 30, 2005, WPS Resources provided parental guarantees in the amount of $1,068.9 million, reflected in the above table, for ESI's and PDI's indemnification obligations for business operations, including $8.1 million of guarantees that received specific authorization from WPS Resources' Board of Directors and are not included in the $1.2 billion general authorized amount. Of the parental guarantees provided by WPS Resources, the outstanding balance at September 30, 2005, which WPS Resources would be obligated to support is $261 million.

Another $5.0 million of corporate guarantees support energy and transmission supply at UPPCO. In February 2005, WPS Resources' Board of Directors authorized management to issue corporate guarantees in the aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million to support the business operations of UPPCO. Corporate guarantees issued in the future under the Board authorized limit may or may not be reflected on WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, depending on the nature of the guarantee.

At WPS Resources' request, financial institutions have issued $76.0 million in standby letters of credit for the benefit of third parties that have extended credit to certain subsidiaries. If a subsidiary does not pay amounts when due under a covered contract, the counterparty may present its claim for payment to the financial institution, which will request payment from WPS Resources. Any amounts owed by our subsidiaries are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At September 30, 2005, WPS Resources furnished $0.7 million of surety bonds for various reasons including worker compensation coverage and obtaining various licenses, permits, and rights-of-way. Liabilities incurred as a result of activities covered by surety bonds are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The other guarantee of $4.9 million listed in the above table was issued by WPSC to indemnify a third party for exposures related to the construction of utility assets. This amount is not reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
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As a result of the unplanned outage of Kewaunee in 2005 and in relation to the sale of Kewaunee to Dominion Resources, Inc., See Note 5, Acquisitions and Sales of Assets, WPSC and Wisconsin Power and Light (WP&L) acknowledged that there may be increased capital expenditures, operating and maintenance expenses, extended outages, and inspections and related oversight costs that arise from any issues found as a result of the design bases documentation review. Therefore, WPSC and WP&L agreed to indemnify Dominion Resources, Inc. for 70% of any and all reasonable costs asserted or initiated against, suffered, or otherwise existing, incurred or accrued, resulting from or arising from the resolution of any design bases documentation issues that are incurred prior to completion of Kewaunee’s scheduled maintenance period for 2009 up to a maximum combined exposure of $15 million for WPSC and WP&L. WPSC believes that it will expend its share of costs related to this indemnification and, as a result, recorded the fair value of the liability on its financial statements.operations.

MARKET PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES - WPS RESOURCES

Market price risk management activities include the electric and natural gas marketing and related risk management activities of ESI.ESI, along with oil options used to mitigate the risk of an increase in oil prices that could reduce the amount of Section 29/45K federal tax credits that could be recognized. ESI's marketing and trading operations manage power and natural gas procurement as an integrated portfolio with its retail and wholesale sales commitments. Derivative instruments are utilized in these operations. ESI measures the fair value of derivative instruments (including NYMEX exchange and over-the-counter contracts, natural gas options, natural gas and electric power physical fixed price contracts, basis contracts, and related financial instruments) on a mark-to-market basis. The fair value of derivatives is shown as "assetsincluded in assets or liabilities from risk management activities" in theactivities on WPS Resources' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The offsetting entry to assets or liabilities from risk management activities is to other comprehensive income or earnings, depending on the use of the derivative, how it is designated, and if it qualifies for hedge accounting. The fair values of derivative instruments are adjusted each reporting period using various market sources and risk management systems. The primary input for natural gas and oil pricing is the settled forward price curve of the NYMEX exchange, which includes contracts and options.exchange. Basis pricing is derived from published indices and documented broker quotes. ESI bases electric prices on published indices and documented broker quotes. The following table provides an assessment of the factors impacting the change in the net value of ESI's assets and liabilities from risk management activities for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

        
ESI Mark-to-Market Roll Forward
(Millions)
 
Natural
Gas
 Electric Total 
        
Fair value of contracts at December 31, 2004 $31.6 $13.7 $45.3 
Less - contracts realized or settled during period  9.5  (4.8) 4.7 
Plus - changes in fair value of contracts in existence
at September 30, 2005
  (73.3) (6.4) (79.7)
Fair value of contracts at September 30, 2005 
$
(51.2
)
$
12.1
 
$
(39.1
)
ESI Mark-to-Market Roll Forward
(Millions)
 Oil
Options
 
Natural
Gas
 Electric Total 
          
Fair value of contracts at December 31, 2005 $23.6 $8.2 $29.8 $61.6 
Less - contracts realized or settled during period  1.1  (11.4) 3.3  (7.0)
Plus - changes in fair value of contracts in existence at March 31, 2006  8.7  33.0  29.7  71.4 
Fair value of contracts at March 31, 2006 
$
31.2
 
$
52.6
 
$
56.2
 
$
140.0
 

The fair value of contracts at December 31, 2004,2005, and September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, reflects the values reported on the balance sheet for net mark-to-market current and long-term risk management assets and liabilities as of those dates. Contracts realized or settled during the period includes the value of contracts in existence at December 31, 2004,2005, that were no longer included in the net mark-to-market assets as of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, along with the amortization of those derivatives later designated as normal purchases and sales under SFAS No. 133. Changes in fair value of existing contracts include unrealized gains and losses on contracts that existed at December 31, 2004,2005, and contracts that were entered into subsequent to December 31, 2004,2005, which are included in ESI's portfolio at September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. In the above table, "changes in fair value of contracts in existence at March 31, 2006" also includes gains and losses at the inception of contracts when a liquid market exists. There were, in many cases, offsetting positions entered into and settled during the period resulting in gains or losses being realized during the current period. The realized gains or losses from these offsetting positions are not reflected in the table above.
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Market quotes are more readily available for short duration contracts.contracts (generally for contracts with a duration of less than five years). The table below shows the sources of fair value and maturity of ESI's risk management instruments.
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ESI
Risk Management Contract Aging at Fair Value
As of September 30, 2005
Source of Fair Value (Millions)
 
Maturity
Less Than
1 Year
 
Maturity
1 to 3
Years
 
Maturity
4 to 5
Years
 
Maturity
in Excess
of 5 Years
 
Total
Fair
Value
 
ESI
Risk Management Contract Aging at Fair Value
As of March 31, 2006
         
Source of Fair Value (Millions)
 
Maturity
Less Than
1 Year
 
Maturity
1 to 3
Years
 
Maturity
4 to 5
Years
 
Total
Fair
Value
 
Prices actively quoted 
$
(58.2
)
$
6.3
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
(51.9
)
 
$
41.8
 
$
7.7
 
$
1.1
 
$
50.6
 
Prices provided by external sources  
5.7
 
6.3
 
-
 
-
 
12.0
   
56.1
  
22.122.1
  
11.1
  
89.3
 
Prices based on models and other
valuation methods
  
0.8
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
0.8
   
0.1
  
-
  
-
  
0.1
 
Total fair value 
$
(51.7
)
$
12.6
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
(39.1
)
 
$
98.0
 
$
29.8
 
$
12.2
 
$
140.0
 

We derive the pricing for most contracts in the above table from active quotes or external sources. "Prices actively quoted" includes exchange-traded contracts such as NYMEX contracts and basis swaps. "Prices provided by external sources" includes electric and natural gas contract positions for which pricing information, used by ESI to calculate fair value, is obtained primarily through broker quotes.quotes and other publicly available sources. "Prices based on models and other valuation methods" includes electric contracts for which reliable external pricing information does not exist.

ESI employs a variety of physical and financial instruments offered in the marketplace to limit risk exposure associated with fluctuating commodity prices and volumes, enhance value, and minimize cash flow volatility. However, the application of SFAS No. 133 and its related hedge accounting rules causes ESI to experience earnings volatility associated with electric and natural gas operations.operations, as well as oil options utilized to protect the value of a portion of ESI's Section 29/45K federal tax credits. While risks associated with power generating capacity and power and natural gas sales are economically hedged, certain transactions do not meet the definition of a derivative or do not qualify for hedge accounting under generally accepted accounting principles. Consequently, gains and losses from these contractspositions may not match with the related physical and financial hedging instruments in some reporting periods. The result can cause volatility in ESI's reported period-by-period earnings; however, the financial impact of this timing difference will reverse at the time of physical delivery and/or settlement. The accounting treatment does not impact the underlying cash flows or economics of these transactions. In addition, the natural gas storage cycle can cause earnings volatility. See "Results of Operations - Overview of Nonregulated Operations - ESI's Segment Operations- WPS Resources" for information regarding earnings volatility caused by the natural gas storage cycle.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES - WPS RESOURCES

In accordance with the rules proposed by the SEC in May 2002, we reviewed our critical accounting policies for new critical accounting estimates and other significant changes. We found that the disclosures made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as updated by our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2005, are still current and that there have been no significant changes.
 
-70--64-

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - WPSC

WPSC is a regulated electric and natural gas utility as well as a holding company exempt from the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.company. Electric operations accounted for approximately 68%54% of revenues for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, while natural gas operations accounted for 32%46% of revenues for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

ThirdFirst Quarter 20052006 Compared with ThirdFirst Quarter 20042005

WPSC Overview

WPSC's results of operationsearnings on common stock for the quarters ended September 30March 31 are shown in the following table:
        
WPSC's Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Operating revenues 
$
338.5
 $260.2  30.1%
Earnings on common stock 
$
25.7
 $30.5  (15.7%)

Electric utility revenue increased $52.1 million (24.3%), primarily due to higher electric sales volumes (related to warmer summer weather conditions and new power sales agreements with several wholesale customers), and an approved retail electric rate increase. Gas utility revenue increased
WPSC's Results (Millions)
 
2006
 2005 Change 
        
Earnings on common stock 
$
26.2
 $37.6  (30.3%)

WPSC's earnings on common stock were $26.2 million (57.5%) duefor the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to an increase in$37.6 million for the per-unit cost of natural gas, higher natural gas throughput volumes, and an approved rate increase. Revenue changes by reportable segment arequarter ended March 31, 2005. As discussed in more detail below.below, the following factors negatively impacted earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005.

Earnings from electric utility operations were $26.7 million for the third quarter of 2005, compared to $31.5 million for the third quarter of 2004, largely due to WPSC experiencing higher fuel and purchased power costs than it was able to recover from ratepayers, as explained in more detail below. Earnings were also negatively impacted because certain costs incurred in the third quarter of 2005 related to plant outages, carrying costs on capital additions, and other costs (which are recovered in rates relatively evenly throughout the year) were partially recovered in revenue during the first six months of the year, leading to higher earnings in those periods.

The net loss from gas utility operations was $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2005, compared to a loss of $3.3 million for the third quarter of 2004. Although the gas utility margin increased $2.4 million due primarily to the rate increase and the increase in sales volumes, higher operating expenses drove the increased net loss.
·Electric utility earnings decreased $8.3 million, from $22.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 to $14.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The decrease in electric utility earnings was driven by the negative impact residential customer conservation efforts and warmer weather conditions had on the electric utility margin in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005. The Kewaunee power purchase agreement and the refund of a portion of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the Kewaunee nonqualified nuclear decommissioning fund had little impact on earnings as these items were offset within revenues and operating expenses.
·Natural gas utility earnings decreased $3.3 million, from $14.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, to $10.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to weather that was approximately 11% warmer during the heating season in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005. The warmer weather conditions had an approximate $3.4 million unfavorable impact on the natural gas margin. Residential customer conservation due to higher natural gas prices in the first quarter of 2006, compared to 2005 also negatively impacted margin.

Electric Utility Operations
    
  Three Months Ended September 30, 
Electric Utility Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenue 
$
266.7
 $214.6  24.3%
Fuel and purchased power  
131.1
  62.4  110.1%
Margin 
$
135.6
 $152.2  (10.9%)
 
Sales in kilowatt-hours
  
3,916.0
  3,487.3  12.3%

WPSC's electric
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
Electric Utility Results (Millions)
 
2006
 2005 Change 
        
Revenue 
$
229.4
 $219.8  4.4%
Fuel and purchased power  
112.2
  69.1  62.4%
Margin 
$
117.2
 $150.7  (22.2%)
 
Sales in kilowatt-hours
  
3,525.0
  3,445.0  2.3%

Electric utility revenue increased $52.1$9.6 million (24.3%(4.4%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter ended September 30, 2004. Electric utility revenue increasedin 2005, largely due to an increase in electric sales volumes and an approved annual electric rate increase for WPSC's Wisconsin retail customers. Electriccustomers and a 2.3% increase in electric sales volumes increased 12.3%, primarily due to significantly warmer weather in the third quarter ofvolumes. In December 2005, compared to the third quarter of 2004, and new power sales agreements that were entered into with wholesale customers. As a result of the warm weather, WPSC set all-time records for peak electric demand in the third quarter of 2005. On December 21, 2004, the PSCW approved a
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retail electric rate increase of $60.7$79.9 million (8.6%(10.1%), effective January 1, 2005.2006. The retail electric rate increase was required primarily to recover increased costs related tobecause of higher fuel and purchased power costs (including costs associated with the Fox Energy Center power purchase agreement), and also for costs related to the construction of the Weston 4, base-load generation facility,higher transmission expenses, and benefit costs.recovery of a portion of the costs related to the 2005 Kewaunee outage. Partially offsetting the items discussed above, rates were lowered to reflect

-65-


a refund to customers in 2006 of a portion of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the nonqualified decommissioning trust fund as a result of the sale of Kewaunee. The increase in electric sales volumes was largely due to a 15% increase in wholesale sales volumes, driven by higher demand from existing WPSC wholesale customers. The increase in electric sales volumes to the wholesale customers was largely offset by a decrease in electric sales volumes to higher margin residential customers, resulting from residential customer conservation efforts and warmer weather during the heating season in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. Residential customers are taking measures to conserve energy as a result of recent rate increases.

WPSC'sThe electric utility margin decreased $16.6$33.5 million (10.9%(22.2%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The decreased margin was largely driven byMarch 31, 2005, primarily related to the sale of Kewaunee on July 5, 2005, and the related power purchase agreement. Prior to the sale of Kewaunee, only nuclear fuel expense was reported as a component of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power costs.power. Subsequent to the sale, all payments to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC for power purchased from Kewaunee are reported as componentsa component of utility cost of fuel, gas, and purchased power costs.power. These include both variable payments for energy delivered and fixed payments. As a result of the sale, WPSC no longer incurs operating and maintenance expense,expenses, depreciation and decommissioning expense, or interest expense forrelated to Kewaunee.

Excluding the $21.0$24.0 million of fixed payments made to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC in the thirdfirst quarter of 2005,2006, WPSC's electric utility margin decreased $9.5 million, which was driven by a $13.8 million decrease in rates related to the refund of a portion of the Kewaunee nonqualified decommissioning fund to customers. Pursuant to regulatory accounting, the decrease in margin related to this refund was offset by a corresponding decrease in operating and maintenance expenses as explained below and, therefore, did not have a significant impact on earnings. Adjusting for the decrease in revenues related to the refund, the electric utility margin increased $4.4 million, compared$4.3 million. The retail electric rate increase and an increase in margin related to higher sales volumes to wholesale customers drove the same periodremaining net increase in the prior year. Thiselectric utility margin. However, the increase was drivenin margin provided by the rate increase and the increase in wholesale electric sales volumes, was largely offset by a decrease in electric sales volumes to WPSC's higher margin residential electric customers. Residential customer conservation efforts and weather that was approximately 11% warmer during the rate increase discussed above, but was largely offset by higher per-unit fuel and purchased power costs.heating season drove the decrease in residential sales volumes.

The quantity of power purchased by WPSC duringGas Utility Operations

  Three Months Ended March 31, 
Gas Utility Results (Millions)
 
2006
 2005 Change 
        
Revenues 
$
193.0
 $174.6  10.5%
Purchase costs  
148.2
  128.3  15.5%
Margins 
$
44.8
 $46.3  (3.2%)
 
Throughput in therms
  
266.9
  308.7  (13.5%)

Natural gas utility revenue increased $18.4 million (10.5%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, increased approximately 168%March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2004, and fuel and purchased power costs were approximately 68% higher on a per-unit basis. The increase in the quantity of power purchased was largely due to power purchased from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC as previously discussed, warm weather conditions, WPSC's need to conserve coal because of coal supply issues (see Other Future Considerations), and a planned outage at WPSC's Weston 3 generation plant that began in the third quarter of 2005. The increase in the per-unit cost of fuel and purchased power was driven by the sale of Kewaunee (primarily related to $21.0 million of fixed payments being recorded as a component of fuel and purchased power costs), congestions charges and line loss charges that were not fully offset by credits from MISO, increased coal costs related to procurement of coal from alternate sources, and the need to supply more energy from higher cost peaking units due to warm weather conditions, coal conservation efforts, and a planned outage at WPSC's Weston 3 generation plant that began in the third quarter of 2005. The PSCW approved the deferral of increased fuel and purchased power costs related to the MISO and coal supply matters discussed above and WPSC deferred $15.9 million of costs related to these issues in the third quarter of 2005. Excluding deferred costs, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $68.7 million. As discussed above, approximately $21.0 million of the increase in purchased power costs related to the Kewaunee fixed payments. Excluding these fixed payments, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $47.7 million and total fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the quarter exceeded the amount recovered from ratepayers (as approved in the 2005 rate case) and, therefore, had a negative impact on margin.

The PSCW allows WPSC to adjust prospectively the amount billed to Wisconsin retail customers for fuel and purchased power if costs are above or below approved levels by more than 2% on an annualized basis. At June 30, 2005, WPSC was experiencing fuel and purchased power costs that were more than 2% lower than the approved level. However, primarily because of the high cost of naturalNatural gas resulting from the impact hurricanes had on natural gas supply, in combination with the need to run the natural gas-fired peaker units more in the third quarter, at September 30, 2005, WPSC projects that actual fuel and purchased power costs for 2005 could be significantly higher than what was allowed in the rate 2005 case.

Electric utility earnings decreased $4.8 million (15.2%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004, largely driven by the higher fuel and purchased power costs discussed above. Earnings were also negatively impacted because certain costs incurred in the third quarter of 2005 related to plant outages, carrying costs on capital additions, and other costs (which are recovered in rates relatively evenly throughout the year) were partially recovered in revenue during the first six months of the year, leading to higher earnings in those periods.

-72-

Gas Utility Operations
    
  Three Months Ended September 30, 
Gas Utility Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenues 
$
71.8
 $45.6  57.5%
Purchase costs  
52.6
  28.8  82.6%
Margins 
$
19.2
 $16.8  14.3%
 
Throughput in therms
  
128.6
  104.1  23.5%

Gas utility revenue increased $26.2 million (57.5%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. Gas utility revenue increased primarily as a result of an increase in the per-unit costprice of natural gas higher natural gas throughput volumes, and a rate increase. Natural gas costs increased 15.6%were 36.9% higher (on a per-unit basis) forduring the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the same quarter ended September 30, 2004.in 2005. Following regulatory practice, WPSC passes changes in the total cost of natural gas on to customers through a purchased gas adjustment clause, as allowed by the PSCW and the MPSC. Natural gas throughput volumes increased 23.5%, primarily related to an increase in interdepartmental sales fromIn December 2005, the natural gas utility to the electric utility as a result of increased electric generation from natural gas fired combustion turbines. The PSCW issued a final order authorizing aan annual natural gas rate increase of $5.6$7.2 million (1.1%), effective January 1, 2005.2006. The rate increase was required as a result of infrastructure improvements necessary to ensure the reliability of the natural gas distribution system. The increase in natural gas utility revenue was partially offset by a 13.5% decrease in natural gas throughput volumes, primarily driven by higher benefit costs andrelated to weather that was 11% warmer during the costheating season in the first quarter of distribution system improvements.2006, compared to the same period in 2005. Customers are also taking measures to conserve energy as a result of the high natural gas prices.

-66-



The natural gas utility margin increased $2.4decreased $1.5 million (14.3%(3.2%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The higher natural gas utilitywarmer weather (discussed above), resulted in an approximate $3.4 million decrease in margin was largely dueand residential customer conservation efforts also contributed to the rate increase mentioned above. The increase in interdepartmental sales volumes to WPSC's electric utility also had a positive impact on the natural gas margin.

The gas utility realized a net loss of $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The higher net loss was attributed to an increase in operating and maintenance expenses and depreciation expense incurredmargin decrease. These decreases were partially offset by the gas utility.rate increase.

Operating Expenses

   
 Three Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
Operating Expenses (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change  
2006
 2005 Change 
              
Operating and maintenance expense 
$
82.1
 $88.8  (7.5%) 
$
82.4
 $98.2  (16.1%)
Depreciation and decommissioning expense  
19.7
  21.9  (10.0%)  
19.8
  25.1  (21.1%)

Operating and Maintenance Expense

WPSC's operatingOperating and maintenance expenses decreased $6.7$15.8 million driven by a $10.0 million(16.1%) for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. The following items were the most significant contributors to the decrease in operating and maintenance expenses related to Kewaunee. WPSC sold its 59% interest in Kewaunee to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC on July 5, 2005 and currently purchases 59% of the output from this facility through a power purchase agreement.at WPSC:

·WPSC refunded $13.8 million of the proceeds received from the liquidation of the Kewaunee nonqualified decommissioning fund to ratepayers in the first quarter of 2006. This reduction in revenue was offset by a related decrease in operating expenses, due to the partial amortization of the regulatory liability recorded for the refund of this fund.
·Operating and maintenance expenses related to the Kewaunee nuclear plant decreased approximately $12 million due to the sale of this facility in July 2005. The decrease in operating and maintenance expenses related to Kewaunee did not have a significant impact on net income as WPSC is still purchasing power from this facility in the same amount as its original ownership interest. The cost of power is included as a component of utility cost of purchased power.
·Write-offs of uncollectible customer accounts increased $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005, due primarily to higher energy costs.
·Excluding Kewaunee, maintenance expenses at WPSC increased $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the first quarter of 2005. Planned maintenance was required on certain combustion turbines in the first quarter of 2006, and maintenance expenses related to electric distribution assets also increased.
·In the first quarter of 2006, WPSC began amortizing costs that were deferred related to the 2005 Kewaunee outage. In the first quarter of 2006, $0.4 million of costs were amortized, compared to the deferral of $1.1 million of costs related to the outage in the first quarter of 2005, resulting in a $1.5 million increase in operating and maintenance expenses as a result of the Kewaunee sale were partially offset by increases in transmission costs and pension and postretirement expense.
·Customer account expenses increased $1.2 million, driven by an increase in consulting fees related to the implementation of a new software system.
·Transmission-related expenses increased $1.0 million.

Depreciation and Decommissioning Expense

Depreciation and decommissioning expense decreased $2.2$5.3 million (10.0%(21.1%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, driven by a $3.1$4.7 million decrease in depreciation expense relatedresulting from the sale of Kewaunee in July 2005, and $2.0 million of decommissioning expense that was recorded in the first quarter of 2005. Subsequent to the sale of Kewaunee assets (which were sold to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC in July 2005) and lower2005, decommissioning expense is no longer recorded. In the first quarter of 2005, realized gains on decommissioning trust assets partially offset by
-73-

additional depreciation due to continued capital investment. Realized gains on decommissioning trust assets are partially offset by decommissioning expense pursuant to regulatory practice.


Nine Months 2005 Compared With Nine Months 2004

WPSC Overview

WPSC's results of operations for the nine months ended September 30 are shown in the following table:
        
WPSC's Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Operating revenues 
$
1,042.0
 $892.0  16.8%
Earnings on common stock 
$
84.6
 $74.9  13.0%

Electric utility revenue increased $102.6 million (17.0%), primarily due to an approved retail electric rate increase, and higher electric sales volumes related to warmer summer weather conditions and new power sales agreements with wholesale customers. Gas utility revenue increased $47.4 million (16.4%) due primarily to an increase in the per-unit cost of natural gas, an approved rate increase, and higher natural gas throughput volumes. Revenue changes by reportable segment are discussed in more detail below.

Earnings from electric utility operations were $69.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $58.1 million for the same period in 2004. Warmer temperatures during the cooling season in 2005, compared to 2004, and a retail electric rate increase favorably impacted WPSC's electric margin; however, partially offsetting these increases was the negative impact of rising natural gas prices in the third quarter of 2005.

Earnings from gas utility operations were $8.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2004. Although the gas utility margin increased $3.7 million due primarily to a small rate increase and higher throughput volumes, higher operating expenses drove the decrease in earnings from gas utility operations.
Electric Utility Operations
    
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Electric Utility Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenues 
$
705.8
 $603.2  17.0%
Fuel and purchased power  
270.1
  184.2  46.6%
Margins 
$
435.7
 $419.0  4.0%
 
Sales in kilowatt-hours
  
10,878.5
  10,067.6  8.1%

WPSC's electric utility revenue increased $102.6 million (17.0%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004, largely due to an approved electric rate increase for WPSC's Wisconsin retail customers and an increase in electric sales volumes. On December 21, 2004, the PSCW approved a retail electric rate increase of $60.7 million (8.6%), effective January 1, 2005. Electric sales volumes increased 8.1%, primarily due to significantly warmer weather during the second and third quarters of 2005, compared to the same periods in 2004, and new power sales agreements that were entered into with wholesale customers. As a result of the warm weather, WPSC set all-time records for peak electric demand in the second and third quarters of 2005.

WPSC's electric margin increased $16.7 million ($37.7 million if the $21.0 million fixed payment made for power purchased from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC in the third quarter of 2005 was excluded),
-74-

which was primarily driven by the retail electric rate increase and the increase in electric sales volumes discussed above.

The quantity of power purchased by WPSC during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased 95% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and fuel and purchased power costs were approximately 47% higher on a per-unit basis. The increase in the quantity of power purchased was largely due to an unscheduled outage at Kewaunee, which began in February 2005 (with this unit returning to service just prior to the sale of this facility to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC on July 5, 2005), power purchased from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC as previously discussed, warm weather conditions, and coal conservation efforts. The increase in the per-unit cost of fuel and purchased power was driven by the Kewaunee sale (primarily related to the $21.0 million of fixed payments recorded as a component of fuel and purchased power costs), congestion charges and line loss charges that were not fully offset by credits from MISO, the need to supply more energy from higher cost peaking units due to warm weather conditions and coal conservation efforts, and the rising price of natural gas used as fuel for the peaking units. The unscheduled 2005 outage at Kewaunee did not have a significant impact on the electric utility margin as the PSCW approved deferral of unanticipated fuel and purchased power costs directly related to the outage. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, $46.2 million of fuel and purchased power costs were deferred in conjunction with the Kewaunee outage. The PSCW also approved the deferral of increased fuel and purchased power costs related to the MISO and coal supply matters, and WPSC deferred $16.3 million of costs related to these issues during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding deferred costs, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $85.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, primarily related to the significant increase in natural gas prices after the hurricanes disrupted natural gas supply. As discussed above, approximately $21.0 million of the increase in purchased power costs related to the Kewaunee fixed payments. Excluding these fixed payments, fuel and purchased power costs at WPSC increased $64.9 million and total fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 exceeded the amount recovered from ratepayers (as approved in the 2005 rate case), therefore, having a negative impact on margin.

Warmer temperatures during the cooling season in 2005, compared to 2004, and a retail electric rate increase favorably impacted WPSC's electric margin, contributing to an $11.6 million increase in electric utility earnings; however, the increase in electric utility earnings at WPSC was partially offset in the third quarter of 2005 by rising natural gas prices, which have not been deferred.

Gas Utility Operations
    
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Gas Utility Results (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Revenues 
$
336.2
 $288.8  16.4%
Purchase costs  
247.1
  203.4  21.5%
Margins 
$
89.1
 $85.4  4.3%
 
Throughput in therms
  
599.9
  571.1  5.0%

Gas utility revenue increased $47.4 million (16.4%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Gas utility revenue increased primarily as a result of an increase in the per-unit cost of natural gas, a natural gas rate increase, and higher natural gas throughput volumes. Natural gas costs increased 12.5% (on a per-unit basis) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. The PSCW issued a final order authorizing a natural gas rate increase of $5.6 million (1.1%), effective January 1, 2005. Natural gas throughput volumes increased 5.0%, primarily related to an increase in interdepartmental sales from the natural gas utility to the electric utility as a result of increased generation from combustion turbines. The combustion turbines were dispatched more often due to the Kewaunee outage, warm weather conditions, and coal conservation efforts. Higher natural gas throughput volumes from interdepartmental sales to the electric
-75-

utility were partially offset by lower natural gas throughput volumes to residential customers, related primarily to milder weather in the first half of 2005, compared to the same period in 2004.

The natural gas utility margin increased $3.7 million (4.3%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The higher natural gas utility margin was largely due to the rate increase mentioned above. The increase in interdepartmental sales volumes to WPSC's electric utility also had a positive impact on the natural gas margin.

Income available for common shareholders attributed to the gas utility decreased $1.3 million (13.1%). The higher margin was more than offset by an increase in operating and maintenance expenses at the gas utility.

Operating Expenses
    
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
WPSC (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
Operating and maintenance expense 
$
281.1
 $283.6  (0.9%)
Depreciation and decommissioning expense  
107.0
  66.7  60.4%
Federal income taxes  
23.7
  30.5  (22.3%)
State income taxes  
7.2
  8.6  (16.3%)

Other Income
    
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Other Income and (Deductions) (Millions)
 
2005
 2004 Change 
        
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 
$
1.3
 $1.5  (13.3%)
Other, net  
51.2
  14.9  243.6%
Income taxes  
(16.8
)
 (2.2) 663.6%

Operating and Maintenance Expense

Operating and maintenance expense at WPSC decreased $2.5 million, driven by a $10.0 million decrease related to Kewaunee in the third quarter of 2005, compared to the third quarter of 2004. WPSC sold its 59% interest in Kewaunee to Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC on July 5, 2005, and currently purchases 59% of the output of this facility from Dominion Energy Kewaunee, LLC through a power purchase agreement. The decrease in operating and maintenance expenses as a result of the Kewaunee sale were partially offset by increases in transmission costs and pension and postretirement expense. The unplanned outage at Kewaunee earlier in 2005 did not significantly impact the period-over-period change in operating and maintenance expenses as the PSCW approved the deferral of incremental operating and maintenance expenses that were incurred as a direct result of the unplanned outage. Operating and maintenance costs of $11.6 million were deferred during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 related to this outage.

Depreciation and Decommissioning Expense

Depreciation and decommissioning expense increased $40.3 million (60.4%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately $38 million of the increase resulted from increased gains on decommissioning trust assets. The remaining increase related to continued capital investment, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation relating to Kewaunee due to the sale of this facility in July 2005. Realized gains on decommissioning trust assets are partiallysubstantially offset by decommissioning expense pursuant to regulatory practice as(see analysis of "Total Other Income" below). Additional depreciation expense related to continued capital investments at WPSC partially offset the decreases discussed in more detail in Federal Income Taxes/State Income Taxes/Other Income, below.above.

 
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Federal Income Taxes/State Income Taxes/Total Other Income

The period-over-period change in these account balances was primarily relatedTotal other income decreased $1.9 million (43.2%), for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to the realized gains recognized on the nonqualified decommissioning trust assetssame quarter in the second quarter of 2005. Approximately $382005, driven by a decrease relating to $2.4 million of the increase in other income related to the realized gains on the nonqualified decommissioning trust assets. The nonqualified nuclear decommissioning trust assets were placed in more conservative investmentsrecorded in the secondfirst quarter in anticipation of the sale of Kewaunee, which closed on July 5, 2005. Pursuant to regulatory practice, the increase in miscellaneous income related to the 2005 realized gains was substantially offset by an increase in decommissioning expense. Income tax expense related to the realized gains was offset by a deferred tax benefit related to the decommissioning expense. Overall, the change in the investment strategy for the nonqualified decommissioning trust assets had no impact on earnings, as summarized in the table below.
    
(Millions)
 Income/(Expense) 
    
Depreciation and decommissioning expense 
$
(38
)
Federal income taxes  
13
 
State income taxes  
2
 
Other, net  
38
 
Income taxes  
(15
)
Total earnings impact 
$
-
 

2005.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - WPSC

WPSC believes that its cash, operating cash flows, and borrowing ability because of strong credit ratings, when taken together, provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to expansion of existing businesses and development of new projects. However, WPSC's operating cash flow and access to capital markets can be impacted by macroeconomic factors outside its control. In addition, WPSC's borrowing costs can be impacted by its short-short-term and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, which in part are based on certain credit measures such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. Currently, WPSC believes these ratings continue to be among the best in the energy industry (see the "Financing Cash FlowsLiquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources,, Credit Ratings section below)" for more information).

Operating Cash Flows

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, net cash provided by operating activities was $136.0$76.3 million, compared with $205.7to $87.3 million duringfor the nine months ended September 30, 2004.same quarter in 2005. The $11.0 million decrease resulted from a $6.7 million decrease in cash provided from changes in working capital and a decrease in net income (adjusted for non-cash items), partially offset by operating activities is primarily dueexpenditures incurred in 2005 related to increased expenditures associated with the spring 2005unplanned Kewaunee outage. TheseChanges in working capital requirements were a function of increased energy prices and timing of collection of receivable balances. WPSC incurred $15.8 million of expenditures were accounted for as deferred expenses in accordance with regulatory approval and will be recovered from customers under future rate orders.2005 related to the unplanned Kewaunee outage.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash used for investing activities was $44.6$63.2 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to $169.0$58.8 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The decreaseincrease in cash used for investing activities is due to proceeds of $112.5 million and $127.1 million received from the sale of Kewaunee and liquidation of the non-qualified decommissioning trust, respectively, partially offsetwas driven by a $98.5 millionan increase in capital expenditures, mostly dueprimarily related to the construction of Weston 4. See Note 5, Acquisitions and Sales of Assets, for more information regarding the sale of Kewaunee.
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4 as explained below.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures by business segment for the sixthree months ended September 30March 31 are as follows:

     
(Millions)
 
2005
 2004  
2006
 2005 
Electric utility 
$
258.7
 $135.2  
$
56.9
 $52.1 
Gas utility  
25.2
  47.6   
4.4
  5.3 
Other  
-
  2.6 
WPSC consolidated 
$
283.9
 $185.4  
$
61.3
 $57.4 

The increase in capital expenditures at the electric utility for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, as compared to the same period in 20042005 is mainly due to higher capital expenditures associated with the construction of Weston 4. Gas utility capital expenditures decreased primarily due to completion of the automated meter-reading project.meter reading project in 2005.


Dairyland Power Cooperative has confirmed its intent to purchase an interest in Weston 4, subject to a number of conditions. If the purchase is completed, the electric utility expenditures made by WPSC for Weston 4 would be reduced by 30 percent. The agreement with Dairyland Power Cooperative is part of our continuing plan to provide least-cost, reliable energy for the increasing electric demand of our customers. We expect to close on this transaction by the end of 2005.
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Financing Cash Flows

Net cash used for financing activities was $90.9$14.9 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, compared to $36.1$21.2 million duringfor the nine months ended September 30, 2004. This $54.8same period in 2005. Short-term debt borrowings of $8 million increase in cash usedwere required to fund capital expenditures related to Weston 4 and for financing activities is attributed to increased repayments of commercial paper in 2005, partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt in 2004.other general purposes.

Under a PSCW order, WPSC may not pay normal common stock dividends of more than 109% of the previous year's common stock dividend without the PSCW's approval. In addition, WPSC's Restated Articles of Incorporation limit the amount of common stock dividends that WPSC can pay to certain percentages of its prior 12-month net income, if its common stock and common stock surplus accounts constitute less than 25% of its total capitalization.

Significant Financing Activities

See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for detailed information on significant financing activities for WPSC.

Credit Ratings

See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for detailed information on WPSC's credit ratings.
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Future Capital Requirements and Resources

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the contractual obligations of WPSC, including its subsidiary.
            Payments Due By Period 
   Payments Due By Period 
Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2005
(Millions)
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2006
(Millions)
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
                      
Long-term debt principal and interest payments $746.2 $13.5 $54.1 $54.1 $624.5  $732.7 $27.1 $54.1 $54.1 $597.4 
Operating lease obligations  13.9 0.9 4.7 3.4 4.9   13.4 2.4 4.6 2.8 3.6 
Commodity purchase obligations  1,949.2 76.5 552.9 435.0 884.8   1,971.2 233.9 564.7 477.8 694.8 
Purchase orders  471.6 256.3 184.4 30.9 -   513.2 391.9 120.5 0.8 - 
Other  404.5 20.4 87.3 49.2 247.6   383.8 45.0 72.4 38.9 227.5 
Total contractual cash obligations $3,585.4 $367.6 $883.4 $572.6 $1,761.8  $3,614.3 $700.3 $816.3 $574.4 $1,523.3 

Long-term debt principal and interest payments represent bonds issued, notes issued, and loans made to WPSC. We record all principal obligations on the balance sheet. Commodity purchase obligations represent mainly commodity purchase contracts of WPSC.contracts. WPSC expects to recover the costs of its contracts in future customer rates. Purchase orders include obligations related to normal business operations and large construction obligations, including 100% of Weston 4 obligations; however, we expectobligations. The sale of a 30% interest in Weston 4 to DPC was completed in November 2005, but WPSC retains the legal obligation to initially remit payment to third parties for 100% of all construction costs incurred, 30% of these costswhich will subsequently be billed to be paid by Dairyland Power Cooperative after the close of Dairyland's purchase of 30% of Weston 4, which is expected to close late in 2005. Included in the purchase orders listed in the table above, is $301.2 million related to Weston 4 purchase obligations.DPC. Other mainly represents expected pension and post-retirementpostretirement funding obligations.

Capital Requirements

See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for detailed information on capital requirements for WPSC.

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Capital Resources

See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for detailed information on capital resources for WPSC.

Other Future Considerations

KewauneeAsset Management Strategy

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources," for detailed information on WPS Resources' asset management strategy.

Regulatory Matters and Rate Trends

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources," for detailed information on regulatory matters and rate trends.

Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources," for detailed information on the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act.

Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources," for detailed information on the Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment.

Income Taxes

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources," for detailed information on the sale of WPSC's interest in Kewaunee.income tax matters applicable to WPSC.

Regulatory

For a discussion of regulatory considerations, see Note 16, Regulatory Environment.

Industry RestructuringEnvironmental

See Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," in the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of environmental considerations.

Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources," for detailed information on MISO.

Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment
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See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for information on the impact of the Seams Elimination Charge Adjustment on WPSC.

Coal Supply

See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for detailed information regarding WPSC's coal supply.

American Jobs Creation Act of 2004

See Liquidity and Capital Resources - WPS Resources for detailed information on the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.


OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS - WPSC

See Guarantees and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements - WPS Resources for detailed information on WPSC's off balance sheet arrangements.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES - WPSC

In accordance with the rules proposed by the SEC in May 2002, we reviewed our critical accounting policies for new critical accounting estimates and other significant changes. We found that the disclosures made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004,2005, are still current and that there have been no significant changes.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

WPS Resources has potential market risk exposure related to commodity price risk (including regulatory recovery risk), interest rate risk, equity return risk, and principal preservation risk. WPS Resources and WPSC are exposed to interest rate risk resulting primarily from their variable rate long-term debt, and short-term commercial paper borrowing.borrowing and projected near term debt financing needs. Exposure to equity return and principal preservation risk is the result of funding liabilities (accumulated benefit obligations) related to employee benefits through various external trust funds. Exposure to commodity price risk results from the impact of market fluctuations in the price of certain commodities, including but not limited to coal, uranium, electricity, natural gas, and oil, which are used and/or sold by our subsidiaries in the normal course of their business. WPS Resources has risk management policies in place to monitor and assist in controlling these market risks and uses derivative instruments to manage some of these exposures.

WPS Resources is also exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of foreign operations owned and operated in Canada and transactions denominated in Canadian dollars for the purchase and sale of natural gas and electricity by one of our nonregulated subsidiaries. Forward foreign exchange contracts are utilized to manage the risk associated with currency fluctuations on certain firm sales and sales commitments denominated in Canadian dollars and certain Canadian dollar denominated asset and liability positions. WPS Resources has approved processes in place to protect against this risk. WPS Resources'Resources’ exposure to foreign currency risk was not significant at September 30,March 31, 2006, or 2005.

Due to the retirement ofan increase in short-term commercial paper borrowings in the thirdfirst quarter of 2005,2006, WPS Resources has decreasedincreased its exposure to variable interest rates. Based on the variable rate debt of WPS Resources and WPSC outstanding at September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of 100 basis points in 2005 would2006 is projected to increase annual interest expense by approximately $1.8$6.7 million at WPS Resources and $0.4$0.9 million respectively.at WPSC. Comparatively, based on the variable rate debt outstanding at DecemberMarch 31, 2004,2005, an increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would have increased interest expense in 2005 by approximately $3.2$2.9 million at WPS Resources and $1.0$0.9 million at WPSC. These amounts were determined by performing a sensitivity analysis on the impact of a hypothetical 100 basis pointpoints increase in interest rates on the variable rate debt of WPS Resources and WPSC outstanding as of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, and December 31, 2004. This2005. The sensitivity analysis was performed assuming a constant level of variable rate debt during the period and an immediate increase in the levels of interest rates, with no other subsequent changes for the remainder of the period. In the event of a significant change in interest rates, management would take action to mitigate WPS Resources'Resources’ and WPSC's exposure to the change.

To measure commodity price risk exposure, WPS Resources performsemploys a number of controls and processes, including a value-at-risk (VaR) analysis of its exposures. VaR is estimated using a delta-normal approximation based on a one-day holding period and 95% confidence level. For further explanation of our VaR calculation, see the 20042005 Form 10-K, as updated by our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2005.10-K. At September 30,March 31, 2006, and March 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, ESI’sESI's VaR amount was calculated to be $1.3$1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The increase in WPS Energy Services’Services' VaR is due to the increased volatility and underlying commodity prices.

The Value-at-Risk for ESI's trading portfolio is presented in commodity prices, in particular natural gas,the following table:

Value-at-Risk (VaR) Disclosure for ESI

Value-at-Risk Calculations
 
March
 
March
 
Trading VaR (in millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
      
95% confidence level, one-day holding period, one-tailed March 31 
$
1.0
 $0.5 
Average for twelve months ended March 31  
1.1
  0.6 
High for 12 months ended March 31  
1.7
  0.8 
Low for 12 months ended March 31  
0.5
  0.5 

Other than the above-mentioned changes, WPS Resources' market risks have not changed materially from the market risks reported in the 20042005 Form 10-K, as updated by our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2005.10-K.
 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, WPS Resources' and WPSC's management evaluated, with the participation of WPS Resources' and WPSC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of WPS Resources' and WPSC's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and have concluded that, WPS Resources' and WPSC's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation in timely alerting them to material information relating to WPS Resources and WPSC (including their consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in their periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

Changes in Internal Controls

On April 1, 2005, the MISO Day Two Market became effective which impacted electric generation and purchased power practices and systems of WPS Resources' subsidiaries (including WPSC).  In conjunction with WPS Resources' participation in the MISO Day Two Market certain changes in internal controls over financial reportingThere were made that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, WPS Resources' and WPSC's internal control over financial reporting. The internal controls affected primarily relate to revenue and cost recognition associated with electric generation and purchased power. We continue to make changes in our system of internal controls in response to the MISO Day Two Market as it evolves.

Other than the matters discussed in the preceding paragraph there were no significant changes in WPS Resources' and WPSC's internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Part II. OTHER INFORMATIONItem 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 1. Legal ProceedingsFor information on material legal proceedings and matters related to WPS Resources and its subsidiaries, see Note 10 - "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stray Voltage Claims

See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Stray Voltage Claims" for information required by this Item 1.

Flood Damage

See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Flood Damage" for information required by this Item 1.

Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation

See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation" for information required by this Item 1.

Weston 4 Air Permit

See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Weston 4 Air Permit" for information required by this Item 1.
Weston Site Operation Permit

See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Weston Site Operation Permit" for information required by this Item 1.

Pulliam Air Permit Violation Lawsuit
See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Pulliam Air Permit Violation Lawsuit" for other information required by this Item 1.

Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, Transmission Line

See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies, under the heading "Wausau, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota, Transmission Line" for other information required by this Item 1.

Current Status of Labor Contracts

Local 310 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, represents 1,027 WPSC employees. The current Local 310 collective bargaining agreement expires on October 21, 2006. Negotiations are scheduled to begin in July 2006.

Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO,AFL CIO, represents approximately 10093 employees at the Sunbury generation station owned and operated by a subsidiary of PDI.Generation Station. The current collective bargaining agreement with Local 1600 expired on May 10, 2005. Negotiations areESI delivered a final offer on September 7, 2005. On January 27, 2006, ESI declared an impasse in negotiations. Local 1600 is currently in progress. The companydeciding whether to bring ESI's final offer to a vote. ESI and Local 1600 continue to operate under the union have brought in a mediator for these negotiations.existing labor agreement.


Item 5. Other Information1A.Risk Factors

Fuel Oil LeakThere were no material changes in Caribou, Mainethe risk factors previously disclosed in the 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for WPS Resources and WPSC filed on February 28, 2006.


On October 17, 2005, a switch failure at WPS New England Generation's Caribou Steam Power Plant in Caribou, Maine caused approximately 4,000 gallons of fuel oil to spill into the Aroostook River. WPS New England Generation immediately began remediation efforts, placing three booms in the Aroostook River to contain the spilled fuel and using absorbent pads to cleanup the fuel oil spill. The appropriate regulatory agencies were notified and the Maine Department of Environment is working
 
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cooperatively on-site to contain and clean up the spill. The extent of damage to the Aroostook River and other property in the area is not yet known. WPS Resources maintains a comprehensive insurance program that includes WPS New England Generation and which provides both property insurance for its facilities and liability insurance for legal liabilities to third parties. The liability insurance does provide coverage for the environmental liabilities associated with events of this type. WPS Resources is insured in amounts that it believes are sufficient to cover its responsibilities in connection with this event.


Exhibits
   
 The following documents are attached as exhibits (unless otherwise incorporated by reference herein):exhibits:
    
  12.1WPS Resources Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
  
12.2Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
  31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for WPS Resources Corporation
  
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for WPS Resources Corporation
  31.3Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  
31.4Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  
32.1Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for WPS Resources Corporation
  32.2Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
    

 
-84--74-




 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, WPS Resources Corporation, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 WPS Resources Corporation
  
  
  
Date: November 3, 2005May 4, 2006
/s/ Diane L. Ford 
Diane L. Ford
Vice President - Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer)

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-75-



SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  
  
  
Date: November 3, 2005May 4, 2006
/s/ Diane L. Ford 
Diane L. Ford
Vice President - Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer)





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WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION AND
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005MARCH 31, 2006
Exhibit No.
Description
  
12.1WPS Resources Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
12.2Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for WPS Resources Corporation
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for WPS Resources Corporation
31.3Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
31.4Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
32.1Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for WPS Resources Corporation
32.2Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  

 
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