Table of Contents
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM
10-Q
 
 
 
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
March 31,
September 30, 2021
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
1-8858
 
UNITIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New Hampshire
 
02
-038157302-0381573
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)
 
6 Liberty Lane West, Hampton,
New Hampshire
 
03842-1720
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (603)
772-0775
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol
 
Name of each exchange of which registered
Common Stock, , no par value
 
UTL
 
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    
Yes  
☒     No  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation
S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated
filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
12b-2
of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ☒  Accelerated filer ☐
    
Non-accelerated filer ☐  Smaller reporting company ☐
   
   Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2
of the Exchange Act).    
Yes  
☐
    No
  ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
  
Outstanding at April 30,October 29, 2021
Common Stock, no par value  15,042,67815,973,019 Shares
 
 
 
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UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
FORM
10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31,September 30, 2021
Table of Contents
 
   
Page No.
 
Cautionary Statement
   32 
Part I. Financial Information
  
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements (Unaudited)- Unaudited
  
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020
   1718 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020
   18-19
19-20
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020
   2021 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Stock Equity – Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020
   21
22-23
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   22-46
24-51
 
Item 2. 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   4-16
3-17
 
Item 3. 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
   4652 
Item 4. 
Controls and Procedures
   4652 
Part II. Other Information
  
Item 1. 
Legal Proceedings
   4752 
Item 1A. 
Risk Factors
   4752 
Item 2. 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   4752 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   Inapplicable 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   Inapplicable 
Item 5. 
Other Information
   4753 
Item 6. 
Exhibits
   48
53-54
 
Signatures 
Signatures
  4955 
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In this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q,
the “Company”, “Unitil”, “we”, “us”, “our” and similar terms refer to Unitil Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This report and the documents incorporated by reference into this report contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the Exchange Act), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference into this report, including, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for the Company’s future operations, are forward-looking statements.
These statements include declarations regarding the Company’s beliefs and current expectations. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties include those described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) and the following:
 
the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19)
pandemic (the coronavirus pandemic) could adversely affect the Company’sUnitil’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including by disrupting the Company’s employees’ and contractors’ ability to provide ongoing services to the Company, by reducing customer demand for electricity or natural gas, or by reducing the supply of electricity or natural gas;
unforeseen or changing circumstances, which could adversely affect the reduction of Company-wide direct greenhouse gas emissions;
 
the Company’s regulatory and legislative environment (including laws and regulations relating to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters), could affect the rates the Company is able to charge, the Company’s authorized rate of return, the Company’s ability to recover costs in its rates, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and the scope of the Company’s regulated activities;
 
fluctuations in the supply of, demand for, and the prices of, gas and electric energy commodities and transmission and transportation capacity and the Company’s ability to recover energy supply costs in its rates;
 
customers’ preferred energy sources;
 
severe storms and the Company’s ability to recover storm costs in its rates;
 
declines in the valuation of capital markets, valuations, which could require the Company to make substantial cash contributions to cover its pension obligations, and the Company’s ability to recover pension obligation costs in its rates;
 
general economic conditions, which could adversely affect (i) the Company’s customers and, consequently, the demand for the Company’s distribution services, (ii) the availability of credit and liquidity resources and (iii) certain of the Company’s counterparty’s obligations (including those of its insurers and lenders);
 
the Company’s ability to obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms;
 
increases in interest rates, which could increase the Company’s interest expense;
 
restrictive covenants contained in the terms of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ indebtedness, which restrict certain aspects of the Company’s business operations;
 
variations in weather, which could decrease demand for the Company’s distribution services;
 
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long-term global climate change, which could adversely affect customer demand or cause extreme weather events that could disrupt the Company’s electric and gas distribution services;
 
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cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism, acts of war, severe weather, a solar event, an electromagnetic event, a natural disaster, the age and condition of information technology assets, human error, or other reasons could disrupt the Company’s operations and cause the Company to incur unanticipated losses and expense;
 
outsourcing of services to third parties could expose us to substandard quality of service delivery or substandard deliverables, which may result in missed deadlines or other timeliness issues,
non-compliance
(including with applicable legal requirements and industry standards) or reputational harm, which could negatively affect our results of operations;
 
numerous hazards and operating risks relating to the Company’s electric and gas distribution activities, which could result in accidents and other operating risks and costs;
 
catastrophic events;
 
the Company’s ability to retain its existing customers and attract new customers; and
 
increased competition; and
other presently unknown or unforeseen factors.competition.
Many of these risks are beyond the Company’s control. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all suchof these factors, nor can the Company assess the effect of any such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)
See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Unitil Corporation’s 2020 Form
10-K
for additional information.
OVERVIEW
Unitil Corporation (Unitil or the Company) is a public utility holding company headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire. Unitil and its subsidiaries areis subject to regulation as a holding company system by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Unitil’s principal business is the local distribution of electricity and gas throughout its service territory in the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. Unitil is the parent company of three wholly-owned distribution utilities:
 
 i)
Unitil Energy Systems, Inc. (Unitil Energy), which provides electric service in the southeastern seacoast and state capital regions of New Hampshire, including the capital city of Concord;
 
 ii)
Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company (Fitchburg), which provides both electric and gas service in the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts; and
 
 iii)
Northern Utilities, Inc. (Northern Utilities), which provides gas service in southeastern New Hampshire and portions of southern and central Maine, including the city of Portland, which is the largest city in northern New England.
 
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Unitil Energy, Fitchburg and Northern Utilities are collectively referred to as the “distribution utilities.” Together, the distribution utilities serve approximately 107,100 electric customers and 85,600 gas customers in their service territory.
In addition, Unitil is the parent company of Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (Granite State), an interstate gas transmission pipeline company, operating 86 miles of underground gas transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire. Granite State provides Northern Utilities with interconnection to major gas pipelines and access to domestic gas supplies in the south and Canadian gas supplies in the north.
Unitil had an investment in Net Utility Plant of $1,192.3$1,237.3 million at March 31,September 30, 2021. Unitil’s total operating revenue includes revenue to recover the approved cost of purchased electricity and gas in rates on a fully reconciling basis. As a result of this reconciling rate structure, the Company’s earnings are not directly affected by changes in the cost of purchased electricity and gas. Earnings from Unitil’s utility operations are primarily derived primarily from the return on investment in the utility assets of the three distribution utilities and Granite State.
Unitil Resources is the Company’s wholly-owned
non-regulated
subsidiary. The Company’s other subsidiaries include Unitil Service Corp., which provides, at cost, a variety of administrative and professional services to Unitil’s affiliated companies; Unitil Realty Corp., which owns and manages Unitil’s corporate office building and property located in Hampton, New Hampshire; and Unitil Power Corp., which formerly functioned as the full requirements wholesale power supply provider for Unitil Energy. Unitil’s consolidated net income includes the earnings of the holding company and these subsidiaries.
RATES AND REGULATION
Regulation
Unitil is subject to comprehensive regulation by federal and state regulatory authorities. Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation as a holding company system by the FERC under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with regard to certain bookkeeping, accounting and reporting requirements.2005. Unitil’s utility operations related to wholesale and interstate energy business activities are also regulated by the FERC. Unitil’s distribution utilities are subject to regulation by the applicable state public utility commissions, with regard to their rates, issuance of securities and other accounting and operational matters: Unitil Energy is subject to regulation by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC); Fitchburg is subject to regulation by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MDPU); and Northern Utilities is regulated by the NHPUC and the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). Granite State, Unitil’s interstate gas transmission pipeline, is subject to regulation by the FERC with regard to its rates and operations. Because Unitil’s primary operations are subject to rate regulation, the regulatory treatment of various matters could significantly affect the Company’s operations and financial position.
Unitil’s distribution utilities deliver electricity and/or gas to all customers in their service territory, at rates established under cost of service regulation. Under this regulatory structure, Unitil’s distribution utilities recover the cost of providing distribution service to their customers based on a historical test year, and earn a return on their capital investment in utility assets. In addition, the Company’s distribution utilities and its gas transmission pipeline company may also recover certain base rate costs, including capital project spending and enhanced reliability and vegetation management programs, through annual step adjustments and cost trackingcost-tracking rate mechanisms.
Fitchburg is subject to revenue decoupling. Revenue decoupling is the term given to the elimination of the dependency of a utility’s distribution revenue on the volume of electricity or gas sales. The difference between distribution revenue amounts billed to customers and the targeted revenue decoupling amounts is recognized as an increase or a decrease in Accrued Revenue which forms the basis for resetting rates for future cash recoveries from, or credits to, customers. These revenue decoupling targets may be adjusted as a result of rate cases and other authorized adjustments that the Company files with the MDPU. The Company estimates that revenue decoupling currently applies to approximately 27% and 11% of Unitil’s total annual electric and gas sales volumes, respectively.
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following section of MD&A compares the results of operations for each of the two fiscal periods ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31,September 30, 2020 and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
The Company is responding to the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19)
pandemic (the “coronavirus pandemic”) by taking steps to mitigate the potential risks posed by its spread. The Company’s electric and gas service utility distribution operating systems have continued to provide service to customers without disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic through the date of this filing. The Company has implemented its Crisis Response Plan to address specific aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Crisis Response Plan guides emergency response, business continuity, and the precautionary measures being taken on behalf of employees and the public. The Company has initiated extra precautions to protect employees who work in the field and for employees who continue to work in operations, distribution and corporate facilities. The Company has implemented social distancing and work from home policies, where appropriate. The Company continues to implement strong physical and cyber-security measures to ensure that its systems remain functional in order to serve both operational needs with a remote workforce and to help ensure uninterrupted service to customers.
The extent to which the coronavirus pandemic affects the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the outbreak, new information thatwhich may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, and the actions to contain the coronavirus pandemic or treat its effect, among others. In particular, the continued spread of the coronavirus could adversely affect the Company’s business, including (i) by disrupting the Company’s employees and contractors ability to provide ongoing services to the Company, (ii) by reducing customer demand for electricity or gas, or (iii) by reducing the supply of electricity or gas, each of which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company’s results of operations reflect the seasonal nature of the gas business. Annual gas revenues are substantially realized during the heating season as a result of higher sales of gas due to cold weather. Accordingly, the results of operations are historically are most favorable in the first and fourth quarters. Fluctuations in seasonal weather conditions may have a significant effect on the result of operations. Sales of electricity are generally are less sensitive to weather than gas sales, but may also may be affected by the weather conditions in both the winter and summer seasons. Also, as a result of recent rate cases, the Company’s gas GAAP gross margins and gas adjusted gross margins (a
non-GAAP
measure)measure discussed below) are derived from a higher percentage of fixed billing components, including customer charges. Therefore, gas revenues and gas adjusted gross margin will be less affected by the seasonal nature of the gas business. In addition, approximatelyAs noted earlier, 27% and 11% of the Company’s total annual electric and gas sales volumes, respectively, are decoupled and changescurrently decoupled. Changes in sales to existing customers with decoupled rates do not affect GAAP gross margin and adjusted gross margin.
On August 6, 2021, the Company issued and sold 800,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $50.80 per share in a registered public offering (Offering). The Company’s net increase to Common Equity and Cash proceeds from the Offering was approximately $38.6 million. The proceeds will be used to make equity capital contributions to the Company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, to repay debt and for other general corporate purposes.
As part of the Offering, the Company granted the underwriters a
30-day
option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters exercised the option and purchased an additional
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120,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on September 8, 2021. The Company’s net increase to Common Equity and Cash proceeds from the exercise of the option was approximately $5.9 million. The proceeds will be used to make equity capital contributions to the Company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, to repay debt and for other general corporate purposes. Overall, the results of operations and earnings reflect the higher number of average shares outstanding period over period.
The Company analyzes operating results using Gas and Electric Adjusted Gross Margins, which are
non-GAAP
measures. Gas Adjusted Gross Margin is calculated as Total Gas Operating Revenue less Cost of Gas Sales. Electric Adjusted Gross Margin is calculated as Total Electric Operating Revenues less Cost of Electric Sales. The Company’s management believes Gas and Electric Adjusted Gross Margins provide useful information to investors regarding profitability. CompanyAlso the Company’s management also believes Gas and Electric Adjusted Gross Margins are important measures to analyze revenue from the Company’s ongoing operations because the approved cost of gas and electric sales are tracked, reconciled and passed through directly to customers in gas and electric tariff rates;rates, resulting in an equal and offsetting amount reflected in Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenue.
TheIn the following tables the Company has reconciled Gas and Electric Adjusted Gross Margin to GAAP Gross Margin, which we believe to be the most comparable GAAP measure. GAAP Gross Margin is calculated as:as Revenue less Cost of Sales, and Depreciation and Amortization. The Company calculates Gas and Electric Adjusted Gross Margin as Revenue less Cost of Sales. The Company believes excluding Depreciation and
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Amortization, which are period costs and not related to volumetric sales, revenue, is a meaningful measure to inform investors of the Company’s profitability from gas and electric sales in the period.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 ($ in millions)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 ($ millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 ($ millions)
 
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Non-

Regulated
and Other
   
Total
   
Gas
   
Electric
   
Non-

Regulated
and Other
   
Total
 
Total Operating Revenue
  $78.7   $60.1   $—     $ 138.8   $32.6   $65.5   $—     $98.1 
Less: Cost of Sales
   (30.9)    (36.4)    —      (67.3)    (13.2)    (40.1)    —      (53.3) 
Less: Depreciation and Amortization
   (8.2)    (6.5)    (0.2)    (14.9)    (8.1)    (6.5)    (0.2)    (14.8) 
                  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
GAAP Gross Margin
   39.6    17.2    (0.2)    56.6    11.3    18.9    (0.2)    30.0 
Depreciation and Amortization
   8.2    6.5    0.2    14.9    8.1    6.5    0.2    14.8 
                  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Adjusted Gross Margin
  $47.8   $23.7   $—     $71.5   $19.4   $25.4   $—     $44.8 
                  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 ($ in millions)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 ($ millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 ($ millions)
 
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Non-

Regulated
and Other
   
Total
   
Gas
   
Electric
   
Non-

Regulated
and Other
   
Total
 
Total Operating Revenue
  $70.2   $60.2   $—     $ 130.4   $27.5   $59.9   $—     $87.4 
Less: Cost of Sales
   (27.8)    (37.1)    —      (64.9)    (9.5)    (35.4)    —      (44.9) 
Less: Depreciation and Amortization
   (7.4)    (5.9)    (0.2)    (13.5)    (7.5)    (6.0)    (0.2)    (13.7) 
                  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
GAAP Gross Margin
   35.0    17.2    (0.2)    52.0    10.5    18.5    (0.2)    28.8 
Depreciation and Amortization
   7.4    5.9    0.2    13.5    7.5    6.0    0.2    13.7 
                  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Adjusted Gross Margin
  $42.4   $23.1   $—     $65.5   $18.0   $24.5   $—     $42.5 
                  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 ($ millions)
 
   
Gas
   
Electric
   
Non-

Regulated
and Other
   
Total
 
Total Operating Revenue
  $151.3   $182.2   $—     $333.5 
Less: Cost of Sales
   (59.1)    (108.8)    —      (167.9) 
Less: Depreciation and Amortization
   (24.5)    (19.4)    (0.6)    (44.5) 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
GAAP Gross Margin
   67.7    54.0    (0.6)    121.1 
Depreciation and Amortization
   24.5    19.4    0.6    44.5 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Adjusted Gross Margin
  $92.2   $73.4   $—     $165.6 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 ($ millions)
 
   
Gas
   
Electric
   
Non-

Regulated
and Other
   
Total
 
Total Operating Revenue
  $131.4   $170.3   $—     $301.7 
Less: Cost of Sales
   (48.1)    (100.3)    —      (148.4) 
Less: Depreciation and Amortization
   (22.3)    (17.8)    (0.6)    (40.7) 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
GAAP Gross Margin
   61.0    52.2    (0.6)    112.6 
Depreciation and Amortization
   22.3    17.8    0.6    40.7 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Adjusted Gross Margin
  $83.3   $70.0   $—     $153.3 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Gas GAAP gross marginGross Margin was $39.6$11.3 million and $67.7 million in the first quarterthree and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, increases of 2021, an increase of $4.6$0.8 million and $6.7 million compared to the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period in 2020,was driven largely by higher rates of $3.3 million. The remaining increase of $1.3 million reflects the favorable effects of colder winter weather and customer growth partially offset by lower Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sales, and higher depreciation and amortization.
Electric GAAP gross margin was $17.2of $1.4 million, in the first quarter of 2021, on par with the same period in 2020, reflecting an increase of $0.6 million due to colder winter weather, customer growth, and the combined net effect of higher Residential sales and lower C&I sales associated with the coronavirus pandemic,partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense of $0.6 million. The increase in the nine month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $7.5 million and $1.4 million from the favorable effect of colder winter weather, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense of $2.2 million.
Electric GAAP Gross Margin was $18.9 million and $54.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, increases of $0.4 million and $1.8 million compared to the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $1.3 million, partially offset by $0.4 million from the effect of milder summer weather and higher depreciation and amortization expense of $0.5 million. The increase in the nine month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $3.4 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense of $1.6 million.
Earnings Overview
The Company’sCompany reported breakeven Net Income was $18.9 million, or $1.26 in Earnings Per Shareand earnings per share (EPS), for the firstthird quarter of 2021, an increasea decrease of $3.7$0.3 million in Net Income, or $0.24$0.02 in EPS, compared to the third quarter of 2020. For the third quarter of 2021, higher Gas and Electric Adjusted Margins (a
non-GAAP
measure) were offset by higher operating expenses compared to the same period in 2020.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company reported Net Income of $21.6 million, or $1.42 per share, an increase of $3.0 million, or $0.17 per share, compared to the first quarter ofsame nine month period in 2020. The Company’s earnings in the first nine months of 2021 reflect higher Gas and Electric Adjusted Gross Margins (a
non-GAAP
measure)., partially offset by higher operating expenses. Also, EPS in 2021 reflects the sale of 920,000 common shares in the third quarter of 2021, discussed above.
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Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (a
non-GAAP
measure) was $47.8$19.4 million and $92.2 million in the first quarterthree and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, increases of 2021, an increase of $5.4$1.4 million and $8.9 million compared to the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period in 2020,was driven largely by higher rates and customer growth of $3.3$1.4 million. The remaining increase over the nine month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $2.1$7.5 million reflectsand $1.4 million from the favorable effectseffect of colder winter weather and customer growth, partially offset by lower C&I sales.weather.
Gas therm sales increased 6.1%5.0% and 4.3% in the first quarter ofthree and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020. The increase in gas therm sales in the Company’s service areas reflects colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, and customer growth, partially offset by lower C&I sales.growth. Based on weather data collected in the Company’s gas service areas, on average there were 8.1%2.1% more effective degree daysEffective Degree Days (EDD) in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, although
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6.6% 6.4% fewer EDD compared to normal. The Company estimates weather-normalized gas therm sales, excluding decoupled sales, increased 0.1%2.9% in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the number of gas customers served increased by 1,602592 over the previous year.
Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (a
non-GAAP
measure) was $23.7$25.4 million and $73.4 million in the first quarterthree and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, increases of 2021, an increase of $0.6$0.9 million and $3.4 million compared towith the same periodperiods in 2020. ThisThe increase reflects colder winter weather,in the three month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth andof $1.3 million, partially offset by $0.4 million from the combined net effect of milder summer weather. The increase over the nine month period was driven by higher Residential salesrates and lower C&I sales associated with the coronavirus pandemic.customer growth of $3.4 million.
Total electric kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales increased 0.7%0.2% and 2.0%, respectively in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. Sales to Residential customers decreased 3.5% and increased 0.4%, respectively, in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. Sales to Commercial and Industrial (C&I) customers increased 3.3% and 3.2%, respectively, in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. The changes in sales to Residential customers reflects customer growth and colder winter weather, offset by the effects of milder summer weather and lower Residential electric sales as the economy continues to reopen. The increase in sales to C&I customers reflects customer growth and increased usage due to improving economic conditions. Based on weather data collected in the Company’s electric service areas, on average there were 5.4% fewer Cooling Degree Days (CDD) in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Sales to Residential customers increased 7.3% while sales to C&I customers decreased 4.1% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in sales to Residential customers reflects higher consumption and customer growth. The decrease in sales to C&I customers reflects lower usage, partially offset by customer growth. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the number of electric customers served increased by 984652 over the previous year.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses decreased $0.9increased $0.6 million and $2.6 million in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020. The changeincrease in O&M expensesthe three month period reflects lowerhigher labor costs of $0.8 million, higher utility operating costs of $0.2 million, and lower professional fees of $0.4 million, partially offset bymillion. The increase in the nine month period reflects higher utility operating costs of $0.3 million. The lower$1.6 million, higher labor costs reflectof $1.2 million, and lower restricted stock expense, partially offset by higher salaries expense.professional fees of $0.2 million.
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $1.4$1.1 million and $3.8 million in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020,2020. These increases primarily reflectingreflect additional depreciation associated with higher levels of utility plant in service.service and higher amortization.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes decreased $0.3increased $0.8 million inand $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period in 2020, reflecting lowerreflects higher payroll taxes partially offset byand higher local property taxes on higher levels of utility plant in service. The increase in the nine month period reflects higher local property taxes on higher utility plant in service and slightly higher payroll taxes.
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Interest Expense, Net increased $0.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same periods in 2020, reflecting higher interest on long-term debt, partially offset by lower rates on lower levels of short-term debt.
Other Expense (Income), Net decreased $0.2$0.1 million inand $0.6 million, respectively for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to the same periodperiods in 2020, reflecting lower retirement benefit and other costs.
Interest Expense, NetFederal and State Income Taxes increased $0.5$1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same period in 2020, reflecting higher interest on long-term debt and higher net interest on regulatory assets and liabilities, partially offset by lower rates on lower levels of short-term borrowings.
Provision for Income Taxes Federal and State Income Taxes increased $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, primarily reflecting higher
pre-tax
earnings in the current period.
At its January 2021, April 2021, July 2021 and AprilOctober 2021 meetings, the Unitil Corporation Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on the Company’s common stock of $0.38 per share. These quarterly dividends result in a current effective annualized dividend rate of $1.52 per share, representing an unbroken record of quarterly dividend payments since trading began in Unitil’s common stock.
Gas Sales, Revenues and Adjusted Gross Margin
Therm Sales –
-
Unitil’s total gas therm sales increased 6.1%5.0% and 4.3% in the firstthree and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. In the third quarter of 2021, sales to Residential customers decreased 3.7% and sales to C&I customers increased 6.0%, compared to the same period in 2020, reflecting increases of 6.8% and 5.9% in2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, sales to Residential and CommercialC&I customers increased 0.3% and Industrial (C&I) customers, respectively.5.4%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in gas therm sales in the Company’s service areas reflects colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, and customer growth, partially offset by
lower C&I sales
.growth. Based on weather data collected in the Company’s gas service areas, on average there were 8.1%2.1% more EDD in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, although 6.6%6.4% fewer EDD compared to normal. The Company estimates weather-normalized gas therm sales, excluding decoupled sales, increased 0.1%2.9% in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the number of gas customers served increased by 1,602592 over the previous year. Sales marginmargins derived from decoupled unit sales (representing(currently representing approximately 11% of total annual therm sales volume) isare not sensitive to changes in gas therm sales.
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The following table details total firm therm sales for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, by major customer class:
 
Therm Sales (millions)
          
  Three Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  
2021
   2020   Change   % Change   
2021
   2020   Change   % Change 
2021
   2020   Change   % Change 
Residential
  
 
23.6
    22.1    1.5    6.8%   
 
2.6
 
   2.7    (0.1)    (3.7%)  
 
34.3
 
   34.2    0.1    0.3% 
Commercial / Industrial
  
 
71.6
    67.6    4.0    5.9%   
 
24.7
 
   23.3    1.4    6.0%  
 
132.7
 
   125.9    6.8    5.4% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Total
  
 
95.2
    89.7    5.5    6.1%   
 
27.3
 
   26.0    1.3    5.0%  
 
167.0
 
   160.1    6.9    4.3% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
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Gas Operating Revenues and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin -
– The following table details totalTotal Gas Operating Revenues and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
 
Gas Operating Revenues and Adjusted Gross Margin ($ in millions)
 
Gas Operating Revenues and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin ($ millions)
Gas Operating Revenues and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin ($ millions)
   
  Three Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  
2021
   2020   $ Change   % Change   
2021
   2020   $ Change   % Change 
2021
   2020   $ Change   % Change 
Gas Operating Revenues:
            
Gas Operating Revenue:
               
Residential
  
$
 33.4
 
  $ 29.5   $ 3.9    13.2%   
$
 12.0
 
  $ 10.2   $ 1.8    17.6%  
$
61.4
 
  $54.3   $7.1    13.1% 
Commercial / Industrial
  
 
45.3
 
   40.7    4.6    11.3%   
 
20.6
 
   17.3    3.3    19.1%  
 
89.9
 
   77.1    12.8    16.6% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Total Gas Operating Revenues
  
$
78.7
 
  $70.2   $8.5    12.1% 
Total Gas Operating Revenue
  
$
32.6
 
  $27.5   $5.1    18.5%  
$
151.3
 
  $ 131.4   $19.9    15.1% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Cost of Gas Sales
  
$
30.9
 
  $27.8   $3.1    11.2%   
$
13.2
 
  $9.5   $3.7    38.9%  
$
59.1
 
  $48.1   $11.0    22.9% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Gas Adjusted Gross Margin
  
$
47.8
 
  $42.4   $5.4    12.7%   
$
19.4
 
  $18.0   $1.4    7.8%  
$
92.2
 
  $83.3   $8.9    10.7% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (a
non-GAAP
measure) was $47.8$19.4 million and $92.2 million in the first quarterthree and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, increases of 2021, an increase of $5.4$1.4 million and $8.9 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period in 2020,was driven largely by higher rates and customer growth of $3.3$1.4 million. The remaining increase over the nine month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $2.1$7.5 million reflectsand $1.4 million from the favorable effectseffect of colder winter weather and customer growth, partially offset by lower C&I sales.weather.
The increaseincreases in Total Gas Operating RevenuesRevenue of $8.5$5.1 million and $19.9 million in the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2021, was driven byrespectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, reflect higher gas sales volumes and higher costcosts of gas sales, which are tracked and reconciled costs that are passed through directly to customers.customers, and higher gas sales volumes.
Electric Sales, Revenues and Adjusted Gross Margin
Kilowatt-hour Sales
-
In the first quarter of 2021, Unitil’s total electric kWh sales increased 0.7%0.2% and 2.0%, respectively in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 compared to the first quarter ofsame periods in 2020. Sales to Residential customers decreased 3.5% and increased 7.3% while0.4%, respectively, in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. Sales to C&I customers increased 3.3% and 3.2%, respectively, in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. The changes in sales to Residential customers reflects customer growth and colder winter weather, offset by the effects of milder summer weather and lower Residential electric sales as the economy continues to reopen. The increase in sales to C&I customers decreased 4.1%reflects customer growth and increased usage due to improving economic conditions. Based on weather data collected in the Company’s electric service areas, on average there were 5.4% fewer CDD in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in sales to Residential customers reflects higher consumption due to the coronavirus pandemic, and customer growth. The decrease in sales to C&I customers reflects lower usage as a result of the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, partially offset by customer growth. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the number of electric customers served increased by 984652 over the previous year. Sales margins derived from decoupled unit sales (representing(currently representing approximately 27% of total annual electric kWh sales volume) are not sensitive to changes in electric kWh sales.
 
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The following table details total kWh sales for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 by major customer class:
 
kWh Sales (millions)
          
  Three Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  
2021
   2020   Change   % Change   
2021
   2020   Change   % Change 
2021
   2020   Change   % Change 
Residential
  
 
192.2
    179.1    13.1    7.3%   
 
199.7
 
   207.0    (7.3)    (3.5%)  
 
541.4
 
   539.4    2.0    0.4% 
Commercial / Industrial
  
 
231.9
    241.9    (10.0)    (4.1%)   
 
258.7
 
   250.4    8.3    3.3%  
 
714.6
 
   692.4    22.2    3.2% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Total
  
 
424.1
    421.0    3.1    0.7%   
 
458.4
 
   457.4    1.0    0.2%  
 
1,256.0
 
   1,231.8    24.2    2.0% 
                 
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
Electric Operating Revenues and Electric Adjusted Gross Margin
-
The following table details totalTotal Electric Operating Revenues and Electric Adjusted Gross Margin for the three monthsand nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
 
Electric Operating Revenues and Adjusted Gross Margin ($ in millions)
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   
2021
   2020   $ Change   % Change 
Electric Operating Revenues:
                    
Residential
  
$
 36.2
 
  $ 35.9   $0.3    0.8% 
Commercial / Industrial
  
 
23.9
 
   24.3    (0.4)    (1.6%) 
                     
Total Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
60.1
 
  $60.2   $(0.1)    (0.2%) 
                     
Total Cost of Electric Sales
  
$
36.4
 
  $37.1   $(0.7)    (1.9%) 
                     
Electric Sales Margin
  
$
23.7
 
  $23.1   $0.6    2.6% 
                     
Electric Operating Revenues and Electric Adjusted Gross Margin ($ millions)
    
   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   
2021
   2020   $ Change   % Change  
2021
   2020   $ Change   % Change 
Electric Operating Revenue:
               
Residential
  
$
 37.6
 
  $ 36.1   $ 1.5    4.2%  
$
105.3
 
  $ 102.3   $3.0    2.9% 
Commercial / Industrial
  
 
27.9
 
   23.8    4.1    17.2%  
 
76.9
 
   68.0    8.9    13.1% 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
Total Electric Operating Revenue
  
$
65.5
 
  $59.9   $5.6    9.3%  
$
 182.2
 
  $170.3   $ 11.9    7.0% 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
Cost of Electric Sales
  
$
40.1
 
  $35.4   $4.7    13.3%  
$
108.8
 
  $100.3   $8.5    8.5% 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
Electric Adjusted Gross Margin
  
$
25.4
 
  $24.5   $0.9    3.7%  
$
73.4
 
  $70.0   $3.4    4.9% 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (a
non-GAAP
measure) was $23.7$25.4 million and $73.4 million in the first quarterthree and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, increases of $0.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $1.3 million, partially offset by $0.4 million from the effect of milder summer weather. The increase over the nine month period was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $3.4 million.
The increases in Total Electric Operating Revenue of $5.6 million and $11.9 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $0.6 millionrespectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020. This increase reflects colder winter weather, customer growth, and the combined net effect of2020 reflect higher Residential sales and lower C&I sales associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
The decrease in Total Electric Operating Revenues of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2021 reflects lower costcosts of electric sales, which are tracked and reconciled to costs that are passed through directly to customers, partially offset byand higher sales of electricity.
Operating Expenses
Cost of Gas Sales
-
Cost of Gas Sales includes the cost of gas purchased to supply the Company’s total gas supply requirements and spending on energy efficiency programs. Cost of Gas Sales increased $3.1$3.7 million, or 11.2%38.9%, and $11.0 million, or 22.9%, in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020. This increase reflectsThese increases reflect higher sales of gas and higher wholesale gas commodity prices, partially offset by an increase in the amount of gas purchased by customers directly from third-party suppliers. Because the Company reconciles and recovers the approved Cost of Gas Sales in its rates at cost on a pass-through basis, changes in approved expenses do not affect earnings.
Cost of Electric Sales
-
Cost of Electric Sales includes the cost of electric supply as well as other energy supply related restructuring costs, including power supply buyout costs, and spending on energy
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efficiency programs. Cost of Electric Sales decreased $0.7increased $4.7 million, or 1.9%13.3%, and $8.5 million, or 8.5% in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020. This decrease reflects lowerThese increases reflect higher sales of electricity and higher wholesale electricity prices, partially offset by higher sales of electricity, and a decreasean increase in the amount of electricity purchased by customers directly from third-party suppliers. Because the Company reconciles and recovers the approved Cost of Electric Sales in its rates at cost on a pass-through basis, changes in approved expenses do not affect earnings.
10
Table of Contents
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) -
O&M expense includes electricgas and gaselectric utility operating costs, and the operating costscost of the Company’s corporate and other business activities. O&M expenses decreased $0.9expense increased $0.6 million, or 5.0%3.7%, and $2.6 million, or 5.4%, in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020. The changeincrease in O&M expensesthe three month period reflects lowerhigher labor costs of $0.8 million, higher utility operating costs of $0.2 million, and lower professional fees of $0.4 million, partially offset bymillion. The increase in the nine month period reflects higher utility operating costs of $0.3 million. The lower$1.6 million, higher labor costs reflectof $1.2 million, and lower restricted stock expense, partially offset by higher salaries expense.professional fees of $0.2 million.
Depreciation and Amortization -
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $1.4$1.1 million, or 10.4%8.0%, and $3.8 million, or 9.3%, in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periodperiods in 2020, primarily reflecting2020. These increases reflect additional depreciation associated with higher levels of utility plant in service.service and higher amortization.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
-
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes decreased $0.3increased $0.8 million, or 4.6%15.1%, inand $0.6 million, or 3.4% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. The increase in the three month period in 2020, reflecting lowerreflects higher payroll taxes partially offset byand higher local property taxes on higher levels of utility plant in service. The increase in the nine month period reflects higher local property taxes on higher utility plant in service and slightly higher payroll taxes.
Other Expense (Income), Net -
Other Expense (Income), Net decreased $0.2$0.1 million, or 13.3% in9.1%, and $0.6 million, or 15.0%, respectively for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to the same periodperiods in 2020, reflecting lower retirement benefit and other costs.
Provision for Income Taxes
-
Federal and State Income Taxes increased $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 decreased $0.7 million compared with the same period in 2020, reflecting lower
pre-tax
earnings in the current period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Federal and State Income Taxes increased $1.1 million compared to the same period in 2020, primarily reflecting higher
pre-tax
earnings in the current period.
Interest Expense, Net -
Interest expense is presented in the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements net of interest income. Interest expense is mainly comprised of interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings. In addition, certain reconciling rate mechanisms used by the Company’s distribution operating utilities give rise to regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities on which interest is calculated.
accrued.
Unitil’s utility subsidiaries operate a number of reconciling rate mechanisms to recover specifically identified costs on a pass-through basis. These reconciling rate mechanisms track costs and revenue on a monthly basis. In any given month, this monthly tracking and reconciling process will produce either an under-collected or an over-collected balance.position. In accordance with the distribution utilities’ rate tariffs, interest is calculated foraccrued on these balances and will produce either interest income or interest expense. Consistent with regulatory precedent, interest income is recorded on an under-collection of costs which creates a regulatory asset to be recovered in future periods when rates are reset. Interest expense is recorded on an over-collection of costs, which creates a regulatory liability to be refunded in future periods when rates are reset.
 
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Interest Expense, Net
($ in millions)
  
Three Months

Ended March 31,
 
Interest Expense, Net
($ millions)
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  
2021
 2020 Change   
2021
 2020 Change 
2021
 2020 Change 
Interest Expense
           
Long-term Debt
  
$
6.6
 
 $6.1  $0.5   
$
6.5
 
 $6.0  $0.5  
$
19.8
 
 $18.1  $1.7 
Short-term Debt
  
 
0.2
 
 0.6  (0.4)   
 
0.2
 
 0.3  (0.1)  
 
0.5
 
 1.3  (0.8) 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
0.1
 
 0.1   —     
 
0.1
 
 0.1   —    
 
0.3
 
 0.2  0.1 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Subtotal Interest Expense
  
 
6.9
 
 6.8  0.1   
 
6.8
 
 6.4  0.4  
 
20.6
 
 19.6  1.0 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Interest (Income)
           
Regulatory Assets
  
 
(0.1
) 
 (0.3)  0.2   
 
—  
 
 (0.2)  0.2  
 
(0.4
) 
 (0.6)  0.2 
AFUDC and Other
  
 
(0.1
) 
 (0.3)  0.2 
AFUDC
(1)
and Other
  
 
(0.3
) 
 (0.6)  0.3  
 
(0.7
) 
 (1.3)  0.6 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Subtotal Interest (Income)
  
 
(0.2
) 
 (0.6)  0.4   
 
(0.3
) 
 (0.8)  0.5  
 
(1.1
) 
 (1.9)  0.8 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Total Interest Expense, Net
  
$
6.7
 
 $6.2  $0.5   
$
6.5
 
 $5.6  $0.9  
$
19.5
 
 $17.7  $1.8 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
(1) 
AFUDC – Allowance for Funds Used During Construction.
Interest Expense, Net increased $0.9 million, or 16.1%, and $1.8 million, or 10.2%, respectively, in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, increased $0.5 million compared to the same periodperiods in 2020, primarily reflecting higher interest on long-term debt, and higher net interest on regulatory assets and liabilities, partially offset by lower rates on lower levels of short-term borrowings.debt.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Sources of Capital
Unitil requires capital to fund utility plant additions, working capital and other utility expenditures recovered in subsequent periods through regulated rates. The capital necessary to meet these requirements is derived primarily from internally generated funds, which consist of cash flows from operating activities. The Company initially supplements internally generated funds through short-term bank borrowings, as needed, under its unsecured revolving Credit Facility. Periodically, the Company replaces portions of its short-term debt with long-term debt financings more closely matched to the long-term nature of its utility assets. Additionally, from time to time, the Company has accessedaccesses the public capital markets through public offerings of equity securities. The Company’s utility operations are seasonal in nature and therefore are subject to seasonal fluctuations in cash flows. The amount, type and timing of any future financing will vary from year to year based on capital needs and maturity or redemptions of securities.
On August 6, 2021, the Company issued and sold 800,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $50.80 per share in a registered public offering (Offering). The Company’s net increase to Common Equity and Cash proceeds from the Offering was approximately $38.6 million. The proceeds will be used to make equity capital contributions to the Company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, to repay debt and for other general corporate purposes.
As part of the Offering, the Company granted the underwriters a
30-day
option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters exercised the option and purchased an additional 120,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on September 8, 2021. The Company’s net increase to Common Equity and Cash proceeds from the exercise of the option was approximately $5.9 million. The proceeds will be used to make equity capital contributions to the Company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, to repay debt and for other general corporate purposes.
The Company and its subsidiaries are individually and collectively members of the Unitil Cash Pool (the Cash Pool). The Cash Pool is the financing vehicle for
day-to-day
cash borrowing and investing. The
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Cash Pool allows for an efficient exchange of cash among the Company and its subsidiaries. The interest rates charged to the subsidiaries for borrowing from the Cash Pool are based on actual interest costs from lenders under the Company’s revolving Credit Facility (as defined). At March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Company and all of its subsidiaries were in compliance with the regulatory requirements to participate in the Cash Pool.
On July 25, 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and related documents (collectively, the Credit Facility) with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the Company’s prior credit facility. The Credit Facility extends to July 25, 2023, subject to two
one-year
extensions under certain circumstances, and has a borrowing limit of $120 million, which includes a $25 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. The Credit Facility provides the Company with the ability to elect that borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest under several options, including at a daily fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to
one-month
London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.125%. The Company may increase the borrowing limit under the Credit Facility by up to $50 million under certain circumstances.
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The Company utilizes the Credit Facility for cash management purposes related to its short-term operating activities. Total gross borrowings were $58.0$170.7 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. Total gross repayments were $75.4$194.9 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. The following table details the borrowing limits, amounts outstanding and amounts available under the Credit Facility as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020:
 
  
Revolving Credit Facility ($ in millions)
   
Revolving Credit Facility ($ millions)
 
  
March 31,
   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Limit
  
$
120.0
 
  $120.0   $120.0   
$
120.0
 
  $120.0   $120.0 
Short-Term Borrowings Outstanding
  
 
37.3
 
   71.6    54.7   
 
30.5
 
   17.3    54.7 
Letter of Credit Outstanding
  
 
—  
 
   0.1    0.1   
 
—  
 
   0.1    0.1 
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Available
  
$
82.7
 
  $48.3   $65.2   
$
89.5
 
  $102.6   $65.2 
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
The Credit Facility contains customary terms and conditions for credit facilities of this type, including affirmative and negative covenants. There are restrictions on, among other things, the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to permit liens or incur indebtedness, and restrictions on the Company’s ability to merge or consolidate with another entity or change its line of business. The affirmative and negative covenants under the Credit Facility apply until the Credit Facility terminates and all amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility are paid in full (or with respect to letters of credit, they are cash collateralized). The only financial covenant in the Credit Facility provides that Funded Debt to Capitalization (as each term is defined in the Credit Facility) cannot exceed 65%, tested on a quarterly basis. At March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the covenants contained in the Credit Facility in effect on those dates.
The Company is monitoring the coronavirus pandemic, and does not believe the pandemic will adversely affect its access to capital and funding sources, or its planned capital expenditures. The Company believes its future operating cash flows, its available borrowing capacity, and its access to private and public capital markets for the issuance of long-term debt and equity securities will be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital investment needs.
On December 18, 2020, Unitil Realty Corp. entered into a loan agreement in the amount of $4.7 million at 2.64%, with a maturity date of December 18, 2030. Less than $0.1 million of costs associated with this loan have been recorded as a reduction to the proceeds. Unitil Realty Corp. used the net proceeds from this loan for general corporate purposes.
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On September 15, 2020, Northern Utilities issued $40 million of Notes due 2040 at 3.78%. Fitchburg issued $27.5 million of Notes due 2040 at 3.78%. Unitil Energy issued $27.5 million of Bonds due 2040 at 3.58%. Northern Utilities, Fitchburg and Unitil Energy used the net proceeds from these offerings to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. Approximately $0.5 million of costs associated with these issuances have been recorded as a reduction to Long-Term Debt for presentation purposes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Unitil Corporation and its utility subsidiaries, Fitchburg, Unitil Energy, Northern Utilities, and Granite State currently are rated “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. Unitil Corporation and Granite State currently are rated “Baa2”, and Fitchburg, Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities are currently rated “Baa1” by Moody’s Investors Services.
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The continued availability of various methods of financing, as well as the choice of a specific form of security for such financing, will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to: security market conditions; general economic climate; regulatory approvals; the ability to meet covenant issuance restrictions; the level of earnings, cash flows and financial position; and the competitive pricing offered by financing sources.
The Company provides limited guarantees on certain energy and gas storage management contracts entered into by the distribution utilities. The Company’s policy is to limit the duration of these guarantees. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, there were approximately $0.7 million of guarantees outstanding with a duration less than one year.
Northern Utilities enters into asset management agreements under which Northern Utilities releases certain gas pipeline and storage assets, resells the gas storage inventory to an asset manager and subsequently repurchases the inventorygas over the course of the gas heating season at the same price at which it sold the gas inventory to the asset manager. There was $1.5$9.7 million, $2.5$6.0 million and $5.4 million of gas storage inventoryobligations at March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively, related to these asset management agreements. The amount of gas inventory released in MarchSeptember 2021 and payable in AprilOctober 2021 is $0.5$0.1 million and is recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31,September 30, 2021. The amount of gas inventory released in MarchSeptember 2020 and payable in AprilOctober 2020 was $0.6less than $0.1 million and was recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31,September 30, 2020. The amount of gas inventory released in December 2020 and payable in January 2021 was $1.0 million and was recorded in Accounts Payable at December 31, 2020.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
The Company and its subsidiaries do not currently use, and are not dependent on the use of,
off-balance
sheet financing arrangements such as securitization of receivables or obtaining access to assets or cash through special purpose entities or variable interest entities. Unitil Corporation’s subsidiaries conduct a portion of their operations in leased facilities, and lease some of their vehicles, machinery and office equipment under both capital and operating lease arrangements. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, there were approximately $0.7 million of guarantees on certain energy and gas storage management contracts entered into by the distribution utilities outstanding. See Note 4 (Debt and Financing Arrangements) to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In making those estimates and assumptions, the Company is sometimes is required to make difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and for which different estimates that could reasonably have been used could have resulted in material differences in its financial statements. If actual results were to differ significantly from those
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estimates, assumptions and judgment, the financial position of the Company could be materially affected and the results of operations of the Company could be materially different than reported. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates had not changed significantly from December 31, 2020. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” in the Company’s 2020 Form
10-K
for additional information.
EMPLOYEESLABOR RELATIONS
Unitil’s commitment to excellence begins with its employees. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries had 506513 employees. The Company considers its relationship with employees to be good and has not experienced any major labor disruptions. Unitil’s employees are focused on the Company’s mission to safely and reliably deliver “energy for life” and provide customers with affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
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Table of Contents
The Company strives to be the employer of choice in the communities it serves – regardless of race, religion, color, gender identification, or sexual orientation. The Company works diligently to attract the best talent from a diverse range of sources to meet the current and future demands of our business.
To attract and retain a talented workforce, Unitil provides employee wages that are competitive and consistent with employee positions, skill levels, experience, knowledge and geographic location. All employees are eligible for health insurance, paid and unpaid leave, educational assistance, retirement plan and life and disability/accident coverage.
Employees at Unitil have the opportunity to be heard. Feedback from employees is collected annually in the Company’s Employee Opinion survey. This feedback helps create action plans to improve the engagement of employees consistent with the Company’s culture of continuous improvement.
As of March 31,September 30, 2021, a total of 163165 employees of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries were represented by labor unions. The following table details by subsidiary the employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as of March 31,September 30, 2021:
 
   
Employees Covered
   
CBA Expiration
 
Fitchburg
   4344    05/31/2022 
Northern Utilities NH Division
   36    06/07/2025 
Northern Utilities ME Division
   36    03/31/2026 
Granite State
     4    03/31/2026 
Unitil Energy
   3940    05/31/2023 
Unitil Service
     5    05/31/2023 
The CBAs provide discrete salary adjustments, established work practices and uniform benefit packages. The Company expects to negotiate new agreements prior to their expiration dates.
INTEREST RATE RISK
Unitil meets its external financing needs in part by issuing short-term and long-term debt. The majority of debt outstanding represents long-term notes or bonds bearing fixed rates of interest. Changes in market interest rates do not affect interest expense resulting from these outstanding long-term debt securities. However, the Company periodically repays its short-term debt borrowings through the issuance of new long-term debt securities. Changes in market interest rates may affect the interest rate and corresponding interest expense on any new issuances of long-term debt securities. In addition, short-term debt borrowings bear a variable rate of interest.
As a result, changes in short-term interest rates will increase
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or decrease interest expense in future periods. For example, if the average amount of short-term debt outstanding was $25 million for the period of one year, a change in interest rates of 1% would result in a change in annual interest expense of approximately $250,000. The average interest rates on the Company’s short-term borrowings and intercompany money pool transactions for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31,September 30, 2020 were 1.3%1.2% and 2.6%1.3%, respectively. The average interest rates on the Company’s short-term borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 were 1.2% and 1.8%, respectively. The average interest rate on the Company’s short-term borrowings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was 1.7%.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Although Unitil’s three distribution utilities are subject to commodity price risk as part of their traditional operations, the current regulatory framework within which these companies operate allows for full collection of electric power and natural gas supply costs in rates on a pass-through basis. Consequently, there is limited commodity price risk after consideration of the related rate-making. As discussed in Note 6 (Regulatory Matters), the Company has divested its long-term power supply contracts and therefore, further reduced its exposure to commodity risk.
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Table of Contents
REGULATORY MATTERS
ReferPlease refer to Note 6 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of Regulatory Matters.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
ReferPlease refer to Note 7 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of Environmental Matters.
 
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Item 1. Financial Statements
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Millions except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,		   
Three Months Ended

September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended

September 30,
 
  
2021
   2020   
2021
 2020   
2021
   2020 
Operating Revenues
                     
Gas
  
$
78.7
 
  $70.2   
$
32.6
 
 $27.5   
$
151.3
 
  $131.4 
Electric
  
 
60.1
 
   60.2   
 
65.5
 
  59.9   
 
182.2
 
   170.3 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
  
 
138.8
 
   130.4   
 
98.1
 
  87.4   
 
333.5
 
   301.7 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Operating Expenses
                     
Cost of Gas Sales
  
 
30.9
 
   27.8   
 
13.2
 
  9.5   
 
59.1
 
   48.1 
Cost of Electric Sales
  
 
36.4
 
   37.1   
 
40.1
 
  35.4   
 
108.8
 
   100.3 
Operation and Maintenance
  
 
17.0
 
   17.9   
 
16.7
 
  16.1   
 
51.2
 
   48.6 
Depreciation and Amortization
  
 
14.9
 
   13.5   
 
14.8
 
  13.7   
 
44.5
 
   40.7 
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
  
 
6.2
 
   6.5 
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
  
 
6.1
 
  5.3   
 
18.5
 
   17.9 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Operating Expenses
  
 
105.4
 
   102.8   
 
90.9
 
  80.0   
 
282.1
 
   255.6 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Operating Income
  
 
33.4
 
   27.6   
 
7.2
 
  7.4   
 
51.4
 
   46.1 
Interest Expense, Net
  
 
6.7
 
   6.2   
 
6.5
 
  5.6   
 
19.5
 
   17.7 
Other Expense (Income), Net
  
 
1.3
 
   1.5   
 
1.0
 
  1.1   
 
3.4
 
   4.0 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
  
 
25.4
 
   19.9 
Provision For Income Taxes
  
 
6.5
 
   4.7 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  
 
(0.3
) 
  0.7   
 
28.5
 
   24.4 
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
  
 
(0.3
) 
  0.4   
 
6.9
 
   5.8 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Income
  
$
18.9
 
  $15.2   
$
0  
 
 $0.3   
$
21.6
 
  $18.6 
            
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Income Per Common Share (Basic and Diluted)
  
$
1.26
 
  $1.02   
$
0  
 
 $0.02   
$
1.42
 
  $1.25 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – (Basic and Diluted)
  
 
15.0
 
   14.9   
 
15.5
 
  14.9   
 
15.2
 
   14.9 
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
 
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UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions) (UNAUDITED)
(UNAUDITED)
   March 31,   December 31, 
   
2021
   2020   2020 
ASSETS:
               
    
Current Assets:
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  
$
6.1
 
  $6.2   $6.0 
Accounts Receivable, Net
  
 
73.2
 
   62.6    62.0 
Accrued Revenue
  
 
34.7
 
   38.6    50.9 
Exchange Gas Receivable
  
 
1.2
 
   2.2    4.9 
Gas Inventory
  
 
0.4
 
   0.4    0.6 
Materials and Supplies
  
 
9.2
 
   9.2    8.5 
Prepayments and Other
  
 
7.9
 
   6.6    6.4 
                
Total Current Assets
  
 
132.7
 
   125.8    139.3 
                
    
Utility Plant:
               
Gas
  
 
922.4
 
   869.7    920.2 
Electric
  
 
576.8
 
   538.4    575.9 
Common
  
 
64.5
 
   62.8    64.1 
Construction Work in Progress
  
 
38.3
 
   43.3    34.8 
                
Total Utility Plant
  
 
1,602.0
 
   1,514.2    1,595.0 
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
  
 
409.7
 
   389.1    401.8 
                
Net Utility Plant
  
 
1,192.3
 
   1,125.1    1,193.2 
                
    
Other Noncurrent Assets:
               
Regulatory Assets
  
 
128.7
 
   105.3    127.4 
Operating Lease Right of Use Assets
  
 
5.4
 
   4.9    5.2 
Other Assets
  
 
17.9
 
   17.3    12.8 
                
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
  
 
152.0
 
   127.5    145.4 
                
    
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
1,477.0
 
  $1,378.4   $1,477.9 
                
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
   
2021
   2020   2020 
ASSETS:
               
    
Current Assets
:
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  
$
8.8
 
  $8.2   $6.0 
Accounts Receivable, Net
  
 
46.3
 
   48.6    62.0 
Accrued Revenue
  
 
38.6
 
   39.1    50.9 
Exchange Gas Receivable
  
 
10.5
 
   6.5    4.9 
Gas Inventory
  
 
0.9
 
   0.6    0.6 
Materials and Supplies
  
 
8.6
 
   8.5    8.5 
Prepayments and Other
  
 
7.3
 
   5.8    6.4 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Current Assets
  
 
121.0
 
   117.3    139.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
Utility Plant:
               
Gas
  
 
932.8
 
   876.8    920.2 
Electric
  
 
581.0
 
   545.9    575.9 
Common
  
 
64.8
 
   63.3    64.1 
Construction Work in Progress
  
 
84.8
 
   101.0    34.8 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Utility Plant
   1,663.4    1,587.0    1,595.0 
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
  
 
426.1
 
   401.7    401.8 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Net Utility Plant
  
 
1,237.3
 
   1,185.3    1,193.2 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
Other Noncurrent Assets:
               
Regulatory Assets
  
 
132.4
 
   104.4    127.4 
Operating Lease Right of Use Assets
  
 
5.1
 
   5.6    5.2 
Other Assets
  
 
13.2
 
   11.3    12.8 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
  
 
150.7
 
   121.3    145.4 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
1,509.0
 
  $1,423.9   $1,477.9 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
 
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UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Cont.)
(Millions, except number of shares) (UNAUDITED)
   March 31,   December 31, 
   
2021
   2020   2020 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION:
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts Payable
  
$
28.7
 
  $26.5   $33.2 
Short-Term Debt
  
 
37.3
 
   71.6    54.7 
Long-Term Debt, Current Portion
  
 
8.5
 
   6.3    8.5 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
14.7
 
   10.5    5.5 
Energy Supply Obligations
  
 
7.7
 
   7.9    10.4 
Interest Payable
  
 
6.8
 
   7.2    5.0 
Environmental Obligations
  
 
0.3
 
   0.3    0.3 
Other Current Liabilities
  
 
18.9
 
   16.8    18.5 
                
Total Current Liabilities
  
 
122.9
 
   147.1    136.1 
                
Noncurrent Liabilities:
               
Retirement Benefit Obligations
  
 
164.8
 
   145.4    162.3 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
  
 
115.4
 
   108.7    109.0 
Cost of Removal Obligations
  
 
102.5
 
   98.8    105.2 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
43.5
 
   45.1    44.3 
Environmental Obligations
  
 
1.8
 
   1.9    1.8 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
  
 
7.0
 
   7.2    6.9 
                
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
  
 
435.0
 
   407.1    429.5 
                
Capitalization:
               
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
  
 
515.8
 
   436.3    523.1 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Common Equity (Authorized: 25,000,000 and Outstanding:15,041,629, 14,963,444 and 15,012,310 Shares)
  
 
286.3
 
   284.0    285.3 
Retained Earnings
  
 
116.8
 
   103.7    103.7 
                
Total Common Stock Equity
  
 
403.1
 
   387.7    389.0 
Preferred Stock
  
 
0.2
 
   0.2    0.2 
                
Total Stockholders’ Equity
  
 
403.3
 
   387.9    389.2 
                
Total Capitalization
  
 
919.1
 
   824.2    912.3 
                
Commitments and Contingencies
(Notes 6 & 7)
   0           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
  
$
1,477.0
 
  $1,378.4   $1,477.9 
                
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)(UNAUDITED)
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Table of Contents
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions) (UNAUDITED)
   
Three Months Ended

March 31,
 
   
2021
  2020 
Operating Activities:
         
Net Income
  
$
18.9
 
 $15.2 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash
         
Provided by Operating Activities:
         
Depreciation and Amortization
  
 
14.9
 
  13.5 
Deferred Tax Provision
  
 
6.2
 
  4.7 
Changes in Working Capital Items:
         
Accounts Receivable
  
 
(11.2
) 
  (7.5) 
Accrued Revenue
  
 
16.2
 
  11.4 
Exchange Gas Receivable
  
 
3.7
 
  3.9 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
9.2
 
  3.1 
Accounts Payable
  
 
(4.5
) 
  (11.1) 
Other Changes in Working Capital Items
  
 
0.8
 
  (3.0) 
Deferred Regulatory and Other Charges
  
 
(7.7
) 
  (0.4) 
Other, Net
  
 
1.2
 
  (1.9) 
          
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  
 
47.7
 
  27.9 
          
Investing Activities:
         
Property, Plant and Equipment Additions
  
 
(14.1
) 
  (16.8) 
          
Cash (Used in) Investing Activities
  
 
(14.1
) 
  (16.8) 
          
Financing Activities:
         
(Repayment of) Proceeds from Short-Term Debt, Net
  
 
(17.4
) 
  13.0 
Repayment of Long-Term Debt
  
 
(7.2
) 
  (14.4) 
Increase in Capital Lease Obligations
  
 
0.1
 
  0.2 
Net Decrease in Exchange Gas Financing
  
 
(3.5
) 
  (3.6) 
Dividends Paid
  
 
(5.8
) 
  (5.6) 
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
  
 
0.3
 
  0.3 
          
Cash (Used in) Financing Activities
  
 
(33.5
) 
  (10.1) 
          
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  
 
0.1
 
  1.0 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
  
 
6.0
 
  5.2 
          
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
6.1
 
 $6.2 
          
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
         
Interest Paid
  
$
4.9
 
 $3.6 
Income Taxes Paid
  
$
0.3
 
 $—   
Payments on Capital Leases
  
$
0.1
 
 $0.1 
Non-cash
Investing Activity:
         
Capital Expenditures Included in Accounts Payable
  
$
4.1
 
 $0.5 
Right-of-Use
Assets Obtained in Exchange for Lease Obligations
  
$
0.2
 
 $0.9 
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
   
2021
   2020   2020 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION:
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts Payable
  
$
29.5
 
  $25.1   $33.2 
Short-Term Debt
  
 
30.5
 
   17.3    54.7 
Long-Term Debt, Current Portion
  
 
10.1
 
   6.3    8.5 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
13.1
 
   10.6    5.5 
Energy Supply Obligations
  
 
16.1
 
   12.1    10.4 
Interest Payable
  
 
6.7
 
   7.2    5.0 
Environmental Obligations
  
 
0.7
 
   0.3    0.3 
Other Current Liabilities
  
 
19.9
 
   19.3    18.5 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Current Liabilities
  
 
126.6
 
   98.2    136.1 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Noncurrent Liabilities:
               
Retirement Benefit Obligations
  
 
166.2
 
   145.0    162.3 
Deferred Income Taxes, net
  
 
115.7
 
   109.4    109.0 
Cost of Removal Obligations
  
 
108.2
 
   107.1    105.2 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
42.9
 
   44.7    44.3 
Environmental Obligations
  
 
1.7
 
   1.9    1.8 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
  
 
6.8
 
   7.8    6.9 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
  
 
441.5
 
   415.9    429.5 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Capitalization:
               
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
  
 
501.3
 
   529.0    523.1 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Common Equity (Authorized: 25,000,000 and Outstanding: 15,971,962, 15,005,881 and 15,012,310 Shares)
  
 
331.6
 
   284.8    285.3 
Retained Earnings
  
 
107.8
 
   95.8    103.7 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Common Stock Equity
  
 
439.4
 
   380.6    389.0 
Preferred Stock
  
 
0.2
 
   0.2    0.2 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
  
 
439.6
 
   380.8    389.2 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Capitalization
  
 
940.9
 
   909.8    912.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 6 & 7)
   0            
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
  
$
1,509.0
 
  $1,423.9   $1,477.9 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
 
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Table of Contents
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions) (UNAUDITED)
   
Nine Months Ended

September 30,
 
   
2021
  2020 
Operating Activities:
         
Net Income
  
$
 21.6
 
 $ 18.6 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash
         
Provided by Operating Activities:
         
Depreciation and Amortization
  
 
44.5
 
  40.7 
Deferred Tax Provision
  
 
5.5
 
  3.0 
Changes in Working Capital Items:
         
Accounts Receivable
  
 
15.7
 
  6.5 
Accrued Revenue
  
 
12.3
 
  10.9 
Exchange Gas Receivable
  
 
(5.6
) 
  (0.4) 
Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
7.6
 
  3.2 
Accounts Payable
  
 
(3.7
) 
  (12.5) 
Other Changes in Working Capital Items
  
 
2.7
 
  0.9 
Deferred Regulatory and Other Charges
  
 
(8.0
) 
  5.3 
Other, net
  
 
3.3
 
  (1.3) 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  
 
95.9
 
  74.9 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Investing Activities:
         
Property, Plant and Equipment Additions
  
 
(81.5
) 
  (93.6) 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cash (Used in) Investing Activities
  
 
(81.5
) 
  (93.6) 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Financing Activities:
         
Repayment of Short-Term Debt, net
  
 
(24.2
) 
  (41.3) 
Repayment of Long-Term Debt
  
 
(20.3
) 
  (15.9) 
Issuance of Long-Term Debt
  
 
—  
 
  95.0 
Long-Term Debt Issuance Costs
  
 
—  
 
  (0.5) 
Net Increase in Exchange Gas Financing
  
 
5.2
 
  0.5 
Decrease in Capital Lease Obligations
  
 
(0.1
) 
  —   
Dividends Paid
  
 
(17.5
) 
  (16.9) 
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
  
 
45.3
 
  0.8 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities  
 
(11.6
) 
  21.7 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  
 
2.8
 
  3.0 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
  
 
6.0
 
  5.2 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
8.8
 
 $8.2 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
         
Interest Paid
  
$
17.9
 
 $15.3 
Income Taxes Paid
  
$
1.4
 
 $0.8 
Payments on Capital Leases
  
$
0.2
 
 $0.2 
Non-cash
Investing Activity:
         
Capital Expenditures Included in Accounts Payable  
$
4.2
 
 $0.6 
Right-of-Use
Assets Obtained in Exchange for Lease Obligations
  
$
0.9
 
 $1.6 
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
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UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK EQUITY
(Millions, except number of shares) (UNAUDITED)
   Common
Equity		   Retained
Earnings		  Total 
Three
Months Ended September 30, 2021
              
Balance at July 1, 2021
  $286.8   $ 113.8  
$
400.6
 
Net Income
           —   
 
 
— 
 
Dividends on Common Shares ($0.38 per share)
         (6.0)  
 
(6.0
) 
Stock Compensation Plans
   0.1       
 
0.1
 
Issuance of 925,493 Common Shares
   44.7       
 
44.7
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2021
  
$
331.6
 
  
$
107.8
 
 
$
439.4
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
              
Balance at July 1, 2020
  $284.4   $101.1  
$
385.5
 
Net Income
         0.3  
 
0.3
 
Dividends on Common Shares ($0.375 per share)
        (5.6)  
 
(5.6
) 
Stock Compensation Plans
   0.1       
 
0.1
 
Issuance of 6,650 Common Shares
   0.3        
 
0.3
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2020
  
$
284.8
 
  
$
95.8
 
 
$
380.6
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
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Table of Contents
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK EQUITY
(Millions, except number of shares)
(UNAUDITED)
(UNAUDITED)
  Common
Equity		   Retained
Earnings		 Total   Common
Equity		   Retained
Earnings		 Total 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
        
Balance at January 1, 2021
  $285.3   $103.7  
$
389.0
 
  $285.3   $ 103.7  
$
 389.0
 
Net Income
        18.9  
 
18.9
 
         21.6  
 
21.6
 
Dividends on Common Shares ($0.38 per Common Share)
        (5.8)  
 
(5.8
) 
Dividends on Common Shares ($1.14 per share)
        (17.5)  
 
(17.5
) 
Stock Compensation Plans
   0.7       
 
0.7
 
   1.0       
 
1.0
 
Issuance of 6,179 Common Shares
   0.3       
 
0.3
 
Issuance of 936,512 Common Shares
   45.3       
 
45.3
 
                
 
   
 
  
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2021
  
$
286.3
 
  
$
116.8
 
 
$
403.1
 
Balance at September 30, 2021
  
$
331.6
 
  
$
107.8
 
 
$
439.4
 
                
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
        
Balance at January 1, 2020
  $282.5   $94.1  
$
376.6
 
  $282.5   $94.1  
$
376.6
 
Net Income
        15.2  
 
15.2
 
        18.6  
 
18.6
 
Dividends on Common Shares ($0.375 per Common Share)
        (5.6)  
 
(5.6
) 
Dividends on Common Shares ($1.125 per share)
         (16.9)  
 
(16.9
) 
Stock Compensation Plans
   1.2       
 
1.2
 
   1.5        
 
1.5
 
Issuance of 4,644 Common Shares
   0.3       
 
0.3
 
Issuance of 16,849 Common Shares
   0.8        
 
0.8
 
                
 
   
 
  
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2020
  
$
284.0
 
  
$
103.7
 
 
$
387.7
 
Balance at September 30, 2020
  
$
284.8
 
  
$
95.8
 
 
$
380.6
 
                
 
   
 
  
 
 
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
 
2
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Table of Contents
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 -– SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
-
Unitil Corporation (Unitil or the Com
p
any)Company) is a public utility holding company.company headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire. Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation as a holding company system by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The following companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unitil: Unitil Energy Systems, Inc. (Unitil Energy), Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company (Fitchburg), Northern Utilities, Inc. (Northern Utilities), Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (Granite State), Unitil Power Corp. (Unitil Power), Unitil Realty Corp. (Unitil Realty), Unitil Service Corp. (Unitil Service) and its
non-regulated
business unit Unitil Resources, Inc. (Unitil Resources).
The Company’s earnings are seasonal and are typically are higher in the first and fourth quarters when customers use gas for heating purposes.
Unitil’s principal business is the local distribution of electricity in the southeastern seacoast and capital city areas of New Hampshire and the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts and the local distribution of gas in southeastern New Hampshire, portions of southern Maine to the Lewiston-Auburn area and in the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts. Unitil has three distribution utility subsidiaries, including Unitil Energy, which operates in New Hampshire; Fitchburg, which operates in Massachusetts; and Northern Utilities, which operates in New Hampshire and Maine (collectively referred to as the “distribution utilities”).
Granite State is an interstate gas transmission pipeline company, operating 86 miles of underground gas transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire. Granite State provides Northern Utilities with interconnection to 3 major gas pipelines and access to domestic gas supplies in the south and Canadian gas supplies in the north. Granite State derives its revenues principally from the transportation services provided to Northern Utilities and, to a lesser extent, third-party marketers.
A fifth utility subsidiary, Unitil Power, formerly functioned as the full requirements wholesale power supply provider for Unitil Energy. In connection with the implementation of electric industry restructuring in New Hampshire, on May 1, 2003 Unitil Power ceased being the wholesale supplier of Unitil Energy and divested of its long-term power supply contracts through the sale of the entitlements to the electricity associated with various electric power supply contracts it had acquired to serve Unitil Energy’s customers. In the period since, Unitil Power continued to flow revenues and expenses from remaining contracts to Unitil Energy under the Amended Unitil System Agreement. The last of those contracts expired October 31, 2020, and the Company no longer has material revenues or expenses associated with them.
Unitil also has 3 other wholly-owned subsidiaries: Unitil Service, Unitil Realty and Unitil Resources. Unitil Service provides, at cost, a variety of administrative and professional services, including regulatory, financial, accounting, human resources, engineering, operations, technology, energy management and management services on a centralized basis to its affiliated Unitil companies. Unitil Realty owns and manages the Company’s corporate office in Hampton, New Hampshire and leases this facility to Unitil Service under a long-term lease arrangement. Unitil Resources is the Company’s wholly-owned
non-regulated
subsidiary.
Basis of Presentation -
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Unitil have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form
10-Q
and include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021. For additionalfurther information, please refer to Note 1 of Part II to the Consolidated Financial Statements – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 2, 2021, for a description of the Company’s Basis of Presentation.
 
2
2
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Table of Contents
Utility Revenue Recognition -
Gas Operati
n
gOperating Revenues and Electric Operating Revenues consist of billed and unbilled revenue and revenue from rate adjustment mechanisms. Billed and unbilled revenue includes delivery revenue and pass-through revenue, recognized according to tariffs approved by federal and state regulatory commissions, which determine the amount of revenue the Company will record for these items. Revenue from rate adjustment mechanisms is accrued revenue, recognized in connection with rate adjustment mechanisms, and authorized by regulators for recognition in the current period for future cash recoveries from, or credits to, customers.
Revenue is recorded when service is rendered or energy is delivered to customers. However, the determination of energy sales to individual customers is based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each calendar month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenues are calculated. These unbilled revenues are estimated each month based on estimated customer usage by class and applicable customer rates, taking into account current and historical weather data, assumptions pertaining to metering patterns, billing cycle statistics, and other estimates and assumptions, and are then reversed in the following month when billed to customers.
A majority of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers continues to be recognized on a monthly basis based on applicable tariffs and customer monthly consumption. Such revenue is recognized using the invoice practical expedient, which allows an entity to recognize revenue in the amount that directly corresponds to the value transferred to the customer.
The Company’s billed and unbilled revenue meets the definition of “revenues from contracts with customers” as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606. Revenue recognized in connection with rate adjustment mechanisms is consistent with the definition of alternative revenue programs in ASC
980-605-25-3,
as the Company has the ability to adjust rates in the future as a result of past activities or completed events. The rate adjustment mechanisms meet the criteria within ASC
980-605-25-4.
In cases where allowable costs are greater than operating revenues billed in the current period for the individual rate adjustment mechanism, additional operating revenue is recognized. In cases where allowable costs are less than operating revenues billed in the current period for the individual rate adjustment mechanism, operating revenue is reduced. ASC 606 requires the Company to disclose separately the amount of revenues from contracts with customers and alternative revenue program revenues.
25
Table of Contents
In the following tables, revenue is classified by the types of goods/services rendered and market/customer type.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
 
Gas and Electric Operating Revenues ($ millions):
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Total
 
Billed and Unbilled Revenue:
      
Residential
  $37.7   $38.1   $75.8 
C&I
   50.1    25.9    76.0 
Other
   5.4    1.8    7.2 
                
Total Billed and Unbilled Revenue
   93.2    65.8    159.0 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   (14.5)    (5.7)    (20.2) 
                
Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
78.7
 
  
$
60.1
 
  
$
138.8
 
                
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
 
Gas and Electric Operating Revenues ($ millions):
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Total
 
Billed and Unbilled Revenue:
      
Residential
  $7.9   $35.0   $42.9 
C&I
   14.4    26.8    41.2 
Other
   0.8    3.2    4.0 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Billed and Unbilled Revenue
   23.1    65.0    88.1 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   9.5    0.5    10.0 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
32.6
 
  
$
65.5
 
  
$
98.1
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
 
Gas and Electric Operating Revenues ($ millions):
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Total
 
Billed and Unbilled Revenue:
      
Residential
  $7.0   $35.3   $42.3 
C&I
   11.6    24.1    35.7 
Other
   1.4    1.4    2.8 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Billed and Unbilled Revenue
   20.0    60.8    80.8 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   7.5    (0.9)    6.6 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
27.5
 
  
$
59.9
 
  
$
87.4
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
 
Gas and Electric Operating Revenues ($ millions):
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Total
 
Billed and Unbilled Revenue:
      
Residential
  $60.5   $104.0   $164.5 
C&I
   86.2    78.2    164.4 
Other
   7.6    6.9    14.5 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Billed and Unbilled Revenue
   154.3    189.1    343.4 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   (3.0)    (6.9)    (9.9) 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
151.3
 
  
$
182.2
 
  
$
333.5
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
 
Gas and Electric Operating Revenues ($ millions):
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Total
 
Billed and Unbilled Revenue:
      
Residential
  $52.4   $99.9   $152.3 
C&I
   72.9    68.7    141.6 
Other
   5.6    4.9    10.5 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Billed and Unbilled Revenue
   130.9    173.5    304.4 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   0.5    (3.2)    (2.7) 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
 131.4
 
  
$
 170.3
 
  
$
 301.7
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
2
3
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Table of Contents
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
Gas and Electric Operating Revenues ($ millions):
  
Gas
   
Electric
   
Total
 
Billed and Unbilled Revenue:
               
Residential
  $31.1   $34.4   $65.5 
C&I
   42.3    24.1    66.4 
Other
   3.0    2.0    5.0 
                
Total Billed and Unbilled Revenue
   76.4    60.5    136.9 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   (6.2)    (0.3)    (6.5) 
                
Total Gas and Electric Operating Revenues
  
$
70.2
 
  
$
60.2
 
  
$
130.4
 
                
Fitchburg is subject to revenue decoupling. Revenue decoupling is the term given to the elimination of the dependency of a utility’s distribution revenue on the volume of electricity or gas sales. The difference between distribution revenue amounts billed to customers and the targeted revenue decoupling amounts is recorded as an increase or a decrease in Accrued Revenue, which forms the basis for resetting rates for future cash recoveries from, or credits to, customers. These revenue decoupling targets may be adjusted as a result of rate cases that the Company files with the MDPU.
Income Taxes -
The Company is subject to Federal and State income taxes and various other business taxes. The Company’s process for determining income tax amounts involves estimating the Company’s current tax liabilities, and assessing temporary and permanent differences resulting from the timing of the deductions of expenses and recognition of taxable income for tax and book accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company’s ConsolidatedConsoli
d
ated Balance Sheets. The Company accounts for income tax assets, liabilities and expenses in accordance with the FASB Codification guidance on Income Taxes. The Company classifies penalties and interest expense related to income tax liabilities as income tax expense and interest expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Provisions for income taxes are calculated in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates, for each period for which a statement of earnings is presented. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the FASB Codification guidance on Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach for the financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the current and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect its best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. In accordance with the FASB Codification, the Company periodically assesses the realization of its deferred tax assets and liabilities and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts and circumstances which gave rise to the revision become known.
Cash and Cash Equivalents -
Cash and Cash Equivalents includesinclude all cash and cash equivalents to which the Company has legal title. Cash equivalents include short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and interest bearing deposits. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at financial institutions and at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. Under the Independent System Operator—New England
(ISO-NE)
Financial Assurance Policy (Policy), Unitil’s subsidiaries Unitil Energy, Fitchburg and Unitil Power are required to provide assurance of their ability to satisfy their obligations to
ISO-NE.
Under this Policy, Unitil’s subsidiaries provide cash deposits covering approximately
2-1/2
months of outstanding obligations, less credit amounts that are based on the Company’s credit rating. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Unitil subsidiaries had deposited $2.2$5.7 million, $2.4$4.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively to satisfy their
ISO-NE
obligations.
Financial Instruments -
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU
2016-13,
“Financial Instruments—Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)”, which provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. Under the new guidance, immediate recognition of all credit losses expected over the life of a financial instrument is required. The Company adopted this standard on the accounting for credit loss
e
slosses on its financial instruments, including accounts receivable, on January 1, 2020, and it did not have a material effect on the financial statements.
2
4
Table of Contents
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts -
The Company recognizes a provision for doubtful accounts that reflects the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses for electric and gas utility service accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated by applying a historical loss rate which is adjusted forto customer account balances and management’s assessment of current and expected economic conditions, customer trends, or other factors such as macroeconomic conditions, to customer account balances.the extent and duration of any shutoff or collection moratoriums. The Company also calculates the amount of
written-off
receivables that are recoverable through regulatory rate reconciling mechanisms. The Company’s distribution utilities are authorized by regulators to recover the costs of theirthe energy commodity portion of bad debts through rate mechanisms. Also, the electric and gas divisions of Fitchburg are authorized to recover through rates past due amounts 
27
Table of Contents
associated with protected hardship accounts. Evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts requires judgment about the assumptions used in the analysis. The Company’s experience has been that the assumptionsassum
p
tions used in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts have proven to be reasonably accurate.
The Allowance for Doubtful Accounts as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, was as follows:
($ millions)
        
   March 31,   December 31, 
   
2021
   2020   2020 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  
$
4.4
   $1.8   $3.3 
                
($ millions)
            
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
   
2021
   2020   2020 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  
$
 4.3
 
 $ 1.6  $3.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net includes $4.3$4.2 million, $1.7$1.5 million, and $3.1 million of the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts at March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Unbilled Revenues, net (a component of Accrued Revenue)Revenue, shown in the table below) includes $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million of the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts at March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Accrued Revenue -
Accrued Revenue includes the current portion of Regulatory Assets and unbilled revenues. The following table shows the components of Accrued Revenue as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
 
   March 31,   December 31, 
Accrued Revenue ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Regulatory Assets – Current
  
$
24.0
 
  $28.4   $37.3 
Unbilled Revenues, net
  
 
10.7
 
   10.2    13.6 
                
Total Accrued Revenue
  
$
34.7
 
  $38.6   $50.9 
                
 
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Accrued Revenue ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Regulatory Assets – Current
  
$
 30.6
 
  $ 31.7   $ 37.3 
Unbilled Revenues
  
 
8.0
 
   7.4    13.6 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Accrued Revenue
  
$
38.6
 
  $39.1   $50.9 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Exchange Gas Receivable -
Northern Utilities and Fitchburg have gas exchange and storage agreements whereby natural gas purchases during the months of April through October are delivered to a third party. The third party delivers natural gas back to the Company during the months of November through March. The exchange and storage gas volumes are recorded at weighted average cost. The following table shows the components of Exchange Gas Receivable as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.  2020
.
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Exchange Gas Receivable ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Northern Utilities
  
$
9.7
 
  $ 6.0   $ 4.4 
Fitchburg
  
 
0.8
 
   0.5    0.5 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Exchange Gas Receivable
  
$
 10.5
 
  $6.5   $4.9 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
2
5
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   March 31,   December 31, 
Exchange Gas Receivable ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Northern Utilities
  
$
1.0
 
  $1.9   $4.4 
Fitchburg
  
 
0.2
 
   0.3    0.5 
                
Total Exchange Gas Receivable
  
$
1.2
 
  $2.2   $4.9 
                
 
Gas Inventory
-
The Company uses the weighted average cost methodology to value natural gas inventory. The following table shows the components of Gas Inventory as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
   March 31,   December 31, 
Gas Inventory ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Natural Gas
  
$
—  
 
  $—     $0.2 
Propane
  
 
0.3
 
   0.3    0.3 
Liquefied Natural Gas & Other
  
 
0.1
 
   0.1    0.1 
                
Total Gas Inventory
  
$
0.4
 
  $0.4   $0.6 
                
   September 30,   December 31, 
Gas Inventory ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Natural Gas
  
$
 0.4
 
  $ 0.2   $ 0.2 
Propane
  
 
0.4
 
   0.3    0.3 
Liquefied Natural Gas & Other
  
 
0.1
 
   0.1    0.1 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Gas Inventory
  
$
0.9
 
  $0.6   $0.6 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Utility Plant -
 - The cost of additions to Utility Plant and the cost of renewals and betterments are capitalized. Cost consists of labor, materials, services and certain indirect construction costs, including an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). The costs of current repairs and minor replacements are charged to appropriate operating expense accounts. The original cost of utility plant retired or otherwise disposed of is charged to the accumulated provision for
depreciation. The Company includes in its mass asset depreciation rates, which are periodically reviewed as part of its ratemaking proceedings, cost of removal amounts to provide for future negative salvage value. At March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Company estimates that the cost of removal amounts, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Cost of Removal Obligations were estimated to be $102.5are $108.2 million, $98.8$107.1 million, and $105.2 million, respectively.
Leases -
– The Company records assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms
longer than 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not separate
non-lease
components from lease components and instead to account for both as a single lease component. The Company’s accounting policy election for leases with a lease term of 12 months or less is to recognize the lease payments as lease expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See additional discussion in the “Leases” section of Note 4 (Debt and Financing Arrangements).
Regulatory Accounting -
The Company’s principal business is the distribution of electricity and natural gas by the three distribution utilities: Unitil Energy, Fitchburg and Northern Utilities. Unitil Energy and Fitchburg are subject to regulation by the FERC. Fitchburg is also regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MDPU), Unitil Energy is regulated by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC) and Northern Utilities is regulated by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) and NHPUC. Granite State, the Company’s natural gas transmission pipeline, is regulated by the FERC. Accordingly, the Company uses the Regulated Operations guidance as set forth in the FASB Codification. The Company has recorded Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities which will be recovered from customers, or applied for customer benefit, in accordance with rate provisions approved by the applicable public utility regulatory commission. The electric and gas divisions of Fitchburg are authorized to recover through rates past due amounts associated with hardship accounts that are protected from
shut-off.
As of September 30, 2021, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded $9.5 million, $7.1 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of hardship accounts in Regulatory Assets. These amounts are included in “Other Deferred Charges” in the table below. The Company currently receives recovery in rates or expects to receive recovery of these hardship accounts in future rate cases.
 
2
6
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   March 31,   December 31, 
Regulatory Assets consist of the following ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Retirement Benefits
  
$
104.5
 
  $80.8   $103.7 
Energy Supply & Other Rate Adjustment Mechanisms
  
 
20.2
 
   25.7    34.1 
Deferred Storm Charges
  
 
3.7
 
   5.3    4.1 
Environmental
  
 
5.0
 
   6.4    5.2 
Income Taxes
  
 
3.2
 
   4.0    3.4 
Other Deferred Charges
  
 
16.1
 
   11.5    14.2 
                
Total Regulatory Assets
  
 
152.7
 
   133.7    164.7 
Less: Current Portion of Regulatory Assets
(1)
  
 
24.0
 
   28.4    37.3 
                
Regulatory Assets – noncurrent
  
$
128.7
 
  $105.3   $127.4 
                
 
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Regulatory Assets consist of the following ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Retirement Benefits
  
$
107.0
 
  $81.0   $103.7 
Energy Supply & Other Rate Adjustment Mechanisms
  
 
27.3
 
   28.9    34.1 
Deferred Storm Charges
  
 
3.4
 
   4.4    4.1 
Environmental
  
 
4.8
 
   6.1    5.2 
Income Taxes
  
 
2.8
 
   3.6    3.4 
Other Deferred Charges
  
 
17.7
 
   12.1    14.2 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets
  
$
163.0
 
  $136.1   $164.7 
Less: Current Portion of Regulatory Assets
(1)
  
 
30.6
 
   31.7    37.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets – noncurrent
  
$
132.4
 
  $104.4   $127.4 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
(1)
Reflects amounts included in the Accrued Revenue, discussed above, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
   March 31,   December 31, 
Regulatory Liabilities consist of the following ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Income Taxes (Note 8)
  
$
45.1
 
  $46.1   $45.5 
Rate Adjustment Mechanisms
  
 
12.9
 
   9.1    4.1 
Other
  
 
0.2
 
   0.4    0.2 
                
Total Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
58.2
 
   55.6    49.8 
Less: Current Portion of Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
14.7
 
   10.5    5.5 
                
Regulatory Liabilities – noncurrent
  
$
43.5
 
  $45.1   $44.3 
                
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Regulatory Liabilities consist of the following ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Income Taxes (Note 8)
  
$
 44.6
 
  $ 45.8   $ 45.5 
Rate Adjustment Mechanisms
  
 
11.3
 
   9.2    4.1 
Other
  
 
0.1
 
   0.3    0.2 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities
  
$
56.0
 
  $55.3   $49.8 
Less: Current Portion of Regulatory Liabilities
  
 
13.1
 
   10.6    5.5 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities - noncurrent
  
$
42.9
 
  $44.7   $44.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Generally, the Company receives a return on investment on its regulatory assets for which a cash outflow has been made. Included in Regulatory Assets as of March 31,at September 30, 2021 areinclude $8.5 million of environmental costs, rate case costs and other expenditures to be recovered over varying periods in the next seven years. Regulators have authorized recovery of these expenditures, but withoutwit
h
out a return. Regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, which can have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company believes it is probable that its regulated distribution and transmission utilities will recover their investments in long-lived assets, including regulatory assets. If the Company, or a portion of its assets or operations, were to cease meeting the criteria for application of these accounting rules for regulated operations, accounting standards for businesses in general would become applicable and immediate recognition of any previously deferred costs, or a portion of deferred costs, would be required in the year in which the criteria are no longer met, if such deferred costs were not recoverable in the portion of the business that continues to meet the criteria for application of the FASB Codification topic on Regulated Operations. If unable to continue to apply the FASB Codification provisions for Regulated Operations, the Company would be required to apply the provisions for the Discontinuation of Rate-Regulated Accounting included in the FASB Codification. In the Company’s opinion, its regulated operations will be subject to the FASB Codification provisions for Regulated Operations for the foreseeable future.
Derivatives -
The Company’s regulated energy subsidiaries enter into energy supply contracts to serve their electric and gas customers. The Company follows a procedure for determining whether each contract qualifies as a derivative instrument under the guidance provided by the FASB Codification on Derivatives and Hedging. For each contract, the Company reviews and documents the key terms of the contract. Based on those terms and any additional relevant components of the contract, the Company 
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determines and documents whether the contract qualifies as a derivative instrument as defined in the FASB Codification. The Company has determined that its energy supply contracts either do not qualify as a derivative instrument under the guidance set forth in the FASB Codification, have been elected as a normal purchase, or have contingencies that have not yet been met in order to establish a notional amount.
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7
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Fitchburg has entered into power purchase agreements for which contingencies exist (see Note 6, Regulatory Matters). Until these contingencies are satisfied, these contracts will not qualify for derivative accounting. The Company believes that the power purchase obligations under these long-term contracts will have a material effect on the contractual obligations of Fitchburg.
Investments in Marketable Securities
-
The Company maintainshas a trust through which it invests in a money market fund. This fund isThese investments are intended to satisfy obligations under the Company’s SERPSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) (See additionalfurther discussion of the SERP in Note 9).9.)
At March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Company’s investments in these trading securities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other Assets, were $5.6 million, $5.5$5.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively, as shown in the following table. These investments are valued based on quoted prices from active markets and are categorized in Level 1 as they are actively traded and no valuation adjustments have been applied. Changes in the fair value of these investments are recorded in Other Expense, Net.
 
  March 31,   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Fair Value of Marketable Securities ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Money Market Funds
  
$
5.6
 
  $5.5   $5.7 
            
Money Market Fund
  
$
 5.6
 
  $ 5.7   $ 5.7 
Total Marketable Securities
  
$
5.6
 
  $5.5   $5.7   
$
5.6
 
  $5.7   $5.7 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
The Company also sponsors the Unitil Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DC Plan”). The DC Plan is a
non-qualified
deferred compensation plan that provides a vehicle for participants to accumulate
tax-deferred
savings to supplement retirement income. The DC Plan, which was effective January 1, 2019, is open to senior management or other highly compensated employees as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, and may also be used for recruitment and retention purposes for newly hired senior executives. The DC Plan design mirrors the Company’s Tax Deferred Savings and Investment Plan formula, but provides for contributions on compensation above the IRS limit, which will allow participants to defer up to 85% of base salary, and up to 85% of any cash incentive for retirement. The Company may also elect to make discretionary contributions on behalf of any participant in an amount determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. A trust has been established to invest the funds associated with the DC Plan.
At March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Company’s investments in these trading securities related to the DC Plan, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other Assets, were $0.6$0.5 million, $0.4$0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as shown in the following table. These investments are valued based on quoted prices from active markets and are categorized in Level 1 as they are actively traded and no valuation adjustments have been applied. Changes in the fair value of these investments are recorded in Other Expense, Net.
 
  
March 31,
   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Fair Value of Marketable Securities ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Equity Funds
  
$
0.3
 
  $0.1   $0.2   
$
 0.1
 
  $ 0.2   $ 0.2 
Money Market Funds
  
 
0.3
 
   0.3    0.3   
 
0.4
 
   0.3    0.3 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Marketable Securities
  
$
0.6
 
  $0.4   $0.5   
$
0.5
 
  $0.5   $0.5 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
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Energy Supply Obligations -
The following discussion and table summarize the
nature
and amounts of the items recorded as Energy Supply Obligations (current portion) and Other Noncurrent Liabilities (noncurrent portion) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
2
8
   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Energy Supply Obligations ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Exchange Gas Obligation  
$
9.7
 
  $6.0   $4.4 
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards  
 
6.4
 
   5.8    5.7 
Power Supply Contract Divestitures  
 
0
 
   0.3    0.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Energy Supply Obligations
  
$
16.1
 
  $12.1   $ 10.4 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
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   March 31,   December 31, 
Energy Supply Obligations ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020 
Current:
               
Exchange Gas Obligation
  
$
1.0
 
  $1.9   $4.4 
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards
  
 
6.5
 
   5.7    5.7 
Power Supply Contract Divestitures
  
 
0.2
 
   0.3    0.3 
                
Total Energy Supply Obligations - Current
  
 
7.7
 
   7.9    10.4 
Long-Term:
               
Power Supply Contract Divestitures
  
 
—  
 
   0.2    —   
                
Total Energy Supply Obligations
  
$
7.7
 
  $8.1   $10.4 
                
 
Exchange Gas Obligation
-
Northern Utilities enters into gas exchange agreements under which Northern Utilities releases certain gas pipeline and storage assets, resells the gas storage inventory to an asset manager and subsequently repurchases the inventory over the course of the gas heating season at the same price at which it sold the gas inventory to the asset manager. The gas inventory related to these agreements is recorded in Exchange Gas Receivable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets while the corresponding obligations are recorded in Energy Supply Obligations.
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards
-
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) require retail electricity suppliers, including public utilities, to demonstrate that required percentages of their sales are met with power generated from certain types of resources or technologies. Compliance is demonstrated by purchasing and retiring Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) generated by facilities approvedappr
o
ved by the state as qualifying for REC treatment. Unitil Energy and Fitchburg purchase RECs in compliance with RPS legislation in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for supply provided to default service customers. RPS compliance costs are a supply cost that is recovered in customer default service rates. Unitil Energy and Fitchburg collect RPS compliance costs from customers throughout the year and demonstrate compliance for each calendar year on the following July 1. Due to timing differences between collection of revenue from customers and payment of REC costs to suppliers, Unitil Energy and Fitchburg typically defer costs for RPS compliance which are recorded in Accrued Revenue with a corresponding liability in Energy Supply Obligations on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Fitchburg has entered into long-term renewable contracts for the purchase of clean energy and/or RECs pursuant to Massachusetts legislation, specifically, An Act Relative to Green Communities (Green Communities Act, 2008), An Act Relative to Competitively Priced Electricity in the Commonwealth (2012) and An Act to Promote Energy Diversity (Energy Diversity Act,A
c
t, 2016). The generating facilities associated with seveneight of these contracts have been constructed and are now operating. Two additional contracts are scheduled to become commercial in 2021. In 2020, three of the long-term contracts were terminated due to an inability to meet critical milestones. In 2018, the Company filed two long-term contracts with the MDPU, one for offshore wind generation and another for imported hydroelectric power and associated transmission. Those contracts were approved in 2019. In 2019, the Company participated in an additional statewide procurement for offshore wind generation and the resulting contracts were filed with the MDPU during the first quarter of 2020. An Order approving the contracts was issued by the MDPU in November 2020. On November 25, 2020 butthe Office of the Attorney General’s Office immediatelyGeneral filed a Motion for Reconsideration onof the issue of remuneration.MDPU’s order regarding remuneration, which was denied. The matterMDPU order is pending at the MDPU.now final. In compliance with An Act to Promote a Clean Energy Future (2018), in late 2020 in coordination with the other electric utilities in Massachusetts, the Company began efforts on the next long-term renewable procurement which will seek up to an additional 1,600 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind generation. Fitchburg recovers the costs associated with long-term renewable contracts on a fully reconciling basis through a MDPU-approved cost recovery mechanism.
Power Supply Contract Divestitures -
Unitil Energy’s and Fitchburg’s customers are entitled to purchase their electric or gas supplies from third-party suppliers. In connection with the implementation of retail choice, Unitil Power, which formerly functioned as the wholesale power supply provider for Unitil
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Energy, and Fitchburg divested their long-term power supply contracts through the sale of the
2
9
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entitlements to the electricity sold under those contracts.
Unitil
Energy and Fitchburg recover in their rates all the costs associated with the divestiture of their power supply portfolios and have secured regulatory approval from the NHPUC and MDPU, respectively, for the recovery of power supply-related stranded costs. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, Fitchburg has fully recovered its power supply-related stranded costs and Unitil Energy has $0.2less than $0.1 million remaining to recover. The obligations related to these divestitures are recorded in Energy Supply Obligations on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets with corresponding regulatory assets recorded in Accrued Revenue.
Subsequent Events -
The Company
evaluates
all events or transactions through the date of the related filing. During the period subsequent to the balance sheet date and through the date of this filing, the Company did not have any material subsequent events that would result in adjustment to or disclosure in its Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 2 -– DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
 
Declaration
 
Date
 Date
Paid (Payable)		 Shareholder of
Record Date		 Dividend
Amount
10/27/21
11/29/2111/15/21$ 0.380
07/28/2108/27/2108/13/21$ 0.380
04/28/21 05/28/21 05/14/21 $ 0.380
01/27/21
 02/26/21 02/12/21 $ 0.380
10/28/20
 11/30/20 11/16/20 $ 0.375
07/29/20
 08/28/20 08/14/20 $ 0.375
04/29/20
 05/29/20 05/15/20 $ 0.375
01/29/20
 02/28/20 02/14/20 $ 0.375
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NOTE 3 -– SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following table provides significant segment financial data for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31,September 30, 2020:
 
  
Gas
 
Electric
 
Non-

Regulated
   
Other
 
Total
   
Gas
 
Electric
 
Non-

Regulated
   
Other
 
Total
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 ($ millions)
              
Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2021 ($ millions)
              
Revenues:
                        
Billed and Unbilled Revenue
  
$
93.2
 
 
$
65.8
 
 
$
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
 
$
159.0
 
  
$
 23.1
 
 
$
 65.0
 
 
$
 —  
 
  
$
 —  
 
 
$
 88.1
 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
  
 
(14.5
) 
 
 
(5.7
) 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
(20.2
) 
  
 
9.5
 
 
 
0.5
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
10.0
 
Other Operating Revenue –
Non-Regulated
  
 
0  
 
 
 
0  
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
—  
 
                   
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
  
 
78.7
 
 
 
60.1
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
138.8
 
  
$
32.6
 
 
$
65.5
 
 
$
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
 
$
 98.1
 
                   
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Segment Profit (Loss)
  
 
16.4
 
 
 
2.9
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
(0.4
) 
 
 
18.9
 
  
 
(4.1
) 
 
 
4.4
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
(0.3
) 
 
 
0  
 
Identifiable Segment Assets
  
 
881.1
 
 
 
574.8
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
21.1
 
 
 
1,477.0
 
Capital Expenditures
  
 
4.3
 
 
 
9.5
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
0.3
 
 
 
14.1
 
  
 
28.5
 
 
 
10.1
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
0.4
 
 
 
39.0
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 ($ millions)
              
Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2020 ($ millions)
            
Revenues:
                        
Billed and Unbilled Revenue
  $76.4  $60.5  $—     $—    $136.9   $20.0  $60.8  $—     $ —    $ 80.8 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   (6.2)   (0.3)   —      —     (6.5)    7.5   (0.9)   —      —     6.6 
Other Operating Revenue –
Non-Regulated
   0     0     —      —     —   
                   
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
   70.2   60.2   —      —     130.4   $27.5  $59.9  $—     $—    $ 87.4 
                   
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Segment Profit (Loss)
   12.3   2.6   —      0.3   15.2    (3.6)   4.4   —      (0.5)   0.3 
Identifiable Segment Assets
   821.4   537.7   0.1    19.2   1,378.4 
Capital Expenditures
   5.8   9.9   —      1.1   16.8    27.4   16.0   —      1.4   44.8 
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2021 ($ millions)
            
Revenues:
            
Billed and Unbilled Revenue
  
$
 154.3
 
 
$
 189.1
 
 
$
 —  
 
  
$
 —  
 
 
$
 343.4
 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
  
 
(3.0
) 
 
 
(6.9
) 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
(9.9
) 
Other Operating Revenue –
Non-Regulated
  
 
0  
 
 
 
0  
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
  
$
151.3
 
 
$
182.2
 
 
$
—  
 
  
$
—  
 
 
$
 333.5
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Segment Profit (Loss)
  
 
12.1
 
 
 
10.7
 
 
 
0.1
 
  
 
(1.3
) 
 
 
21.6
 
Capital Expenditures
  
 
51.7
 
 
 
28.8
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
1.0
 
 
 
81.5
 
Segment Assets
  
 
906.2
 
 
 
583.6
 
 
 
—  
 
  
 
19.2
 
 
 
1,509.0
 
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2020 ($ millions)
            
Revenues:
            
Billed and Unbilled Revenue
  $130.9  $173.5  $ —     $ —    $ 304.4 
Rate Adjustment Mechanism Revenue
   0.5   (3.2)   —      —     (2.7) 
Other Operating Revenue –
Non-Regulated
   0     0     —      —     —   
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
  $131.4  $170.3  $—     $—    $ 301.7 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
Segment Profit
   8.6   10.1   —      (0.1)   18.6 
Capital Expenditures
   50.0   39.9   —      3.7   93.6 
Segment Assets
   845.0   556.3   —      22.6   1,423.9 
 
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NOTE 4 – DEBT–DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Details on long-term debt at March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are shown in the following table:below:
 
($ millions)
  
March 31,
   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Unitil Corporation:
                  
6.33% Senior Notes, Due May 1, 2022
  
$
9.0
 
  $20.0   $15.0   
$
0  
 
  $20.0   $15.0 
3.70% Senior Notes, Due August 1, 2026
  
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0   
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0 
3.43% Senior Notes, Due December 18, 2029
  
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0   
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0 
Unitil Energy First Mortgage Bonds:
                  
8.49% Senior Secured Notes, Due October 14, 2024
  
 
3.0
 
   4.5    3.0   
 
3.0
 
   4.5    3.0 
6.96% Senior Secured Notes, Due September 1, 2028
  
 
16.0
 
   18.0    16.0   
 
14.0
 
   16.0    16.0 
8.00% Senior Secured Notes, Due
May 1, 2031
  
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0   
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0 
6.32% Senior Secured Notes, Due September 15, 2036
  
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0   
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0 
3.58% Senior Secured Notes, Due September 15, 2040
  
 
27.5
 
   —      27.5   
 
27.5
 
   27.5    27.5 
4.18% Senior Secured Notes, Due November 30, 2048
  
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0   
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0 
Fitchburg:
                  
6.75% Senior Notes, Due November 30, 2023
  
 
1.9
 
   3.8    1.9   
 
—  
 
   3.8    1.9 
6.79% Senior Notes, Due October 15, 2025
  
 
10.0
 
   10.0    10.0   
 
10.0
 
   10.0    10.0 
3.52% Senior Notes, Due November 1, 2027
  
 
10.0
 
   10.0    10.0   
 
10.0
 
   10.0    10.0 
7.37% Senior Notes, Due January 15, 2029
  
 
9.6
 
   10.8    10.8   
 
9.6
 
   10.8    10.8 
5.90% Senior Notes, Due December 15, 2030
  
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0   
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0 
7.98% Senior Notes, Due June 1, 2031
  
 
14.0
 
   14.0    14.0   
 
14.0
 
   14.0    14.0 
3.78% Senior Notes, Due September 15, 2040
  
 
27.5
 
   —      27.5   
 
27.5
 
   27.5    27.5 
4.32% Senior Notes, Due
November 1, 2047
  
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0   
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0 
Northern Utilities:
                  
3.52% Senior Notes, Due November 1, 2027
  
 
20.0
 
   20.0    20.0   
 
20.0
 
   20.0    20.0 
7.72% Senior Notes, Due December 3, 2038
  
 
50.0
 
   50.0    50.0   
 
50.0
 
   50.0    50.0 
3.78% Senior Notes, Due
September 15, 2040
  
 
40.0
 
   —      40.0   
 
40.0
 
   40.0    40.0 
4.42% Senior Notes, Due
October 15, 2044
  
 
50.0
 
   50.0    50.0   
 
50.0
 
   50.0    50.0 
4.32% Senior Notes, Due November 1, 2047
  
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0   
 
30.0
 
   30.0    30.0 
4.04% Senior Notes, Due September 12, 2049
  
 
40.0
 
   40.0    40.0   
 
40.0
 
   40.0    40.0 
Granite State:
                  
3.72% Senior Notes, Due November 1, 2027
  
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0   
 
15.0
 
   15.0    15.0 
Unitil Realty Corp.:
                  
2.64% Senior Secured Notes, Due December 18, 2030
  
 
4.7
 
   —      4.7   
 
4.5
 
   —      4.7 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Long-Term Debt
  
 
528.2
 
   446.1    535.4   
 
515.1
 
   539.1    535.4 
Less: Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs
  
 
3.9
 
   3.5    3.8   
 
3.7
 
   3.8    3.8 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Long-Term Debt, net of Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs
  
 
524.3
 
   442.6    531.6   
 
511.4
 
   535.3    531.6 
Less: Current Portion
  
 
8.5
 
   6.3    8.5   
 
10.1
 
   6.3    8.5 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Long-term Debt, Less Current Portion
  
$
515.8
 
  $436.3   $523.1   
$
501.3
 
  $529.0   $523.1 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
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Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
-
Currently, the Company believes that there is no active market in the Company’s debt securities, which have all been sold through private placements. If there were an active market for the Company’s debt securities, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt would be estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or on the current ratesra
t
es offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs (valuations based on quoted prices available in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable, and inputs derived principally from market data).data.) In estimating the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, the assumed market yield reflects the Moody’s Baa Utility Bond Average Yield. Costs, including prepayment costs, associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not taken into consideration in determining fair value.
 
($ millions)
  
March 31,
   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Estimated Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
  
$
581.0
   $494.7   $633.1   
$
 598.2
 
  $ 631.7   $ 633.1 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
On July 25, 2018, the Company entered intoi
n
to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and related documents (collectively, the Credit Facility) with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the Company’s prior credit facility. The Credit Facility extends to
July 25, 2023, subject to two
one-year
extensions under certain circumstances, and has a borrowing limit of $120 million, which includes a $25 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. The Credit Facility provides the Company with the ability to elect that borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest under several options, including at a daily fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to
one-month
London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.125%. The Company may increase the borrowing limit under the Credit Facility by up to $50 million under certain circumstances.
The Company usesutilizes the Credit Facility for cash management purposes related to its short-term operating activities. Total gross borrowings were $58.0$170.7 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. Total gross repayments were $75.4$194.9 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. The following table details the borrowing limits, amounts outstanding and amounts available under the Credit Facility as of March 31September 30 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020:
 
  
Revolving Credit Facility ($ millions)
   
Revolving Credit Facility ($ millions)
 
  
March 31,
   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Limit
  
$
120.0
 
  $120.0   $120.0   
$
 120.0
 
  $120.0   $ 120.0 
Short-Term Borrowings Outstanding
  
 
37.3
 
   71.6    54.7   
 
30.5
 
   17.3    54.7 
Letter of Credit Outstanding
  
 
—  
 
   0.1    0.1   
 
—  
 
   0.1    0.1 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Available
  
$
82.7
 
  $48.3   $65.2   
$
89.5
 
  $ 102.6   $65.2 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
The Credit Facility contains customary terms and conditions for credit facilities of this type, including affirmative and negative covenants. There are restrictions on, among other things, the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to permit liens or incur indebtedness, and restrictions on the Company’s ability to merge or consolidate with another entity or change its line of business. The affirmative and negative covenants under the Credit Facility apply until the Credit Facility terminates and all amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility are paid in full (or with respect to letters of credit, they are cash collateralized). The only financial covenant in the Credit Facility provides that Funded Debt to Capitalization (as each term is defined in the Credit Facility) cannot exceed 65%, tested on a quarterly basis. At March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the covenants contained in the Credit Facility in effect on those dates.
 
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The average interest rates on all short-term borrowings and intercompany money pool transactions were 1.3%1.2% and 2.6%1.3% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31,September 30, 2020, respectively. The average interest rates on all short-term borrowings and intercompany money pool transactions were 1.2% and 1.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively. The average interest rate on all short-term borrowings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was 1.7%.
On December 18, 2020, Unitil Realty Corp. entered into a loan agreement in the amount of $4.7 million at 2.64%, with a maturity date of December 18, 2030. Less than $0.1 million of costs associated with this loan have been recorded as a reduction to the proceeds. Unitil Realty Corp. used the net proceeds from this loan for general corporate purposes.
On September 15, 2020, Northern Utilities issued $40 million of Notes due 2040 at 3.78%. Fitchburg issued $27.5 million of Notes due 2040 at 3.78%. Unitil Energy issued $27.5 million of Bonds due 2040 at 3.58%. Northern Utilities, Fitchburg and Unitil Energy used the net proceeds from these offerings to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. Approximately $0.5 million of costs associated with these issuances have been recorded as a reduction to Long-Term Debt for presentation purposes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Unitil Corporation and its utility subsidiaries, Fitchburg, Unitil Energy, Northern Utilities, and Granite State currently are rated “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. Unitil Corporation and Granite State currently are rated “Baa2”, and Fitchburg, Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities are currently rated “Baa1” by Moody’s Investors Services.
Northern Utilities enters into asset management agreements under which Northern Utilities releases certain gas pipeline and storage assets, resells the gas storage inventory to an asset manager and subsequently repurchases the inventorygas over the course of the gas heating season at the same price at which it sold the gas inventory to the asset manager. There was $1.5
$9.7 million, $2.5$6.0 million and $5.4 
million of gas storage inventoryobligations at March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively, related to these asset management agreements. The amount of gas inventory released in MarchSeptember 2021 and payable in AprilOctober 2021 is $0.5 
 $0.1 
million and is recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31,September 30, 2021. The amount of gas inventory released in MarchSeptember 2020 and payable in AprilOctober 2020 was $0.6 less than
 $0.1 
million and was recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31,September 30, 2020. The amount of gas inventory released in December 2020 and payable in January 2021 was $1.0
$1.0 million and was recorded in Accounts Payable at December 31, 2020.
Guarantees
The Company provides limited guarantees on certain energy and gas storage management contracts entered into by the distribution utilities. The Company’s policy is to limit the duration of these guarantees. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, there were approximately $0.7 million of guarantees outstanding with a duration less than one year.
Leases
Unitil’s subsidiaries lease certainsome of their vehicles, machinery and office equipment under both capital and operating lease arrangements.
Total rental expense under operating leases charged to operations for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 amounted to $0.5 million and $0.4$0.5 million, respectively. Total rental expense under operating leases charged to operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 amounted to $1.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
 
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3
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The balance sheet classification of the Company’s lease obligations was as follows:
 
  
March 31,
   December 31,   
September 30,
   December 31, 
Lease Obligations ($ millions)
  
2021
   2020   2020   
2021
   2020   2020 
Operating Lease Obligations:
                  
Other Current Liabilities (current portion)
  
$
1.6
 
  $1.4   $1.5   
$
 1.6
 
  $ 1.6   $ 1.5 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (long-term portion)
  
 
3.8
 
   3.5    3.7   
 
3.5
 
   4.0    3.7 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Operating Lease Obligations
  
$
5.4
 
  $4.9   $5.2   
$
5.1
 
  $5.6   $5.2 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Capital Lease Obligations:
                  
Other Current Liabilities (current portion)
  
$
0.2
 
  $0.2   $0.2   
$
0.2
 
  $0.2   $0.2 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (long-term portion)
  
 
0.3
 
   0.4    0.2   
 
0.2
 
   0.3    0.2 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Capital Lease Obligations
  
$
0.5
 
  $0.6   $0.4   
$
0.4
 
  $0.5   $0.4 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Lease Obligations
  
$
5.9
 
  $5.5   $5.6   
$
5.5
 
  $6.1   $5.6 
              
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease obligations for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31,September 30, 2020 was $0.5$1.4 million and $0.4$1.4 million respectively, and was includedin
c
luded in Cash Provided by Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Assets under capital leases amounted to approximately $0.9$0.7 million, $1.2$1.1 million and $1.0 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively, less accumulated amortization of $0.4$0.3 million, $0.7$0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively and are included in Net Utility Plant on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table is a schedule of future operating lease payment obligations and future minimum lease payments under capital leases as of March 31,September 30, 2021. The payments for operating leases consist of $1.6 million of current operating lease obligations, which are included in Other Current Liabilities and $3.8$3.5 million of noncurrent operating lease obligations, which are included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2021. The payments for capital leases consist of $0.2 million of current capital lease obligations, which are included in Other Current Liabilities and $0.3$0.2 million of noncurrent capital lease obligations, which are included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2021.
 
Lease Payments ($000’s)
Year Ending December 31,
  
Operating
Leases
   
Capital
Leases
   
Operating
Leases
   
Capital
Leases
 
Rest of 2021
  $1,390   $145   $479   $39 
2022
   1,589    150    1,695    150 
2023
   1,293    107    1,399    107 
2024
   963    52    1,069    52 
2025
   397    19    503    20 
2026-2030
   149    0      320    0   
          
 
   
 
 
Total Payments
  
 
5,781
 
  
 
473
 
  
 
5,465
 
  
 
368
 
          
 
   
 
 
Less: Interest
   422    21    365    15 
          
 
   
 
 
Amount of Lease Obligations Recorded on Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
$
5,359
 
  
$
452
 
  
$
 5,100
 
  
$
 353
 
          
 
   
 
 
Operating lease obligations are based on the net present value of the remaining lease payments over the remaining lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the Company used the interest rate stated in each lease agreement. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term is 3.83.7 years and the weighted average operating discount rate used to determine the operating lease obligations was 4.2%4.0%. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, the weighted average remaining lease term is 3.9was 4.0 years and the weighted average operating discount rate used to determine the operating lease obligations was 4.9%4.4%.
 
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NOTE 5 – COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
Common Stock
The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, “UTL.”
The Company had 15,041,629, 14,963,44415,971,962, 15,005,881 and 15,012,310 shares of common stock outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Unitil Corporation Common Stock Offering
- On August 6, 2021, the Company issued and sold 800,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $50.80 per share in a registered public offering (Offering). The Company’s net increase to Common Equity and Cash proceeds from the Offering was approximately $38.6 
million. The proceeds will be used to make equity capital contributions to the Company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, to repay debt and for other general corporate purposes. 
As part of the Offering, the Company granted the underwriters a
30-day
 option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters exercised the option and purchased an additional 120,000
shares of the Company’s common stock on September 8, 2021. The Company’s net increase to Common Equity and Cash proceeds from the exercise of the option was approximately
 $5.9 
million.
The proceeds will be 
used to make equity capital contributions to the Company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, to repay debt and for other general corporate purposes.
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan -
During the first quarternine months of 2021, the Company sold 6,17916,512 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $43.17$48.52 per share, in connection with its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRP) and its 401(k) plans resulting in net proceeds of approximately $266,800.$801,200. The DRP provides participants in the plan a method for investing cash dividends on the Company’s common stock and cash payments in additional shares of the Company’s common stock.
Stock Plan -
The Company maintains the Unitil Corporation Second Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Plan (the Stock Plan). Participants in the Stock Plan are selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to receive awards under the Stock Plan, including awards of restricted shares (Restricted Shares), or of restricted stock units (Restricted Stock Units). The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine the sizes of awards; determine the terms and conditions of awards in a manner consistent with the Stock Plan; construe and interpret the Stock Plan and any agreement or instrument entered into under the Stock Plan as they apply to participants; establish, amend, or waive rules and regulations for the Stock Plan’s administration as they apply to participants; and, subject to the provisions of the Stock Plan, amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding award to the extent such terms and conditions are within the discretion of the Compensation Committee as provided for in the Stock Plan. On April 19, 2012, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Stock Plan to, among other things, increase the maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards to plan participants.
The maximum number of shares available for awards to participants under the Stock Plan is 677,500. The maximum number of shares that may be awarded in any one calendar year to any one participant is 20,000. In the event of any change in capitalization of the Company, the Compensation Committee is authorized to make an equitable adjustment to the number and kind of shares of common stock that may be delivered under the Stock Plan and, in addition, may authorize and make an equitable adjustment to the Stock Plan’s annual individual award limit.
Restricted Shares
Outstanding awards of Restricted Shares fully vest over a period of four years at a rate of 25% each year. During the vesting period, dividends on Restricted Shares underlying the award may be credited to a
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participant’s account. The Company may deduct or withhold, or require a participant to remit to the Company,Com
p
any, an amount sufficient to satisfy any taxes required by federal, state, or local law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising in connection with an Award. For purposes of compensation expense, Restricted Shares vest immediately upon a participant becoming eligible for retirement, as defined in the Stock Plan. Prior to the end of the vesting period, the restricted sharessha
r
es are subject to forfeiture if the participant ceases to be employed by the Company other than due to the participant’s death.
On January 26, 2021, 23,140 Restricted Shares were issued in conjunction with the Stock Plan with an aggregate market value at the date of issuance of approximately $0.9 million. There were 62,56657,408 and 56,81359,813
non-vested
shares under the Stock Plan as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of these shares was $49.44$49.61 and $54.88,$54.41, respectively. The compensation expense associated with the issuance of shares under the Stock Plan is being recognized over the vesting period and was $0.9$1.4 million and $1.8$2.1 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At March 31,September 30, 2021, there was approximately $1.2$0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost under the Stock Plan which is expected to be recognized over approximately 3.02.7 years. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 there were 0 restricted shares forfeited and 0 restricted shares cancelled under the Stock Plan.
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5
Table of Contents
Restricted Stock Units
Non-management
members of the Company’s Board of Directors (Directors) may elect to receive the equity portion of their annual retainer in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU). Restricted Stock Units earn dividend equivalents and will generally be settled by payment to each Director as soon as practicable following the Director’s separation from service to the Company. The Restricted Stock Units will be paid such that the Director will receive (i) 70% of the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the restricted stock units and (ii) cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of 30% of the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units. The equity portion of Restricted Stock Units activity during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 in conjunction with the Stock Plan areis presented in the following table:
Restricted Stock Units (Equity Portion)
 
   Units   Weighted
Average
Stock
Price		 
Restricted Stock Units as of December 31, 2020
   43,192   $41.34 
Restricted Stock Units Granted
   0      0   
Dividend Equivalents Earned
   392   $41.84 
Restricted Stock Units Settled
   0      0   
           
Restricted Stock Units as of March 31, 2021
   43,584   $41.34 
           
Restricted Stock Units (Equity Portion)
   Units   Weighted
Average
Stock
Price		 
Restricted Stock Units as of December 31, 2020
   43,192   $41.34 
Restricted Stock Units Granted
   0      0   
Dividend Equivalents Earned
   1,032   $48.10 
Restricted Stock Units Settled
   0      0   
   
 
 
      
Restricted Stock Units as of September 30, 2021
   44,224   $ 41.49 
   
 
 
      
There were 70,83339,057 Restricted Stock Units outstanding as of March 31,September 30, 2020 with a weighted average stock price of $41.30.$41.54. Included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020 is $0.9$0.8 million, $1.6$0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, representing the fair value of liabilities associated with the portion of fully vested RSUs that will be settled in cash.
Preferred Stock
There were $0.2 million, or 1,861 shares, of Unitil Energy’s 6.00% Series Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021. There were $0.2 million, or 1,887 shares, of Unitil Energy’s 6.00% Series Preferred Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2021, March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. There were less than $0.1 million of total dividends declared on Preferred Stock in each of the three and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31,September 30, 2020, respectively.
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Table of Contents
NOTE 6–6 – REGULATORY MATTERS
UNITIL’S REGULATORY MATTERS ARE DESCRIBED IN NOTE 8 TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ITEM 8 OF PART II OF UNITIL CORPORATION’S FORM
10-K
FOR DECEMBER 31, 2020 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 2, 2021.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) was signed into law. Among other things, the TCJA substantially reduced the corporate income tax rate to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. Each state public utility commission, with jurisdiction over the areas that are served by Unitil’s electric and gas subsidiary companies, issued orders directing how the tax law changes were to be reflected in rates. Unitil has complied with these orders and has made the required changes to its rates as directed by the commissions. The FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would allow it to determine which pipelines under the Natural Gas Act may be collecting unjust and unreasonable rates in light of the corporate tax reduction. This matter was resolved for Granite State in its May 2, 2018 uncontested rate settlement filing, which accounted for the effect of the TCJA.
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Table of Contents
On November 21, 2019, the FERC issued Order No. 864, a final rule on Public Utility Transmission Rate Changes to Address Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes. The new rule requires public utilities with formula transmission rates to revise their formula rates to include a transparent methodology to address
the TCJA and future tax law changes on customer rates by accounting for “excess” or “deficient” Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes (ADIT). FERC also required transmission providers with stated rates to account for TCJA’s effect on ADIT in their next rate case. The Company is complying with the new rule and there is no material effect on its financial position, operating results, or cash flows.
Rate Case Activity
Northern Utilities - Base Rates - Maine -
On March 26, 2020, the MPUC approved an increase to base revenue of $3.6 million, a 3.6% increase over the Company’s test year operating revenues, effective April 1, 2020. The order approved a Return on Equity of 9.48%, and a hypothetical capital structure of 50% equity and 50% debt. As part of the order and increase in base revenue, the MPUC provided for recovery of some, but not all, of the Company’s implementation costs associated with its customer information system pending the completion of an investigation, including a third-party audit. On March 9, 2021, the MPUC opened a new docket to investigate the amount of customer information system costs that will be allowed in rates and released the third-party audit report. The audit report findings included highlighting the Company’s effective implementation efforts while also suggesting potential excess costs of approximately $5.0 million out of the total cost of $36.8 million. The total cost for the customer information system is allocated across all of Unitil’s distribution utility subsidiary companies. The Company disagrees with many of the characterizations of findings contained in the audit report, as well as many of the report’s opinions and conclusions concerning those findings. On June 30, 2021, the Company filed testimony and exhibits with the MPUC rebutting the assertions made in the audit. The Company continues to believe that the customer information system costs were prudently incurred and intends
continues
to vigorously pursue full recovery of the customer information system costs in rates. The Company believes that the ultimate outcome of the investigation will not have a material effect on its financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Northern Utilities - Targeted Infrastructure Replacement Adjustment (TIRA) - Maine -
The settlement in Northern Utilities’ Maine division’s 2013 rate case authorized the Company to implement a TIRA rate mechanism to adjust base distribution rates annually to recover the revenue requirements associated with targeted investments in gas distribution system infrastructure replacement and upgrade projects, including the Company’s Cast Iron Replacement Program (CIRP). In its Final Order issued on February 28, 2018 for Northern Utilities’ 2017 base rate case, the MPUC approved an extension of the TIRA mechanism for an additional eight-year period, which will allow for annual rate adjustments through the end of the CIRP program. The Company’s most recent request under the TIRA mechanism, to increase annual base rates by $1.1 
million for 2020 eligible facilities, was approved by the MPUC effectiv
e
effective May 1, 2021.

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Northern Utilities - Base Rates - New Hampshire -
On MayAugust 2, 2018,2021, Northern Utilities filed a base rate case with the NHPUC, requesting a permanent increase in total annual revenues of $7.8 million, which represents an increase of 8.1% over total annual revenue at present rates. The multi-year rate filing includes a revenue decoupling mechanism and an Arrearage Management Program for financial hardship customers. Northern Utilities also requested implementation of temporary rates for service rendered on and after October 1, 2021. On September 30, 2021, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement providing for a net annual revenuetemporary rate increase of $3.2$2.6 million, incorporatingeffective October 1, 2021. As provided by statute, once a final order on permanent rates is issued, the effectpermanent rate level is reconciled back to the effective date of the TCJA, and an initial step increase to recover post-test year capital investments. The Company’s second annual revenue step increase of approximately $1.4 million to recover eligible capital investments in 2018 was approved by the NHPUC effective May 1, 2019. According to the terms of the settlement agreement, Northern Utilities’ next distribution base rate case shall be based on a historical test year no earlier than the twelve months ending December 31, 2020.temporary rates.
Unitil Energy - Base Rates -
On April 2, 2021, Unitil Energy filed a base rate case with the NHPUC, requesting a permanent increase in total annual revenues of
$12.0$12.0 million, which represents an increase of 4.4 percent4.4% above present rates. Unitil Energy also requested implementation of temporary rates for service rendered on and after June 1, 2021, and until a final order on permanent rates is issued. The requested temporary rates, if approved at the requested levels, could result in an increase in annual revenues of up to $5.8 million, or a 2.7% increase above present rates. The filing includes (1) a proposed multi-year rate plan, (2) a revenue decoupling mechanism, (3) a Grid Modernization plan that includes a group of foundational grid modernization projects, (4) a suite of proposed time of use (TOU) rates including rates for electric vehicles (EV), (5) an EV infrastructure development program which includes rebates for residential customers for the installation of smart charging equipment and a public “make-ready” program for general service customers under which the Company will install the infrastructure required to connect an EV charger, (6) a Marketing, Communications, and Education Plan to engage with customers about the TOU rates and EV program offerings, (7) resiliency programs to further the Company’s commitment to reliability, (8) an Arrearage Management Program for financial hardship
3
7
Table of Contents
customers, and (9) other rate design and tariff changes. On April 24, 2020, the Governor of New Hampshire issued an executive order that extended the NHPUC’s authority to suspend rate schedules by six months, from 12 to 18 months, to conduct its investigation of a utility company’s request to increase rates. On April 6, 2021, the NHPUC determined that the extension applies to this proceeding, but stated it will endeavor to set final rates as expeditiously as possible. On May 27, 2021, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement providing for a temporary rate increase of $4.5 million in annual electric distribution revenues, effective June 1, 2021. As provided by statute, once a final order on permanent rates is issued, the permanent rate level is reconciled back to the effective date of the temporary rates.
Fitchburg - Base Rates - Electric -
Fitchburg’s base rates are decoupled in order to mitigate economic, weather and energy efficiency affect to the Company’s revenues and subject to an annual revenue decoupling adjustment mechanism, which includes a cap on the amount that rates may be increased in any year. In addition, Fitchburg has an annual capital cost recovery mechanism to recover the revenue requirement associated with certain capital additions. On November 1, 2018, Fitchburg filed its cumulative revenue requirement
of $0.9 million associated with the th
e
Company’s 2015-2017 capital expenditures. On December 22, 2020, final approval of the filing was issued. On October 29, 2019, Fitchburg filed its cumulative revenue requirement of $1.1 million associated with the Company’s 2015-2018 capital expenditures. On December 22, 2020, final approval of the filing was issued. On November 2, 2020, Fitchburg filed its cumulative revenue requirement of $1.4 million associated with its 2019 capital expenditures. On December 17, 2020,June 15, 2021, final approval of the filing was approved,issued, effective January 1, 2021, subject to further investigation and reconciliation.2021.
On April 17, 2020, the MDPU approved a settlement agreement entered into by the Company and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General providing for a distribution increase of $1.1 million, effective November 1, 2020. The Company’s subsequent Compliance Filing reflected an adjusted distribution increase of $0.9 million, a decrease of $0.2 million from the original settlement amount. On May 21, 2020, the MDPU approved the Company’s Compliance Filing. The agreement provides for a Return on Equity of 9.7% and a capital structure reflecting 52.45% equity and 47.55% long-term debt. Under the agreement, the Company will not increase or redesign base distribution rates to become effective prior to November 1, 2023, though the Company may seek cost recovery for certain exogenous events that meet a revenue threshold of $0.1 million. The agreement also provides for the implementation of a major storm reserve fund, whereby the Company may recover the costs of restoration for qualifying storm events. In addition, the agreement provides for the extension of the annual capital cost recovery mechanism, modified to allow the recovery of property tax on the cumulative net capital expenditures.
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Fitchburg - Base Rates - Gas -
Pursuant to its revenue decoupling adjustment clause tariff, as approved in its last base rate case, the Company is allowed to modify, on a semi-annual basis, its base distribution rates to an established revenuerev
e
nue per customer target in order to mitigate economic, weather and energy efficiency impactsaffect to the Company’s revenues. The MDPU consistently has found the Company’s filings are in accord with its approved tariffs, applicable law and precedent, and that they result in just and reasonable rates.
On February 28, 2020, the MDPU approved a settlement agreement between the Company and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. The agreement provides for an annual distribution revenue increase of $4.6 million to be phased in over two years: (1) an increase of $3.7 million, which became effective on March 1, 2020; and (2) an increase of $0.9 million, which became effective on March 1, 2021. Under the agreement, the Company will not increase or redesign base distribution rates to become effective prior to March 1, 2023, though the Company may seek cost recovery for certain exogenous events that meet a revenue impacteffect threshold of $40,000. The agreement provides for a Return on Equity of 9.7% and a capital structure reflecting 52.45% equity and 47.55% long-term debt.
Fitchburg - Gas System Enhancement Program -
Pursuant to statute and MDPU order, Fitchburg has an approved Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP) tariff through which it may recover certain gas infrastructure replacement and safety related investment costs, subject to an annual cap. Under the plan, the Company is required to make two annual filings with the MDPU: a forward-looking filing for the subsequent construction year, to be filed on or before October 31 (the GSEP Filing);31; and a filing, submitted on or before May 1, of final project documentation for projects completed during the prior year, demonstrating substantial compliance with its plan in effect for that year and showing that project costs were reasonably and prudently incurred (the GREC Filing).incurred. Fitchburg’s most recent forward-looking filing, filed on October 30, 2020, requested recovery of approximately $2.2 million, and received final approval on April 29, 2021, effective May 1, 2021, and remains pending.2021. The Company considers these to be routine regulatory proceedings, and there are no material issues outstanding.
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Granite State - Base Rates -
On November 30, 2020, the FERC approved Granite State’s filing of an uncontested rate settlement which provides for an increase in annual revenues of approximately $1.3 million, effective November 1, 2020. The Settlement Agreement permits the filing of limited Section 4 rate adjustments for capital cost projects eligible for cost recovery in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and sets forth an overall cap of approximately $14.6 million on the capital cost recoverable under such filings during the term of the Settlement. Under the Settlement Agreement, Granite may not file a new general rate case earlier than April 30, 2024 with rates to be effective no earlier than November 1, 2024 based on a test year ending no earlier than December 31, 2023.
On August 24, 2021, the FERC accepted Granite State’s first limited Section 4 rate adjustment pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, for an annual revenue increase of $0.1 million, effective September 1, 2021.
Other Matters
Fitchburg - Independent Statewide ExaminationGrid Modernization
-
On July 1, 2021, Fitchburg submitted its Grid Modernization Plan (GMP) to the MDPU. The GMP includes a five year strategic plan, including a plan for the full deployment of advanced metering functio
n
ality, and a four-year short-term investment plan which focuses on foundational investments to facilitate the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources, optimizing system performance through command and control and self-healing measures, and optimizing system demand by facilitating consumer price-responsiveness. The GMP is subject to review and approval by the MDPU and remains pending.
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Fitchburg - Grid Modernization Cost Recovery Factor
-
On April 15, 2021, Fitchburg filed its Grid Modernization Factor (GMF) rate adjustment and reconciliation filing pursuant to the Company’s proposed GMF Tariff, for recovery of the Safetycosts incurred as a result of implementing the Commonwealth’s Gas Distribution System -Company’s 2018-2021 GMP, previously approved by the MDPU on February 7, 2019. The proposed GMF was approved on May 27, 2021, effective June 1, 2021, subject to further investigation and reconciliation.
The MDPU engaged a third-party evaluator to conduct an independent statewide examination of the safety of the gas distribution system to complement the investigation of the National Transportation Safety Board focused on the gas incident on September 13, 2018 in the Merrimack Valley and its potential causes. The evaluator examined: (1) the physical integrity and safety of the gas distribution system; and (2) the operation and maintenance policies and practices of the gas companies and municipal gas companies, with respect to the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system, including recommendations for improvements. The evaluator issued its final report on January 31, 2020, which contained a number of observations and recommendations for the improvement of gas distribution safety. On February 28, 2020, the Company filed a response and plan to implement the Unitil-specific recommendations, as well as general safety improvements.
Fitchburg - Investigation into the role of gas LDCs to achieve Commonwealth 2050 climate goals -
The MDPU has opened an investigation to examine the role of Massachusetts gas local distribution companies (LDCs) in helping the Commonwealth achieve its 2050 climate goal of
net-zero
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In its Order opening the inquiry, the MDPU statesstated it is required to consider new policies and structures as the Commonwealth reduces reliance on fossil fuels, including natural gas, which may require LDCs to make significant changes to their planning processes and business models. The LDCs, including Fitchburg, have engaged an independent consultant to conduct a study and prepare a report (Report), including a detailed study of each LDC, that analyzes the feasibility of all identified pathways to help the Commonwealth achieve its
net-zero
GHG goal. The study is to include an examination of the potential pathways identified in the 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap developed by the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. On or before March 1, 2022, each LDC is required to submit a proposal to the MDPU that includes the LDC’sLDCs’ recommendations and plans for helping the Commonwealth achieve its 2050 climate goals, supported by the Report. Prior to filing the Report and the LDCs’ proposals, the LDCs are directed to engage in a stakeholder process to solicit feedback and advice on both the Report and the proposals. Fitchburg is actively involved in the LDC’sLDCs’ joint effort to respond to the MDPU’s directives.
Financial Effects of
COVID-19
Pandemic -
The NHPUC and the MDPU have opened proceedings to consider the revenue and cost effects on the regulated gas and electric utilities within their respective jurisdictions of the requirement to continue the availability of gas, electric and water service to customers during the
COVID-19
pandemic. Among the effects under investigation are the revenue effects associated with service disconnection moratoriums, the waiver of fees and expanded customer payments arrangements; the increased cost of customer accounts that cannot be collected, including the cost of bad debt reserves and increased working capital costs; and increased operating and maintenance costs incurred for employees to work safely and protect the public. Fitchburg, Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities are active participants in these proceedings, and are in full compliance with all regulatory orders governing service
shut-off
moratoriums and other customer service protection measures. These matters remain pending. On December 31, 2020, in docket
DPU
20-58,
the MDPU issued an order which, among other provisions, allows the utility companies to defer for future recovery bad debt expense in excess of a baseline. On July 7, 2021, the NHPUC issued an order which declined to authorize New Hampshire’s rate-regulated utilities’ establishment of a regulatory asset for incremental bad debt or waived late payment fees related to the
COVID-19
pandemic. The NHPUC stated that these costs will be addressed in each utility’s next rate case. On September 7, 2021, the NHPUC clarified its July 7 Order, determining that it has not foreclosed rate-regulated utilities from utilizing accounting mechanisms to defer costs in order to seek recovery in a future rate proceeding, and that Unitil Energy’s and Northern Utilities’ respective pending rate cases are the appropriate venue to address incremental bad debt and/or waived late payment fees resulting from the
COVID-19
public health emergency orders and directives.
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Northern Utilities / Granite State - Firm Capacity Contract
-
Northern Utilities relies on the transport of gas supply over its affiliate Granite State pipeline to serve its customers in the Maine and New Hampshire service territories. Granite State facilitates critical upstream interconnections with interstate pipelines and third party suppliers essential to Northern Utilities’ service to its customers. Northern Utilities reserves firm capacity through a contract with Granite State, which is renewed annually. Pursuant to statutory requirements in Maine and orders of the MPUC, Northern Utilities submits an annual informational report requesting approval of a
one-year
extension of its
12-month
contract for firm pipeline capacity reservation, with an evergreen provision and three-month termination notification requirement. On March 30, 2021, Northern Utilities submitted an annual informational report requesting approval on a
one-year
extension for the period of November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022. The MPUC approved the request on June 29, 2021.
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Reconciliation Filings -
Fitchburg, Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities each have a number of regulatory reconciling accounts that require annual or semi-annual filings with the MDPU, NHPUC and MPUC, respectively, to reconcile costs and revenues, and to seek approval of any rate changes. These filings include: annual electric reconciliation filings by Fitchburg and Unitil Energy for a number of items, including default service, stranded cost changes and transmission charges; costs associated with energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as directed by the NHPUC and MDPU; recovery of the ongoing costs of storm repairs incurred by Unitil Energy; and the actual wholesale energy costs for electric power and gas incurred by each of the three companies. Fitchburg, Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities have been, and remain in full compliance with all directives and orders regarding these filings. The Company considers these to be routine regulatory proceedings, and there are no material issues outstanding.
Fitchburg - Massachusetts RFPs -
Pursuant to a comprehensive energy law enacted in 2016, “An Act to Promote Energy Diversity,” (the Act) under Section 83C, the Massachusetts electric distribution companies (EDCs), including Fitchburg, are required to jointly solicit proposals for long-term contracts for at least 400 MW) of offshore wind energy generation by June 30, 2017, as part of a total of 1,600 MW of offshore wind the EDCs are directed to procure by June 30, 2027. Under Section 83D of the Act, the EDCs are required to jointly seek proposals for cost-effective clean energy (hydroelectric, solar and land-based wind) long-term contracts via one or more staggered solicitations for a total of 9,450,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) by December 31, 2022. Unitil’s pro rata share of these contracts is approximately one percent. The EDCs issued the RFP for Section 83D Long-Term Contracts for Qualified Clean Energy Projects in March 2017, and after selection of final projects and negotiation, final contracts for 9,554,940 MWh of Qualified Clean Energy and associated Environmental Attributes from hydroelectric generation were filed in July 2018 for approval by the MDPU. On June 25, 2019, the MDPU approved the power purchase agreements, including the EDCs’ proposal to sell the energy procured under the contract into the
ISO-NE
wholesale market and to credit or charge the difference between the contract costs and the
ISO-NE
market costs to customers. The MDPU also determined that the EDCs’ request for remuneration equal to 2.75% of the contract payments is reasonable and in the public interest and approved the EDCs’ proposal to amend their respective tariffs to include the recovery of costs associated with the contracts. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the MDPU’s approval in an Order dated September 3, 2020. The Company believes the power purchase obligations under these long-term contracts will have a material effect on the contractual obligations of Fitchburg, once certain conditions and contingencies are met.
The EDCs issued the RFP pursuant to Section 83C for Long-Term Contracts for Offshore Wind Energy Generation in June 2017. The EDCs selected an 800 MW project submitted by Vineyard Wind in May 2018, contracts were signed in July 2018 and on July 23, 2018, the EDCs, including Fitchburg, filed two long-term contracts, each for 400
MW of offshore wind energy generation with the MDPU for approval. On April 12, 2019, the MDPU approved the offshore wind energy generation power purchase agreements, including the EDCs’ proposal to sell the energy procured under the contract into the
ISO-NE
wholesale market and to credit or charge the difference between the contract costs and the
ISO-NE
market costs to customers. The MDPU also determined that the EDCs’ request for remuneration equal to 2.75% of the contract payments is reasonable and in the public interest and approved the EDCs’ proposal to amend their respective tariffs to include the recovery of costs associated with the contracts. The Company believes the power purchase obligations under these long-term contracts will have a material effect on the contractual obligations of Fitchburg, once certain conditions and contingencies are met.
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The EDCs issued a second RFP pursuant to Section 83C for Long-Term Contracts for Offshore Wind Energy Generation on May 23, 2019. This solicitation sought to procure the remaining obligation under
83C to procure an additional 800 MW of offshore wind energy generation. The EDCs selected an 800 MW project submitted by Mayflower Wind and contracts were executed on January 10, 2020. A filing with the MDPU for approval of two long-term contracts, each for 400 MW of offshore wind energy generation,
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was made on February 10, 2020. On November 5, 2020, the MDPU approved the Offshore Wind Energy Generation power purchase agreements. The MDPU also determined that the EDCs’ request for remuneration equal to 2.75% is reasonable and in the publicpub
l
ic interest. On November 25, 2020 the Office of the Attorney General filed a Motion for Reconsideration regardingof the MDPU’s order as it relates to remuneration.regarding remuneration, which was denied. The matterMDPU order is still pending at the MDPU.now final. The Company believes the power purchase obligations under these long-term contracts will have a material effect on the contractual obligations of Fitchburg, once certain conditions and contingencies are met.
In accordance with the requirement of Chapter 227 of the Acts of 2018, An Act to Advance Clean Energy, signed August 9, 2018, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MDOER) prepared a report on the necessity, benefits and costs of requiring the EDCs to competitively conduct offshore wind generation RFPs for up to an additional 1,600 MW. The MDOER filed its report with the Legislature in May, 2019, recommending that, “the EDCs should proceed with additional offshore wind solicitations for up to 1,600 MW of offshore wind in 2022 and 2024 and only enter into contracts if found to be cost-effective.” On March 10, 2021, Fitchburg, along with the other MA EDCs, filed a petition with the MDPU for approval of a proposed timetable and method of solicitation and execution of long-term contracts for up to an additional 1,600 MW of off shore wind generation. The anticipatedOn May 5, 2021, the DPU approved the proposed timetable and method for the solicitation, and the RFP release date iswas issued on May 7, 2021. Responsive proposals were received on September 16, 2021, withand project selection expected inis scheduled for December 17, 2021.
FERC Transmission Formula Rate Proceedings -
Pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, there are several pending proceedings before the FERC concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Return on Equity (ROE) component of the
ISO-New
England, Inc. Participating Transmission Owners’ Regional Network Service and Local Network Service formula rates. On April 14, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court) issued an opinion vacating a decision of the FERC with respect to the ROE, and remanded it for further proceedings. The FERC had found that the Transmission Owners existing ROE was unlawful, and set a new ROE. The Court found that the FERC had failed to articulate a satisfactory explanation for its orders. At this time, the ROE set in the vacated order will remain in place until further FERC action is taken. Separately, on March 15, 2018, the Transmission Owners filed a petition for review with the Court of certain orders of the FERC setting for hearing other complaints challenging the allowed Return on Equity component of the formula rates. On November 21, 2019 the FERC issued an order in
EL14-12,
Midcontinent Independent System Operator ROE, in which FERC outlined a new methodology for calculating the ROE. In response to the FERC order in EL
14-12,
the New England Transmission Owners (NETOs) filed a motion to reopen the record, which has been granted. This matter remains pending.
The FERC Section 206 proceeding concerning the justness and reasonableness of
ISO-New
England, Inc. Participating Transmission Owners’ Regional Network Service and Local Network Service formula rates and to develop formula rate protocols for these rates has been resolved. On August 17, 2018 a joint settlement agreement among a number of the parties was filed with the FERC. FERC rejectedreje
c
ted the settlement agreement on May 22, 2019 and remanded the proceeding to the Chief Administrative Law Judge to resume hearing procedures. On May 24, 2019 the judge appointed a Dispute Resolution Facilitator to aid parties in settlement negotiations. The procedural schedule was suspended September 24, 2019 in order to allow participants to focus on settlement negotiations. On October 24, 2019, the NETO’s filed an unopposed motion to suspend the procedural schedule and waiver of answer period indicating that the NETO’s, Municipal Pool Transmission Facility Owners and the Commission Trial Staff have reached agreement in principle on the terms of a settlement to resolve all open issues in the proceeding. On June 15, 2020 a settlement was filed. The FERC approved the settlement agreement on December 28, 2020. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the negotiated formula rates will take effect on January 1, 2022. Fitchburg and Unitil Energy are Participating Transmission Owners, although Unitil Energy does not own transmission plant. To the extent that these proceedings result in any changes to the rates being charged, a retroactive reconciliation may be required. The Company does not believe these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
4
1
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Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types, including those which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes, based upon information furnished by counsel and others, that the ultimate resolution of these claims will not have a material effect on its financial position, operating results or cash flows.
NOTE 7 – ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
    
UNITIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS ARE DESCRIBED IN NOTE 8 TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ITEM 8 OF PART II OF UNITIL CORPORATION’S FORM
10-K
FOR DECEMBER 31, 2020 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 2, 2021.
The Company’s past and present operations include activities that are generally subject to extensive and complex federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The Company is in material compliance with applicable environmental and safety laws and regulations and, as of March 31,September 30, 2021, has not identified any material losses reasonably likely to be incurred in excess of recorded amounts. However, the Company cannot assure that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future. It is possible that other developments, such as increasingly stringent federal, state or local environmental laws and regulations could result in increased environmental compliance costs. Based on its current assessment of its environmental responsibilities, existing legal requirements and regulatory policies, the Company does not believe that these environmental costs will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Northern Utilities Manufactured Gas Plant Sites -
Northern Utilities has an extensive program to identify, investigate and remediate former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites, which were operated from the
mid-1800s
through the
mid-1900s.
In New Hampshire, MGP sites were identified in Dover, Exeter, Portsmouth, Rochester and Somersworth. In Maine, Northern Utilities has documented the presence of MGP sites in Lewiston and Portland, and a former MGP disposal site in Scarborough.
Northern Utilities has worked with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) to address environmental concerns with these sites. Northern Utilities or others have completed remediation activities at all sites; however, on site monitoring continues at several sites which may result in future remedial actions as directed by the applicable regulatory agency.
In July 2019, the NH DES requested that Northern Utilities review modeled expectations for groundwater contaminants against observed data at the Rochester site. In June 2020, the NH DES coupled the submittal of the review to a proposed extension of the gas distribution system by Northern Utilities; bothUtilities. Northern Utilities anticipates submittal of the review and extension are expected to be completed by the endNovember 2021. In anticipation of the second quarterNH DES approval of 2021. While any recommendation is subject to approval by the NH DES,work plan, the Company has accrued $0.8 million for estimated costs to complete the remediation at the Rochester site, which is included in Environmental Obligations.
The NHPUC and MPUC have approved regulatory mechanisms for the recovery of MGP environmental costs. For Northern Utilities’ New Hampshire division, the NHPUC has approved the recovery of MGP environmental costs over succeeding seven-year periods. For Northern Utilities’ Maine division, the MPUC has authorized the recovery of environmental remediation costs over succeeding five-year periods.
The Environmental Obligations table shows the amounts accrued for Northern Utilities related to estimated future cleanup costs associated with Northern Utilities’ environmental remediation obligations for former MGP sites. Corresponding Regulatory Assets were recorded to reflect that the future recovery of these environmental remediation costs is expected based on regulatory precedent and established practices.
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Fitchburg’s Manufactured Gas Plant Site -
Fitchburg has worked with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) to address environmental concerns with the former MGP site at Sawyer Passway, and has substantially completed remediation activities, though on site monitoring continues. In April 2020, Fitchburg received notification from the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (Mass DOT) that a portion of the site may be incorporated into the proposed Twin City Rail Trail with an anticipated completion in 2022.2023. Depending upon the final agreement between Fitchburg and Mass DOT, additional minor costs are expected prior to completion.
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Additionally, in November 2020,In August 2021, the Mass DEP conducted anissued a Notice of
Non-compliance
to FGE following a November 2020 audit of the final remediation solution at Sawyer Passway. Site security improvements required bySeptember 2015 Response Action Outcome on the MGP site. Mass DEP weredirected Fitchburg to further define the extent of MGP site contaminants in the sediment and riverbank of an abutting watercourse, which should be completed in January 2021.
by June 2022.
Fitchburg recovers the environmental response costs incurred at this former MGP site in gas rates pursuant to the terms of a cost recovery agreement approved by the MDPU. Pursuant to this agreement, Fitchburg is authorized to amortize and recover environmental response costs from gas customers over succeeding sevenseven-year-year periods.
Unitil Energy - Kensington Distribution Operations Center -
Unitil Energy conducted a Phase I and II environmental site assessment (ESA) in the second quarter of 2021. The ESA results identified soil and groundwater contami
n
ants in excess of state regulatory standards. In September 2021, the NH DES directed Unitil Energy to conduct a supplemental site investigation and identify whether there is a need to conduct further investigation or remedial actions, which should be completed by June 2022.
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the Company’s liability for Environmental Obligations for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020.
Environmental Obligations
Environmental Obligations ($ millions)
    
   
September 30,
 
   
2021
   2020 
Total Balance at Beginning of Period
  
$
 2.1
 
  $2.7 
Additions
  
 
0.6
 
   0.1 
Less: Payments / Reductions
  
 
0.3
 
   0.6 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total Balance at End of Period
  
 
2.4
 
   2.2 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Less: Current Portion
  
 
0.7
 
   0.3 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Noncurrent Balance at End of Period
  
$
1.7
 
  $ 1.9 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
($ millions)
 
   
Fitchburg
   
Northern
Utilities
   
Total
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2021
   2020   2021   2020    2021    2020 
Total Balance at Beginning of Period
  
$
0.1
 
  $0     
$
2.0
 
  $2.7   
$
2.1
 
  $2.7 
Additions
  
 
0  
 
   0     
 
0.1
 
   0     
 
0.1
 
   0   
Less: Payments / Reductions
  
 
0  
 
   0     
 
0.1
 
   0.5   
 
0.1
 
   0.5 
                               
Total Balance at End of Period
  
 
0.1
 
   0     
 
2.0
 
   2.2   
 
2.1
 
   2.2 
                               
Less: Current Portion
  
 
0.1
 
   0     
 
0.2
 
   0.3   
 
0.3
 
   0.3 
                               
Noncurrent Balance at End of Period
  
$
0  
 
  $0     
$
1.8
 
  $1.9   
$
1.8
 
  $1.9 
                               
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NOTE 8: INCOME TAXES
The differences between the Company’s provisions for Income Taxes and the provisions calculated at the statutory federal tax rate, expressed in percentages, are shown in the following table:
 
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
  
2021
 
2020
   
2021
 
2020
 
Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate
  
 
21
% 
 21%   
 
21
% 
  21% 
Income Tax Effects of:
          
State Income Taxes, net
  
 
6
 
 6   
 
6
 
  6 
Utility Plant Differences
  
 
(1
)
 
 (4)   
 
(3
) 
  (5) 
Other, net
  
 
—  
 
  —      0     1 
         
 
  
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
  
 
26
% 
 23%    
24
%
 		  23% 
         
 
  
 
 
Under itsthe Company’s Tax Sharing Agreement (the Agreement), which was approved upon the formation of Unitil as a public utility holding company,company; the Company files consolidated Federal and State tax returns and Unitil Corporation and each of its utility operating subsidiaries recognize the results of their operations in its tax returns as if it were a stand-alone taxpayer. The Agreement provides that the Company will account for income taxes in compliance with U.S. GAAP and regulatory accounting principles. The Company has evaluated its tax positions at March 31, September 
30
,
2021
in accordance with the FASB Codification, and has concluded that no adjustment for recognition,
de-recognition,
settlement or foreseeable future events to any tax liabilities or assets as defined by the FASB Codification is required. The Company remains subject to examination by Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire tax authorities for the tax periods ended December 
31 2017,
,
2018
, December 
31 2018,
,
2019
, and December 
31 2019.
,
2020
.
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Table of Contents
In March 2021,2020, the American Rescue PlanCoronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law. The ARPACARES Act included certain provisions that provideseveral tax changes as part of its economic relief for the ongoing
COVID-19
pandemic, such as extending the Employment Retention Credit (ERC) through December 31, 2021,package. These changes principally related to expanded Net Operating Loss carryback periods, increases to interest deductibility limitations, and other future governmental revenue producing provisions, such as expanding the scope for deduction limitations on executive compensation in future years.accelerated Alternative Minimum Tax refunds. The Company has evaluated these ARPA provisionsitems and determined that theythe items do not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements as of MarchDecember 31, 2021.2020. Additionally, the CARES Act enacted the
 Employee Retention Credit (ERC) 
to incentivize companies to retain employees. The ERC is a 50% credit on employee wages for employees that are retained and cannot perform their job duties at 100% capacity as a result of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
In December 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) was signed into law. The CAA included additional funding through tax credits as part of its economic package for 2021. These changes include the temporary removal of deduction limitations on business meals through December 2022 and additional funding for the ERC with expanded benefits extended through
 June
30, 2021. The expanded ERC is a 70% credit on employee wages for employees that are retained and cannot perform their job duties at 100% capacity as a result of coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The Company evaluated these items in its tax computation as of March 31, 2021 and recorded an ERC of $0.35 million as a reduction to employment tax expense, which is recorded as a reduction to Taxes other than Income Taxes in the consolidated statement of earnings.
In March 2020,2021, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES)American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law. The CARES ActARPA included several tax changescertain provisions that provide economic relief for the ongoing
COVID-19
pandemic, such as part of its economic package. These changes principally related to expanded Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryback periods, increases to interest deductibilityextending the
ERC
through December 31, 2021, and other future governmental revenue producing provisions, such as expanding the scope for deduction limitations and accelerated Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) refunds. on executive compensation in future years.
The Company has evaluated these itemseach of the CARES, CAA and ARPA provisions and determined that the itemsthey do not have a material effect on itsthe Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2020. Additionally, the CARES Act enacted
September
 30, 2021. The Company has recorded a reduction in payroll taxes related to the ERC to encourage companies to retain employees. The ERC is a 50% credit on employee wages for employees that are retained and cannot perform their job duties at 100% capacity as a result of coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The ERC is take as a credit on employment tax form 941. In$0.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $0.4 million in the Companynine months ended September 30, 2021. These were recorded an ERC of $0.6 million as a reduction to employmentpayroll tax expense which is recorded as a reduction toin Taxes other thanOther Than Income Taxes in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of earnings.Earnings.
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Table of Contents
Income tax filings for the year ended December 31, 20192020 have been filed with the Internal Revenue Service,IRS, Massachusetts Department of Revenue, the Maine Revenue Service, and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. In the Company’s federal tax returns for the year ended December 31, 20192020 which were filed with the IRS in October 2020,2021, the Company utilizedgenerated federal
Net Operating Loss Carryforward (NOLC)
(
NOLC
)
assets of $8.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had recognized the utilization of the remaining federal NOLC assets of $2.7$5.4 million principally due to offset against current taxes payable. The Company received $0.9 million of AMT credits in 2019tax repairs expensing and will receive $0.9 million of AMT credits in 2021 as provided for in the CARES Act.tax depreciation. In addition, at December 31, 2020,September 30, 2021, the Company had $0.3 million of cumulative state tax credit carryforwards to offset against future income taxes payable. If unused, the Company’s state tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2023.
In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which included a reduction to the corporate federal income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, was signed into law. In accordance with FASB Codification Topic 740, the Company revalued its Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes (ADIT) at the new 21% tax rate at which the ADIT will be reversed in future periods. The Company recorded a net Regulatory Liability in the amount of $48.9 million at December 31, 2017 as a result of the ADIT revaluation. The Company expects to flow through to customers $47.1 million of excess ADIT in utility base rates. Approximately $1.8 million of excess ADIT was created through reconciling mechanisms at December 31, 2017, which had not been previously collected from customers through utility rates. The Company reconciled these excess ADIT amounts through the specific reconciliation mechanisms in each of those individual reconciling mechanisms which were reviewed by state regulators. In addition to the $48.9 million of net excess ADIT, as of December 31, 2018, there was $2.0 million of remaining excess ADIT created by the recognition of Net Operating Loss Carryforward assets (NOLC),NOLC, and related to the implementation of the new federal tax rate of the TCJA, which had not been previously included in utility rates. The Company recognized the benefit of this excess ADIT in accordance with the regulatory treatment of excess ADIT for each jurisdiction. In 2019, the Company recognized $1.7 million of this amount and the remaining $0.3 million was recognized in 2020.
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Based on communications received by the Company from its state regulators in rate cases and other regulatory proceedings in the first quarter of 2018 and, as prescribed in the TCJA, recent FERC guidance and IRS normalization rules, the benefit of these protected excess ADIT amounts will be subject to flow back to customers in future utility rates according to the Average Rate Assumption Method (ARAM). ARAM reconciles excess ADIT at the reversal rate of the underlying book/tax temporary timing differences. The Company estimates the ARAM flow back period for protected and unprotected excess ADIT to be between fifteen and twenty years over the remaining life of the related utility plant. Subject to regulatory approval, the Company expects to flow back to customers a net $47.1 million of protected excess ADIT created as a result of the lowering of the statutory tax rate by the TCJA over periods estimated to be fifteen to
twenty years.years
. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company flowed back $2.3$2.7 million to customers in its Massachusetts, Maine, and federal jurisdictions. New Hampshire
liabilities
will begin to flow back once rate proceedings have finalized in that jurisdiction.
NOTE 9: RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The Company sponsors
co-sponsors
the following retirement benefit plans to provide certain pension and post-retirement benefits for its retirees and current employees as follows:
The Unitil Corporation Retirement Plan (Pension Plan)
-
The Pension Plan is a defined benefit pension plan. Under, the Pension Plan, retirement benefits are based upon an employee’s level of compensation and length of service. Effective January 1, 2010, the Pension Plan was closed to new
non-union
employees. For union employees, the Pension Plan was closed on various dates between December 31, 2010 and June 1, 2013, depending on the various Collective Bargaining Agreements of each union.
The Unitil Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (PBOP Plan)
-
The PBOP Plan provides health care, and life insurance benefits to retirees. The Company has established Voluntary Employee Benefit Trusts, into which it funds contributions to the PBOP Plan.
The Unitil Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)
-
The SERP is a
non-qualified
retirement plan, with participation limited to executives selected by the Board of Directors.
Seeprovide certain pension and postretirement benefits for its retirees and current employees. Please see Note 10 (Retirement Benefit Plans) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s
Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC on February 2, 2021 for additional information regarding these plans.
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Table of Contents
The following table includes the key weighted average assumptions used in determining the Company’s benefit plan costs and obligations:
 
Used to Determine Plan Costs
  
2021
  2020 
Discount Rate
  
 
2.50
% 
  3.25% 
Rate of Compensation Increase
  
 
3.00
% 
  3.00% 
Expected Long-term rate of return on plan assets
  
 
7.50
% 
  7.40% 
Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Year
  
 
6.60
% 
  7.00% 
Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate
  
 
4.50
% 
  4.50% 
Year that Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate is reached
  
 
2029
 
  2029 
4
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The following table providestables provide the components of the Company’s Retirement plan costs ($000’s):
 
  
                  
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
 
  
Pension Plan
 
PBOP Plan
 
SERP
   
Pension Plan
 
PBOP Plan
 
SERP 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2021
 2020 
2021
 2020 
2021
 2020 
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
2021
 2020 
2021
 2020 
2021
 2020 
Service Cost
  
$
868
 
 $831  
$
758
 
 $675  
$
89
 
 $71   
$
868
 
 $829  
$
759
 
 $673  
$
89
 
 $70 
Interest Cost
  
 
1,251
 
  1,444  
 
685
 
  780  
 
114
 
  137   
 
1,250
 
  1,445  
 
685
 
  782  
 
114
 
  137 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
  
 
(2,423
) 
  (2,255)  
 
(627
) 
  (516)  
 
—  
 
  —     
 
(2,422
) 
  (2,254)  
 
(627
) 
  (515)  
 
—  
 
  —   
Prior Service Cost Amortization
  
 
75
 
  80  
 
302
 
  303  
 
14
 
  14   
 
76
 
  80  
 
302
 
  301  
 
14
 
  15 
Actuarial Loss Amortization
  
 
2,022
 
  1,618  
 
262
 
  186  
 
372
 
  259   
 
2,021
 
  1,618  
 
260
 
  187  
 
372
 
  259 
                      
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Sub-total
  
 
1,793
   1,718  
 
1,380
 
  1,428  
 
589
 
  481    
1,793
   1,718   
1,379
   1,428   
589
   481 
Amounts Capitalized and Deferred
  
 
(713
) 
  (630)  
 
(662
) 
  (532)  
 
(178
) 
  (138)   
 
(944
) 
  (861)  
 
(904
) 
  (860)  
 
(178
) 
  (144) 
                      
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized
  
$
1,080
 
 $1,088  
$
718
 
 $896  
$
411
 
 $343   
$
849
 
 $857  
$
475
 
 $568  
$
411
 
 $337 
                     
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
   
                  
 
   
Pension Plan
  
PBOP Plan
  
SERP 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
 
2021
 
  2020  
 
2021
 
  2020  
 
2021
 
  2020 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
Service Cost
  
$
2,604
 
 $2,491  
$
2,275
 
 $2,023  
$
266
 
 $212 
Interest Cost
  
 
3,752
 
  4,332  
 
2,055
 
  2,341  
 
343
 
  412 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
  
 
(7,268
) 
  (6,764)  
 
(1,881
) 
  (1,547)  
 
—  
 
  —   
Prior Service Cost Amortization
  
 
226
 
  240  
 
906
 
  907  
 
42
 
  43 
Actuarial Loss Amortization
  
 
6,065
 
  4,854  
 
784
 
  559  
 
1,117
 
  777 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
Sub-total
   
5,379
   5,153   
4,139
   4,283   
1,768
   1,444 
Amounts Capitalized and Deferred
  
 
(2,544
) 
  (2,298)  
 
(2,358
) 
  (2,087)  
 
(534
) 
  (434) 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized
  
$
2,835
 
 $2,855  
$
1,781
 
 $2,196  
$
 1,234
 
 $ 1,010 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
Employer Contributions
As of March 31,September 30, 2021, th
e
the Company had made $0.7$4.1 million and $0.4$2.8 million inof contributions to its Pension Plan and PBOP Plan, respectively, in 2021. The Company, along with its subsidiaries, expects to continue to make contributions to its PensionPe
n
sion and PBOP Plans in 2021 and future years at minimum required and discretionary funding levels consistent with the amounts recovered in the distribution utilities’ rates for these Pension and PBOP Plan costs.
As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had made $0.2$0.5 million of benefit payments under the SERP Plan in 2021. The Company presently anticipates making an additional $0.4$0.1 million of benefit payments unde
r
under the SERP Plan in 2021.
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Table of Contents
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Reference is made to the “Interest Rate Risk” and “Commodity Price“Market Risk” sections of Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”Operations” (above).
Item 4
.
Controls and Procedures
Management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded as of March 31,September 30, 2021 that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules
13a-15(e)
and
15(d)-15(e))
are effective.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f)
and
15(d)-15(f))
during the fiscal quarter covered by this
Form
10-Q
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
4
6
Table of Contents
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types, including those which arise in the ordinary course of business. Certain specific matters are discussed in Notes 6 and 7 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. In the opinion of Management, based upon information furnished by counsel and others, the ultimate resolution of these claims will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the year-ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC on February 2, 2021.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities by the Company during the fiscal quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2021.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Pursuant to the Company’s written trading plan under
Rule
10b5-1
under the Exchange Act, adopted and announced by the Company on May 1, 2020,2021, the Company will periodically repurchase shares of its Common Stock on the open market related to the stock portion of the Directors’ annual retainer for those Directors who elected to receive common stock. There is no pool or maximum number of shares related to these purchases; however, the trading plan will terminate when $516,000$350,500 in value of shares have been purchased or, if sooner, on May 1, 2021.2022.
The Company may suspend or terminate this trading plan at any time, so long as the suspension or termination is made in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of
Rule
10b-5
under the Exchange Act, or other applicable securities laws.
The following table shows information regarding repurchases by the Company of shares of its common stock pursuant to the trading plan for each month in the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2021.
   
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
1/1/21 – 1/31/21
   —      —      —     $808 
2/1/21 – 2/28/21
   —      —      —     $808 
3/1/21 – 3/31/21
   —      —      —     $808 
  
 
 
     
 
 
   
Total
   —      —      —     
  
 
 
     
 
 
   
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Table of Contents
   
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
7/1/21 – 7/31/21
   —      —      —     $808 
8/1/21 – 8/31/21
   —      —      —     $350,500 
9/1/21 – 9/30/21
   —      —      —     $ 350,500 
   
 
 
        
 
 
      
Total
   —      —      —        
   
 
 
        
 
 
      
Item 5. Other Information
On May 4,November 2, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing its results of operations for the three-month periodthree and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2021. The press release is furnished with this Quarterly Report on
Form
10-Q
as Exhibit 99.1.
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Table of Contents
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
  
Description of Exhibit
  
Reference
1.1
Underwriting Agreement dated April 4, 2021 among Unitil Corporation, on the one hand, and RBC Capital Markets, LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., on the other hand, for themselves and as representatives of the several underwriters named therein.
Exhibit 1.1 to
Form 8-K
dated August 3, 2021 (File
No. 1-8858)
11  
Computation in Support of Earnings Per Average Common Share Outstanding
  Filed herewith
31.1  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Filed herewith
31.2  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Filed herewith
31.3  
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Filed herewith
32.1  
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  Filed herewith
99.1  
Unitil Corporation Press Release Dated May 4,November 2, 2021 Announcing Earnings For the Quarter Ended March 31,September 30, 2021.
  FiledFurnished herewith
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101.INS  Inline XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.  Filed herewith
101.SCH  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.  Filed herewith
101.CAL  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.  Filed herewith
101.DEF  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document  Filed herewith
101.LAB  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.  Filed herewith
101.PRE  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.  Filed herewith
104  Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.  Filed herewith
 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   UNITIL CORPORATION
               (Registrant)
Date: May 4,November 2, 2021   
/s/ Robert B. Hevert
   
Robert B. Hevert
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: May 4,November 2, 2021   
/s/ Daniel J. Hurstak
   Daniel J. Hurstak
   Chief Accounting Officer
 
4955