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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2011
 
Commission
Registrant; State of Incorporation
IRS Employer
File Number
Address; and Telephone Number
Identification No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
001-09057
WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
39-1391525
 
                   (A Wisconsin Corporation)
 
 
                   231 West Michigan Street
 
 
                   P.O. Box 1331
 
 
                   Milwaukee, WI 53201
 
 
                   (414) 221-2345
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes [X]    No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes[X]    No[  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer [X]  
 
Accelerated filer [  ]
 
 
Non-accelerated filer [  ]
 
Smaller reporting company [  ]
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes [  ]    No [X]
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (March 31, 2011):
 
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value,
233,746,331 shares outstanding.
 
 

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
_______________________
 
FORM 10-Q REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Introduction
 
 
 
 
Part I -- Financial Information
 
 
 
 
1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Income Statements
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
 
 
 
2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
Part II -- Other Information
 
 
 
 
1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 

 
March 2011
2
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS
 
 
 
The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below:
 
Primary Subsidiaries
 
 
We Power
 
W.E. Power, LLC
Wisconsin Electric
 
Wisconsin Electric Power Company
Wisconsin Gas
 
Wisconsin Gas LLC
 
 
 
Significant Assets
OC 1
 
Oak Creek expansion Unit 1
OC 2
 
Oak Creek expansion Unit 2
PWGS
 
Port Washington Generating Station
PWGS 1
 
Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1
PWGS 2
 
Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2
 
 
 
Other Subsidiaries and Affiliates
ATC
 
American Transmission Company LLC
ERGSS
 
Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC
 
Federal and State Regulatory Agencies
DOE
 
United States Department of Energy
EPA
 
United States Environmental Protection Agency
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
MPSC
 
Michigan Public Service Commission
PSCW
 
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
SEC
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
WDNR
 
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
 
 
 
Environmental Terms
BTA
 
Best Technology Available
CAMR
 
Clean Air Mercury Rule
CWA
 
Clean Water Act
MACT
 
Maximum Achievable Control Technology
 
 
 
Other Terms and Abbreviations
 
 
AQCS
 
Air Quality Control System
Compensation Committee
 
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Edison Sault
 
Edison Sault Electric Company
ERISA
 
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
Exchange Act
 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FTRs
 
Financial Transmission Rights
Junior Notes
 
Wisconsin Energy's 2007 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes due 2067 issued in May 2007
MISO
 
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
OTC
 
Over-the-Counter
Plan
 
The Wisconsin Energy Corporation Retirement Account Plan
Point Beach
 
Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant
PTF
 
Power the Future

 
March 2011
3
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS
 
 
 
The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below:
 
S&P
 
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
WPL
 
Wisconsin Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp.
 
 
 
Measurements
 
 
Btu
 
British Thermal Unit(s)
Dth
 
Dekatherm(s) (One Dth equals one million Btu)
MW
 
Megawatt(s) (One MW equals one million Watts)
MWh
 
Megawatt-hour(s)
Watt
 
A measure of power production or usage
 
Accounting Terms
AFUDC
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
OPEB
 
Other Post-Retirement Employee Benefits
 

 
March 2011
4
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
Certain statements contained in this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). These statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning management's expectations and projections regarding earnings, completion of construction projects, regulatory matters, on-going legal proceedings, fuel costs, sources of electric energy supply, coal and gas deliveries, remediation costs, environmental and other capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other matters. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "guidance," "intends," "may," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "projects," "should" or similar terms or variations of these terms.
 
Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with these statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements or otherwise affect our future results of operations and financial condition include, among others, the following:
 
Factors affecting utility operations such as catastrophic weather-related or terrorism-related damage; availability of electric generating facilities; unscheduled generation outages, or unplanned maintenance or repairs; unanticipated events causing scheduled generation outages to last longer than expected; unanticipated changes in fossil fuel, purchased power, coal supply, gas supply or water supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; nonperformance by electric energy or natural gas suppliers under existing power purchase or gas supply contracts; environmental incidents; electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints; unanticipated organizational structure or key personnel changes; collective bargaining agreements with union employees or work stoppages; or inflation rates.
 
Factors affecting the demand for electricity and natural gas, including weather; the economic climate in our service territories; customer growth and declines; customer business conditions, including demand for their products and services; and energy conservation efforts.
 
Timing, resolution and impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including recovery of all costs associated with our Power the Future (PTF) strategy, as well as costs associated with environmental compliance, renewable generation, transmission service, distribution system upgrades, fuel and the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) Energy Markets.
 
Increased competition in our electric and gas markets and continued industry consolidation.
 
The ability to control costs and avoid construction delays during the development and construction of new environmental controls and renewable generation.
 
The impact of recent and future federal, state and local legislative and regulatory changes, including any changes in rate-setting policies or procedures; electric and gas industry restructuring initiatives; transmission or distribution system operation and/or administration initiatives; any required changes in facilities or operations to reduce the risks or impacts of potential terrorist activities; required approvals for new construction, and the siting approval process for new generation and transmission facilities and new pipeline construction; changes to the Federal Power Act and related regulations under the Energy Policy Act and enforcement thereof by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other regulatory agencies; changes in allocation of energy assistance, including state public benefits funds; changes in environmental, tax and other laws and regulations to which we are subject; changes in the application of existing laws and regulations; and changes in the interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions by the permitting agencies.
 
Restrictions imposed by various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.
 

 
March 2011
5
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION -- (CONT'D)
 
Current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries, including the pending lawsuit against the Wisconsin Energy Corporation Retirement Account Plan (Plan), FERC matters, and IRS audits and other tax matters.
 
Events in the global credit markets that may affect the availability and cost of capital.
 
Other factors affecting our ability to access the capital markets, including general capital market conditions; our capitalization structure; market perceptions of the utility industry, us or any of our subsidiaries; and our credit ratings.
 
The investment performance of our pension and other post-retirement benefit trusts.
 
The financial performance of American Transmission Company LLC (ATC) and its corresponding contribution to our earnings.
 
The impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and any related regulations.
 
The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies, including any changes in regulatory accounting policies and practices and any requirement for U.S. registrants to follow International Financial Reporting Standards instead of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
 
Unanticipated technological developments that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets.
 
Changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom we have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading markets and fuel suppliers and transporters.
 
The cyclical nature of property values that could affect our real estate investments.
 
Changes to the legislative or regulatory restrictions or caps on non-utility acquisitions, investments or projects, including the State of Wisconsin's public utility holding company law.
 
Other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings or in other publicly disseminated written documents, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 

 
March 2011
6
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

INTRODUCTION
 
Wisconsin Energy Corporation is a diversified holding company which conducts its operations primarily in two operating segments: a utility energy segment and a non-utility energy segment. Unless qualified by their context when used in this document, the terms Wisconsin Energy, the Company, our, us or we refer to the holding company and all of its subsidiaries. Our primary subsidiaries are Wisconsin Electric Power Company (Wisconsin Electric), Wisconsin Gas LLC (Wisconsin Gas) and W.E. Power, LLC (We Power).
 
Utility Energy Segment:   Our utility energy segment consists of: Wisconsin Electric, which serves electric customers in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, gas customers in Wisconsin and steam customers in metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Wisconsin Gas, which serves gas customers in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas operate under the trade name of "We Energies."
 
Non-Utility Energy Segment:   Our non-utility energy segment consists primarily of We Power. We Power was formed in 2001 to design, construct, own and lease to Wisconsin Electric the new generating capacity included in our PTF strategy. See Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on PTF.
 
We have prepared the unaudited interim financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. We have condensed or omitted some information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP pursuant to these rules and regulations. This Form 10-Q, including the financial statements contained herein, should be read in conjunction with our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and notes therein.
 
 

 
March 2011
7
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
Operating Revenues
$
1,328.7
 
 
$
1,248.6
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
267.6
 
 
277.4
 
Cost of gas sold
342.4
 
 
355.8
 
Other operation and maintenance
313.5
 
 
335.4
 
Depreciation and amortization
81.3
 
 
74.4
 
Property and revenue taxes
28.3
 
 
26.6
 
Total Operating Expenses
1,033.1
 
 
1,069.6
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of Gain
 
 
49.4
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
295.6
 
 
228.4
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliate
15.5
 
 
15.2
 
Other Income, net
12.5
 
 
6.2
 
Interest Expense, net
63.4
 
 
49.4
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
260.2
 
 
200.4
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes
89.3
 
 
71.4
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations
170.9
 
 
129.0
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
 
0.7
 
Net Income
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.7
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.73
 
 
$
0.55
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Earnings Per Share (Basic)
$
0.73
 
 
$
0.55
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share (Diluted)
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.72
 
 
$
0.55
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
Total Earnings Per Share (Diluted)
$
0.72
 
 
$
0.55
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Millions)
 
 
 
Basic
233.7
 
 
233.8
 
Diluted
236.6
 
 
236.7
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock
$
0.26
 
 
$
0.20
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
March 2011
8
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
In service
$
12,343.0
 
 
$
11,590.8
 
Accumulated depreciation
(3,639.1
)
 
(3,624.0
)
 
8,703.9
 
 
7,966.8
 
Construction work in progress
871.7
 
 
1,569.9
 
Leased facilities, net
63.4
 
 
64.8
 
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
9,639.0
 
 
9,601.5
 
Investments
 
 
 
Equity investment in transmission affiliate
336.1
 
 
330.5
 
Other
38.7
 
 
45.8
 
Total Investments
374.8
 
 
376.3
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
236.0
 
 
24.5
 
Restricted cash
45.5
 
 
8.3
 
Accounts receivable
425.2
 
 
344.6
 
Accrued revenues
224.9
 
 
280.3
 
Materials, supplies and inventories
284.4
 
 
379.1
 
Regulatory assets
53.7
 
 
54.4
 
Prepayments and other
190.1
 
 
239.9
 
Total Current Assets
1,459.8
 
 
1,331.1
 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
1,057.7
 
 
1,090.1
 
Goodwill
441.9
 
 
441.9
 
Other
215.4
 
 
218.9
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
1,715.0
 
 
1,750.9
 
Total Assets
$
13,188.6
 
 
$
13,059.8
 
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
 
 
Capitalization
 
 
 
Common equity
$
3,904.7
 
 
$
3,802.1
 
Preferred stock of subsidiary
30.4
 
 
30.4
 
Long-term debt
4,339.1
 
 
3,932.0
 
Total Capitalization
8,274.2
 
 
7,764.5
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt due currently
479.8
 
 
473.4
 
Short-term debt
281.5
 
 
657.9
 
Accounts payable
269.1
 
 
315.4
 
Regulatory liabilities
15.3
 
 
15.3
 
Other
294.6
 
 
259.1
 
Total Current Liabilities
1,340.3
 
 
1,721.1
 
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities
924.5
 
 
883.8
 
Deferred income taxes - long-term
1,267.9
 
 
1,154.8
 
Deferred revenue, net
795.0
 
 
805.5
 
Pension and other benefit obligations
227.4
 
 
353.2
 
Other
359.3
 
 
376.9
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
3,574.1
 
 
3,574.2
 
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
13,188.6
 
 
$
13,059.8
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
March 2011
9
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.7
 
Reconciliation to cash
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
84.2
 
 
71.9
 
Amortization of gain
 
 
(49.4
)
Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate
(15.5
)
 
(15.2
)
Distributions from transmission affiliate
12.4
 
 
12.5
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
71.9
 
 
5.1
 
Deferred revenue
2.8
 
 
32.2
 
Contributions to qualified benefit plans
(122.4
)
 
 
Change in - Accounts receivable and accrued revenues
(40.9
)
 
(33.7
)
Inventories
94.7
 
 
42.3
 
Other current assets
33.0
 
 
12.2
 
Accounts payable
(48.4
)
 
(36.1
)
Accrued income taxes, net
39.7
 
 
48.0
 
Deferred costs, net
6.4
 
 
6.5
 
Other current liabilities
61.6
 
 
53.1
 
Other, net
40.6
 
 
24.6
 
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
391.0
 
 
303.7
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(135.5
)
 
(194.6
)
Investment in transmission affiliate
(2.6
)
 
(3.9
)
Proceeds from asset sales
38.3
 
 
0.2
 
Change in restricted cash
(37.2
)
 
43.5
 
Other, net
(7.4
)
 
(16.3
)
Cash Used in Investing Activities
(144.4
)
 
(171.1
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options
13.0
 
 
19.9
 
Purchase of common stock
(24.9
)
 
(31.8
)
Dividends paid on common stock
(60.8
)
 
(46.8
)
Issuance of long-term debt
420.0
 
 
530.0
 
Retirement and repurchase of long-term debt
(5.0
)
 
(261.7
)
Change in short-term debt
(376.4
)
 
(347.1
)
Other, net
(1.0
)
 
(3.2
)
Cash Used in Financing Activities
(35.1
)
 
(140.7
)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
211.5
 
 
(8.1
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
24.5
 
 
20.9
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
236.0
 
 
$
12.8
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.
 

 
March 2011
10
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited) 
 
 
1 -- GENERAL INFORMATION
 
Our accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, we have included all adjustments, normal and recurring in nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, cash flows and financial position in the accompanying income statements, statements of cash flows and balance sheets. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire fiscal year 2011 because of seasonal and other factors.
 
Reclassifications:   We have reclassified certain prior year financial statement amounts to conform to their current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets or net income.
 
The reclassifications relate to the reporting of discontinued operations reflecting the sale of Edison Sault Electric Company (Edison Sault). The footnotes contained herein reflect continuing operations for all periods presented. For further information, see Note 5 -- Discontinued Operations and Divestitures.
 
In addition, on January 20, 2011, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of our common stock, which was effected through a stock dividend. New shares were distributed on March 1, 2011 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 14, 2011. All share and per share information has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this stock split.
 
 
2 -- NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
No new accounting pronouncements were issued or adopted during the first quarter of 2011 which would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
3 -- ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING FOR POWER THE FUTURE GENERATING UNITS
 
Background:   As part of our PTF strategy, our non-utility subsidiary, We Power, has built four new generating units, Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1 (PWGS 1), Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2 (PWGS 2), Oak Creek expansion Unit 1 (OC 1) and Oak Creek expansion Unit 2 (OC 2), which are leased to our utility subsidiary, Wisconsin Electric, under long-term leases that have been approved by the PSCW. The leases are designed to recover the capital costs of the plant, including a return. PWGS 1, PWGS 2, OC 1 and OC 2 were placed in service in July 2005, May 2008, February 2010 and January 2011, respectively. The accompanying consolidated financial statements eliminate all intercompany transactions between We Power and Wisconsin Electric and reflect the cash inflows from Wisconsin Electric customers and the cash outflows to our vendors and suppliers.
 
The Oak Creek expansion includes common projects that benefit the existing units at this site as well as the new units. These projects include a coal handling facility and a water intake system, which were placed in service in November 2007 and January 2009, respectively.
 
During Construction:   Under the terms of each lease, we collected in current rates amounts representing our pre-tax cost of capital (debt and equity) associated with capital expenditures for our PTF units. Our pre-tax cost of capital was approximately 14%. The carrying costs that we collected in rates were recorded as deferred revenue and are amortized to revenue over the term of each lease. During the construction of our PTF units, we capitalized interest costs at an overall weighted-average pre-tax cost of interest, which was approximately 5% for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Capitalized interest is included in the total cost of the PTF units.
 

 
March 2011
11
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
Plant in Service:   Now that the PTF units are placed in service, we expect to continue to recover in rates the lease costs which reflect the authorized cash construction costs of the units plus a return on the investment. The authorized cash costs were established by the PSCW. The authorized cash costs exclude capitalized interest since carrying costs were recovered during the construction of the units. The lease payments are expected to be levelized, except that OC 1 and OC 2 will be recovered on a levelized basis that has a one time 10.6% escalation after the first five years of the leases. The leases established a set return on equity component of 12.7% after tax. The interest component of the return under each lease was established at rates determined in accordance with the terms of each lease.
 
We recognize revenues (consisting of the lease payments included in rates and the amortization of the deferred revenue) on a levelized basis over the term of the lease. We depreciate the PTF assets on a straight-line basis over their expected service life.
 
 
4 -- COMMON EQUITY
 
Share-Based Compensation Expense:   For a description of share-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock and performance units, see Note I -- Common Equity in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We utilize the straight-line attribution method for recognizing share-based compensation expense. Accordingly, for employee awards, equity classified share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. There were no modifications to outstanding stock options during the period other than necessary adjustments as a result of our stock split. Shares purchased on the open market by our independent agents are currently used to satisfy share-based awards.
 
The following table summarizes recorded pre-tax share-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit for share-based awards made to our employees and directors for the three months ended March 31:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
 
 
Stock options
$
0.6
 
 
$
1.9
 
Performance units
1.0
 
 
2.7
 
Restricted stock
0.5
 
 
0.3
 
Share-based compensation expense
$
2.1
 
 
$
4.9
 
 
 
 
 
Related Tax Benefit
$
0.8
 
 
$
2.0
 
 
Stock Option Activity:   During the first three months of 2011, the Compensation Committee granted 458,180 non-qualified stock options that had an estimated fair value of $3.17 per share. During the first three months of 2010, the Compensation Committee granted 549,500 stock options that had an estimated fair value of $3.36 per share. The following assumptions were used to value the options using a binomial option pricing model:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
0.2% - 3.4%
 
 
0.2% - 3.9%
 
Dividend yield
3.9
%
 
3.7
%
Expected volatility
19.0
%
 
20.3
%
Expected forfeiture rate
2.0
%
 
2.0
%
Expected life (years)
5.5
 
 
5.9
 
 
 
The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Dividend yield, expected volatility, expected forfeiture rate and expected life assumptions are based on our historical experience.
 

 
March 2011
12
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
The following is a summary of our stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
 
Stock Options
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Millions)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2011
 
13,036,466
 
 
$
20.81
 
 
 
 
 
Granted
 
458,180
 
 
$
29.35
 
 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(728,520
)
 
$
17.81
 
 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of March 31, 2011
 
12,766,126
 
 
$
21.29
 
 
5.8
 
 
$
117.6
 
Exercisable as of March 31, 2011
 
9,555,446
 
 
$
20.76
 
 
5.0
 
 
$
93.1
 
 
The intrinsic value of options exercised was $9.1 million and $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $13.0 million and $19.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises for the same periods was approximately $3.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively.
 
All outstanding stock options to purchase shares of common stock were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share during the first quarter of 2011.
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2011:
 
 
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
 
 
 
Weighted-Average
 
 
 
Weighted-Average
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Number of Options
 
Exercise Price
 
Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
 
Number of Options
 
Exercise Price
 
Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
$10.87 to $17.10
 
2,965,022
 
 
$
15.99
 
 
3.0
 
 
2,965,022
 
 
$
15.99
 
 
3.0
 
$19.74 to $21.11
 
3,958,634
 
 
$
20.57
 
 
6.6
 
 
1,717,654
 
 
$
19.87
 
 
5.1
 
$23.88 to $29.35
 
5,842,470
 
 
$
24.47
 
 
6.8
 
 
4,872,770
 
 
$
23.96
 
 
6.3
 
 
 
12,766,126
 
 
$
21.29
 
 
5.8
 
 
9,555,446
 
 
$
20.76
 
 
5.0
 
 
The following table summarizes information about our non-vested options during the three months ended March 31, 2011:
 
Non-Vested Stock Options
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average
Fair Value
Non-vested as of January 1, 2011
 
5,272,570
 
 
$
4.27
 
Granted
 
458,180
 
 
$
3.17
 
Vested
 
(2,520,070
)
 
$
4.68
 
Forfeited
 
 
 
$
 
Non-vested as of March 31, 2011
 
3,210,680
 
 
$
3.78
 
 
As of March 31, 2011, total compensation costs related to non-vested stock options not yet recognized was approximately $2.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 16 months on a weighted-average basis.
 
Restricted Shares:   During the first three months of 2011, the Compensation Committee granted 74,850 restricted shares to certain key employees and directors. These awards have a three-year vesting period, and generally, one-third of the award vests on each anniversary of the grant date. During the vesting period, restricted share recipients have voting rights and are entitled to dividends in the same manner as other shareholders.

 
March 2011
13
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

The following restricted stock activity occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2011:
 
Restricted Shares
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2011
 
205,404
 
 
 
Granted
 
74,850
 
 
$
29.00
 
Released 
 
(70,474
)
 
$
19.72
 
Forfeited
 
(1,876
)
 
$
25.89
 
Outstanding as of March 31, 2011
 
207,904
 
 
 
 
We record the market value of the restricted stock awards on the date of grant, and then we charge their value to expense over the vesting period of the awards. The intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting was $2.1 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from released restricted shares was $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
As of March 31, 2011, total compensation cost related to restricted stock not yet recognized was approximately $3.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 27 months on a weighted-average basis.
 
Performance Units:   In January 2011 and 2010, the Compensation Committee granted 435,690 and 555,830 performance units, respectively, to officers and other key employees under the Wisconsin Energy Performance Unit Plan. Under the grants, the ultimate number of units that will be awarded is dependent upon the achievement of certain financial performance of our stock over a three-year period. Under the terms of the award, participants may earn between 0% and 175% of the base performance unit award. All grants are settled in cash. We are accruing compensation costs over the three-year period based on our estimate of the final expected value of the awards. Performance units earned as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 vested and were settled during the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, and had a total intrinsic value of $12.6 million and $9.8 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the settlement of performance units was approximately $4.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, total compensation cost related to performance units not yet recognized was approximately $28.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 24 months on a weighted-average basis.
 
Restrictions:   Wisconsin Energy's ability as a holding company to pay common dividends primarily depends on the availability of funds received from its non-utility subsidiary, We Power, and its utility subsidiaries. Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements impose certain restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. In addition, under Wisconsin law, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas are prohibited from loaning funds, either directly or indirectly, to Wisconsin Energy. See Note I -- Common Equity in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on these and other restrictions.
 
We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any dividend payments in the foreseeable future.
 
Comprehensive Income:   Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners.
 
Our total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $171.0 million and $129.8 million, respectively, which approximates net income for each of those periods.
 
 
5 -- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DIVESTITURES
 
Edison Sault:   Effective May 4, 2010, we sold Edison Sault to Cloverland Electric Cooperative for approximately $63.0 million. We reclassified the operations related to Edison Sault as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Income Statements. Discontinued Edison Sault operations had no significant impact on our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We retained Edison Sault's ownership interest in ATC.

 
March 2011
14
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
The following table summarizes the net impacts of the discontinued operations on our earnings for the three months ended March 31:
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Income from Continuing Operations
 
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.0
 
Income from Discontinued Edison Sault operations, net of tax
 
 
 
0.8
 
Income from Discontinued other operations, net of tax
 
 
 
(0.1
)
Net Income
 
$
170.9
 
 
$
129.7
 
 
Edgewater Generating Unit 5:   During the fourth quarter of 2009, we reached a contingent agreement to sell our 25% interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5 to Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) for our net book value, including working capital. Our interest in the unit was sold on March 1, 2011 for approximately $38 million.
 
 
6 -- LONG TERM DEBT
 
In January 2011, we issued a total of $420 million in long-term debt ($205 million aggregate principal amount of 4.673% Series B Senior Notes due January 19, 2031 and $215 million aggregate principal amount of 5.848% Series B Senior Notes due January 19, 2041) and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt incurred to finance the construction of OC 2 and for other corporate purposes. The Series B Senior Notes are secured by a collateral assignment of the leases between Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC (ERGSS) and Wisconsin Electric related to OC 2.
 
 
7 -- FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Fair value measurements require enhanced disclosures about assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value and establish a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of observable inputs used in measuring fair value.
 
Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and attempt to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we also utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We are able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
Assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
 
Level 1 -- Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Instruments in this category consist of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, cash equivalents and restricted cash investments.
 
Level 2 -- Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as Over-the-Counter (OTC) forwards and options.
 
Level 3 -- Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. The inputs in the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. At each balance sheet date, we perform an analysis of all instruments subject to fair value reporting and include in Level 3 all instruments whose fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs.
 

 
March 2011
15
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the instrument.
 
The following tables summarize our financial assets and liabilities by level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
Recurring Fair Value Measures
 
As of March 31, 2011
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash
 
$
45.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
45.5
 
Derivatives
 
8.0
 
 
9.2
 
 
2.1
 
 
19.3
 
Total
 
$
53.5
 
 
$
9.2
 
 
$
2.1
 
 
$
64.8
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
0.5
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
0.7
 
Total
 
$
0.5
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
0.7
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measures
 
As of December 31, 2010
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash
 
$
8.3
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
8.3
 
Derivatives
 
4.5
 
 
5.3
 
 
5.9
 
 
15.7
 
Total
 
$
12.8
 
 
$
5.3
 
 
$
5.9
 
 
$
24.0
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
6.1
 
 
$
5.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
11.6
 
Total
 
$
6.1
 
 
$
5.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
11.6
 
 
Restricted cash consists of certificates of deposit and government backed interest bearing securities and represents (i) for 2010, the remaining funds to be distributed to customers resulting from the net proceeds received from the sale of the Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant (Point Beach), and (ii) for 2011, the settlement we received from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) during the first quarter of 2011, which will be returned, net of costs incurred, to customers in future rate cases. Derivatives reflect positions we hold in exchange-traded derivative contracts and OTC derivative contracts. Exchange-traded derivative contracts, which include futures and exchange-traded options, are generally based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. Some OTC derivative contracts are valued using broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or OTC markets utilizing a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point between bid and ask prices), as appropriate. In such cases, these derivatives are classified within Level 2. Certain OTC derivatives may utilize models to measure fair value. Generally, we use a similar model to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability, and market-corroborated inputs (i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means). Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized in Level 2. Certain OTC derivatives are in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information which might not be observable in or corroborated by the market. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized in Level 3.

 
March 2011
16
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

The following table summarizes the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Balance as of January 1
 
$
5.9
 
 
$
5.8
 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements
 
(3.8
)
 
(3.9
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31
 
$
2.1
 
 
$
1.9
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held as of March 31
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
Derivative instruments reflected in Level 3 of the hierarchy include MISO Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) that are measured at fair value each reporting period using monthly or annual auction shadow prices from relevant auctions. Changes in fair value for Level 3 recurring items are recorded on our balance sheet. See Note 8 -- Derivative Instruments for further information on the offset to regulatory assets and liabilities.
 
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of certain of our recorded financial instruments are as follows:
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Financial Instruments
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Preferred stock, no redemption required
 
$
30.4
 
 
$
22.7
 
 
$
30.4
 
 
$
23.5
 
Long-term debt including current portion
 
$
4,703.0
 
 
$
4,878.5
 
 
$
4,288.0
 
 
$
4,578.0
 
 
The carrying value of net accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of our preferred stock is estimated based upon the quoted market value for the same or similar issues. The fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, but excluding capitalized leases and unamortized discount on debt, is estimated based upon quoted market value for the same or similar issues or upon the quoted market prices of U.S. Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for the issuing company's bond rating and the present value of future cash flows.
 
 
8 -- DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
We utilize derivatives as part of our risk management program to manage the volatility and costs of purchased power, generation and natural gas purchases for the benefit of our customers and shareholders. Our approach is non-speculative and designed to mitigate risk and protect against price volatility. Regulated hedging programs require prior approval by the PSCW.
 
We record derivative instruments on the balance sheet as an asset or liability measured at its fair value, and changes in the derivative's fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met or we receive regulatory treatment for the derivative. For most energy related physical and financial contracts in our regulated operations that qualify as derivatives, the PSCW allows the effects of the fair market value accounting to be offset to regulatory assets and liabilities. We do not offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. As of March 31, 2011, we recognized $9.2 million in regulatory assets and $20.5 million in regulatory liabilities related to derivatives in comparison to $22.0 million in regulatory assets and $15.3 million in regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2010.
 
We record our current derivative assets on the balance sheet in Prepayments and other current assets and the current portion of the liabilities in Other current liabilities. The long-term portion of our derivative assets of $0.8 million is recorded in Other deferred charges and other assets, and we did not have any long-term portion of derivative liabilities as of March 31, 2011. Our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 include:

 
March 2011
17
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
Derivative Asset
 
Derivative Liability
 
Derivative Asset
 
Derivative Liability
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
Natural Gas
 
$
5.6
 
 
$
0.7
 
 
$
2.5
 
 
$
11.6
 
Fuel Oil
 
7.7
 
 
 
 
4.4
 
 
 
FTRs
 
2.1
 
 
 
 
5.9
 
 
 
Coal
 
3.9
 
 
 
 
2.9
 
 
 
Total
 
$
19.3
 
 
$
0.7
 
 
$
15.7
 
 
$
11.6
 
 
Our Consolidated Condensed Income Statements include gains (losses) on derivative instruments used in our risk management strategies under Fuel and purchased power for those commodities supporting our electric operations and under Cost of gas sold for the natural gas sold to our customers. Our estimated notional volumes and gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 follow:
 
 
 
March 31, 2011
 
March 31, 2010
 
 
Volume
 
Gains (Losses)
 
Volume
 
Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Natural Gas
 
19.4 million Dth
 
$
(10.6
)
 
28.3 million Dth
 
$
(11.7
)
Power
 
zero MWh
 
 
 
57,200 MWh
 
0.2
 
Fuel Oil
 
3.2 million gallons
 
0.4
 
 
1.8 million gallons
 
0.2
 
FTRs
 
6,352 MW
 
3.8
 
 
5,431 MW
 
9.0
 
Total
 
 
 
$
(6.4
)
 
 
 
$
(2.3
)
 
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we posted collateral of $1.5 million and $11.7 million, respectively, in our margin accounts. These amounts are recorded on the balance sheets in Prepayments and other current assets.
 
 
9 -- BENEFITS
 
The components of our net periodic pension and Other Post-Retirement Employee Benefits (OPEB) costs for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
 
 
 
Pension Costs
Benefit Plan Cost Components
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
4.6
 
 
$
6.9
 
Interest cost
 
16.7
 
 
17.4
 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(20.7
)
 
(19.7
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
 
0.6
 
 
0.6
 
Actuarial loss
 
8.1
 
 
6.6
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
9.3
 
 
$
11.8
 
 

 
March 2011
18
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
 
OPEB Costs
Benefit Plan Cost Components
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
2.8
 
 
$
2.8
 
Interest cost
 
5.3
 
 
5.4
 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(4.3
)
 
(3.6
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
Transition obligation
 
0.1
 
 
0.1
 
Prior service (credit)
 
(0.5
)
 
(3.0
)
Actuarial loss
 
1.5
 
 
2.7
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
4.9
 
 
$
4.4
 
 
In January 2009, the committee that oversees the investment of the pension assets authorized the Trustee of our pension plan to invest in the commercial paper of Wisconsin Energy. As of March 31, 2010, the Pension Trust and OPEB plan assets included approximately $23.0 million of commercial paper issued by Wisconsin Energy, which represented less than 10% of the total assets of the plan. No such investments were held as of March 31, 2011. In January 2011, we contributed $122.4 million to our qualified benefit plans. Future contributions to the plans will be dependent upon many factors, including the performance of existing plan assets and long-term discount rates.
 
Postemployment Benefits:   Postemployment benefits provided to former or inactive employees are recognized when an event occurs. The estimated liability for such benefits was $14.4 million as of March 31, 2011 and $14.8 million as of December 31, 2010.
 
 
10 -- GUARANTEES
 
We enter into various guarantees to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties on behalf of our affiliates. As of March 31, 2011, we had the following guarantees:
 
 
Maximum Potential
 
 
 
 
 
Future Payments
 
Outstanding
 
Liability Recorded
 
(Millions of Dollars)        
Guarantees
$
2.8
 
 
$
0.1
 
 
$
 
Letters of Credit
$
1.6
 
 
$
0.8
 
 
$
 
 
We provide guarantees to support obligations of our affiliates to third parties under agreements and surety bonds. In the event our affiliates fail to perform, we would be responsible for the obligations.
 
Wisconsin Electric is subject to the potential retrospective premiums that could be assessed under its insurance program.
 
 
 
 

 
March 2011
19
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
11 -- SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Summarized financial information concerning our operating segments for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is shown in the following table:
 
 
 
Operating Segments
 
Corporate & Other (a) & Reconciling Items
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
 
 
Total Consolidated
Three Months Ended
 
Utility
 
Non-Utility
 
 
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues (b)
 
$
1,316.5
 
 
$
103.2
 
 
$
(91.0
)
 
$
1,328.7
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
63.4
 
 
$
17.7
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
81.3
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
$
213.0
 
 
$
84.0
 
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
295.6
 
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
$
15.5
 
 
$
 
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
15.4
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
$
28.1
 
 
$
15.9
 
 
$
19.4
 
 
$
63.4
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
71.3
 
 
$
27.7
 
 
$
(9.7
)
 
$
89.3
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
141.0
 
 
$
40.5
 
 
$
(10.6
)
 
$
170.9
 
Capital Expenditures
 
$
127.2
 
 
$
8.2
 
 
$
0.1
 
 
$
135.5
 
Total Assets (c)
 
$
12,632.8
 
 
$
2,975.9
 
 
$
(2,420.1
)
 
$
13,188.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues (b)
 
$
1,242.9
 
 
$
65.5
 
 
$
(59.8
)
 
$
1,248.6
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
62.5
 
 
$
11.7
 
 
$
0.2
 
 
$
74.4
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
$
178.1
 
 
$
52.1
 
 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
228.4
 
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
$
15.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
15.1
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
$
30.2
 
 
$
7.4
 
 
$
11.8
 
 
$
49.4
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
62.3
 
 
$
18.4
 
 
$
(9.3
)
 
$
71.4
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
$
0.8
 
 
$
 
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
0.7
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
107.4
 
 
$
26.3
 
 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
129.7
 
Capital Expenditures
 
$
131.6
 
 
$
62.6
 
 
$
0.4
 
 
$
194.6
 
Total Assets (c)
 
$
11,759.3
 
 
$
2,909.5
 
 
$
(1,947.3
)
 
$
12,721.5
 
 
(a)
Other includes all other non-utility activities, primarily non-utility real estate investment and development by Wispark LLC, as well as interest on corporate debt.
 
(b)
An elimination for intersegment revenues of $91.2 million and $60.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is included in Operating Revenues. This elimination is primarily between We Power and Wisconsin Electric.
 
(c)
An elimination of $2,437.8 million and $1,837.7 million is included in Total Assets as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for PTF-related activity between We Power and Wisconsin Electric.
 
 
12 -- VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity must consolidate the related assets and liabilities. Certain disclosures are required by sponsors, significant interest holders in variable interest entities and potential variable interest entities.
 
We assess our relationships with potential variable interest entities such as our coal suppliers, natural gas suppliers, coal and gas transporters, and other counterparties in power purchase agreements and joint ventures. In making this assessment, we consider the potential that our contracts or other arrangements provide subordinated financial support, the potential for us to absorb losses or rights to residual returns of the entity, the ability to directly or indirectly make decisions about the entities' activities and other factors.
 
 

 
March 2011
20
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

We have identified two tolling and purchased power agreements with third parties which represent variable interests. We account for one of these agreements, with an independent power producer, as an operating lease. The agreement has a remaining term of two years. We have examined the risks of the entity including the impact of operations and maintenance, dispatch, financing, fuel costs, remaining useful life and other factors, and have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this entity. We have concluded that we do not have the power to direct the activities that would most significantly affect the economic performance of the entity over its remaining life.
 
We also have a purchased power agreement for 236 MW of firm capacity from a gas-fired cogeneration facility, which we account for as a capital lease. The agreement includes no minimum energy requirements over the remaining term of 12 years. We have examined the risks of the entity including operations and maintenance, dispatch, financing, fuel costs and other factors, and have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity. We do not hold an equity or debt interest in the entity and there is no residual guarantee associated with the purchased power agreement.
 
We have approximately $351.9 million of required payments over the remaining term of these agreements. We believe that the required lease payments under these contracts will continue to be recoverable in rates. Total capacity and lease payments under these contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $15.0 million and $14.7 million, respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the capacity payments under the contracts.
 
 
13 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Environmental Matters:   We periodically review our exposure for remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our liability has changed. Given current information, we believe that future costs in excess of the amounts accrued and/or disclosed on all presently known and quantifiable environmental contingencies will not be material to our financial position or results of operations.
 
Divestitures:   Over the past several years, we have sold various businesses and assets. In connection with these sales, we have agreed to provide the respective buyers with customary indemnification provisions including, but not limited to, certain environmental, asbestos and product liability matters. In addition, pursuant to the sale of Point Beach, we have agreed to indemnification provisions customary to transactions involving the sale of nuclear assets. We also provided customary indemnifications to WPL in connection with the sale of our interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5. We have established reserves as deemed appropriate for these indemnification provisions.
 
Cash Balance Pension Plan:   In June 2009, a lawsuit was filed by Alan M. Downes, a former employee, against the Plan in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Counsel representing the plaintiff has sought class certification for other similarly situated plaintiffs. The complaint alleges that Plan participants who received a lump sum distribution under the Plan prior to their normal retirement age did not receive the full benefit to which they were entitled in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and are owed additional benefits, because the Plan failed to apply the correct interest crediting rate to project the cash balance account to their normal retirement age. In September 2010, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint alleging additional claims under ERISA and adding Wisconsin Energy as a defendant. The plaintiff has not specified the amount of relief he is seeking.
 
In March 2011, after the matter was addressed by the Plan's Employee Benefits Committee and following the Committee's review and analysis of the facts and evolving state of the law, the Plan acknowledged in an amended answer that it had used an incorrect interest crediting rate in computing lump sum payments prior to normal retirement age. The Committee determined the interest crediting rates that should be applied to address the interest crediting rate calculation and determined that the benefits for certain eligible participants should be recalculated. Although we believe the Committee has the authority to make this determination under the Plan to resolve this particular issue, the plaintiff is opposing the Committee's actions and the matter has not yet been decided by the Court. Therefore, we are currently unable to predict the final outcome or impact of this litigation. An adverse outcome of this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on Plan funding and expense and our results of operations.

 
March 2011
21
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
Income Taxes: Within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that our federal and state unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $13 million as a result of effective settlements with federal and state tax authorities, of which $9 million relates to discontinued operations.
 
 
14 -- SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we paid $12.5 million in interest, net of amounts capitalized, and received $24.8 million in net refunds from income taxes. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we paid $12.2 million in interest, capitalized $13.7 million of interest expense, and paid $14.3 million in income taxes, net of refunds.
 
As of March 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of accounts payable related to capital expenditures was $20.6 million and $37.7 million, respectively.
 
 
15 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
On April 1, 2011, Wisconsin Energy used cash and short-term borrowings to retire $450 million of long-term debt that matured.
 
On May 5, 2011, Wisconsin Energy's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300 million of our common stock through the end of 2013. We intend to acquire the shares through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. Funds for the repurchases are expected to come from internally generated funds and working capital supplemented, if required in the short-term, by the sale of commercial paper. The repurchase program does not obligate Wisconsin Energy to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
 
In addition, the Board of Directors adopted a new dividend policy for Wisconsin Energy starting in 2012. Pursuant to this new policy, we will target a dividend payout ratio that trends to 60% of earnings over the period from 2012 to 2015.
 
 

 
March 2011
22
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
 
 
CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS
 
The following table compares our operating income by business segment and our net income during the first quarter of 2011 with the first quarter of 2010, including favorable (better (B)) or unfavorable (worse (W)) variances:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Utility Energy Segment
 
$
213.0
 
 
$
34.9
 
 
$
178.1
 
Non-Utility Energy Segment
 
84.0
 
 
31.9
 
 
52.1
 
Corporate and Other
 
(1.4
)
 
0.4
 
 
(1.8
)
Total Operating Income
 
295.6
 
 
67.2
 
 
228.4
 
Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliate
 
15.5
 
 
0.3
 
 
15.2
 
Other Income, net
 
12.5
 
 
6.3
 
 
6.2
 
Interest Expense, net
 
63.4
 
 
(14.0
)
 
49.4
 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
 
260.2
 
 
59.8
 
 
200.4
 
Income Taxes
 
89.3
 
 
(17.9
)
 
71.4
 
Income from Continuing Operations
 
170.9
 
 
41.9
 
 
129.0
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
0.7
 
Net Income
 
$
170.9
 
 
$
41.2
 
 
$
129.7
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.72
 
 
$
0.17
 
 
$
0.55
 
 
 
UTILITY ENERGY SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION TO OPERATING INCOME
 
Our utility energy segment contributed $213.0 million of operating income during the first quarter of 2011, an increase of $34.9 million, or 19.6%, compared with the first quarter of 2010. The following table summarizes the operating income of this segment between the comparative quarters:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
Utility Energy Segment
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric
 
$
776.6
 
 
$
72.8
 
 
$
703.8
 
Gas
 
524.7
 
 
0.5
 
 
524.2
 
Other
 
15.2
 
 
0.3
 
 
14.9
 
Total Operating Revenues
 
1,316.5
 
 
73.6
 
 
1,242.9
 
Fuel and Purchased Power
 
268.8
 
 
9.8
 
 
278.6
 
Cost of Gas Sold
 
342.4
 
 
13.4
 
 
355.8
 
Gross Margin
 
705.3
 
 
96.8
 
 
608.5
 
Other Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Operation and Maintenance
 
400.9
 
 
(10.0
)
 
390.9
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
63.4
 
 
(0.9
)
 
62.5
 
Property and Revenue Taxes
 
28.0
 
 
(1.6
)
 
26.4
 
Total Operating Expenses
 
1,103.5
 
 
10.7
 
 
1,114.2
 
Amortization of Gain
 
 
 
(49.4
)
 
49.4
 
Operating Income
 
$
213.0
 
 
$
34.9
 
 
$
178.1
 
 

 
March 2011
23
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

Electric Utility Revenues and Sales
 
The following table compares electric utility operating revenues and MWh sales by customer class during the three months ended March 31:
 
 
 
Electric Revenues
 
MWh Sales
Electric Utility Operations
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
(Thousands)
Customer Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
$
283.0
 
 
$
21.6
 
 
$
261.4
 
 
2,030.0
 
 
28.7
 
 
2,001.3
 
Small Commercial/Industrial
 
246.4
 
 
29.3
 
 
217.1
 
 
2,198.7
 
 
51.0
 
 
2,147.7
 
Large Commercial/Industrial
 
178.6
 
 
23.5
 
 
155.1
 
 
2,373.7
 
 
9.4
 
 
2,364.3
 
Other - Retail
 
6.1
 
 
0.3
 
 
5.8
 
 
40.0
 
 
(0.4
)
 
40.4
 
Total Retail
 
714.1
 
 
74.7
 
 
639.4
 
 
6,642.4
 
 
88.7
 
 
6,553.7
 
Wholesale - Other
 
36.0
 
 
(5.4
)
 
41.4
 
 
478.8
 
 
(157.5
)
 
636.3
 
Resale - Utilities
 
17.5
 
 
2.2
 
 
15.3
 
 
568.6
 
 
202.7
 
 
365.9
 
Other Operating Revenues
 
9.0
 
 
1.3
 
 
7.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
776.6
 
 
$
72.8
 
 
$
703.8
 
 
7,689.8
 
 
133.9
 
 
7,555.9
 
Weather -- Degree Days (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heating (3,258 Normal)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,444
 
 
300
 
 
3,144
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a 20-year
moving average.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our electric utility operating revenues increased by $72.8 million, or 10.3%, when compared to the first quarter of 2010. The most significant factors that caused a change in revenues were:
 
2011 pricing increases totaling approximately $49.4 million, reflecting the reduction of Point Beach bill credits to retail customers.
Favorable weather that increased electric revenues by an estimated $13.3 million as compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Net pricing increases totaling $16.1 million, which is primarily related to our 2010 fuel recovery request that became effective March 25, 2010. For information on this rate order, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters.
 
As measured by heating degree days, the first quarter of 2011 was 9.5% colder than the same period in 2010 and 5.7% colder than normal. Collectively, retail sales to our residential and small commercial and industrial customers, who are more weather sensitive, increased by 1.9%. Electric sales to our largest customers, two iron ore mines, increased significantly for the quarter. If these sales are excluded, sales to our large commercial and industrial customers decreased slightly for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010.
 
Fuel and Purchased Power
 
Our fuel and purchased power costs decreased by $9.8 million, or 3.5%, when compared to the first quarter of 2010. This decrease was primarily caused by decreased purchased power costs and a lower overall cost per MWh for our generating fleet compared to the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the addition of OC 2 in January 2011 and a full quarter of operation of OC 1.
 
Gas Utility Revenues, Gross Margin and Therm Deliveries
 
A comparison follows of gas utility operating revenues, gross margin and gas deliveries during the first quarter of 2011 with the first quarter of 2010. We believe gross margin is a better performance indicator than revenues because changes in the cost of gas sold flow through to revenue under gas cost recovery mechanisms. Between the comparative periods, total gas operating revenues increased by $0.5 million, or 0.1%, primarily because of colder weather in the first quarter of 2011, partially offset by a 3.8% decline in natural gas costs between quarters.
 

 
March 2011
24
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Gas Operating Revenues
$
524.7
 
 
$
0.5
 
 
$
524.2
 
Cost of Gas Sold
342.4
 
 
13.4
 
 
355.8
 
Gross Margin
$
182.3
 
 
$
13.9
 
 
$
168.4
 
 
The following table compares gas utility gross margin and natural gas therm deliveries by customer class during the three months ended March 31:
 
 
 
Gross Margin
 
Therm Deliveries
Gas Utility Operations
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
(Millions)
Customer Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
$
118.6
 
 
$
9.6
 
 
$
109.0
 
 
391.0
 
 
42.2
 
 
348.8
 
Commercial/Industrial
 
45.2
 
 
4.4
 
 
40.8
 
 
221.4
 
 
22.4
 
 
199.0
 
Interruptible
 
0.6
 
 
(0.1
)
 
0.7
 
 
6.4
 
 
(1.1
)
 
7.5
 
Total Retail
 
164.4
 
 
13.9
 
 
150.5
 
 
618.8
 
 
63.5
 
 
555.3
 
Transported Gas
 
15.6
 
 
0.2
 
 
15.4
 
 
263.7
 
 
(20.7
)
 
284.4
 
Other
 
2.3
 
 
(0.2
)
 
2.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
182.3
 
 
$
13.9
 
 
$
168.4
 
 
882.5
 
 
42.8
 
 
839.7
 
Weather -- Degree Days (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heating (3,258 Normal)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,444
 
 
300
 
 
3,144
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a 20-year
moving average.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our gas margin increased by $13.9 million, or 8.3%, when compared to the first quarter of 2010. We estimate that approximately $12.1 million of this increase relates to an increase in sales volumes as a result of colder winter weather. As measured by heating degree days, the first quarter of 2011 was 9.5% colder than the same period in 2010 and 5.7% colder than normal.
 
Other Operation and Maintenance Expense
 
Our other operation and maintenance expense increased by $10.0 million, or approximately 2.6%, when compared to the first quarter of 2010. Operation and maintenance expenses at our power plants increased approximately $7.2 million primarily because of higher maintenance costs at our power plants as a result of the timing of outages and increased costs related to our Oak Creek Air Quality Control System (AQCS) project.
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
 
Our depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.9 million, or approximately 1.4%, when compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily because of an overall increase in utility plant in service.
 
Amortization of Gain
 
In connection with the September 2007 sale of Point Beach, we reached an agreement with our regulators to allow for the net gain on the sale to be used for the benefit of our customers. The majority of the benefits were returned to customers in the form of bill credits. The net gain was originally recorded as a regulatory liability, and it was amortized to the income statement as we issued bill credits to customers. When the bill credits were issued to customers, we transferred cash from the restricted accounts to the unrestricted accounts, adjusted for taxes. All bill credits associated with the sale of Point Beach were applied to customers as of December 31, 2010, and as a result, the Amortization of Gain was zero during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to $49.4 million during the first quarter of 2010.
 

 
March 2011
25
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

NON-UTILITY ENERGY SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION TO OPERATING INCOME
 
Our non-utility energy segment consists primarily of our PTF units (PWGS 1, PWGS 2, OC 1 and OC 2). PWGS 1 and PWGS 2 were placed in service in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively. The common facilities associated with the Oak Creek expansion include the water intake system, which was placed in service in January 2009, the coal handling system, which was placed in service in November 2007, and other smaller assets. OC 1 and OC 2 were placed in service in February 2010 and January 2011, respectively.
 
The table below reflects a full quarter's earnings for 2011 and 2010 for PWGS 1, PWGS 2 and the common facilities for the Oak Creek expansion. It also reflects two months of earnings in 2010 and three months of earnings in 2011 for OC 1, and two and a half months of earnings in 2011 for OC 2. This segment reflects the lease revenues on the new units as well as the depreciation expense. The operating and maintenance costs associated with the plants are the responsibility of Wisconsin Electric and are recorded in the utility segment.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
Port
Washington
 
Oak Creek
Expansion
 
All Other
 
Total
Operating Revenues
$
26.0
 
 
$
77.2
 
 
$
 
 
$
103.2
 
Operation and Maintenance Expense
0.1
 
 
0.6
 
 
0.8
 
 
1.5
 
Depreciation Expense
4.9
 
 
12.3
 
 
0.5
 
 
17.7
 
Operating Income
$
21.0
 
 
$
64.3
 
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
84.0
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
Port Washington
 
Oak Creek Expansion
 
All Other
 
Total
Operating Revenues
$
26.0
 
 
$
39.4
 
 
$
0.1
 
 
$
65.5
 
Operation and Maintenance Expense
0.1
 
 
0.7
 
 
0.9
 
 
1.7
 
Depreciation Expense
4.9
 
 
6.4
 
 
0.4
 
 
11.7
 
Operating Income
$
21.0
 
 
$
32.3
 
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
52.1
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED OTHER INCOME, NET
 
Other income, net increased by approximately $6.3 million, or 101.6%, when compared to the first quarter of 2010. This increase primarily relates to increased AFUDC - Equity related to the construction of the Oak Creek AQCS project.
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
Interest Expense
 
2011
 
B (W)
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Gross Interest Costs
 
$
69.9
 
 
$
(6.8
)
 
$
63.1
 
Less: Capitalized Interest
 
6.5
 
 
(7.2
)
 
13.7
 
Interest Expense, net
 
$
63.4
 
 
$
(14.0
)
 
$
49.4
 
 
Our gross interest costs increased by $6.8 million, or 10.8%, during the first quarter of 2011, primarily because of higher long-term debt balances compared to the same period in 2010. In January 2011, we issued $420 million of long-term debt and used the net proceeds to repay short-term debt incurred to finance the construction of OC 2 and for other corporate purposes. Our capitalized interest decreased by $7.2 million primarily because we stopped capitalizing interest on OC 2 when it was placed in service in January 2011. As a result, our net interest expense increased by $14.0 million, or 28.3%, as compared to the first quarter of 2010.

 
March 2011
26
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME TAXES
 
For the first quarter of 2011, our effective tax rate applicable to continuing operations was 34.3% compared to 35.6% for the first quarter of 2010. For additional information, see Note H -- Income Taxes in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We expect our 2011 annual effective tax rate to be between 34% and 35%.
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CASH FLOWS
 
The following summarizes our cash flows from continuing operations during the three months ended March 31:
 
Wisconsin Energy Corporation
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Cash Provided by (Used in)
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities
 
$
391.0
 
 
$
303.7
 
Investing Activities
 
$
(144.4
)
 
$
(171.1
)
Financing Activities
 
$
(35.1
)
 
$
(140.7
)
 
Operating Activities
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $391.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $303.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. The largest increases in cash provided by operating activities related to higher net income, higher depreciation expense, higher deferred income tax benefits and the elimination of the amortization of the gain on the sale of Point Beach. Combined these items totaled $327.0 million during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to $157.3 million during the first quarter of 2010. We expect this trend to continue during 2011. The largest reduction in cash provided by operating activities related to our contributions to qualified benefit plans. During the first quarter of 2011, we contributed $122.4 million to our qualified benefit plans. We made no contributions to our qualified plans during the first quarter of 2010.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash used in investing activities was $144.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011, which was $26.7 million lower than the same period in 2010. This decline reflects decreased capital expenditures and increased proceeds from asset sales, partially offset by changes in restricted cash. Capital expenditures decreased by approximately $59.1 million during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the completion of construction of OC 1 in February 2010 and OC 2 in January 2011. Proceeds from asset sales increased by approximately $38.1 million during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to the sale of our interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5 on March 1, 2011. During the first quarter of 2011, our restricted cash increased primarily because of the nuclear fuel settlement we received from the DOE. During the first quarter of 2010, our restricted cash decreased due to the release of restricted cash related to the Point Beach bill credits. See Nuclear Operations in this report for additional information regarding the settlement with the DOE.
 
Financing Activities
 
Cash used in financing activities was $35.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011, which was $105.6 million lower than the same period in 2010. During the first quarter of 2011, we increased our total debt by $38.6 million compared to a decrease of $78.8 million in our total debt during the first quarter of 2010. In addition, we paid $14.0 million more in cash dividends during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010. In January 2011, our Board of Directors approved a 30.0% increase in the quarterly common stock dividend.
 

 
March 2011
27
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Form 10-Q

 
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND REQUIREMENTS
 
Liquidity
 
We anticipate meeting our capital requirements during the remainder of 2011 primarily through internally generated funds and short-term borrowings, supplemented as necessary by the issuance of intermediate or long-term debt securities, depending on market conditions and other factors. Beyond 2011, we anticipate meeting our capital requirements through internally generated funds supplemented, when required, by short-term borrowings and the issuance of debt securities.
 
We currently have access to the capital markets and have been able to generate funds internally and externally to meet our capital requirements. Our ability to attract the necessary financial capital at reasonable terms is critical to our overall strategic plan. We currently believe that we have adequate capacity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future through our existing borrowing arrangements, access to capital markets and internally generated cash.
 
Wisconsin Energy, Wisconsin Electric and Wisconsin Gas maintain bank back-up credit facilities, which provide liquidity support for each company's obligations with respect to commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.
 
As of March 31, 2011, we had approximately $1.2 billion of available, undrawn lines under our bank back-up credit facilities, and approximately $281.5 million of commercial paper outstanding on a consolidated basis that was supported by the available lines of credit. During the first quarter of 2011, our maximum commercial paper outstanding was $717.3 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.25%.
 
We review our bank back-up credit facility needs on an ongoing basis and expect to be able to maintain adequate credit facilities to support our operations. The following table summarizes such facilities as of March 31, 2011:
 
Company
 
Total Facility
 
Letters of Credit
 
Credit Available
 
Facility Expiration
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
Wisconsin Energy
 
$
450.0
 
 
$
0.4
 
 
$
449.6
 
 
December 2013
Wisconsin Electric
 
$
500.0
 
 
$
8.4
 
 
$
491.6
 
 
December 2013
Wisconsin Gas
 
$
300.0
 
 
$
 
 
$
300.0
 
 
December 2013
 
The following table shows our capitalization structure as of March 31, 2011, as well as an adjusted capitalization structure that we believe is consistent with the manner in which the rating agencies currently view the Junior Notes:
 
Capitalization Structure
 
Actual
 
Adjusted
 
 
(Millions of Dollars)
Common Equity
 
$
3,904.7
 
 
$
4,154.7
 
Preferred Stock of Subsidiary
 
30.4
 
 
30.4
 
Long-Term Debt (including current maturities)
 
4,818.9