000006675612/3152,572,4662021Q3FALSE2.12.5——80.080.052.652.152.652.10.10.10.40.225.028notwo00000667562021-01-012021-09-30xbrli:shares00000667562021-09-30iso4217:USD00000667562020-12-31iso4217:USDxbrli:shares00000667562021-07-012021-09-3000000667562020-07-012020-09-3000000667562020-01-012020-09-3000000667562019-12-3100000667562020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-06-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-06-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2019-12-310000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-09-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-06-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-06-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2019-12-310000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-09-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-06-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-06-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2019-12-310000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-09-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2021-06-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-06-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2019-12-310000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-09-300000066756ale:BNIEnergyMember2021-09-300000066756ale:PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNonServiceCreditMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:PensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNonServiceCreditMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:InterestandInvestmentEarningsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:InterestandInvestmentEarningsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:AFUDCEquityMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:AFUDCEquityMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:OtherIncomeExpenseOtherMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:OtherIncomeExpenseOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-30utr:MW0000066756ale:GlenUllinEnergyCenterMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:SouthPeakMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:DiamondSpringMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:Nobles2Member2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMember2021-10-01xbrli:pure0000066756ale:SouthShoreEnergyMemberale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMemberus-gaap:SubsequentEventMemberus-gaap:NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember2021-10-012021-10-010000066756ale:BasinElectricPowerCooperativeMemberale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMemberus-gaap:SubsequentEventMemberus-gaap:NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember2021-10-012021-10-010000066756ale:DairylandPowerCooperativeMemberale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMemberus-gaap:SubsequentEventMemberus-gaap:NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember2021-10-012021-10-010000066756ale:SouthShoreEnergyMemberale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMember2021-10-010000066756ale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMemberus-gaap:NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember2021-09-300000066756ale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMember2021-09-300000066756ale:SouthShoreEnergyMemberale:NemadjiTrailEnergyCenterMember2021-09-300000066756ale:BNIEnergyMember2020-12-310000066756ale:CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMemberale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:CurrentCostRecoveryRiderMemberale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:A2020MinnesotaGeneralRateReviewMemberale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2019-11-012019-11-010000066756ale:A2020MinnesotaGeneralRateReviewMemberale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2020-01-012020-04-300000066756ale:A2020MinnesotaGeneralRateReviewMemberale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2020-05-012020-05-010000066756ale:A2020MinnesotaGeneralRateReviewMemberale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2020-12-310000066756ale:MPUCMemberale:ElectricRatesMemberale:A2022MinnesotaGeneralRateReviewMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberus-gaap:SubsequentEventMemberale:RetailCustomersMember2021-11-012021-11-010000066756ale:MPUCMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:MinnesotaPowerLandSalesMember2021-09-300000066756ale:MPUCMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:COVID19RelatedDeferredAccountingMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:FuelAdjustmentClauseFilingMemberale:MPUCMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMember2018-07-012019-12-310000066756ale:FuelAdjustmentClauseFilingMemberale:MPUCMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMember2021-09-300000066756ale:CIPConsolidatedFilingMemberale:MPUCMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:CIPConsolidatedFilingMemberale:MPUCMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:A2021IntegratedResourcePlanMemberale:MPUCMemberale:RenewableGenerationMember2021-09-300000066756ale:MPUCMemberale:NaturalGasPPAMemberale:ResourcePackageMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberus-gaap:NaturalGasProcessingPlantMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:ElectricServicesAgreementMemberale:VersoCorporationMember2021-09-300000066756ale:SteamServicesAgreementMemberale:VersoCorporationMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember2020-12-310000066756ale:CostRecoveryRidersMember2021-09-300000066756ale:CostRecoveryRidersMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:AssetRetirementObligationCostsMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:RegulatoryClauseRevenuesUnderRecoveredMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:RegulatoryClauseRevenuesUnderRecoveredMember2020-12-310000066756ale:ManufacturedGasPlantMember2021-09-300000066756ale:ManufacturedGasPlantMember2020-12-310000066756ale:MedicarePartDRegulatoryAssetMember2021-09-300000066756ale:MedicarePartDRegulatoryAssetMember2020-12-310000066756ale:Boswell12Member2021-09-300000066756ale:Boswell12Member2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember2020-12-310000066756ale:FuelAdjustmentClauseMember2021-09-300000066756ale:FuelAdjustmentClauseMember2020-12-310000066756ale:TransmissionFormulaRatesMember2021-09-300000066756ale:TransmissionFormulaRatesMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember2020-12-310000066756ale:WholesaleAndRetailContraAfudcMember2021-09-300000066756ale:WholesaleAndRetailContraAfudcMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:RemovalCostsMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:RemovalCostsMember2020-12-310000066756ale:NorthDakotaInvestmentTaxCreditsSubjecttoRefundMember2021-09-300000066756ale:NorthDakotaInvestmentTaxCreditsSubjecttoRefundMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember2020-12-310000066756ale:CIPFinancialIncentiveMember2021-09-300000066756ale:CIPFinancialIncentiveMember2020-12-310000066756ale:ATCMember2021-09-300000066756ale:ATCMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:ATCMember2020-12-310000066756ale:Nobles2Member2021-09-300000066756ale:TenaskaPPAMemberale:TenaskaMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:WindTurbineGeneratorsMember2021-09-300000066756ale:TenaskaPPAMemberale:TenaskaMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:WindTurbineGeneratorsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:Nobles2Member2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:Nobles2Member2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMemberus-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2020-12-310000066756ale:UnsecuredTermLoanDueIn2022Member2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:UnsecuredTermLoanDueIn2022Member2021-09-300000066756ale:ALLETEBonds279DueSeptember2031Member2021-09-012021-09-010000066756ale:ALLETEBonds279DueSeptember2031Member2021-09-010000066756srt:MaximumMember2021-09-300000066756ale:SquareButteMemberale:SquareButtePpaMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:SquareButteMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:SquareButtePpaMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:SquareButteMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:SquareButtePpaMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:SquareButteMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:SquareButteCoalFiredUnitMemberale:SquareButtePpaMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:MinnkotaSalesAgreementMemberale:MinnkotaPowerMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:SquareButteCoalFiredUnitMemberale:SquareButtePpaMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:MinnkotaSalesAgreementMemberale:MinnkotaPowerMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:SquareButteCoalFiredUnitMemberale:SquareButtePpaMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:CoalCombustionResidualsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:CoalCombustionResidualsMembersrt:MinimumMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756srt:MaximumMemberale:MinnesotaPowerMemberale:CoalCombustionResidualsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:SWLPMemberale:SuperiorWIMemberale:ManufacturedGasPlantMember2021-09-300000066756ale:SWLPMemberale:SuperiorWIMemberale:ManufacturedGasPlantMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:StandbyLettersOfCreditMemberale:AlleteIncMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:StandbyLettersOfCreditMemberale:RegulatedOperationsMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:StandbyLettersOfCreditMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:StandbyLettersOfCreditMemberale:SouthShoreEnergyMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:StandbyLettersOfCreditMemberale:ALLETESouthWindMember2021-09-300000066756ale:BniCoalReclamationLiabilityMemberus-gaap:SuretyBondMember2021-09-300000066756ale:BniCoalReclamationLiabilityMember2021-09-300000066756ale:AlletePropertiesPerformanceAndMaintenanceObligationsMemberus-gaap:SuretyBondMember2021-09-300000066756ale:AlletePropertiesPerformanceAndMaintenanceObligationsMember2021-09-300000066756ale:TownCenterCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember2021-09-300000066756ale:TownCenterCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember2020-12-310000066756ale:TownCenterCommunityDevelopmentDistrictMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2021-09-300000066756us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2021-09-30ale:Segments0000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2021-01-012021-09-30utr:acre0000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2021-09-300000066756ale:ResidentialMemberale:RegulatedOperationsMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:ResidentialMemberale:RegulatedOperationsMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:ResidentialMemberale:RegulatedOperationsMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:ResidentialMemberale:RegulatedOperationsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CommercialMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CommercialMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CommercialMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CommercialMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:MunicipalMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:MunicipalMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:MunicipalMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:MunicipalMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:IndustrialMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:IndustrialMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:IndustrialMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:IndustrialMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherPowerSuppliersMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherPowerSuppliersMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherPowerSuppliersMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherPowerSuppliersMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CIPFinancialIncentiveMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CIPFinancialIncentiveMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CIPFinancialIncentiveMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:CIPFinancialIncentiveMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMemberale:OtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:LongtermPSAMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:LongtermPSAMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:LongtermPSAMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:LongtermPSAMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyOtherMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyOtherMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyOtherMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyOtherMemberale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:LongtermContractMemberus-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756ale:LongtermContractMemberus-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756ale:LongtermContractMemberus-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756ale:LongtermContractMemberus-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMemberale:CorporateOtherOtherMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMemberale:CorporateOtherOtherMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMemberale:CorporateOtherOtherMember2021-01-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMemberale:CorporateOtherOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2021-07-012021-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2020-07-012020-09-300000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMember2021-09-300000066756ale:RegulatedOperationsMember2020-12-310000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2021-09-300000066756ale:ALLETECleanEnergyMember2020-12-310000066756us-gaap:CorporateAndOtherMember2020-12-31
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|
|
|
|
|
|
☒ |
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended 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
1-3548
ALLETE, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota |
|
41-0418150 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization) |
|
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
30 West Superior Street
Duluth, Minnesota 55802-2093
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(218) 279-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title of each class |
Trading symbol |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, without par value |
ALE |
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 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
Common Stock, without par value,
52,572,466 shares outstanding
as of September 30, 2021
Index
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
2
Definitions
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text.
References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE,
Inc., and its subsidiaries, collectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abbreviation or Acronym |
Term |
AFUDC |
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction – the cost of both
debt and equity funds used to finance regulated utility plant
additions during construction periods |
ALLETE |
ALLETE, Inc. |
ALLETE Clean Energy |
ALLETE Clean Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries |
ALLETE Properties |
ALLETE Properties, LLC and its subsidiaries |
ALLETE South Wind |
ALLETE South Wind, LLC |
ALLETE Transmission Holdings |
ALLETE Transmission Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
ArcelorMittal |
ArcelorMittal S.A. |
ATC |
American Transmission Company LLC |
|
|
Basin |
Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a North Dakota cooperative
corporation |
Bison |
Bison Wind Energy Center |
BNI Energy |
BNI Energy, Inc. and its subsidiary |
Boswell |
Boswell Energy Center |
Camp Ripley |
Camp Ripley Solar Array |
|
|
Cliffs |
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. |
|
|
Company |
ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries |
|
|
COVID-19 |
2019 novel coronavirus |
CSAPR |
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule |
DC |
Direct Current |
EIS |
Environmental Impact Statement |
|
|
EPA |
United States Environmental Protection Agency |
|
|
ESOP |
Employee Stock Ownership Plan |
|
|
FERC |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
Form 10-K |
ALLETE Annual Report on Form 10-K |
Form 10-Q |
ALLETE Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q |
GAAP |
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of
America |
GHG |
Greenhouse Gases |
GNTL |
Great Northern Transmission Line |
|
|
|
|
Hibbing Taconite |
Hibbing Taconite Co. |
Husky Energy |
Husky Energy Inc. |
Invest Direct |
ALLETE’s Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment
Plan |
IRP |
Integrated Resource Plan |
Item ___ |
Item ___ of this Form 10-Q |
kV |
Kilovolt(s) |
kW / kWh |
Kilowatt(s) / Kilowatt-hour(s)
|
Laskin |
Laskin Energy Center |
Lampert Capital Markets |
Lampert Capital Markets, Inc. |
|
|
Manitoba Hydro |
Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board |
|
|
|
|
Minnesota Power |
An operating division of ALLETE, Inc. |
Minnkota Power |
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. |
MISO |
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. |
MMTP |
Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project |
|
|
Moody’s |
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. |
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abbreviation or Acronym |
Term |
MPCA |
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency |
MPUC |
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission |
MW / MWh |
Megawatt(s) / Megawatt-hour(s) |
NAAQS |
National Ambient Air Quality Standards |
NDPSC |
North Dakota Public Service Commission |
Nobles 2 |
Nobles 2 Power Partners, LLC |
NOL |
Net Operating Loss |
|
|
NOX
|
Nitrogen Oxides |
|
|
Northshore Mining |
Northshore Mining Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. |
Note ___ |
Note ___ to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form
10-Q |
NPDES |
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System |
NTEC |
Nemadji Trail Energy Center |
Oliver Wind I |
Oliver Wind I Energy Center |
Oliver Wind II |
Oliver Wind II Energy Center |
|
|
PolyMet |
PolyMet Mining Corp. |
PPA / PSA |
Power Purchase Agreement / Power Sales Agreement |
PPACA |
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 |
PSCW |
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin |
SEC |
Securities and Exchange Commission |
Silver Bay Power |
Silver Bay Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. |
|
|
SO2
|
Sulfur Dioxide |
Square Butte |
Square Butte Electric Cooperative, a North Dakota cooperative
corporation |
South Shore Energy |
South Shore Energy, LLC |
SWL&P |
Superior Water, Light and Power Company |
Taconite Harbor |
Taconite Harbor Energy Center |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Town Center District |
Town Center at Palm Coast Community Development District in
Florida |
|
|
U.S. |
United States of America |
USS Corporation |
United States Steel Corporation |
WTG |
Wind Turbine Generator |
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
4
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report that are not statements of historical
facts are considered “forward-looking” and, accordingly, involve
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking
statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable
assumptions, there can be no assurance that the expected results
will be achieved. Any statements that express, or involve
discussions as to, future expectations, risks, beliefs, plans,
objectives, assumptions, events, uncertainties, financial
performance, or growth strategies (often, but not always, through
the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,”
“estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “likely,”
“will continue,” “could,” “may,” “potential,” “target,” “outlook”
or words of similar meaning) are not statements of historical facts
and may be forward-looking.
In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this
cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause
our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in
forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ALLETE in this
Form 10-Q, in presentations, on our website, in response to
questions or otherwise. These statements are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following
important factors, in addition to any assumptions and other factors
referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking
statements that could cause our actual results to differ materially
from those indicated in the forward-looking
statements:
•our
ability to successfully implement our strategic
objectives;
•global
and domestic economic conditions affecting us or our
customers;
•changes
in and compliance with laws and regulations;
•changes
in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation;
•the
outcome of legal and administrative proceedings (whether civil or
criminal) and settlements;
•weather
conditions, natural disasters and pandemic diseases, including the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
•our
ability to access capital markets, bank financing and other
financing sources;
•changes
in interest rates and the performance of the financial
markets;
•project
delays or changes in project costs;
•changes
in operating expenses and capital expenditures and our ability to
raise revenues from our customers;
•the
impacts of commodity prices on ALLETE and our
customers;
•our
ability to attract and retain qualified, skilled and experienced
personnel;
•effects
of emerging technology;
•war,
acts of terrorism and cybersecurity attacks;
•our
ability to manage expansion and integrate
acquisitions;
•population
growth rates and demographic patterns;
•wholesale
power market conditions;
•federal
and state regulatory and legislative actions that impact regulated
utility economics, including our allowed rates of return, capital
structure, ability to secure financing, industry and rate
structure, acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities,
operation and construction of plant facilities and utility
infrastructure, recovery of purchased power, capital investments
and other expenses, including present or prospective environmental
matters;
•effects
of competition, including competition for retail and wholesale
customers;
•effects
of restructuring initiatives in the electric industry;
•the
impacts on our businesses of climate change and future regulation
to restrict the emissions of GHG;
•effects
of increased deployment of distributed low-carbon electricity
generation resources;
•the
impacts of laws and regulations related to renewable and
distributed generation;
•pricing,
availability and transportation of fuel and other commodities and
the ability to recover the costs of such commodities;
•our
current and potential industrial and municipal customers’ ability
to execute announced expansion plans;
•real
estate market conditions where our legacy Florida real estate
investment is located may not improve; and
•the
success of efforts to realize value from, invest in, and develop
new opportunities.
Additional disclosures regarding factors that could cause our
results or performance to differ from those anticipated by this
report are discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2020
Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this
Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the
date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no
obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect
events or circumstances after the date on which that statement is
made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New
factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for
management to predict all of these factors, nor can it assess the
impact of each of these factors on the businesses of ALLETE or the
extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement. Readers are urged to carefully review
and consider the various disclosures made by ALLETE in this
Form 10-Q and in other reports filed with the SEC that attempt
to identify the risks and uncertainties that may affect ALLETE’s
business.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
5
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$59.0 |
|
|
$44.3 |
|
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance of $2.1 and $2.5) |
110.2 |
|
|
111.9 |
|
Inventories – Net |
89.6 |
|
|
74.2 |
|
Prepayments and Other |
19.9 |
|
|
24.5 |
|
Total Current Assets |
278.7 |
|
|
254.9 |
|
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net |
5,053.1 |
|
|
4,840.8 |
|
Regulatory Assets |
502.9 |
|
|
480.9 |
|
Equity Investments |
317.8 |
|
|
301.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Non-Current Assets |
179.7 |
|
|
206.8 |
|
Total Assets |
$6,332.2 |
|
|
$6,084.6 |
|
Liabilities and Equity |
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
Accounts Payable |
$101.9 |
|
|
$110.0 |
|
Accrued Taxes |
67.4 |
|
|
59.4 |
|
Accrued Interest |
15.3 |
|
|
19.8 |
|
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year |
377.4 |
|
|
203.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
84.0 |
|
|
66.7 |
|
Total Current Liabilities |
646.0 |
|
|
459.6 |
|
Long-Term Debt |
1,649.4 |
|
|
1,593.2 |
|
Deferred Income Taxes |
187.1 |
|
|
195.7 |
|
Regulatory Liabilities |
509.5 |
|
|
524.8 |
|
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans |
207.6 |
|
|
225.8 |
|
Other Non-Current Liabilities |
278.1 |
|
|
285.3 |
|
Total Liabilities |
3,477.7 |
|
|
3,284.4 |
|
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies (Note 6) |
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
ALLETE Equity |
|
|
|
Common Stock Without Par Value, 80.0 Shares Authorized, 52.6 and
52.1 Shares Issued and Outstanding |
1,496.5 |
|
|
1,460.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
(29.9) |
|
|
(31.1) |
|
Retained Earnings |
873.4 |
|
|
864.8 |
|
Total ALLETE Equity |
2,340.0 |
|
|
2,294.6 |
|
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |
514.5 |
|
|
505.6 |
|
Total Equity |
2,854.5 |
|
|
2,800.2 |
|
Total Liabilities and Equity |
$6,332.2 |
|
|
$6,084.6 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
6
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
2021 |
2020 |
|
2021 |
2020 |
Millions Except Per Share Amounts |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts with Customers – Utility |
$304.8 |
|
$255.1 |
|
|
$888.2 |
|
$721.2 |
|
Contracts with Customers – Non-utility |
37.7 |
|
35.9 |
|
|
123.4 |
|
119.0 |
|
Other – Non-utility |
2.9 |
|
2.9 |
|
|
8.6 |
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Revenue |
345.4 |
|
293.9 |
|
|
1,020.2 |
|
848.7 |
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility |
140.1 |
|
93.4 |
|
|
389.4 |
|
251.7 |
|
Transmission Services – Utility |
19.2 |
|
14.9 |
|
|
56.1 |
|
49.8 |
|
Cost of Sales – Non-utility |
15.2 |
|
15.4 |
|
|
47.8 |
|
48.6 |
|
Operating and Maintenance |
66.7 |
|
61.9 |
|
|
200.1 |
|
181.9 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
57.5 |
|
53.4 |
|
|
173.4 |
|
161.3 |
|
Taxes Other than Income Taxes |
15.6 |
|
13.3 |
|
|
52.1 |
|
40.9 |
|
Total Operating Expenses |
314.3 |
|
252.3 |
|
|
918.9 |
|
734.2 |
|
Operating Income |
31.1 |
|
41.6 |
|
|
101.3 |
|
114.5 |
|
Other Income (Expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense |
(17.3) |
|
(16.3) |
|
|
(51.8) |
|
(47.9) |
|
Equity Earnings |
4.4 |
|
5.1 |
|
|
14.3 |
|
16.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
1.0 |
|
2.9 |
|
|
6.1 |
|
9.1 |
|
Total Other Expense |
(11.9) |
|
(8.3) |
|
|
(31.4) |
|
(22.1) |
|
Income Before Income Taxes |
19.2 |
|
33.3 |
|
|
69.9 |
|
92.4 |
|
Income Tax Benefit |
(4.9) |
|
(5.5) |
|
|
(19.3) |
|
(27.8) |
|
Net Income |
24.1 |
|
38.8 |
|
|
89.2 |
|
120.2 |
|
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest |
(3.5) |
|
(1.9) |
|
|
(18.1) |
|
(6.9) |
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$27.6 |
|
$40.7 |
|
|
$107.3 |
|
$127.1 |
|
Average Shares of Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
52.4 |
|
51.9 |
|
|
52.3 |
|
51.8 |
|
Diluted |
52.5 |
|
52.0 |
|
|
52.3 |
|
51.9 |
|
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock |
$0.53 |
|
$0.78 |
|
|
$2.05 |
|
$2.45 |
|
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock |
$0.53 |
|
$0.78 |
|
|
$2.05 |
|
$2.45 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
7
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
$24.1 |
|
|
$38.8 |
|
|
$89.2 |
|
|
$120.2 |
|
Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net of Income Tax Expense of $0.1, $0.1, $0.4 and $0.2 |
0.4 |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
0.5 |
|
Total Other Comprehensive Income |
0.4 |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
0.5 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income |
24.5 |
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
90.4 |
|
|
120.7 |
|
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest |
(3.5) |
|
|
(1.9) |
|
|
(18.1) |
|
|
(6.9) |
|
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$28.0 |
|
|
$40.9 |
|
|
$108.5 |
|
|
$127.6 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
8
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
September 30, |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
Operating Activities |
|
|
|
Net Income |
$89.2 |
|
|
$120.2 |
|
AFUDC – Equity |
(1.7) |
|
|
(1.8) |
|
Income from Equity Investments – Net of Dividends |
1.8 |
|
|
(2.3) |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on Investments and Property, Plant and Equipment |
(0.7) |
|
|
— |
|
Depreciation Expense |
173.4 |
|
|
161.3 |
|
Amortization of PSAs |
(8.6) |
|
|
(8.5) |
|
Amortization of Other Intangible Assets and Other
Assets |
7.4 |
|
|
7.5 |
|
Deferred Income Tax Benefit |
(19.4) |
|
|
(27.9) |
|
Share-Based and ESOP Compensation Expense |
4.6 |
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit
Expense |
3.3 |
|
|
0.1 |
|
Provision for Interim Rate Refund |
— |
|
|
5.2 |
|
Payments for Tax Reform Refund |
— |
|
|
(0.1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Bad Debt Expense |
0.9 |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities |
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable |
0.8 |
|
|
2.8 |
|
Inventories |
(15.4) |
|
|
(2.0) |
|
Prepayments and Other |
7.9 |
|
|
8.8 |
|
Accounts Payable |
4.0 |
|
|
2.2 |
|
Other Current Liabilities |
20.7 |
|
|
12.5 |
|
Cash Contributions to Defined Benefit Pension Plans |
(10.3) |
|
|
(10.7) |
|
Changes in Regulatory and Other Non-Current Assets |
(41.3) |
|
|
(23.5) |
|
Changes in Regulatory and Other Non-Current Liabilities |
(7.4) |
|
|
(8.2) |
|
Cash from Operating Activities |
209.2 |
|
|
241.9 |
|
Investing Activities |
|
|
|
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities |
3.3 |
|
|
6.8 |
|
Payments for Purchase of Available-for-sale Securities |
(3.0) |
|
|
(7.2) |
|
Payments for Equity Method Investments |
(17.4) |
|
|
(91.0) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment |
(384.3) |
|
|
(540.8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Investing Activities |
4.3 |
|
|
1.0 |
|
Cash for Investing Activities |
(397.1) |
|
|
(631.2) |
|
Financing Activities |
|
|
|
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock |
31.0 |
|
|
12.8 |
|
Proceeds from Issuance of Short-Term and Long-Term Debt |
510.6 |
|
|
607.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of Short-Term and Long-Term Debt |
(280.9) |
|
|
(207.4) |
|
Proceeds from Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |
28.9 |
|
|
67.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on Common Stock |
(98.7) |
|
|
(96.0) |
|
Other Financing Activities |
(2.8) |
|
|
(2.7) |
|
Cash from Financing Activities |
188.1 |
|
|
381.9 |
|
Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash |
0.2 |
|
|
(7.4) |
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of
Period |
65.2 |
|
|
92.5 |
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of
Period |
$65.4 |
|
|
$85.1 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
9
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
2021 |
2020 |
|
2021 |
2020 |
Millions Except Per Share Amounts |
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, Beginning of Period |
$1,474.1 |
|
$1,447.7 |
|
|
$1,460.9 |
|
$1,436.7 |
|
Common Stock Issued |
22.4 |
|
6.5 |
|
|
35.6 |
|
17.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, End of Period |
1,496.5 |
|
1,454.2 |
|
|
1,496.5 |
|
1,454.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, Beginning of Period |
(30.3) |
|
(23.3) |
|
|
(31.1) |
|
(23.6) |
|
Other Comprehensive Income - Net of Income Taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans |
0.4 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
1.2 |
|
0.5 |
|
Balance, End of Period |
(29.9) |
|
(23.1) |
|
|
(29.9) |
|
(23.1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained Earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, Beginning of Period |
878.8 |
|
841.3 |
|
|
864.8 |
|
818.8 |
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
27.6 |
|
40.7 |
|
|
107.3 |
|
127.1 |
|
Common Stock Dividends |
(33.0) |
|
(32.1) |
|
|
(98.7) |
|
(96.0) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, End of Period |
873.4 |
|
849.9 |
|
|
873.4 |
|
849.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, Beginning of Period |
519.3 |
|
166.5 |
|
|
505.6 |
|
103.7 |
|
Proceeds from Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |
— |
|
— |
|
|
28.9 |
|
67.8 |
|
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest |
(3.5) |
|
(1.9) |
|
|
(18.1) |
|
(6.9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Non-Controlling Interest |
(1.3) |
|
— |
|
|
(1.9) |
|
— |
|
Balance, End of Period |
514.5 |
|
164.6 |
|
|
514.5 |
|
164.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Equity |
$2,854.5 |
|
$2,445.6 |
|
|
$2,854.5 |
|
$2,445.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock |
$0.63 |
|
$0.6175 |
|
|
$1.89 |
|
$1.8525 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have
been prepared in accordance with the instructions to
Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and do not
include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for
complete financial statements. Similarly, the December 31,
2020, Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial
statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements
include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of financial
results. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except
as otherwise disclosed. Operating results for the nine months
ended September 30, 2021, are not necessarily indicative
of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for
the year ending December 31, 2021. For further information,
refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes included
in our 2020 Form 10-K.
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash.
We consider all investments purchased with original maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of
September 30, 2021, restricted cash amounts included in
Prepayments and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include
collateral deposits required under an ALLETE Clean Energy loan
agreement. The restricted cash amounts included in Other
Non-Current Assets represent collateral deposits required under
ALLETE Clean Energy loan and tax equity financing agreements as
well as PSAs. The following table provides a reconciliation of
cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the
Consolidated Balance Sheet that aggregate to the amounts presented
in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash |
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
|
September 30,
2020 |
|
December 31,
2019 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$59.0 |
|
|
$44.3 |
|
|
$79.0 |
|
|
$69.3 |
|
Restricted Cash included in Prepayments and Other |
4.1 |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
2.8 |
|
Restricted Cash included in Other Non-Current Assets |
2.3 |
|
|
20.1 |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
20.4 |
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash on the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows |
$65.4 |
|
|
$65.2 |
|
|
$85.1 |
|
|
$92.5 |
|
Inventories – Net.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable
value. Inventories in our Regulated Operations segment are carried
at an average cost or first-in, first-out basis. Inventories in our
ALLETE Clean Energy segment and Corporate and Other businesses are
carried at an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific
identification basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories – Net |
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
Fuel
(a)
|
$12.4 |
|
|
$23.1 |
|
Materials and Supplies |
55.2 |
|
|
51.1 |
|
Construction of Wind Energy Facilities
(b)
|
22.0 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Inventories – Net |
$89.6 |
|
|
$74.2 |
|
(a) Fuel consists primarily of coal
inventory at Minnesota Power.
(b) Project costs related to ALLETE Clean Energy’s Northern Wind
and Red Barn wind projects which are expected be sold in late 2022.
(See Other Current Liabilities.)
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
11
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Non-Current Assets |
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
Contract Assets
(a)
|
$23.4 |
|
|
$25.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets |
17.7 |
|
|
22.4 |
|
ALLETE Properties |
17.6 |
|
|
18.2 |
|
Restricted Cash |
2.3 |
|
|
20.1 |
|
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans |
35.8 |
|
|
34.2 |
|
Other |
82.9 |
|
|
86.4 |
|
Total Other Non-Current Assets |
$179.7 |
|
|
$206.8 |
|
(a) Contract Assets consist of payments made
to customers as an incentive to execute or extend service
agreements. The contract payments are being amortized over the term
of the respective agreements as a reduction to revenue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Current Liabilities |
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Deposits
(a)
|
$27.5 |
|
|
$7.4 |
|
PSAs |
12.6 |
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel Adjustment Clause |
2.6 |
|
|
3.7 |
|
Operating Lease Liabilities |
5.0 |
|
|
5.9 |
|
Other |
36.3 |
|
|
37.2 |
|
Total Other Current Liabilities |
$84.0 |
|
|
$66.7 |
|
(a) Primarily related to deposits received by ALLETE Clean Energy
for the Northern Wind and Red Barn wind projects which are expected
be sold in late 2022. (See Inventories – Net.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Non-Current Liabilities |
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
Asset Retirement Obligation
(a)
|
$170.9 |
|
|
$166.6 |
|
PSAs |
42.6 |
|
|
52.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Lease Liabilities |
12.7 |
|
|
16.5 |
|
Other |
51.9 |
|
|
50.1 |
|
Total Other Non-Current Liabilities |
$278.1 |
|
|
$285.3 |
|
(a)The
asset retirement obligation is primarily related to our Regulated
Operations and is funded through customer rates over the life of
the related assets. Additionally, BNI Energy funds its obligation
through its cost-plus coal supply agreements for which BNI Energy
has recorded a receivable of $25.0 million in Other
Non-Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
2021 |
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Non-Service
Credits
(a)
|
$4.4 |
|
$6.5 |
|
Interest and Investment Income |
1.7 |
|
0.4 |
|
AFUDC - Equity |
1.7 |
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
(1.7) |
|
0.4 |
|
Total Other Income |
$6.1 |
|
$9.1 |
|
(a)These
are components of net periodic pension and other postretirement
benefit cost other than service cost. (See Note 9. Pension and
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
12
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(Continued)
Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
2021 |
|
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
Cash Paid for Interest – Net of Amounts Capitalized |
$54.9 |
|
$48.8 |
|
|
|
|
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in Accounts Payable for Capital Additions to Property,
Plant and Equipment |
$(12.1) |
|
$(88.4) |
|
|
|
|
Capitalized Asset Retirement Costs |
$3.5 |
|
$2.1 |
AFUDC–Equity |
$1.7 |
|
$1.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries.
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet and net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
on the Consolidated Statement of Income represent the portion of
equity ownership and earnings, respectively, of subsidiaries that
are not attributable to equity holders of ALLETE. These amounts are
primarily related to the tax equity financing structures for ALLETE
Clean Energy’s 106 MW Glen Ullin, 80 MW South Peak and 303 MW
Diamond Spring wind energy facilities as well as ALLETE’s equity
investment in the 250 MW Nobles 2 wind energy
facility.
Subsequent Events.
The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for
potential recognition and disclosure through the date of the
financial statements issuance.
On September 22, 2021, South Shore Energy, ALLETE’s non-rate
regulated, Wisconsin subsidiary, entered into an agreement with a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Basin pursuant to which South Shore
Energy agreed to sell to Basin a portion of its interest in NTEC
for approximately $20 million representing reimbursement of
current costs plus a fee for prior development costs and risks
incurred. Pursuant to this transaction, which closed on October 1,
2021, South Shore Energy sold a portion of its undivided ownership
interest in NTEC to Basin, such that, South Shore Energy now owns a
20 percent undivided ownership interest in NTEC, Basin owns a
30 percent undivided ownership interest in NTEC and Dairyland
Power Cooperative continues to own a 50 percent undivided ownership
interest in NTEC. The closing of the transaction resulted in the
recognition of an approximately $8.5 million after-tax gain
recorded in Corporate and Other in the fourth quarter of 2021,
related to prior development costs and risks incurred. NTEC is an
approximately 600 MW proposed combined-cycle natural gas-fired
generating facility to be built in Superior, Wisconsin.
Construction of NTEC is subject to obtaining additional permits
from local, state and federal authorities. The total project cost
is estimated to be approximately $700 million, of which South
Shore Energy’s portion is expected to be approximately
$140 million. South Shore Energy’s portion of NTEC project
costs incurred through September 30, 2021, is approximately
$15 million of which approximately $8 million related to
development costs sold to Basin.
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS
Regulatory matters are summarized in Note 4. Regulatory Matters to
the Consolidated Financial Statements in our
2020 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in
the following paragraphs.
Electric Rates.
Entities within our Regulated Operations segment file for periodic
rate revisions with the MPUC, PSCW or FERC. As authorized by the
MPUC, Minnesota Power also recognizes revenue under cost recovery
riders for transmission, renewable, and environmental investments
and expenditures. Revenue from cost recovery riders was $29.2
million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021
($22.6 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2020).
2020 Minnesota
General Rate Case.
In November 2019, Minnesota Power filed a retail rate increase
request with the MPUC seeking an average increase of approximately
10.6 percent for retail customers. The rate filing sought a return
on equity of 10.05 percent and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. On an
annualized basis, the requested final rate increase would have
generated approximately $66 million in additional revenue. In
December 2019 orders, the MPUC accepted the filing as complete and
authorized an annual interim rate increase of $36.1 million
beginning January 1, 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
13
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Electric Rates (Continued)
In April 2020, Minnesota Power filed a request with the MPUC that
proposed a resolution of Minnesota Power’s 2020 general rate case.
Key components of our proposal included removing the power
marketing margin credit in base rates and reflecting actual power
marketing margins in the fuel adjustment clause effective May 1,
2020; refunding to customers interim rates collected through April
2020; increasing customer rates 4.1 percent compared to the 5.8
percent increase reflected in interim rates; and a provision that
Minnesota Power would not file another rate case until at least
November 1, 2021, unless certain events occur. In a June 2020
order, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s petition and proposal to
resolve and withdraw the general rate case. Effective May 1, 2020,
customer rates were set at an increase of 4.1 percent with the
removal of the power marketing margin credit from base rates.
Actual power marketing margins will be reflected in the fuel
adjustment clause. Reserves for interim rates of $11.7 million
were recorded in the second quarter of 2020 and refunded in the
third and fourth quarters of 2020.
2022 Minnesota General Rate Case.
On November 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed a retail rate increase
request with the MPUC seeking an average increase of approximately
18 percent for retail customers. The rate filing seeks a return on
equity of 10.25 percent and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. On an
annualized basis, the requested final rate increase would generate
approximately $108 million in additional revenue. Once the
filing is accepted as complete, an annual interim rate increase of
approximately $87 million, subject to refund, which would be
an average increase of approximately 14 percent for retail
customers, is expected to be implemented within 60 days, subject to
MPUC adjustment and authorization. We cannot predict the level of
interim or final rates that may be authorized by the
MPUC.
Minnesota Power Land Sales.
In August 2020, Minnesota Power filed a petition with the MPUC for
approval to sell land that surrounds several reservoirs on its
hydroelectric system and is no longer required to maintain its
operations. The land has an estimated value of approximately
$100 million, and Minnesota Power proposed to credit
ratepayers the net proceeds from the sales in a future rate case or
through its renewable resources rider to mitigate future rate
increases. At a hearing on October 14, 2021, the MPUC
decided to allow the land sales to occur and the proceeds refunded
to ratepayers subject to certain conditions and required compliance
filings.
Environmental Improvement Rider.
Minnesota Power has an approved environmental improvement rider for
investments and expenditures related to the implementation of the
Boswell Unit 4 mercury emissions reduction plan completed in 2015.
Updated customer billing rates for the environmental improvement
rider were approved by the MPUC in a November 2018 order. On
January 19, 2021, Minnesota Power filed a petition seeking MPUC
approval to end the environmental improvement rider, which was
approved in an order dated April 20, 2021.
Solar Cost Recovery Rider.
In June 2020, Minnesota Power filed a petition seeking MPUC
approval of a customer billing rate for solar costs related to
investments and expenditures for meeting the state of Minnesota’s
solar energy standard, which was approved by the MPUC in an order
dated April 20, 2021. New customer billing rates for the solar cost
recovery rider were implemented on June 1, 2021. On October 21,
2021, Minnesota Power submitted its 2022 solar factor filing. Upon
approval of the filing, Minnesota Power will be authorized to
include updated billing rates on customer bills.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Petition.
On April 8, 2021, Minnesota Power filed a petition seeking approval
to install and own DC fast charger stations for electric vehicles
across its service territory, implement accompanying rates for
those stations, and track and recover investments and expenses for
the project. In an order dated October 22, 2021, the MPUC approved
Minnesota Power’s petition.
COVID-19 Related Deferred Accounting.
In an order dated March 24, 2020, the PSCW authorized public
utilities, including SWL&P, to defer expenditures incurred by
the utility resulting from its compliance with state government or
regulator orders during Wisconsin’s declared public health
emergency for COVID-19. On April 20, 2020, Minnesota Power along
with other regulated electric and natural gas service providers in
Minnesota filed a joint petition to request MPUC authorization to
track incremental costs and expenses incurred as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, and to defer and record such costs as a
regulatory asset, subject to recovery in a future
proceeding. In an order dated May 22, 2020, the MPUC approved
the joint petition requiring the joint petitioners to track cost
and revenue impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic with
review for recovery in a future rate proceeding. As of
September 30, 2021, Minnesota Power has not deferred any costs
or lost revenue, and SWL&P has deferred an immaterial amount of
costs.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
14
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Electric Rates (Continued)
Minnesota Power submitted a petition in November 2020 to the MPUC
requesting authority to track and record as a regulatory asset lost
large industrial customer revenue resulting from the idling of USS
Corporation’s Keetac plant and Verso Corporation’s paper mill in
Duluth, Minnesota. Keetac and Verso Corporation represent revenue
of approximately $30 million annually, net of associated
expense savings such as fuel costs. Minnesota Power proposed in
this petition to defer any lost revenue related to the idling of
the Keetac facility and the Verso Corporation paper mill to its
next general rate case or other proceeding for review for recovery
by the MPUC. In an order dated May 13, 2021, the MPUC denied
Minnesota Power’s request.
Fuel Adjustment Clause.
In March 2020, Minnesota Power filed its fuel adjustment clause
report covering the period July 2018 through December 2019. In a
September 2020 order, the MPUC referred the review of Minnesota
Power’s forced outage costs during the period of the report, which
totaled approximately $8 million, to an administrative law
judge (ALJ) for a contested case hearing to recommend to the MPUC
if any of those costs should be returned to customers. On August
11, 2021, the ALJ recommended that Minnesota Power refund
approximately $5 million to ratepayers; the ALJ’s
recommendation is not binding on the MPUC. Minnesota Power
submitted exceptions to the ALJ’s report to the MPUC stating that
it disagreed with the ALJ’s recommendation and that no refund
should be made as the Company operated its facilities in accordance
with good utility practice. A decision from the MPUC is expected in
the fourth quarter of 2021.
Conservation Improvement Program.
On April 1, 2021, Minnesota Power submitted its 2020 consolidated
filing detailing Minnesota Power’s CIP program results and
requesting a CIP financial incentive of $2.4 million based
upon MPUC procedures, which was recognized in the third quarter of
2021 upon approval by the MPUC in an order dated September 7, 2021.
In 2020, a CIP financial incentive of $2.4 million was
recognized in the third quarter upon approval by the MPUC of
Minnesota Power’s 2019 CIP consolidated filing. CIP financial
incentives are recognized in the period in which the MPUC approves
the filing.
2021 Integrated Resource Plan.
On February 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed its latest IRP with the
MPUC, which outlines its clean-energy transition plans through
2035. These plans include expanding its renewable energy supply,
achieving coal-free operations at its facilities by 2035, and
investing in a resilient and flexible transmission and distribution
grid. As part of these plans, Minnesota Power anticipates adding
approximately 400 MW of new wind and solar energy resources,
retiring Boswell Unit 3 by 2030 and transforming Boswell Unit 4 to
be coal-free by 2035. Minnesota Power’s plans recognize that
advances in technology will play a significant role in completing
its transition to carbon-free energy supply, reliably and
affordably. A final decision on the IRP is expected in
mid-2022.
Nemadji Trail Energy Center.
In 2017, Minnesota Power submitted a resource package to the
MPUC which included requesting approval of a natural gas capacity
dedication and other affiliated-interest agreements for NTEC, an
approximately 600 MW proposed combined-cycle natural gas-fired
generating facility to be built in Superior, Wisconsin, which will
be jointly owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative, Basin and South
Shore Energy, ALLETE’s non-rate regulated, Wisconsin subsidiary.
Minnesota Power is expected to purchase approximately 20
percent of the facility's output starting in 2025 pursuant to the
capacity dedication agreement. (See Note 1. Operations and
Significant Accounting Policies – Subsequent Events.) In a
January 2019 order, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s
request for approval of the NTEC natural gas capacity dedication
and other affiliated-interest agreements. In 2019, the Minnesota
Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the MPUC’s decision to
approve certain affiliated-interest agreements. On
April 21, 2021, the Minnesota Supreme Court reversed the
Minnesota Court of Appeal’s decision by ruling that the MPUC is not
required to conduct a review under the Minnesota Environmental
Policy Act before approving affiliated-interest agreements that
govern construction and operation of a Wisconsin power plant by a
Minnesota utility, and remanded the case back to the Minnesota
Court of Appeals for review of remaining issues on appeal. On
August 23, 2021, the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the
decision by the MPUC to approve certain affiliated-interest
agreements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
15
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Verso Corporation Electric Service Agreement.
On August 2, 2021, Minnesota Power filed a petition with the MPUC
requesting the MPUC to interpret the electric service agreement
(ESA) between Minnesota Power and Verso Corporation finding that
Verso Corporation has tariff obligations and owes minimum firm
demand payments during the term of the ESA. Minnesota Power filed
this petition in response to Verso Corporation ceasing to make its
minimum firm demand payments under the ESA. At a hearing on October
14, 2021, the MPUC agreed with Minnesota Power’s petition and
concluded that the MPUC has jurisdiction to interpret the relevant
provisions of the ESA, and the ESA requires Verso Corporation to
continue full minimum firm demand payments for a period of two
years from the January 29, 2021, notice of termination, regardless
of Minnesota Power’s electricity sales to a new customer at the
former Verso Corporation facility. Minnesota Power has a receivable
related to the ESA of approximately $1.2 million as of
September 30, 2021. In addition, Verso Corporation owes
Minnesota Power payments under a steam agreement, which is
proceeding through arbitration. Minnesota Power has a receivable
under the steam agreement of approximately $2.4 million as of
September 30, 2021. Minnesota Power expects to fully collect these
outstanding account receivable balances as well as Verso
Corporation’s remaining obligations under the ESA.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Our regulated utility operations are subject to accounting guidance
for the effect of certain types of regulation. Regulatory assets
represent incurred costs that have been deferred as they are
probable for recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities
represent obligations to make refunds to customers and amounts
collected in rates for which the related costs have not yet been
incurred. The Company assesses quarterly whether regulatory assets
and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future
recovery or deferral. With the exception of the regulatory asset
for Boswell Units 1 and 2 net plant and equipment, no other
regulatory assets are currently earning a return. The recovery,
refund or credit to rates for these regulatory assets and
liabilities will occur over the periods either specified by the
applicable regulatory authority or over the corresponding period
related to the asset or liability.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities |
September 30,
2021 |
|
December 31,
2020 |
|
|
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Regulatory Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans |
$247.6 |
|
|
$259.7 |
|
|
|
Income Taxes |
107.2 |
|
|
113.7 |
|
|
|
Cost Recovery Riders |
61.8 |
|
|
54.0 |
|
|
|
Asset Retirement Obligations |
31.4 |
|
|
31.6 |
|
|
|
Fuel Adjustment Clause |
30.1 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Manufactured Gas Plant
|
11.9 |
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
PPACA Income Tax Deferral |
4.4 |
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
Boswell Units 1 and 2 Net Plant and Equipment |
3.2 |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
Other |
5.3 |
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets |
$502.9 |
|
|
$480.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Regulatory Liabilities
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel Adjustment Clause |
$2.6 |
|
|
$3.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transmission Formula Rates Refund |
3.1 |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
Other |
3.3 |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
Total Current Regulatory Liabilities |
9.0 |
|
|
7.6 |
|
|
|
Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Income Taxes |
359.3 |
|
|
375.3 |
|
|
|
Wholesale and Retail Contra AFUDC |
84.4 |
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
Plant Removal Obligations |
47.4 |
|
|
41.2 |
|
|
|
North Dakota Investment Tax Credits |
12.3 |
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans |
1.4 |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conservation Improvement Program |
— |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
4.7 |
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities |
509.5 |
|
|
524.8 |
|
|
|
Total Regulatory Liabilities |
$518.5 |
|
|
$532.4 |
|
|
|
(a)Current
regulatory liabilities are presented within Other Current
Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
16
NOTE 3. EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Investment in ATC.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ALLETE Transmission Holdings, owns
approximately 8 percent of ATC, a Wisconsin-based utility that owns
and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of
Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. We account for our
investment in ATC under the equity method of
accounting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALLETE’s Investment in ATC |
|
Millions |
|
Equity Investment Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
$149.0 |
|
|
|
Equity in ATC Earnings |
15.8 |
|
Distributed ATC Earnings |
(12.8) |
|
Amortization of the Remeasurement of Deferred Income
Taxes |
1.0 |
|
Equity Investment Balance as of September 30, 2021 |
$153.0 |
|
ATC’s authorized return on equity is 10.02 percent, or 10.52
percent including an incentive adder for participation in a
regional transmission organization, based on a May 2020 FERC order
that granted rehearing of a 2019 FERC order. These FERC orders are
subject to various outstanding legal challenges related to the
refund period ordered by the FERC. If these legal challenges are
successful, ATC may be required to provide refunds to its customers
of up to approximately $66 million of which our share would be
approximately $5 million pre-tax.
Investment in Nobles 2.
Our subsidiary, ALLETE South Wind, owns 49 percent of Nobles 2, the
entity that owns and operates the 250 MW wind energy facility
in southwestern Minnesota pursuant to a 20-year PPA with Minnesota
Power. We account for our investment in Nobles 2 under the equity
method of accounting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALLETE’s Investment in Nobles 2 |
|
Millions |
|
Equity Investment Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
$152.2 |
|
Cash Investments |
17.4 |
|
Equity in Nobles 2 Earnings
(a)
|
(1.5) |
|
Distributed Nobles 2 Earnings |
(3.3) |
|
Equity Investment Balance as of September 30, 2021 |
$164.8 |
|
(a)The
Company also recorded net loss attributable to non-controlling
interest of $4.4 million related to its investment in Nobles
2.
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We
utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would
use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about
risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation
technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market
corroborated or generally unobservable. We primarily apply the
market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavor
to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we utilize
valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs, which are
used to measure fair value, are prioritized through the fair value
hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted
quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
(Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable
inputs (Level 3 measurement). Descriptions of the three levels of
the fair value hierarchy are discussed in Note 6. Fair Value to the
Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2020 Form
10-K.
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value
hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at
fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021,
and December 31, 2020. Each asset and liability is classified
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 requires judgment,
which may affect the valuation of these assets and liabilities and
their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The
estimated fair value of Cash and Cash Equivalents listed on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet approximates the carrying amount and
therefore is excluded from the recurring fair value measures in the
following tables.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
17
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value as of September 30, 2021 |
Recurring Fair Value Measures |
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale – Equity Securities |
$9.2 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
$9.2 |
|
Available-for-sale – Corporate and Governmental Debt
Securities
(b)
|
— |
|
|
$8.4 |
|
|
— |
|
|
8.4 |
|
Cash Equivalents |
2.8 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
2.8 |
|
Total Fair Value of Assets |
$12.0 |
|
|
$8.4 |
|
|
— |
|
|
$20.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation
(c)
|
— |
|
|
$21.5 |
|
|
— |
|
|
$21.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fair Value of Liabilities |
— |
|
|
$21.5 |
|
|
— |
|
|
$21.5 |
|
Total Net Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) |
$12.0 |
|
|
$(13.1) |
|
— |
|
|
$(1.1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 |
Recurring Fair Value Measures |
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale – Equity Securities |
$7.2 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
$7.2 |
|
Available-for-sale – Corporate and Governmental Debt
Securities |
— |
|
|
$10.4 |
|
|
— |
|
|
10.4 |
|
Cash Equivalents |
5.5 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
5.5 |
|
Total Fair Value of Assets |
$12.7 |
|
|
$10.4 |
|
|
— |
|
|
$23.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation
(c)
|
— |
|
|
$21.0 |
|
|
— |
|
|
$21.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fair Value of Liabilities |
— |
|
|
$21.0 |
|
|
— |
|
|
$21.0 |
|
Total Net Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) |
$12.7 |
|
|
$(10.6) |
|
— |
|
|
$2.1 |
|
(a)Included
in Other Non-Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet.
(b)As
of September 30, 2021, the aggregate amount of
available-for-sale corporate and governmental debt securities
maturing in one year or less was $1.5 million, in one year to less
than three years was $3.4 million, in three years to less than five
years was $3.0 million and in five or more years was $0.5
million.
(c)Included
in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
With the exception of the item listed in the following table, the
estimated fair value of all financial instruments approximates the
carrying amount. The fair value of the item listed in the following
table was based on quoted market prices for the same or similar
instruments (Level 2).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Instruments |
Carrying Amount |
|
Fair Value |
Millions |
|
|
|
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt
(a)
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2021 |
$2,036.1 |
|
$2,262.2 |
December 31, 2020 |
$1,806.4 |
|
$2,122.0 |
(a)Excludes
unamortized debt issuance costs.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring
Basis.
Non-financial assets such as equity method investments, land
inventory, and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair
value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair
value only when an impairment is recognized. For the quarter and
nine months ended September 30, 2021, and
the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no
indicators of impairment for these non-financial
assets.
We continue to monitor changes in the broader energy markets along
with wind resources that could indicate impairment at ALLETE Clean
Energy wind energy facilities upon contract expirations. A
continued decline in energy prices or lower wind resources could
result in a future impairment.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
18
NOTE 5. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
The following tables present the Company’s short-term and long-term
debt as of September 30, 2021, and December 31,
2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2021 |
Principal |
|
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs |
|
Total |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Debt |
$377.6 |
|
|
$(0.2) |
|
$377.4 |
|
Long-Term Debt |
1,658.5 |
|
|
(9.1) |
|
1,649.4 |
|
Total Debt |
$2,036.1 |
|
|
$(9.3) |
|
$2,026.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
Principal |
|
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs |
|
Total |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Debt |
$204.0 |
|
|
$(0.3) |
|
$203.7 |
|
Long-Term Debt |
1,602.4 |
|
|
(9.2) |
|
1,593.2 |
|
Total Debt |
$1,806.4 |
|
|
$(9.5) |
|
$1,796.9 |
|
We had $26.2 million outstanding in standby letters of credit and
$25.2 million outstanding draws under our lines of credit as of
September 30, 2021 ($22.3 million in standby letters
of credit and no outstanding draws as of December 31,
2020).
On
March 25, 2021, ALLETE entered into a $150 million unsecured
term loan agreement (Term Loan). An additional draw of
$35 million through the exercise of an accordion feature was
made during the second quarter of 2021. As of
September 30, 2021, we have borrowed the full amount of
$185 million. The Term Loan is due March 24, 2022,
and may be repaid at any time. Interest is payable monthly at a
rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 0.75 percent. Proceeds from
the Term Loan were used for general corporate
purposes.
On September 1, 2021, ALLETE issued $100 million of its First
Mortgage Bonds (Bonds) to certain institutional buyers in the
private placement market. The Bonds, which bear interest at
2.79 percent, will mature in September 2031 and pay interest
semi-annually in March and September of each year, commencing on
March 1, 2022. ALLETE has the option to prepay all or a portion of
the Bonds at its discretion, subject to a make-whole provision. The
Bonds are subject to additional terms and conditions which are
customary for these types of transactions. Proceeds from the sale
of the Bonds were used to fund utility capital investment and for
general corporate purposes. The Bonds were sold in reliance on an
exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, to institutional accredited
investors.
Financial Covenants.
Our long-term debt arrangements contain customary covenants. In
addition, our lines of credit and letters of credit supporting
certain long-term debt arrangements contain financial covenants.
Our compliance with financial covenants is not dependent on debt
ratings. The most restrictive financial covenant requires
ALLETE to maintain a ratio of indebtedness to total
capitalization (as the amounts are calculated in accordance with
the respective long-term debt arrangements) of less than or equal
to 0.65 to 1.00, measured quarterly. As of
September 30, 2021, our ratio was approximately 0.43 to
1.00. Failure to meet this covenant would give rise to an event of
default if not cured after notice from the lender, in which event
ALLETE may need to pursue alternative sources of funding. Some of
ALLETE’s debt arrangements contain “cross-default” provisions that
would result in an event of default if there is a failure under
other financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe
other covenants that would result in an acceleration of payments
due. ALLETE has no significant restrictions on its ability to pay
dividends from retained earnings or net income. As of
September 30, 2021, ALLETE was in compliance with its
financial covenants.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
19
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
Power Purchase and Sale Agreements.
Our long-term PPAs have been evaluated under the accounting
guidance for variable interest entities. We have determined that
either we have no variable interest in the PPAs or, where we do
have variable interests, we are not the primary beneficiary;
therefore, consolidation is not required. These conclusions are
based on the fact that we do not have both control over activities
that are most significant to the entity and an obligation to absorb
losses or receive benefits from the entity’s performance. Our
financial exposure relating to these PPAs is limited to our
capacity and energy payments.
Our PPAs are summarized in Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and
Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2020
Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in the following
paragraphs.
Square Butte PPA.
As of September 30, 2021, Square Butte had total debt outstanding
of $256.9 million. Fuel expenses are recoverable through
Minnesota Power’s fuel adjustment clause and include the cost of
coal purchased from BNI Energy under a long-term contract.
Minnesota Power’s cost of power purchased from Square Butte during
the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was
$60.3 million ($59.9 million for the same period in
2020). This reflects Minnesota Power’s pro rata share of total
Square Butte costs based on the 50 percent output entitlement.
Included in this amount was Minnesota Power’s pro rata share of
interest expense of $4.3 million ($5.4 million for the
same period in 2020). Minnesota Power’s payments to Square Butte
are approved as a purchased power expense for ratemaking purposes
by both the MPUC and the FERC.
Minnkota Power PSA.
Minnesota Power has a PSA with Minnkota Power, which commenced
in 2014. Under the PSA, Minnesota Power is selling a portion
of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power, resulting
in Minnkota Power’s net entitlement increasing and Minnesota
Power’s net entitlement decreasing until Minnesota Power’s share is
eliminated at the end of 2025. Of Minnesota Power’s 50 percent
output entitlement, Minnesota Power sold to Minnkota Power
approximately 28 percent in 2021 and in 2020.
Coal, Rail and Shipping Contracts.
Minnesota Power has coal supply agreements providing for the
purchase of a significant portion of its coal requirements through
December 2021. Minnesota Power also has coal transportation
agreements in place for the delivery of a significant portion of
its coal requirements through December 2021. The costs of fuel and
related transportation costs for Minnesota Power’s generation are
recoverable from Minnesota Power’s retail and municipal utility
customers through the fuel adjustment clause.
Environmental Matters.
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters
by various federal, state and local authorities. A number of
regulatory changes to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and
various waste management requirements have been promulgated by both
the EPA and state authorities over the past several years.
Minnesota Power’s facilities are subject to additional requirements
under many of these regulations. Minnesota Power is reshaping its
generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal,
has installed cost-effective emission control technology, and
advocates for sound science and policy during rulemaking
implementation.
We consider our businesses to be in substantial compliance with
currently applicable environmental regulations and believe all
necessary permits have been obtained. We anticipate that with many
state and federal environmental regulations and requirements
finalized, or to be finalized in the near future, potential
expenditures for future environmental matters may be material and
require significant capital investments. Minnesota Power has
evaluated various environmental compliance scenarios using possible
outcomes of environmental regulations to project power supply
trends and impacts on customers.
We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for
environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a
liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be
reasonably estimated based on current law and existing
technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation
efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information
becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are
included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts
and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third
parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and
cleanup are expensed unless recoverable in rates from
customers.
Air.
The electric utility industry is regulated both at the federal and
state level to address air emissions. Minnesota Power’s thermal
generating facilities mainly burn low-sulfur western sub-bituminous
coal. All of Minnesota Power’s coal-fired generating facilities are
equipped with pollution control equipment such as scrubbers,
baghouses and low NOX
technologies. Under currently applicable environmental regulations,
these facilities are substantially compliant with emission
requirements.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
20
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
(Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).
The CSAPR requires certain states in the eastern half of the U.S.,
including Minnesota, to reduce power plant emissions that
contribute to ozone or fine particulate pollution in other states.
The CSAPR does not require installation of controls but does
require facilities have sufficient allowances to cover their
emissions on an annual basis. These allowances are allocated to
facilities from each state’s annual budget, and can be bought and
sold. Based on our review of the NOX
and SO2
allowances issued and pending issuance, we currently expect
generation levels and emission rates will result in continued
compliance with the CSAPR. The EPA’s CSAPR Update Rule issued on
March 15, 2021, to revise the 2016 CSAPR Update does not apply to
the state of Minnesota and is therefore not currently projected to
affect Minnesota Power’s CSAPR compliance. The State of Minnesota
has not been identified in litigation as a culpable upwind emission
source to downwind states, and previous EPA air quality modeling
has demonstrated that Minnesota is not a significant contributor to
downwind air quality attainment challenges. Minnesota Power will
continue to monitor ongoing CSAPR rulemakings and compliance
implementation.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
The EPA is required to review the NAAQS every five years. If the
EPA determines that a state’s air quality is not in compliance with
the NAAQS, the state is required to adopt plans describing how it
will reduce emissions to attain the NAAQS. Minnesota Power actively
monitors NAAQS developments and compliance costs for existing
standards or proposed NAAQS revisions are not currently expected to
be material. The EPA is currently reviewing the secondary NAAQS for
NOx
and SO2,
as well as particulate matter. On June 10, 2021, the EPA announced
it will reconsider the December 2020 final rule retaining the 2012
particulate matter NAAQS, with a proposed rulemaking anticipated in
mid-2022. The EPA has not stated its intent with regard to the 2020
Ozone NAAQS rule finalized in December 2020.
Climate Change.
The scientific community generally accepts that emissions of GHG
are linked to global climate change which creates physical and
financial risks. Physical risks could include, but are not limited
to: increased or decreased precipitation and water levels in lakes
and rivers; increased or other changes in temperatures; and changes
in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. These all
have the potential to affect the Company’s business and operations.
We are addressing climate change by taking the following steps that
also ensure reliable and environmentally compliant generation
resources to meet our customers’ requirements:
•Expanding
renewable power supply for both our operations and the operations
of others;
•Providing
energy conservation initiatives for our customers and engaging in
other demand side management efforts;
•Improving
efficiency of our generating facilities;
•Supporting
research of technologies to reduce carbon emissions from generating
facilities and carbon sequestration efforts;
•Evaluating
and developing less carbon intensive future generating assets such
as efficient and flexible natural gas-fired generating
facilities;
•Managing
vegetation on right-of-way corridors to reduce potential wildfire
or storm damage risks; and
•Practicing
sound forestry management in our service territories to create
landscapes more resilient to disruption from climate-related
changes, including planting and managing long-lived conifer
species.
EPA Regulation of GHG Emissions.
In 2019, the EPA finalized several separate rulemakings regarding
regulating carbon emissions from electric utility generating units.
These rulemakings included repealing the Clean Power Plan (CPP) and
adopting the Affordable Clean Energy Rule under Section 111(d) of
the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate CO2 emissions at existing
coal-fired power plants. The CPP was first announced as a proposed
rule under Section 111(d) of the CAA for existing power plants
entitled “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing
Stationary Sources: Electric Generating Units”. The Affordable
Clean Energy Rule established emissions guidelines for states to
use when developing plans to limit CO2 coal-fired power plants. The
EPA also published regulations for the state implementation of the
Affordable Clean Energy Rule and other Section 111(d) rules.
Affected facilities for Minnesota Power included Boswell Units 3
and 4, and Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2, which are currently
economically idled.
On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion vacating
the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and remanded the Affordable Clean
Energy Rule back to the EPA for further consideration, consistent
with the D.C. Circuit’s finding that the EPA erred in interpreting
the CAA, pending rehearing or appeal. The EPA has indicated that it
is working on a new set of emission guidelines to establish a Best
System of Emissions Reduction for existing fossil fuel-fired
electric generating units to direct states in regulating GHGs
within their borders; however, no timeline has been disclosed.
Minnesota Power will continue to monitor any related guidelines and
rulemakings issued by the EPA or state regulatory
authorities.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
21
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
(Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
On April 22, 2021, the Biden Administration announced a goal to
reach 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 as part
of the Nationally Determined Contributions pledge, which is part of
an international effort to limit global warming. At this time, no
specific regulatory pathway to achieve these reductions has been
proposed. Minnesota Power will continue to monitor these
developments.
Minnesota had already initiated several measures consistent with
those called for under the now repealed CPP and vacated Affordable
Clean Energy Rule. Minnesota Power continues implementing its
EnergyForward strategic plan that provides for significant emission
reductions and diversifying its electricity generation mix to
include more renewable and natural gas energy. We are unable to
predict the GHG emission compliance costs we might incur as a
result of a replacement for the Affordable Clean Energy Rule or
other future laws, regulations or administrative policies; however,
the costs could be material. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of
additional costs through a rate proceeding.
Additionally on January 13, 2021, the EPA issued a rulemaking to
apply CO2
emission New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to new, modified
and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under
Section 111(b) of the CAA. Minnesota Power is monitoring the NSPS
final rule and any further Section 111(b) developments including
their potential impact to the Company. The Company’s proposed
combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility, NTEC, is
expected to meet these NSPS requirements.
Water.
The Clean Water Act requires NPDES permits be obtained from the EPA
(or, when delegated, from individual state pollution control
agencies) for any wastewater discharged into navigable waters. We
have obtained all necessary NPDES permits, including NPDES storm
water permits for applicable facilities, to conduct our
operations.
Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Limitations
Guidelines.
In 2015, the EPA issued revised federal effluent limitation
guidelines (ELG) for steam electric power generating stations under
the Clean Water Act. It set effluent limits and prescribed BACT for
several wastewater streams, including flue gas desulphurization
(FGD) water, bottom ash transport water and coal combustion
landfill leachate. In 2017, the EPA announced a two-year
postponement of the ELG compliance date of November 1, 2018,
to November 1, 2020, while the agency reconsidered the bottom ash
transport water and FGD wastewater provisions. On April 12, 2019,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated and
remanded back to the EPA portions of the ELG that allowed for
continued discharge of legacy wastewater and leachate. On October
13, 2020, the EPA published a final ELG Rule allowing re-use of
bottom ash transport water in FGD scrubber systems with limited
discharges related to maintaining system water balance. The rule
sets technology standards and numerical pollutant limits for
discharges of bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater.
Compliance deadlines depend on subcategory, with compliance
generally required as soon as possible, beginning after October 13,
2021, but no later than December 31, 2025, or December 31, 2028, in
some specific cases. The rule also established new subcategories
for retiring high-flow and low-utilization units, and established a
voluntary incentives program for FGD wastewater. In accordance with
the January 2021 Executive Order 13990, the EPA was mandated to
conduct a review of actions and polices taken during the prior
administration, including the 2020 ELG Rule. On September 14, 2021,
the EPA published a notice of availability for preliminary effluent
guidelines program plan. In the plan, the EPA confirmed the agency
is initiating a rulemaking process to strengthen wastewater
pollution limitations from FGD and bottom ash transport water
discharges while the 2020 ELG Rule remains in effect. The EPA is
expected to publish a proposed rule in the fall of
2022.
The ELG's potential impact on Minnesota Power operations is
primarily at Boswell. Boswell currently discharges bottom ash
contact water through its NPDES permit, and also has a closed-loop
FGD system that does not discharge to surface waters, but may do so
in the future. With Boswell’s planned conversion to dry FGD
handling and storage, ongoing FGD water generation will be reduced,
and the majority of FGD waters will be legacy waters to be
dewatered from existing impoundments. Re-use and onsite consumption
for the majority of FGD waters is planned at Boswell.
Under the new ELG rule, most bottom ash transport water discharge
to surface waters must cease no later than
December 31, 2025, except for small discharges needed to
retain water balance. The majority of bottom ash transport water
will either need to be re-used in a closed-loop process or routed
to a FGD scrubber. At Boswell, the bottom ash handling systems are
planned to be converted to a dry process, which will eliminate the
discharge of bottom ash transport water.
The EPA’s additional reconsideration of legacy wastewater discharge
requirements has the potential to reduce timelines for dewatering
Boswell’s existing ponds. The timing of a draft rule addressing
legacy wastewater and leachate is currently unknown.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
22
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
(Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
At this time, we estimate that the planned dry conversion of bottom
ash handling and storage at Boswell in response to the CCR
revisions requiring closure of clay-lined impoundments, as well as
other water re-use practices, will reduce or eliminate the need for
additional significant compliance costs for ELG bottom ash water
and FGD requirements. Compliance costs we might incur related to
other ELG waste streams (e.g., legacy leachate) or other potential
future water discharge regulations cannot be estimated; however,
the costs could be material, including costs associated with
wastewater treatment and re-use. Minnesota Power would seek
recovery of additional costs through a rate
proceeding.
Permitted Water Discharges – Sulfate.
In 2017, the MPCA released a draft water quality standard in an
attempt to update Minnesota’s existing 10 mg/L sulfate limit for
waters used for the production of wild rice with the proposed
rulemaking heard before an administrative law judge (ALJ). In 2018,
the ALJ rejected significant portions of the proposed rulemaking
and the MPCA subsequently withdrew the rulemaking. The existing 10
mg/L limit remains in place, but the MPCA is currently prohibited
under state law from listing wild rice waters as impaired or
requiring sulfate reduction technology.
In April 2021, the MPCA’s proposed list of impaired waters
submitted pursuant to the Clean Water Act was partially rejected by
the EPA due to the absence of wild rice waters listed for sulfate
impairment. The EPA subsequently proposed a list of 30 wild
rice waters in a separate listing process on April 29, 2021,
followed by a list of three additional wild rice waters proposed
separately on September 1, 2021. A final impaired waters listing is
expected to follow, which could subsequently be used to set sulfate
limits in discharge permits for power generation facilities and
municipal and industrial customers, including paper and pulp
facilities, and mining operations. At this time we are unable to
determine the specific impacts these developments may have on
Minnesota Power operations, if any. Minnesota Power would seek
recovery of additional costs through a rate
proceeding.
Solid and Hazardous Waste.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 regulates the
management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. We are
required to notify the EPA of hazardous waste activity and,
consequently, routinely submit reports to the EPA.
Coal Ash Management Facilities.
Minnesota Power produces the majority of its coal ash at Boswell,
with small amounts of ash generated at Hibbard Renewable Energy
Center. Ash storage and disposal methods include storing ash in
clay-lined onsite impoundments (ash ponds), disposing of dry ash in
a lined dry ash landfill, applying ash to land as an approved
beneficial use, and trucking ash to state permitted
landfills.
Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities (CCR).
In 2015, the EPA published the final rule regulating CCR as
nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the Federal Register. The rule includes
additional requirements for new landfill and impoundment
construction as well as closure activities related to certain
existing impoundments. Costs of compliance for Boswell and Laskin
are expected to be incurred primarily over the next 15 years and be
between approximately $65 million and $120 million. Compliance
costs for CCR at Taconite Harbor are not expected to be material.
Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a
rate proceeding.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
23
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
(Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Minnesota Power continues to work on minimizing costs through
evaluation of beneficial re-use and recycling of CCR and
CCR-related waters. In 2017, the EPA announced its intention to
formally reconsider the CCR rule under Subtitle D of the RCRA. In
March 2018, the EPA published the first phase of the proposed rule
revisions in the Federal Register. In 2018, the EPA finalized
revisions to elements of the CCR rule, including extending certain
deadlines by two years, the establishment of alternative
groundwater protection standards for certain constituents and the
potential for risk-based management options at facilities based on
site characteristics. In 2018, a U.S. District Court for the
District of Columbia decision vacated specific provisions of the
CCR rule. The court decision resulted in a change to the status of
three existing clay-lined impoundments at Boswell that must now be
considered unlined. The EPA proposed additional rule revisions in
2019 to address outstanding issues from litigation and closure
timelines for unlined impoundments, respectively. The first of
these rules, CCR Part A Rule, was finalized in September 2020. The
Part A Rule revision requires unlined impoundments to cease
disposal of waste as soon as technically feasible but no later than
April 11, 2021. This deadline has tolled forward as the EPA did not
make any variance application determinations by that date.
Minnesota Power sought EPA approval to extend the closure date for
the two active Boswell impoundments in November 2020 through a
variance application, and continues to operate the impoundments
pending a final determination by the EPA. Additionally, the EPA
released a proposed Part B rulemaking in February 2020 that
addressed options for beneficial reuse of CCR materials,
alternative liner demonstrations, and other CCR regulatory
revisions. Portions of the Part B Rule addressing alternative liner
equivalency standards were finalized in November 2020. According to
the EPA’s regulatory agenda, finalization of the remainder of the
proposed Part B Rule was expected in mid-2021, but has not yet been
published. Expected compliance costs at Boswell due to the court
decision and subsequent rule revisions are reflected in our
estimate of compliance costs for the CCR rule noted previously.
Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a
rate proceeding.
Other Environmental Matters
Manufactured Gas Plant Site.
We are reviewing and addressing environmental conditions at a
former manufactured gas plant site located in Superior, Wisconsin,
and formerly operated by SWL&P. SWL&P has been working with
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in determining
the extent and location of contamination at the site and
surrounding properties. As of September 30, 2021, we have
recorded a liability of approximately $13 million for remediation
costs at this site after incorporating detailed design components
specific to the site (approximately $7 million as of
December 31, 2020); however, SWL&P continues to work with
the WDNR on the extent of contamination which may result in
additional remediation costs being identified. SWL&P has also
recorded an associated regulatory asset as we expect recovery of
these remediation costs to be allowed by the PSCW. Remediation
costs are expected to be incurred through 2023.
Other Matters.
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds.
We have multiple credit facility agreements in place that provide
the ability to issue standby letters of credit to satisfy
contractual security requirements across our businesses. As of
September 30, 2021, we had $123.9 million of
outstanding letters of credit issued, including those issued under
our revolving credit facility.
Regulated Operations.
As of September 30, 2021, we had $4.9 million outstanding
in standby letters of credit at our Regulated Operations which are
pledged as security to MISO and a state agency.
ALLETE Clean Energy.
ALLETE Clean Energy’s wind energy facilities have PSAs in place for
their entire output and expire in various years between 2022 and
2039. As of September 30, 2021, ALLETE Clean Energy has
$81.9 million outstanding in standby letters of credit, the
majority of which are pledged as security under these PSAs and PSAs
for wind energy facilities under development. ALLETE Clean Energy
does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding letters
of credit will be drawn upon.
Corporate and Other.
South Shore Energy.
As of September 30, 2021, South Shore Energy had $23.9
million outstanding in standby letters of credit pledged as
security in connection with the development of NTEC. South Shore
Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding
letters of credit will be drawn upon.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
24
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
(Continued)
Other Matters (Continued)
Investment in Nobles 2.
The Nobles 2 wind energy facility requires standby letters of
credit as security for certain contractual obligations. As of
September 30, 2021, ALLETE South Wind has $13.2 million
outstanding in standby letters of credit, related to its portion of
the security requirements relative to its ownership in Nobles 2. We
do not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding letters
of credit will be drawn upon.
BNI Energy.
As of September 30, 2021, BNI Energy had surety bonds
outstanding of $71.2 million related to the reclamation
liability for closing costs associated with its mine and mine
facilities. Although its coal supply agreements obligate the
customers to provide for the closing costs, additional assurance is
required by federal and state regulations. BNI Energy’s total
reclamation liability is currently estimated at $70.7 million.
BNI Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these
outstanding surety bonds will be drawn upon.
ALLETE Properties.
As of September 30, 2021, ALLETE Properties had surety
bonds outstanding and letters of credit to governmental entities
totaling $2.0 million primarily related to development and
maintenance obligations for various projects. The estimated cost of
the remaining development work is $1.0 million. ALLETE
Properties does not believe it is likely that any of these
outstanding surety bonds or letters of credit will be drawn
upon.
Community Development District Obligations.
As of September 30, 2021, we owned 48 percent of the
assessable land in the Town Center District (48 percent as of
December 31, 2020). As of September 30, 2021,
ownership levels, our annual assessments related to capital
improvement and special assessment bonds for the ALLETE Properties
project within the district is approximately $1.8 million. As
we sell property at this project, the obligation to pay special
assessments will pass to the new landowners. In accordance with
accounting guidance, these bonds are not reflected as debt on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Legal Proceedings.
We are involved in litigation arising in the normal course of
business. Also in the normal course of business, we are involved in
tax, regulatory and other governmental audits, inspections,
investigations and other proceedings that involve state and federal
taxes, safety, and compliance with regulations, rate base and cost
of service issues, among other things. We do not expect the outcome
of these matters to have a material effect on our financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE AND COMMON STOCK
We compute basic earnings per share using the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.
The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share, if
any, arises from non-vested restricted stock units and performance
share awards granted under our Executive Long-Term Incentive
Compensation Plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted |
|
|
Dilutive |
|
|
|
|
|
Dilutive |
|
|
Earnings Per Share |
Basic |
|
Securities |
|
Diluted |
|
Basic |
|
Securities |
|
Diluted |
Millions Except Per Share Amounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$27.6 |
|
|
|
|
$27.6 |
|
|
$40.7 |
|
|
|
|
$40.7 |
|
Average Common Shares |
52.4 |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
52.5 |
|
|
51.9 |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
52.0 |
|
Earnings Per Share |
$0.53 |
|
|
|
|
$0.53 |
|
|
$0.78 |
|
|
|
|
$0.78 |
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$107.3 |
|
|
|
|
$107.3 |
|
|
$127.1 |
|
|
|
|
$127.1 |
|
Average Common Shares |
52.3 |
|
|
— |
|
|
52.3 |
|
|
51.8 |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
51.9 |
|
Earnings Per Share |
$2.05 |
|
|
|
|
$2.05 |
|
|
$2.45 |
|
|
|
|
$2.45 |
|
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
25
NOTE 8. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Income Tax Expense
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
State |
|
$0.1 |
|
|
$0.1 |
|
|
$0.1 |
|
|
$0.1 |
|
Total Current Income Tax Expense |
|
$0.1 |
|
|
$0.1 |
|
|
$0.1 |
|
|
$0.1 |
|
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
(b)
|
|
$(5.8) |
|
$(8.3) |
|
$(26.3) |
|
$(34.5) |
State |
|
0.9 |
|
2.9 |
|
7.3 |
|
7.1 |
Investment Tax Credit Amortization |
|
(0.1) |
|
(0.2) |
|
(0.4) |
|
(0.5) |
Total Deferred Income Tax Benefit |
|
$(5.0) |
|
$(5.6) |
|
$(19.4) |
|
$(27.9) |
Total Income Tax Benefit |
|
$(4.9) |
|
$(5.5) |
|
$(19.3) |
|
$(27.8) |
(a)For
each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and
2020, the federal and state current tax expense was minimal due to
NOLs which resulted from the bonus depreciation provisions of
certain tax legislation. Federal and state NOLs are being carried
forward to offset current and future taxable income.
(b)For
each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and
2020, the federal income tax benefit is primarily due to production
tax credits.
The Company's tax provision for interim periods is determined using
an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete
items arising in that quarter. In each quarter, the Company updates
its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and if the estimated
annual effective tax rate changes, the Company would make a
cumulative adjustment in that quarter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
Nine Months Ended |
Reconciliation of Taxes from Federal Statutory |
September 30, |
September 30, |
Rate to Total Income Tax Expense |
2021 |
|
2020 |
2021 |
|
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes |
$19.2 |
|
|
$33.3 |
|
$69.9 |
|
|
$92.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate |
21 |
% |
|
21 |
% |
21 |
% |
|
21 |
% |
Income Taxes Computed at Statutory Federal Rate |
$4.0 |
|
|
$7.0 |
|
$14.7 |
|
|
$19.4 |
|
Increase (Decrease) in Income Tax Due to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
State Income Taxes (Credit) – Net of Federal Income Tax
Benefit |
0.7 |
|
|
2.4 |
|
5.8 |
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production Tax Credits |
(9.5) |
|
|
(12.5) |
|
(36.6) |
|
|
(45.9) |
|
Regulatory Differences – Excess Deferred Tax |
(2.1) |
|
|
(3.2) |
|
(6.7) |
|
|
(8.5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |
0.8 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
3.9 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
Share-Based Compensation |
— |
|
|
— |
|
0.5 |
|
|
(0.1) |
|
Other |
1.2 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
(0.9) |
|
|
0.1 |
|
Total Income Tax Benefit |
$(4.9) |
|
$(5.5) |
$(19.3) |
|
$(27.8) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the
effective tax rate was a benefit of 27.6 percent (benefit of 30.1
percent for the nine months ended
September 30, 2020). The effective tax rate for 2021 and
2020 was primarily impacted by production tax credits.
Uncertain Tax Positions.
As of September 30, 2021, we had gross unrecognized tax
benefits of $1.5 million ($1.4 million as of
December 31, 2020). Of the total gross unrecognized tax
benefits, $0.6 million represents the amount of unrecognized
tax benefits included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet that, if
recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate.
The unrecognized tax benefit amounts have been presented as
reductions to the tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit
carryforwards on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
ALLETE and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax
return as well as combined and separate state income tax returns in
various jurisdictions. ALLETE has no open federal or state audits,
and is no longer subject to federal examination for years before
2017, or state examination for years before 2016.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
26
NOTE 9. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT
PLANS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
Other
Postretirement |
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) |
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Cost |
$2.7 |
|
|
$2.7 |
|
|
$0.9 |
|
|
$0.8 |
|
Non-Service Cost Components
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Cost |
6.1 |
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
1.2 |
|
Expected Return on Plan Assets |
(10.8) |
|
|
(10.6) |
|
|
(2.4) |
|
|
(2.4) |
|
Amortization of Prior Service Credits |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(1.9) |
|
|
(2.0) |
|
Amortization of Net Loss |
4.7 |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) |
$2.7 |
|
|
$2.2 |
|
|
$(1.6) |
|
$(2.1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Cost |
$8.2 |
|
|
$8.0 |
|
|
$2.7 |
|
|
$2.5 |
|
Non-Service Cost Components
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Cost |
18.4 |
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
3.7 |
|
Expected Return on Plan Assets |
(32.5) |
|
|
(32.0) |
|
|
(7.3) |
|
|
(7.3) |
|
Amortization of Prior Service Credits |
(0.1) |
|
|
(0.1) |
|
|
(5.7) |
|
|
(6.0) |
|
Amortization of Net Loss |
14.1 |
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) |
$8.1 |
|
|
$6.4 |
|
|
$(4.8) |
|
$(6.3) |
(a)These
components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) are included in
the line item “Other” under Other Income (Expense) on the
Consolidated Statement of Income.
Employer Contributions.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we
contributed $10.3 million in cash to the defined benefit
pension plans ($10.7 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2020); we do not expect to make additional
contributions to our defined benefit pension plans in 2021. For the
nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we
made no contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans; we
do not expect to make any contributions to our other postretirement
benefit plans in 2021.
NOTE 10. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We present two reportable segments: Regulated Operations and ALLETE
Clean Energy. We measure performance of our operations through
budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated net
income by each business segment.
Regulated Operations includes three operating segments which
consist of our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P,
as well as our investment in ATC. ALLETE Clean Energy is our
business focused on developing, acquiring and operating clean and
renewable energy projects. We also present Corporate and Other
which includes two operating segments, BNI Energy, our coal mining
operations in North Dakota, and ALLETE Properties, our legacy
Florida real estate investment, along with our investment in Nobles
2, South Shore Energy, our non-rate regulated, Wisconsin subsidiary
developing NTEC, other business development and corporate
expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of
non-rate base generation, approximately 4,000 acres of land in
Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
27
NOTE 10. BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
2021 |
2020 |
|
2021 |
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
$37.0 |
|
$34.2 |
|
|
$118.0 |
|
$102.5 |
|
Commercial |
44.3 |
|
37.1 |
|
|
124.7 |
|
103.2 |
|
Municipal |
14.4 |
|
11.2 |
|
|
38.5 |
|
30.5 |
|
Industrial |
139.7 |
|
109.6 |
|
|
407.8 |
|
316.4 |
|
Other Power Suppliers |
41.2 |
|
30.9 |
|
|
116.9 |
|
96.6 |
|
CIP Financial Incentive
(a)
|
2.4 |
|
2.4 |
|
|
2.4 |
|
2.4 |
|
Other |
25.8 |
|
29.7 |
|
|
79.9 |
|
69.6 |
|
Total Regulated Operations |
304.8 |
|
255.1 |
|
|
888.2 |
|
721.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALLETE Clean Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term PSA |
14.0 |
|
11.9 |
|
|
50.8 |
|
44.0 |
|
Other |
2.9 |
|
2.9 |
|
|
8.6 |
|
8.5 |
|
Total ALLETE Clean Energy |
16.9 |
|
14.8 |
|
|
59.4 |
|
52.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term Contract |
20.3 |
|
20.7 |
|
|
63.4 |
|
65.6 |
|
Other |
3.4 |
|
3.3 |
|
|
9.2 |
|
9.4 |
|
Total Corporate and Other |
23.7 |
|
24.0 |
|
|
72.6 |
|
75.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Revenue |
$345.4 |
|
$293.9 |
|
|
$1,020.2 |
|
$848.7 |
|
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ALLETE |
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Operations |
$32.9 |
|
$42.4 |
|
|
$99.4 |
|
$111.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALLETE Clean Energy |
(0.8) |
|
1.1 |
|
|
11.7 |
|
16.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and Other |
(4.5) |
|
(2.8) |
|
|
(3.8) |
|
(0.7) |
|
Total Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$27.6 |
|
$40.7 |
|
|
$107.3 |
|
$127.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)See
Note 2. Regulatory Matters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2021 |
December 31,
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Regulated Operations |
$4,207.4 |
|
$4,196.8 |
|
|
|
|
ALLETE Clean Energy |
1,691.4 |
|
1,483.3 |
|
|
|
|
Corporate and Other |
433.4 |
|
404.5 |
|
Total Assets |
$6,332.2 |
|
$6,084.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
28
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to those statements,
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations from our 2020 Form 10-K, and the other
financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In
addition to historical information, the following discussion and
other parts of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking information
that involves risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that
forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our
disclosures in this Form 10-Q, including Part II, Item 1A Risk
Factors, and our 2020 Form 10-K under the headings:
“Forward-Looking Statements” located on page 6 and “Risk Factors”
located in Part I, Item 1A, beginning on page 23 of our 2020
Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described in this Form
10-Q and our 2020 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our
Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are not
presently aware of, or that we currently consider immaterial, may
also affect our business operations. Our business, financial
condition or results of operations could suffer if the risks are
realized.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impacts on the global
economy and on our employees, customers, contractors, and
suppliers. Additional disclosures regarding the impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic are located in our 2020 Form 10-K located in
Outlook – Regulated Operations – Industrial Customers and
Prospective Additional Load, Liquidity and Capital Resources –
Liquidity Position and Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Regulated Operations
includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as
well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility
that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of
Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power
provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern
Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota
Power also has 15 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota.
SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of
Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated utility electric,
natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to
approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas
customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility
operations include retail and wholesale activities under the
jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory
authorities.
(See Note 2. Regulatory Matters.)
ALLETE Clean Energy
focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable
energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates,
in seven states, more than 1,000 MW of nameplate capacity wind
energy generation that is contracted under PSAs of various
durations. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy currently has an
approximately 300 MW wind energy facility under construction.
ALLETE Clean Energy also engages in the development of wind energy
facilities to operate under long-term PSAs or for sale to others
upon completion.
Corporate and Other
is comprised of BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North
Dakota; our investment in Nobles 2, an entity that owns and
operates a 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern
Minnesota; South Shore Energy, our non-rate regulated, Wisconsin
subsidiary developing NTEC, an approximately 600 MW proposed
combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility; ALLETE
Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment; other
business development and corporate expenditures; unallocated
interest expense; a small amount of non-rate base generation;
approximately 4,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on
cash and investments.
ALLETE is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Our corporate
headquarters are in Duluth, Minnesota. Statistical information is
presented as of September 30, 2021, unless otherwise
indicated. All subsidiaries are wholly-owned unless otherwise
specifically indicated. References in this report to “we,” “us” and
“our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries,
collectively.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
29
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Financial Overview
The following net income discussion summarizes a comparison of the
nine months ended September 30, 2021, to the
nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Net income attributable to ALLETE for the nine months ended
September 30, 2021, was $107.3 million, or $2.05 per
diluted share, compared to $127.1 million, or $2.45 per
diluted share, for the same period in 2020. Net income in 2021
included an approximately $5 million after-tax, or $0.10 per share,
negative impact related to ALLETE Clean Energy’s Diamond Spring
wind energy facility due to an extreme winter storm event in the
southwest United States in February 2021. This winter storm event
caused volatility in power prices in the regional power market
resulting in losses being incurred under one of the facility’s
power sales agreements during portions of the winter storm event.
Net income in 2020 included margins of $10.2 million after-tax, or
$0.20 per share, in Regulated Operations for sales under a 100 MW
PSA which expired in April 2020. Net income in 2020 also included
reserves for interim rates of $8.3 million after-tax, or $0.16 per
share, for the refund of interim rates collected between January 1,
2020, and April 30, 2020.
Regulated Operations
net income attributable to ALLETE was $99.4 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to
$111.0 million for the same period in 2020. Net income at Minnesota
Power was lower than 2020 primarily due to: lower margins from
Other Power Suppliers resulting from the expiration of a PSA; and
higher operating and maintenance, property tax and depreciation
expenses. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased
earnings related to the GNTL; and higher kWh sales to residential,
commercial and municipal customers. Net income in 2020 also
included reserves for interim rates of $8.3 million after-tax for
the refund of interim rates collected between January 1, 2020,
and April 30, 2020. Net income at SWL&P was lower than 2020
primarily due to higher operating expenses. Our after-tax equity
earnings in ATC were lower compared to 2020 primarily due to period
over period changes in ATC’s estimate of a refund liability related
to the FERC decision on MISO return on equity complaints in
2020.
ALLETE Clean Energy
net income attributable to ALLETE was $11.7 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to
$16.8 million for the same period in 2020. Net income in 2021
included an approximately $5 million after-tax negative impact
related to ALLETE Clean Energy’s Diamond Spring wind energy
facility due to an extreme winter storm event in the southwest
United States in February 2021 as well as a lower wind resources at
other wind energy facilities. These negative impacts were partially
offset by expense management efforts.
Corporate and Other
net loss attributable to ALLETE was $3.8 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to a
net loss of $0.7 million for the same period in 2020. The net
loss in 2021 included higher expenses and additional income tax
expense recorded in 2021 as GAAP requires the recognition of income
taxes at the estimated annual effective tax rate. These negative
impacts were partially offset by earnings from our investment in
Nobles 2 which commenced operations in December 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
30
COMPARISON OF THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND
2020
(See Note 10. Business Segments for financial results by
segment.)
Regulated Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, |
2021 |
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
Operating Revenue – Utility |
$304.8 |
|
$255.1 |
|
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility |
140.1 |
|
93.4 |
|
Transmission Services – Utility |
19.2 |
|
14.9 |
|
|
|
|
Operating and Maintenance |
53.2 |
|
48.1 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
42.6 |
|
41.3 |
|
Taxes Other than Income Taxes |
13.5 |
|
11.9 |
|
Operating Income |
36.2 |
|
45.5 |
|
Interest Expense |
(14.5) |
|
(14.4) |
|
Equity Earnings |
5.3 |
|
5.1 |
|
Other Income |
1.4 |
|
1.6 |
|
Income Before Income Taxes |
28.4 |
|
37.8 |
|
Income Tax Benefit |
(4.5) |
|
(4.6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$32.9 |
|
$42.4 |
|
Operating Revenue
–
Utility
increased $49.7 million from 2020 primarily due to higher fuel
adjustment clause recoveries and higher kWh sales.
Fuel adjustment clause revenue increased $27.4 million due to
higher fuel and purchased power costs attributable to retail and
municipal customers. (See
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility.)
Revenue from kWh sales increased $23.6 million from 2020 reflecting
higher sales to commercial and industrial customers as well as
other power suppliers. Sales to commercial and industrial customers
increased primarily due to improving business conditions related to
the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on customer operations. Many
commercial and industrial customers operated at reduced levels or
were temporarily closed or idled during the third quarter of 2020
as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental
responses while business conditions have improved in 2021. These
higher sales to commercial and industrial customers were partially
offset by lower sales to Verso Corporation which indefinitely idled
its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota in 2020. (See Outlook –
Regulated Operations – Industrial Customers and Prospective
Additional Load.) Sales to other power suppliers, which are sold at
market-based prices into the MISO market on a daily basis or
through PSAs of various durations, increased primarily due to
additional kWh sales made to mitigate the uncertainty of customers’
energy needs and potential load loss due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kilowatt-hours Sold |
|
|
|
|
Variance |
Quarter Ended September 30, |
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
Quantity |
|
% |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Utility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail and Municipal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
268 |
|
|
268 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Commercial |
360 |
|
|
345 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
Industrial |
1,778 |
|
|
1,410 |
|
|
368 |
|
|
26.1 |
% |
Municipal |
147 |
|
|
147 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Total Retail and Municipal |
2,553 |
|
|
2,170 |
|
|
383 |
|
|
17.6 |
% |
Other Power Suppliers |
1,253 |
|
|
967 |
|
|
286 |
|
|
29.6 |
% |
Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold |
3,806 |
|
|
3,137 |
|
|
669 |
|
|
21.3 |
% |
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
31
COMPARISON OF THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(Continued)
Regulated Operations (Continued)
Revenue from electric sales to taconite customers accounted for 32
percent of regulated operating revenue in 2021 (29 percent in
2020). Revenue from electric sales to paper, pulp and secondary
wood product customers accounted for 5 percent of regulated
operating revenue in 2021 (6 percent in 2020). Revenue from
electric sales to pipelines and other industrial customers
accounted for 8 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2021
(8 percent in 2020).
Operating Expenses
increased $59.0 million, or 28 percent, from
2020.
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility
expense increased $46.7 million, or 50 percent, from 2020
primarily due to higher purchased power prices, kWh sales and fuel
costs. Fuel and purchased power expense related to our retail and
municipal customers is recovered through the fuel adjustment
clause.
Transmission Services – Utility
expense increased $4.3 million, or 29 percent, from 2020 primarily
due to higher MISO-related expense.
Operating and Maintenance
expense
increased $5.1 million, or 11 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
an increase in contract and professional services and materials
purchased for generation facilities and higher vegetation
management expenses. In addition, 2021 included higher labor and
benefit expenses as compared to 2020.
Depreciation and Amortization
expense increased $1.3 million, or 3 percent, from 2020 primarily
due to additional property, plant and equipment in
service.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
increased $1.6 million, or 13 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
higher property tax expense resulting from higher estimated taxable
market values.
Income Tax Benefit
was similar to 2020 reflecting lower production tax credits and the
timing of income taxes in 2021 compared to 2020, mostly offset by
lower pre-tax income. The income tax benefit in 2021 included less
income tax benefit recorded in 2021 as GAAP requires the
recognition of income taxes at the estimated annual effective tax
rate.
We expect our annual effective tax rate in 2021 to be a lower
income tax benefit than in 2020 primarily due to lower production
tax credits.
ALLETE Clean Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, |
2021 |
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
Operating Revenue |
|
|
Contracts with Customers – Non-utility |
$14.0 |
|
$11.9 |
|
Other – Non-utility
(a)
|
2.9 |
|
2.9 |
|
Operating and Maintenance |
10.2 |
|
10.8 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
12.2 |
|
9.3 |
|
Taxes Other than Income Taxes |
1.8 |
|
0.8 |
|
Operating Income (Loss) |
(7.3) |
|
(6.1) |
|
Interest Expense |
(0.3) |
|
(0.4) |
|
|
|
|
Loss Before Income Taxes |
(7.6) |
|
(6.5) |
|
Income Tax Benefit |
(4.2) |
|
(5.7) |
|
Net Loss |
(3.4) |
|
(0.8) |
|
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest |
(2.6) |
|
(1.9) |
|
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ALLETE |
$(0.8) |
$1.1 |
|
(a)Represents
non-cash amortization of differences between contract prices and
estimated market prices on assumed PSAs.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
32
COMPARISON OF THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy (Continued)
Operating Revenue
increased $2.1 million, or 14 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
revenue from the Diamond Spring wind energy facility which
commenced operations in December 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, |
|
2021 |
2020 |
Production and Operating Revenue |
kWh |
Revenue |
kWh |
Revenue |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
Wind Energy Regions |
|
|
|
|
East |
39.8 |
|
$3.6 |
|
41.6 |
|
$3.7 |
|
Midwest |
148.7 |
|
6.5 |
|
182.5 |
|
7.0 |
|
South |
152.6 |
|
2.4 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
West |
180.0 |
|
4.4 |
|
166.3 |
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Production and Operating Revenue |
521.1 |
|
$16.9 |
|
390.4 |
|
$14.8 |
|
Operating and Maintenance
expense decreased $0.6 million, or 6 percent, from 2020 primarily
due to expense management efforts, partially offset
by operating and maintenance expenses related to the Diamond
Spring wind energy facility.
Depreciation and Amortization
expense increased $2.9 million, or 31 percent, from 2020 primarily
due to additional property, plant and equipment in service
related to the Diamond Spring wind energy facility.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
increased $1.0 million from 2020 primarily due to higher
property tax expense related to the Diamond Spring wind energy
facility.
Income Tax Benefit
decreased $1.5 million from 2020 primarily due to lower production
tax credits.
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
increased $0.7 million from 2020 reflecting net losses attributable
to non-controlling interest for the Diamond Spring wind energy
facility and higher net losses attributable to non-controlling
interest for the Glen Ullin and South Peak wind energy
facilities.
Corporate and Other
Operating Revenue
in 2021 was similar to the same period in 2020.
Net Loss Attributable to ALLETE
of $4.5 million in 2021 compared to a net loss of $2.8 million in
2020. The net loss in 2021 included higher expenses. Net income at
BNI Energy was $1.8 million in 2021 compared to
$2.1 million in 2020. The net loss at ALLETE Properties was
$0.5 million in 2021 compared to a net loss of $0.7 million in
2020.
Income Taxes – Consolidated
For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the effective tax rate
was a benefit of 25.5 percent (benefit of 16.5 percent for the
quarter ended September 30, 2020). The effective tax rate for 2021
was a higher benefit primarily due to lower pre-tax income,
partially offset by lower production tax credits.
We expect our annual effective tax rate in 2021 to be a lower
income tax benefit than in 2020 primarily due to lower production
tax credits. The estimated annual effective tax rate can differ
from what a quarterly effective tax rate would otherwise be on a
standalone basis, and this may cause quarter to quarter differences
in the timing of income taxes.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
33
COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND
2020
(See Note 10. Business Segments for financial results by
segment.)
Regulated Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
2021 |
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
Operating Revenue – Utility |
$888.2 |
|
$721.2 |
|
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility |
389.4 |
|
251.7 |
|
Transmission Services – Utility |
56.1 |
|
49.8 |
|
|
|
|
Operating and Maintenance |
158.9 |
|
145.4 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
128.2 |
|
124.9 |
|
Taxes Other than Income Taxes |
45.1 |
|
36.5 |
|
Operating Income |
110.5 |
|
112.9 |
|
Interest Expense |
(43.1) |
|
(43.7) |
|
Equity Earnings |
15.8 |
|
16.7 |
|
Other Income |
4.5 |
|
8.3 |
|
Income Before Income Taxes |
87.7 |
|
94.2 |
|
Income Tax Benefit |
(11.7) |
|
(16.8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$99.4 |
|
$111.0 |
|
Operating Revenue
–
Utility
increased $167.0 million from 2020 primarily due to higher fuel
adjustment clause recoveries, higher kWh sales, increased
transmission revenue related to the GNTL, higher cost recovery
rider revenue and higher FERC formula-based rates. Revenue in 2020
also included reserves for the refund of interim rates collected
between January 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020.
Fuel adjustment clause revenue increased $83.6 million due to
higher fuel and purchased power costs attributable to retail and
municipal customers. (See
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility.)
Revenue from kWh sales increased $42.6 million from 2020 reflecting
higher sales to residential, commercial, industrial and municipal
customers as well as other power suppliers. These increases were
partially offset by lower revenue related to the expiration of a
100 MW PSA in April 2020. Sales to commercial and industrial
customers increased primarily due to improving business conditions
related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on customer
operations. Many commercial and industrial customers operated at
reduced levels or were temporarily closed or idled during 2020 as a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental responses
while business conditions have improved in 2021. These higher sales
to commercial and industrial customers were partially offset by
lower sales to and demand revenue from Verso Corporation which
indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota in 2020.
(See Outlook – Regulated Operations – Industrial Customers and
Prospective Additional Load.) Sales to residential and municipal
customers increased from 2020 primarily due to more favorable
weather conditions in 2021 compared to 2020. Sales to other power
suppliers, which are sold at market-based prices into the MISO
market on a daily basis or through PSAs of various durations,
increased primarily due to additional kWh sales made to mitigate
the uncertainty of customers’ energy needs and potential load loss
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kilowatt-hours Sold |
|
|
|
|
Variance |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
Quantity |
|
% |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Utility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail and Municipal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
846 |
|
|
835 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
1.3 |
% |
Commercial |
1,018 |
|
|
983 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
3.6 |
% |
Industrial |
5,351 |
|
|
4,547 |
|
|
804 |
|
|
17.7 |
% |
Municipal |
445 |
|
|
434 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
Total Retail and Municipal |
7,660 |
|
|
6,799 |
|
|
861 |
|
|
12.7 |
% |
Other Power Suppliers |
3,695 |
|
|
2,495 |
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
48.1 |
% |
Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold |
11,355 |
|
|
9,294 |
|
|
2,061 |
|
|
22.2 |
% |
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
34
COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(Continued)
Regulated Operations (Continued)
Revenue from electric sales to taconite customers accounted for 32
percent of regulated operating revenue in 2021 (29 percent in
2020). Revenue from electric sales to paper, pulp and secondary
wood product customers accounted for 5 percent of regulated
operating revenue in 2021 (6 percent in 2020). Revenue from
electric sales to pipelines and other industrial customers
accounted for 9 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2021
(9 percent in 2020).
Revenue in 2020 included reserves of $11.7 million for the refund
of interim rates collected between January 1, 2020, and April 30,
2020. (See Note 2. Regulatory Matters.)
Transmission revenue related to GNTL increased $13.5 million
primarily due to recovery of related expenses resulting from the
GNTL being placed into service in June 2020.
Cost recovery rider revenue increased $6.6 million primarily due to
fewer production tax credits recognized by Minnesota Power. If
production tax credits are recognized at a level below those
assumed in Minnesota Power’s base rates, an increase in cost
recovery rider revenue is recognized to offset the impact of lower
production tax credits on income tax expense.
Revenue from wholesale customers under FERC formula-based rates
increased $4.5 million primarily due to higher rates.
Operating Expenses
increased $169.4 million, or 28 percent, from 2020.
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility
expense increased $137.7 million, or 55 percent, from 2020
primarily due to higher purchased power prices, kWh sales and fuel
costs. Fuel and purchased power expense related to our retail and
municipal customers is recovered through the fuel adjustment
clause.
Transmission Services – Utility
expense increased $6.3 million, or 13 percent, from 2020 primarily
due to higher MISO-related expense.
Operating and Maintenance
expense
increased $13.5 million, or 9 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
an increase in contract and professional services and materials
purchased for generation facilities and higher vegetation
management expenses. In addition, 2021 included higher labor and
benefit expenses as compared to 2020.
Depreciation and Amortization
expense increased $3.3 million, or 3 percent, from 2020 primarily
due to additional property, plant and equipment in service
resulting from the GNTL being placed into service in June
2020.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes
increased $8.6 million, or 24 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
higher property tax expense resulting from the GNTL being placed
into service in June 2020 as well as higher estimated taxable
market values.
Equity Earnings
decreased $0.9 million, or 5 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
period over period changes in ATC’s estimate of a refund liability
related to the FERC decision on MISO return on equity complaints in
2020.
Other Income
decreased $3.8 million, or 46 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
lower pension and other postretirement plan non-service credits.
(See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting
Policies.)
Income Tax Benefit
decreased $5.1 million from 2020 primarily due to lower production
tax credits, partially offset by lower pre-tax income.
We expect the annual effective tax rate for Regulated Operations in
2021 to be a lower income tax benefit than in 2020 primarily due to
lower production tax credits.
ALLETE, Inc. Third Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q
35
COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
2021 |
2020 |
Millions |
|
|
Operating Revenue |
|
|
Contracts with Customers – Non-utility |
$50.8 |
$44.0 |
Other – Non-utility
(a)
|
8.6 |
|
8.5 |
|
Operating and Maintenance |
31.6 |
|
26.8 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
36.5 |
|
26.4 |
|
Taxes Other than Income Taxes |
5.3 |
|
2.4 |
|
Operating Income (Loss) |
(14.0) |
|
(3.1) |
|
Interest Expense |
(1.1) |
|
(1.4) |
|
Other Income |
0.3 |
|
0.2 |
|
Loss Before Income Taxes |
(14.8) |
|
(4.3) |
|
Income Tax Benefit |
(12.7) |
|
(14.2) |
|
Net Income (Loss) |
(2.1) |
|
9.9 |
|
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest |
(13.8) |
|
(6.9) |
|
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |
$11.7 |
|
$16.8 |
|
(a)Represents
non-cash amortization of differences between contract prices and
estimated market prices on assumed PSAs.
Operating Revenue
increased $6.9 million, or 13 percent, from 2020 primarily due to
revenue from the South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy
facilities which commenced operations in April 2020 and December
2020, respectively, partially offset by the negative impact related
to ALLETE Clean Energy’s Diamond Spring wind energy facility due to
an extreme winter storm event in the southwest United States in
February 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
2021 |
2020 |
Production and Operating Revenue |
kWh |
Revenue |
kWh |
Revenue |
Millions |
|
|
|
|
Wind Energy Regions |
|
|
|
|
East |
167.1 |
|
$15.1 |
|
|